[ what an interesting answer... it's enough to stir the rather lazy and unwilling desire to fight in him that has been dormant for some time. it's yet to move from its slumber, still, but is slowly inching into full consciousness.

Considering last time, Zhongli is familiar enough to be particularly alert for any targeting to his face or head even if he didn't have such reflexes. This time he moves, ducking under the hook off to the side while simultaneously grabbing Childe's fist so he's able to twist himself behind the other and capture his arm between them. Since Childe lunged, Rex actually grabs him around the waist with his free arm to halt his momentum and yank him back against him (to prevent breaking his arm, actually, but Childe doesn't need to know the reasons.) Leaning in from behind, his breath is hot and wet as he speaks against the other's ear thoughtfully. ] You are the type to get off on spilling blood, it seems. Pain and pleasure can have the same effect on you, no?

Perhaps I understand better why she sent you. [ perhaps she wants her Harbinger preoccupied for a while but not bored out of his mind. He's not her babysitter, though, honestly. ]