managed | i was down for the first night

Entry tags:

!childe,
zhongli

i was down for the first night

[ Now Zhongli has been a professor for a long, long time. Much longer than people think, and much longer than those can remember. Sure, he disappears every few centuries or so until he comes back to a new generation of people who don't know who he is or if they do — they have an equal amount of reasons for keeping quiet about it as he does. There are some rumors about him being older than he appears but the most people think is that he might be adeptus but nothing further than that, which is exactly how Zhongli likes it.

So, he keeps his head down and teaches... somewhat. He still can't exactly ignore the common folk being bullied or harassed by those with more power than them and that is why he is overly protective of his students and the campus he teaches on. When he heard there was a few seedy elements, namely from the Snezhnayan mafia, he couldn't help but get involved. Interrupting their drug trade, finding their dealers, getting them kicked off campus and the surrounding neighborhood. He knew he'd ruined a pretty lucrative trade for them but he couldn't abide his students being swept up in something so... crass.

What he didn't expect, though he probably should have, was the hit put out on him afterwards. He supposes there's no reason for them to think he's anything but a nosy history professor who got in the way of their business so why wouldn't they think to snuff him out? And what he didn't expect either was that the assassin who broke into his house to take him out was his own favorite student, Childe.

Childe had only started attending his classes this past semester and quickly became someone Zhongli took a shine to. He was clever and funny and actually paid attention and when he reached out to Zhongli to form some sort of mentorship, Zhongli very much took him up on the offer. So, classes twice a week but also coffee or dinner once a week as well, sometimes more if Childe had the time. They'd spent quite a bit of time with each other so —

So, standing in his kitchen with a gun pointed in his face was kind of a problem. ]

Would you like some tea, my dear?

[ He probably should be scared. Maybe. A gun wouldn't kill him, no, but Childe doesn't know that. A fight would ruin his kitchen and he isn't exactly keen to get it remodeled. And he really doesn't want to call the cops because he likes Childe. A lot. He'd rather resolve this peacefully instead. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[It's not easy, having to split his time the way he does. Childe is a good student and can see a way out of the situation he's in, but it involves hard work and playing it cool. Luckily, he's good at both, and so when the Tsaritsa tells him that he needs to clean up a little problem, he just nods and starts to pack a bag.

He's been involved with the gang since he was fourteen, when he'd been brought in after a particularly bad street fight. But Childe has always come out on the winning side, and he'd quickly worked his way up from a grunt to one of the Tsaritsa's favorites, earning enough money to keep his family safe and fed while rising to the top with his brutal and efficient work.

In his normal life, he smiles, he does his homework and has a small social life with his colleagues and fellow students. He wants... well, he doesn't want out especially, it's more like he wants options. He wants the power that comes from dictating his own life, he wants an education to rise even higher in the ranks. He wants a lot of things - including his serene and graceful professor, who he's kept an eye on for quite some time.

Which is why it's so surprising that he finds himself in Zhongli's kitchen in the middle of the night, his gun pointed at the other man, but his eyes narrowed in confusion.

The Tsaritsa hadn't told him who exactly the hit was on, of course that wasn't important. It was someone who was impeding the spread of their organization, who had stood in her way too many times and she wanted him gone. Childe was expecting... a cop maybe, or some stalwart do-gooder. Not the professor he's fantasized about, not the man who had taken him out for coffee while he'd mentored him to get better grades.

His hand on the gun doesn't waver. He's too professional to give Zhongli an opening to wrestle it from him. Instead, Childe simply stares at him, fingers tight on the weapon, not sure of what he should even say.

(Nothing, is the correct answer. He should just shoot and be out of there. But...)]

...no. No, of course I don't - ugh.

[Focus. Childe is wearing the scarf that Zhongli gifted him after he'd aced an important exam. He's thinking about all the times Zhongli had leaned over him while he was working on an essay and murmured 'good, very good'. He's thinking of all the times he'd thought about the older man with a hand down his pants, wanting him in all the ways he shouldn't.

He's thinking about killing him now, just like his boss wants.]

I'm here to kill you. You know that, right? You've pissed off the wrong people, and they sent me to collect.

[ It is rather unfortunate that Childe is here in this situation, because it only means someone else has dug their claws into Childe and if Zhongli wants him for himself, he'll have to fight for possession. That's what puts a frown on his face in this moment as he looks at the boy, past the barrel of the gun. His eyes linger on his face for a moment then slide down, taking in the scarf that he's wearing and putting that detail away for later.

Childe belongs to him, doesn't he? But someone else has already collared this dog.

Zhongli sighs and leans against the counter, crossing his arms over his chest and letting his eyes drift across the kitchen, lingering idly on the kettle across from him that he could be using now to make that tea, if he didn't think Childe might shoot him if he moved too quickly. ]

If you were going to kill me, you would have done it the moment you saw me. You approached me from behind, you knew who I was before I knew it was you. Why would we be having this conversation if you still wanted me dead?

[ No, Childe wants Zhongli to convince him out of this. Which he can but he's not sure how far he has to go just yet. If it's just a small time crook type of situation, Zhongli can still be a mild mannered professor and spin a tale to get Childe out of the situation.

... But if Childe's orders come from the Tsaritsa, Zhongli doesn't like the idea that he'll have to pen a letter to his fellow archon and admit his attachment. No, that would feel like showing too much of his hand. ]

[He doesn't follow Zhongli's gaze, but he does feel a spark of annoyance - Zhongli should be looking at him now more than ever. Doesn't he have a gun to his face? He can feel heckles raising at the back of his throat, as if he really is a dog, but he's just frustrated. He frowns, even as Zhongli tries to convince him that he doesn't really want to kill him.

...well, of course he doesn't. He's wanted Zhongli for so long, that killing him here feels like such a waste. Childe frowns, keeps the gun trained on him, and shakes his head.]

I was just surprised. That it was you.

[Zhongli has had all the power in their odd relationship up until this point. Now, Childe is the powerful one. He's the one with the gun. He's the one who controls what happens... but part of him still wants to please Zhongli, still wants Zhongli to stand close enough for him to feel his body heat, to whisper 'good job' again.

This shouldn't be so difficult. Why is he hesitating? Why is Zhongli calling him out on his hesitation?]

I didn't know you lived here.

[It sounds so pathetic and conversational coming from his mouth. Isn't he supposed to be the one with the power here? Childe bites his lip, lets his vision skirt to the amenities of Zhongli's kitchen.]

It's - it's nice.

[Oh my god just shoot him already...]

[ As if knowing that Childe wants his gaze back, Zhongli's eyes do return to the redhead after a bit and settle on him. It's a little less pleasing a view than usual with the gun pointed in his face but Childe is still quite the vision and Zhongli wishes he had the foresight to invite Childe to his home before now. He was going to, he was leading up to that point, but the time wasn't quite right. Yet, now Childe's beat him to the punch.

And there he goes — impossibly endearing as he stumbles over his words and compliments his living quarters. Zhongli blinks and then a warm smile spreads across his face, his fingers aching to reach out and touch Childe in some sort of show of affection. But he can't, not right now, not in this position. ]

Thank you. The home has been in my family for generations, though now it is just me that lives here.

[ A lie. Zhongli lives in a brownstone, close to campus, in a quaint little neighborhood full of little cafes and nice bakeries. He was around when this neighborhood was being built about a century ago and purchased the home immediately once it went for sale. He has lived here ever since, with only a brief stint away for a while before he returned to his role as a professor in the more recent years. ]

I can give you a tour, if you'd like? You're welcome to keep the gun on me the whole time, if that makes you more comfortable.

[With each word, Childe's defenses lower a fraction more. Zhongli's voice is like warm honey and it has the effect on him that it always does: he feels at ease, placated, like he could just do nothing but listen to his professor prattle on and on about any irrelevant nonsense he wanted... like the amenities of his kitchen, or where he'd gotten his drapes from.

He swallows visibly, and his finger is right there on the trigger. The silencer screwed into the nozzle wouldn't even make a loud noise, Childe could be out of here before anyone thought to investigate the noise... but god, he wants Zhongli to explain the fucking wainscoting to him.]

Right. I know you live alone.

[Not in a stalkery way, in a hitman way... but also a little bit in a stalkery way. His jaw goes tense and the gun lowers just a fraction.]

- anyway. Obviously you're going to try and convince me not to do it. But if it's not your head tonight, it's mine. That's just the way the Tsaritsa works. I can't... lower my guard around you.

[He takes a little step back, keeping enough distance between them, even if his resolve is weakening and it sounds more like he's convincing himself.]

There's no path forward for me if I don't do this.

[And yet, he still doesn't pull the trigger.]

[ So, it is the Tsaritsa. That makes this both easier and more difficult. On one hand, he would just have to reach out to her and she'll be annoyed, of course, and probably want to get back at him in some way down the line but she will rescind her hit on him. On the other hand, he does not want Childe to know that he has a connection to the Tsaritsa at all. He does not want Childe to know his secrets, not yet, not before he has him as his own and the boy is a little older.

After all, who would have expected to be courted by the geo archon of all people?

It doesn't look like Childe will respond to any of his suggestions. For tea, for a tour, none of it. Childe is still too tense, still won't let his guard down, but that doesn't mean they won't be able to move forward. Zhongli takes a deep breath and makes a very noticeable sigh before pushing off the counter and standing up straight. He walks towards Childe, close enough that the gun is almost against his chest, the barrel pointed at his heart. ]

Give me... [ A pause, he looks over to the clock on the wall that reads 1:24 AM. ] One hour. You will put down your gun, you will step out into the backyard and take a seat in the garden. I will give you some tea and cookies to have while you sit there. One hour and then if things have not changed during that time, you are more than welcome to come back here and shoot me.

[ He holds up a hand then, to pause Childe before he can say anything. ]

And you are not allowed to ask any questions. What happens in this next hour will not be shared with you and you will just accept that. Do we have a deal?

[He's not sure what Zhongli is saying. Give him an hour? How is he supposed to take that? For all he knows, his handsome professor could be saying that to give himself an opportunity to escape. Childe knows he's not the most imposing man on the block, but he does still have a gun - Zhongli should be afraid of him. He should be begging for his life.]

You - what do you mean, things changing?

[Oh - right, he's not allowed to ask questions. Childe remembers a moment too late, his mouth twisting into a little pout as he shakes his head, as if taking back the question.

It's too confusing, but it's true... he doesn't want to shoot him. Childe lowers the gun a fraction more - Zhongli was right, he'd have killed him by now if he was really going to. He doesn't know what that leaves, he's not going to go back to the Tsaritsa empty handed, but it's like Zhongli has a line straight to his heart. He can't pull the trigger, even if he knows he should.]

If you run, they'll kill me. [He swallows hard. Does he trust Zhongli enough for that? He doesn't think Zhongli wants him dead, not after all the time they've spent together, but if it means saving his own skin?]

Can I... have your word, sir? That you won't?

[ Childe seems scared and that's the last thing Zhongli wants him to feel. But he understands why he must feel this way — the Tsaritsa is an imposing figure, she works in the shadows and has all sorts of enterprises that she runs. Even without knowing that she's the cyro archon, she's a powerful figure nevertheless and while Zhongli doesn't see the appeal of that life, he would never interfere in it.

But at the same time, that's only if she doesn't interfere in his.

Zhongli takes a step forward then, hands reaching out to Childe, past his gun to cup his face in his hands and he'll lean over him then to press his lips to his forehead in a sweet, simple kiss. His thumbs stroke over the soft skin of Childe's cheeks and he pulls back after, giving a warm smile to the boy. ]

You have my word. Now go out to the garden and sit, the moonlight should be beautiful at this time of night. I will bring out your tea and cookies in just a few minutes and I want you to take a few deep breaths and calm down. I will come fetch you when I am done what I need to do, but if the hour ends and I still have not fetched you, you are more than welcome to come back into the house and shoot me.

[ He'll pull his hands back then, meeting Childe's eyes firmly. ]

Now, I ask again. Do we have a deal?

[His heart pounds as Zhongli approaches him, but he doesn't move, doesn't shoot him or even shove him away like he should. Instead, he freezes like a rabbit as Zhongli steps in closer, invades his personal space, and touches his cheeks. Has he touched him like this before, skin to skin? He's been so careful to skirt things around professional borders between them and just the sensation of Zhongli's fingers on his skin feels electric.

Zhongli's lips are just slightly damp, plush against his forehead, and he wants to tilt his head up and capture his mouth in a kiss, but he doesn't. His heart it racing for an entirely different reason now, and he wants him, he wants him... It tugs in his chest, makes him second guess everything, but then Zhongli pulls back and Childe immediately wants him closer again.

He can't disagree with him. He can't say that he won't do it. Zhongli hands him out a gentle series of orders, tells him exactly how things are going to go, and Childe can only nod quietly, wanting to be obedient, wanting to follow the rules Zhongli is setting.

He lowers the gun and nods once, weakly.]

Yes s-

[It almost slips out of his mouth again, sir, like he's a schoolboy being chided. No, this isn't about him being Zhongli's student - they should be on equal footing here, shouldn't they? So he bites it back quickly and amends:]

...alright. I agree.

[He doesn't know what he's waiting for or what Zhongli will do, but he'll obey his instructions, for now.]

[ If only Zhongli had more time to savor things, or he would linger with his lips on Childe's forehead and his hands caressing his face. But he does not have the time and even at Childe's almost slip up, how he wishes to linger there and tease out just what Childe wanted to say originally (though he already knows it). Instead, he just gives him a long look before pulling away and getting the electric kettle on to boil some water for tea.

When Childe exits to the backyard, he will find a well tended garden with a gazebo in the middle of it with a welcoming couch swing for him to sit upon. As he approaches, the fairy lights decorating the gazebo will light up from the sensors, bathing the area in warm, dim light. The entire backyard smells like fresh flowers and grass and clearly a lot of time and care has been put into maintaining the peaceful aura.

Zhongli will come out a few minutes later with a plate of cookies and a warm mug of black tea, with some milk and sugar on the side. He'll set it on the table near Childe with a small smile before slipping back into the house, not lingering since he does have a time limit here.

The only indication Childe will have over what is happening inside is if he looks back to the house, he might see through the curtains Zhongli on his cellphone, pacing back and forth in the living room and talking to someone. His expression looks more serious than it ever has with Childe or even at school in general. Zhongli is one to keep a small, placid smile on his face — not this stern expression that brokers no arguments.

And Zhongli will continue his conversation on the phone with the Tsaritsa. He gets her to admit she encroached on his territory first which gives him a fair bit of leverage in his negotiations. He is far older than her and while he no longer holds the title Morax as closely as he used to, there are still some tricks up his sleeve.

In the end, she agrees to dissolve the hit on him and not kill Childe. She doesn't like that Childe is Zhongli's student and therefore under his protection now but they can both admit neither knew the connection with each other before this happened. He is not able to pull Childe out of the gang altogether, and he still will work as an assassin, but Zhongli will be left alone and Childe won't have to worry about it. Zhongli did have to accept some nosying in Liyue though by the Tsaritsa but it's far outside the university area and his students so he can give her that much.

Essentially, things will go back to normal.

When the call is over, Zhongli goes to get himself some tea. At the same time, Childe will receive a text message telling him that the hit has been called off. Zhongli will join Childe then, a bit afterwards, holding his mug of tea in his hands and sitting down on the couch swing next to the boy. He gives him a warm smile and sips his tea.

All this, of course, done with Zhongli in his pajamas and slippers. ]

What did I say? The moon is quite beautiful tonight, is it not?

[The garden really is beautiful. Childe moves through it, walking through the grass before he settles down, wanting to look at everything. It comes as no surprise that Zhongli keeps everything perfect - even in class, he never has a hair out of place and is impeccably put together. Part of Childe envies that, but more of him just wants to be the first one to ruffle his feathers.

He sits down eventually with his tea and snacks and waits. He's not sure what he's waiting for, but he watches the shadows splay across the curtains as Zhongli talks on the phone, pleased at least that he can see the movement and be assured that he won't be running away. He snacks a bit more on the cookies, wiping the crumbs from his lips, and pulls his legs up onto the couch swing. It's almost serene, if he can forget why he's here.

Childe is almost startled by the vibration of his phone in his pocket and tugs it out, unlocking it to look at the bright screen.

mission is off. leave and await further instructions tomorrow.

There's a pause. He reads it again and again. It almost doesn't register at first - how could this happen? And how did Zhongli do it? Childe's brows furrow in confusion, but he doesn't really know what else he expected when Zhongli requested him to wait like this.

Childe looks up when Zhongli emerges, his face still a little illuminated in the glow of his phone screen, confused but ultimately pleased. His gun is holstered in the strap inside of his jacket, and he's glad he won't have to use it for now, but... still.

He expects Zhongli to tell him what's going on, but instead the other man just remarks about the moon. Childe frowns and looks up toward it as the swing gently sways with Zhongli's weight.]

...yeah. It's peaceful back here.

[He was told not to ask questions. There's so much he doesn't understand, but... at least no one will die tonight. Childe opens his mouth, trying to work out some of his complicated feelings.]

I'm... sorry. I wasn't - what I do, it's not...

[Frustrated, he stops and takes a moment to gather his thoughts before trying again.]

I didn't get close to you because of the hit or anything. I didn't know it was going to be you at all.

[ Zhongli listens to Childe and that's when he decides how he wants this night to progress. Childe is equal parts distracted and distressed and Zhongli wants nothing more than to comfort him, to tell him all will be okay, that all is okay between them especially. Yet for all the words Zhongli is capable of using, none come to him right now as he watches Childe struggle with the situation.

He knows what he wants to do instead.

So, as Childe finishes, as he sits there looking so frustrated and confused, Zhongli is going to set his mug down on the table in front of them. Then he shifts to face Childe a little better and will reach up to take Childe's chin between his fingertips, guiding him forward and pressing their lips together. Things have been so innocent between them so far, even with the vague flirting and what Zhongli would consider courting. But he has kept his hands to himself, he never interfered.

Not until tonight.

First, there was the kiss to his forehead and now there is this. A real kiss. An actual kiss. Zhongli slides his hand from Childe's chin to cup his cheek and tilts his head to kiss him a little more firmly, with a little more sureness. He is eager for Childe to kiss him back. ]

[He's expecting... to be shooed away. To be told to go home, like his text implied. He's expecting to be corrected, or even for Zhongli to be angry with him. He's not expecting Zhongli to move closer, to touch his face again and bring him in for a kiss. Childe is frozen for a moment, curled up tightly on the bench, but - but...

Zhongli's mouth is so warm against his, his hand is sturdy against his cheek. It's everything he's wanted for months, so why is it happening now? Why now, and not any of the times they met for coffee, or had one on ones about his academics, or when Childe stayed late to get help with an exam? Why now, after he's been sent to kill him? Shouldn't Zhongli want nothing to do with him?

He can't look a gift horse in the mouth, though. He's wanted this - he still wants this, and the warm bulk of Zhongli's shoulders are comforting, appealing.

Childe all but melts against him, returning the kiss easily, eagerly, in all the ways he's wanted to. He leans in, not needing the guidance anymore, tucking his legs under him so he can face Zhongli properly, press his tongue against his lips, open his own mouth in return. He wants... he wants to taste him, wants to do so many terrible things that he's fantasized about, and if Zhongli is going to kiss him, isn't going to send him packing or report him to the authorities - well, Childe is going to take advantage of it as much as he can.]

[ Why now? Because their secrets are out there, exposed. Childe is an assassin. Zhongli has connections that go far beyond the university. They're entangled now, more than they ever have been before and Zhongli has no desire to detangle from Childe. In fact, he plans to become more wrapped up in Childe than he ever has before. If the Tsaritsa plans to take Childe away from him, she will be in for a rude awakening.

When Childe finally kisses him back, Zhongli makes a pleased, approving noise into his mouth and lets his hand slide down to cradle his neck, thumb resting right underneath his ear as he holds him. The kiss deepens, Zhongli pressing more firmly against Childe and letting their tongues slide against each other as they kiss and kiss and kiss.

It's a while until the kiss is broken, Zhongli pulling away from Childe's sweet lips and breathing against him, eyes closed and foreheads pressed together. His thumb sweeps back and forth against Childe's skin and he gives a slow, pleased smiled against him. ]

How I've been considering that for some time now...

[ He leans in and presses another soft, chaste kiss against Childe's lips before moving lower, pressing against his cheek, his jaw, down to his throat where he nuzzles against it and breathes him in. His other arm is going to reach out then, sliding around Childe's middle and pulling him closer before he starts to kiss at his throat, slowly and firmly. ]

[Childe lets out a little sound when the kiss is broken, half a complaint and half breathlessness. He's breathing a little harder, looking up at Zhongli with large blue eyes, absolutely smitten and eager. He wants to kiss him again immediately, never wants to stop feeling Zhongli's mouth against his, but he allows the other man to slide his hand around his neck, just to feel the comforting warmth of his skin.

Hearing that he's been thinking about this for awhile makes his heart skip a beat. When Childe had entered this house, when he'd first seen the identity of the target, he had wanted to cry out. He'd been so afraid, so sad to have to kill the one person who he'd felt any sort of connection to - and he still doesn't understand why he no longer has to follow it through, but he's thankful for it.]

I've wanted... [he starts, swallowing hard as he slides in closer, practically into Zhongli's lap.] I've wanted that for so long.

[He doesn't know how to explain it, every time his eyes had followed Zhongli, every time he had thought about him, all of his fantasies. Childe had been... incredibly obvious about his massive crush, but clearly he'd thought he'd hidden it well enough, even though he looks at Zhongli as if the older man had hung the moon.

Childe's fingers tangle in Zhongli's pajama top, at once feeling the difference between them - Childe still dressed for work, his gun still clunky and holstered at the side of his chest and under his jacket, and Zhongli looking like a vision in his soft and expensive pajamas and slippers.

He doesn't care. He just wants to touch him, to slide into his lap and take this thing he's wanted for so long.]

[ If Childe wants to be in his lap, he is allowed in it. Zhongli pulls him closer, just that little bit more over his body so he can settle on his lap with his legs on either side of Zhongli's waist. Zhongli's hands move then to caress his hip, settling on his waist and slipping his thumbs underneath Childe's shirt to slide tenderly across soft skin.

He leans in then, after Childe is settled, to kiss him again. A long, deep kiss, tongues sliding against each other again as they kiss. One of his hands lifts up again to cradle his neck, pulling him in closer and kissing him a little harder, a little more urgently. He'll kiss him until they're both breathless, until the flush on Childe's face is so lovely in the dim light. Then when he breaks away, he gently nudges his nose against Childe's and sighs softly. ]

Tell me, sweetheart, what else did you want?

[ He wants to give it to him. He wants to indulge each and every one of Childe's fantasies. Childe belongs to him now, there's no going back on that, and oh how he enjoys it. He's going to lean in then and press kisses across Childe's throat, dragging his teeth across the skin and sucking a bruise into his unblemished skin. At the same time, the hand on his waist will slide up the back of his shirt, broad palm resting flat against his skin and holding him in place. ]

[Hearing Zhongli call him sweetheart is almost too much to take. Childe has wanted this for so long, and now the sudden whiplash of emotions is almost too much to handle. He bites at his lip, almost unable to believe that this has really happened, that Zhongli is really kissing him, that his fingers are creeping up the back of Childe's shirt. He can't believe that his weight is pressed against him, straddling him in his lap, and Zhongli isn't looking at him like he's insane or shoving him away.

He swallows hard, his throat bobbing against Zhongli's mouth as he tilts his head back to allow him access to anything he wants.]

I didn't want to make you uncomfortable.

[Clearly that isn't an issue now, but he's still a bit hesitant. Childe doesn't know what to do with his hands - he wants to touch Zhongli too, to feel his skin against his fingers, but he doesn't want to be too impolite, as if that's an actual danger when Zhongli has all but pulled him into his lap and kissed him senseless. He starts by hesitantly placing his hands on the other man's shoulders, stroking them down his arms, feeling the definition of his biceps... yes, that's good.]

...but I thought of you in so many ways. Did you see me staring in class? Half the reason I need tutoring is because I can't focus when you look at me.

[So getting Zhongli to tutor him really just made the issue worse...]

[ As Childe speaks, Zhongli continues to kiss his throat. He smears bruising, biting kisses against him, staking his claim and dragging the pleasure out of Childe as best as he can. They should talk, yes, should have this conversation, but Zhongli also is a very, very possessive man and a very, very covetous one as well. He gives a hum at Childe's confession of why he needs tutoring and it's amusing to Zhongli, because he already knew that.

When he speaks, it's murmured against Childe's throat, low vibrations pressed into the skin. ]

Shouldn't I be the one worry about making you uncomfortable?

[ He is his teacher, after all. There is a power imbalance here (much more than Childe realizes) but Zhongli is not one to care about that type of thing in the first place. Not that he regularly goes around fucking his students but he did know he wanted Childe from the moment he saw him. He has no regrets about that.

But he doesn't really care what Childe responds to that, instead pulling off of his throat and tilting his head up to kiss him again. Another one of those deep, hungry kisses that leaves him licking into Childe's mouth and biting lightly at his lips. His hand moves to join his other one sliding up Childe's shirt, now both hands roaming the expanse of his abdomen. Childe is well defined, his body fit and agile, and Zhongli is looking forward to seeing how flexible he is. ]

[He can't focus with how much Zhongli is seemingly intent on taking him apart, sending shivers down his spine. His skin feels on fire, everywhere that Zhongli is touching it, already heated, his cock growing with arousal in each kiss that Zhongli presses into him. It's hard to hide it like this, with his thighs splayed out over Zhongli's own, and he hope the other man doesn't begrudge him for it, but... well, surely he must be anticipating something like this, right?

Childe returns the kiss as well as he can, with passion and the fervor befitting his age, which he estimates to be a good deal younger than his professor - of course, he doesn't know exactly how drastic that difference is in truth, but that's really best left for another conversation.

Now, he's focusing on pressing forward, encouraged by Zhongli's touch, his hands sliding around his shoulders to bring himself closer - he doesn't quite realize that his hips are sliding forward, seeking out a little friction against his cock until he can feel it brush up against the bulk of Zhongli's abdomen through their clothes and suddenly stills himself, flushing as he pulls back.]

Sorry - fuck, you're so sexy.

[He manages a little smile there, cheeky as if to say, 'can you blame me?' and lifts up a hand to brush back the older man's hair, tracing his thumb along his forehead.]

Do you wanna... move inside?

[ They should move inside. There's a slight chill out here with how late it is and soon enough morning will come and his neighbors will be getting ready for their day. The things he wants to do to Childe are not appropriate for this location and he wants the boy to be comfortable as he takes him apart bit by bit. So, yes, they should move inside. ]

Yes, I'd like that.

[ Childe will have noticed too as he dragged himself across Zhongli's lap, pushed against his abdomen, that Zhongli is not exactly soft either. Through the thin fabric of his pajama pants, his cock stands erect and hefty, clearly wanting more and Zhongli is unashamed of his desires. He has a large cock, the length and girth of it clearly visible through his pants and Zhongli looks up at Childe innocently as the other man sits on it.

He'll reach a hand forward to drag Childe back for just a moment, kissing him again. One last, lingering kiss, deep and tender, before he pulls off and shifts to get off the couch swing. Childe will have to get off of him first, and when Zhongli stands, his erection is even more imposing in his pants. But he will reach for Childe's hand and take it within his own, lifting it to press a kiss to his knuckles. ]

Come, my dear.

[ And then he's going to lead Childe back inside the house. He doesn't stop at the kitchen, where the backdoor leads to and their confrontation took place. No, instead he leads Childe through the house and upstairs to the second floor where the master bedroom is. Zhongli's bedroom is large, large enough for a large four poster king bed along with a dresser, two bedside tables, a couch and a desk and chair. It's spacious and the furniture inside it is clearly well made, from strong woods and metals to make it stand the test of time.

The bed is unmade, considering Zhongli only got out of it to get some water from the kitchen before he was interrupted by Childe. But he doesn't seem to mind, leading Childe inside until they're both standing at the side of the bed. ]

Would you like me to undress you?

[He has definitely noticed Zhongli's cock. It makes his mouth water, makes his entire body tense up. When Zhongli first kissed him - well, when Zhongli made his true intent clear and dialed this up several notches - Childe had briefly wondered how this would work. He had no qualms about fucking someone if the opportunity presented itself, and certainly wouldn't say no to bending his professor over a desk and railing him, but at the sheer size of Zhongli's cock pressing insistently against his inner thigh... Childe mentally made a different call.

He wants it inside of him. He wants to taste it, wants to hold himself open for it, wants Zhongli to bend him in half and force him to take it. Given that, and given Zhongli's attitude toward him tonight... yeah, he can see which way this is going to go, and no part of him is let down by it.

He follows the other man carefully, looking over the various decoration and neatness of his house before they're - they're here in his bedroom, at his bed, and oh god, this is really happening. He looks up at Zhongli, impressed still that they're a little different in height, and nods once at the question, almost mute by what the question is implaying.

And then he thinks, no, he has to take care of some things, and Childe takes a quick step back.]

One sec.

[He pulls his jacket off quickly, revealing the shoulder holster where he'd kept his weapon by his side. Childe unbuckles that as well, carefully setting his gun down at a nearby desk, leaving him in just his shirt and slacks - still more dressed than Zhongli, but significantly less dangerous than he had been a moment before.

Then, Childe steps in again, crowding into Zhongli's personal space to trace his fingers up the other man's waist, eyes half-lidded as he looks up toward him, sinking a bit more easily into the mood now that he's had some time to adjust.]

Yeah... you can take my clothes off. What else do you want to do to me?

[ Zhongli has lived a long, long, long life. He has had... a lot of sex. He knows what he likes and what he does not like. He knows what he wants too, especially when he comes across someone like Childe who excites him and mesmerizes him. Zhongli is not a god who is above the more hedonistic aspects of life — in years past, he has had harems, he has had offerings, he has had a lot of more traditional aspects of godhood.

So, when he thinks of Childe, he wants to fuck him. It's as simple as that. He has decided how tonight would go, that he would give in to his desires tonight and have them entangled with one another before sunrise. Perhaps, later in their relationship, he will allow Childe to fuck him instead. He will explore other things with the boy and give him the opportunity to chase his own pleasure that way. But not tonight.

He is a little disappointed when Childe responds by stepping away from him first, after his offer to undress the boy. But then he realizes what it is Childe is doing and waits for him to come back. After his return, Zhongli gives a small smile as Childe steps into his space, lifting a hand to brush his hair out of his forehead and lean in to kiss him on the forehead as well. ]

There is very little I do not want to do to you. My current plan is to undress you, open you up with my tongue, and then fuck you until you weep. I hope that isn't something you're opposed to.

[ He wants Childe on his knees, ass in the air, hole on offer for him. He wants to take him and bruise him and make sure Childe has only eyes for him. It has been a long time since he's taken a lover like this and he can admit to being a little pent up, and a little excited, over the prospect of bedding Childe.

For now, his hands are going to reach out and start slowly unbuttoning the front of Childe's shirt. ]

[Hearing it all from Zhongli's mouth - from his professor's mouth - makes all the air seemingly evaporate out of the room. It's hard to believe that he's not dreaming somehow, just to hear the deep timbre of the older man's voice casually form around the word fuck. It sounds somehow dirtier when Zhongli says it, and if he wasn't hard before, he's aching now.

Childe manages a weak nod and moves his fingers to help Zhongli unbutton his shirt. He's got an average build underneath, a little on the muscular side, and his torso is dotted with various small scars, though nothing particularly alarming. Once it's off, Childe wastes no time in sliding it off of his shoulders so he can start on Zhongli's own pajama top, tugging at it so it can be pulled neatly over his head.]

You're so hot. Even better than I dreamed you'd be. Fuck.

[Zhongli's abs feel like they're made of stone, chiseled and cut against the gorgeous landscape of his torso. Childe immediately wants to lick them, to worship them, and he starts already, lowering his head to drag his tongue along a firm pectoral, inhaling deeply to catch his masculine scent.

Right. Zhongli wanted to get him naked and eat him out. But... but god, his chest is so appealing, Childe feels intoxicated and he wants to touch every inch of him, fingers already splaying across his abs as if in worship.]

I want to just get my mouth on every part of you. [He breathes, even as his shaky hands go to his own pants, unbuttoning them quickly.] Will you let me, later? I want to lick you everywhere.

[ Childe is more excited for this than Zhongli expected. He expected excitement, of course, the boy was always so besotted with him, so worshipful. But now that they're here and in the moment, he watches as Childe seems to be caught with how much he wants to do to Zhongli, with how much he feels about their copulation. It makes Zhongli burst with pride and arousal, makes him want to consume Childe even more than he did before.

Zhongli does not answer with words, not just yet. He answers by putting a large, possessive hand against Childe's throat and tilting his head up so he can lean in and kiss him. He kisses him deeply, hungrily, letting Childe drop his pants as they kiss before he wraps an arm around his waist and tugs him flush in against him. Chest to chest, hip to hip, he can feel Childe's arousal against his own and he groans into the kiss as he just savors the taste of Childe on his tongue.

Once he breaks off from him, that's when he finally replies. Lingering in his space, noses brushing against one another, he gives a warm smile against Childe's lips. ]

I will let you. You are more than welcome to show me just how much I arouse you, my dear. I intend to show you the same.

[ He'll kiss him then, one last time, this time a little quicker, a little more chaste before he pulls off and steps back, away from Childe. He hooks his thumbs into the waistband of his pajama pants and underwear, pulling them both down in one fell swoop and letting the fabric drop to the floor. He'll step out of it, nudging his pajamas to the side with his foot and leaving him nude in front of Childe.

His body is well-defined and muscular, abdomen well chiseled just like Childe noticed earlier. His legs are long and firm and his cock hangs proudly between them, erect. His cock is, of course, long and girthy, even bigger than it seemed before hidden under his pants. Zhongli is proud of it, proud of his body that he made and shaped according to his own desires. He knows Childe is attracted to it and that is what he desires the most.

Now, with the both of them nude, Zhongli steps in close to Childe and cups his face, dragging him in for another deep, hungry kiss. ]

[He can't help it: he follows Zhongli's hands with his eyes, watches greedily as the other man finally drops his pants, and can't hide his reaction of awe, of a bone-deep want. He feels like his mouth is going dry, and Childe forces himself to swallow hard, his throat bobbing. Just imagining that in his mouth is almost too much to bear.

He's still looking when Zhongli cups his face, forcing his attention back upward, and Childe steps forward as if in a daze, wrapping his arms around the other man and pulling himself in closer, just to feel the warm brand of that cock pressed against his skin. Childe is hard too, his own dick jutting out and sliding against Zhongli's hip, and he grinds against him just once, his breath catching in his throat.]

I can't believe you're into me.

[He says it on a breathy laugh as he noses against Zhongli's face, and one hand slips down, splaying against his abdomen until he can just brush his fingers against the base of his cock, too eager to get his hands on him.]

It's like someone carved you out of marble. And you're all mine.

[Childe speaks without really thinking of it, and feels embarrassment a moment later - had he crossed a line? Well, he couldn't help it, thinking about how much Zhongli turns him on, how much he wants to do this again, over and over until they belong to one another. Maybe Zhongli will let him... or maybe Zhongli will just use this as a quick one night fuck. Either way, at least he gets to fuck him. He'll surely remember this night for as long as he lives.]

[ Zhongli is pleased. No, pleased doesn't really encapsulate all that he's feeling. It's a heady kind of pleasant feeling, like he's won a gamble or outwitted an opponent. That's how he feels, like a victor. And he's here with his spoils, the man in his arms who looks at him like he's an object of worship. Oh, if only Childe knew.

As Childe touches him with reverence in every brush of his fingers, Zhongli feels even more... heady. He could get drunk on this, like fine osmanthus wine. Perhaps he will open a bottle after bedding Childe, have him drink some and taste it on his tongue afterwards. It has been a long, long time since Zhongli has taken a lover like this and that should be enough reason to celebrate with such good wine, no?

His hips press into Childe's touch, rocking against him and dragging his cock against Childe's fingers as he leans in and noses him back, breathes in the clean scent of Childe's skin. He presses a kiss to Childe's jaw as he says such lovely things to him and smiles against his skin, his hands moving to wrap around Childe's shoulders and pull him in closer. ]

I am yours, if you'll have me. My plan was, initially, to wait until the semester was over and then see if you would come visit me in my summer home on the shore. There, I would seduce you and ask if you would be mine going forward.

[ Not... exactly a lie. He was planning to do all that, but it wasn't as concrete as he makes it seem. No, he was mostly just planning to figure it out as he went and take Childe as his own before any other suitors got in the way. If he needed to do it before the semester ended, he would do so gladly.

Like now, for instance. ]

Unfortunately... or fortunately, I suppose, my hand was tipped and I had to take you tonight. I couldn't bear the thought of you leaving my home tonight without knowing the depth of my affection for you. Especially after such a... fraught interaction earlier.

[ He lifts a hand then, strokes his knuckles across Childe's cheek and looks ever so fondly at him. ]

No, I wanted you to know my, ah, feelings for you would not dissipate just because of one poor encounter. I must have you, my darling, and I am not keen on sharing.

[ After that, finally, is when he will kiss Childe again. His hand splays on the crook of his neck, thumb settled underneath his ear and his other hand curls against his bicep, holding him close like that. He makes a pleased, happy noise into the kiss and licks into Childe's mouth, eager and wanting. ]

You planned that?

[There's a rush inside of him when Zhongli says it, the knowledge that his professor had always planned on seducing him. Zhongli had always wanted Childe to be his - the time they spent together and longing looks Childe had given him wasn't entirely onesided after all, as if that could still be a concern of his when they're both naked and kissing one another with this kind of fervor next to Zhongli's huge bed.

He smiles, pleased with himself and a little cocky as he dips forward into the kiss, opening his mouth, allowing Zhongli inside. He happily lets the other man lick at his tongue and sucks a little at the wet muscle, eager to taste every bit of him as they kiss and kiss and his body grows even more heated.

He's elated. He's getting everything he wanted - and to think that he'd almost shot Zhongli earlier. But not only has he forgiven him, he's also opening his house, his bedroom to him... Childe doesn't know how he managed to swing this luck, but he's thankful for it.

When he breaks the kiss, he's breathless, flushed with arousal, and Childe lets his hand curl around Zhongli's wrist as he tugs him back to the bed. He sits on it easily, scooting up and pulling Zhongli in to join him.]

You can have me. All you want, it's yours.

[ With Childe moving to the bed, Zhongli is going to move with him. He encourages him to sit up upon the bed, to lay against the pillows so he can crawl over the bed and over Childe's body, laying in the spread of his open legs and beginning to kiss him again, just like that. Right now, he's mostly concerned with kissing Childe, even though his cock is hard and he can feel Childe's own pressed against him.

But he doesn't want to rush. He wants to savor each and every bit of Childe now that he has him and is enjoying himself immensely. He lifts a hand to sink fingers into Childe's soft hair and curl against the back of his head while his other slips between them and takes Childe's cock in his hand, stroking gently. He continues to kiss him just like that, with his hands busy and his body laying atop of Childe's.

It feels good. Feels great. And Zhongli is in no rush to move faster than this because in his opinion, they have the entire night to go. ]

[It's not quite what he was expecting at first. But then again, nothing Zhongli has done so far has been expected. Childe doesn't anticipate the depth of his kissing, the ease and softness that comes from being so meticulous about such a simple form of contact. Surprisingly, it melts him faster than it really has any right to and Childe eases into the kissing, his tongue peeking out to swipe along Zhongli's mouth, to taste him again in turn.

And then - Zhongli touches him. From the first brush of his hand to his cock, Childe jolts as if he's been electrified, gasping suddenly against Zhongli's mouth and then whimpering against him. His professor, the man he has an immense crush on... he's actually slowly jerking him off. Nothing compares.

Childe spreads his legs as much as he can, rocking his hips up into Zhongli's hand with a needy little sound, his hand slipping up against the back of Zhongli's neck to try and bury his noises in the other man's mouth. He eagerly seeks more kisses, wants to be as sensual as Zhongli is being, as his cock rises to full hardness in the other man's hands.]

[ Childe's needy little noises and the way he presses into the kiss is everything Zhongli desires. He strokes him a little faster then, thumb swiping over his tip and teasing the sensitive skin. His mouth opens, taking Childe's tongue inside of it and sucking on his in turn. The kiss deepens afterwards as well with Zhongli tilting his head to the side and kissing Childe even more firmly into the pillows.

But this isn't all he wants and while the sensuality of it has been good, delightful, made him feel very happy, he wants more from Childe. So, it's with that that he pulls back entirely — hand off of Childe's cock and the press of their lips broken. He sits back on his knees and lets his eyes drag down Childe's body as he licks his lips. He looks like he's going to devour the younger man, which is not exactly far from the truth.

He'll go and move to the bedside drawer then, pulling out a tube of lubricant and then crawling back over the bed to settle between Childe's legs. ]

Spread your legs, please.

[ That's all he says before he pours lube onto his fingers and reaches down behind Childe to start pressing gentle fingers against his hole. ]

[Zhongli leaves him open-mouthed and wanting when he pulls back, and Childe lifts himself up on his hands as if to protest or to chase him, but the way Zhongli looks at him - covetous and openly appreciative - is enough to freeze him on the spot and have him staring up at his partner with a look of wanton desire.

There's no hesitation at the command. Childe nods quickly and parts his knees, taking Zhongli easily between his legs. It's - it's a new feeling, to have someone press up against him like this, and his eyes go wide with surprise at the feeling of Zhongli's fingers pressing against his hole, but he wouldn't complain in a million years. Instead, he reaches forward to grip against Zhongli's shoulders, pulling him in closer, situating him fully between his pale thighs.]

I - I haven't...

[His freckled nose goes pink in a little flush as he realizes the implication of his words and Childe amends quickly.]

I mean! I'm not a virgin. But I've never... had someone inside me before.

[His hole flutters against Zhongli's finger as he moves his hips a little, adjusting to the sensation for the first time. It's good, actually, and Zhongli's gentleness only serves to make it better, opening him up carefully, with all the precision that Childe has come to expect from him by now.]

[ It's terrible easy for Zhongli to get distracted from his gentle ministrations by the sight of Childe before him. When he blushes just so, Zhongli feels his gut ache with a hunger that is only satisfied with the press of their bodies together. But he holds himself back, continues to only focus on rubbing a finger inside of Childe's hold, slowly tugging the rim to start stretching him open.

He hasn't... had anyone inside him before? This is a surprise to Zhongli because ever since he met Childe, he wanted to be inside of him. The idea of no one else claiming him before now is a bit of a shock. But it's also immediately followed by a wave of possessive desire. He will be Childe's first, and he will also be Childe's only.

So, his finger slides in until the first knuckle and he continues to gently work Childe open afterwards. ]

I will be gentle, I promise you that. You will come out of this feeling nothing but pleasure and an ache for me to be inside you again.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

i was down for the first night

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject