Chapter Text
Childe always bought several gifts from places he visited while traveling throughout Teyvat. His last trip before returning to Liyue to see Zhongli was to Fontaine. In search of the ideal souvenir, the harbinger strolled through the streets of the city looking for anything that caught his eye.
“Monsieur, would you like to buy a snack or a dessert? These macarons pair perfectly with tea in the afternoon!” He was recommended by the lady behind the counter at a cake shop.
“Sounds like a perfect gift for xiansheng.” Childe glanced at the assortment of the macarons on the display and decided to pick up a box with different kinds of flavors for the consultant.
After his purchase he walked around more market stalls, trying to find more souvenirs he could buy for his love. He turned his head in the direction of the scent of freshly caught fish.
"Come check out these recent catches from Fontaine's waters!" The merchant saw how the ginger caught his eye and tried to sell him his goods right away. “Are you craving for the taste of the sea? Look no further than Fontaine’s mussels!”
“Mussels…? Xiansheng doesn't like seafood, which is a shame because they look delicious." Looking at the stall table with all the various kinds of seafood, Childe pondered.
“They are perfect when cooked together with white wine and garlic, a real delicacy here!” The merchant lowered his voice, smirked at him and added, “Also perfect for couples looking for more ‘fun’ in bed. These mussels are known to have an aphrodisiac effect.”
Shellfishes with an aphrodisiac effect? The harbinger heard of this rumor before, so there probably must be some truth behind it. Why would Zhongli decline this offer when he was the type of person who was always game for in-bed experiments? But how on earth could he get the ex-archon to consume seafood that he loathes? Maybe if he chopped them up into small pieces the way he prefers it? Without giving it any further thought, he bought a kilo of mussels.
~
“Xiansheng, I’m home!” Childe exclaimed as he walked into Zhongli's apartment in Liyue Harbor.
In the living room, Zhongli was reading a book when he looked up at Childe with a smile. "Welcome home. You returned faster than expected from your travels this time.” He glanced at him and noticed the bag in Childe's hand. “Oh? What did you bring?"
"Ah, just some mussels. I thought I'd try cooking them for dinner tonight," Childe replied with a smile.
“Seafood…?” Zhongli appeared disgusted rather than happy.
“Haha, I know I know… don’t worry! These are supposed to be a specialty from Fontaine. I also brought you some other gifts!” Childe pulled out a small box from his pocket and handed it to Zhongli. "It's just a little something I picked up on my travels. I hope you like it," he said with a grin.
Zhongli opened the box and his eyes widened in surprise at the beautiful blue gemstone inside which would make a great addition for his collection.
"These here as well! Try them!" Childe also presented the macarons in a box to Zhongli.
Zhongli was surprised by his lover's fondness for spoiling him. In addition to a gemstone, Childe gave him a box of delectable treats. “I am happy, I appreciate everything you are giving me.” He thanked him and couldn't wait to indulge in the sweet macarons.
“I'm glad you think so. Then I will leave to make an early dinner. I’m getting quite hungry here.” The young man disappeared in the kitchen.
“Hm, you just came home. Don't you want to relax while I prepare the meal?” Concerned, the consultant questioned.
“Nope, the dinner I'm planning to make will be quite special… I’ll cook the mussels I brought!” He yelled out of the kitchen.
Although Zhongli wasn't looking forward to it, he didn't want to let him down because of how excited he seemed.
It didn’t even take an hour until the ginger called his lover for dinner. Zhongli was pleasantly surprised by the delicious aroma coming from the kitchen. The ginger proudly shared his recipe as they sat down to eat at the kitchen table and the consultant couldn't help but acknowledge that the mussels were indeed quite exceptional despite his usual dislike for seafood.
“Xiansheng, have you ever heard about mussels having an aphrodisiac effect?” The harbinger asked, curious about the potential benefits of the dish.
The consultant chuckled at the question and replied, "I have heard of this kind of rumor before, but who knows, maybe it's just a placebo effect. Regardless, I have to admit these mussels are definitely worth indulging in for their delicious taste alone. You prepared them very well."
The young man was pleased with the compliment. "Aww thanks, xiansheng, I'm glad you enjoyed them. I have to say, after trying them myself, I do feel a little more energized. But that might also be a result of my extreme hunger.”
"A satisfying meal can undoubtedly benefit both the body and the mind. It's vital to properly fuel our bodies, especially after a long journey."
After both finished their meal, they sat down on the couch together and shared their most recent experiences.
“I ate so much yet I’m not feeling anything different than usual.” Childe let out a sigh of disappointment. “Is it because I’m always horny around you, xiansheng…?” The ginger joked.
“Mmh… If you're still feeling unsatisfied, would you like some dessert…?” Zhongli was visibly drooling. He noticed it for himself and wiped the saliva from his chin. “Ajax… I ought to have refrained from eating this seafood…”
“Xiansheng, are you okay? Your face looks so flushed. Don’t tell me you are getting sick.” Childe placed his hand on his forehead to check his temperature.
"Mmh… my body suddenly feels very hot.” The brunette's hands made their way down his pants, to grab the ginger man's crotch. “I don’t know about you, but I do crave dessert to cool down.”
“Don’t tell me the rumor about the aphrodisiac effect is actually true…!” Childe's eyes widened in surprise at the sudden bold move, but he was unable to suppress the arousal that was coursing through him. He was surprised to find that he experienced no effects at all because he had assumed that the ex-archon would be more resistant to it due to the fact that he was a non-mortal being. The ginger leaned in closer to the brunette's ear and whispered, "Then let me be your sweet treat."
Zhongli's lips curled into a small smile as he leaned back, his eyes flickering with amusement. "I… don't need an aphrodisiac to desire you, Ajax," he replied, his voice low and husky. "But I won't deny that it adds a certain... spice."
"Well then, let's spice up our night," Childe mumbled before locking lips with Zhongli in an intense kiss.
The two men lost themselves in each other, the aphrodisiac only adding to their already intense desire for one another.