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--
They came back to the base victorious.
They’d eliminated their target. The outer space was secured. Primordial Jade barely suffered any damage. The technicians wouldn't require a monumental amount of time to fix the Mecha.
And the welcome home they received was quite amicably mixed.
Everything was just the same as always.
Childe removed his helmet and shook his head, sweat trickling down from the crown of his forehead. He felt the surging heat as soon as their Mecha docked the Hangar.
Out there in the dark, facing the unknown, it was strangely cold.
The young pilot sighed. He placed his helmet on his hip. It made a sound once it thumped against the dark solid piece of his suit.
Childe ran his fingers through the messy locks, ignoring the whispers around him from the cadets and the ensigns alike.
"It's awfully crowded today," Childe pointed out. "A lot more people than usual. What, a division is doing a tour or something?"
Beside him, his co-pilot only hummed in reply.
Zhongli was still using his helmet. The heavy boots clanked against the metallic floor.
He was holding his Indicator, checking the small device as he began to type fervently. Probably replying to the Marshal's incessant queries.
Always the responsible one amongst the two of them.
Childe would take days to write his report and turn them in.
Eleven months as co-pilots and working together, Zhongli understood he must be the one to write the log for his and Childe's skirmishes against the invasive aliens.
The damage their Mecha had sustained.
The data they'd collected.
Newfound planets that had been located.
New minerals discovered.
Possible incoming threats from outer clusters or within.
Childe didn't have any interest in those.
He joined the Zapolyarny Garrison searching for a glorious fight. The invading aliens that continued to raid the Milky Way gave Childe exactly what he wanted.
(And because there was someone he was searching for. Someone he'd already found)
Childe would leave all the reports to Zhongli.
They entered the elevator. The compartment automatically took them to the lower floor.
Finally, Zhongli removed his helmet. Long ponytail outpoured softly from its confinement.
Zhongli held the corner of the helmet, pressing it against his side. There was a crack on the visor. But Zhongli appeared to be unhurt. Good.
Though, his co-pilot looked weary. Melancholy.
"You okay?" Childe gently asked.
He held Zhongli's ponytail in his hand, lamenting that he couldn't feel the softness of the precious strands in his palm due to the Thinsulate gauntlet.
The elevator made a sound. They arrived at the Landing Deck. The gate slid open.
Childe released Zhongli's hair as the pilots exited the cramped elevator.
"The Marshal sent a report. We've lost four pilots but the Scouting crew managed to retrieve one of the Mechas. The other one was utterly leveled and nothing else could be reclaimed from the debris. Not even the pilots' bodies. All data was lost. We are not completely sure which targets were responsible for the carnage. Could be a new variant. Could be that the pilots were outnumbered."
Or outmatched, Childe wanted to say out loud. He didn't. Out of respect for Zhongli.
Sometimes being out there, the only difference between life and death was an experience. Some said it was luck. Childe disagreed.
It was his and Zhongli's shared experience alone that had kept them alive.
"Last transmission?" Childe inquired instead.
"Unverified. Nothing but static. The line couldn't get through. They must have drifted away outside the zone," Zhongli replied solemnly.
"I see," Childe murmured. He felt nothing for the dead. He didn't know them personally and it was pointless to mourn for strangers.
No matter. After the long battle in the dark space, he and his co-pilot deserved a break.
They entered the Suiting Chamber wordlessly. The atmosphere was still bleak.
The technicians lingered about, giving the pair a passing glance as Childe and Zhongli stood on the Metal Pads in the center of the room, side by side.
The technicians began to remove the intricate armors efficiently. They took the helmets first and soaked them in the Autoclave Fluid for cleansing.
The technicians were predictably rougher with Zhongli but respectful with Childe. Zhongli said nothing. He would never say anything or show his discomfort.
However, Childe was never as acquiescent as Zhongli. He reached out and held the young technician's wrist in a warning grip, the pressure was caging.
Childe glowered. His eyes were burning embers. The technician wilted under the furious glare.
"Gently," Childe warned. His voice was low and dangerous. The room grew cold.
Childe felt a sudden tap on his forearm, assuring.
"Childe," Zhongli said kindly. "It's fine. Let it be."
Childe gazed at his co-pilot for a moment before he roughly released the technician.
Fine. Childe didn't like it. But for Zhongli, he would be lenient this time. Again.
The removal of their suits resumed.
The chest plates were unattached, then the small Communicator Pods, the gauntlets, the boots - one by one until Zhongli and Childe were only donning their dark bodysuits.
Childe stretched his arms. Finally. He could move freely without the extra weight.
They left the Suiting Chamber together and headed towards the locker room, gearing up into comfortable garments.
"So. Shore leave, huh?" Childe asked. He hopped into his dark jeans.
Zhongli hummed again with the same calculating tone. He gave Childe a faint glare.
"Childe, it certainly wouldn't trouble you to at least appear disturbed by the harrowing news. We have, after all, just lost our allies."
Childe shrugged. He put on his combat boots. "Of course, sure. I'm grieving. Wanna go out for a drink? It's our shore leave," He stated cheekily.
He could go alone but Childe didn't want to leave Zhongli in this cold and grim base.
If he wasn't putting on his long brown coat, Zhongli would have massaged his temple and expressed his disdain even more. Childe knew he would.
They'd known each other less than a year but Childe was already familiar with his co-pilot enough to predict how he would act on certain things.
Zhongli was also very dear to him. Hence, why Childe was always paying attention to everything Zhongli did and said.
"We can use my shuttle," Childe persuaded.
The older man gave him another lingering stare. Eventually, he took a long sigh. Childe grinned.
The answer was obvious.
"Very well. We haven't visited Teyvat in a while."
"I'll withdraw more mora from my bank account," Childe expressed jubilantly.
Zhongli only chuckled. The sound was soft and free. And Childe couldn't help but smile.
--
Teyvat was a colossal deep-space station. It weighed around eight billion metric tons and the gravity was stimulated through a rotation. A massive construction populated by nearly ten million citizens. People built cities, created new homes, and erected academies; opening new opportunities for scientific researchers to further study the enigmatic addendum of deep space.
And yet Childe was only here in Teyvat because he needed a drink or two. Zhongli was here because of Childe.
The luminescent highways were a contrast to the dark space. Shuttles endlessly hovered on the pathways, levitated by the gravitational concentrator implemented in the bright glass highways.
Childe remembered entering the space station for the very first time. Naught but just a cadet then. The feelings never went away no matter how many times he'd visited Teyvat - in awe like a little boy that had caught sight of something magically impossible to exist.
"The way you're driving, you might run over someone's shuttle," Zhongli spoke.
Childe only gave him a brief smirk. His hands ghosting the wheel. "My driving is flawless."
"When we're in our Mecha, maybe. Out here, I'm concerned for the bystanders," Zhongli said.
"I could run over someone and they'd probably thank me. Maybe they would even ask for my autograph,” Childe gleefully replied.
"Well, don't let me get in the way of your fame then, Harbinger," Zhongli added with a playful tone. Childe scoffed. Harbinger. Ugh.
He always hated that nickname.
Unfortunately, the sobriquet stayed throughout the years as Childe's popularity on Teyvat and Earth continued to grow.
He used to navigate the Mecha alone with terrifying ease until Zhongli became his co-pilot.
However, whereas Childe was famous, Zhongli was infamous. It had been a surprise to so many when Childe had eagerly agreed to accept Zhongli as his co-pilot.
"East Wing?" Zhongli asked when he noticed the change of scenery. Urban buildings stood tall on every acre in this part of the city, unusually different from the other far more modernized and safer zones.
"You've never been this far before?" Childe questioned. He didn't wait for an answer as he spotted a familiar old building.
"No. The Capital was the furthest I've ever been," Zhongli admitted quietly.
Childe said nothing as he slowly descended the shuttle on the parking space. It hovered for a moment before it finally landed smoothly. Childe killed the engine
"Come on." Childe beckoned with his chin. He exited the shuttle. Zhongli followed him.
They headed towards a rundown building. People eccentrically dressed stood outside the property, staring at the pair as they went inside the building; looking so out of place in the way they carried themselves.
"Best place in Teyvat for a drink," Childe announced with open arms once they were inside. “My sister said so. And I’m inclined to agree. Surprisingly.”
It wasn't too loud. The music was turned down. People chatted quietly, minding their own. The cafe was very similar to the ones sometimes found on Earth; rustic and comfortable.
Childe watched as Zhongli studied the place. His brows wrinkled, his lips slightly parted, and his gaze was wonderstruck - drawn by the kaleidoscopic lights orbiting the ceiling and the holographic stars floating about.
"They're beautiful, Childe," Zhongli whispered. He reached one hand to grab Childe's elbow without looking at the younger man.
Childe could do nothing but stare at the other. His eyes softened by Zhongli's apparent curiosity.
Childe reached out his knuckle and gingerly brushed it against Zhongli's cheek. The other jolted. He blinked at Childe, clearly bemused by his action.
"Ready for a drink?"
Zhongli nodded. He was smiling and Childe was glad he was the cause of it because he'd spent so long chasing after that beloved smile.
Even before he became a Mecha pilot.
--
"...and you know how my older sister gets. You’ve talked to her before--"
"--with my Indicator, Childe. I've never met her personally. And I can't possibly gauge how a person truly is through one single comm." Zhongli chuckled. He held the ceramic glass carefully behind his dainty fingers, taking a sip or two.
Of course, Zhongli wouldn't order anything heavy. He would always go for the simplest refreshment: tea.
Childe adored Zhongli tremendously but he could never see the appeal.
He'd downed two bottles of vodka and Childe still couldn't feel his fingers tingle. Now, he was on his third.
"True but you have to admit the way she nags can be painfully irritating sometimes."
Zhongli rolled his eyes fondly. "She worries because she loves you, Childe. You're her little brother. The only family she has left," Zhongli placated.
"She's being overbearingly overprotective after our parents passed away. I can see where she's coming from but…" Childe chugged another shot before he ripped the bottle away from his lips.
"But?" Zhongli prodded. He took a slow sip of his tea.
"I almost couldn't join the Garrison because of her. She said I was too young then. Hasty, filled with anger. A decade later and she still insists I'm making a mistake. After our colony was attacked by a horde of vicious aliens, she was so sure I was only chasing for fruitless revenge."
Attacks on human colonies weren't really rare. Whether by raiders with their modified ships or by hordes of ferocious aliens - it was all the same.
Childe's case wasn't unheard of.
But he didn't regret his choice of becoming a pilot. Childe wanted to be here.
"Were you?" Zhongli asked, frowning.
Childe was… grateful Zhongli didn't prod for more. He'd have told Zhongli if he'd asked.
Childe was glad he didn't.
It was not the right time yet.
Childe shrugged in response. "Not really."
Zhongli was quiet for a moment. He fiddled with the ceramic cup, pondering. Childe waited.
"Then why did you join the Garrison?"
Why indeed. Childe placed his chin on the back of his hand, resting his elbow on the oak table. New music shuffled from the old jukebox. The lights grew dimmer.
Childe didn't look away from Zhongli's face. Electric blue eyes were clear and tender.
Finally, Childe answered, "I was chasing for someone."
"I see," Zhongli said in a way that suggested that no, he didn't truly understand.
They drank together some more, exchanging tales here and there.
Childe didn't ask for Zhongli's story. Zhongli didn't offer his. It wouldn't matter anyway.
Almost everyone knew who Zhongli was.
An infamous tale. Back on Earth and here, on Teyvat.
Just a young soldier then. A prodigy. A once distinguished and respected Mecha pilot until he was dishonorably discharged nine years ago. Hundreds of people died due to the choices he’d made. His reputation was ruined. Humiliated.
Afterward, Zhongli was assigned as a consultant at the Solar Garrison, operating the Orrery - kept around only for his insurmountable knowledge. Then Childe became his co-pilot and his days as a consultant came to an end.
But past errors weren’t so easily forgotten or forgiven and so by now, Zhongli was used to the contempt he kept receiving.
"... Zhongli?"
"Hmm?"
"... Do you want to fuck?"
Zhongli pouted. "Again? Aren't you drunk?"
Childe raised a brow. "Zhongli, I'm never drunk."
"Yes, so you've told me before." Zhongli ran his fingers through his long hair. He waited for Zhongli's answer.
They weren't lovers in any way that counted. But they warmed each other's bed and tended to their frustration from time to time.
It was a silent agreement between them that started a couple of months ago. And Childe wasn't bold enough to ask for more than what they had.
Finally, Zhongli nodded, pushing the chair away as he stood. "Let's go somewhere else."
Childe grinned. He dropped some mora on the table. The owner could keep the change. He just wanted to leave this place.
Besides, Childe began to notice people's whispers as they chanced a glance at them. Reverence at Childe. A small frown at Zhongli.
With a sharp turn, he chased after his co-pilot.
--
"Stop here."
"What?" Childe raised a brow. Regardless of the bewildered response, he listened to Zhongli's request.
He parked the shuttle next to the luminescent highway. The empty spot was secluded but it was not out of prying eyes. The cacophonous sound of the passing shuttles was vivid.
Childe did not begrudge the view. Though the space was dark, the stars were bright, dotting the blank canvas like drawn fireflies. Red and yellow and white flared in the endless rift.
The slow decrescendo of the music playing from the radio ebbed the tautness in his chest.
Childe was too busy admiring the view outside that he didn't notice Zhongli was slowly removing his coat and unfastening his trousers.
He yelped when he felt Zhongli climbing onto his lap. The older man's back was touching the hand wheel but not leaning.
Zhongli turned off the headlights without turning around, smiling down at Childe as he settled himself properly on top of the young pilot, hands went around Childe's neck, letting him reign the next move.
"What? Now you're quiet, Ajax," Zhongli purred in his ear. Childe swallowed.
Zhongli rarely initiated the first move every time they were about to fuck. But when he did, Childe made sure to treasure the moment immensely.
"Just surprised you want me to fuck you in the shuttle. You've got a kink, pilot? Has anyone ever taken you in a car like this back on Earth?" Childe jest.
Childe’s smile was strained, however, as he pressed a chaste kiss against the supple throat.
His question was meant to be playful but now Childe was dreading the answer. Jealousy pulsed in his veins at the thought of someone else touching his Zhongli; kissing and leaving their unwanted marks on someone Childe cherished above all else.
Zhongli hummed, eyes closed. He spread his legs a little bit more when he felt a hand strayed to his thighs. So close to his groin. The tent in Zhongli's pants was aching to be touched.
"Never," Zhongli answered when Childe pulled his shirt up to ravish the erect buds.
"Childe, no one else - ah - no else-- this is the first time - slow down…" Zhongli bonked him on the head softly when Childe slotted intrusive fingers into Zhongli's pants and curled the digits around his cock.
Childe only grinned. Feeling elated. "First time, huh? Well, we could pretend we're just a bunch of horny teenagers going at it in an old classic vintage car."
Zhongli bonked him on the head again.
Childe laughed. He wrapped his arms around Zhongli's back, bringing him closer and closer until he could hide his face on Zhongli's chest. The other returned the affection, placing his chin on Childe's head, humming.
Childe inhaled his co-pilot's scent. The smell of smoke that usually festered in a city and something sweet, a hint of flowers. Glaze Lilies. Zhongli's favorite fragrance.
Childe could hold Zhongli like this forever. Never letting him go.
He looked up, lips shaped into a smile. "Kiss me."
Zhongli did. He kissed Childe reverently, craning his neck and opening his mouth. Zhongli let Childe steal a kiss, tongue against the sweet nectar that was freely given.
Zhongli moaned into the kiss; nails kneading into Childe's shoulders.
Childe rubbed his clothed cock against Zhongli's. One of his free hands clutching Zhongli's ass, and pressing the older man to him. He needed more of the hot friction. Addicted to the noises Zhongli made.
They broke away from the kiss. Zhongli gasped prettily. Cheeks red and lips redder, bruised by Childe's possessive kiss.
"Childe, please."
Oh fuck.
"Anything. Anything you want, Zhongli," Childe vowed. He pecked Zhongli's forehead.
He held Zhongli carefully so as not to hurt him.
Childe went for the small compartment, opened it, and fished for the condom and lube he’d stored inside. He swiftly closed the compartment back easily with his knee.
Childe smirked once he saw Zhongli's expression.
"Did you plan this?" Zhongli questioned skeptically.
"Nope. But you can't blame a guy for always being ten steps ahead, right?"
Zhongli sighed.
"Only ever you, Childe," Zhongli replied. Resigned. Fond.
Childe lifted the packet and the small bottle a little bit higher.
"Strawberry scent. Your favorite," he announced happily.
Zhongli softly hit him again in the head. His cheeks were dusted with pink dust. "Cease this embarrassing behavior, Ajax."
"Okay. Okay." Childe chuckled. He quickly stole another kiss. Zhongli stammered.
Childe pulled off his jacket, leaving his shirt on as he lifted his hips to peel the jeans down to his knees.
He didn't move his eyes away from Zhongli, watching as the other slowly began to strip with a hungry gaze.
Hot.
By now, Zhongli was completely bare. A tender beauty for Childe to mark and treasure.
Childe poured a sufficient amount of lube on his hand. His mouth locked to Zhongli's throat, sucking at the addictive skin there.
Zhongli carded his fingers in Childe's hair, gasping out adorable little moans he tried very hard to muffle. But it only lasted for a moment. He cried out when Childe lodged a coated finger inside him without warning.
"Ajax--"
Childe twisted his finger.
Zhongli writhed in his arms. He was always so sensitive and Childe adored that about his co-pilot.
Childe thrust the cold digit, in and out, flicking it against the wet hole.
"Childe… another. Please, Childe. Please."
"Give me a kiss first." Childe wiggled his brows. Zhongli obliged diligently.
He kissed shyly. A curt peck or two before Zhongli dived in for a full kiss, licking Childe's lips deliberately, sticking himself so close as if Zhongli wanted to imprint Childe’s taste on his mouth.
Zhongli pulled away, giving Childe a pleading look. "Now, Childe."
Childe complied. He added another finger, teasingly at first, rubbing his fingers against the willing hole before he pressed both inside simultaneously, stretching the tight walls.
Zhongli cried out. "Yes yes there. More."
"Hmm. Nope. Not without a kiss."
"Ajax," Zhongli protested without heat.
"A kiss first." Childe pursed his lips. Despite his playful nature, Childe himself was close to a breaking point. If he didn't fuck Zhongli soon, he would explode.
Zhongli sobbed. Tears slowly pooled in his eyes. They didn't fall. He only held Childe tighter and gave him another sheepish but desperate kiss. He pulled away.
Childe smiled deviously. "Another one."
"Childe, no. Please. Your fingers--"
"Another kiss, xiansheng. And you'll get what you want. My fingers. And my dick." Childe spared a kiss to Zhongli's nose lovingly.
Zhongli only nuzzled his cheek against Childe's neck, a wrecked mess just from a couple of intrusions inside his sensitive buds. "You're so cruel."
"It's not my fault. You're too cute, Zhongli. Makes me want to bully you when you get like this," Childe admitted proudly.
Zhongli bonked him on the head. Again.
Childe sniggered. His heart was light. Outside the shuttle, the stars gleamed. The space was endless.
In here, Childe shushed Zhongli as he inserted another finger inside his beloved, spoiling him senselessly, poking the wet heat again and again until Zhongli threw his head back and came with a muffled shout.
"Ajax."
Zhongli's seed made a mess of Childe's favored shirt. Yep, he should have removed that piece of clothing, too. Oh well. Too late now.
Zhongli was still panting, trying to regain his equilibrium, shaking from the aftershock and surge of pleasure.
"Good?" Childe asked.
Zhongli could only nod. Childe kissed him gently.
"Okay, xiansheng. You want my dick, you're getting my dick."
"Yes, please," Zhongli said politely, grinding his opening against Childe's hard cock.
Childe choked on his breath. "Zhongli, why are you so adorable?" Childe kissed him again. And again. And again.
"Stop. Stop, Ajax." Zhongli laughed. Tickled by Childe's mouth.
"Nope. More kisses," Childe claimed seriously.
When he was done, Zhongli's lips were even redder than a rose, marred by the barrage of Childe's kisses.
"Come. No more kisses for now. Give me this," Zhongli commanded as he squeezed Childe's cock. The younger man groaned.
"Xiansheng," Childe warned. It was hard holding himself back and now Zhongli was going to break Childe's resolve. He still wanted to tease the older man, after all.
"Hmm. A moment, Ajax." With that, Zhongli rolled off of Childe's lap and onto the next seat. He snatched the condom packet from Childe's hand. The other gave him a bemused look.
"Patience, my dear," Zhongli said. He tore the packet, put the condom in his mouth, leaned down until he was facing Childe's large girth, and engulfed the head slowly.
Childe's breath hitched. His hands instantly went to the dark locks, pulling at the tie holding the hair. The smooth strands fell all over the place.
Zhongli hummed in delight, the vibration made Childe jolt.
"Zhongli," he rasped.
Childe could feel Zhongli taking him deeper and deeper into his hot mouth, rolling the condom around Childe's length until he could finally place the whole condom around Childe's dick with a slick movement of his tongue.
Fuck. Where did Zhongli learn to do that?
Then Zhongli pulled his mouth away with a wet pop. He tucked a few strands behind his ear, smiling sweetly at Childe.
"Now, we can begin," he whispered against Childe's mouth, pecking the eager lips once before he returned to Childe's lap; lifting his hips higher and slowly descending, taking Childe's cock within him. Inch by inch.
He gasped when the head split him open.
"Gods, Zhongli," Childe heaved, placing his hands on Zhongli's waist.
Zhongli chuckled breathlessly. "Oh, Ajax, I wish. If I were a god, I'd make you fuck me every day."
Childe was definitely going to explode.
Zhongli was too adorable for his own good.
The older man’s breaths bitched once Childe was fully inside him.
"Move," Zhongli ordered impatiently. Childe obliged eagerly.
He pulled his cock out - Zhongli keened deliciously, fingers gripping Childe's orange locks - and slammed back inside, enjoying the way those familiar walls enveloped him hungrily.
"Ajax. Ajax. There. There. Don't--" Zhongli choked when Childe gave a particularly hard thrust, "Don't stop. Please. Oh, please."
Childe wouldn't be stopping anytime soon. He'd fuck Zhongli and he'd make sure Zhongli would remember the shape of his dick inside his ass every time Zhongli moved. Every time Zhongli breathed.
The thrusts were getting vicious and faster but each time Zhongli was close to his peak, Childe would slow down and demand a kiss if Zhongli wanted him to move.
And as always Zhongli listened to his wish because he would not reach completion without Childe fucking him senselessly.
The windows were fogged up, smeared occasionally by the shape of Zhongli's wandering hands.
"Like this?" Childe questioned.
"No-- ooh....Childe-- no, don't. Not like that. Can't feel your cock like that…" Zhongli sobbed, eyes red and teary.
Childe hummed. "No? Then how about this?" Childe shifted his hips a bit, pulled his dick out until only the head was around the pulsing opening. Then he slammed back inside.
Zhongli bucked. Eyes went wide. His lips fluttered open wordlessly.
"That good?" Childe squeezed Zhongli's ass and felt the plumpness between his fingers.
He traced long fingers along Zhongli's thigh and placed butterfly kisses along his neck up to the swirls of his ear; nibbling the lobe and licking at his neck.
Zhongli squirmed. "Stop teasing me, Ajax. Must you be so cruel to me?"
Childe cackled. "You're terribly spoiled, xiansheng. Flashing those long lashes and pretty eyes because you know I'm weak to them."
Zhongli pinched Childe's nipples.
The younger pilot yelped, giving Zhongli a betrayed look.
"Now, Ajax, fuck me."
"... that's hot. Did you just growl? You did, didn't you? Do that again."
"Ajax."
"Okay okay."
And Childe resumed the vicious tempo, fingers curled around Zhongli's thin waist, pushing Zhongli deeper each time Zhongli sank on his cock.
The pressure was immense and Childe knew he wouldn't last long.
Judging from the continuous filthy noises coming from Zhongli, he was just as close. His eyes were hazy, daze. Lips wobbled and his legs shook.
Yet he still diligently rode Childe as if his life depended on it.
"Childe. Childe. Childe. I'm close. So big. Love - ahh ngh! - love… love it when you're rough… oh," Zhongli drawled.
He scratched at Childe's shoulders, urging him to go faster. Up and down. Up and down.
"Childe," Zhongli called earnestly, "Childe."
Childe's only answer was a groan. He grabbed Zhongli's balls and fondled between his fingers, whispering sweet promises in his Zhongli's ear.
The older man dropped his face on Childe's chest, sobbing, and he came with a muffled shout of Childe's name, body spasmed, boneless as he draped his full weight on top of the younger pilot. Skin flushed. Sweaty.
The mere sight of his beloved coming undone was enough to drive Childe over the edge, too, and with a few more thrusts, he groaned as he came.
Labored breaths filled the small shuttle.
Zhongli was still resting his cheek on Childe's chest, breathing hard. Childe kissed his temple tenderly, still trying to regain his breathing.
He pulled his seat back and lowered it so he was fully lying down. He took Zhongli with him, letting the man lie down on his chest.
Childe brushed the silky dark hair to soothe him after the high of their lovemaking.
"You're good?" Childe muttered.
Zhongli nodded. "Yes. Thank you, Childe."
"Anything for you, Zhongli," Childe assured. He tipped Zhongli's face up so he could kiss him, peppering his face with light pecks.
"Time to go back?" Childe asked.
Zhongli shook his head. He held Childe's fingers in his, cuddling closer to Childe.
When Childe tried to pull out, Zhongli stopped him.
"No, Childe. Let me feel you a little longer."
And who was he to say no to Zhongli?
--
They'd been in the gym for quite a while. Childe's body ached. He liked sparring with Zhongli but the man could be merciless sometimes.
Not that he minded. Sparring or not, Childe never declined a good fight.
"Widen your stance. Lift your arms a bit higher and don't hunch your back. We fight lethal monsters out there in the unknown, Childe. Not some drunkards in a bar."
"I've been a pilot for years, Zhongli. I know," Childe pressed. Brows furrowed. His voice held no hint of anger but Childe still felt a bit irritated.
Even though he knew Zhongli was completely right.
"Do you now?" Zhongli asked. He stepped on the tatami mat. Childe gulped.
Zhongli was sweating and it didn't help that the dark sleeveless shirt he wore was hugging his toned muscles tightly.
A phenomenal distraction truly.
And he was so busy staring that Childe could only blink once Zhongli sprinted towards him, quickly placing his ankle on Childe's calf, and forcing his forearm across the young pilot's chest.
Zhongli moved.
And the world tilted.
Childe found himself thrown to the floor - hard - with Zhongli on top of him, smirking.
"See? Your stance is weak."
"No. You took me by surprise," he countered weakly.
"It wouldn't matter. You'd be able to hold me off if you had steadied your footing properly." Zhongli stood. Childe slowly forced his body upward, sitting on the floor.
"Distracted by something?" Zhongli asked.
"Yes. Your abs."
Zhongli laughed. He offered Childe his hand. He took it and let Zhongli pull him up.
Still, Childe couldn't deny that Zhongli's skills didn't dwindle regardless of him being inactive as a pilot for nearly a decade.
"Such a waste that they used to kept you occupied behind the scene. You always belong out there. As a pilot," Childe said.
Zhongli set his eyes downcast. Childe was worried he might have said something hurtful.
"Sorry if I--"
"No." Zhongli shook his head, smiling at him. It didn't ease Childe's concern. "You are aware of the story, Childe. I was court-martialed. Almost everyone knows that. Guizh--... the Marshal aided me, shared her voice during the trial even when I declined her support. If it wasn’t for her, I’d have suffered an incomparably punishing penalty."
"She was right to do so," Childe adamantly stated. If he was there during the trial--
Zhongli beamed wistfully.
"The Marshal and I are close friends. It was mostly done out of sentiment. Truthfully, I deserved a harsher sentence. Countless soldiers died because of me and one of them was my closest friend. Osial, he..." His voice grew quiet. Bronze eyes seemed so far away, looking at something that was no longer there.
Then Zhongli's eyes found him and his gentle gaze returned. Childe's chest constricted. He touched his co-pilot's hand. Zhongli squeezed the wandering hand in return.
"Did you regret the choice you made back then?" Childe's voice was small. He didn't know why he feared the answer. Whatever Zhongli's answer was, Childe would never judge him.
Zhongli only looked at him fully in the eye, bright and piercing. His voice was resolute when he answered Childe.
"Never."
Childe kissed the man's forehead.
One day then.
One day he would tell Zhongli the truth.
For now, he just wanted to hold the man.
--
A month later, Childe and Zhongli were summoned by the Marshal to the Command Center.
--
"Missing crew?"
"Yes, look." The Marshal gazed up at the massive screen. One of the ensigns hastily typed something on her panel.
The screen flickered. A recording began to roll.
All eyes were instantly on the video.
Zhongli stood close to Childe as the sound began to unfold.
There was a continuous white noise before a bright light covered the whole video. It was blurry as if the screen was drenched in water.
Soon, a noise crackled in the background. A voice belonged to a human. It was mostly accompanied by an occasional static.
"I repeat... planet… 7U... massive… our ship... destroyed…." the voice was cut off by a loud terrible roar. It echoed, rattling as if it was engulfing the entire universe and swallowing it whole.
The human’s breaths grew labored with almost no hint of trepidation. Most likely the person had accepted their fate.
"Sending a distress signal… planet D-47U!... stranded... cargo shuttle's number… the ocean… unidentified variant… immense..."
The devilish roar reappeared, followed by a sound of something gargantuan moving. Its weight did not slow it down. The screen remained blurry. Silent. A moment later, the video was cut off.
"When was this?" Zhongli turned around to address his superior.
His eyes were sharp, uneasy. Though Zhongli attempted to hide it behind a stoic pretense. What he had just witnessed troubled him.
Zhongli cared too much for others.
Between him and Childe, Zhongli would always prioritize saving innocent lives. Though, not without calculated plans.
Childe was the one that couldn't bring himself to care much. If it didn't involve Zhongli's safety or the thrill of a battle, it would garner little reactions from the younger pilot.
The Marshal sighed and massaged her temple. Even she looked troubled. "Two days ago. We've been trying to match the sound with all the resonance we've recorded from our archives."
"No match?" Childe asked. New variant? His blood was pumping. A new enemy. A new fight.
The Marshal shook her head. "No match. Even the Codex couldn’t offer us results. This time, we're one our own."
"We've always been on our own when we have to deal with new variants. Why is this one so different?" Childe questioned. Genuinely curious.
They'd overcome many obstacles before. Dealt with countless new variants.
Zhongli sighed. "Childe. The manuscript."
Childe blinked.
"Oh."
No results from the Codex when the holo manuscript could always provide them with innumerable dossiers, which meant this wasn't just a new variant. This might also be an entirely new alien species altogether.
Though not all aliens were dangerous and so not all of them needed to be destroyed.
Still, this had never happened before in Childe's lifetime.
"This is trouble." Childe grinned.
Zhongli frowned at his co-pilot's blase attitude. Childe pretended not to see it.
The Marshal took a long inhale. Already used to Childe's nature.
"I have delivered an order to the other pilots to return to the base immediately. They'll be here within days. Moving in a large number is far more favorable if we wish to handle this precarious situation efficiently."
"How about the survivors?" Zhongli pointed at the blank screen with a wave of his hand. "They might yet still be alive. We can't wait that long. It's too risky. At least allow Childe and I to do a recon first. We will not engage without further orders."
Childe perked up. He could agree with that. Scoping out for possible threats could prove beneficial. Besides, it was also an opportunity for a potential fight. "I'm with my co-pilot."
He blinked innocently once the Marshal glared at him.
Her eyes softened considerably when they fell on Zhongli.
"Zhongli, D-47U is in a different cluster that may contain more than a single star system. It's uninhabitable for humans. Hence, we’re still unsure why the Science Corps has sent their people to a hazardous planet. It’s impossible to survive that long even if the unknown creature hadn't killed them."
"The Science Corps is part of the Fatui division. And Tsaritsa is in command of that particular department. She must know more," Childe said evenly.
The Marshal could only nod at him. “I agreed. However, there will be time to question her further. It is enough that she delivered the holo-vid to us for now. At the moment, we must deal with this first.”
"Send us instead," Zhongli requested again. "A recon. Nothing else. Whether the creature is a native or not, it is yet unknown. We will not engage without your permission. It also might lessen the risk for other pilots as well if they know what might await them there."
A beat.
"If that thing is a native of the planet, you are under a strict order not to engage no matter what," the Marshal spoke carefully.
Childe's eyes brightened. Finally, something else to do except being stuck in this base.
Zhongli nodded. "Understood, Marshal."
"Very well." She faced the ensigns and started giving orders before she acknowledged them once more. "Suit up. And be careful."
They saluted and left the central room. When Childe peered back, the Marshal gave Zhongli a gentle but concerned glance.
It was ridiculous to feel jealous.
--
They donned the black bodysuits first.
Then the technicians put on the polycarbonate armor suits.
The life support blinked green. The thrusters and the gravity boots came online.
They put their helmets on and the black visors snapped close. They walked towards their massive Mecha. Primordial Jade stood in the Hangar, painted in black, red, and bronze.
Several of the technicians were making a final inspection.
"Ready?" Zhongli's voice came from the communicator installed in the helmet.
Childe gave Zhongli's shoulder a bump. It was enough for an answer. Childe didn't need to see Zhongli's face to know the other was smiling softly under his visor.
They got on the elevator, strode along the elongated bridge, and entered the large cockpit once the technicians gave them a go.
Zhongli walked around to reach the lower compartment, where another capsule was ingrained.
He sat down and the many panels flared the same word, Online. Three mini-screens hovered before him and Zhongli pulled a metallic cable from the small repository affixed behind his seat.
Zhongli connected the cable to the Conn-Pod systems behind his helmet. Instantly, he could feel all the Mecha's limbs become his own.
Above him, Childe copied the same regulations on his capsule once he was sure Zhongli was safely connected.
A brief ping. Seconds later, Xiao's voice filled the cockpit.
"Good afternoon, mister Zhongli," Xiao started respectfully. "All systems are online. Detect no strains in the spinal cord. Brain scanning is green. Everything is ready."
"Thank you, Xiao," Zhongli replied just as kindly.
"Hey, how about me?" Childe begrudgingly asked.
Xiao didn't answer him. He was a young helmsman that was assigned to Childe and Zhongli's unit to become their eyes and yet the brat was only ever respectful towards Zhongli.
Childe couldn't even understand him.
"You're good, too," was all Xiao said.
Childe huffed. He could hear Zhongli's faint chuckle.
Oh, whatever. As long as Xiao prioritized Zhongli's safety, why did it matter if the boy somehow disliked him? Besides, Xiao was one of the very few people that respected Zhongli.
For that, Childe could tolerate his curt attitudes with him.
The main gate was opened. The wide dark-space greeted them.
Childe and Zhongli ignited the thrusters. The Mecha rumbled, releasing a cloud of white smoke from its greaves.
Primordial Jade moved and flew towards the stars.
--
They arrived in a different cluster through the Transit Relay.
A robotic voice intoned.
[FTL jump procedure successful. Locating target. Scanning. Stand by. Stand by. Star system located]
"Be careful," came Xiao's voice.
The Mecha carefully streamed through the sea of stars and floating bolides.
It didn't take too long for them to pinpoint the planet they were searching for.
"That's the one," Childe pointed out. Zhongli didn't answer him. Too many tiny meteorites scattered near D-47U.
From up here, the planet was… breathtaking. Blue and gold. Vibrant. As if a celestial light had bestowed its grace upon the planet. Smaller than Earth but bigger than Earth's moon.
"Sending a probe," Zhongli announced. He pressed a button on his panel and a small probe launched from one of the small pods.
The probe hovered as it began scanning the planet.
They waited.
"It sucks that we might not be able to fight anything, huh?" Childe prodded.
Zhongli inhaled. Exhaled. "It's a recon mission, Childe."
"If it's not?"
"We still won't engage until we are sure what type of assailant we are dealing with. You know how it is. Better be safe than sorry."
"Mister Zhongli is correct," Xiao supported.
"Fuck off, shrimp."
"Denied. My duty as a helmsman is to make sure the pilots - preferable the ones I’m assigned to - come back alive. Don't worry, mister Zhongli. I will keep you safe."
"Hey! You left me out again!" Childe whined.
Zhongli chuckled. "Thank you, Xiao. I'll make sure to treat you to some almond tofu when we get back."
"Using my mora, you mean," Childe grumbled. He didn't like Xiao but he could never deny Zhongli anything.
Xiao's voice was gentle when he spoke. "I thank you, Mister Zhongli."
"Well--" Childe started but a loud ping interrupted him.
The probe was done scanning.
"Argon-nitrogen," Zhongli murmured. "Xiao, how long has the Science Corps gone missing?"
"Four days ago."
"Very well. What was the main gaseous element formerly listed for D-47U?" Zhongli pressed.
Formerly? Childe frowned.
"A moment," came Xiao's voice. Then he answered, "Argon was the only chemical element listed."
Zhongli hummed, pondering, before he added, "Argon was no longer the main inert element. It's argon-nitrogen. It's misted a small area on the planet in just four days. If we enter it, leaving the cockpit for a durable amount of time is inadvisable."
Childe finally understood what Zhongli was trying to say. "So the creature isn't a native. It's also an alien to D-47U. Its arrival toxified the planet even more. If it's intelligent, the bastard probably spread it on purpose."
"It's only an assumption for now. We're not completely sure of its origin. It attacked before the cargo shuttle could enter the sphere and they had no choice but to initiate an emergency landing. It must have followed the Science Corps' cargo shuttle," Zhongli theorized.
"It wrecked their communications, too. Took those poor fools a while to contact their mother base." Childe whistled, impressed.
"Childe," Zhongli chastised.
"Sorry. My bad," he said, sounding unapologetic.
"I will report this finding to the Marshal. For now, please fall back. Further scouting is inadvisable--"Xiao's voice was cut off.
They could feel a rumble. It shook their Mecha. The radar glared red. The words warning, incoming, unknown substantial lifeform, impact imminent, bellowed on their screens.
Childe paled.
How--
"Move!" Xiao's voice rang out.
Zhongli and Childe moved as one as their Mecha avoided the swift swipe of a massive beast but they weren't completely fortunate. It damaged one of their wings.
The aftershock could be heavily felt and the cockpit shuddered. Childe groaned, momentarily disoriented.
He quickly shouted for Zhongli's name. "Zhongli! Are you all right?"
"Focus," Zhongli hissed.
Childe finally looked upward.
The alien was gargantuan. It floated in space like a hulking leviathan, its skin was the color of pitch-black, as if it was mimicking its surroundings. It possessed no eyes and mouth on what Childe presumed to be its face.
Its massive appendages entangled on top of one another and in the middle of its midsection was a large maw with red luminescent canines, wide enough to swallow the Mecha whole. So there's the mouth.
"Oh, shit," Childe whispered. "That thing could level a city. How big is it?"
He'd never seen anything so enormous before.
"Two thousand meters long," Zhongli answered, looking at his screens. "Childe, we can't fight it alone."
"Agreed," Childe said bitterly. "Fall back for now."
He enjoyed fighting but he wouldn't risk Zhongli's life. If he was alone, then perhaps Childe would do something foolish. But not now. Now when Zhongli's safety was involved.
The alien beast pounced at them. Despite its mass, it was quick. They could barely avoid its strike.
They couldn't just evade this thing forever. Childe navigated the control panels, summoning one of their Mecha's main weapons.
[Ember Cutter, Engage] a robotic voice stated in the cockpit.
The right grip began to shift, small particles reverted like pieces of puzzles before a massive metallic claymore gradually emerged in the clutch of the Mecha's arm.
"Childe, we can't fight it!" Zhongli called out.
The creature circled them, raising its sharp tail as it lunged the large limb towards Primordial Jade.
"We're not fighting it! We're finding an opening to retreat!"
They parried the tail. It clanged and the Mecha was easily pushed back from a simple swipe.
No. They couldn't win. Not like this.
The creature surrounded them with its massive body. Its many smaller appendages were like roots, protruding from its skin. It was looking at them without eyes.
It was as if the creature was grinning at them with its massive maw.
The thrusters ignited and they dived forward, parrying the incoming bombardment, one by one, sustaining major injury every time they attempted to avoid the endless onslaughts.
Childe needed to get Zhongli out of here. Zhongli was his first and only priority for now.
Fuck, should have never agreed to this.
Xiao was saying something to them. But they couldn't focus on his voice. Their communication went static. In seconds, Xiao's voice was no more.
It must be the creature.
"It can jam our communication sequence," Zhongli sharply stated.
Yeah, Childe figured as much.
It was unmistakably intelligent. And it wasn't letting them leave. Simply playing with them.
They kept at it for a while. Every time they found an exit, the eldritch horror pushed them back in, propelling their movement with its entangled limbs.
They couldn't go on like this.
"Childe."
"What--"
"Land on D-47U." Zhongli's voice was calm despite the dire situation.
"Are you out of your mind? No. Our chances of survival would go from little to none."
"If it won't let us leave, then we need to divert its focus on something else," Zhongli persuaded as they avoided another incoming barrage.
Zhongli continued, "It's never going to let us reach the Transit Relay. It'll kill us before we even get there. It is swifter than us but the moment we enter the stratosphere, it will at least accelerate our momentum to create a sufficient gap between us and that thing. Childe, you can tell it, too. It's only playing with us."
And what if that thing finally grows tired of us? was left unsaid by the older pilot.
"Zhongli."
"Trust me. I'll get you out of here alive."
"The survivors--"
"There are no survivors. The previous scan affirmed their demise."
From his seat, Childe could almost feel the subdued tone from Zhongli's statement.
"Childe, we need to get to that cargo shuttle. Trust me. The probe has scanned everything. I know where it is. I know what the Science Corps was carrying with them. What they were trying to do."
Another close hit. They avoided it by sacrificing one of their thrusters. The sword began to bend and their movement was getting slower.
Childe dematerialized the weapon back inside the Mecha's arm and replaced it with an energy shield. It wouldn't hold. But it would have to be enough for now.
On the left arm, Zhongli dispatched a spear, emerging from the underside of its electro-amp gauntlet. They formed a stance and began to fight back, however futile it might seem.
Parry. Thrust. Block. Parry. Thrust. Block.
They repeated it again and again. The energy shield was slowly breaking. No response from Xiao. The line was dead.
Finally, an opening. Together, they sheathed back the weapons and formed half of the nuclear energy into the amplifier implemented in the Mecha's chest plate. It ignited, a blue flare concentrated on a single pulse of energy.
They fired the blast. The energy was discharged in a single array. The beast made a motion as if it was grunting from the pain on its burned limbs.
However, it still appeared unfazed.
"Now!" Childe ordered.
The remaining thrusters burned and they flew towards D-47U. Their speed increased as they were nearing the planet. The gravitational pull assisted them in creating a proportional space between them and the massive alien.
It was still on their tail.
They entered the atmosphere. The heat was searing hot. Burning.
They could barely see anything as they moved. Their Mecha rattled from the force.
"Several clicks to the west. Move now!" Zhongli commanded. Childe listened to his co-pilot.
They flew just in time to avoid the alien crashing its whole body on top of them. Childe could see sand exploding from under the shockwave.
Golden bright sand. That was the golden view Childe saw from above. The blue must be the ocean.
D-47U. Argon-nitrogen.
Instantly, he knew what the Science Corps was aiming for.
Illegal mining for the minerals under the sea. The alien creature didn't pollute the planet. The radiation must have been triggered by one of the explosives they were carrying.
But if the cargo shuttle was still intact…
"They dropped one of the explosives to mine Ergo Vanadium minerals. It was probably large enough to cause argon-nitrogen," Childe murmured.
The alien's attack patterns were odd as well. As if it was simply defending--
Then he hastily looked down at the other pilot. Zhongli must have concluded the same thing.
For now, the creature was nowhere to be seen.
"Zhongli, that creature is not an alien to this planet. It's a native. This is its homeworld."
"Precisely. The Science Corps was never pursued. The log from their cargo shuttle never showed an emergency landing was initiated. The minerals they were looking for were under the ocean," Zhongli explained.
"They bombed it," Childe murmured. Their Mecha continued soaring through the toxic air.
"The blast must have awakened the creature. Its home was destroyed. Now it believes we're here for the same purpose: to colonize its home. That's why it ambushed us in space. It possibly detected foreign energy," Zhongli said lowly.
Childe was quiet for a moment. It was never an invasive species then. It was only protecting its home.
Tsaritsa had much to answer for.
"But why the cargo shuttle? Why do we need it?"
"We need it to get you home," Zhongli answered.
"We," Childe pressed. "We're going home together--"
A loud thunderous roar. It pierced the sky. The similar roar they heard from the feed at the command center.
Behind them, the creature was quickly gaining on them. Its body slithered, pushing itself with the black roots-like appendages from its colossal body. Its midsection rose, ready to devour them.
They flew faster. The cargo shuttle was just ahead of them, stranded on the shore.
"Childe, distract it," Zhongli calmly said.
Childe blinked.
"What?"
Zhongli unlatched the cord from his helmet, chose the Solo Mode, and rose from his seat; hastily making his way towards the emergency hatch.
"Zhongli! What are you--"
The creature leaped. Childe evaded it. The cockpit shuddered but it didn't stagger Zhongli.
He held the solid cord tied to one of the pods and launched himself out from the cockpit through the emergency hatch.
The drop was high but the body armor softened his landing on the golden sand. Instantly, Childe could see how the toxic gaseous began to melt Zhongli's armor.
"No! Zhongli!" Childe screamed helplessly.
Zhongli didn't pay any heed to his surroundings as he made a quick dash towards the large cargo shuttle and entered it through the dented hole.
"Zhongli!" Childe called out frantically through the communicator.
The creature roared, making its way towards Zhongli but Childe quickly pulled out the already battered spear and landed a hit against its body. The sharpness didn't fully penetrate the skin.
It only garnered its attention.
That had to be enough.
It snarled at Primordial Jade instead. Its maw lifted high.
Childe could no longer see Zhongli. The radar went awry.
His heart darkened. Anger clouded him. What good was he as a Mecha pilot if he couldn't protect the one thing that mattered most?
No. Childe materialized the energy shield from Primordial Jade's right arm. It wasn't as dense as before.
No, Zhongli is alive. He's alive.
Childe only needed to protect the cargo shuttle.
He readied and began an assault of his own. The colossal beast didn't even stagger. It only lifted its faceless black head, its maw on its abdomen made a hissing sound.
With impenetrable skin like that, it possibly could only be hurt or killed from inside out.
Childe prepared himself again.
The cargo shuttle's engines roared.
The radar pinged.
"Zhongli." Childe almost wept.
Even the beast reared its head towards the cargo shuttle, snarling. It no longer tolerated their presence enough to play around with them like a predator teasing its prey.
It made its way towards the shuttle.
Childe quickly flew over it.
He could finally see Zhongli exiting the enormous shuttle.
"...Childe… Childe..." a static but it was Zhongli's voice. Childe wanted to kiss the foolish man until he couldn't breathe.
On autopilot, the shuttle began to soar, ascending as the remaining functional thrusters came back online.
The creature made a loud confused noise.
Zhongli fled away from the cargo, heading towards Primordial Jade. Bits of his body armor peeling away due to the excessive exposure from the radiation.
The shuttle went higher and higher and the creature stared at it, distracted. Curious. It knew it was the same ship that almost ruined its home.
Now, it was watching the aircraft leave.
The fixed coordinate Zhongli chose for the shuttle indicated that it'd return to the main base.
They could use it: as both a distraction and an additional piece of evidence for what had transpired here.
They needed to leave now. This was their only chance.
Childe made his way towards his co-pilot, intending to pick him up.
However, the creature roared furiously.
Zhongli stopped, watching as the colossal creature began to after the cargo shuttle. Its maw was wide open, aiming to swallow the fleeing ship.
"..no! No!" Zhongli's voice called out towards the beast. "Don't… follow...!"
But the creature did. It swallowed the ship whole.
It would trigger the remaining explosives placed in the cargo shuttle.
Childe reached out for Zhongli. The Mecha's large hands wrapped around Zhongli's tiny form gently and Childe put all the energy into the thrusters, pushing for full speed.
They needed to get out of the range of the imminent explosion.
"Stop--...! Childe! It'll die! Stop it--"
Impossible. It was too late to save the creature.
There was a rattling sound. Like a whistle. Before a large blast followed and--
--
Childe woke up with a cough. His whole body ached. He couldn't move.
"Zhongli…" Childe weakly called out. He heard the beeping sound from the machines around him.
"Zhongli…" he called out again. Feebly this time. He needed to find him. Childe's arm stretched outward in the air.
Everything was white. It hurt so much to move.
"Zhongli…Zhongli… please…"
"Ajax?" A groggy voice said. "Ajax!" The feminine voice chirped out. Someone was holding his hand, sobbing. Fresh tears fell on his cheek.
"Hang on, Ajax. I'll call the nurse. Hang on."
His sister.
No. No. Childe needed to find Zhongli. He needed…
Childe drifted away.
--
"Both of you are fools."
It was the first thing Childe heard when he woke up again.
Childe blearily opened his eyes, squinting, only to see the Marshal. Guizhong.
She was sitting on a chair beside his bed. She wasn't wearing her uniform. Instead, she wore a comfortable white floral dress. Her hair was loose, tied into a ponytail instead of her usual smart bun.
"Marshal… Zhongli… where is he?"
Childe couldn't bear to lose him. He'd gladly die a thousand times over more than to lose Zhongli.
She chuckled. "Goodness, you just woke up and that's the first thing you asked me. I'm so jealous. Zhongli is so loved," she teased him.
Childe scowled. The scent of the hospital was too pungent. He hated it.
"Marshal," Childe bit darkly. That could earn him a severe penalty for using a disrespectful tone against a commanding officer. He didn't care.
The Marshal only smiled kindly. "Zhongli is fine. He's in the ICU but he's slowly healing. Nothing today's technology couldn't fix, I promise you. No visiting, however. Let him heal."
Childe could finally breathe. His heart was lighter.
"The gods must favor both of you. To survive such a blast... though the radiation will linger for a long time," she told him.
Childe sighed. Zhongli wanted so desperately to save that creature. Childe didn't blame him.
"Tsaritsa?" Childe asked.
"She's innocent. Tsaritsa didn't send the crew for unauthorized mining. It was someone working under her division. Tsaritsa was unaware of it until she received the final transmission, as well. However, she's had her suspicions for a while."
"Who was it then?"
"Dottore. He's already apprehended. We presume the transmission was never meant to reach the Tsaritsa but she managed to breach the mainframe used by the doctor. We didn't procure enough evidence but the record we have from your Mecha should be enough. For now."
Not enough.
Childe knew that bastard. He would kill the man himself for putting Zhongli in this situation.
"At ease, pilot. You and Zhongli managed to uncover one of the ill-natured plots to run the foreign planets dry of their resources. Dottore's words implied this wasn't the first time it'd occurred. No one would find out about this if it weren't for you two. Even though it wasn't originally planned. The council will be quite busy." She chuckled.
A beat passed.
"How long has it been?" Childe questioned.
"Nearly two weeks since then."
Two weeks. No wonder his heart throbbed. He hadn't seen Zhongli for a while.
Childe missed his co-pilot terribly.
"Rest," she ordered. "There's much time for you to tell him the truth later."
Childe blinked foolishly.
She smiled. "I know what it is you're hiding, boy. No more delay. Tell him who you are. He's been alone for so long. Why did you think I gave him to you?"
The Marshal patted his head. "But hurt him, and I'll deal with you myself. Personally," she warned, smiling ever so sweetly.
The Marshal left his room with a skip in her steps.
--
It was Zhongli that came to visit him first.
Childe was in the middle of trading stories with his sister when he entered the room.
Zhongli was in an ugly hospital robe. His face was bruised. His lips were chapped. His hair was askew. And he walked with a limp. His smile was a little bit crooked. Unsure. A bit shy. Didn't know if he was wanted here.
Zhongli was the most beautiful thing Childe had ever seen in his life.
He leaped from the bed. His sister yelped. Childe ignored the ache and the pinprick throb under his skin as he wrapped Zhongli in his arms and spun the man around.
Zhongli's tiny chuckle was enough to sustain Childe's heart until forever.
"Zhongli," Childe whispered again and again until it became a sound that made Zhongli smile so softly.
"Don't ever scare me like that again."
--
So Childe's older sister adored Zhongli more than she adored Childe.
Typical.
Now they were gossip buddies.
Childe wondered if she knew who Zhongli was. Probably.
She had looked at Zhongli with a pair of soft eyes.
--
Zhongli keened when Childe entered him. He had to gently place his hand on Zhongli's mouth lest the wandering nurses and visitors outside Childe's room heard them.
"Shh, I got you," Childe muttered against Zhongli's neck, removing his hand.
Zhongli's legs trembled as he wrapped them around Childe's waist, eagerly meeting the sensual thrusts.
"Childe. Childe." Zhongli repeated his name like a touch-starved soul and it made Childe's heart twist.
He brushed his thumb along Zhongli's jaws, kissing the older man's temple as he began to hasten his hips.
Zhongli gasped, holding on to the body above him. A lifeline in his arms.
In the darkness of the room, Childe was gentle as he made love to his Zhongli.
"I'm here, Zhongli," Childe whispered. "I'm here for you." His heart burned from how much he loved Zhongli.
--
Xiao visited them at the hospital.
He only bought the steamed chicken buns for Zhongli exclusively. And none for him.
Childe hated Xiao.
--
"We're given a break for two months."
"Only two months?" Childe lamented.
Zhongli laughed. "That should suffice, don't you think? We were bedridden in the hospital for a month."
Childe couldn't argue with that.
"True. The most boring moment of my life. Ever. The doctors wouldn't stop probing and asking me questions. I don't need to get my butthole checked. Assholes," Childe grumbled.
"Did you hit anyone?"
"Unfortunately, no."
"Good."
"Zhongli, you were supposed to be on my side," Childe gasped dramatically.
Zhongli hummed.
They walked side by side along the cold hallway of the Zapolyarny Garrison. They just recently returned and yet already the place felt so strange to him.
It was never the Garrison that made Childe stay. It was always Zhongli.
The place was almost empty today. Though, the sound of machinery was still loud. Deafening. Their Mecha was currently being fixed.
It would take quite a long time to undo the plethora of devastation Primordial Jade had suffered. Childe winced. He didn't envy the technicians at all.
Zhongli stopped. He was looking at the large glass window.
Childe followed his line of sight.
Outside the floating base, the space was oddly peaceful. The stars were endless. Still as irradiant. Golden splotches in the deep-space.
From here, they could see Teyvat, gleaming and pouring in dozens of lights. Shuttles came and left.
"Want to watch the stars together?" Childe asked playfully.
And yet Zhongli nodded at him. He sat on the hard floor, back against the wall. He took a deep breath, intending to enjoy the sight.
Childe took a seat next to Zhongli, slumping down softly.
Silence did not come so easily when you lived in a military base.
"What are you thinking?"
"Nothing," Zhongli answered. "It's hard to think when you're around."
"Aww. That's the sweetest thing you've ever said to me."
"Hmm. It's not a compliment. Your idiocy is contagious. Hence, I can't think properly."
"Hey!"
Zhongli chuckled. He leaned closer to kiss Childe on the cheek. The gesture soothed the younger man's heart. He moved a little bit closer until their shoulders were touching.
No one said anything for a moment.
"Zhongli."
"Hmm?"
"I've never got the chance to thank you for saving my life."
Zhongli squinted, confused. "From our last mission? That--"
"No." Chile denied it gently. "From nine years ago."
Childe took both of Zhongli's hands in his, kissing the knuckles adoringly, and brushing his thumbs against the scarred skin. These hands carried many stories just as much as they carried many hurt.
Zhongli watched him quietly. Still confused. "Childe, I don't understand."
Now, where to begin?
"I grew up in a human colony on Mars. Not a big place. Each homestead could only house four to six people. My family was huge so everyone usually just packed together." Childe remembered the memory fondly.
His mother's smile. His father's voice. His siblings' rowdiness. The warmth of their home. Losing them hurt.
"One of the main military headquarters was situated not far from the colony. They were working on upgrading the Mecha project. If succeeded, it would have been the most significant outcome for humanity. Second only to the creation of Teyvat. By all accounts, to preserve the project, anything else was expendable," Childe added.
It only took a few moments for Zhongli to understand the truth. Zhongli opened his mouth to say something. He stopped.
When Zhongli couldn't offer his words, his eyes displayed a dozen of emotions instead. The most prominent one was unbridled pain.
"I'm sorry. I tried to save everyone. I'm sorry, Childe. I'm sorry. I'm sorry," Zhongli painfully whispered.
Childe beamed softly. He ran his finger across Zhongli's cheek.
"There's nothing to forgive. You've never wronged me." He kissed Zhongli's forehead.
"A horde of Gorgons was heading towards Mars. Nasty aliens. We all know that. You had your orders: to guard the headquarters. The human colony be damned. And yet you disobeyed your commanding officers. You flew towards the defenseless colony and fought off the aliens alone. You chose to save the common folks instead," Childe voiced out.
Zhongli stayed still in Childe's arms, listening. He didn't make any sound.
"A more advanced Mecha was protecting the base but they failed and the base was overwhelmed. They couldn't fend off the Gorgons' onslaught. The duo pilots in the other Mecha weren't as good as the solo pilot in the prototype Mecha. Zhongli, you were supposed to assist the other Mecha to secure the military base but you chose us," Childe muttered.
"You were not hailed as a hero. You were dishonorably discharged. Humiliated. Your name was ruined. You were mocked. Degraded. Shunned. You faced scorn and insult for many years afterward. You still do. Powerful generals died. Soldiers killed. The military suffered heavy losses and yet that's all they cared about. And you were condemned because you opposed them. Zhongli, for so long I could only watch you suffer from afar. I felt so helpless. Angry."
Zhongli saved him. Saved Childe's sister. Saved the remaining survivors. And all he received in return was nothing but pain.
Childe put his arm around his co-pilot's shoulder, bringing him closer. Letting Zhongli siphon the heat from his body.
He looked at his beloved for a fleeting moment before Childe rested his chin on Zhongli's head. The soft hair tickled his face.
He just wanted to keep Zhongli safe. That was all Childe ever wanted.
"I don't want you to be alone anymore. So I joined the military to find you. I dreamt of becoming your co-pilot. I want to keep you safe. I want to be with you, Zhongli. I trained and trained and was stationed on many planets. I wanted to be good enough before I could finally face you. Before I could finally thank you. I was chasing for you the whole time, Zhongli. When Marshal Guizhong offered you as my co-pilot, I took it without hesitation. I don't want anyone else but you," Childe admitted.
Zhongli looked surprised by the declaration. It soured Childe greatly. Did Zhongli think he meant very little to him?
Childe kissed him. And another. And another. Zhongli slowly reciprocated it.
"Zhongli," Childe breathed the name fiercely against Zhongli's lips once they parted. He wouldn't let anyone take Zhongli from him.
"I'm here," Zhongli assured him.
Childe held him tighter. Protectively. He swore that nothing in this world could be more important than Zhongli's life and joy. Nothing.
--
Months later, they visited their homeworld. Nothing much had changed on Earth.
But it was the softness of the night breeze that almost lulled Childe into a stupor. Almost.
"You bought a motorbike?" Zhongli questioned, aghast.
Childe wiggled his brows, grinning. "It's a classic, Zhongli. Look at it. No factories made this model anymore. It used to require petrol to move. Petrol, Zhongli. Quite archaic! Also, I even wear this stylish bomber jacket just for you."
Childe pinched at the black jacket he was wearing to stress his point.
Despite his previous disapproval, Zhongli couldn't help the small smile that slowly found its way to his lips. It stretched further and further until Zhongli was finally laughing.
Childe watched him. The furrow of Zhongli's eyes. The curve of his lips. The way he put his hand on his mouth when he laughed. The obvious crinkles on his brows when joy overwhelmed him.
Childe walked towards him and cupped Zhongli's face tenderly in his hands. The heat under his skin was tingling.
"Xiansheng, you contribute to the stars every time you laugh," Childe proclaimed steadily. His voice didn't waver.
Zhongli's smile stayed. "Sweet words, Ajax. Trying to say you're deeply in love with me next?" He teased.
Childe quirked a brow. "Really, Zhongli? Is it not obvious enough that I'm a lovestruck fool with how many times I've let you ride my dic--"
"Ajax," Zhongli warned with a scowl. The light flush on his beloved's cheeks didn't go unnoticed by him. It was endearing.
Childe slowly grinned. He thumped their foreheads together. It was stupidly insane how he was deeply in love with this man.
Childe had crossed many worlds just to find Zhongli.
"You know it. Irrevocably and stupidly in love with you," he said with such ease.
Zhongli's smile dimmed a little bit but it didn't abate the flicker of merriment in those amber eyes. It sparked with obvious adoration.
"Me, too," Zhongli confessed, his voice hushed. "A damn fool whenever you are close to me because I love you. I love you so much, Childe."
Childe almost hurt his cheeks just from smiling. "Hmm, good. Cause this is our first date together."
He didn't want to wait for Zhongli's reply when he caught those lips with his. He kissed Zhongli silly. Kissed him fiercely. Kissed him like Zhongli was made out of stars and stars made Childe fantasize, dreaming on and on.
Stars made him stop. Stars made him dream. And Zhongli was the accumulation of all the brightest and hottest stars in the universe.
Childe kissed Zhongli some more. Knew he'd never have enough.
When they broke apart, Childe pulled Zhongli's hand towards the motorbike. They put the helmets on.
They got on. Childe started the engine.
It roared.
Zhongli wound his arms around Childe's waist as they rode away together through the city. The wind accompanied them.
Everything was alive. The lights. The stars. The world.
Zhongli held on to Childe tighter, listening to the hum around them. Childe briefly touched Zhongli's hand.
For a moment, time stopped. Nothing could touch them. They lived on and on.
--