It was a normal day, trinkets were sold, the wind blew, the birds soared, friends chatted along, letters were exchanged, citizens mourned their loved ones, the sun glowed on the bright yellow trees of Liyue, and the rocky cliffs remained tall and sturdy. Though for Zhongli, an ex-archon and a consultant for the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, it was different.

He waved goodbye to one of his closest friends, externally he seemed neutral, but, inside he felt saddened. Maybe it was because he was a mortal that feelings such as these would become stronger and seize his heart and attention, but even so, Childe was leaving, and nothing would change that.

He said he'd be gone for five to six months, maybe even four, surely not much time for someone who's lived more than six thousand years, but Zhongli had already missed the ginger, even with him still in view, waving on the departing boat.

Zhongli watched the boat head to Inazuma, but decided he would surely have better things to do than wait for something that wouldn't come, so he left the dock and arrived at the Funeral Parlor. He didn't knock before entering the overall building, but he did on the Director's door.

"Excuse me, Director Hu?" He asked.

"Mhm?" Hu Tao hummed, gaze quickly turning to Zhongli rather than paperwork.

"May I borrow some mora to buy some paper?" He requested politely.

Something changed in Hu Tao's demeanor.

"Oh? Needing paper to send letters to your beloved Childe already?" She teased.

"Yes, may you gift me my request?" He said.

"Sure! Over there is some spare mora," Hu Tao pointed to a compartment.

"Many thanks," Zhongli nodded.

With the mora, be bought some specialty scented Bamboo Paper. The instant he sat down in his office, he started writing.

Dear Childe,

I have found myself already missing your absence. It has not been a long period of time since you left for Inazuma, but even so, I miss our dinners and conversations, our walks as we chat around several topics. I must say that even though this mission is sudden to your schedule, duty to the Fatui is to be placed over kin and colleagues, and I hope for a successful and fluid mission. Whatever has happened in Inazuma should not be too much of a hassle, especially with your charming personality and friendship with the Traveler, I hope information to be gained easily.

Though this is a short letter, I do hope this brings you happiness to your journey.

Sincerely,

Zhongli.

Consultant for the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.

With that, he set the letter aside and turned to his boring paperwork.

--

Childe was quickly accustomed to Inazuma fashion, antics, and citizens, as he normally does on his missions. Being in Inazuma felt special though, as though he would only be there once and never return. It might have to do with the fact that Inazuma might possibly go on lockdown again, but that's what Childe is supposed to figure out- on top of locating 6th and 8th Fatui Harbingers.

La Signora is deemed as missing, but Childe was sent to find her- or her body. But Scaramouche was also missing, ever since he got his grimy little (he has very little hands) on the electro gnosis. Childe figured he'd never find the fan of dango.

"Hey mister!" A little kid called.

There was a boy, who tugged relentlessly on Childe's Inazuman robe.

"Well hello there mister, what do you need?" Childe leaned down to his eye level and gave him a kind smile.

"I- I lost my mommy!" The boy wailed.

"What does she look like?" Childe asked calmly.

"She-she's really really pretty and- and short with a b-blue kimo," The boy said.

"A blue kimo, you say?"

Must be short for kimono. Childe thought.

"Grab my hand, we'll get you to your mommy," Childe grinned as he offered his hand.

The boy grabbed it and Childe stood, quick to eye around for several types of blue. During the search, Childe slowly started walking toward the stairs to lead the child to higher ground so he could maybe see his mom better from a bird's eye view.

"Where did you last see your mommy?" Childe asked.

"U-uhm... I forgot..." The boy averted his gaze from Childe.

"Aw, that's alright! We'll find her soon, don't worry buddy," Childe assured.

"Really?" The boy instantly looked back to Childe, sparkles in his surprisingly beautiful brown eyes.

"Of course!"

So, the two set looking for a worried mother in a blue kimono searching for her little boy. Childe knew a good mother would be asking fellow citizens and tourists alike if they saw a little boy with brown hair, so he looked for any quick movements or worried tones from the citizens around.

"Hey buddy, do you want to take the high ground?" Childe asked.

"What do you mean?" The boy asked.

"Do you want to go on my shoulders?" Childe asked- he was in Inazuma, a place where many people were short, and a 6 foot ginger is very obvious among the rest.

"Yeah!" The boy clapped to himself, then did the gimme gimme hands.

Soon enough, the boy was on Childe's shoulders and they still couldn't find the mom, even while being in upper Inazuma. They were almost to the palace thing- whatever is was called. Childe may be informed on the culture of Inazuma but how do you name an Inazuman palace? No one knows.

"Kurai!" A panicked voice let out.

Childe turned with hope this could be the boy's mother- they've been searching for almost 10 minutes. There she was, a short, beautiful woman in blue, extremely worried and waving her hands to catch her child's attention.

"Hey buddy, is that your mom?" He asked, just to make sure.

"Mommy!" That was enough for Childe to let the boy down from his high and mightly spot.

"Thank you so much sir!" The mother called to Childe, who simply waved it off.

"It wasn't much, I have a little brother and couldn't imagine loosing him, and I figured the same for you," Childe said.

"How- how can I repay you?" The mom asked, hugging her child tightly.

"No need for payment, it was just the right thing to do," Childe smiled.

Childe left the mother and son to get to the local forest. Camp was set up quickly, and just as quickly, as he laid down, he figured he'd search the shrine next morning, but the Onikabutos made their weird vibraty sounds and birds occasional squacked, which was peaceful and made him sleepy. It was calming to be in a forest such as this, along with the feeling of making someone happy.

It's not that bad in Inazuma.

--

"I'm sure he's dying in Inazuma," Hu Tao exaggerated as she leaned back in her chair.

"Childe is a capable fighter and charmer, he is doing just fine," Zhongli countered, scribbling a signature on a document where he sat across from his boss.

"Charmer? Are you saying that the ginger Childe is charming? As in, you were charmed by him?" Hu Tao giggled.

"Why did you emphasize the word 'charm' so many times?" Zhongli asked genuinely.

"Avoiding the subject I see," Hu Tao teased.

"What subject? We are merely conversing of miniscule things as we fill out paperwork. You assigned me to do this with you to keep you 'focused' while also in the presence of another to put pressure on yourself to keep working. You said to allow conversations, solely as long as we are working. You haven't moved your quill to sign that document for 118 seconds." Zhongli revealed.

"118 seconds? Aiya, you're such a hassle..." Hu Tao sighs dramatically, collapsing her upper body on her desk.

"Mindful of the ink, we do not want last month to occur once more," Zhongli warned as his eyes remained on his work.

"Whaaaaat? Just cause I accidentally dyed my entire palm with ink does not mean it's going to happen again!" Hu Tao huffed, her eyes closed.

"Do not sleep." Zhongli merely said.

"But your voice makes me sleeeeeepy," Hu Tao groans.

"Am I that boring to you?" Zhongli asked, sparing a glance toward the young director in slight worry.

"No, of course not! Only when you go into those hour long conversations about small little things that only Childe would ask about is when you're boring!" Hu Tao explained.

"Why is Childe being brought into this?" Zhongli asked.

"Holy shit." Hu Tao sat up quicker than a blue horned lizard.

"Language," Zhongli gave as a warning.

"Yanfei said I could swear all I like! But, the important part is..!" Hu Tao bent over her work, in doing so, she leaned closer to Zhongli, "you don't know that Childe is a simp for your voice! This is so funny!"

"'Simp'... Is this one of the newer generation phrases?" Zhongli paused his paperwork and looked at Hu Tao with a sparkle in his eye.

"Yes! And Childe is a total simp over you! He literally just asks you questions to hear your archon forsaken deepass voice!" Hu Tao sighed- how dense.

"I am missing on the meaning of 'simp'," Zhongli reminded.

"It's kind of like a kink, in a way. Your voice specifically puts him on, and makes him obsessed," Hu Tao said flatly, reverting back to her previous extremely healthy posture of slouching.

"Kink? I am also unaware of this," Zhongli said.

"He's a moron, or idiot, for you," Hu Tao tried.

"I also do not know this phra-" Zhongli started.

"UGH! Those are all my synonominomnoms!" Hu Tao screeched.

"Synonyms." Zhongli corrected.

"Childe. Has. A. Crush. On. You. And you didn't know! Oh. My. Archons. Zhongli, you are literally head over heels for him. Confess already! You both like each other!" Hu Tao sighed at the stupidity of her occasion.

"Crush is another word I'm unfamiliar with. But I must agree I am head over heels for Childe- it would be extremely odd if I wasn't," Hu Tao suddenly looked extremely happy and excited, "That would mean I would handstand whenever Childe was around- that'd certainly be weird."

"Although I'm happy you used the modern word 'weird' in an actual sentence, that overrules that fact that I am DONE with you. Head over heels means you really, really, really like somebody- ROMANTICALLY. Get that in your head. Okay, now, back to the part where you called Childe a charmer," Hu Tao cackled maniacally.

Zhongli was embarrassed, heat consumed his cheeks. He didn't want to answer about his possible crush (did he use that word right?) on Childe. Childe was so dear to him, what if he left Zhongli for having romantic feelings? That has happened many times in popular romance novels.

"Childe is charming, that is simple," Zhongli said.

"Aiya, you're leaving out a bit~" Hu Tao teased, then paused, "I don't even know how you're attracted to him, he's so ugly and his voice is disgusting."

"He is a very attractive man, and his voice is thrilling to hear. You seem to be missing simple yet obvious characteristics about Childe," Zhongli argued. "Perhaps it is just because you are lesbian that you fail to see such things?"

"Aww, lovers already," Hu Tao sighed, grinning.

--

It had been Childe's third day in Inazuma when the Traveler had suddenly arrive at his campsite.

"Childe you bitch, there you are-- your boyfriend sent you a letter," Lumine jumped from a tree, leaving Paimon stuck in some of the blue-green leaves.

"My... boyfriend?" Childe asked, confused.

"Zhongli," She clarified.

"Zhongli?" Childe's voice was a few pitches higher than normal, "we're- we're not dating or anything like that ahaha. He thinks of me as a friend, he doesn't like me like that. He's too hot for me and why would he like me- I took my personality from an overconfident protagonist in a Fontainian novel!"

Lumine looked at him with a flat look.

"I've seen him look at your little hip window way too many times for it to be a coincidence," Lumine said, voice as flat as her gaze.

"W-wHat?!" Childe squeaked.

"Why are you a mouse!?" Paimon shouted from the tree.

"You're the mouse Paimon!" Lumine snarked back.

"A-ah, well, I'll just take the letter," Childe was NOT red. Aha.

Lumine sighed, done with life. The letter was handed to Childe and she left to get Paimon out of the tree for some reason. While she got Paimon out, something fell out of her bag. It looked like a...crown? But where had he seen it?

Childe kneeled down like an NPC to examine it further, it looked like it covered one eye, it looked extremely uncomfortable. So only a woman would wear it -they have better fashion and would sacrifice being comfortable to look cooler/hotter/cuter- and a woman with a large head. It must've been ordered in extra large.

"Oh, that was from the Signora lady," Lumine said carelessly.

"How'd you get it? What color is her other eye?" Childe asked.

"Uhhh... well, the Electro Archon kinda killed her before I could see her eye, but that was left so I took it. No harm done." Lumine explained.

"Ah. Good riddance, she was a b-" Childe isterrupted himself and eyed Paimon, "certainly annoying. Well, thanks for the information on Signora's whereabouts. One down, one to go!"

"Searching for Scaramouche?" Lumine predicted.

"Intuitive as ever, Traveler!" Childe exclaimed.

"Yeah, he's making out with a Canadian," That was all Lumine said before she stood from her crouch.

"With your help, I'll be able to get back to Liyue quicker," Childe muttered to himself happily.

"Bye, I'll be doing Reputation and bounties, if you see me, wave but don't be embarrassing," With that, she walked through the tall trees.

"Have fun at your girlfriend's!" Childe shouted.

"Deal with your own damn love life!" She shouted back.

Childe sighed while shaking his head, but he grinned. He hadn't seen Lumine in a while, she kept getting annoyed about him calling her girlie-- so much so that she completely disappeared for a... while. When she reappeared, she beat him to a pulp and stole his Monoceros Caeli. How rude!

He opened the letter. It smelled nice.

Dear Childe,

I have found myself already missing your absence.

Childe stops reading. Zhongli missed him after only THREE DAYS. That's so sweet and heartwarming. Anyways back to the letter.

It has not been a long period of time since you left for Inazuma, but even so, I miss our dinners and conversations, our walks as we chat around several topics. I must say that even though this mission is sudden to your schedule, duty to the Fatui is to be placed over kin and colleagues, and I hope for a successful and fluid mission. Whatever has happened in Inazuma should not be too much of a hassle, especially with your charming personality and friendship with the Traveler, I hope information to be gained easily.

Though this is a short letter, I do hope this brings you happiness to your journey.

Sincerely,

Zhongli.

Consultant for the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.

AH. Zhongli missed him. He felt his heart rate go haywire and lifted his eyes from the paper to stare at the sky, a hand covering his mouth to stop him from an excalamtion of joy. GOD Zhongli even wished that the letter made him HAPPY. Childe's soul was doing cocaine or smth because why was his heart so fast??

Childe took a deep breath, surely he should write back a letter; one shouldn't keep another waiting without reason. He can take a short break anyways-- now that he knows Signora's whereabouts after only 3 days.

Taking out quill, ink and paper, he writes without thinking.

Dear Xiangsheng,

Have you missed me so much I would have cancelle only after three days? Even so, I miss you too. It's been a little lonely here in Inazuma but I helped a child find his mother today, I feel proud of that feat. I've already don

I'm already half-way done with my mission, and got a hint from the Travaler (who knew she'd be in Inazuma?) about whereabouts on what I need to find. Sorry I can't say more about the mission! Thanks for being understanding on how the Fatui works-- I befriended someone and had to leave for a mission, and I haven't seen them since! Funny how the world works.

Have a good day,

Hope to see you soon!

L Sinsearly,

Tartaglia,

the 11th Fatui Harbinger

Childe folded the letter carefully, taking an envelope out of his inventory. He placed the letter into the envelope as he walked to a mail deliverer, the needed address set and ready to go! Now all he had to do was find Scaramouche and then get back to Zhongli!

--

"Zhongliiiiii~" Hu Tao hummed upon entry.

"Miss Hu, is there something you need assistance with?" Zhongli questioned.

"Nope! You just got a letter from your boyfriend~ Aiya, I wish I had a love in my life," The director huffed dramatically, but handed the letter to Zhongli (Who was totally not blushing at all hehe).

"We are not dating.... But thank you for delivering it to me. I would not have noticed the mail. I've been so busy with work lately," Zhongli said.

"Funny how that is, you've only gotten busy after that Fatui left Liyue for a quest, perhaps are you keeping yourself busy to not think of him?" Hu Tao snickered, "also I didn't have to tell you who it was from~ you surely knew who I was talking about, aha."

"No, you must have read the signs wrong," Zhongli sighed, tracing the envelope with his finger.

Once Hu Tao left his office, he opened the letter, instantly reading the curvy lettering. Zhongli was ever so glad that Teyvat has only one language, just different accents a few different words-- if he couldn't talk to Childe because of a language difference, that would make his life so much more miserable.

Dear Xiangsheng,

Have you missed me so much I would have cancelle only after three days? Even so, I miss you too. It's been a little lonely here in Inazuma but I helped a child find his mother today, I feel proud of that feat! I've already don

I'm already half-way done with my mission, and got a hint from the Traveler (who knew she'd be in Inazuma?) about whereabouts on what I need to find. Sorry I can't say more about the mission! Thanks for being understanding on how the Fatui works-- I befriended someone and had to leave for a mission, and I haven't seen them since! Funny how the world works.

Zhongli's heart felt odd... was it sympathy? He also felt a sort of anger toward this person who left Childe for no good reason. Human emotions sure were odd.

Have a good day,

Hope to see you soon!

L Sinsearly,

Tartaglia,

the 11th Fatui Harbinger

Zhongli stared at the crossed out L, barely visible through the scribbles to cover up the mistake. What was he going to write... Love? Zhongli felt his face warm up considerately, eyes moving to the crossed out 'so much I would have cancelle' clearly cancelle would be cancelled, but what would he cancel? His entire trip? Just to keep Zhongli company? Because what, Childe was gone for only a day?

Zhongli stopped internally freaking out at a certain realization. It said in the start 'only after three days' It had been the exact day he left. It must be how long it takes to ship the letter over to Inazuma or go along with certain trade routes-- surely there aren't ships that cross back in forth from Liyue to Inazuma all the time.

I'll simply just mention it in my next letter, Zhongli concluded.

Zhongli then realized he had nothing else to do but write his next letter, except for paperwork signings and approval letters, but who actually wants to do that? Without further ado, Zhongli took out his specialty Bamboo Paper he had bought just for this event-- writing to Childe.

Dear Childe,

It brought a smile to my face to know you had missed me, though I must correct you that it wasn't three days, but less than one day, after you had left I had sent a letter through the mailing system. It seems that we have a difference from when we write and send to when the letter is delivered to the recipient, around two days and a half, possibly even five depending on when the ships sail to the country of Electro.

It is good to know that you are accustomed to Inazuma. Last time I had been there I wasn't so suited to mortal life, though I'm sure the Sakuras are just as fuchsia, the Maple leaves just as cerise and the Otogi leaves as blue as your eyes

Zhongli stared at the paper with a blank expression. He hadn't even realized what he was writing, but even so, he didn't really want to erase it, maybe just cross it off like Childe? It was cute when he did it... maybe Childe would think it would be cute of him..?

It is good to know that you are accustomed to Inazuma. Last time I had been there I wasn't so suited to mortal life, though I'm sure the Sakuras are just as fuchsia, the Maple leaves just as cerise and the Otogi leaves as blue as your eyes the evening skies just before the stars come out to glisten in the depth of the night.

It took little time to understand how Fatui may work, laxity is least common in Liyue, and in the moment when you are assigned one thing, you are to do it, even when you may have to depart from a loved one

Zhongli paused writing, the ink from his quill making a dark spot on the e in 'one'. He felt like adding a period, but why would that be? Maybe it felt like the sentence would end perfectly as it is-- that adding more to the sentence would be too much. That didn't seem too logical. Was it where he missed seeing Childe so much that he wasn't thinking correctly? His cute curly hair and his freckles on his nose and the different shades and tints of his eyes and his red scarf and his red mask and the triangle of skin exposed after a particular strong gust of wind-

Maybe it was best to continue writing.

It took little time to understand how Fatui may work, strict protocols are not uncommon, and when you are assigned one thing, you are to do it, even when you may have to depart from a loved one or friend.

In event where this happens again, all will remain the same; We will exchange letter to keep contact, I will work, you will work, and when you come back it will return as to how it should and shall be. I may make my Slow-cooked Bamboo Shoot Soup in celebration along with your favorite appetizers.

I long for your return.

Zhongli thought about what he could write next. All the best. Sincerely... Love. Maybe he could take inspiration from Childe-- form an L, but cross it out and add a normal, completely platonic part at the end.

Completely platonic. Zhongli pauses. Why would he overthink such a simple and useless thing such as this? Childe wouldn't even notice, even with his cunning eye, he's been overthinking a lot of things when it comes to Childe -is this what comes along with having a 'crush' on someone?- but especially since Zhongli finally sparred with Childe, who may or may not looked really hot covered in cuts, blood, and sweat.

L All the best,

Zhongli,

Consultant for the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.

When folding up the letter to fit an envelope, Zhongli thought of doing something rather odd. Odd as in, not common when sending a letter to a... friend of some sort... but it was one his mind and never left. Even when he would walk through the streets to a deliverer, he could not be left alone by the thought, or the thought could not be left alone by him.

In the end, slowly pressed a kiss to the envelope and hoped Childe would somehow know of what Zhongli did when he'd lay his Cobalt Silk Flower eyes upon the tinted envelope. That was the most embarrassed Zhongli had felt as a human, even after however long he had taken to adjust to human feelings. He hoped Childe only saw it as a normal envelope.

No matter what Childe thought, Zhongli simply hoped he'd come back soon.

--

Even after Lumine's extremely descriptive description of where the Baladeer is, Childe found himself struggling. WHERE IS HE.

Childe wandered aimlessly through the blue grass of Watatsumi Island, looking for a 'Canadian'. He figures that maybe he was by a maple tree? At that thought, Childe looked around-- there weren't any maple trees on this island! Oh no.

So Childe made it all the way to the main Inazuman island-- the one with maple trees. At arrival, he noted someone looking for another. A man in like maybe his 40s, so Childe, the kind, non-procrastinative human who's totally not a murderer, decided to help.

"Hey sir, are you looking for someone?" Childe asked.

"Yeah, I need to deliver two more letters but the addresses aren't very specific-- I've got 'to Neko' and 'from Xiencheng'," The man complained.

"Xiangsheng?" Childe attempted.

"Maybe? I have trouble pronouncing some Liyuein words," The man admitted.

"Well that letters for me! And for that Neko- I'm sure I know someone who knows that person. Would you mind if I deliver?" Childe asked.

"That'd be great!" The man exclaimed.

When Childe received both letters, he imagined burning the letters because this man was stupid enough to trust a stranger, but put it aside. Mostly because one of them was for him! Zhongli wrote back so quickly!

He knew this apparently important lady -Yae Miko- who acted most similarly to him, so they got along. He'd been exploring the Shrine before and came upon the Lesbian. Being a Gay man, he couldn't not begin to know her, so he approached and slyly began shipping people like Lumine and Kamisato Ayaka, and then the conversation carried itself on.

Anyways, she knew like, everyone, because she's older than your grandma -the hot one- by a lot, so he'd go to her. She lived on a skinny mountain with this big blue tree thingie that glowed all the way to Liyue (he's always been curious about it) but now he's visiting his new friend, not a characteristic of the land.

The walk wasn't going to be short, so he might as well open his own letter. He's alone in a field -soon to be entering a spooky forest- so he can squeal like the fangirl he is as loudly as he wants.

He looked at the envelope for a moment, the deep orange wax seal looked a little odd, as if something altered it after it cooled... Hmm. Oh well!

The instant he opened the page, he noticed something weird. Sure, the normal scented paper smelt the same, the ink the same color, but he had crossed out something!? Is this really Zhongli?!

He crossed out 'your eyes' and and 'L' at the bottom, heh, kinda like he did! But why would Zhongli copy him? Childe was totally about to write Love, but decided to cross it out, so why did Zhongli do the same-- Thoughts of mutual love suddenly sprang loudly into his brain. No Childe, read the entire letter first, maybe there's context?

Dear Childe,

It brought a smile to my face to know you had missed me, thought I must correct you that it wasn't three days, but less than one day, after you had left I had sent a letter through the mailing system. It seems that we have a difference from when we write and send to when the letter is delivered to the recipient, around two days and a half, possibly even five depending on when the ships sail to the country of Electro.

'But less than one day' ONE DAY. Childe squealed. Zhongli wrote that he missed him after a day, not three. Three was good but one is better! One might be his favorite number!

It is good to know that you are accustomed to Inazuma. Last time I had been there I wasn't so suited to mortal life, though I'm sure the Sakuras are just as fuchsia, the Maple leaves just as cerise and the Otogi leaves as blue as your eyes the evening skies just before the stars come out to glisten in the depth of the night.

Childe stared at the parchment. Otogi leaves as blue as your eyes. It HAD to be. Zhongli did not do a very good job crossing out the two words, just striking it with three perfectly straight, majestic lines. He's so elegent, Childe thought dreamily.

It took little time to understand how Fatui may work, laxity is least common in Liyue, and in the moment when you are assigned one thing, you are to do it, even when you may have to depart from a loved one or friend.

He's so understanding, GOD I like him so much. In truth, Zhongli had been the only friend that understood how a Fatui system functions, and the only friend who remained in contact with Childe. It made his heart warm knowing Zhongli missed him... after less than a day.

In event where this happens again, all will remain the same; We will exchange letters to keep contact, I will work, you will work, and when you come back it will return as to how it should and shall be. I may make my Slow-cooked Bamboo Shoot Soup in celebration along with your favorite appetizers when you come back.

I long for your return.

L All the best,

Zhongli,

Consultant for the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.

He looked back to the crossed out L, feeling his cheeks heat up. He must've been paying too much attention to the letter that he missed a retaining wall of mossy stones, tripping over it and falling face-first. He shook his head to get all the leaves out, probably missing a few but oh well.

When he takes another step, he realizes how much his leg hurts, eh, guess he'll just have to limp. Maybe he could write his reply to Zhongli first so it can rest a bit!

Dear Zhongli,

I am writing this a week and five days since I departed to complete my mission, so tell me when you receive this! To know you missed me so made my day! It was a really boring one, no fighting, just gathering information! It's close to night though, and I'm on an expedition to deliver a letter as a favor. helping

Helping people feels good, I feel like it helped me get used to the country quicker, if that makes sense. And the Sakuras are really pretty, I'd draw you a picture but it wouldn't look as elegant as your 'sketches' (which are like official drawing from someone who practiced for all their life!) most of the maple trees are a beautiful red -some are turning orange!-, and the

Childe was going to write about the otogi leaves, but might as well tease Zhongli somewhat? Zhongli did not normally write about his eyes -has never even mentioned them- but teasing him about it seemed special. Maybe just capitalize the O so it gets more attention?

Helping people feels good, I feel like it helped me get used to the country quicker, if that makes snese. And the Sakuras are really pretty, I'd draw you a picture but it wouldn't look as elegant as your 'sketches' (which are like official drawing from someone who practiced for all their life!) most of the maple trees are a beautiful red -some are turning orange!-, and the Otogi leaves were so blue!

Perfect.

I haven't seen much yellow in Inazuma like I did in Liyue, and I feel sort of homesick. Even though the Harbor isn't necessarily my home, it's certainly something similar to it. I really wish I could just snap my fingers and my mission would be over, but I'm not sure that's possible, the Tsaritsa surely would kill me if I just abandoned the job!

It feels weird to not be by your side, and even if the food here is interesting and new to my exploring taste buds, I'm excited for the day I'll come back to your Bamboo Soup! It's so good!

P.S. How do you know my favorite apetizers!?

I'm super happy that you understand my situation in the Fatui. It brings me happiness!

I long to return,

Hmm, if Zhongli wrote L, should he continue the trend till love is fully spelt out?

Lo Sinsearly,

Childe,

11th Fatui Harbinger

He only throught of Zhongli's letter continuing up the hill to the shrine, reviewing the words till he memorised it, he was up at the shrine before he would blush and stare at the crossed out words and soon-to-be words or the dark dot showing a pause in Zhongli's writing at the end of 'loved one'. Childe had a lot of questions, but he gently put the letter next to Zhongli's previous letter in his subspace.

He looks up to see a grinning Kitsune.

"We meet again, need any assistance with your love life? He bail out on you after-" The priestess started.

Childe laughed to interrupt her "No, I need help with delivering a letter. Wait, bail out on me after what?"

"He made out with you," She said simply.

"W-what!?" Childe squeaked.

"Your hair is a mess, your cheeks are flushed oh so bright, your voice is as high as Kazuha, you're totally thinking about him right now..." Yae counted off.

"You misunderstand, he just wrote a letter and it's really sweet and I internally freaked out! He's in Liyue right now!" Childe defended himself, "That aside, I need to know where a 'Neko' is first! We can talk more about his letter that may or may not be driving me crazy when I get back tomorrow..."

"Seems like a plan. Neko is a cat that lives on a small island, South West to Serai. I will see you later to talk about this crush of yours~" Yae smirked, waving goodbye innocently.

"Uh- uhuh," Childe may regret something.

On the way to delivering the letter to Neko, he dropped off the letter to a mailer, quickly writing an address, putting an otogi leaf in the envelope because why not?

--

Zhongli felt like he was in extreme solitude, at dinner he had his food, ate it, and it tasted just as good as it normally did, made just the same, same ingredients, but without Childe... it felt just... wrong. It felt like he was alone. Sure, he had Hu Tao but she wasn't Childe. He missed Childe.

He was trying to figure out what made Childe so different, but couldn't really find an answer. It might relate to the 'crush' thing, but Zhongli was unsure.

"Mister Zhongli," It was the mailer.

"A letter for me?" Zhongli presumed.

"Mhm," The letter was exchanged and he left to deliver another.

Zhongli quickly finished his food before heading to his quarters to read the letter in a more comfortable place. But when he had down, he noticed something, a blue Otogi leaf? Had Childe seen what Zhongli crossed off and sent a leaf back? But what for?

The consultant shook his head and opened the letter.

Dear Zhongli,

I am writing this a week and five days since I departed to complete my mission, so tell me when you receive this! To know you missed me made my day! It was a really boring one, no fighting, just gathering information! It's close to night though, and I'm on an expedition to deliver a letter as a favor.

Helping people feels good, I feel like it helped me get used to the country quicker, if that makes sense. And the Sakuras are really pretty, I'd draw you a picture but it wouldn't look as elegant as your 'sketches' (which are like official drawings from someone who practiced for all their life!) most of the maple trees are a beautiful red, and the Otogi leaves were so blue!

Why was Otogi capitalized? Maple isn't, is it to bring attention to it? But why? Should I mention it in my reply to this letter? What's the point of it?

I haven't seen much yellow in Inazuma like I did in Liyue, and I feel some sort of homesick, even though the Harbor isn't necessarily my home, it's certainly something similar to it. I really wish I could just snap my fingers and my mission would be over, but I'm not sure that's possible, the Tsaritsa surely would kill me if I just abandoned the job!

It feels weird to not be by your side, and even if the food here is interesting and new to my exploring taste buds, I'm excited for the day I'll come back to your Bamboo Soup! It's so good!

P.S. How do you know my favorite appetizers!?

I'm super happy that you understand my situation in the Fatui. It brings me joy!

Zhongli smiled, he loved making Childe happy.

I long to return,

Lo Sinsearly,

Childe,

11th Fatui Harbinger

Lo. Love. Love, Childe? Wouldn't that mean Childe loved Zhongli? Hu Tao surely thought Childe did, and that Zhongli was in love with the ginger (and he thinks he is?). Zhongli felt extremely lonely without Childe, more lonely than the time he had gone a year without seeing Xiao, who he loves like a son.

If he should talk to anyone about love, it should be Hu Tao or Ningguang, or maybe both? Both sounded like a good option. He'd write his own letter after getting inspiration from the two.

--

Childe's boots were wet after surfing to Serai, he, of course, made his own waves with the expert power of his vision, which was tiring. Though he finally made it to to a small shrine, a black cat staring at him expectantly.

"Are you Neko?" He asked jokingly.

"Yes, is there something you need from me?" Neko asked.

Oh wow he hadn't talked to an animal before.

"I've got a letter for you, that's all," Childe took out the said letter, placing it in front of that cat's front paws.

"Why thank you, I haven't gotten a letter in a while, those Samurai, I swear, they're everywhere," Neko sighs, but like a cat.

"I'll be on my way, goodbye," Childe said.

"Mhm," The cat said simply.

So then the 11th Fatui Harbinger went to find a fight, oh he hadn't fought in so long!

-

Childe sat atop a corpse, which made him think of sitting on Signora's corpse, because she's dead, but she doesn't have one, does she? Anyways, it's a warm seat, warm from the recent exercise of fighting they had endured. He was looking out into the distance when he saw someone shoot into the air just to shoot themself back to fight someone, who's silhouette fell to the sand.

An opponent..! With a vision!

Childe sprung to the opportunity, but as he neared, it wasn't just one person, but two. Two extremely short people, one with a huge ass hat. One person who was wanted by a country and one person(?) who was wanted by an organization.

"Scaramouchee," Childe called with a grin.

Scaramouche turned instantly, glaring and grinding his teeth.

"Why are you here?" He said.

"Ah, well I need to report your whereabouts to the Fatui, so let me write them down real quick," Childe smiled, grabbing out a paper to write own, he started writing the location instantly.

"No you bitch, I'm not here," He slapped Childe's hand, the quill leaving his hand.

"Scara," The boy wanted by the country said in a mom tone.

"Don't write that I'm here," The white-haired boy gave him intense eye-contact, "please."

"Oh wow, no way." Tartaglia was surprised, more surprised than when he found out how many old men play Gayshit Impact.

"Shut up and write that I escaped to Natlan on a boat based on what the locals said," Baldeer paused, frowning, "please."

"That's my boyfriend!" The boy went and side hugged the grumpy man happily after kissing his cheek. (MAKE HIM MORE KAZUHA, he's very happy rn btw)

"Oh wow, in love already Scara? OH! You're the Canadian?" Childe asked loudly.

"I'm inazuman..? My birth name is Kazuha, my family name Kaedehara," Kazuha said.

"Wack," Childe said, pausing, "if I'm going to lie to the Tsaritsa, I need something in return."

"Like what?" Scaramouche gave him a dead look.

"How to know if my crush likes me," Childe said.

"Eeeeew... it's either this or going back to the fatui," The Baladeer sighed.

"Mhm, quick to catch on!" Childe grinned.

"So do your people around you say that she likes you?" He asked boredly.

"She? Oh my dear Scara, you assuming I'm staight insults my soul," Childe said dramatically, "but yes, Lumine said that he stared at my triangle thingie."

"Yeah, your stupid skin would be attractive to the idiot who somehow fell for you unbearable attitude. Okay he likes you, congrats," Scaramouche said flatly, lazily throwing his arms in the air.

"There's also the part where he misses you quicker than he misses a friend or family member, feeling lonely without your company," Kazuha described, smiling softly at his boyfriend.

"The letter was sent the day I left..." Childe realized.

"There are more reasons, of course, but I'm sure Kuni would love to give you the advice, as he is the one that owes it to you," Kazuha said, as if he was passive aggressively pushing him to be more social or fair or maybe even more open-minded.

Scaramouche scoffed.

"So you 100% like this guy, right?" Scaramouche asked.

"Oh, yeah, for sure," Childe answered instantly.

"Wow, needy much." Kazuha nudged him a bit, "wow, soooo cool, how lovely. Are there several signs that you are second guessing because you're a nervous little pipsqueak?"

"Several, yeah, and don't call me little, I'm much taller than your short little body," Childe looked down at the short couple.

"Shut up you oaf. What are the reasons," Scaramouche said.

"So we're exchanging letters and I accidentally started writing 'Love' as in, 'love, Childe' for the end of the letter, so I scribbled it but I still wanted him to see it so I didn't fully scribble it out. In the next letter I received he did the same, he wrote a lone L at the end of the letter, crossed out, and then I wrote Lo, scribbled it and I'm awaiting his next letter to see if he does it again! In one of his letters he was also most likely going to say that my eyes are as blue as otogi leaves, which I found really endearing, oh, and when I saw Lumine she said that we're boyfriends already, and this other time-" Childe ranted.

"Just so you know I'm not listening," Scaramouche said lamely.

"I believe that those signs are true, solely false if the world ceases to turn," Kazuha said poetically.

"Uh, so he likes me..?" Childe asked hopefully.

"Yes, now go away," Scaramouche flicked his wrist toward the main island, signifying leave or I'll kill you.

"On it, comrade!" Childe said.

"Make sure to make obvious hints toward him through the letters!" Kazuha shouted after him.

⅔ tasks completed! Now all he needs to find out is if the Sakouku Decree is going to continue! Maybe that'll be two months of gathering info until I've got a good amount of evidence, but that'll make him stay for longer, putting him at 3 months in Inazuma.

He'll write about that in his next letter!

--

Two weeks had passed, and only two letters had been exchanged. Chidle most recently sent a letter to Zhongli, and that letter was currently being delivered to Zhongli, who did not hesitate to open it up and read over Childe's surprisingly good handwriting.

Dear Zhongli,

I'm not entirely sure, but I'm more certain that my mission will be over in 2 months max! I'm really excited! Enough to use three exclamation points!!! I've finished 2/3s of my mission, and I just need to get more evidence fo the last part of my assignment.

I know this is a short letter, I'm just so excited and wanted to tell you this as quick as possible!

Lov, Sinsearly,

Childe.

Zhongli smiled. It was good to hear from Childe again, sure, he had Hu Tao but she wasn't Childe... he already said that, hasn't he? After conversing with Ningguang and Hu Tao on the matter, they both said that the relationship between them was love, and Zhongli didn't mind that, he wanted it to be love anyways.

Zhongli didn't waste time to get out his special Bamboo paper just for Childe's letters.

Dear Childe,

It fills me with happiness that you are returning in two months, if more time was needed I would have thought to visit you

He already has thought of that since the day he left.

Zhongli didn't write that.

It fills me with happiness that you are returning in two months, if more time was needed I would have thought to visit you in person with a branch of Ginkgo leaves as a reminder of Liyue's yellow theme.

I am ashamed to admit I had relied on you to pay for our shared meals. One time I had to return to my quarters to retrieve my wallet to pay, I am used to having someone to rely on most of the time. Even after being a god for many years, it is always good to have someone to lean on, and when I am missing that person, I feel less myself.

Please, do finish your mission soon. I will openly admit I am lonely without your company, your smile, your positive attitude, your conversations, the way you change topics at a sudden idea. The list goes longer than the size of this paper, so I will not write them all.

I have heard that the ships sailing from Liyue to Inazuma are becoming less frequent. There was a large amount of popularity due to it suddenly opening, but now that it has been some time, there are less travelers to help to the islands.

PS. For the answer to your last Postscript; I have a secret technique to see what a mortal likes. I have paid key attention to your favorites so I can make you meals that please your tastes.

L

Zhongli's quill paused. Normally, he would repeat what Childe wrote at the end, but he suddenly remembered a certain Lesbian's advice. Instead of writing lov, he should write love, aparently he should be more forward because he's the one in the relationship with 'top energy'... though that is another new phrase he does not understand.

Love, Sincerely,

Zhongli,

Consultant of the Wansheng Funeral Parlor

Content with his sign of 'I LOVE YOU', he carefuly put folds to the letter until it fit in the envelope, along with a yellow ginkgo leaf.

--

Childe was a little disoriented, his talk with the pink haired Kitsune had him convinced Zhongli wanted to kiss the Abyss out of him, and Childe's insecureness couldn't balance how insistent and confident she was about it. Yae Miko asked about every detail from when they met to the most recent interaction, even sniffing the paper to see if the scent meant anything related to love.

But now that he's out of that red shrine, he sees the same man who had his letter last time, wandering around with a confused look on his face.

"Hey sir, happen to have a letter for me?" Childe asked.

"Oh yeah, from your xienchang?" He asked, confident in the terrible pronunciation.

"...Mhm, indeed," Childe said, quickly snatching the letter and leaving before the other could ask for a favor.

He may feel bad but it's from Zhongli! He can't possibly wait! The instant he opened the letter, a yellow thing fell out... a leaf?

Dear Childe,

It fills me with happiness that you are returning in two months, if more time was needed I would have thought to visit you in person with a branch of Ginkgo leaves as a reminder of Liyue's yellow theme.

Oh, the leaf was there on purpose, though Zhongli can't really make accidents, he's too perfect.

"Visit you in person" Childe had to form water with his vision to cool his cheeks down from his intense blush, careful to avoid dropping some of it on his precious letter sent by his precious.

I am ashamed to admit I had relied on you to pay for our shared meals. One time I had to return to my quarters to retrieve my wallet to pay, I am used to having someone to rely on most of the time. Even after being a god for many years, it is always good to have someone to lean on, and when I am missing that person, I feel less myself.

Holy fuck, how is he supposed to react to that!?

Please, do finish your mission soon. I will openly admit I am lonely without your company, I miss your smile, your positive attitude, your conversations, the way you suddenly change topics at a sudden idea. The list goes longer than the size of this paper, so I will not write them all.

How could Childe possibly not be head over heels for this man? 'the way you suddenly change topics at a sudden idea.' Childe always thought it was annoying when he did that! But he thinks that... he misses it?!

I have heard that the ships sailing from Liyue to Inazuma are becoming less frequent. There was a large amount of popularity due to it suddenly opening, but now that it has been some time, there are less travelers to help to the islands.

Love, Sincerely,

I'M SORRY he just- LOVE!? He completed it. Holy shit what is he supposed to do!? How can Childe not kiss him when he gets back to the harbor?!

Zhongli,

Consultant of the Wansheng Funeral Parlor

PS. For the answer to your last Postscript; I have a secret technique to see what a mortal likes. I have paid key attention to your favorites so I can make you meals that please your tastes.

--

Zhongli was getting impatient, it had been a week since he sent his letter and he hadn't gotten one in return yet. Being impatient wasn't something that happened normally to him-- in fact, he has only has felt impatient twice since the Archon War, and one of those times was now.

So he sought out Ningguang.

"You know I'm always incredibly busy, so what's so important you uncharacteristically barged in here?" Ningguang asked and she set down a paper on her desk.

"I miss Childe," Zhongli said.

"Then go visit him." Ningguang said plainly.

"But I don't have enough mora, but I miss him too much it's starting to distract me from my work, I can't concentrate on anything, I need to tell him I love him," Zhongli stressed.

"Good thing my wife owns a huge ass boat," Ningguang said, grinning.

"I can go with her crew?" Zhongli smiled.

"Just tell her 'Wine Night' and she'll be on board, good luck," Ningguang dismissed.

"Thank you for being a friend I can count on," Zhongli bowed politely, then left.

He was going to see Childe before the longing exploded his insides.

--

It was a lie.

That the mission would be over in 2 months. It was a huge lie. He wanted to make Zhongli happy, but he didn't expect to be in this situation. He wanted to escape. He needed to escape.

"You need to make the decision," A voice said.

"I- I can't-!" Childe said.

"Let me decide for you then," The stranger said, and pointed to the first option.

"Alright, I trust you then," Childe said, grabbing the trinket and leaving.

The mission wouldn't be over in 2 months, but 1, and Childe wanted to surprise his big ass crush by arriving early in Liyue. But then he arrived at a random festival, and was faced with a decision. He ended up getting something for one of his older brothers instead of Teucer or Tonia. It wasn't much of a souvenir, but now that he got something, he really needs to escape the festival. It's too bright and loud and happy and fast.

He heads to his tent early and goes to sleep early.

-

Since the ships were coming and going less frequently just like Zhongli had said, Childe had to wait, which wasn't really fun for him. It was just two more days. Most would visit a new island, or maybe even revisit one, but Childe, after he faught the Pyro AND Hydro hypostasisisisisss, he just walked, basically pacing, but since the road was so long, it just looked like he was speed walking through the City of Inazuma.

The day was boring, but he felt content with himself, he had walked as far as many would go in a week in a single day, occasionally taking a break to either eat or go and find an opponent to battle off extra energy or impatience.

That night, he fell asleep thinking about Zhongli's elegance, love for random items, wide vocabulary, and how damn hot is that eyeliner!? Like, c'mon. Childe's surprised he's still single.

-

Everything felt right, trinkets were sold, the wind blew, the birds soared, friends chatted along, letters were exchanged, citizens mourned their loved ones, the sun shone on the deep cool-color-themed trees of Inazuma, and the Shrine remained tall and sturdy- but something was wrong... someone was following him. Of course this was normal, but Childe had to confront whatever creep or stalker decided to trail him.

So, to reveal the stalker, he started jogging toward a corner that led into the forest, wall jumped into a tree, and waited for the stalker to come by so he could kick them right in the face! Maybe even punch their cheek!

He waited for a bit, adrenaline starting to increase.

As soon as he saw the brief outline of the person, he hopped off the tree, knocking the person off their feet before he could see that it was-

"Z-Zhongli?!" Childe exclaimed, quickly getting off him and crouching, readying his hand to soak the new wounds on his cheek and torso, "what are you doing here!?"

"I missed you," Zhongli said, wincing a bit in pain.

"So you got on a boat and sailed all the way over here!?" Childe asked.

"That is correct," Zhongli said.

"Oh Zhongli..." Childe sighed, but smiled, and looked up at Zhongli, he missed that voice and it was really nice to hear it again.

--

For the 3rd time in his life, Zhongli felt impatient. Why couldn't he just kiss Childe? He was so cute when he looked at Zhoongli like that, and he was so enthusiastic (which was aslo cute) when he started to tell Zhongli about how he learned a bit of healing from this girl named Coconi or something like that. All Zhongli could think about was how much he hoped the injury on his cheek was severe so he could have Childe's hand cupping his cheek with that smile on his face.

"Funny thing is," Childe changed the topic, Zhongli caught himself smiling, "I was going to return to Liyue on a boat tomorow, imagine if you had come a day too late!"

Zhongli loved to hear Childe's voice again.

"If we had missed each other it would have come straight from one of Zhenyu's novels, that would've been so ridiculous," Childe laughed.

"A ridiculous thing indeed, but in his novels the two who had just missed each other end up together before the story finishes," Zhongli said.

"Ahaha, yeah..." Childe put more focus in healing, clearly avoiding the topic.

No, this wasn't how it was supposed to go. So Zhongli risked it, in a weird mix of an alleyway and a forest, sitting on the ground with two injuries, he would confess:

"If the reason you referenced Zhenyu's book was that you felt like on of the main characters, I feel the same way,"

Okay, that really wasn't a confession. Zhongli looked to see Childe red, eyebrows pinched together. Was he confused? Zhongli should clarify.

--

Was Zhongli confessing? But what if he's not and I say I love him and then he doesn't feel the same way? What if he's just trying some new trend from Mond-

"Childe, I like you romantically-- I, I love you," Zhongli specified.

HOLY SHIT. WHAT THE HELL DO I DO!? DO I SAY THAT I LOVE HIM BACK!? I TOTALLY DO BUT WHAT IF I PRONOUNCE SOMETHING WRONG!? I'M REALLY BAD AT STAYING CONFIDENT AROUND HOT MEN!

Childe wasn't really reistraining Zhongli's body of movement, so it was easy for him to start to get up, but Childe, the all brave Harbinger, decided that, no, Zhongli shouldn't get up. He shouldn't leave him... Ever.

He grabbed the lapels of Zhongli's many layered outfit and dragged him to his own level. Their breaths mingled, and Childe leaned in, giving his first kiss to Zhongli, who apparently liked him!? When he pulled his lips away, Zhongli followed after them, before looking up at the blue eyes he loved so dearly.

"I love you too," Childe smiled, it felt like a really natural smile, a special smile, like he'd only smile like this when he was around Zhongli, the person he just kissed (EEEEEEEEE).

Zhongli returned the same sort of smile, and reached a hand up to Childes hair, combing it once then returning his hand to their eye level and opening his hand.

"The Otogi leaves really are like your eyes," Zhongli murmured, tucking the leaf behind Childe's ear as if it was a flower.

He must've gotten a leaf in his hair when he got into the tree, but that aside, Childe was blushing so much his face felt like it was going to explode.

"Ah, I've realized I never wrote down a few phrases, but now that I know you return my feelings, may I recite them to you?" He asked.

"Of course," Childe giggled, he felt really happy.

"I hope to see you, I long to hear you, I need to kiss you," Zhongli slowly leaned in.

"I love your voice so much, did you know I've only been asking for you to tell stories just to hear your voice?" Childe leaned in as well.

"I think I've told enough stories for a while, how about we don't speak for a bit," Zhongli flirted.

"Holy Tsaritsa, I didn't know you could be so hot," Childe grinned, setting a hand on Zhongli's neck.

"I try my best," Zhongli smirked, staring at Childe's eyes.

And oh, did he succeed.