Chapter Text
“CHILDE! CHILDE! CHILDE!”
Huh…I have more fans out than usual…
“Himdeundaleo tto seulpeundaelo wiloga Way I trust dwaessgo na algae dwaesseo”
Childe sings and dances perfectly to the beat of the song with the routine he’s practiced all month, the Korean coming so perfectly to his tongue. He hasn’t missed a single move yet and his moves were oddly getting smoother despite him being so tired. Well…maybe he had missed a small part during one of his covers but that doesn’t change the fact that he is doing pretty well for someone who’s been up for 42 hours.
“Map of the soul, Map of the all. That’s my Ego, That’s my Ego!”
Just as he finished his last move in his last song, he held his hand up high so that it was pointed towards the starry sky. His eyes looked at the stars as he heaved quietly. The distance between him and the sky reminded him of how far he is from achieving his goal.
“Thank you for coming here tonight comrades! Your support makes me very happy!” Childe managed to say through his thoughts. The crowd’s cheering grew louder causing every inch of Childe to feel pride. He truly did well in this performance.
Childe breathed in the atmosphere filled with excitement. The crowd cheered violently as Childe grinned and made his way off stage. He had just performed four different songs from each of his albums in one night. This by far was his grandest performance yet considering he has four different albums. On top of that he did three different covers. A rest was most certainly well deserved.
He stood for a moment at the top of the stairs that lead backstage. He looked at the crowd one last time, sweat from hard work running down his face.
It’s a lovely night. I wonder…
The ginger walked hastily down the steps before letting out a huge sigh of relief. Doing that much choreography in a day was honestly too much. He’d practice for hours every single day but never had something drained him this much. Perhaps he was getting a bit too exhausted. Things like this used to come so easily to him…of course, with the proper motivation that is.
Childe looked at the staff who mercilessly began to ask him questions, give him reports, and complement his performance. Childe gave small smiles at everyone who was talking to him.
“That’s enough. Let him breathe.”
Childe was relieved to hear that deep, enticing voice. He turned to look at his manager who took a seat next to Childe, taking a big gulp of water to try and hydrate himself as he did so.
“Well, Well,” Childe chuckled, “How did I do boss? Was this concert to your liking? Or perhaps I didn’t satisfy you?”
“You did well,” his manager admitted. He took a seat next to Childe just as he crossed his arms. His amber eyes settled on the ginger’s dull blue ones easily. Childe grinned and said, “Really? I would’ve thought for sure you had some criticism to give me!” His manager chuckled in amusement before giving a low hum as though he were in thought. He was quiet for a moment before saying, “Well, I think you messed up on one of your covers. Money by DAWN I believe it was.” Childe winced.
So he noticed?
Childe had just about fell when he was performing that song. His leg had almost given up on him in the middle of the chorus. It was most likely because he was tired.
“Are you alright? Perhaps you pushed yourself a bit too much?” His manager asked, concern tainting his voice. Childe chuckled and replied, “Of course I’m fine! I was just a bit tired, that's all.” Those amber eyes pierced through him, searching for anything that could have been a lie in that statement making Childe stiffen. After finding that Childe wasn’t lying, he nodded slowly.
“Well, you have nothing scheduled after this,” his manager told him as he checked Childe’s schedule on his phone. Childe let out another sigh of relief. He didn’t think he’d be able to do much after this. He could already feel his muscles begin to ache.
Wait, If I have nothing to do then…maybe…
“So um, you sure I have nothing else to do tonight?” Childe asked hesitantly. His manager nodded slowly before passing him a curious glare. Childe gulped.
“So then…can we go out tonight then?” Childe asked in a much quieter voice. His heart raced vigorously and he could feel himself begin to shake. His manager’s eyes widened before giving him an apologetic look.
“I’m sorry, Ajax, but I can’t tonight,” He replied, Childe shivering at the use of his real name. Childe’s heart shattered and his eyes glossed over with sadness but, before he could let that get to him, he kissed his partner in an effort to be understanding.
“It’s alright,” Childe comforted, threading his hands into amber faded brown hair. The other male pulled away from him slowly, his eyes looking at everything but Childe. Childe chuckled sadly before saying, “Hey, it’s alright. I know you have a lot to do. After all, you are managing five different people. It’s ok, there’s always a next time.”
Always…
Him and his love have been together for about three years now. They had long moved in with each other and shared a bed. His love was always so passionate but, lately they haven’t had time for each other with the schedules being so full. It makes them a bit sad but they try to make the best of it. Eventually, they’ll have time together and there always will be a next time…
No matter how long “next time” is…
His partner nodded before saying, “I truly am sorry, Ajax.” Childe shuttered at the use of his name once more before saying, “I know. Do you want me to stay with you?” His partner shook his head and said, “You need sleep. Go home without me and I’ll be there shortly.”
Childe whimpered quietly. He knew he was going to wake up alone…again…
Great…
“I suppose I’ll see you then,” his partner said. Childe chuckled a very low chuckle before looking at the ground. So many emotions were running through his head. Sadness, depression….
Anger.
“I’ll see you at home…Zhongli,” Childe finally said, pushing those feelings down and locking them away. He couldn’t feel like this. It wouldn’t be fair. After all, it isn’t Zhongli’s fault. He owns eight different businesses, three different entertainment companies, manages eight different idols and he even models. He couldn’t possibly make time for him with all that he needs to do. Childe can’t be angry at him for that. Besides, they have been together for years. Childe knows that if Zhongli could, he’d go out with him any day.
Zhongli nodded before rising from the couch and heading towards the exit. He looked at one of the body guards, whispered something, then left. Childe watched him leave in heartache and anger.
“I love you,” Childe voiced gently. Zhongli stopped, turning to look at his boyfriend with a broken expression. It was filled with so much that Childe could not read. But the one thing that he did manage to see…
Was guilt…
“I know,” Zhongli said before leaving the room completely. Childe’s brow furrowed at the sight. He wasn’t sure what he looked so guilty for. It’s not like he did anything wrong. Was he feeling bad because he couldn’t have time with Childe?
It’s fine. He’s busy. Childe understands.
Childe ran a hand through his choppy orange hair. He fidgeted with his fingers anxiously, a million different thoughts sparking in his head. Why did he look so guilty? What was wrong? Surely he knew Childe wasn’t mad right? Archons he hopped so. He'd never want Zhongli to feel bad about something like this.
What if that’s not what he looked so guilty for?
Is he…
Childe shook his head violently, pushing the bad thought that threatened his security to the back of his head. That dark, awful thought had been haunting him for the past year. It was only natural of course. They haven’t been talking much and they are always busy. When couples are like that its very common for the thought of cheating to lurk.
Of course, Zhongli would never do that.
Or would he…
Childe slapped himself mentally for thinking such a thought. Zhongli was very loyal. Ever since they have been together, not once has Childe seen Zhongli look at anyone the way he does with him. It really makes Childe happy-considering he is a bit possessive- and Childe couldn’t dream of having a better partner. He hopes Zhongli understands that. Then again….
He might not have told him enough…about how much he loved him.
Childe sighs wearily before getting on his feet, his desire to sleep growing stronger as he walks towards the doors. He looked towards one of the bodyguards and said, “Shall we?”. He nodded before opening the door for him. Childe thanked him before walking through the doors.
Home we go.
Childe patiently waited for the staff and his guards to escort him out of the facility after he changed into his normal clothes. It only took them a few minutes before helping the ginger get off the premises. As they walked him out the double doors that lead to the limo, there were tons of fans behind barricades. They screamed wildly as they saw their idol’s face. As he walked, he heard many cheers.
“CHILDE!!!!”
“OH MY GOSH HE’S SO HOT!”
“CAN I HAVE YOUR AUTOGRAPH?!”
“I LOVE YOU!”
Childe gave the fans his most saccharine smile, waving to a few while saying hello to others. He tried his best not to look so tired while doing so. It was easy to get overwhelmed and drained from the crowd’s antics.
Archons this was exhausting.
As soon as one of the staff members opened the limo door, Childe jumped in. He rolled down the windows to wave bye to his fans on last time before rolling the backup. As soon as the window went up, so did Childe’s desire to sleep. He could feel his eyelids grow heavier by the second. He quickly rubbed his eyes to try and stay awake though it wasn't really helping.
“How long till we get home?” He asked his driver with a sigh. His driver huffed before saying, “2 hours exactly.” Childe gave an uncomfortable shift at that answer. He really hoped it would be sooner than that. He loves sleeping in HIS bed.
He was truly fortunate enough to gain an actual house while being an Idol. He and his company worked hard to make that happen. He really was grateful.
Of course, his other jobs helped him with paying for that as well.
Childe looked at the scenery as they were driving, taking in the lights that shone brighter than the stars themselves. The city was really pretty at night though he only appreciated it when he was beside Zhongli. Zhongli looked good in the lighting of the city especially since his unnatural amber eyes gave off a vivid glow even with the brightness. He was a sight to behold.
I wonder how he’s doing…
Childe chuckled at his inner thought. It was only minutes ago since they had last talked to each other and already he was missing him. Archons, what had that man done to him? He once worried about nothing. The thought of being with someone never came to mind and now, he’s spilling his love out for someone who he didn’t expect to love so dearly. He feels like it was only days ago that they had first met at the auditions.
Childe stared aimlessly at the car that drove by with an odd pale orange color. He allowed his thoughts to take control of his focus as his vision blurred from the lack of sleep. With one yawn, Childe drifted into the realm of sleep.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Childe woke in a room filled with purple and blue shimmering smoke. He coughed twice before attempting to remove the smoke from his space. Seeing as it wasn’t going away, Childe huffed and started walking without knowing where he was or which direction he was supposed to walk.
Where am I?
He looked to the ground after step, unsure of what he was truly stepping on. The echoes from his boots connecting with the ground made him feel uneasy. Childe looked through the smoke to see if he could make out any sort of building or….well anything. After seeing he was completely and utterly alone, he let out a sigh and turned, wiping his oddly wet hands on his gray shirt.
What the?
Ahead, he saw what looked like a beachside. He quickly made his way towards it, the smoke fading as he got closer. As soon as his feet, which were now bare, touched the sand, he shivered with an unknown feeling of dazzlement.
The moon illuminated the ocean in it’s light and the waves crashed delicately on the shore. As the ocean air filled his lungs, Childe felt a sense of familiarity wash over him. The ocean sparkled brightly. It was after he stared at the beautiful site that he realized why this seemed so familiar.
It felt so close to home.
“Morepseok,” Childe whispered quietly before taking one step forward. He inched closer and closer to the ocean. As soon as his feet were touched by the cold water, Childe chuckled. It had been a while since he had felt the ocean. Makes him wonder how his family is fairing.
“Action!” Said a booming voice from behind him. Childe immediately turned around only to find no one there. He furrowed his brow in confusion before returning his gaze to the scenery ahead of him. The water receded into the ocean as he saw something different in the site ahead of him.
It was a person in a white button-up shirt that was tucked into black leather pants which cinched the person’s waist. They were tanned and had long navy-blue hair that was tied low and went over their shoulders. One of their sleeves was rolled to reveal a lean arm leading Childe to believe this was a male in front of him.
“Who are you?” He voiced, his words echoing despite them being in an open area. The waves receded more till there was barely any water on the shoreline and a bigger one formed behind this mysterious person. He heard the person give a low chuckle, the voice echoing much louder than Childe’s did.
“W...aski...”
“What?” Childe asked. He couldn’t make out what the person said. His voice… it sounded so…hollow and disoriented. Childe wondered why he sounded so discomforting.
“...ho….re…o?”
The man slowly turned his head. As he did, Childe’s curiosity grew and his eyes widened with wonder. Just as the man’s mouth was visible, a smile came on to it. Childe stared at the moonlit lips with another sense of familiarity coming to him. Only this one wasn’t exactly “familiar”. His eyes began to fill with a weird feeling of awestruck.
“Did you forget your line?” said the man as he fully turned his head, his voice sounding more like music to Childe’s ears. His face was facing towards the ginger but Childe couldn’t see anything but the lips as the moonlight shielded the rest of his face from him. Still, the sight was one to behold as the huge wave threatened to crash on the mystery man.
“My…line?” Childe asked with confusion. Just as the wave came over the male, he smirked. Childe's confused glare soon turned into one of realization…
But he didn’t know why…
Suddenly, Childe had the urge to look up. He averted his gaze to what was above him only to find a huge wall of water coming straight towards him. Childe’s eyes widened but before he could move, the wave crashed mercilessly on him. He closed his eyes on impact.
The water, at first, felt cold but soon became unnaturally warm. Almost like someone was lying next to him. Childe relaxed in the warmth.
“Ajax…”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Ajax?”
Childe woke up to the sound of Zhongli’s voice. Childe groaned before looking at his boyfriend. Zhongli smiled gently while stroking Childe’s choppy copper hair. Childe smiled back, not wondering how he got in his bed or in his house for that matter.
“Hey you,” Childe whispered. Zhongli’s gaze filled with fondness as he placed his hand on Childe’s cheek. He admired the glow that Zhongli had in the moonlight which glowed through the window. Childe kissed his hand in return and said, “When did you get home?” Zhongli shifted in the bed a bit so that he was laying on his side.
“Just a minute ago. And it’s two in the morning. I’m glad you managed to get six hours of sleep this time,” Zhongli said before removing his hand from Childe’s face. Childe pulled Zhongli close to him, making Zhongli hum. Childe huffed softly before saying, “Busy day huh? You shouldn’t work yourself so much you know. It's bad for your health.” Zhongli chuckled at Childe’s nagging before saying, “I’m aware though it’ll all be worth it by the end of this week.”
“Oh yeah? And why is that?”
Zhongli grinned and sat up in the bed.
“If I manage to get everything done today, I’ll have days to spare on the weekend.”
Childe smiled.
“Really?”
“Indeed.”
Childe couldn’t help but pounce on his boyfriend out of excitement. Zhongli fell back first on the floor with Childe on top of him. Zhongli let out a loud grunt as he fell. Immediately the ginger began to cover his boyfriend in kisses filled with appreciation and love, ignoring the pang of pain he felt from his arms that were still around Zhongli’s waist when they fell. Zhongli laughed brightly at this.
Oh, how Childe loved that laugh.
His kisses slowly turned into tiny nips as he got closer to his neck. Zhongli hummed at this action. Childe took it as a “please keep going” and began to bite a little harder once he reached his neck. Zhongli groaned at the action. Childe smirked and continued to taint Zhongli’s light skin with hickeys that’ll be hard to explain if not well hidden. Zhongli seemed to have liked this as his hands managed to find their way into Childe’s hair.
“Oh~. Wanting, are we?” Childe whispered enticingly after a hard bite on Zhongli’s collar bone. His lover shuddered before saying, “No. Either way, we have to go.” Childe looked at Zhongli with the most “you’ve got to be kidding” face he has ever given. Zhongli chuckled and said, “You have to be at a shoot in two hours for that new romance series I told you about two weeks ago. It takes us an hour and thirty minutes to get there.” Childe looked at him with disbelief before giving a stubborn huff. Zhongli chuckled once more.
“Maybe later,” Zhongli said before grabbing Childe’s clothes from the side of the bed. Somehow, they didn’t fall with them. Zhongli Then sat up before getting to his feet. He gave a small hiss at the pain in his back before looking back at Childe. He then smiled and gave his lover a small kiss on the forehead.
“Get dressed so we can go,” He ordered before walking towards the door of the fairly large room. Childe whinned before saying, “But I wanna stay home!” Zhongli looked at him before rolling his eyes and returning to his task.
“I’ll be waiting for you in the car,” He states before exiting the room. Childe gives another pouty huff before getting up. He looks at the silver sheets that have been spread on the floor thanks to Childe’s pounce. He chuckled a bit before lazily throwing the sheets on the bed.
Welp time to start the day I suppose.
He quickly took a shower and got ready to go to the shoot. He didn’t really like doing acting as much as he liked performing but it was still something he looked forward to doing. To put himself in situations that aren’t real is fun but personally, the pretending part is what gets him. He’s good at it but he’d rather be true than pretend to be something he’s not. After all, he’s got nothing to hide. Everyone who knows him knows the real him. He truly has no secrets. Luckily, he hasn’t gotten a single part that was too far off from how he acted.
Every part he got was bold, selfish, confident, ambitious and brash just like he is.
He wonders if the directors choose him on purpose.
Childe took one last look at the messy bed before exiting the master bedroom. He walked down the halls of his home. It was definitely a large house but it didn’t seem as large as it actually was. Zhongli and Childe worked hard to make this place feel like home. From adding traditional Chinese touches in every part of the house to adding a few modern touches for familiarity, every part was designed ever so delicately to make it feel like home. And he has to say, they did a good job.
Childe made his way through the halls and to the front door. He didn’t bother with getting a snack as he knew Zhongli would let them stop somewhere to grab a bite later. This is probably why Zhongli makes them leave a bit earlier.
Childe walked out the door and locked it with a simple click of a button. He walked down the steps that lead to their home, glancing at their khoi pond as he did so. He saw the limo waiting for him in front of the gate. He waved before opening the gate. Just as he closed it, Zhongli opened the door for his love. Childe grinned and hopped in.
“Aren’t you energetic today,” Zhongli mused. Childe nodded before taking a seat next to Zhongli. Once the door was closed, the drivers immediately began to drive off. Childe buckled himself up then looked at Zhongli.
“So, how was work yesterday?” Childe asked curiously. Asking about each other's days isn’t something that happens that much between them. They used to all the time before they got so busy with their jobs. It was a big change for them, not being together all day. Still, they managed to find a way to make it work.
Childe waited patiently for his partner to respond but after a few moments, Childe wondered if he had heard him. He looked at Zhongli who was aimlessly staring at him. His eyes were filled with an unknown emotion making Childe worry he had a bad day.
“It was…interesting,” Zhongli finally stated. Childe furrowed his brow and said, “What was so interesting about it. Did you find a new trainee?” Zhongli looked off to the side before saying, “I just…ran into a very…unique problem.”
“Unique problem?”
“Indeed.”
Childe scratched his head.
“What was so ‘unique’ about it.”
Zhongli didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he opened his mouth but closed it once more. He furrowed his brow as though he were in thought and said, “Just a bit…different than most nights I've had.” Childe passed Zhongli a confused glare before saying, “What do you mean?”
Zhongli didn’t answer.
A feeling of uneasiness quickly filled the air making Childe shift uncomfortably. The two sat in the silence that came with, looking at anything but each other.
What is he hiding?
It wasn’t like Zhongli to be so vague. Something bad must have happened or maybe something weird came up. Trouble tends to happen a lot when it comes to the entertainment industry for some odd reason. Perhaps there is a new scandal he’s dealing with.
Childe looked at Zhongli who was staring at the scenery that passed by. Childe sighed as he realized that Zhongli wasn’t gonna answer. Childe couldn’t help but feel a little hurt by it. Zhongli is never one for secrets.
“Did you practice your script?” Zhongli inquired as Childe shifted his attention back to him. Childe gave a prideful smirk and said, “Of course! I’ve got all my lines memorized and the personality nailed. I think this’ll be my best series. Besides, I wouldn’t wanna disappoint the director.” Zhongli smiled at his partner’s pride and enthusiasm. He then said, “As usual.”
“What can I say! I’m a good actor.”
Zhongli nodded in agreement.
“Indeed you are. It’s no wonder you get so many calls.”
Childe laughed brightly.
“Why of course! No one can possibly get enough of me! It’s one of the perks of having talent and confidence.”
“Indeed.”
They both laughed for a brief moment. Zhongli always indulges in Childe’s ego. He once said to Childe that he finds it amusing that someone like him, who sprouted from having nothing, has so much confidence and pride. Childe thinks it’s the reason Zhongli fell in love with him in the first place.
The two fell silent once more, the uneasy feeling still not gone. Childe shifted a bit before his expression faded into one of aimless thought.
“We are almost there,” said their driver. Childe blinked twice, not truly understanding how they got there so quickly. Time seems to fly by. Or maybe the silence had lasted that long and he didn’t notice…
It wasn’t long before they had arrived at the shoot. It wasn’t at a studio but instead, at a beach. Childe looked at the people who were setting up lights and cameras alongside the shore and was quickly reminded of home even in this moonlight. He sighed as the memories from his childhood flooded his brain.
It was too bad he couldn’t see his family now.
“Reminds you of home does it not?” Zhongli questioned. Childe smiled and said, “You always know just what I’m thinking huh? Very perceptive of you! Yes, it does. I hope to visit them this year.” Zhongli hummed and said, “I’ll try to free up your schedule so you can see them on Christmas.” Childe’s face lit up brightly, making Zhongli smile.
“Thank you,” Childe said with sincerity. Zhongli nodded before returning his gaze to the scenery. Childe kept his smile and did the same.
Archons, this relationship feels so transactional at times.
Childe frowned at the thought. He hated the idea of having a relationship with no ties. He enjoyed the bond he had with Zhongli. The thought of it fading made him feel sick to his stomach.
Or perhaps…it already has faded and Childe didn't realize it.
They parked in front of where the shoot was happening. Everything already seemed to have been set up. Zhongli opened the door and exited first. Childe popped out shortly after. After Zhongli closed the door behind him, they both walked over to the set. Their bodyguards followed shortly after.
“Nice to see you Tartaglia.”
Childe turned to see Signora, one of his only friends, walk towards him. Childe gave a wicked smirk and said, “Didn’t I tell you not to call me that in public? How's my favorite bitch doing?” Signora scoffed and said, “I’m fine though I could be better if I hadn’t seen your stupid ass. And you?” Childe chuckled before giving her a pat on the shoulders.
“I’m fine. Thanks,” He answered. Signora huffed before saying, “So, according to the director, this is supposed to be a boy's love series. I’m playing the part of an awesome best friend who encourages the main dude to do as he wants. Such an unfitting part for me.”
Honestly, she’s not wrong.
Signora isn’t a very good best friend let alone a friend. She’s very…sarcastic, sadistic, too serious at times, and tends not to care what happens to those around her... unless it involves her of course. She isn’t what you’d call a “loyal friend” either. She’d trade you out if it meant getting something she wants. On top of that, she gets very moody at times and tends to lash out at people who don't deserve it. Most of the time, it was Childe she lashed out at. He has no doubt that this part will be hard for her.
“What part did you get?” Signora asked curiously. Childe chuckled and said, “Why the main part of course! I’m playing the role of a boy who is currently going through issues with his mom and is in dire need of a lover. I’ve already come to terms with my sexuality but isn’t looking for a relationship at the moment. Well, that is until I meet this wonderful guy who's straight. I fall helplessly in love and try to catch this boy’s attention with my amazing talents. I’m also on the baseball team.” Signora laughed.
“Well at least they changed it up this time,” Signora giggled. Childe gave her a confused glare before saying, “I suppose.” Signora rolled her eyes. Childe chuckled before walking over to what looked like the stylist. Signora followed him.
“Please just put this on,” said the tailor with long dark purple twin-tails. He heard a familiar, cheerful voice whine. The tailor crossed her arms and said, “No whining. Now go!” As soon as she dismissed the whining actor, she turned to see Childe. Her seafoam green eyes glimmered with delight.
“Ah yes,” she said, the wind blowing her twin tails gently. Childe chuckled as she said, “My favorite actor has arrived. It’s about time. Now come, I need to get you prepared for this scene. I’ve got just the outfit for you.”
Childe chuckled lightly before following his stylist. Once they had gotten to the clothes on the clothing rack, she started going through the clothes. Childe chuckled and said, “Hello to you too Mona. Say, how’s Scara doing?” Mona huffed before turning around to face Childe, her purple miniskirt twirling as she did so. She raised a brow to him.
“I don’t know and I don’t care,” She responded promptly with the raise of her head and a cross of her arms. Childe laughed slightly at the sight. Usually, when she does that it means her and Scara are arguing again. They always fight and to Childe, it's very amusing.
“I don’t know why you're so interested in him every time I arrive,” She started, “You two broke up years ago I don’t know why you still care about the bastard. Honestly, he’s really getting on my nerves. Every time I come home his always commenting on how I look terrible or how my breasts are too small or-”
Childe tunes out every time she talks about Scara. He knows what she is saying is true but…she truly has no excuse. Mona could leave him anytime she wants and yet, she chooses to stay by his side. Besides, Scara and Mona insult each other back and forth literally every day. If Mona isn’t telling him that he has a small cock then Scara is telling her she has no ass. It's really amusing. Either way, none of them mean the insults they throw at each other. It just seems like it's their way of saying “I love you”...as weird as it sounds. They would never say anything that would truly hurt one another…
Too bad it wasn’t like that when Childe was with him…
“Are you listening?”
Childe blinked twice before nodding at her. Mona sighed and said, “Well, hurry up and put those on. It’ll be time to shoot any moment now.” Childe grinned and said, “Alrighty then.” With that, Childe turned to the changing rooms to change into his, what looked like, school clothes.
Hmm, not bad Mona.
The varsity baseball jacket was silver with white sleeves and stripes. On the left side of the jacket near the chest line were red initials that read “PH” in cursive. Underneath those initials was a circular patch that had a red fox with silver leaves acting as the border. The side of the right sleeve read “Class of 2021” on it in cursive with a baseball in place of the zero. Childe turned it around to find the name “Ludovic Ives” in red, bold, cursive letters. Childe kinda liked this jacket.
He averted his eyes to the gray shirt with a red logo on it that read “Panorama High School”. Next to the words was a red fox which looked as though it were standing on a rock. Its tail curved around the words and the fox's head was pointed upwards. There was a lot of detail in the fox as it almost looked real. Next to it was a pair of black cargo pants and black combat boots with silver laces. The outfit was simple compared to the jacket.
Dang. She really wanted me to have an aesthetic…
Childe slipped into his clothes with ease. As soon as he got done tying his shoes. He stepped out and looked for Zhongli through the crowd of people. It seems to be a very busy day.
“There you are. Come on, let's get you to the stylist before the director gets mad.”
Someone grabbed his wrist making every hair on Childe stand up. He gave an aggressive growl before turning to face the person who grabbed his wrist. Childe quickly regretted it after seeing it was Zhongli who had grabbed him.
“Shit, hun, I almost killed you,” Childe breathed. Zhongli's eyes widened with confusion and worry. Childe sighed before giving him a small hug, ignoring the height difference between them. After letting him go, he said, “I’m sorry sweetheart. What did you want me for?”
“I…u-um…the stylist n-needs to…” Zhongli stammered, trailing off at the end of his sentence. Childe looked at his baffled partner, waiting for him to finish his sentence. Zhongli shook his head violently before looking Childe in the eye. He then said, “I’m sorry. Did I scare you?” Childe’s eyes widened before he said, “Yeah, a bit.” Zhongli furrowed his brow and said, “ I scared you?” Childe rubbed the back of his neck.
“Yeah. I thought you were someone else. There are a lot of people here an-”
“But even so, this has never happened before.”
Childe frowned.
“I know, I know. I just…Sorry…”
They stared at each other for a moment longer as the air became full of an unwanted feeling called discomfort. Zhongli’s amber eyes looked towards the ground. Childe reached his hand out for Zhongli but quickly retracted it after a pang of guilt flooded him. He gave a sigh before saying, “So…the stylist…is what you were talking about?”
“Indeed,” Zhongli said in a sudden, stern voice. Childe felt taken aback by his sudden change in tone. Zhongli turned around and started walking. Childe took it as a “follow me” and tried to keep up with his other half.
“Ah! The star himself finally makes his arrival! Make haste so I can get you prepared for your performance.”
Zhongli stopped in front of the stylist and looked back at Childe. Childe gave a saccharine grin as his eyes met the stylists. Her light green eye glimmered as she walked towards Childe and grabbed his wrist. She then said, “You, good sir, were gonna put me in quite the predicament if you had taken a second longer to appear. Make haste! The other star has already been prepared and is waiting on you now.”
Before Childe could say anything, he was put in a chair for styling. With a flip of her hair, she quickly got to work. She applied a small layer of sunscreen to Childe’s face and neck before getting out the rest of the makeup he needed. Childe rolled his eyes.
“Nice to see you too Fischl. Everyone is just being so rude today huh?” Childe said as she applied a small amount of foundation on his face. She chuckled and said, “It’s a hectic day. On top of all this, there is a new actor with us.” Childe raised his eyebrows.
A new actor hmm?
Curiosity flooded Childe’s senses. It’s not often you hear of new actors. The director of this series, Ms. Yunjin herself, is also very particular about who she chooses to act in the roles she creates. Most of the time, she uses the same actors she had before because she is well aware of their experience. She wouldn’t pick a rookie unless they were that good.
Looks like I’ve got competition!
Childe smirked at the thought. He was just a rookie too when Yunjin picked him out. It was his first time auditioning for a part and somehow, he managed to blow her away. Childe was the first and only, up until now, person who had ever done that. But now, there was a new competitor. Childe will appreciate the competition.
“There! You’re ready to get into action,” Fischl said while raising a mirror to his face. Childe nodded at his reflection before standing up. He thanked Fischl and walked over to Zhongli. Zhongli nodded before leading him to the area they were supposed to shoot at.
“Childe.”
Childe gave his director a bow as he walked up to her. Childe then said, “Thank you for calling me in again! I enjoy acting in your films more than I do anyone else.” Yunjin laughed at his flamboyant behavior and said, “And I enjoy seeing you act. You are a bit late though. No matter.” She then turned around and said, “Places everyone! Places!”
Childe watched for a moment as the camera got ready to shoot and everyone left the area. Childe chuckled before walking to the spot he figured he should be in. He looked at Yunjin to confirm his position. She nodded and said, “Remember, you are a boy who just came down to the beach for a dip after getting in yet another fight with your mother. This is your happy place because your father took you here all the time. You were just strolling along the coast side when you suddenly saw a very attractive person about your age standing in the ocean. He seems to be in thought and you couldn’t help talking to him.”
Childe soaked all of the info in and he shook himself. He heard Yunjin giggle before she said, “Take one. Ready…Action!”
Childe opened his eyes and put on his best “I’m broken” face, blocking everyone out for concentration. He let out a sigh and walked along the coast, kicking his feet a bit in the sand. He took a sad glance at the ocean before releasing a small breath. The water glittered as the wind blew through his copper hair. He gave a sad smile at the waves that brushed against the sand. He walked a bit further before stopping in front of a small crab. He then turned his head to look at the distance.
Before him, he saw a male in a white button-up shirt that was tucked into black leather pants which cinched his waist more than it already was. His tanned skin complemented the long navy blue hair that was tied low and went over his shoulders. One of his sleeves was rolled to reveal a lean arm. He was standing only a few feet away from Childe. The waves crashed gently into the male’s knees.
My dream…