heartresonant

[heartresonant]

Curious Reader asked: Good luck for your finals!! I'm sending you fluffy zcl thoughts: Childe recovering with Zhongli after Fontaine (currently one of my favorite things to think about); I think Zhongli could be the only one able to keep him from trying to run off fighting stuff immediatly again. Instead, they spend some relaxing time in Liyue with maybe some light sparring and Zhongli makes him soup. I'd also like to see them explore Chenyu Vale together!! There's little spots for drinking tea everywhere, I love it!

Let me see if I can combine the two! ^^ After Childe is deposited back to Zapolyarny, his fever-dreams during recovery cause Zhongli to be summoned based on just how much Childe says his name. When Childe finally awakes, he'd be so surprised to see ZL by his bedside and is a bit embarrassed to hear ZL came all this way just because of him. ZL claims no trouble, and says that if Childe doesn't mind, he'd like to take him to a retreat in Chenyu Vale to recover in a less harsh environment. Childe tries to argue back, but ZL reveals he'd already requested Childe's leave of absence ahead of time with the Tsaritsa granting it (knowing ZL's identity) and approved by the palace doctor (*cough*Dottore*cough*) himself. Childe realizes ZL's mind is set on it, so gives in. They end up at the retreat, and Childe is forced to slow down as there is no way to speed up recovery. He ends up learning tea culture, learning to meditate, and simply enjoying being around ZL after not having his company since he departed Liyue. As he regains his strength, he finds himself too bashful to admit that he hopes it takes a while longer, so he can continue living this simple life with ZL. 💛 Thank you again for the lovely break~ [Smile or comment on the answer here](https://retrospring.net/@resonant_heart/a/111992389356613041)

#ask me anything #brainworm