It is during one of their usual outings when their routine talks get interrupted by some rather unwelcome, but not unexpected news.
Childe leans to the side, his chin propped up in his hand, while his other hand rests on the table, long fingers tracing the rim of his teacup. He's forgone his gloves today, which gives Zhongli a full view of the scarred skin. He tries not to stare too obviously, but thankfully Childe seems to be too focused on something in the corner of the room to pay any attention to Zhongli's wandering eyes.
"I will be returning to Snezhnaya shortly." His fingers swirl around the rim of the teacup in hypnotic circles. It doesn't make much of a sound, not unlike glass would, but the action doesn't seem to be intended to coax out a melody, rather, it feels absentminded, like he simply needs something to occupy his hands with. Zhongli's eyes catch on the many white, crisscrossing incisions covering his every knuckle while he takes a while to process the words.
The whole time Childe has not looked up once, not even while speaking.
Zhongli's heart gives a strange lurch. He tightens his hold on his own cup and takes a sip of the tea, before carefully placing the delicate porcelain back on the table. "I see."
Childe's eyes finally flicker up, taking in the slight frown Zhongli can feel twisting his lips. "I am being recalled for an assignment." He offers. "I was honestly surprised that Her Majesty," his voice dips into reverance and Zhongli's grip on the teacup tightens ever so slightly, "didn't call me back sooner."
"Ah." Zhongli dips his head in acknowledgment and shakes off his momentarily annoyance with practiced ease. It's understandable, of course, he reasons to himself. Childe is still the Vanguard of the Cryo Archon's army. From what he has heard of Tartaglia's previous missions from others, or even the man himself, it's not unusual for him to be deployed to one place for weeks or months at a time. What is unusual, is him staying after the mission has been completed.
Harbingers aren't exactly welcomed in many places, especially after their missions end - usually concluded in one type of disaster or another. It's honestly rather surprising that there has not been more of an outcry for Childe and the other Fatui to be detained. However, barring a rather frosty demeanor from the ruling force, the merchants and citizens have been largely lenient when it comes to the matters concerning the Harbinger. Likely, because Childe's - hm - generosity is well known by now. Money talks everywhere, but especially in a commercial haven like Liyue.
The fact that the amount of casualties had been kept to a minimum thanks to the Adepti and the Qixing and even just the citizens themselves working in tandem, had probably helped too.
Zhongli shakes himself from his thoughts. His mind is prone to wander at the best of times, but it feels as if he has been especially maudlin as of late.
"Would you return?" Here. To me. Zhongli leaves it unspoken but it hangs in the air nonetheless.
Childe tilts his head back and laughs. "Why, of course, Xiansheng. I would hate to deprive myself of your company for too long." His eyes flicker up to look at Zhongli. "But," he starts slowly, sounding strangely hesitant, "I was wondering if you would like to come along to Snezhnaya. With me."
"With you." Zhongli echoes and then considers.
"You don't have to." Childe hastens to add. "Obviously I can't exactly take you with me on a mission - well, I could maybe, I would find a way - but you'd be welcome to stay with my family while I finish up my work. If you wanted to."
Childe's family. Zhongli feels warmth spread in his chest at the thought. That, more than anything, shows that Childe still trusts him. Has forgiven him. Childe is not the kind of person who would offer something like that to just anyone. As far as Zhongli knows, the only other one who he has extended such a courtesy towards is the Traveller. And Zhongli understands that completely, since the Traveller is so very easy to like and has proven multiple times to be a trustworthy and caring individual.
He blinks, realizing he's spacing out again. Opposite him, Childe is casually leaning against the table on one elbow, his finger once again tracing the rim of his teacup, but his shoulders are just a tad tense. Expecting a rejection, maybe.
"I would like that." Zhongli says and smiles at Childe's surprised look.
A/N. Not much to say here. The chapters aren't really connencted and the story isn't finished, but idk if it's meant to be. There's no conclusions to come to really, it's just pining kinda
Title for the fic taken from 'Vignette' by Shallou just because lmao
