Thread by @vinaegir

#Zhongchi where Childe has to get engaged to some snezhnayan noble, for some political fatui purposes, Childe didn't quite listen the grand scheme that Pantalone had rambled out, but the point is, the first time in months that Childe sees Zhongli again, there's a ring on his

finger.

Childe thinks it's a decent ring, strong snezhnayan ore creating a silver band. A simple crystal of nevermelt ice as the ring's centerpiece, sparkling in the sun like the glaciers of home, a steady chill emanating from it, a slice of his nation's cold always touching.

It's an objectively beautiful ring.

So Childe does not understand why Mr. Zhongli is glaring at it so.

Childe had thought that Zhongli would at least admire the craftsmanship of it, the delicate work of a forgien nation's best jewelers, give an appreciative hum or a

comparison to some Liyuen technique.

Not this glare of disdain, distaste, reminiscent of the times Childe witness a merchant try to sell Zhongli an item that, at a glance, the god was able to tell was a cheap knock off, a fake. A cheap replica of something genuine.

And Childe couldn't help but laugh in discomfort. Surely the ring isn't't that bad? The noble had said that it's the best their family could provide and Childe trusted the fact Pantalone didn't scoff at it when he first saw it, Childe thought it looked pretty at least.

Childe doesn't understand the way Zhongli glares at it like he could see grasping tentacles attached to Childe's hand instead of a simple cold ring.

He also doesn't understand the way Zhongli reaches out to firmly grasp Childe's hand, slowly moving it towards the consultant,

Childe frozen, staring and unable to comprehend the fact that Zhongli's mouth is getting closer to his finger, lips the Harbinger seen talk about countless tales of old, some obscure facts imprinted on an old soul, not wrapping around a weapon's bloodstained fingers.

Teeth that feel to sharp, too long to be human, catch on the ring, and Zhongli is then pulling away, tugging the ring off and off until to slides free. With one last press of lips to the tip of Childe's finger, teeth and lips shut firmly, the ring now locked in a dragon's maw.

Childe can only gape at the consultant who straightens up, gold holding blue captive for a moment until-

Zhongli swallows. An effortless motion moving down his throat, while Childe can only stare helplessly. Can only look at Zhongli's pleased smile and empty mouth.

"Did... did you just-?" Childe tries to stumble out .

"Childe," only for Zhongli to interrupt. "Ajax, you deserve better than this cheap imitation."

Suddenly Childe knows he's not just talking the ring.

"You deserve only the best, the real thing. I'll swallow it all down,

And replace it with my own. Doesn't that sound like a better deal?"

Zhongli has apparently taken a page out of Childe's book, turning the situation into complete chaos, uncaring of the damage or trouble his actions will bring.

And dammit, Childe can feel his heart trembling,

Face busting into a red that rivals his scarf and breathe coming shakey.

"This engagement was arranged by the 9th himself. Breaking it might not be as easy as you make it seem." And why is Childe giving an explanation? Why is he entertaining this? Feels so... happy about this?

Zhongli only smiles. "A challenge doesn't bother me, not when it comes to you, Ajax."

Again, Zhongli lifts Childe's hand for another soft press of lips, this time against bruised knuckles. "I'm sure I can find some better deal to replace that arrangement."

A better deal.

Childe can see in the ex-Archon's eyes that such a deal might not involve the Regrator at all.

How can he refuse? Childe is only mostly a man at the end of the day. But he can take a page out of a certain god's book.

"Well then, Mr. Zhongli," Childe moves his hand away from

Zhongli's face, only to then lean in close.

"Let us make a contract set in stone."

🐉end🦊

Inspired by this tiktok that I laughed at awhile ago and thought "god, yea I can see dragon zhongli doing that" and here we are

tiktok.com/t/ZTRpw7EJ6/