I'm pretty sure if you hadn't been around me to begin with I would have died, Zhongli. [ he says it firmly, a little bit frustrated and hurt at being left alone. While he respects the other's decisions, he can't imagine why he would think Childe would be better off with that much space. Him going to work everyday was lonely enough being stuck here in the house. Besides, that excuse is a little dubious considering he can smell another on Zhongli and it's not Venti, which makes him even more moody. He refrains from bringing it up, not wanting to admit jealousy if Zhongli has preferred avoiding him and going to another individual, instead. It's not as if he's stupid, they aren't dating, there's nothing between them. He gets it.

Zhongli is guilty about what happened this month. .

But it still hurts, especially at times like these, apparently. ] I don't know why you think if I didn't want you around that I wouldn't just say so to your face. Isn't apologizing to me suggesting you knew I wanted you around rather than giving me space, anyway? Why bother if that's what you thought was the best action?

[ Despite his rather miserable tone, he is a good patient and lets Zhongli do what he wants in terms of tending to the finger injury, which is extremely bloody but not as bad as it looks. Fingers just love to bleed.

He sighs. ] Anyway, do what makes you feel comfortable, or "what is best" or whatever. It has nothing to do with me. Just make sure you're sleeping and eating and getting manna. [ his last words are a bit clipped, clearly not liking them coming out of his mouth, but what else can he do? ]