Prompt: Aftercare

Pairing: Zhongli x Childe (ZhongChi)

Rating: PG-13

Length: 702 words

This is my first time ever doing Kinktober, so wish me luck! Of course, we are starting with my favorites. Enjoy!

The small apartment was filled with heaving pants and softs gasps as Zhongli collapsed onto the bed beside Childe. Zhongli gently whipped the sweat from Childe's forehead which pulled a whine from the overstimulated ginger.

"Are you okay?" Zhongli asked softly. He knew Childe was of course, but he needed to hear it. Childe wasn't exactly in a state where he could talk, so he settled for an affirming hum as he leaned into the hand that cupped his face.

"You did so well, my love." Zhongli praised. Childe could practically purr at his words, as he continued to lay there. He had no intention of moving any time soon. It was okay though as they were used to this routine.

With both of them having such busy schedules, it was difficult for them to find time where they could relax and be intimate with each other so they both cherished this time. While Zhongli only needed a few words of reassurance afterwards, he always insisted on taking care of Childe. In the beginning, Childe protested that he didn't need help, but he soon realized that as much as he was being taken care of, this was also a way for Zhongli to take care of himself, so he stopped protesting and relaxed as Zhongli dotted on him.

Zhongli simply laid beside Childe for a while and let him rest before his buzzing mind could no longer let him stay still. Childe had since closed his eyes and only stirred slightly as Zhongli slipped out of the bed and into the bathroom. He pulled out the fluffiest towels they owned, set them aside, and turned on the water for the shower.

"Ajax, wake up." He called gently. Childe groaned at the thought of forcing his body to move, but he also had no desire to remain in the sweaty mess that he was.

He grumbled as he slowly rolled off the bed and stood up with the help of Zhongli. The older supported him long enough to force the ginger into the shower, and after giving him a once over to ensure he was steady on his own feet, Zhongli left him alone to strip the sheets off of their bed. He quickly deposited them in the laundry room and grabbed new sheets. Zhongli didn't feel like actually putting in the effort of changing the entire bed, so he simply put the top sheets down, and then grabbed any nearby blankets to place on top and called it good.

Zhongli refused to go to bed with wet hair, so he pulled his hair into a high bun before he joined Childe in the shower. To no one's surprise, Childe had adjusted the temperature of the water to be practically boiling. Zhongli carefully avoided the water and sneakily turned it down once Childe was distracted by his entrance.

"Stop messing with my water, aren't dragons supposed to like the heat?" Childe mumbled as he leaned into Zhongli.

"Warm maybe but love you're going to burn yourself one these days." Zhongli scolded gently. Okay so perhaps he wasn't very sneaky. Either way, his own body heat should make up for it.

Childe muttered something else under his breath but then dropped the issue. They took turns carefully spreading soap on each other and massaging tired limbs. It wasn't long before sleep started to pull at them, and they both became a little unsteady on their feet. Zhongli smartly chose that it would be best to get out now.

Zhongli shut the water off and bundled Childe in one of the fluffy towels and ruffled his hair to ensure that it hadn't gotten too wet. They both quickly dried off, threw on a pair of boxers, and then collapsed into the bed. Zhongli wrapped the blankets around them and pulled Childe close to him. The ginger sighed into the comforting warmth as he relaxed. He wrapped his arms around Zhongli as his eyes slipped closed. Quite "I love you" were exchanged as they were both too sleepy to say anything else. It's not like any more words were needed between them anyways. Seconds later soft sores were coming from the couple as they cuddled together.

Since I'm starting this so late, my posting schedule will be a bit hectic until I catch up, but rest assured I will do every day of Kinktober. Head over to my Insta ( kiera540writing) to see what prompt list I'm following, what days are in progress, and to vote for what ship I will write.

If you have a second, please leave a comment or a like as they help to keep me motivated and improve my writing. See y'all next time! ~Kiera540