The Curse of the Abyss

by dollfoot

Summary:

Tartali Beauty and the Beast AU.

Zhongli was sent to Tartaglia as retribution for the village. He was pleasantly surprised that he actually enjoyed Tartaglia's company.

Maybe a little bit too much.

Notes:

Okay, so... I wrote this a little over two years ago... but I just been able to finish it recently. I had been wanting to read this AU for Tartali... so I made one. I am glad I actually finish this piece. I hope you would enjoy them too.

As usual, English is not my first language so please mind the mistakes.

Sacrifice

"I will go," Zhongli had said simply.

Zhongli heard of Tartaglia before. The rumours started about 30 years ago, back when he was still new to the village. In the depths of Northern woods, you will find the home of the fearsome beast. 

It was told that a neighbouring village had tried to drive him away from the woods, sending their men to the depths of the Northern woods.

But no one came back. 

People believed that they were all killed in cold blood. Perhaps not off the mark, because how can a group of strong men disappear into thin air?

One of the young men had explained the predicament. When the wagon that brought the village supplies broke in the middle of the forest, they tried to find anything that could contain the goods. The mansion looked abandoned and there were planks of wood.

It turned out that the said mansion was the lair of the beast Tartaglia, and he was furious. They had strayed from the correct path and dwelled in his territory—stealing from him.

The young man had shakily explained what they were doing, but Tartaglia only asked them to go meet him in the junction of the forbidden path after their delivery for the punishment.

Else he would seek them to the village.

"One man is fine." He had said.

Some would consider it an act of mercy, but to others, picking out a chosen sacrifice seems like a cruel thing to do. Archaic, as if it was the times when they believed in Gods, and that a member of a village would be devoured for the sake of collective prosperity.

For Zhongli, the problem was fairly simple.

Tartaglia wanted one man. 

Zhongli didn't see why it couldn't be him instead.

-

Tartaglia was waiting at the junction of the forbidden path, just like he said he would.

He was huge. Even from afar, Zhongli could see him. The description he had heard from others is more or less true: he was the size of two men, he wore purple armour and a mask with a singular eye. But he didn't think it was fearsome.

It looked majestic to him.

As if knew that he was observed, the beast Tartaglia turned his head in his direction, meeting his eyes.

Zhongli blinked slowly. He was a bit surprised at the movement, but he was calm. It perhaps was not unexpected for such a magnificent beast to have such sharp intuition.

Zhongli was still quite a distance away from where he was. Regardless of the gaze that was now trained upon him, Zhongli calmly walked up to the beast.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Tartaglia." Zhongli said with a gentle demeanour, "Thank you for your patience, I am now here to fulfil the end of our bargain."

Tartaglia only stared at him silently.

Zhongli thought perhaps that there was something else that he had forgotten, so he was about to ask again when he heard a rough voice speaking.

"—They sent you?"

Zhongli blinked. The tone implied disbelief, but not unkind. "Ah, no. I volunteered. You asked for retribution, a person to be responsible for the crime that they committed. The crime was venturing to your woods, but it was for the sake of the village. I am part of the village and therefore their sin is ours. You have been kind enough to only ask for one of us. I choose to be that person."

"..."

Tartaglia fell silent once more.

Zhongli patiently waited, yet he wondered if the beast was unsatisfied with his presence and if there was anything else that needed to be fulfilled. If so, he hoped that it would not trouble the village—something he could do, perhaps.

In the end, Tartaglia only turned to the forbidden path and started walking. He said, "Sure. Follow me."

And Zhongli did.

-

New Home

It was deep into the woods—it had been hours of walking, and even though Zhongli didn't complain, he had felt his body ache to rest—until they arrived at a mansion.

It was surrounded by wild grass and vines, thick bushes and trees, but it stood tall amongst it.

Tartaglia only opened the door for him, gesturing him to enter. When Zhongli entered the mansion, it was dark.

It was yet dusk, but there was no light; the curtains were all drawn. 

Tartaglia seemed to sense Zhongli's thoughts because he moved to the centre of the room and with a crackle of wood, there was a fire in the fireplace.

In the dim lighting of the fireplace, he can see a bare living room, and a gigantic stairs leading to the depth of the house.

"Come." Tartaglia said.

Zhongli then followed him to a room on the second floor. Zhongli coughed heavily as he went in. 

It was dark as well, but unlike the space downstairs, it was obvious that it wasn't lived in. There was a lot of dust, there was a bed but no sheets, and the furniture was sparse. There was a wardrobe, a vanity table, and a small chair, but nothing else.

"Er," Tartaglia started, "Sorry for the dust, but you can stay here from now on."

Zhongli stared.

It was probably more seconds passed than what was normal, but Zhongli finally spoke, "Oh." 

He looked at his surroundings; the room was dusty, but it was actually quite nice. It was bigger than any room he had lived in, "...I see." 

Tartaglia offered nothing else and was about to leave, but Zhongli stopped him, "Excuse me?"

Tartaglia paused and looked at Zhongli in silence.

Zhongli thought it was his cue to continue, "Ah. Please pardon my insolence, but do you perhaps have a broom... or a mop for me to use?" 

At that, Tartaglia left without a word.

Zhongli sighed inwardly. Perhaps it was too much to ask. After all, he was not a guest—and who knows what will happen to him. But Tartaglia did mention that he will live here, right? So he simply thought of what he would do to make this room habitable. 

Zhongli looked at the bed and he only thought that it too, was even bigger than what he had back home. 

-

Odd

The village had always considered him odd, he knew.

More than the fact that they were annoyed at him for forgetting mora so frequently, it was also for the questions he often asked or answers he often gave.

The stories he often mentioned, and the opinion that he has. The values that he held. 

The ease and acceptance he had over uncommon things, the strictness over even the most trivial promises and commitment.

However, they respected his space and found many of the things he shared amusing. Despite not fully understanding him often, they were kind to him and Zhongli was grateful.

After all, most of the previous places he had stayed before have not been as hospitable to him. He didn't mind that much, though. Once you lived for some time, you get more perspective on why certain things are the way they are, and Zhongli considered himself to still have so much to learn. 

After his friends had passed away, he didn't have anyone close to him. But still, he was part of the village and they accepted him. 

He had lived peacefully without regrets. He was content; there was nothing in the world that could offer anything he desperately wanted.

So when the case was presented to him, he volunteered without much thinking or expectation, but... whatever this would be... he didn't think that he would guess this even if he made an effort to.

He didn't think of being given a room. Living with the said beast.

Zhongli took pride in being adaptable though. He might have been living a sheltered life, but he did not actually need to live as long as he had to know what to do with a dusty room.

So as his cough and sneeze had ceased, he started cleaning.

-

Dinner

Zhongli was spooked when he was tapped on the shoulder.

Tartaglia was silent in his movement, and apparently, he was right behind him.

Zhongli already made a makeshift mask out of his handkerchief, and after a few minutes of rest, started cleaning the vanity with a random cloth that he found in the wardrobe. When he saw it was Tartaglia who was behind him, he sighed in relief.

"Apologies, I didn't notice you came in. Do you need—ah."

Tartaglia brought a broom, a mop, a bucket, a feather duster, a plain cloth and a blanket.

He brought it all with one hand, which was too much for Zhongli to take all at once, so he took it one by one.

"Thank you very much. You even brought a bucket... oh. Is this for the bed? Thank you, it's considerate of you," Zhongli said gently.

Tartaglia didn't say anything in return and at this point, Zhongli understood that he should not expect an answer, but before Tartaglia went out the door, he spoke.

"I will fetch you for dinner, after this."

Zhongli didn't immediately answer, but within the next second, finally said, "...Alright. Thank you."

Once the door closed and Tartaglia was out of sight, Zhongli stared at the cleaning supplies in his hands.

Dinner.

So he would have dinner too.

He was a little confused but amused.

He shook his head, clearing his thoughts.

'First things first,'

-

Zhongli was terrified.

They were at a dining table and there was a bowl of hot food before him.

But it was a seafood soup and the tentacles that poked out of the surface made him remember traumas that he had in his younger years.

Tartaglia seemed to catch his fear and said, "You don't want to eat?"

Zhongli replied, "Um, I do. Sorry, I shouldn't be... ah. It's just, the food reminded me of something unpleasant back home. I will eat."

They ate in silence.

Or, as silent as Tartaglia could. The munch and the slurp of the food as he ate were not what one would consider polite, but Zhongli realized that it was the anatomy to blame.

Zhongli initially thought that Tartaglia was wearing a mask, but he was wrong as the red article parted like a mouth would, and he could see a set of teeth and a huge tongue inside it. 

Not wanting to be impolite, Zhongli stopped staring and gazed back at the food laid before him. He ate with difficulty, but he managed to do it without an unpleasant expression. The dish tasted nice, even though the texture of the meat was something that he'd rather not describe. 

It was a while as he ate that he found that Tartaglia was staring at him intently. Tartaglia had finished his food as Zhongli focused on trying to enjoy his meal.

Noticing his silence, Zhongli felt a bit contemplative. Their exchange was sparse, but Tartaglia had not shown any hostility towards him. Zhongli thought perhaps that he could inquire more about this situation.

"Mr. Tartaglia, I hope you don't mind me asking—"

"Childe."

"...?"

"You can call me 'Childe'."

"Oh. I see." Zhongli swallowed his surprise, "I apologise, it seems that I have forgotten my manners. I too, haven't introduced myself. My name is Zhongli."

Tartaglia hummed in response. Not seeing that he would get another reply, Zhongli continued.

"So... Childe, when you said that will live here... can you tell me more what that means?"

Tartaglia didn't answer immediately, looking like he was thinking about it himself. But then he moved in his seat, sitting straighter. He then replied, "You will live here. Do anything you want. Go anywhere you want, but not beyond the woods. When it's dinner, we'll eat."

"...Anything I want?"

Tartaglia nodded.

Zhongli was at a loss. But not wanting to waste the opportunity, he then asked again, "So I can cook too?"

Again, Tartaglia nodded.

"Can I... work in the garden?"

Another nod.

"Do you need me to do anything for you?"

"...Yes," Tartaglia paused, "We'll have dinner together."

"Oh." Zhongli breathed. That was... He wasn't sure what he was supposed to think, but it sounded surprisingly normal. He only needs to not go beyond the woods and stay at home. When it's dinner time, they will eat together.

In fact, that actually sounded nice. It has been years since he has a company.

Zhongli will work out the details later. He continued eating, and when he finished the food, he looked up to Tartaglia.

"Thank you for the food," Zhongli said with a smile, "Would it be alright for me to help you with the dishes?"

"Ah." There was a pause, "Sure."

Zhongli couldn't understand the emotions behind Tartaglia's words, for there was nothing to read from his face. But that did not seem like a bad thing. So Zhongli stood up, bringing his bowl and utensils. He moved to Tartaglia's side, fetching his dirty bowl as well. Tartaglia only stared.

"Can you tell me where I can wash this?" Zhongli asked gently.

Tartaglia silently stood up and walked towards a certain direction this time.

Zhongli followed.

-

First Night

The room was mostly cleaned. Zhongli had put the plain cloth to cover the bed and laid down.

He stared at the ceiling.

What a bizarre day, he thought.

He was to live with Tartaglia—Childe, from now on.

The prospect didn't sound as bad as he would thought he'd feel if someone were to tell him it was what to happen when he volunteered.

He didn't mind being dead, but to live with a horrible company could be worse than death, you see.

But Childe was not really... a horrible company.

To be honest, Zhongli was impressed. It was only hours from the first time he met Tartaglia, but he was more decent than he imagined a feared beast would be.

More decent than many men he knew who treated their fellow men terribly.

He had been courteous—he gave him a room, gave him food, gave him the cleaning supplies when he asked. He was to do as he pleased, except for the things that Zhongli didn't think as unreasonable. So far, Childe had given no reason for him to think he was unpleasant.

One would think he was a prisoner.

But even if he was, he wasn't sure if that was a bad thing since Childe himself said that he could do whatever he wanted. He didn't know what this 'whatever' could entail but he liked the idea of having that liberty—even as a captive he was.

Perhaps he should be more on guard, but despite knowing he was living with a formidable beast—believed to kill many men mercilessly, he didn't feel threatened.

He didn't sense anything malicious from Childe.

He was mysterious, perhaps. A little bit difficult to understand, since there was no way for him to know his expression.

But nothing sort of evil.

'It is too early to think that, Zhongli reasoned. It was, after all, only a few hours that they met. Then again, when push comes to shove, it’s not like Zhongli would be unable to defend himself.

Regardless, Zhongli slept soundly with a small smile on his face.

-

New Life

It was confusing, at first. He didn't know anything about the mansion.

So on his first day, after plucking the apple in the garden for breakfast, he started to explore.

And he was positively delighted with the result.

On the way to the dining room, he found many unfamiliar books on the shelves; when he looked at the garden, there were a few wild glaze lilies amongst other common flowers growing amid grass; when he passed by the corridors of the rooms, he saw many rare antiques in the table.

He hadn't even looked into the many rooms, who knows what else is beyond the door.

When he was hungry, he went to the kitchen and saw that there was fresh raw meat and a few vegetables that he could cook. 

When it was time for dinner, he was apprehensive to present Childe's share of the meal, hoping that it was not impolite of him to use the ingredients in the kitchen to create lunch and dinner for both of them.

Childe said a simple thank you, and he did say that the meal was good when Zhongli asked if it was to his liking.

That was enough to put a happy smile on Zhongli's face.

-

It was easy to fall into a routine.

Zhongli didn't need much time to get used to his new life.

The house was bare, but there were sufficient supplies and tools for him to use.

He noticed that—unlike his room the first time he arrived—most of the rooms were clean and tidy. The corridors were clean, the fireplace was in perfect order, and the library did not collect dust. 

No one is here but Childe and him.

So he knew for sure that Childe had been cleaning up the whole mansion by himself, or at least before he arrived.

Zhongli has never caught him in action though.

But that would explain why the rooms—or the rooms that Childe was using, at least—were neat, and why the cleaning supplies existed and were well-used.

As he was sharing the living quarters, Zhongli thought it was natural for him to share the house chores, so he would make a schedule for rotating the rooms he would clean every morning. 

Every morning too, he would always find fresh raw meat or fowl and cabbage or carrots in the kitchen, for him to cook. Zhongli had assumed that the host of this place had deliberately hunted and foraged them early in the morning for the meal.

After working in the garden for a few days, he found that he could grow more glaze lilies, and find some wild berries and sweet flowers. There were some sunsettia and apple trees too, which he could pick from if he wanted. He planted some leftover vegetables that he didn't manage to cook, and they have started to grow.

When he found the library the first time, he was in awe. He inquired if he could sit and read in the library to Childe at dinner that day.

Childe only shrugged and replied, "Do as you please,"

To which he did. He spent most of his time there when he was not cleaning the place and finished tending his flowers. 

He would pick a few fruits for breakfast, cook lunch for himself, and when it was dinner, he would make dinner for him and Childe. After the first day, Zhongli decided that cooking their meal would be the least that he could do for Childe to let him live so freely. If he was trying to avoid getting more seafood for dinner, Childe did not have to know. 

Childe didn't comment when Zhongli took the initiative to cook dinner all the time, so Zhongli ran with it.

At dinner too, Zhongli was increasingly comfortable talking to Childe, even though he was often met with a silent nod and a quick, one-word answer.

Zhongli would usually start with a thank you for the ingredients for the meal, asking him if he found the dish pleasant, and then proceed to tell him about his day.

He would tell him about the book that he read, the growth of his flower, and the little weasel that he saw peeking at him from the bushes. 

He talked most of the time, but it wasn't awkward. Despite the seeming lack of response, Zhongli could feel that Childe had been listening attentively.

Sometimes Zhongli would ask a few things, like if he hunted every day (he did), if he would like to have lunch together (he declined) if he read the books in the library (quite a lot of them).

Zhongli wanted to ask what Childe usually does every day, but not sure if it was his place to ask.

Because he knew that sometimes Childe would observe him from afar; when he cleaned, when he cooked, when he sang to the glaze lilies, when he read. 

He didn't mind it.

But sometimes he hoped that Childe would join him instead.

'Perhaps I'll ask next time,' Zhongli thought to himself.

-

Conversation

It was late at night, when Zhongli finally asked, "Would you like to join me?" when he felt a presence from one of the shelves.

He was in the library, deciding to continue reading his read on the Snezhnayan winter festivals that he started yesterday after that night’s dinner.

He was in for a few pages and he would usually be so immersed in his read to pay attention to his surroundings, but he had also half-hoped that Childe would be in the vicinity to observe him, like the other times in the past when he was too late to call him out. So when Childe was around—as expected he would be—he was ready to greet him this time.

However, Childe seemed hesitant to show himself even after he was caught. Zhongli knew that it was him, though. 

There was no one else but them in the mansion.

And he was far too experienced to fail to notice a presence such as Childe in the same room as he.

So he put his book down, and slowly walked up to behind the shelf where he thought Childe was.

Childe was there, not reacting to Zhongli finding out his hiding place, and just facing him head-on.

When their eyes met, Zhongli asked again with a tender smile, "Would you like to join me?"

Childe didn't reply, but as Zhongli walked back to the couch where he was reading, Childe trailed behind him.

Zhongli sat himself down in one corner, and when Childe only stood next to the couch, he patted the space beside him. Silently inviting him to sit with him.

"...Are you not afraid of me?" Childe said instead of addressing the silent invitation.

Zhongli blinked slowly.

He looked at Childe intently and then replied, "Should I be?"

"I asked if you are," Childe said simply.

"I do not." Zhongli said honestly, "There is no reason for me to. You had been considerate and polite, although a bit distant."

There was silence before Zhongli spoke again, "...Is that the reason that you keep your distance from me? You thought that... You are scaring me?"

That is surprisingly...

Ah. Zhongli could find a lot of words—considerate, kind, thoughtful—but one word that came first to his mind was,

'cute.'

For a creature so fearsome, had he been so mindful of his being that he kept his distance, even though he was curious enough to follow Zhongli around for most of the things that he did?

Childe didn't immediately answer, but he lifted a hand and scratched the back of his head—almost sheepishly. Again, Zhongli thought it was adorable.

"I could kill you, you know." Childe finally said.

"You certainly can try," Zhongli said with a chuckle, "But you didn't, until now."

"..."

Zhongli found this was the longest exchange that he had with Childe and it was amusing.

He never considered Childe as threatening or scary before—never really had actual discomfort in looking at his beastly appearance or sharing the same space.

But having the exchange just now makes him more curious and delighted in the prospect of interacting with him further.

Zhongli patted the space beside him again, "Would you want to sit with me? If you don't want to, I won't ask again. But if you were concerned about me, please trust me that your company is welcome."

The movement was reluctant, but with a plop of his bulk, Childe finally sat beside him.

Sitting side by side like this, Zhongli could finally examine their difference in size.

Childe was gigantic. His head barely met Childe's chest when they were sitting like this. Childe's hand probably could circle his whole waist. His red hair was unruly, but it looked soft.

"It isn't accurate," Childe suddenly said.

"Hm?" The statement broke Zhongli's train of thought, "What is?"

"That book," Childe pointed to the book in the man's hand.

Zhongli looked at the book—the one on Snezhnayan winter festivals—and asked, "Oh? Are you familiar with Snezhnayan ways, Childe?"

Childe nodded. 

Zhongli waited. If his hunches were right, Childe would—

"...I was from Snezhnaya," Childe finally explained.

Zhongli beamed. Perhaps the fearsome fellow was not as hard to read as he thought.

He then proceeded to ask some questions, and discuss and listened to Childe telling him all the things he found wrong with the book.

Conversing with Childe like this, Zhongli realised a few things.

Childe's voice was not as deep when he was talking at length. It was a bit boyish, even. Once Childe was comfortable, he talked candidly, and the anecdotes that he mentioned to prove his point were honest and straightforward. 

Zhongli rather liked the way he talked.

Not to mention the certain level of intellect and grace that Childe demonstrated only from the discussion itself—Childe addressed his questions and concerns properly; was careful with his claims, confident with the facts. 

It was delightful.

So when Zhongli let out an involuntary laugh at a random remark that Childe said, he felt the need to tell him, "It was a pleasure talking with you, Childe. I am happy we have this conversation. I hope you would join me more often, for us to converse like this."

Zhongli probably didn't realise that it was the twinkle in his eyes that made Childe fall silent. 

Oblivious, Zhongli said again, "Ah, I don't mean to be impudent, of course. Only if you want—"

"Sure."

A little taken aback by the interruption, Zhongli was quick to give a warm reply, "Lovely."

That was the start of their unlikely friendship.

-

Food

Zhongli had asked Childe if he could hunt with him—it was alright to go beyond the woods if Childe was with him—and he found that Childe was an exceptional hunter.

He was adept with bow—even when he said that it was a weapon he had the least proficiency in; their hunt was so quick and uneventful for each kill was made in seconds. Zhongli was an experienced hunter as well. Whilst he had little need to kill as Childe was doing it for them, Zhongli swiftly skinned and cut their prey, efficiently with his knife. All parts of the animal will be separated with a purpose in mind. 

Childe was impressed with his skills too, though Zhongli soon found out why Childe didn't try to hone it himself.

Apparently, Childe had always eaten his food raw.

When Childe presented him with the seafood soup, it was the first time he was cooking after so many years. He didn't remember how to make anything else, so he went all his way to the sea—another hour of walk from where they were—to find ingredients he knew how to process.

Childe then mentioned that he was relieved that Zhongli was so quick to cook his own, for he didn't want Zhongli to starve.

"You shouldn't have," Zhongli had said, realising how much he inconvenienced Childe that first night. 

(Also how mindful Childe was, even mere hours of the encounter.)

"Nonsense. You are mine to take care of," Childe answered, "It's my responsibility,"

At that remark, Zhongli took a moment to ponder. It was an odd feeling, Zhongli thought.

A claim so possessive and presumptuous, yet it was delivered with so much confidence; so much certainty.

So bold, implying that he was in Childe's mercy, it was only because of the freedom that Childe let him have that he could do what he did.

Perhaps not entirely wrong, but if anything, Zhongli was not insulted. He was amused.

It had been a long time since he felt like he belonged somewhere.

Belonging to Childe was not something he thought would happen for going to the woods on behalf of the village that day, but Zhongli found that he was not against it, and to be honest—with all the freedom and the company that he currently enjoys—it did not seem so bad at all.

-

Garden

After weeks, Zhongli's garden finally started to show its beauty.

There was a plot of fresh produce—the leftover vegetables that Zhongli had planted finally come to fruition. Zhongli was happy and had a habit of cooking with the ingredients that he grew in the garden.

Some of the wild glaze lilies were in bloom, and they were so healthy and pretty. Zhongli had diligently cut the tall grass and sang to them every day—and his efforts paid off.

A few weasels that would pick some of the ripe berries, apples and sunsettias in the garden were no longer hiding and sometimes would approach him if they spotted him with a treat in hand. 

Zhongli would laugh and happily indulge them by giving them more fruits that he had collected.

Childe would be close by, most of the time.

Sometimes would help Zhongli work with the vegetables after he learned how.

 

"Careful," Zhongli chuckled, "If you pull too hard, you'll rip its roots.

Zhongli let him try with another, and closed a small, gentle hand on top of his giant ones, "Slowly, like this,"

With a faint pressure on his hand, Childe gently pulled out the vegetable successfully.

"Very good, Childe. A fast learner, I see," Zhongli praised.

Childe replied easily with a laugh, "Only because you are a good teacher, Zhongli."

"Am I?" Zhongli said with a smile, "I am glad then,"

 

They didn't talk much when Zhongli gardened and Childe would only listen when Zhongli sings softly.

But the company had been pleasant.

When it was time for lunch, Zhongli would cook.

And unlike the first few weeks, when Zhongli would eat lunch by himself,

now he always eats with company.

He never minded being alone; he had been alone for quite some time after Alatus had passed away. The time at dinner was already delightful for him—even when Childe had yet become as friendly as he was now—since it had been a while since he had somebody willing to listen to his chatter. 

But he found it so easy to get used to Childe's company; where he listened as he talked, where he responded—sometimes animatedly—to his questions and remarks, where he was holding him close so Zhongli wouldn't trip from the overgrown roots that he missed, where he kept a reasonable distance as Zhongli work to not crowd him. 

The transition from his solitary life to an almost constant company had been smooth and effortless, sometimes Zhongli had forgotten that it was only a few months of him living together with Childe despite feeling like it had been for longer.

Zhongli definitely didn't mind living together for longer.

-

Family

The dresses had become a habit for him too.

For the first few days, his clothes were fine. But he could only wear it for some time until he needed to wash it.

It was fortunate, he thought, when he found a few clean and modest dresses inside the wardrobe in his room.

Thinking that he could wear it temporarily as he waited for his clothes to dry, he easily slipped into the clothing. Some of it was a bit too tight, but he then found one and two that he could wear comfortably.

The first night Childe saw him in the dress, he was a bit self-conscious—he didn't ask if he could wear the things that he found, even though Childe technically had said that he could do what he wanted.

So he bashfully asked Childe at the time, if he minded that he wore the things that were in his wardrobe—explaining that his clothes were cleaned and he only borrowed them for a time.

Childe had said that it was fine.

It was early—way before Zhongli finally got to know Childe better. Childe only said it was fine. He didn't comment on anything else.

Zhongli would wear the clothes from the wardrobe in his room often—the nightgown to sleep, the yellow sundress to garden, the more proper ones for dinner. 

He only had one pair of shirt and trousers, but plenty of dresses from the wardrobe. By that fact alone, it was easier for him to get comfortable in those garments than insisting on wearing his own clothes as soon as they were cleaned.

He didn't mind it. After all, it was nothing but clothing. If anything, Zhongli adored some of them, for how soft it felt on his skin and how easy it was to wear.

Childe used to not comment much on it. He did mention that some of the dress matched his eyes, another made him look slimmer; but never in length, never personal.

But after the fateful night in the library, after a few trips beyond the woods together, and after a more honest conversation over dinner—Childe had finally said that the dresses were his older sister's.

"You have a sister?"

"Had." Childe said, "A younger one too."

"Oh," Zhongli said softly. He didn't miss the implication of Childe's words. He continued, "I don't have any siblings, but I did have those who feel like one." 

There was a beat of silence before Childe replied, "But you left them for the village's sake?"

Zhongli gave out a small laugh, "No... They passed away quite a while ago. I was by myself for years. The reason I volunteered is also because I am not bound to anything, you see."

"Oh," Childe fell silent for a while, until he spoke again, "I used to have two older brothers too. And two younger ones."

Zhongli blinked, "That's quite a big family, you have."

"Yeah."

Childe didn't speak anymore, so Zhongli didn't ask.

But that night, when he sat on the vanity in his room, thinking that the mansion was once filled with so many members of the family...

Zhongli wondered how lonely Childe must have felt.

-

Understanding

Childe was playful.

It was subtle at first, but sometimes Childe would ask if he would look at him, and then there was a carrot on the side of his horn.

It was silly and Zhongli had laughed until his belly hurt.

Some other times it was a tickle to his side—when he was walking between the shelves; when he was squatting to feed the wild weasels.

He would be startled until he laughed at the sensation. It was always short and funny, and Zhongli never felt annoyed or tortured.

Sometimes he joked when Zhongli told him stories, asking absurd questions which he would answer himself with more absurd remarks.

When he did, it always took a while for Zhongli to understand the humour, though it seemed that Childe didn't mind him being slow in that regard.

Zhongli could never see his smile or his grin.

The only thing he could see from Childe's face was his bright, violet eye that told him little of his feelings.

But it was through the gesture; through the casual way he touched Zhongli; through the ease of telling him foolish, nonsensical comments; that Zhongli learnt Childe too, found a company in him.

-

Prey

In one particular dinner, Zhongli had asked why.

He wondered why Childe had asked for a person from the village. He wondered if Childe would keep anyone who would come.

Childe opened his mouth—the purple steel parted for a glimpse of flesh and sharp teeth—munching on his meal before he answered, "Wanted to eat them."

The answer was not all that surprising. The thing was, he guessed that it was Childe's intent, but it had been months since he lived here, and here he was.

"So you're fattening me up, right now?"

Childe chuckled, "A body like yours, the only thing that will get fat is your butt."

Zhongli blushed, Childe had made similar comments on how shapely his bottom was and Zhongli was left flustered every time. He appreciated his body just fine, but it was a bit confusing for him when Childe teased him about that. "Is that a confirmation?"

"Hmm," Childe hummed and nodded, continuing his eating. Zhongli had become adept in understanding Childe's taste in food—whilst he used to eat his food raw, it was only for convenience. He was not a picky eater, but he appreciated meals with a stronger taste. Also, he ate four times as much as Zhongli. Even then, he'll always finish first. 

With Zhongli pausing to talk in between his meals, it was not surprising.

Seeing that Childe only responded with a hum and continued eating, Zhongli finally said, "...I see."

To which garnered a snort from Childe, "Pfft, I'm joking, you know." Childe looked up to see Zhongli, his food almost gone, "I'm not gonna eat you!"

"But you wanted to."

"Well..." Childe propped his chin with a hand, "I really planned to eat the person the village would give me. But when you came, I didn't think I wanted to eat you. So I didn't."

That made Zhongli curious, "And why is that?"

"You're too pretty."

Zhongli blinked, "Excuse me?"

Zhongli could never see it, but he was certain Childe was grinning, "Yeah, really."

"You're teasing me again."

Childe laughed, "It's the truth. Well. I guess you just seemed interesting. I don't know why. When I saw you, you didn't feel like a prey to me."

Childe continued, "It's been a long while since I have a company. So I thought maybe I could keep you. I don't like torture, so I give you a room and food. I don't know. I didn't have a plan B. I just wing it—maybe I'll eat you someday, maybe I won't, I'll just do what I feel like doing. But you're so fascinating. You just surprised me with everything that you say and do. I found that I was curious about you. Then... well. Here we are."

Zhongli looked pensive, "I don't think I said or did anything grand, though?"

Childe shrugged, "Zhongli, you sing to the glaze lilies."

At that, Zhongli felt compelled to defend the behaviour, "Their growth is vastly influenced by such gestures,"

"See," Childe responded, "That's exactly it. Also. The first thing you asked of me when you arrived here was cleaning supplies."

"...The room was dusty."

Childe laughed merrily. To regular mortals, perhaps the sound would make them cringe in fear of how intimidating it was.

In Zhongli's ears, the cheekiness was apparent and he bit his lip at the response, "I still think it was perfectly normal to request such a thing,"

Ceasing his laugh, Childe said, "Zhongli, let's face it. You're quite an odd fellow."

Zhongli looked pensive at the remark. Childe seemed to catch it and immediately continued, "Not that it's a bad thing. I mean, you're alive because of that."

Zhongli gave a small smile, "I guess that's true."

"...Does people call you 'odd' often?"

"Mm-hmm. Not in so many words. But I am not oblivious to what people think of me. I do wonder the reason... but it does not matter. Their opinions held little influence on my actions and decisions in the first place."

Childe said, "I like it,"

"Hm? Like what?"

"You. Being odd."

Zhongli chuckled, "Are you sure? If I wasn't odd, perhaps I would have fed you well." 

"You feed me well alive too." Childe said, "And they are delicious."

"Ah right, that's also true."

Zhongli's expression is serene as if the talk of him being served as a meal wasn't a big deal.

Indeed, Zhongli didn't think it was a big deal.

Childe broke the silence once more, "I think it's obvious that I like you alive more than you're dead."

"Perhaps," Zhongli laughed. There was a pause before he continued, "Or at least it will be until you think otherwise," Zhongli said easily. His smile was gentle as he mentioned it. It was without malice nor accusation, a plain statement of truth.

Childe didn't deny it.

-

Memories

Zhongli wondered about Childe's past often.

Sometimes things just brought up—like that Childe used to have siblings, and that his current room was Childe's older sister's, which explains the dresses. That he had trained himself well in many weaponry and he was proficient at many battle arts. That the house used to be a temporary residence of his family but his real residence in Snezhnaya was long gone.

That Childe liked fishing—used to ice-fish when he was younger with his father and older brothers.

That Childe adored his younger siblings and spoiled them a lot. That he would bring toys and treats from across the continent, whenever he finally back after being away from home.

So many things about his family were told in passing but never explained, but Zhongli often stopped himself from asking further.

It felt impertinent. Out of line.

-

Flowers

"Zhongli, look what I found,"

Zhongli was reading a book in the library, and he looked up to see Childe closing the door and strolling closer to where he was. 

When he was close enough, Childe showed the flowers that he had been hiding behind his back. It was a bunch of them, with varying states of age.

"Oh." Zhongli touched one of the petals gingerly, pleasantly surprised, "It's silk flowers,"

"Yeah."

Zhongli didn't understand, "But... these flowers are native to Liyuen soil."

"I know, but you mentioned you liked them. You said they smell good."

Zhongli chuckled, yes, he said that, but still he inquired with wonderment "That is really sweet. I did say that, didn't I? Did you find them in the nearby forest? I didn't know they can grow in different climates." But that would make sense, after all, the wild glaze lilies also grow in the garden. 

Childe shook his head. The fluff of his hair waved a bit. "As you said, they're native to Liyue."

At that answer, Zhongli blinked, "You went to Liyue, to find silk flowers?"

Childe stood straighter, proud, "I did and I found them." Animatedly, he took out the withered flower among them, "We can try to plant them here, I think we can wait a bit to get seeds from this one."

Zhongli could only shake his head in amusement at the easy dismissal of going a few hundred miles to the South, how very Childe to effortlessly do things he wanted—he smiled warmly and replied, "That's a wonderful idea."

"I mean, it might not work out, but they have a fair chance, I think?" Childe continued, "We have different kinds of flowers around. You can also find the glaze lilies in Liyue too, right?"

Zhongli nodded, a happy smile still plastered on his face, "What are your plans for the others?"

"These?" Childe motioned the rest of the flowers in his hands, "These are all for you! I mean, the seeds are technically for you too, but we can plant them together."

He took one flower, and not needing to be told, Zhongli held his head up as Childe carefully placed it behind his ear. "There."

With a contained laugh, Zhongli asked, "How do I look?"

Childe took a step back and put a fist under his chin as if thinking thoughtfully, and then he said, "Something is missing."

"Oh? And what is that?"

"My other eye, because I should have had two to capture such beautiful vision in front of me."

Zhongli laughed merrily at the flirtatious line, "Oh Childe, what a charming gentleman!"

Zhongli could hear a grin from Childe's reply, "Why, you should expect no less from me," he stepped closer to Zhongli again, this time offering all of the flowers he apparently just plucked out from the depths of Liyue region.

Smiling shyly, Zhongli took them in his hands and sniffed them slowly.

Expression serene, he looked back to Childe and said, "Thank you, Childe. Let's plant them tomorrow?"

"Let's."

-

Smell

"I always think you smell nice."

Zhongli blinked at that statement. He finished his chew and said with a smile, "Thank you, Childe. I appreciate that." 

"You're welcome."

"What do you think I smell like?" Zhongli asked, indulging in the conversation, "Does it remind you of something?"

Childe hummed, "Mm I am not sure. Maybe like a flower? The silk flowers maybe. I am not sure either. But it is what I imagine a flower would smell like,"

Zhongli chuckled, "I almost thought that you'd say something like, I'd smell like fresh meat—and that smells nice to you"

Childe laughed at the joke, "Then I wouldn't say you smell nice, I'd say you smell delicious."

"I will still count that as a compliment," Zhongli smiled.

Childe laughed harder, and said, "Why Zhongli, you sound like you want me to eat you!"

"I am just saying that it's flattering that you think I smell nice."

It's funny how their joke about being predator and prey exchanged so lightly between the two of them now—but that should be expected.

After all, friends joked with one another all the time.

-

Touch

"Can I touch you?"

Childe didn't answer immediately. He looked down at Zhongli, who was sitting next to him on the couch.

Zhongli tilted his head a little, waiting for his response.

"You have touched me before. What makes it different now?" Childe said playfully.

True. Many times Zhongli had felt the hard steel under his hand, the cold feeling behind his back when he was held close, and the smooth lifelessness as a hand gripped his. After living together for a while, Zhongli started to understand that Childe was not really wearing armour or a mask.

The armour and mask were part of him.

Zhongli chuckled, "You are right. It's just..." He paused, thinking the best way to say it, "I didn't touch you deliberately before. I now wanted to feel it. Your... skin. Your face."

Childe paused, wondering if he heard right. Zhongli did not even explain why he wanted to touch him, he just wanted to. Childe thought of Zhongli as somebody who catalogues a lot of rules in his head, but there are times when he wondered what Zhongli considered as within the realm of appropriateness. 

Like this one.

But Childe is a simple man, and perhaps way more than Zhongli, he has long abandoned norms such as what is considered 'appropriate' and not. He just does what he thinks is right, whether society would agree with that judgment or not.

Why would he deny such a simple request anyway? He shrugged with nonchalance and faced his body towards Zhongli. 

It was awkward—the couch was not that big and the way Childe put his leg on the couch made the space feel smaller. "Sure," Childe said easily.

Zhongli smiled. He turned to sit facing Childe as well and tentatively reached out to Childe's arm. He slid his hand carefully until he reached Childe's shoulder. The rigged along the surface was not sharp, but he could see how dangerous the edges could be if Childe wanted to use it.

He trailed a finger to Childe's neck, slowly. He stared intently at the places he touched as he moved his hand.

A gaze so intense yet full of allure and wonder; accompanied with a touch so gentle, as if Childe was most fragile.

Zhongli reached his destination and ended his exploration with a palm on Childe's cheek. 

Thumb caressing the surface slowly as he asked, "Can you feel it? My touch."

If Childe needed a few heartbeats before he replied, Zhongli didn't notice.

"Mmn."

"It's so interesting. It felt more like armour than skin, but even tough and hard like this, you can still feel sensation," Zhongli said in amazement.

"I don't know how it works, but yeah. It's like you're touching me directly. I am technically naked now."

Zhongli blinked.

"Oh?"

Even though he couldn't see it, Zhongli was sure Childe was grinning, "You want to feel me up, right? You can touch me anywhere, you know."

Zhongli felt his cheek heated up a bit, but he replied calmly, "I would not touch you anywhere unwelcomed..." He then hastily spoke again as he realised what Childe was doing, "Ah, you are teasing me."

Childe laughed, and being so close like this—Zhongli could feel the rumble of his chest. 

"I am serious, you know. It might look like an armour I could take off, but I could not get rid of this, even if I wanted to. I can take off whatever is attached to the belt and the scarf, but otherwise, everything else is my body."

Zhongli was silent at that remark and took his hand away from Childe's face. He had that figured out, but having that confirmed made him wonder about the mystery behind it. He looked at Childe again, remembering how he moved. Thinking how it was Childe's body through and through.

He asked hesitantly, "...How did it come to this?"

Childe said easily, "You asked as if I am not born like this."

"Were you?"

"Nope," Childe replied cheekily.

Zhongli slapped his chest half-heartedly, exasperated, "Then was I wrong to phrase the question that way?" 

Childe laughed again, finding amusement in the way Zhongli was annoyed at his careless replies. 

Zhongli pursed his lips into a thin line, waiting for the real answer.

But Childe only continued teasing, "Zhongli, do you realise that when you do that, your cheeks puffed adorably? You have the most lovely pout."

Zhongli continued his silence, now with a hand folded in front of his chest.

Two can play at the game, if Childe was to be stubborn with his answers, Zhongli too, can be stubborn in his silence. 

Childe finally relented and said, "I don't want to talk about it."

As if broken from a trance, Zhongli immediately collected himself, "Ah... Please forgive me, Childe. I didn't mean to push you. I was out of line. I apologize."

Childe huffed and laughed, "Nah, it's fine. Ask me again someday, maybe I'd be in the mood then."

Zhongli didn't reply. He felt ashamed.

It was clear that it was a sensitive subject and he broached so obnoxiously. 

He could only apologise, "I'm sorry."

At Zhongli's weak apology, Childe said again, "I'm not angry, Zhongli. It's fine."

They fell silent.

They were sitting so close together, but it was one of the times that Zhongli felt they were so far away.

-

Funny

Childe sometimes would catch himself staring at Zhongli.

It had been so long.

It truly has been so long.

A presence around him.

A soft touch on his skin.

A smile.

A hug.

It had been so long.

Funny, Childe thought.

He thought that, right after his whole body had become the abomination that it is, he no longer had the capacity to feel anything. 

But now he looked at Zhongli, and he felt he wanted to explode.

Not sure what wanting to explode means, but seems like a good thing.

Wait.

Does that even make sense?

"Childe,"

Childe blinked, "Yeah?"

Zhongli called out to him, but he was still chopping the carrots for the stew. Who knows if he figured out how long Childe has been staring, but he didn't seem to notice. "Can you fetch me the bowl?"

Childe moved as requested, leaving the chair where he was supposed to peel the potatoes, and even if the feeling did not go away, he didn't ponder about it longer.

-

Memories (2)

Sometimes Zhongli remembers memories of his loved ones.

Sometimes he would remember the gentle caress on his snout that his mother gave him, back when he was such a young blood—when he had yet assumed a resemblance of human form. He would remember his father's proud smile over his first hunt. 

But his parents were the last of their kind, and their flesh and blood are highly sought after. Zhongli was still so young but he understood when his parents asked him to roam, making sure that their ties were untraceable, and that he would continue to keep his identity a secret. 

He was heartbroken, if it was up to him he would be happy to stay with his parents even if it meant certain death.

But he understood. For him to continue living is anything that his parents would do for him, and he would do anything to fulfil that wish.

The memories were bittersweet, but he knew he was truly loved.

Sometimes he would remember the song Guizhong hummed to him, the flowers Ping taught him the names of, and the joke that Azhdaha used to make.

The dish Harvia used to cook him, the clothing that Menogias would sew for him, the small smile of gratitude Alatus would present him after a long day of hard work in the field. The cheers and laughter that he would share with all of his friends in the comfort of his house when they all gathered together for dinner.

But the war was ruthless, and time was even crueller. After losing most of his friends from the war, he only spent two years before Azhdaha was driven to madness, seven years before Menogias went missing, and a few decades with the rest, before Alatus drew his last breath, and was alone once more.

Each and every memory he had with them stayed close in his heart, as he lived from one village to another—living quietly, knowing that his long life was both a gift and a curse.

Despite that, he enjoyed living the way he was. There are no regrets, and without the gift of his long life, he would never been able to feel so much love and happiness from spending his time with people he cared about.

It had been a long time since then.

It had been a long time since he found another that found a way into his heart and had become a source of happiness. 

It had come in the form of a huge beastly gentleman who served him seafood because that's the only dish he knows how to make, who shied away from his presence because he was wary he would scare him, who went across the border to find flowers that he mentioned in passing as a fragrance that he liked.

Zhongli chuckled at the memory.

'He is so endearing,' He thought, 'I am most fortunate, to find myself by his side.'

And he was.

-

Dream

Zhongli dreamt of a warm touch.

Careful and gentle. 

It made him very happy. 

His eyelashes fluttered as he woke himself up, eyes blinking slowly.

The giant shadow that enveloped him didn't startle him. He merely looked at the presence hulking next to his bed. His voice was coarse from sleep, but his smile was kind, "Hello, Childe."

"...Sorry. I didn't mean to wake you."

Zhongli smiled wider, "It's fine." He sat up gracefully from where he laid down, looking up to Childe, "What is it? Do you need anything?" 

Childe didn't answer immediately. The hesitance was apparent, but Zhongli was patient. 

"Nothing. I just... well. I wanted to see you."

Zhongli scooted towards an empty side of the bed and patted the space that he left off, motioning Childe to fill the space next to him. He was still drowsy, but he was awake enough to have a company.

Childe sat down, his gaze not leaving Zhongli. Zhongli met his eyes right on.

"Do you not sleep, Childe?"

"Well. I don't really need to, but I do. I usually do. I did."

Zhongli blinked slowly at the remark, "Then what had awoken you?"

"Uh..." Childe said hesitantly. He touched the back of his neck sheepishly, "I had a nightmare?"

Zhongli tilted his head in wonder, "You are watching me sleep?"

Childe laughed nervously, "I swear I'm not trying to be creepy."

"Ah.." Zhongli trailed off. He didn't think much when he asked, "Do you want to sleep with me? Sometimes it's better with company."

"...Huh?"

Zhongli patted the space again, "Here, sleep with me. You are quite massive, but this bed is more than enough for the two of us." 

The offer is met with silence, but Zhongli had known Childe long enough to not take it as a rejection from the get-go. He scooted away from where he sat, giving out a wide enough space for Childe, and laid down comfortably next to it. 

He looked at Childe expectantly.

Childe was still for a moment.

But when he finally moved, he lay down in the space next to Zhongli,

And hugged him tight.

The act caught Zhongli off-guard—he didn't expect to be engulfed in an embrace—but he was quick to regain his composure and gingerly tried to return the hug. A hard feat, considering the abruptness of Childe's action made their position a bit awkward.

Childe shifted a bit, making it possible to hug Zhongli more properly, with Zhongli's head on his arms as he wrapped Zhongli with his gigantic arms.

After a few more moments of silence that Zhongli didn't bother to disturb, Zhongli can finally hear a murmur.

"...What was that?"

"Warm," Childe said, clearer. "You're warm."

Zhongli chuckled. He didn't notice it before when he touched Childe before. But Childe was warm too.

He was warm.

Zhongli could feel Childe's warmth, the warmth that was shared between them, and he thought that he could feel the warmth in his cheeks too.

It was not uncomfortable.

In fact, it's quite the opposite.

Yet he felt an increasingly heavy feeling. It's hard to explain, but his heart felt like it was full and he was suffocating. 

And without really noticing, he found that he shed a tear.

It was not a sudden realization, no. It felt like being submerged little by little in still water—it was gentle but heavy. Spending time with Childe this whole time, he knew. 

But tonight was the time when Zhongli understood what he was feeling.

He must have been so lonely.

"Oh Childe," Zhongli thought, "I am here now,"

"I am here."

_

Home

"Don't you want to come back, Zhongli?" Childe asked as he braid Zhongli's hair.

It was really hard since he had thick fingers and Zhongli had really soft hair, but with time and patience, he got a hold of it now.

Also, they have plenty of time to kill.

Zhongli hummed, "Come back where?"

"You know, the village," Childe said, adding random dry leaves as an ornament to Zhongli's hair since he was reprimanded for plucking a newly bloomed flower last time.

Zhongli turned his head a bit, looking at Childe with the corner of his eyes, "Why is that?"

Childe tilted his head, face without expression as usual, but the gesture speaks of his confusion, "Because you miss it? I don't know, it's your home?"

Zhongli smiled, "I don't. Also, it's not."

"What do you mean?"

"I don't miss it. I can be nostalgic about my time there, but I don't miss it. Also, it's not my home anymore."

Childe cannot see Zhongli's expression from where he's sitting.

"Is that a good thing?" Childe asked.

"Hmm... I think so."

Zhongli's answer was not immediately responded, but Childe then said, "You can... go back if you want."

Surprised, Zhongli turned to see Childe. 

Zhongli was confused, so he looked at Childe's eye deeply, and asked, "Are you... are you asking me to go back?"

Childe deadpanned, "No. I want you here. But if you want to go back, you can."

"That's... that's considerate of you. But, can I stay? I am really happy here, Childe."

"...Really?"

"Yeah."

"So you will stay here. With me."

"As long as you allow it."

"Are you sure? Because that would be forever." Childe's tone was playful, but Zhongli knew better. With Childe, he can always believe his words. He never says things that are untrue. 

Zhongli smiled.

"Forever is a long time, but I would be happy to spend it with you."

Zhongli can never truly know Childe's feelings, unless he tells him. There was no telling what lies behind the glint of the gigantic, singular eye of his.

Childe didn't say anything further, and neither did Zhongli.

But it was no matter. What needed to be said was out, and it was known to both of them that their company was wanted.

It was enough for Zhongli.

And it was everything for Childe.

-

Secret

"There's another something that I haven't told you," Childe said out of nowhere, as he helped Zhongli dry the laundry out in the garden.

"Oh? And may I know what that is, Childe?"

Childe nodded. "It's Ajax."

Zhongli turned to look at Childe and found that Childe was looking back at him. Childe repeated, "My name is Ajax."

Zhongli blinked slowly, and as if caught in a spell, he felt a blossoming warmth in his heart.

"Ajax," Zhongli repeated.

"Yeah."

He smiled, "That's a lovely name."

"Heh," Childe—Ajax snickered, "You should be honoured! You are the only living being in this world who knows my name."

Zhongli chuckled softly, "I figured. It is an honour. Thank you for sharing it with me."

When he moved his gaze back to Ajax again, he found that Ajax was silently looking at him. He found that Ajax had been doing that since the moment he arrived—observing him silently, gaze undeniably set on his person. He used to not know what it meant, and what to feel about it.

But slowly, he felt warmth from being the subject of that gaze, and despite never truly knowing what lies behind that orb...

Zhongli realized that he was happy. Having the care and attention from Childe, was a wonderful feeling—even when it's in the simplest form as a look in his eye.

However, if he was allowed to be more greedy,

He would love the opportunity to know what lies behind the silent gaze fixed upon him and wishes that he could witness the real person behind that purple mask.

-

Curse

Childe found Zhongli reading intently in the library, surrounded by a couple of books.

It was not unusual. Since the moment Zhongli found the library, he had been a regular visitor of that room. He loved to read. After Childe was there to accompany him, other than reading, sometimes he would retell the stories or facts he read, sometimes they would just converse there, and sometimes Zhongli would read him a story. 

Lately, though, Zhongli was just reading.

Childe was not stupid. He could tell what Zhongli had been trying to do.

The books that he's reading the past weeks told him too much without him having to ask.

When Childe inched closer to him, Zhongli looked up and acknowledged his presence, "Good evening, Ajax. Do you need me for anything?"

"No, not really. You can continue what you're doing."

At that, Zhongli continued reading.

Childe observed Zhongli for quite a while. The silence between them was only occasionally broken by the sound of pages being turned. 

Sighing, Childe paced across the room, before finally relented and said, "Well, if you must know, it was a curse."

"..."

"..."

Zhongli didn't say anything, but he had stopped reading and turned to look at where Childe was standing.

Childe didn't offer anything else despite Zhongli staying silent to urge him to explain further. Zhongli let go of the tension he had in his body and sighed.

"...I guessed something along those lines." Zhongli finally said. To be honest, the books that he read had not just been about curses. He read through myths and folklore and research studies on anything that might have anything to do with any sort of transformation—magic, potions, creatures, among other things. 

"Ah, as expected from Mr. Zhongli. Your intellect is admirable, I adore that about you too." The tone was lively, and it was a sincere compliment from Childe.

"But..." Zhongli ignored the playfulness of the reply, "...How? Is there a way to cure it? Do you..."

"Hm," Childe said curtly, even before Zhongli finished his question. Zhongli realised how pushy he sounded, but he had stopped himself from asking so many times, he thought that maybe this time... 

"It's not... well. I don't know where to start, really. Also, it's a bit somber, so I don't think it's fun to hear."

Childe ruffled his hair, facing away from Zhongli, "But if you'd like to know, I don't mind. For the record, I don't mind the curse anymore, so I'm fine."

Earnestly, Zhongli replied, "I do. I want to know more".

Childe must not realize it, but Zhongli always wanted to know more about him. Anything. Everything. The curse was just one of the biggest, most apparent mysteries, out of all things that Zhongli wishes to know about Childe.

"Okay," Childe nodded, "Anything in particular you want to know?"

Zhongli blinked at the question. He hummed thoughtfully, putting his fist under his chin like he always did. He then decided to ask, "Is the curse what separates you from your family?"

Childe laughed, but this time, it was nothing like the casual tone he had been using when he brought up the subject—it was false and empty, and Zhongli hated hearing it, "It's what killed them, would be more accurate." 

Zhongli's heart lurched. He hesitated at his next question, but he wouldn't be able to help if he didn't know anything, "...Would you tell me what it is? Perhaps we can—"

"—Find the cure? Nah. It's fine. It won't happen. It won't be cured."

"I... wanted to try." Zhongli said, "Even if it's hard, I'd wanted to find a way."

"..." Childe didn't budge from where he sat. 

Zhongli waited.

With a huge sigh, Childe threw his head and back to the couch and said, "You are so stubborn for the oddest things, you know?" Not waiting for Zhongli's response, he continued, "I don't even know the exact curse... I guess, I am fated to be an unlovable beast? I love my family. That's why they're gone."

"..."

Zhongli looked pensive. He made a move to touch Childe slowly, so Childe could back away if he didn't want to. Childe didn't move though, so he proceeded to touch his arm and caressed it softly.

"Can you tell me more?"

Childe finally looked at Zhongli who was still sitting next to him. Zhongli looked so serious, his whole body facing him—with one leg propped to the couch to achieve it—and eyes glinting with curiosity. 

No, perhaps that was not just curiosity—Zhongli always had that glint in his eyes when he listened to Childe: attentive, thoughtful, interested. As a last attempt to dissuade him, Childe said, "It's boring actually... It's really short too. I deserved it."

"I want to know,"

"Fine, fine."

With that, Childe started telling his story, "Basically, when I was little, I fell into this magical pit. When I said magical, I just meant it's unworldly. With a lot of weird things that I cannot comprehend. A lot of them are scary and aggressive, so to defend myself, I killed them."

"Magical pit?" Zhongli inquired, curious.

"It's a hole in the ground, I guess. I fell and whatever greeted me the first time there, they wanted to eat me."

Zhongli continued to listen, a concerned look on his face. Must have been a terrible thing to happen at such a young age.

"I didn't know what they were, but whatever those things were, I found a way to kill them. So I did. Kill, I mean. A lot of them. I didn't feel guilty or sad. In fact, at one point, the violence feels fun, and it is what makes me alive, so... at one point, I don't know the lines. You know, between killing for fun or survival." The tone was casual, and it perhaps was a casual thing for Childe to mention that.

"I was about to kill one that begged me for mercy. I didn't grant their wish to spare them, so when they are dying, they told me I truly am a beast, and that it's just a matter of time until my body transform to its true form, as horrid as my heart, as heavy as my sins. That I will not know love, for I don't know grace or mercy."

"I think it was stupid. But from then on, I transformed bit by bit. I was 14 when I got out of that place—My older brother said I was missing for three days but it felt like years. Each year after I got out of that place, the same time as I fell down the pit, I transformed. First, it's my height. Then it's my hair. Suddenly, my skin is tough, and I am purple—something like that. Each year too, at the same time as I got out of that place, a member of my family died. First, it was my younger sister Tonia, then it was Dad. When I was 22, I was already like this," Childe gestured at his whole body, "and I have no one left."

"Ajax..." Zhongli started, not knowing what to say, "...I am sorry to hear that." 

Childe shrugged as he continued, "Don't worry about it. It's in the past."

Zhongli silently took hold of Childe's hand. Childe let him without resistance.

The difference between their hand is huge, but Zhongli still managed to wrap his fingers in between Childe's and give it a light squeeze.

Zhongli's feelings and thoughts were unspoken, but Childe understood.

It's the first time after so long that he feels that somebody cares.

He returned the gentle squeeze to Zhongli's hand, and Zhongli gave out a sad smile at that.

The silence was comfortable, but after a while, Zhongli was the first one to break it.

"I understand where you get the curse. But you mentioned that nothing can be done and the cure does not matter to you, is there a reason why?" 

Childe didn't think much before replying, "Well, in the last few years of me having any resemblance of human being that I once was, right after Anthony, my younger brother, died, my remaining family and I knew that it was the curse. We spend all those years trying and looking for a cure. I even tried killing myself, but this body... it got wounded, but it regenerated so quickly, I could not do anything fatal enough in one go, so I just kept surviving the killing blow I put upon myself."

"It didn't help that every year, we'll fail to find anything, and that every year, another person I loved died. Death felt like a better option than that." There's no change in the lightness in Childe's tone, but Zhongli cannot imagine how awful he was retelling this chapter of his life to him, "None of them had blamed me, and they lived the rest of their remaining lives—knowing that their live cut short—with me, in this house. It's so unfair how I brought that fate to them and I still hate myself for it. My older sister Sofia was the last one to go. For the whole year, it was just the two of us in this mansion. She was the last one to witness the last bit of human features being taken away from me, and she was the last one to say that they loved me. After she died, I cannot see the point in finding the cure anymore. "

Childe finished the story casually, "So yeah. It's been over 30 years since then—maybe? I don't count—and I am over it now."

"..."

"Sorry. Must be a bummer to hear that."

"No Ajax, don't apologize. I am really sorry it happened. Your family, they loved you."

Childe didn't respond immediately, but when he did, it was a simple, "Yeah."

Zhongli looked pensive and there was a tint of sadness in his eyes. To be honest, he was not all that unfamiliar with the oddities of the world. His constitution was uncommon too, and whilst living a sheltered life for most of his life, he knew enough of the "unworldly" and the wonder surrounding it. 

He too, had lived for some time after all.  

Childe's case was not unheard of, Zhongli knew, but the answer for curses made from dying wishes is very limited. Typical curses can broken by fulfilling the condition of the cure or eliminating the source of the curse. But a dead one—Childe was right, knowing the condition of the cure was a feat almost impossible and requires a magnificent amount of luck and there's no one to kill to remove the source. 

This kind of curse... Zhongli only knew one alternative.

  

The bearer of the curse has to be magically stronger than the source of the curse.

Now the question would be, how to make a creature like Tartaglia, who is a strong magical being on its own now, even stronger? As exhaustive as Zhongli's knowledge, he was not sure if his theories would work.

All the thought processes that Zhongli had gone unnoticed by Childe, but Childe didn't seem to be all that bothered by how much time Zhongli needed to ponder about the information that he just heard. He instead took the liberty to move from where he previously sat by Zhongli's side and curiously poked around the books and the notes that Zhongli had collected earlier before Childe came in to fill in his whole history.

There were a lot of notes—on curses, hybrid bodies, magical ailments, beastly creatures—and Childe wondered how much Zhongli knew about these kinds of things.

But to be honest, Childe meant it when he said that he did not mind his condition anymore. Unlike the first years of his transitions, he no longer feels pain. There's no one left for him to stop from dying. He was fine like this. It has been many years since then.

However, knowing that there was somebody who was so determined to help him out of the curse... that made Childe strangely happy.

He didn't care if he was cured. So how come he was this happy? This does not make a lot of sense.

But it was not an unfamiliar feeling, not anymore.

He has been happy since Zhongli entered his life.

"Ajax," Zhongli called out, stopping Childe's mind from wandering further. 

"Mm?" Childe hummed, moving his gaze back to Zhongli.

"If..." Zhongli paused for a moment, before continuing, "There are possible cures for this, would you be willing to try them? I know you said it does not matter and I would like to respect your choice. However. Your state is not natural, and I do not think it's good for you to continue to stay like this. If it's possible, I would like to help you regain your old self."

If that monstrous eye of his could, Childe would blink at that question. He never dreamt of returning to his old self. Now presented with the question, maybe it's not so bad? He was human—he had flesh. He could feel and sense things in ways that he could no longer can, and whilst Childe never really stopped to think if he missed it...

Being human again...

...has never been something he cared about in a long time.

So Childe instead asked, "Would that make you happy?"

Zhongli was taken aback at the question, "Excuse me?"

"If I am cured, would that make you happy, Zhongli?"

Zhongli shook his head, "Ajax... This is little about my happiness. I wish you all the wonderful things. A curse that took your family away from you—I wish to get rid of that because it's awful to think that you are chained to this fate until the moment you are gone from this world. But only if you want it. I am selfish in my wishes for your happiness, but your happiness is what matters to me here. If... you want to stay like this instead, I will not question you."

"Zhongli..." Childe paused, "You sounded like you care about me."

There's no hesitation in his reply, "Of course, I do Ajax. I like you very much."

"Oh wow," Childe gave out a small laugh, "I am so happy,"

Zhongli would be amused if it was an ordinary situation, but he instead pouted and insisted on going back to the origin of their conversation, "Ajax... I asked you a question."

"Sorry," Childe chuckled. "I like you very much too, Zhongli. You're so..." He stopped whatever he was going to say, and instead came up with, "You're the best." 

"Thank you," Zhongli answered gracefully, "But that is also not the answer to my question."

"To answer your question," Childe finally got back to the point, a trace of amusement still apparent in his words, "Sure, I'd be happy to try." 

Zhongli looked visibly brightened.

"However" Childe continued, "If I become this old, helpless grandpa upon me going back to my old body, then you are gonna take care of me for the rest of my life." 

Childe expected Zhongli to laugh at his joke, but what he saw was Zhongli, smiling so gently at him, and a simple,

"I promise."

And Childe, for the first time in years of having this beastly form, feels like something squeezed in his chest.

-

Theory

There are not many people who know what Zhongli really was. Azhdaha was the only one close to his kin that have an idea of half of who he was, but not fully. Zhongli was born with both Qilin and Dragon in his blood, and it was the biggest secret he had kept for his whole life.

Whilst his constitution was not common knowledge and his existence a myth, he is not oblivious to what he can do.

What his blood can do.

So in a predicament, where the question is to make one stronger.

He has a theory that he could help.

—

Realization

"Hold up," Childe cut in. He didn't quite believe that he had heard correctly. He stopped walking and turned back to look at Zhongli properly, "Mate with you? You want me to mate with you? Is that what you are suggesting?"

They had just finished hunting, and Childe had two deers behind his back. Zhongli was trailing behind him when he proposed it. At the question, Zhongli nodded patiently, as if he wasn't suggesting the most outrageous thing Childe had ever heard, "That, or if you eat me."

Childe shook his head, "Wait. Zhongli, this is, a bit hard for me to understand."

Zhongli just tilted his head, "Which one is difficult to understand?"

Zhongli had explained how he was a half-creature in his own right and that his kind was notoriously famous with ancient powers in their blood. That his flesh and blood would contain the magical powers that if consumed in any ways possible, could be the cure of his curse.

Mating for half-creatures is a way to share and cultivate power. 

Zhongli was still quite young for his kind—he was only 209 years old, and he even just became sexually mature a little over 20 years ago. His mother only found the bond she then shared with his father when she was in her 600s, and his father's 400s. Each of them are powerful hybrid in its own right, but after mating, it was said that they had been the two pillars of the prosperity of the land for over two centuries.

There is nothing alive in this world that has blood as powerful as Zhongli at this moment in time. Such cultivation of power, if Childe were to mate with him, wouldn't he be the most powerful being? A meager curse will no longer take effect on him.

Zhongli never actually engaged in sexual relations, both within or outside his cycle, so he would never know if anything would come out of it, but he figured that it was something they could try.

There are possibilities that it still might not work, but Zhongli thought they could try them.

"The part where you suggest that we should mate. Zhongli, you want to mate with me?" Childe asked, bewildered, "Me?" He emphasized, gesturing his whole form with his hands.

Zhongli blinked. He looked pensive, before he answered, "I have doubts if it would work... but I wasn't really against the idea of trying it if that could help you.

Childe shook his head, "You're nuts."

"You... don't want to mate with me?"

Childe felt his head ache, "That's not even the correct question Zhongli. Ok, let me get this straight, you think we should mate so we can see if my curse breaks, is that right?"

Zhongli nodded.

"Have you ever thought that if we mate, I become your mate and I yours?"

Zhongli nodded again, "That's what mating is."

"No, I mean—" Childe let out an exasperated sigh, "Zhongli. I used to be a regular human being, and no magical or whatever mystical blood or culture that you or your kind has, so correct me if I am being ignorant here."

Zhongli waited patiently, urging Childe to go on.

"—Unlike humans, mating is a bit different for you. When you mate, you are creating a bond. And it is once in a lifetime thing for you, isn't that right?"

Zhongli was still a bit confused about why this is a problem, "That's right."

"I wouldn't be so cruel to make you throw away the only chance for you to bond with, who knows, the love of your life or anything." Childe finished.

"..." Zhongli paused, thinking of how to say what was in his head.

For someone with so much knowledge, Zhongli can be a bit slow in considering his feelings, his being, and his priorities in the face of hard cold truths.

The truth is, he just realized how he had taken the idea of being Childe's mate for granted. 

He didn't even think about the consequences of mating Childe—not because he was ignorant to it, but because it felt so natural for him to have Childe as his mate.

There was not a single doubt.

Oh dear.

That realization alone makes Zhongli a bit flustered. But it was so easy for him to accept that being bonded to Childe is something that he would welcome with open arms.

Why would he not? After all, he had known for a while that Childe—Ajax, had become his most precious.

But what about Ajax? Zhongli blinked at the thought, would Ajax want to be bound with him for a lifetime? 

Suddenly Zhongli became embarrassed. How presumptuous of him! Even though it's a possibility that can cure Childe, it does not mean that Childe wants to mate with him.

Childe, oblivious to Zhongli's internal battle, continued, "I don't want to eat you too. I'll be alone again and it's not as fun anymore. You know, if those are things that could help me, maybe I am better off this way, and we could just continue like this. Wouldn't that be good?" 

Despite being flustered by his own thoughts, Zhongli was listening intently and considering Childe's answer with his whole heart.

It was true that the past months—has it been a year? It had been quite a while since their fateful meeting in the woods—had been pleasant for Zhongli, and he was happy that Childe shared the same sentiment.

He has found a friend that he treasures tremendously. A friend who had gone through horrible hardships, and had been alone in a cursed body for decades.

They could certainly continue living like this—they had been happy too.

But not trying means they are losing an opportunity for Childe to become his true self again.

Zhongli bit his lip, undecided. He gathered his courage and replied, "...No Ajax, wait."

"?"

"I understand what you are saying.," Zhongli started, "But do you... not want to be my mate?"

Childe gaped at the repeated question. "...Huh?"

Zhongli hesitated. He had not been able to swallow the embarrassment over his realization earlier, but if he didn't ask now, he was not sure if they would be able to discuss the possibility further. "To be yours... I am not unwilling." Zhongli finally said.

That statement was met with silence.

Zhongli looked up to see the single eye of Tartaglia, and for the first time after many months, he found that he was unable to decipher what emotion lies between that orb.

In each passing moment, Zhongli's heart grew heavier and heavier.

When Childe finally spoke, it was, "I never thought about it, Zhongli." And he left it at that.

There was a long pause before Zhongli took that reply gracefully and said, "I understand."

The atmosphere became heavy, and Zhongli felt like the air was a little bit hard to breathe.

Childe scratched the back of his head, "Shall we... go back?"

Zhongli nodded.

They went back to the mansion in silence.

—

Feelings

Childe regretted talking about the cure.

Because of thinking about him being cured, and thinking that he could have been together with Zhongli, united as two lovers—if not for the fact he was a monstrous beast that forced them to mate—made him hope.

It made him hope, and it made all the feelings that he had regarding the happiness that he felt for the companionship he shared with Zhongli feel like a curse instead.

It scared him.

He had forbidden himself to even remotely feel anything to anyone, for that only brings loss and suffering on his end.

He can't do that to Zhongli too.

So he kept convincing himself that there was an illusion to the warmth that he felt from seeing Zhongli's smile and that it was his loneliness that craved Zhongli's presence all the time.

Just that. Nothing more.

Because the alternative to those explanations would be cruel, and he will not have it.

-

Honest

"Zhongli. I thought about what you said, in the woods."

Zhongli looked up from where he crouched, as he was planting some green seeds. "Oh?" Zhongli simply said. He stopped what he was doing, and looked at Childe attentively.

Knowing that Zhongli wouldn't say anything further, Childe continued.

"I am happy that you think of me and care for me. But mating you to cure me sounds like a fucked up thing a monster like me could do to you. I won't do it."

Zhongli gave out a small smile, "...I understand, Ajax."

"I meant what I said, that I think it's better like this, and that we should continue what we have."

Zhongli nodded. "Alright."

Childe didn't say anything anymore.

Zhongli walked closer to him and opened his arms.

Childe, again, knowing what to do, only moves closer to embrace him in his arms.

The hug lasted longer than a few seconds, and truthfully, Childe didn't want to let go.

So he didn't.

Meeting his eye and still not loosening the hold, Zhongli said, "Just one thing, Ajax."

"?"

"You are not a monster."

Childe didn't reply. However, the small squeeze that Zhongli could muster towards the bulk of his body had not gone unnoticed, and Childe ignored the pang in his heart.

_

Sickness

It has been decades since he felt a bit under the weather, but he thinks that lately, his body is not cooperating with him well.

Now when he looks at Childe, he will feel pain in his chest, and the pain is a bit unbearable, to the point that it's hard to breathe sometimes.

Zhongli didn't need to know that it was a pain of his own making.

It was the pain that you have when you are in love, and that your affection is unrequited. 

Zhongli was no stranger to love.

He loved and was loved, before.

But apparently, those instances did nothing to prepare him for the ache.

He was not a genius, but it did not take a genius to understand what he felt. He just never knew that a love like this could be so agonizing.

-

When Zhongli started to wake up later than usual, Zhongli said that it was nothing serious and that everything was fine. Childe was unconvinced, but he always let Zhongli do whatever he pleased, and he would take his word for it.

However, the moment Zhongli fell from the chair as he excused himself from dinner, that was the last straw.

"I just need a bit more rest, it seems. I underestimated my condition." Zhongli said.

Childe was worried.

That day, Zhongli didn't leave the bed. Childe came to his room and brought him breakfast, lunch, dinner, books, water, and stories of his day.

In the subsequent days, sometimes Zhongli would be in better condition that he would try to go back to his previous routine, but most times, he would be too weak to do much outside the bed.

The next month, Zhongli didn't leave the bed.

His condition worsens, and it's driving Childe crazy.

Because there is no reason for Zhongli to get sick—

—like his parents, brothers, and sisters.

There is no reason except one.

The reason that Childe dreaded the most, and the self-hatred that he had buried for decades had come back full force in the face of what was happening.

He has been in love with Zhongli.

-

The next day, Zhongli did not wake up. 

-

Blood

Zhongli blinked himself awake. He was pale and it was hard to breathe.

He had been sick for more than 5 weeks now, and Childe had always waited for him to wake up. This time, he was alone.

Zhongli's heart sank. He had a bad feeling about this.

He forced himself out of bed, coughing heavily. His palm was covered in blood, and with a shaky sigh, Zhongli continued to push himself out of the room.

"...Ajax?" Zhongli called out softly. His voice was cracked, and he could not speak louder. "Ajax, please, where are you?"

Zhongli walked slowly, leaning on the walls. His head was on fire and his whole body was aching. But he needs to find Childe. 

He could not explain it, but he had to find him. Something must have happened, for Childe to not be beside him when he woke up.

Zhongli lost his footing when something made him slip. He realized then that there were trails of blood on the floor, and his movements became more frantic as he was afraid of what it might be.

He followed the trail and it went to Childe's room—the only room in the mansion that he had never entered.

The door was slightly ajar, and with all of the power he could muster, Zhongli pushed the door open.

There, he found Childe, bathed in his own blood, sitting on the floor with a spear on his chest and two blades in his hands.

Childe was quick to turn and found Zhongli stood in shock at the sight, and said, "Zhongli... you're awake...?"

"Ajax!!" Zhongli tumbled closer, falling down. Childe—despite all the wounds that he had—quickly kneeled and caught Zhongli before he could touch the ground. When Zhongli was safe on his arm, he finally let himself sit down again. He let out a grunt, a telltale sign that he was in pain.

Zhongli cannot contain his grief, "What has happened? What is—cough—what is happening? Cough—"

"Ssh, Zhongli. Stop, you'll hurt yourself."

Zhongli tried to breathe—it got easier when he finally let himself calm down. He looked at the gaping wound in Childe's arms, the spear that still stabbed him, the cuts in his body and the blades in his hands.

He looked at those wounds, knowing what had transpired, and the moment he took another breath he felt like tearing up.

"What about you," Zhongli said softly, "You are hurting yourself."

Childe was silent at the accusation, for it was not untrue.

"...Why?"

Childe sighed. He groaned, "I cannot, Zhongli. I cannot anymore. I cannot lose you too! It's too much. If you are dead because of me—I should have done this since the beginning. By the time I realized this, I should have killed myself. I should have tried harder."

"Ajax, please, don't..." Zhongli himself was struggling with his body—why? He was a hybrid—half-creature, and he should be stronger than curses from the old worlds. He could have healed himself. Yet—here he was, dying from cursed lovesickness. Zhongli continued, "Ajax. It is not your fault. I have myself to blame, for I have—"

"—Oh no you don't. It's all me, it has always been me. Zhongli. I love you, perhaps I have loved you from the moment I saw you, and I am so fucking stupid to believe otherwise. Now it's almost a year since the first time we met, and you are weeks bedridden in your room. I have found a way—I will be able to die this time."

Zhongli cannot understand this. His voice was small, "Ajax, I cannot comprehend you... If it's the cure... Why not—I am here, we can try—do you not want to bond with me that much?" He sobbed, "You just... You said you loved me." 

Childe was furious, "Are you crazy?! This is not about whether I—" Childe looked at Zhongli menacingly, "I'll kill you! Don't you see how—it's physically impossible! Zhongli! I don't want to mate with you this way!"

Zhongli shook his head stubbornly, "It's fine, I am not human—not fully. It's not—cough cough—we are—cough cough"

"STOP." Childe heaved. The blood from his wounds gushed, and the hand on Zhongli's waist trembled, "I made this choice, Zhongli. Please. I am not losing you. I am not losing anyone anymore, and I am not gonna do it by destroying your body or robbing you of the chance to be with the person you love."

"Please... don't say that... Ajax." Zhongli brought Childe's face to his, looking into his eye, "The days with you have been the most joyous I had in decades. I have lived for over two hundred years, and I have felt nothing like I feel for you. Please don't go. I would do anything. Please, consume me. Take me. It will heal you. You will be cured."

In a resemblance of a kiss, Zhongli brought his lips to Childe's, and murmured, "I love you," so softly.

The mask cracked.

And so does the purple metal all over Childe's body.

Zhongli was so terrified that he would lose all of Childe and gripped him tighter, hoping that the body he was holding would stay—

—except that there were flesh and bones beyond the fallen cracks, and that Tartaglia was back to what he once was.

A human.

—

The Cure

Blinking away the urge to stay asleep, Childe finally opened his eyes fully.

The air that he breathed felt different.

The way he breathed felt different.

He lifted a hand to his head, and he finally realized that the appendage was no longer the purple steel that he had gotten used to seeing and moving for the past 30 years.

He jolted awake, and looked around the room, before looking at himself.

He sat up and moved his hand all over his chest and stomach.

There was a scar from the gaping wound on his chest, the most apparent one among countless scars across his body.

It had been so long since he looked at his freckled skin and felt the movement of his muscles, the tips of his fingers.

It was no longer the body he had growing up as a teenager when he started transforming.

It was bigger, heavier, rougher, with patches of body hair in his chest and arms—as if his body continued to grow even when he had become a beast.

This body suffered from all the scars and wounds that he had gotten in his beastly body. Grow from all the raw flesh he has eaten and the outrageous physical activity that he went through.

It was his body from the time he was a beast.

But human.

With human proportion, human skin, human flesh.

He touched his face.

And he can feel a single tear from one of his eyes.

Eyes.

There was a click on the door, and Childe looked up to see Zhongli entering the room.

Zhongli met his eyes, pleasantly surprised, and greeted him with a smile, "Ajax... You're awake."

He calmly walks closer to the side of the bed. Childe was still frozen in place, eyes never leaving Zhongli.

With a gentle smile, Zhongli inquired, "How are you feeling?"

Childe gaped. He opened and closed his mouth a few times, before settling with, "Huh." His voice was still a bit hoarse. He still sounded the same, but now his voice was lighter—more human.

He was. Human.

Childe was going a bit crazy in the head.

It felt like a dream.

Zhongli's eyes crinkled, amused. The Childe in front of him no longer stood two times taller than he—Zhongli's head was just a little over his shoulder. His eyes were deep blue, and his arms no longer the size of his thighs, his hands no longer the size of the circumference of his waist. Zhongli had to admit, that even as a human, Childe was still bigger than him and looked older than him. 

Well, human does age differently than a creature such as him, so that should be expected.

He looked at the wound on Childe's chest and said, "Do you still feel pain? I have healed all your wounds—the one in your chest was the most dire. I think they have been healing up nicely, but let me know if I can help you alleviate the pain."

Childe shook his head, he tried talking again, "Zhongli, the curse. It's gone."

Zhongli chuckled, "Oh yes, I can see that."

"How??"

Zhongli didn't take offence for having his question ignored completely, and then replied easily, "It's a true love's kiss."

"????" Childe's face shows how much he comprehended it.

He didn't comprehend anything.

And it was clearly shown on his face, and looking at that made Zhongli extremely fond. No longer an expressionless mask, Childe's face was lively in expressing his thoughts and feelings.

"A what?" Childe finally said.

Zhongli decided to put aside the giddiness in his chest and continued, "A true love's kiss." He smiled lovingly, "Have you ever heard of it?"

"I mean," Childe scratched the side of his head, "It sounds self-explanatory, but... how?"

"True love's kiss," Zhongli started, "is one of the oldest lore in breaking curses. There were records that it cures the curse of eternal sleep, the curse of animal transformation, and the curse of poison apples—among other things. It's quite infamous. The bearer of the curse must kiss their one true love for the curse to break."

"Ah."

Zhongli chuckled, "It's such a simple curse breaker, isn't it? To think that... it could be a simple kiss... from me."

"...My true love," Childe breathed out.

Zhongli could not contain the beam in his smile, "My true love," 

Childe leapt from where he sat, took Zhongli's chin on with his human fingers and brought their lips together again.

It was nothing like their previous kiss.

The fervour and desperation were poured out in that one kiss, and Zhongli felt dizzy from his breath being stolen away from him.

When they finally parted, Childe's eyes were dark and gazing straight at those pools of blue made Zhongli shudder. Childe still hasn't loosened the hold he has on his chin, and their face were still so close together.

"Ajax," Zhongli murmured, voice a bit lost.

"Zhongli," Childe whispered, "I love you."

Zhongli let out a soft chuckle and purred, "I love you too."

"You are all healed,"

Zhongli nodded, "As soon as the curse breaks."

"You love me."

"I do."

"You wanted me to be your mate,"

Zhongli felt his cheeks warm, he replied shyly, "I... did."

"The curse had been broken. Do you still...?"

"I do." The answer was immediate.

Childe didn't say much else, but he started to move his grip to properly hold Zhongli by the waist and laid him down in his bed impatiently. Zhongli was startled by the movement.

"Ajax, wait!" Zhongli yelped as felt Childe's hand feeling up his crotch. 

"I really cannot," Childe said, as he started mouthing Zhongli's neck. 

"No!" Zhongli weakly pushed on Childe's bare chest, and Childe reluctantly paused.

"Ajax... You just wake up. Your body..."

"You healed me. I am fine."

"But it had been 3 days and you haven't—"

Growl

Zhongli was interrupted by the growl of Childe's stomach. "—eaten anything."

Childe groaned.

__

Zhongli had prepared plenty of food—once the curse was broken and he regained his health, he healed the wounds on Childe's body, cleaned him and the whole mansion, hunted a bear and three deers, cured and cooked the meat so it could be kept longer.

He anticipated a week for Childe to wake up, but it was a pleasant surprise to have him awoken by the third day.

It said a lot about Childe's physique and his healing powers. 

Zhongli hummed as he watched Childe—topless because there was no clothing that would currently fit him in the mansion—gobbled up the food in a matter of minutes. 

With his old body back, now Zhongli could observe the way Childe enjoyed his food, eyes crinkled when he took a bite and there was a grunt of satisfaction as he swallowed the food.

Zhongli wondered out loud, "I can sew some clothes for you, we can reuse the fabric from the dresses and some of the shirts and trousers that are left in the wardrobe. What do you think?"

Childe just shrugged, munching on what's left on the table as he replied "I mean, you can, but we can even sell something in a village nearby, and buy new clothing. You don't need to do it by yourself then."

Zhongli was taken aback. He never ventured beyond the woods and never went to any of the villages close to them since the moment he arrived in the mansion. The prospect of interacting with them was not unwelcome, but not expected.

"Ah... the thought did not occur to me. But that is true. I didn't think you... I mean, you forbid me to go beyond the woods. You never seem to go to any yourself."  

"Well yeah. Don't want you to run away from me, and not wanting to cause a scene. I was the size of two of them, they flee if I ever get close."

"...That's true."

"Now that I am human again, we can live more normally. We can just continue what we do, but we can also work with anyone or get resources from the village if needed."

"That sounds wonderful."

"Mm hmm. We can even get married."

Zhongli laughed at the suggestion, although, that was very sweet of Childe to entertain that option. "That is not necessary, but that's a lovely thought." That made Zhongli wonder, "What do you think of children? Would be inclined to have any?"

That question made Childe raise his eyebrow, "We can adopt if you want. I didn't expect to have one, with mating with you."

"Oh. Why not?"

Childe tilted his head cutely, not sure why it was not obvious, "Because you're male?"

Zhongli blinked, "That is not exactly accurate... I assumed a male form, but I am not a human male. I am a half-creature."

"...?"

"Half-creatures are not male and female. We are hermaprodites. Our functioning organ will be just the one that will be useful for reproduction—dependent on the sex of our mates. We are mothers when our eggs fertilised, and fathers when our seeds take roots." Zhongli explained, gesturing at his body, "And this body is convenient, as I bonded with a partner, it will naturally assume its role based on what is compatible for reproduction."

The gears in Childe’s head are turning,"...So we can have children?"

"Well, once I enter my cycle, we could try," Zhongli paused, and after a thought, added, "If you want to."

"Our children," Childe repeated.

"Yes." 

"Oh gods," Childe murmured in disbelief. "Not only you are breaking my curse, you are going to give me children."

Zhongli smiled.

"You are going to give me a family." Childe breathed in awe.

"If you are willing, yes."

"Oh, you don't even need to ask."

_

Epilogue

"Mamaaaa!" The sound was followed by running footsteps. Zhongli stopped writing down his notes, Dmitry balanced on one hand. He looked up to see the door being opened hastily and entered his oldest daughter with clothing in her hands.

"Yes, Darling?" He asked with a gentle tone, "What is it?"

"Dage is ruining my dress," Elizaveta whined. She showed the dress to him, and there was a streak of brown liquid, "Now it smells like syrup!" 

Not long after, there was a sound of more skittish footsteps and his oldest child entered the room as well.

"Yunfeng," Zhongli looked at him disapprovingly, and Yunfeng cringed at the stare.

"I already said sorry," Yunfeng said full of remorse, the huge scaly tail behind his back curled as if making itself smaller. "Sorry, Liza."

Elizaveta pouted, “It’s okay... but now it’s sticky and smells so syrupy...” She turned back to her Mama, huge blue eyes pleading, “Will it be gone if we scrub them?”

Zhongli patted her head gently, careful of her growing horns, "Definitely, Darling. We will wash them together, alright? The stain can—"

"—Nooooo!" The three of them are startled by the sound, coming from inside the triplets' room. Before Zhongli could go to the source of the ruckus and ask for what happened, his attention was again requested somewhere else.

"Mamaaa~" The baby in his arm clutched at his blouse to get his attention, "Dima chuu chuu?" Dmitry pawed his breast lightly, asking to be breastfed. 

The cheers and screams from the other room, however, did not cease. 

"AAAAAA!!!" 

"HELP ME!! NOO!! PAPAAA!! NOO"

"GRAOOOO." There is a playful sound of roar coming from his husband, "You will not be able to escape from Papa! It's time for a bath!"

"AAAA~~"

Right, Zhongli thought to himself, it is time for bath. 

Knowing that the triplets were safe and sound in their room, he turned to his oldest children, 10 and 7 respectively, "As I was saying, we'll wash them together, alright? Now, Mama needs to feed Dima for a moment, can you please help prepare for dinner?"

"Okay!" Yunfeng and Elizaveta replied simultaneously and they ran off the room as quickly as they got in.

Once the door was closed, the room was silent once more. Zhongli smiled at the baby in his arms, "Milk time?"

"Yaay~"

Not a minute after Zhongli sat and let his youngest child suckle on his teat, there was a knock on the door, followed by Childe's head peeking into the room. "Love?"

Zhongli only smiled, "Yes, Darling?"

"Oh, sorry, you're feeding Dima?"

"It's fine, what is it?"

"Where did you put A-Yi's duckie? I cannot find it on the shelf."

"Ah, I put them under the bucket near the bathtub."

"Okay, I got you, thank you, Love."

"Anytime, Darling."

The door was about to close, until it stopped, opened again, and Childe instead went inside the room.

He walked closer to Zhongli and Zhongli just followed his movement with amusement.

"Is there anything else you need?"

"Oh, just a kiss from my lovely wife." He leaned down and made a ridiculously exaggerated kissing face.

Zhongli chuckled. He leaned forward, careful with the baby still attached to his breast and met Childe's lips mid-way.

"—Papaaaa!! I found iiit!" 

Breaking the kiss gingerly, Childe sighed, his gaze on Zhongli lingered.

Zhongli only giggled at the sigh and said, "Go. Your children need you."

"All the time," Childe said. He stood up, but before leaving, he said, "We will continue later."

Zhongli smiled, "Will be counting on you."

And continue later they did.

—

Mating with Zhongli, Childe acquired mythical powers that were unknown to man. 

Together with his now wife, he lived a long life, blessed with 9 children, and 

they lived happily ever after.

—

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 7 of tartali married with child(ren)