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He barely made it in time. 

The war was reaching its climax, and naturally battles had to be fought. But no matter what, they have kept their pact to avoid each other on the field. That was until Zhongli felt it —  the intuition of a god when a being’s soul starts to scatter. 

He finds Tartaglia somewhere between shattered rocks and muddy trails, barely breathing, eyes barely focused. Tartaglia holds Zhongli’s hand and places it on his cheek, and he feels the tears mixed with warm blood. Zhongli grasps the red crystal earring and holds on to it like a lifeline.

“I didn’t think you would come,” Tartaglia rasps out.

“Of course I would. For you I would, and you know that,” Zhongli replies hurriedly. He moves to try and pick Tartaglia up gently, but he stops.

“Don’t bring me anywhere anymore. There’s no more time.”

Zhongli knows this so he simply complies. 

“Listen to me,” Tartaglia says in almost just a whisper now. “I don’t regret a single thing. I will never regret this life, especially because of this relationship we had”

“We have,” Zhongli mutters. He tries to keep composed but he has witnessed things come and go, and still it hurts every time. 

“Come on, you can cry for me later. Right now, the living need you.” Tartaglia pauses to cough, then he continues,  “I know you’ll find me again. And we’ll love each other then.”

A stake through his heart, a final breath, a dead smile.

“Someday.”

A whisper, a return, a promise. 

Rex Lapis is a dead god. That was what the people of Liyue believed for the past thousand years, since one fateful rite of ascension. No one knew anything about Rex Lapis, and everyone who knew about him either kept quiet or perished.  

“At least, that’s what the stories say,” Xingqiu says with a shrug and a smirk. The cash register beeps and prints out a receipt. 

The customer looks at him in a mix of quiet awe and skepticism. “Wow, I never would have thought that Liyue has such a rich history.”

Xingqiu smiles at him lightly. “Of course every place has its history. Anyway, your espresso?” 

He gingerly takes the espresso in his hand and takes a sip. “Ah, that feels good. Thank you so much! See ya!” And just like that, he’s bouncing out of the book cafe with a smile.

A man comes out of the staff-only door, dark brown locks framing his face, a long ponytail hanging behind elegantly, and piercing eyes that burn through the surface. Zhongli only hears the chimes that indicate someone was once here, but has now gone. 

“We had a customer?”

Xingqiu looks at him. “Surprised?”

Zhongli doesn’t answer that. “Maybe my luck has not run out after all.”

“Maybe it’s about time to clean this place up then.”

So they did. The once scattered books are now lined up properly on the shelves, while a few board games and knick-knacks are stored neatly in drawers. The floors are shiny and clean, the plants properly watered and trimmed. Zhongli looks quite proud of himself, marked by the small smile on his face today despite not having a single customer yesterday.

“Wow, I almost don’t recognize this place,” Xingqiu says as he grabs one of the newest additions to the shelves.

“I just felt the need to move some things,” Zhongli says, “for good luck.”

“So you say, but you’re smiling.”

“I like the flower arrangement.”

“And the books, and the games, and the —  ” Xingqiu waves around. “ —  everything. I get it. It looks beautiful after all.” He takes one more look around, smiles at Zhongli, then disappears into the staff room to get ready.

Almost as if in cue, the chimes by the door softly ring and a customer walks in. Zhongli feels like he has been hit by a cryo from years ago when he spots bright, wavy ginger hair and ocean blue eyes that wander around curiously. 

He steps to the counter. “You’re not the cashier from last time.”

“You have ocean blue eyes.”

The customer seems taken aback for a moment before bursting in laughter. It sounds so different and yet familiar from all those years ago. “And you have sparkly citrine eyes.”

Zhongli frowns a bit. “I prefer topaz. But even then I must say it does not really fit the color of my eyes well.”

“Aren’t topazes blue?”

“The most well known color is blue. But there are multiple colors of topazes available.”

“So why is blue more popular?”

“The most easily accessible topaz color is colorless, and it was simply quite easy to turn it blue, through irradiation and heat. However, naturally-occuring blue topazes are acquirable, though at a much higher price point.”

“Huh.” The customer pauses a while to think. “I guess the baristas in this cafe really set the mood for —  ” he vaguely waves towards the surroundings, “ —  all these huh.”

“If by —” Zhongli copies the customer’s movement, “ —  you mean the books and plants, then yes, though it is simply a coincidence.”

“Hmm, or maybe it’s fate,” he winks. Zhongli knows it is, but he does not say anything. Thankfully the customer speaks up again. “Give me the best tea that you’ve got. And maybe a croissant to go.”

“You’re not staying?” Zhongli asks as he takes the payment and starts heating the croissant. 

The customer raises an eyebrow at him. “Do you want me to stay?”

“I’m just asking for confirmation,” Zhongli replies smoothly as he starts working on a classic green tea with some milk and honey. 

He smiles. “Not today. I need to go out and buy groceries after this.”

“Stay safe on the way then,” Zhongli says politely as he finally writes the name on the cup and hands it to the customer. He then takes the croissant, wraps it in paper and some tissues, then hands it to him.

The customer takes a sip of his drink, looks at it, then frowns.

Zhongli admittedly feels a little nervous. “Is it not to your liking?”

“No, no, no. I mean it tastes wonderful but…” he pauses and looks at Zhongli. “I don’t recall telling you my name.”

Zhongli smiles mostly to himself. Still as keen as before. “You mentioned it. When we were talking about the decor.”

“Huh. I must be getting old if I can’t remember.”

“Do not worry. We forget some things. Such is human nature.”

Childe smiles at him. “We don’t forget about the important things though, right? That’s what matters. Nice meeting you,” he squints at Zhongli’s name tag, “Zhongli. See ya around.” 

With that, Childe leaves, humming to one of those songs the kids today were into. Xingqiu walks out of the staff room, fully ready for his shift. 

“We had a customer?”

Zhongli huffs to himself. Fate, indeed.

Childe comes back in three days, though this time at night, half an hour before they were closing. Xiao clicks his tongue in annoyance, wanting to end the day already, but takes his order with a smile because she has to. 

“Hey Zhongli!” Childe waves cheerfully. “Do you have a book in here that you could recommend to me?” 

“It depends,” he replies easily as he closes his own book, “do you have any preferences?”

“Maybe something historical?”

He ponders about it for a moment. “How about mythology? I can lend you my book on Rex Lapis, one of the gods of Liyue.” 

“Oh, that would be great! Xingqiu told me about him last time.”

“He did?”

“Yeah. Like he was the god who looked over Liyue, all the trade and commerce, but was believed to be killed during one Rite of Ascension.”

“Some believe that he simply went into hiding. He was apparently seen in the big war, but people say it was just mere speculation,” Xiao interrupts. Childe looks at him curiously.

“But why would he hide?”

Xiao shrugs. “Who knows? Maybe he was tired.”

Childe looks skeptical. “What do you think, Zhongli?”

“No one knows of course. Though I am led to believe that perhaps he thought the world was ready to move on without him.” 

“Huh.”

“Or he could have been a coward.”

Childe laughs. “I want to borrow that book now. I’m curious about this Rex Lapis god. Seems interesting.”

“It’s at the corner bookshelf, third row, fifth book.”

“Impressive memory.”

“... Thank you.”

Childe moves to grab the book but he pauses. “Ah, I just realized it’s late at night now though. Maybe I should read it some other time.”

“I can lend you the book if you are coming back within the next week.”

Xiao whips his head so fast to stare at Zhongli in bewilderment, though says nothing. Childe does not notice.

“Really? How much is it per day?”

“Free of charge. Since you’re the only one who has shown interest in reading one of the books here.”

Childe smiles gently as he takes the book. “I promise to take really good care of it.” Then he moves towards Zhongli and grabs his hand forcefully. He takes the marker on the counter and starts writing on his palm. “Here’s my number, in case you change your mind about something. Or you know, if you just want to talk,” he says with a wink.

Zhongli only stares. “I will contact you if I need anything.”

Childe laughs as he takes his bagel and book, and steps out the door. 

“Was he hitting on you or something? Not that it would be surprising.”

Zhongli stares at the number written on his palm with a small heart at the end. “Probably not. I do need to learn how to text again, however.”

Xiao rolls his eyes at him. “I’ve been telling you to do that for years now.”

“I did not have a reason to do it.”

Xiao smirks. “So you’re flirting back. That’s a shocker.” He pauses for a while. “Do be careful though, won’t you?”

Zhongli wisely chooses not to comment. Instead, he retreats to the storeroom to think of new brews. 

Zhongli: Pleased to meet you, Childe. This is Zhongli from Arch and Brew. How are you finding the book by far?

Childe: hey hey! 

Childe: I really like it so far.

Childe: this Rex Lapis fellow is kinda interesting. kinda sounds like a sad dude too.

Zhongli: I’m glad it is to your liking. 

Childe: U busy with the shop?

Zhongli: A little more that usual. We had maybe five customers today after all.

Childe: ur a funny one. So watcha up to then?

Zhongli: Just texting you.

Childe: whaaa ? so slow tho >o<

Zhongli: It is my first time texting. What is “>o<” ?

Childe: are you for real? 

Childe: that thing’s a face my dude

Zhongli: I am real.

Childe: no I meant like… are u joking???

Zhongli: What makes you think I am?

Childe: it’s just… everyone has a phone n like… akljsfsd

Zhongli: I’m afraid I also do not know what aklijsfsd is.

Childe: i… i have so much to teach you

Childe: wanna grab some dinner sometime?

Childe: u can also tell me more about rex lapis and all that :D

Zhongli: Very well. When would you like to have dinner?

Childe: what about tomorrow? 

Zhongli: Alright. Where shall we be staying?

Childe: i’ll tell you tomorrow (･ω<)☆

“And so you’ve got yourself a date. You gonna wear that old thing again?” Xiao asks, referring to the long, traditional, black cloak. The shop is practically empty as it was late in the morning, where people were busy with work and none around these parts of the town. 

“If you mean the cloak then yes, I plan on wearing that.”

“You don’t want to try something new?” 

“You’re sounding more and more like Barbatos.”

“You didn’t answer my question.”

“There is nothing wrong with celebrating history and being comfortable.”

Xiao raises an eyebrow at him. “Change is not so bad too, you know. ” 

Zhongli nods at him. “Of course. Everything changes and such is the course of the universe.”

There is a small pause before —  “The Childe now is not the same as before.”

There is silence as Zhongli closes his eyes and takes a sip of his herbal tea. “Would you like to try this tea? It’s something new I’ve tried out.”

Xiao hesitates but tries it anyway. “It’s nice. There’s a hint of a flower’s sweetness beneath the tea flavor.”

“Perfectly balanced,” Zhongli nods. “Like the same soul returning to a different person.”

Xiao smiles sadly as the chimes ring, signaling customers for the day. Luck is really something else. 

Childe ends up reserving a private room for them in a 5-star restaurant by the sea. The view by their window is wonderful, with the Liyue Harbor in sight and the endless, tranquil waters stretching over the horizon.

It takes him back to Tartaglia. Tartaglia who had hydro vision, who could wield swords and bows with the ferocity of the raging oceans, who had different visions of the world and what it could have been. Tartaglia who is now but history, living only in Zhongli’s memories.

“You know, I knew that there were gods and stuff, but I’ve never looked into them before,” Childe starts off when they’re done eating. He brings out the book and hands it to Zhongli. “Don’t worry, I didn’t fold any pages, nor did I write on it.”

“Yes. People now have forgotten about these things. Numerous matters of more importance have happened after all.”

“The wars and such?” Childe asks.

“That, and humans have learned to be independent. After their gods were gone, they had to learn to upgrade their status of life. Many have turned to knowledge and sciences and gave less importance to tales and tunes.”

Childe smiles sadly. “Isn’t that sad? To have been forgotten?”

“Such is time,” Zhongli says with a patient smile. “It moves and leaves anyone who does not or cannot follow it.”

Silence. Childe stares out into the window.

“People have sat around this spot for ages, looking at the same view that never repeats,” Zhongli comments, “but it should not stop you from enjoying what has been set in front of you. Such is the beauty of nature.” 

Childe shakes his head. “I think I understand. It’s still scary though, isn’t it?”

“What is?”

“To be forgotten with time.”

“Not really,” Zhongli shrugs. Childe looks at him questioningly, so Zhongli continues. “Look at it this way, history books are still around, and though they talk collectively, those people have been part of that collective. In a way, they are still alive. Their names may have been forgotten, but they made that collective.”

“But they had specific stories, they walked specific paths, and they had homes and families. And we will never know any of those anymore.”

“The gods know these things. And even if they don’t, if you led a happy and fulfilling life, then what more should it matter?”

Childe laughs. “You really are a strange and interesting person. I like talking to you. It makes me wonder…”

“Wonder about?”

“The world. And now, myself.”

“Well, who are you?” Zhongli asks after a moment.

Childe seems like he does not know how to answer. But he thinks about it for a while then says, “I’m Childe. I’m an only child with ginger hair and blue eyes. I like learning about things, and I hate violence. I like travelling and exploring, but I like keeping things in order too you know? I mean I could go on but... ”

Not really expecting an answer, Zhongli chuckles to himself. Tartaglia similarly liked listening to his knowledge on the world, but loved wiping out hoards of slime and hilicurls. He loved exploring but he lived life too dangerously. Childe was the same, but different. 

Childe looks at him confused and worried. “What is… are you okay? I feel like I’ve broken you somehow.”

“Hmmm,” Zhongli muses, “is it really all that surprising to hear me laugh?”

“Errr,” Childe scratches the back of his neck shyly then hides his blush behind a cough. “Not surprising. Maybe charming. But most importantly worrying, since you’re usually very logical and stoic. What was that all about though?”

“You remind me of a former friend.”

“Former? Did you guys fight or something?”

“No, he simply died.”

The tense silence stretches a little too long. “I… I’m sorry for your loss,” Childe says awkwardly.

“Don’t worry about it. It was a long time ago,” Zhongli says as gently as he can muster. “I had great memories with him and that’s all that matters.”

Childe looks at him curiously, like trying to read into his soul. “You’re right. Do you… do you want to tell me about him?”

Zhongli thinks about it for a moment. “He was great. One of the best people I have ever met —  and he meant a lot to me. Many were surprised to see us together constantly, and some have even opposed our relationship.”

The redness on Childe’s ears slowly threatened to creep up to his cheeks. “S-so you guys were…?”

“I believe the term nowadays is ‘boyfriends’,” Zhongli nods. 

“Oh.” Childe looks down for a moment. He then looks at Zhongli again. “You know I just always assumed that you were around my age.”

“How old are you?”

“Twenty-two. How about you?”

Zhongli gives him a little smirk. “Something for you to find out someday.”

Childe pouts and sulks. “Oh come on, you gotta at least give me a hint or something.”

“Let’s say that it’s good enough that we could date without raising eyebrows.”

“When you put it like that…” Childe mutters with a huff, the tips of his ears tinted pink. “I’ll just ask around then.”

“A fair warning, the cafe staff don’t know it either.”

“Doesn’t your boss know?”

“I own the cafe.”

“Drats.” Childe then stops to think a bit. Zhongli thinks it’s a little cute, how he lightly pouts when he is thinking. “Well I’m going to find out someday.”

“Is that a challenge?”

“Maybe.”

“Very well,” Zhongli says with a smile, “I bid you good luck. Would you like to bet on it?”

Childe gives him a look and slowly says, “No. Do you do those kinds of things?”

“No, I was just teasing,” Zhongli easily covers. “Now about those texting faces…”

As Childe tries to teach Zhongli about texting and the many unwritten rules about it, Zhongli thinks about Tartaglia and his hoards of money, and how he won gambles, whether it be small or big scale. He thinks of Childe who is so much more innocent, brighter but with the same kind of passion burning beneath those ocean eyes. He wonders what more he can learn about Childe. 

He yearns to love this man again. 

Childe starts visiting every two to three days over the span of a few weeks, and dinner strolls between the two has become a little bit more frequent. Dinner strolls then turn into garden strolls, city strolls, and even sunrise-by-the-beach strolls —  one of Zhongli’s favorite kinds of strolls from a thousand years ago. 

“Blue starconches!” Childe exclaims one early morning, quickly getting one off the sand and looking at it with wonder. “These things are supposed to be pretty rare, right?”

“They were once common on Liyue’s beaches,” Zhongli says, remembering how he had picked up hundreds of them as gifts, “but the numbers have dwindled with time.”

“That’s a little sad,” Childe says, though he hums contentedly as he places the starconch to his ear. “Can we keep this one?”

Zhongli nods. “There is an urban legend, you know, that sometimes you can hear voices from the Sea of Souls around this area, once known as the conch lodge.”

Childe looks at him with a mixture of fear and fascination. “Do you hear a voice?”

Zhongli locks his eyes with Childe, who also does not look away despite his cheeks slowly becoming flushed with every passing second. “Just yours.”

“I’m not a dead soul you know.”

Zhongli holds Childe’s hand and presses warmly as he closes his eyes. He feels the ocean breeze hit his face. Childe does not pull away, but rather grips it back. “I know,” Zhongli finally says.

Tranquility sets between them as they watch the sun settle in the sky. 

" How long,” Xiao says exasperatedly one cloudy night as they lay on the cafe’s roof, “are you going to dance around him? It’s been half a year, and I’ve seen you bring mora to dates six times. That’s four more than you’ve treated me , and I’ve known you for thousands of years.” 

“I’m just getting to know him again,” Zhongli replies. “I don’t want to rush into things.” 

Zhongli opens his palm to reveal a red, crystal earring, still pure despite the years. Xiao looks at it from the corner of his vision, but makes no move. It shines against the soft light of the moonlight, and when Zhongli aligns it to the moon, it starts to look like a blood star. He thinks of the past and the present, and he starts wondering what the future awaits. And whatever it is, he knows he will be ready for it. 

“Just don’t keep leading the man alright? Don’t lose him,” Xiao says, a tinge of pain in his voice. 

Zhongli closes his palm and the earring disappears. “Thank you Xiao. Don’t worry, you’ll find your happiness soon too.” 

Xiao only snorts in response. 

“How the hell are you not tired at all?” Childe whines, almost crawling by the time he gets up the mountain. 

The view on top of the mountains by the abandoned Mingyun Village is beautiful. He sees the much higher mountains where the adepti once lived, and on another side he sees the ever-so-growing Liyue villages and cities. The shoal is also visible from here, and he likes to imagine that the starconches on the sand are the stars in the sky. 

It is one of Zhongli’s favorite places, and one of the only remaining places that a Geo Statue has lasted all this time. 

Childe sits behind Zhongli, and starts playing with his ponytail whilst staring out into the cliffs and the oceans. 

“You know, it’s rare to see a man with long hair nowadays,” Childe comments. Zhongli closes his eyes, feeling the ghost of Childe’s fingertips down his spine. “You might be the only one I know who has grown out their hair.”

“It used to be much more common, but societal norms change with time.” Zhongli turns to look at Childe and motions for Childe to sit beside him instead. 

Childe laughs as he scoots over next to Zhongli. “You sound like an old man. Sometimes I wonder if I’m trying to date a boomer.”

“Maybe you’re dating someone much older.”

Childe stares at him, and Zhongli can almost hear Childe’s chest pounding. Whether it was because of fear or apprehension or something else, he could not pinpoint exactly. 

“You’re joking right? Sometimes I can’t tell.”

Zhongli takes Childe’s hand, and opens his palm. He drops a red crystal earring and Childe looks at him, the questions burning in his eyes. 

“This earring belonged to Tartaglia, a man I dearly loved more than a thousand years ago,” Zhongli starts. “He was on the opposing side of the gods, but fate is cruel and emotions are inexplicable. We spent days on end doing trade, making sure that Liyue would not crumble, gazing over the mountains and eradicating hilicurls.”

A silence dawns over them. When Zhongli holds Childe’s hand, it is cold and sweaty, and Childe doesn’t grip it back. 

“You’re Rex Lapis.”

“That, I am.”

“You best be joking.”

“That, I am not.”

“Is that why you know so much about… everything?”

“Yes, and no. We just don’t know everything. I am simply very curious about many things, but Rex Lapis’ experiences are mine which is why I have an extensive knowledge on him.” 

Childe closes his eyes and the cool winds blow over them as the sun begins to set. “Why?”

Zhongli struggles. “I’m afraid I have to ask you to elaborate on that question.”

“If you really are — ? Why did you — ? How are you alive? Why are you here with a book cafe? Why are you telling me this? Why are you…” Childe’s questions spill frantically, his heart almost unbelieving. “Are you dating me because I’m…?”

“You believe me.”

“I had my suspicions but —  just answer the damn questions.” 

“I wanted to pursue a serious relationship with you which is why I had to tell you my true identity.” Zhongli pauses a bit before continuing, “And I am simply dating you because I want to.”

Childe suddenly stands up, hands running through his own hair. “I —  I’m sorry. I think I need some time to think.”

“I apologize if it was too sudden —” Zhongli says as he moves to stand up as well. 

“No, no,” Childe stops him, the calm voice much like quiet waters before a hurricane. “It’s okay. I understand. It’s not something you can easily tell is it?”

“It is confidential, yes.”

“The guys with you there… do they know?”

“Xiao knows. No one else does.”

Childe huffs. “I… thank you. I’ll… I’ll get going now. Thank you for telling me.” 

With that, he leaves Zhongli alone in the silence of the night. When he closes his eyes, he hears the ocean’s waves, crafting a lullaby for him. He hears a distant voice, confused, sorrowful, muddled. And when he opens his eyes again it dissipates into the overcast skies. 

He sits back down and lets the thoughts flow through him. 

Childe doesn’t visit in the following week, and does not text as well. Xiao almost admits his worry when the week turns into weeks, and the weeks turn into a month and a half. Zhongli shows no signs of being miserable, but Xiao feels the cold exterior to be much more like antarctic snow rather than abandoned ruins. 

It takes finding Zhongli asleep on the roof of the cafe for Xiao to finally admit his worry for his friend. It was ridiculous, seeing him sleep so royally on a dirty roof. 

“What are you doing, sleeping out here?” Xiao scolds much like a mother. 

“I’m not sleeping,” Zhongli says, cracking his eyes open and looking at Xiao, “I am contemplating.”

“Aren’t you going to try to talk to him? Or look for him? I could certainly easily find his location if you want me to.”

“No, that’s not a normal human thing to do.”

“Okay, but at least try to talk to him then.”

“I will let him approach me whenever he is ready. It is not my place to insist whatever feelings I have on him.”

Xiao sighs as he lies down beside Zhongli in a more relaxed manner. “I told you he’s different.”

“I was prepared for rejection.”

“Were you really?”

“Naturally. I am prepared for different scenarios.” Zhongli pauses for a while before, “Nevertheless I admit that I am hurt.” 

Xiao closes his eyes and sighs. Somehow, this man keeps hurting yet bringing joy to Zhongli at the same time. He’s not sure whether he wants to strangle the guy or not. “I’m sure he’ll come around. Don’t worry about it.” 

Zhongli makes a noncommittal hum. “And if he doesn’t?” 

Xiao gives him a calculated look. “Then we move on. We adapt to time. That’s what we always do, isn’t it?”

Whatever response Zhongli thinks of is lost to the night, carried away by the strong rains of the next day.

When Childe comes into the shop again almost three months later, it is with shaking hands and an old book on Rex Lapis. He also has a gift in one hand, but Xiao refuses to acknowledge it. 

“Is… is Zhongli here?” Childe asks Xiao. 

Xiao glares at him and raises and eyebrow. Childe almost slinks back in fear. “Why are you looking for him now?”

“I just wanted to apologize.” 

Xiao glares harder, if that was possible. 

“Look, I know I — “

“It’s been three months,” Xiao says with gritted teeth, “and you didn’t say anything.”

Childe furrows his eyebrows. “I don’t know what your relationship with Zhongli is, but I can’t help it, alright? I needed to think things through.”

“Is it really that hard to accept that he’s not mortal?”

“It’s not that,” Childe says, the hurt showing in his voice, “I just didn’t want to be a rebound for that Tartaglia guy.”

“And you are not,” Zhongli says as he emerges from the staff room with a new tea brew in hand. He looks at Childe with his usual stoic eyes. “I told you, I wanted to date you because I am simply interested in you.”

Childe looks at him and opens his mouth to say something, but closes it again. His eyes soften and his whole body almost slumps when he says, “I don’t even know Tartaglia and I already feel inferior to him.”

Xiao looks between the two and huffs. “You two need to talk. I’m going to go to the roof.” 

Zhongli and Childe watch as Xiao exits the shop. The chimes ring for a while, then they stand in silence.

“Cor lapis,” Childe finally says sheepishly after a while. 

“A valuable gem only found in Liyue. What about it?” Zhongli returns.

“Your eyes,” Childe says sadly, a small smile on his lips, the tears sparkling in his eyes, handing out the gift he brought, “I finally know what they’re most like.”

Zhongli opens the box and finds a single crystal earring, made of the highest-grade cor lapis. Another wave of silence passes, but it is more tender, and it talks of apologies, understanding, and forgiveness. 

“There are more starconches at this time of the year,” Zhongli says, an open invitation, “and the stars reflect more clearly on the sea surface too.”

Childe nods.

They start walking together once more. 

“I’m sorry I made you wait for three months,” Childe says in a low voice —  slow, sad, and sorry. 

They stand by the shores, their shoes and socks abandoned somewhere behind them. They brought nothing but the clothes on their backs, the pain in their hearts, and love that bloomed in the walks of the night. 

“Three months is not long,” Zhongli says, “I have endured much more for so long. I do not mind waiting for a mere three months.”

Childe smiles sadly. “I’m sorry I made you wait a thousand years, then three months more.”

Zhongli chuckles at him, which earns him a playful smack on the arm.

“Hey! I’m being serious here,” Childe says, pouting a little. “You know you’re the only one who can make me feel like this.”

“Hmm? Tell me more.”

Childe sighs and scratches the back of his neck shyly. He looks down at his feet, submerged to the ankles in the waves. “I used to just date around and then dump them after a month or so. It was just boring. They just wanted the gifts, the looks, and the money.”

“How very human.”

Childe shrugs. “It was fun. But I wanted more than that. So I dumped the girl I was dating and walked around this area, somewhere I haven’t been before even though I lived so close.” 

“And you were also escaping her.”

“Not so much as trying to escape her friend’s wrath. He’s a menace, that guy. He’s hated me the entire time I was dating her,” Childe laughs. “I can’t even imagine what would happen if I run into him again…”

Zhongli gives a noncommittal hum, and Childe continues. “But with you, I feel like everything was more serious yet fun. You have so much knowledge on the world. You’re so fun to tease even though you sometimes don’t have a sense of humour. I’m learning so much from you.”

“I’m glad you find me interesting as much as I find you charming.”

“See? Only you can say something so cool yet so lame,” Childe sighs. “I don’t know how the hell I fell in love with you, and yet I did. And when I found out I was dating a god…”

“It must be terrifying.”

“A little bit,” Childe confesses. “But more than that I wondered if you were only dating me because of Tartaglia. I just didn’t want to be a rebound, you know?”

Zhongli is quiet for a moment. “Do you see the cliffs over the ocean?”

Childe nods.

“A thousand years ago they were different. They were more ferocious, the cliffs extending a little too far for human comfort. But now it’s more subdued by time, and yet it is a sight I am glad to see. Each day is a different painting, and I will cherish them for as long as I live here.”

Childe nods again in understanding. 

Zhongli brings a hand to Childe’s face. “No matter how many years will pass, I will always be enamoured with your soul.”

He closes his eyes and leans in for the kiss, and he feels Childe’s arms wrapping around his back. He savors the moment, the new taste of undying love, an intimacy that restores with the waves of time. 

Thus, in this life, they loved again. 

In his last few moments, Childe brings up a shaking hand to Zhongli’s immortal face and wipes his tears away. “I had a great life thanks to you,” Childe says, his voice withering away. “Don’t cry, you’ll find me again, won’t you? And I will love you again, and again, and again.” 

Zhongli smiles as he runs his fingers through hair that has greyed with the years. “Someday.”