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Chapter Text

Childe ducked beneath the tip of a polished spear. Heartbeat pounding in his ears, he stumbled down a flight of stairs, away from Yujing Terrace, heavy footsteps and panting breaths hot on his trail. A blur of black and dull orange uniforms awaited him at the base of the stairway. His veins filled with a million tiny tsunamis. A blast of hydro and he was across the street. 

“Don't let him get away!”

More huffing. More footsteps. Childe dodged a civilian before reaching top speed. His lumpy bag thumped against his back and its contents clinked with each stride. Dog barks sang in his ears almost as loud as the concerto of his boots sprinting on cobblestone. His thighs burned from scaling stairs. A polearm screamed past his shoulder and his cheeks began to ache from grinning. Oh, how he missed the thrill of being chased.

Cobblestone transitioned to wood and the thundering of a waterfall grew louder as Childe swerved. He halted and peered over a railing. A few precious seconds hurried by as he gazed at the heavy waterfall and the swollen river under the bridge. His eyes lit up. 

He inhaled, focusing on the water as Millelith soldiers turned the corner. Raw elemental energy from his vision coalesced. A gasping soldier charged onto the bridge, her hair a wild ponytail. Childe held his breath, basking in the adrenaline until the last millisecond. The soldier thrust her spear at Childe, but it was too late. A barrage of water surged to meet her, ripping a hole in the bridge. With a smirk, he soaked in her wide brown eyes, the way every soldier behind her flinched. Childe rushed away from the damage, away from Liyue Harbor.

A right turn. Childe weaved through trees until a tower of rock blocked his path. He collected his breath and wiped his brow before glancing up at the rock spire before him. He had climbed higher before, but this would be no small feat. His fingers made purchase on solid rock. He jumped to a foothold and reached higher. This pattern continued until he was on the verge of collapsing against a stone ledge. A crescendo of cries from the direction of the harbor were enough to send him up the rest of the way up the mountain. Just as the shouting grew close, he reached the top of a cliff and rolled out of sight.

Back pressing into the grass, he carded one hand through his auburn hair and clutched his bag with the other. His bow dug into his back, but he didn’t care. Minutes passed and the air fell silent before a long, sloppy sip sounded just meters away.

Childe shot up, facing the source of the noise: a tall figure with long, inky hair lounged on a picnic blanket next to a faded green backpack and a tattered glider. Childe drank in his cor lapis gaze, chiseled jawline, and broad shoulders. The way his long ponytail danced in the wind made Childe’s adam’s apple bob.

“What brings you all the way up here, Childe?”

“Work.”

Zhongli raised his eyebrows. “Didn’t the Liyue Qixing put a bounty on your head?”

Childe snorted, trying to forget how deep and smooth his voice was. “I guess they didn't like your little test, Zhongli. Shame they have to blame me for it.”

His shoulders tensed. “You know there's nothing I can do now.”

“You had your chance.”

A strained silence fell between them for a moment, but Childe’s spine went rigid at the shouting in the distance.

“I thought you’d be sailing back to Snezhnaya by now,” Zhongli said.

“What, do you feel guilty or something?”

“Why don’t you just leave?”

“If the Liyue Qixing get their hands on even one Sigil of Permission, Snezhnaya has no hope for mercy from Ningguang. Sanctions are already strict enough as is.” Childe frowned. “Oh, did you want me to leave so you could have your tea in peace?”

“Hmm. What’s your plan?”
Childe stared at the grass. “Why do you care?”

“You don't even know where they are.”

“Scattered across Liyue, probably.”

“You’re the one that scattered them.”

“You could help. Zhongli, I need to protect my home!”

Zhongli stiffened. “Those matters aren’t mine to oversee anymore. Even if I wanted to help, I can’t do much without my gnosis.”

“Bad liars shouldn’t be so stubborn.”

His brow furrowed. "A wise traveler once told me I shouldn't always accept the first offer. If you’re trying to guilt trip me, it’s not going to work.”

"If I’m not mistaken, they were your pawn too, Morax ."

“Stop this nonsense. Did you not manipulate the traveler too?”

“Conniving bastard. You were the God of wealth, yet I paid for everything! You had all the power you needed, but never lifted a finger and never bothered to thank anyone!” 

“You will not speak to me like that.”

“Watch me.” Childe crossed his arms. “Who paid for your stupid Rite of Parting? Who saved your thankless ass from trouble so many times ? Did all of that mean nothing to you?”

“It meant more than you could imagine.”

“Liar.”

“Leave me, Childe.”

“I’m not done with you yet.”

“Right. I’m the stubborn one here.”

The sound of pebbles scraping made Childe whip his head around. His stomach dropped. Five Millelith soldiers drew their weapons, the one in front glaring with pursed lips. For a moment, Childe wondered if they all froze because of Zhongli’s presence. 

"Childe, eleventh harbinger of the Fatui, you are under arrest for treason, grave endangerment of the citizens of Liyue, and interfering with the work of the Tianquan. Surrender now or face the wrath of the Liyue Qixing!"

He glanced at Zhongli, then the soldier. “Come and get me.”

Zhongli grumbled. “Who is the conniving bastard now?”

He snatched his backpack and glider before charging at Childe. Unable to look at anything but the God sprinting at him full force, Childe was a statue. Zhongli slammed into him with the force of a falling mountain. He expected his back to hit the ground, but rushing air met him instead. Zhongli gripped his waist with one arm and secured his glider with the other.

“Are you insane?” Childe flailed. “This glider won’t hold both of us!”

“I know.”

“What are you doing!?”

“Saving you.”

Childe’s breath escaped his chest and he wasn’t sure it was just because of the fall.

"Scream," he grunted into Childe's ear as sharp rocks beneath them drew nearer.

"What?"

"Do it!”

Childe managed to catch his breath and yell. A few seconds in, Zhongli cupped his hand over Childe's mouth and shushed him. Childe's upper lip curled incredulously against Zhongli's palm. Before he could protest, his feet thudded against loose rocks, sending a few crashing down the mountainside. Zhongli summoned boulders beneath their feet, awakening a rockslide. 

The glider snapped and they spiraled out of control. Childe's eyes watered as they descended into a cloud of dust. They both struggled not to scream as the broken glider spun dangerously close to a pine tree. Green needles scratched Childe's face, but he remained silent, Zhongli's hand still over his mouth. Before he could realize what was happening, they collided into the tree trunk with a thud. His bow snapped as Zhongli’s weight barreled into him.

Chlide regained his bearings, grateful that Zhongli's hand abandoned his mouth to grasp the tree branch above his head. He hugged the trunk a little closer and squirmed when Zhongli's chest pressed a little too close to his back.

“There. Now we’re even.”

“No the fuck we aren’t! You broke my bow,” Childe hissed. “Get off of me.”

“Quiet.” Zhongli dropped to the ground and landed on his feet. "It’ll take them a while to find exactly where we touched down. That should keep them off our trail for at least a few hours."

" Our trail?"

"Yes. I suppose I'm now wanted for helping you escape arrest. Looks like neither of us are going back to Liyue Harbor for a while." Zhongli folded away his broken glider. “Now, promise me something.”

“I thought you were done with contracts.”

“You will show me nothing but honesty and I will do the same. Starting now.”

“Sure.” Childe fiddled with the strap of his bag. “That’s funny coming from you.” 

Something cold glinted in Zhongli’s dark eyes. “We best get moving, then."

* * *

“If you didn’t break my bow, we could be having roasted fowl right now.”

“Apologies.”

"You just walked right past another berry bush. We must be halfway to Qingxu Pool. What's going on?" Childe gave him an incredulous look. "Are you even looking for shelter? Because it's getting dark and I don't want to sleep out in the open."

Zhongli trained his eyes on a tree up ahead. "Why didn't other Fatui members get this assignment?"

Childe groaned. "Signora only trusted a Harbinger to get the job done but wouldn't do it herself because it's messy. Are you going to answer my question now?"

"Signora never struck me as that type."

"Seriously? I thought you'd be able to tell. You're just like her, after all."

"You’re sorely mistaken."

“Stubborn. Unreliable. Bitchy. I see why you worked well together.”

“Right. I’m the bitchy one.”

"I know you're only here because you feel guilty. Don't bother faking it."

Zhongli sighed. "I regret the trouble I caused you, but I had to do what was best for Liyue. That included some less than savory behavior on my part. I do hope you can forgive me someday."

"That didn't sound like an apology." Childe's stomach growled. Less than a dozen berries could hardly be called dinner.

"I will not apologize for acting in Liyue's best interests."

"Screw you," Childe groaned as they passed mint and sweet flowers.

"You'll regret saying that when you need my help.”

"I don't need you."

“That’s not the narrative you weaved when you coerced me into this mess.”

“You’re the one that chose to knock us off Mt. Tianheng.”

Zhongli’s pace quickened and his shoulders tensed. “I didn’t have much of a choice. It was either that or let the Millelith take you.”

With a scoff, Childe followed Zhongli off the dirt path. For several minutes, Childe trailed him through the foliage, snatching any edibles he could find. His stomach ached and his feet were sore. Raw sweet flowers were beginning to taste like mud, so he alternated with berries and mint when he could grab them. He was about to complain again when Zhongli stopped.

"Here."

"What are you talking about?" Childe squinted into the darkness. "I don't see anything."

Zhongli thrust his polearm into the air and it glowed like amber as it sailed into the treetops. Before it descended, it rustled through leaves and branches. In near silence, it hit the ground, pinning a yellowed slip of paper to the dirt. Childe pursed his lips as Zhongli retrieved the weapon and passed the slip of paper to him. He froze. He'd recognize that pattern anywhere. After all, he had memorized it.

"How did you--"

"You need me. That’s proof of it."

"Thank you," Childe said. "But we're still not even."

"I know." Zhongli crossed his arms. "But if you want my help, you will be honest with me. Otherwise, I'm leaving."

"I'm not the one who fucked you over."

"Why did you neglect to tell me about the Sigil of Permission in your bag?"

Childe's jaw hung open for a millisecond too long. "How... Even without your gnosis --"

"Only the sigils you touched will have traces of electro and hydro energy, but that’s beside the point. You undermined our agreement."

"What agreement?"

"Honesty."

"You never asked me about it. Technically, I wasn’t being dishonest." He glared at Zhongli as he stuffed the second Sigil of Permission into his bag.

"I knew you had it all along."

"So you were testing me instead of thinking about how we're going to survive out here or what we're going to eat?"

"I'd rather you not put it in such harsh terms."

"Well, I hope you enjoy sleeping in a tree.” Childe huffed and grabbed the nearest branch, hoisting himself up. “I know I won't."

* * *

The storm clouds over Lingju pass pattered down on Childe's head and shoulders. Rain soaked his boots with icy fingers and made his clothes cling to his body. He squinted and glared at the darkening sky, wrinkling his nose as droplets pelted his face. Rubbing his hands together could only help so much, so he stuffed his hands into damp pockets. Childe’s stomach growled, but he pushed on despite the familiar pain. 

It had been stormy since midmorning and his back ached with every step, so travel had been slow. Zhongli wasn’t moving quickly either, nor was he complaining about the pace. Childe wasn’t sure if he was accommodating him or sore and he wasn’t about to ask.

“Aren’t you cold?”

“Not at all.” Childe’s upper lip crinkled. “Just wet. And hungry.”

“Me too. Maybe we should ask for help.”

“Probably won’t find --”

“Look.” Zhongli pointed to the muddied path, where three men in heavy gear trudged toward Dunyu Ruins.

Childe narrowed his eyes. Two of them wore strange harnesses, while the third carried a large shovel. The downpour made hearing their conversation difficult, but their erratic gestures told Childe everything he needed to know. As he ran a hand through his slick hair, ideas came.

“Alright, Zhongli. Here’s the plan --”

But his companion had already sauntered over to the bickering group. Childe darted after him, muttering curses under his breath.

“Good evening, gentlemen,” Zhongli said. “Could you spare a moment to--”

“Get his wallet, boys!”

The man wielding the shovel swung at Zhongli with a grunt and Childe watched in horror. As Zhongli dodged, Childe sprang into action. He seized the bulky man’s arm and rammed his knee into the back of his elbow. The sickening crunch that sounded made his chest swell. Kicking him off balance and slamming his knee into his forehead stopped him entirely. Zhongli didn’t even look up at the noise, too busy fending off a second opponent. 

The third man hurled a knife at Childe’s face, but he leaned out of the way and it sailed past his ear. Childe wished for his bow as he charged. Landing a roundhouse kick would never match his bow, but it would do. When the man was on his back in the muck, Childe snatched one of his knives and slit his throat. 

As Childe stood, flinging warm blood from his hands and jittering, the man clutched his neck. His brow knit tight, but he didn’t scream. He couldn’t. Blood gurgled forth and he began to choke. It painted his clothes and the treasure hoarder insignia pinned to his collar. The puddle he convulsed in gained a red tint. Seconds later, stillness found him.

“Childe!” Zhongli sent a barrage of pebbles at his attacker. “Now we have to deal with their bodies.”

“That’s literally your job.” Childe plucked three knives from the dead man’s belt. “I see no issue.”

Zhongli caught the last man in a chokehold and Childe stepped closer, a fresh knife raised at his side.

“Let me go, you sick bastards!”

Childe raised a brow as the last treasure hoarder’s eyes widened. “Look at him squirm.” He grinned. “It must be close.”

“Whatever you’re planning, leave me out of it!” The man grunted and groaned as they bound his wrists with cloth ripped from his dead comrade’s shirt. “Please! I have a wife and kids.”

Zhongli nodded at the two fallen treasure hoarders. “We can’t afford to leave a trail.”

“If we keep going, we should be okay. The rain will wash away our footprints.” Childe shrugged. “Treasure hoarders fight all the time.”

“That’s sloppy. You know I hate loose ends.” 

“We don’t have time to cover our tracks.”

With a heavy sigh, Zhongli tightened his grip on the struggling treasure hoarder. “If you want your freedom so badly, show us to your camp.”

His expression soured. “You can’t… make me.”

Childe chortled, lightly dragging his knife over the man’s chest. “Is this guy serious? At least pick a better bluff next time. Wife and kids, my ass.”

The man screamed as Childe plunged the blade into his thigh. Tears flowed from his eyes as he was reduced to a shuddering mess.

“Clearly you don’t know who I am.”

The treasure hoarder cowered in Zhongli’s arms. “It’s back… toward Mt. Tianheng. Follow the road for a mile,” he gasped, “and turn right.”

Childe narrowed his eyes. “Oh? And is that why you were going towards Dunyu Ruins?”

Fear flashed in his eyes and his whole body tensed. Childe’s knife trailed his other trembling leg. The blade made delicate circles over the whimpering man’s knee. Then, Childe glided it over the flesh just above his kneecap and stopped there.

“Follow the path to Dunyu Ruins and turn left before the path splits! It’s beneath the peak with the Statue of the Seven! Just please let me go!”

Chuckling, Childe dragged the blade over his thigh just hard enough to rip a hole in his pants and draw a bit of blood. Then, he lifted the blade and clapped the man on the back. 

“We need you to take us there, buddy. Can’t do that with two injured legs.”

The man melted to the ground sobbing, but Zhongli hoisted him to his feet again. “You enjoyed that, Childe.”

His lips curled into a devilish smirk. “So what if I did?”

Zhongli hummed and dragged the treasure hoarder along while Childe kept a knife at his back. The adrenaline from their fight began to fade from Childe’s body and his hands once again grew clammy. The rain had washed the crimson from them, but his soaked clothes still had a few blooming stains.

The treasure hoarder camp wasn’t far and their captor squirmed as they neared. It wasn’t huge. Just two tents and some crates around a dim campfire. It was tucked close to the base of a mountain. Determination flared in Childe’s chest. If things went their way, they’d have a hot meal. His stomach gurgled at the thought. 

Their captor whistled, undoubtedly a signal of sorts, and Zhongli elbowed his solar plexus. Childe pressed the knife into his back, then his neck before Zhongli shoved his face into a nearby rock formation.

“Did you have to be so loud?”

“The wrath of the rock is rarely suffered in silence.”

Childe rolled his eyes. “Hilarious.”

Thunder clapped overhead and the rain fell harder. Childe shivered. His legs trembled as they snuck closer, eyes squinting as they searched for cover. He was noticeably colder than he had been an hour ago. For a moment, he was back in Snezhnaya, ice fishing with his siblings. The bitter cold reminded him of home. 

The wind wicked the warmth from his skin and his toes cramped in his soaked socks. Stumbling over a rock, he clutched Zhongli's shoulders with clammy hands, earning a glare. If only he had brought his gear from home. 

A shout sounded up ahead and feet clapped against the muddy terrain. Childe stumbled again and Zhongli shook him. All of the sudden, it was all Childe could do to focus on standing.

“You’re freezing cold!”

“Please, it’s just the rain. I can still fight.”

“No, you can’t.”

“But --”

"Don’t worry, I’ve got this," Zhongli assured him. "You stay here."

Zhongli ruffled his drenched hair before dashing forward. Childe squinted, then blanched as eight treasure hoarders surrounded Zhongli. He caught the glint of his polearm. A yelp reverberated through the air and for a moment he wondered if it was Zhongli. 

He crawled through the mud, cursing and shaking, and gripped a tree trunk. The chattering of his teeth stopped as he tensed his jaw. His knees were stiff. The ground swirled beneath him. A gush of red flooded a nearby puddle. His chest heaved by the time he stood upright and it took every bit of effort he had not to drift off right then and there. 

A small explosion sounded from the fray and a knife glinted in the light. Zhongli cried out. Childe froze, chest heavy. He forced himself to take a step. Then three more. He threw a stolen knife, but kept the last. The world swayed left, then right before Childe realized he was falling. 
Everything was blurry. His body was filled with lead, but he recognized Zhongli’s voice, his hand on his shoulder. Something blunt and heavy connected with his side and he roared in pain. Zhongli caught him by the arm before his head hit the ground, his legs stumbling and straining to hold their combined weight. 

"Childe?” Moments passed in silence. “Childe! Wake up!"

"Put on a coat, Teucer."

"Come on! Open your eyes!"

“Pinkie promise… you won’t forget… your mittens.”

As his shivering slowed, he managed to smile. Even so, his eyes struggled to remain open and his entire being ached. His head grew heavy as he clenched his fingers and curled his frigid toes. His mind filled with the sounds and smells of home. Zhongli groaned and patted his cheek a few times, receiving only a few coughs in reply. Muttering curses, he set Childe down.

"Stay. You’re not done with me yet, remember?”

Chapter Text

Childe awakened to the soft glow of a campfire. Starless darkness still loomed overhead, but the rain was only a steady drizzle. The light from the fire caught on the tarp above it and the tent. Dancing reflections illuminated a nearby puddle. 

He was dry, save for his hair, and wrapped in blankets and a set of muscled arms. Warmth pressed against his back and breaths tickled his shoulder. He groaned and pressed back against his companion. Pressing his palm to his aching head, he squinted at the boxes and bags scattered nearby.

"Stop touching me."

Zhongli’s hand found his shoulder. "Childe, you're freezing."

"I don't need you to warm me up." He screwed his eyes shut.

"I thought I was going to lose you. I also thought the infamous warrior from Snezhnaya would understand the warning signs of hypothermia."

Childe sat up with a bit of help from Zhongli, shock plastered across his features. His clothes hung from the posts that secured the tent. Face burning crimson, he flicked the blanket onto Zhongli. The unfamiliar shirt and loose pants earned a scowl.

"You changed my clothes? What the hell is wrong with you?"

"They were cold and wet."

“It’s not even that cold outside.”

“We were out in the rain all day.” He wrapped the blanket around Childe again. “Mortal bodies have limits and there's nothing we can do to change that. Lamenting over it will get you nowhere.”

All Childe could do was stare. Zhongli’s long black hair had fallen out of its ponytail and his bangs were plastered to his forehead. Those shoulders, the ones that carried the weight of Liyue, were just as broad as they appeared beneath his suit jacket. The plain white undershirt and loose gray trousers sitting low on his hips were the most casual clothes Childe had ever seen on Zhongli. Frowning, he eyed the bright red stain on Zhongli’s shirt. It would have been much more attractive on him without the blood, but he wouldn’t dare say that out loud.

"What happened?” Childe’s fingertips brushed the hem.

"Doesn’t matter. I handled it."

"You're crazy."

"Almost as crazy as you. Why didn't you tell me you were getting so cold?"

"We were so close. I figured it wasn't a big deal and we only had to go a bit further."

Zhongli sighed. "I see."

Childe lifted Zhongli’s shirt. A bleeding gash marked his side. As Childe’s hand fell just beneath Zhongli's wound, muscles tensed beneath his fingertips. Zhongli brushed his dark hair out of his face with one hand. 

"I was worried about you."

"You never should have fought the treasure hoarders alone," said Childe.

"I may not be Rex Lapis anymore, but I'm not useless."

Childe's brow creased. "I wasn't trying to make you doubt yourself. I just don't like to see you hurt.”

"It's just a scratch."

"Yeah, right. Where's the first-aid kit? Let me bandage it for you." Childe tried to stand, but his head spun and he collapsed against Zhongli. 

"We have to warm you up."

"But you're bleeding!"

Childe scanned the tent and noticed a small metal tin with a familiar red symbol on it. He reached for it with numb hands, only succeeding in knocking it onto the ground and spilling its contents. Childe spat a string of curses under his breath.

Zhongli glanced at him with pity in his eyes and pulled him closer to the fire. He guided Childe's hands close to the flames. Zhongli's hands were bigger than his, with long, dexterous fingers. They weren't exactly warm, but they were warmer than his. As they rubbed their hands together next to the fire, Childe's lips parted and heat rose on the back of his neck.

"I'm sorry if this is making you uncomfortable, but you need to warm your hands."

"It's fine."

"No, I pushed you too far."

"I pushed myself because we were both tired and hungry."

When Childe could feel the tips of his fingers, he reached for the bandages and scissors. Zhongli handed him a washcloth and a bottle of rum.

"I'm not sure how clean that knife was."

Childe cursed and accepted the alcohol. "This is going to hurt."

He soaked the washcloth with rum and pressed it to Zhongli's cut. Zhongli winced and grabbed Childe's bicep, his fingertips biting into his flesh. The rubbing cloth was cold on his fingers and it made them burn. Childe pursed his lips and dabbed at the wound.

"There." He bandaged Zhongli, unsettled at how he had to think to keep his touch medical.

“Let me make you dinner. I know an old recipe you'll love." Zhongli smiled. "It's only fair to repay you for your help."

"We have food?"

"Enough for a few days.” Zhongli shifted and tried to stand.

"Not yet," Childe said. "I'm still cold."

Zhongli guided Childe's head to his shoulder before fluffing the pillow and draping the blanket over both of them. "Take your time."

Childe urged Zhongli to lay down again. He released a heavy sigh as Childe pressed a hand to his chest. Cursing himself for being clingy and Zhongli for being so warm, he let their legs tangle together and pressed his chilly feet to Zhongli’s. That earned him a shudder. The slow, steady rise and fall of Zhongli’s chest could have been a lullaby. 

"Don’t sleep."

Childe rolled his eyes. “Are you afraid I won't wake up if I do?"

Zhongli's silence was deafening.

"My bag.”

"What?"

"If you want me to stay awake, give me my bag."

He handed Childe's sack to him and Childe dug through a large sum of Mora to find the folded papers at the bottom. They were damp from the rain, so he opened them as carefully as he could. The ink faded with wetness. Childe set it near the fire to dry and squinted. The smudges didn’t matter. The fading was insignificant. He'd read the letters before a million times and the words inside would never lose their meaning.

Childe shifted to his side, facing the fire and the letters. Zhongli rolled over too. His chest was firm on Childe’s back but their hips remained apart.

Lifting his head, Zhongli peered at the papers. "Who is Teucer?"

"Quit reading over my shoulder."

"You mentioned Teucer when you were losing consciousness. Are those his letters?"

"Teucer is my little brother. We write to each other often."

"I see. It must be nice to be in contact with family."

His lips tightened. "Sorry. If you don't want me to read these in front of you, I won't."

"Oh no, I don't mind at all."

He returned to his reading, but Zhongli's gaze remained on him. Sighing, he shifted so Zhongli could see the letters. "Do you want me to read them to you?"

Zhongli's lips parted softly. "If you don’t mind."

* * *

Zhongli and Childe spent three days at the treasure hoarder camp. At first, Childe felt guilty for delaying their travel, but eating together, drinking leftover rum, and tangling together under the blanket when it got cold at night quickly washed away his reservations. When they drained the camp of resources, they left the next morning for Luhua Pool and managed to collect one more Sigil of Permission on the way.

Childe pointed to the other side of Luhua Pool where a blur of orange Millelith tents interrupted a forest clearing, not far from the shore. A bird of prey circled over the camp. “We’re being followed.”

“And closely. Put out the fire. They’re near enough to see smoke.” Zhongli sighed. “Looks like bathing will have to wait.”

A lump of dread rose in Childe’s throat. “This is all my fault.”

“Childe.”

“We should be far away by now.”

Zhongli’s hand gripped his shoulder. “We took time to heal and now we are both ready to move as quickly as we need to.”

“Look how many tents they have! How can you be so calm?”

“I have faith in us.”

Childe went quiet as his blood quickened. The glint of determination in Zhongli’s eyes, his immovable resolve. It was unmistakable. Those were the words of Rex Lapis.

Scattering their campfire with his boot was the first course of action. He broke down their stolen tent as Zhongli packed their bags. Overhead, a circling falcon cried three times. With wide eyes, Childe’s gaze lifted. He whistled and raised his arm and the bird dove for him. Hope gathered in his chest. The landing was rough but familiar talons were gentle on his skin. He grinned.

“Tatiana!”

“You know this bird?”

Childe patted the falcon’s head. “Oh yeah. Tatiana and I go way back.”

“Umbertail Falcons are native to Huaguang Stone Forest. Why is she all the way out here?” He narrowed his eyes. “And why is she carrying Sigils of Permission?”

“She’s a Fatui messenger bird.” Childe plucked a rolled envelope from her leg. “One of the best, too.”

“I see.”

Childe gasped. The envelope carried two Sigils of Permission, which he added to his bag, and a report on Millelith activity around Liyue Harbor. Zhongli patted Tatiana’s head and stroked her wings as he fed her leftovers from breakfast. He beamed when Tatiana chirped at him and bobbed her head. Childe attached a sloppy-penned reply to her leg and she left as quickly as she came. Her departure was almost as rushed as Zhongli’s footsteps as they left the aquamarine waters and soft grass of Luhua Pool. 

“By the way, where are we going?” 

"Jueyun Karst."

"Absolutely not.” Childe crossed his arms.

“I sense energy from multiple Sigils of Permission coming from that direction.”

“I’m not messing with the adepti.”

Zhongli raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Am I sensing fear?”

“Do you realize how angry the adepti are with me?"

"Naturally. They told me themselves.”

“You’re not helping your case,” Childe whined.

“Don't worry. I'll be with you the whole time." Zhongli patted him on the back. “They won’t kill you on sight.”

“I’m not saying I couldn’t take them, but that’s not very comforting.”

Zhongli chuckled. “Relax. Calming the adepti is the least I can do for my favorite Harbinger.”

Childe huffed. “I thought Signora was your favorite.”

“You’re the one that keeps mentioning her. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you’re jealous.” 

“She was practically salivating over you.” As soon as the words left Childe’s mouth, the back of his neck reddened. 

“It was nothing of the sort.” Zhongli waved his hand. “She just wanted my gnosis.”

“I know Signora well. She wanted more than the gnosis.”

“What more could I possibly have given?” 

Childe pinched the bridge of his nose. 

Zhongli chuckled. “She’s not my type. Not even close.”

“Well, what is your type, then?”

“People with a soft, sentimental side.” Zhongli smiled. 

* * *

When they made it to a secluded corner of Luhua Pool, far enough away from the Millelith, Childe and Zhongli stopped to set up their tent.

"We smell like Hilichurl shit."

Childe snorted. "Oh? Do you have experience in those matters too?"

"That is not of importance. Grab the soap."

"What?"

"I'm taking a bath."

Childe pointed at the river. "In there?"

"Precisely."

"Is it safe?"

"Frankly, I don't care," Zhongli said, lifting his shirt over his head and hanging it on their tent.

He spun around as Zhongli dropped his pants and marched to the waterside. Who was he to expect modesty from an ancient god? Zhongli called to him and as Childe turned around, he took his hair out of his ponytail. He dipped his head back into the water and soaked the ends of his hair. Childe’s fingers twitched with the desire to run through those dark locks. 

After wading deeper, the water lapped around Zhongli’s hips. He ducked beneath the surface. When he reappeared, his hair trailed down his muscled back like a hundred black estuaries. Despite his best efforts not to stare, Childe’s eyes refused to budge, even when Zhongli faced him again.

“Aren’t you going to join me?”

“I suppose I should.”

Childe draped his shirt next to Zhongli’s, but his fingers froze at the buckle of his belt. Another glance at Zhongli and he was beginning to stiffen in his pants. He desperately thought of how his fingers were supposed to look when he tried to use chopsticks. Zhongli’s stern voice reverberated in his memory. The way his fingers adjusted his hands gave him goosebumps. 

If he took any longer, Zhongli would be suspicious. Begrudgingly, he undressed and snuck to the riverside. Water tickled his ankles and more blood rushed south as Zhongli worked a soapy lather over his shoulders. Childe’s eyes traced the hills and valleys of his back before rushing into the water. As Zhongli turned around, he dove forward into deeper water, cringing as the current teased his sensitive skin. 

“That’s the spirit,” Zhongli said when he emerged again. “Good boy.”

Childe splashed him, earning a sputter and a mischievous smirk. 

He raised a thin eyebrow. “You dare challenge me?”

Childe hurled water at him again, this time harder than before. Before he could get away, Zhongli was nearly on top of him, sending water straight into his face. He dodged in the nick of time. 

The lightness in his chest was evident in his grin and the way he laughed. How lovely it was to see Zhongli let loose. His eyes held a spark of youthfulness that he'd never seen before. Childe jumped him and they stumbled into the shallows. He tripped over the uneven riverbed and Zhongli caught him by the arm, but they both fell. In a blink, Zhongli was on top of him, his breath warm and jagged from their little game.

He clutched Zhongli’s shoulder. Their gazes intersected and his breath left his lungs. All too soon, he was reminded of his arousal standing firm between his legs. Childe twitched at their proximity. Even the flow of water around him was enough to arouse him further. If Zhongli noticed, he didn’t utter a word about it. For once, he was terribly upset to be taking a bath in such clear water.

“You made me drop the soap,” Zhongli scolded before wading back to deeper water, leaving Childe hard and breathless.

Chapter Text

The spires of Jueyun Karst loomed overhead, imposing and growing bluer with altitude. Childe took in the the towering peaks, mature trees, and magic in the air. Mist tickled Childe’s nose. His thighs ached from climbing steps and his arms were from gripping cliff faces, but he refused to stop. Still, despite the land’s beauty, it was treacherous.  

He could tell by the way Zhongli's pace quickened that he was anticipating his return. Childe had no choice but to follow. Dread brewed in the bottom of his gut, a simmering, bubbling cauldron of mush and grime. This was the home of the adepti, of Liyue's saviors, and he had the nerve to return after posing a threat.

"Are you nervous, Childe?"

"Ha! Fat chance."

"Don't worry. We’ll be fine."

Childe sighed, letting his gaze fall to the glowing yellow blossoms lining the worn stone stairs. Zhongli had always been able to see right through him. "You're not Rex Lapis anymore.”

“The adepti won't hurt you while I’m here.”

He wished Zhongli's glider hadn't broken when they escaped the millelith. He was growing so tired of climbing. Nevertheless, when they reached the top of the Qingyun peak, Childe went silent. The sky spanned before him, wide as the ocean, and a symphony of birdsong filled his ears. He peered down at the Statue of the Seven. Even from a distance, its shape was none other than Zhongli’s. 

“Beautiful, isn’t it?”
Childe could only nod.

Zhongli picked a qingxin and twirled it between his fingers. He furrowed his brow, studying the white blossom before stepping dangerously close. Squaring his shoulders, he brushed Childe’s hair out of his face and removed his red mask. 

“Don’t wear that here.”

Childe put the mask in his bag. “Right.”

His thumb ghosted across Childe’s cheek before tucking the qingxin behind his ear. "These flowers are a gift to those who have the determination to reach great heights. Welcome to Jueyun Karst."

Childe was rendered still even as Zhongli’s hands moved away, his fingertips brushing his jawline before they left his face. 

“The adepti will see this flower as a sign of your efforts. It’ll help in negotiation.”

“Thank you,” he muttered as he sat on a large, flat rock. “Now what?”

“We wait.”
“You can’t be serious.”

“He will appear when he is ready.”

“And when will that be?”

Zhongli shrugged. “It is no longer my place to demand punctuality from adepti.”

“Is that code for a small eternity?”

“Not necessarily.”

“So when the fuck are we going to see him? Should I leave to get the Sigils of Permission myself?”

“Don’t show such disrespect.” Zhongli crossed his arms. “He’s watching, you know.”

“What?”

“The adepti have been observing us since we stepped foot in Jueyun Karst.”

Childe froze. “The whole time?”

Zhongli nodded.

His mind flooded with the memory of his furious self-pleasuring session just outside their tent when they stayed at the base of Qingyun Peak. It wasn’t Childe’s fault Zhongli decided to take off his shirt for a while during their travels that day. And it certainly wasn’t his fault that he couldn’t stop staring at those abs, that Adonis belt, or the trail of dark hair leading down from his belly button. Face going pale, he tried to forget how desperate for release he had been, how loudly he had moaned into the darkness once he was sure Zhongli wasn’t listening. 

“What, are you trying to hide something?”
Childe’s lips parted but before he could reply, rumbling sounded all around him. In a flash of brilliant light, an illuminated stag appeared before them, eyes narrowed at Childe. His hands trembled.

“One knows one’s fellows did not invite the blemish of Liyue Harbor to the home of the Adepti!” His voice was deep, threatening, and as dark as the night sky. “Of the audacity you possess by coming here, one has become painfully aware."

“Greetings, Moon Carver,” Zhongli said, smooth and calm as he intertwined his fingers with Childe’s. 

"One cannot believe one's own eyes, Rex Lapis."

Zhongli rubbed the back of his neck. “Please, it’s just Zhongli now.” Childe elbowed him. “And I completely understand your apprehension, but I assure you he means to cause no further harm.”

Childe frowned. Zhongli was the one who manipulated him, planned his elaborate test for Liyue, and didn’t tell him or the adepti shit. He released Zhongli’s hand and stuffed his thumbs into his pockets.

“One is curious to know the meaning of this visit.” Moon Carver stepped closer, his hooves clicking against the stone. “One senses that one is in the presence of several Sigils of Permission.” He glared at Childe. “What is this?"

"I'm collecting them," he replied, trying to keep his voice steady.

"They are not yours to collect."

Childe raised an eyebrow. “Sure they are. The fakes were made by the Fatui. As a Fatui Harbinger, it’s within my duties to retrieve them.”

Moon Carver snorted and stamped the ground. “Ancient relics, even duplicates, cannot fall into the hands of those who challenge the prosperity of Liyue!”

"He's doing it for me," Zhongli said.

“But… why?”

“Because the Liyue Qixing are also after the Sigils of Permission. I can’t let the Tianquan Ningguang collect them and use them as an excuse to inflict undeserved cruelty on Snezhnaya.”

“Did you not inform the Tianquan of your plan?”

“He did,” Childe said. “Ninguaang and the Liyue Qixing want retribution from Snezhnaya for the Fatui’s involvement in Zhongli’s plot. They’ll use the Sigils for evidence and leverage. After they make things hard back home, the Fatui will have no choice but to leave Liyue.”

“How can you be so certain?”

“I heard this from Ningguang herself.”

Zhongli’s jaw gaped. “How? When?”

“That day I was running from the Millelith. I spied on the Qixing and stole a couple of files.”

“You certainly have a rare kind of audacity,” Moon Carver muttered. “But one is not bound to protect Snezhnaya.”

“Then defend Zhongli’s final wishes as Rex Lapis! Preserve the justice of his final contract!”

Moon Carver sighed. A moment of quiet fell between them before he spoke again. “One sees the virtue in honoring the legacy of Rex Lapis, so it shall be done.”

* * *

As Childe and Zhongli left Cloud Retainer’s domain, the afternoon sun gleamed over Mt. Aocang. Relief spread across Childe’s face, but a faraway look flickered in Zhongli’s eyes as he meandered to the pond in the center of the plateau. 

“Where are we --”

“Just give me a moment,” Zhongli said, his boots splashing as he crossed the shallow water. 

Childe’s brow furrowed, but he said nothing as Zhongli reached the dry land in the center. There was an old stone table there, worn from the weather and bleached by the sun. Zhongli eyed the table as Childe crossed the pond, hopping from one stone to another. 

“This spot has been here since before the Archon War,” Zhongli said. “In their day, these seats hosted Adepti, Yakshas, and Gods.”

“You must have a lot of memories here.”

“I do.”

Childe hesitated before speaking, tracing the eroded design on the table’s surface. “Can I hear them?”

“It would take ages to tell you every detail.”

“I have all the time you need.”

Their eyes met and Zhongli smiled at him, his eyes crinkling at the corners. His heart fluttered. The grin faded quickly, but Childe would never forget how beautiful and genuine it was.

“On hard days, I’d sit here to watch the sunsets or the stars. I’d come here to think,” he said. “On the worst days, I’d come here to cry. On the best days, I celebrated victories with my friends and we’d drink osmanthus wine.”

“You must miss that a lot.”

“Some days it’s a heavy burden. Other days it’s not as bad.” Zhongli let out a weighted sigh, the amber under his eyes suddenly darker. “Come to think of it, I haven’t had osmanthus wine in many years.”

“Why not?”

“I was always afraid to drink it, lest I remember happy times I'll never get back. I also haven’t found the opportunity for it,” Zhongli said. “But that’s enough reminiscing for now. We best leave. I'd prefer not to run into any adversaries after dark.”

“Where are we going?”
“Let’s take a break tonight. A night back in civilization couldn’t hurt.”

“Are you sure that’s a good idea?”

“Yes. I much prefer sleeping in a warm bed.”
The back of Childe's neck warmed. “Me too.”

* * *

They arrived at the front steps of Wangshu Inn as the sun kissed the jagged horizon. Carts and traveling vendors lined the porch and orange lanterns hung from tall wooden posts, casting a warm glow over the entrance. Though fidgeting and tired, the vendors waved and grinned at them.

Childe sent Zhongli to check in while he spoke to the vendors and scouted the premises for the Millelith. A stand with a bright poster caught his eye. Childe knew he had just found the perfect way to show Zhongli his appreciation. Just as he left the stand and tucked the expensive gift into his bag, Zhongli approached him.

“Is the room ready?”

“Unfortunately not,” Zhongli said, hooking his thumbs into his pockets. “I forgot the Mora.”

Childe sighed, unable to keep the smile off his face. “Of course, you did. Don't worry.”

After checking in, Childe and Zhongli followed a narrow corridor until they reached their room. Childe slipped the key into the door and it opened with a soft creak. The smell of fresh linens and silk flowers adorned the air. Cream colored walls and wide windows framed the king size bed. His eyes lingered there for a moment before skipping to the geometric bathroom doors, the red loveseat, and the table and chairs in the corner. An empty wine rack awaited in the corner of the room.

"Lovely room, though not as traditional as I'd imagined it would be," Zhongli noted, eyes shifting to the bed, then back to Childe. "Shall we have dinner?"

"I already ordered. Room service should be here soon.”

Zhongli set his bag by the door and nodded. Moments later, a knock sounded. He accepted a large tray with two plates of piping hot almond tofu, a pitcher of water, and a bottle of Dawn Winery's signature red wine. Once the door clicked shut behind him, he paced to the table. 

Childe’s stomach growled as the aroma hit his nose. He lit the candles in the center of the table and a soft breeze swept in the last sigh of the sunset. He set the table at an eager pace. When he finished, he glanced at Zhongli, who studied the bottle of wine.

"It's not osmanthus wine, but it'll do," he said with a soft smile.

“Actually,” Childe turned to his backpack to hide his grin. He retrieved the paper bag from the vendor and set it on the table next to their food. It landed on the wooden surface with a clink and Zhongli's eyes widened. 

"What is that?"

"I wanted to get you something special for accompanying me on this journey." Childe gestured at the bag, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Go ahead, open it."

Zhongli's expression softened as he pulled out an amber-colored bottle with an elegant label. "Is... is this what I think it is?" 

Childe could have sworn his jaw trembled. He faced Childe, eyes glassy as he cradled the second bottle.

"Where did you get these?"

"There was a vendor nearby. They only had two left." Childe's heart pounded. "Do you like it?"

"It’s the best gift you could have given me,” Zhongli whispered. “Now I get to make memories with you. I can't tell you how much this means, Childe. Thank you."

"It was my pleasure," Childe replied, rubbing the back of his neck.

"What better way to celebrate this wine than by savoring it with dinner?"

Childe grinned as he pulled out Zhongli’s chair. “Be my guest.”

* * *

Heat caressed the back of Childe’s neck, rising slowly up into his head as he finished off his second glass of red wine. He was filled with bliss. The two bottles of osmanthus wine lay empty on the floor next to the table. It was Zhongli who had finished off the majority of the sweet wine, much to Childe’s delight.

“You… you honestly think I’m jealous of Signora?”
“The look in your eye when you talked about her spoke for itself,” Zhongli chuckled. “You’re hardly subtle.”

Childe rolled his eyes. “Getting jealous over someone like you would be a never-ending battle. I mean, there’s no telling how many lovers you’ve had over the years.”

“Not many I’d call lovers. Quite a few rendezvous, though.”

Childe tried to cover his mouth with one hand but missed and hit his cheek instead. “Really? You can’t be serious.”

“Why wouldn’t I be serious?”

“Didn’t expect you to be that type.”

“It was a phase, honestly.”

Childe giggled, his face turning rosy. “I’ve been there before.” He fidgeted with his hair, then his belt, a dazed grin spreading across his lips. Eyes glossy and adrift, he traced the contours of Zhongli’s face. 

“Celebrating with you is ... I'm so happy I get to celebrate with you, Zhongli.”

“The feeling is mutual. I haven’t had a night like this in ages,” he said with a lazy smile as he let down his hair.

They laughed and then everything went silent. Blue eyes followed Zhongli’s fingers as they slipped through his dark locks. His hair looked so soft, so untangled. His soft edges, his flowing features; everything about him belonged in a watercolor painting. Zhongli caught him staring and raised an eyebrow, but Childe could only look on in silence. 

Slowly, Zhongli rose from his chair. He took three slow steps toward Childe, his fingertips gliding over the table. When Zhongli stopped in front of Childe, his face turned pensive and reverent. It was all Childe could do to keep his breath steady. He wiped his palms on his thighs and squared his shoulders toward Zhongli as candlelight danced across his skin. 

Sharp knocking came from the door and Zhongli was gone in an instant. Childe’s breath hitched. Zhongli grabbed his polearm and approached the door. Childe couldn’t move. When he opened the door, a tiny man with teal streaks in his hair and a jade-colored tattoo barged into the room. 

“We need to talk,” the man said, rushing to the table and setting his bag down with a thump. He tripped over the wine bottles and cursed, his eyes cold. “Are you drunk right now?”

“Only a little.” Zhongli put his polearm against the wall with a big, dumb grin.

The man huffed and eyed Childe suspiciously. “And you brought him here?”

“Is there a problem with that?”

“There will be if he tries anything.”

Zhongli draped his arm over Childe’s shoulders. “Come on, now.”

“I’m not here to cause trouble,” Childe managed to say, his drunken gaze darting between Xiao and Zhongli. “Who are you?”

“None of your business.”

“His name is Xiao and he’s an adeptus,” Zhongli said, dangerously close to Childe’s ear, before he pulled away. “Now, tell us why you decided to pay a visit.”

Xiao frowned and crossed his arms. “I sensed a considerable amount of energy from Sigils of Permission. At first, I was worried, but then I saw you check into the inn.”

“So you decided to barge into our room?” Our room. The words left Childe’s lips so easily.

“Quiet. I came to offer my assistance to Zhongli. I have no business with you.”

“I won’t allow you to speak to Childe like that, Xiao.”

“Fine.” The adeptus reached into his pocket and pulled out a few Sigils of Permission. “You’re collecting these, right?”

Childe’s eyes widened.

“That’s correct,” Zhongli replied. “Did you have any trouble?”

“Nothing I couldn't handle. Still, you may want to do whatever it is you plan to do with those sigils before someone else tries to get their hands on them.”

Zhongli nodded. “Yes, we’ve had a bit of resistance ourselves.”

“I see.” Xiao eyed the leftovers on the table. “Sorry to change the subject. Is that almond tofu?”

“Yeah,” Childe replied slowly. “Want some?”

“I do not concern myself with such minor things. But if you insist, I suppose I can have a little.”

Childe handed him the pair of chopsticks he never bothered to use. Xiao snatched the extra tofu and proceeded to take a massive bite of it. Childe watched as something like nostalgia flashed across Xiao’s features for a moment. He looked to Zhongli, studying his worried brow and tense jawline. That jawline. That face. He was so close, and all he wanted to do was kiss him. His drunken stare didn’t last long, though.

Xiao’s expression hardened as he glanced from Childe to Zhongli. “I would recommend you sober up before making any foolish decisions. I’ll be around should you need me.” He disappeared in a blink, leaving Childe’s head spinning.