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[brokebitchmountain]

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Comments

ADORABLE!!!

[brokebitchmountain]

[ Zhongli is getting so many surprises today for his birthday?! This time it's Xiao and definitely not someone he's expecting at all. Though he always enjoys the yaksha's company if he's being honest with himself.

He's glad that Xiao is acclimating to this place a bit better. It makes him feel at ease to see the other out and about, even if it's just to deliver a present. ]

Xiao? Would you like to come inside?

anything for zhongli!!

[wingednemesis]

[ It would have been far more in Xiao's nature to anonymously leave the gift and the all knowing Geo Archon would likely reason that it was from the yaksha but something in Xiao drove him to deliver it personally. Maybe it was this place, with all of the changes as of late and the influence that has slowly but surely begun to shift something in him. Whatever the reason, he's here now and looking all types of tense.

His nod is rigid, eyes meeting Zhongli's briefly before casting back down to the floor. ] If you are not busy then, I would not mind it. [ He dutifully waits for passage and once it is granted, he steps in though doesn't move very far into the home out of respect, and nervousness really. His hold on the bag he has brought tightens a fraction and he carefully chooses his next words. ]

Your day of birth is...today, isn't it?

cutie...

[brokebitchmountain]

I am not busy, no. Please come further inside. You may leave your shoes at the door and the gift on the table.

[ He speaks as he directs Xiao with his arms to the indicated places. ] You are correct. Though it has been many years since then, this day in particular often holds the most precious and memorable memories for me. I'm glad that you decided to see me in person. It's been some time since we sat and talked, hasn't it?

[wingednemesis]

[ Xiao does as instructed, following Zhongli further into the home and it's hard not to be reminded of Liyue from how everything is decorated. There's such a sense of familiarity that the yaksha almost forgets they're not back home. He's only broken from his observations when Zhongli continues speaking because of course he will pay him his full attention. ]

It has. I must ask for your forgiveness, I have taken some time to get used to Noctium and all of its workings. [ Though Xiao would not approach the Geo Archon much, if at all, even back on Teyvat. ] However the occasion is a special one and I think...I should at least deliver the present I had prepared in person.

[ He pauses briefly, glancing to the side. ] If you would like to have tea and talk, I will always listen.

[brokebitchmountain]

[ Even now Xiao is still so formal and still so stiff in his company it makes him wish there was another way to have him relax in his presence. But Zhongli knows that such things are just how the yaksha holds himself and how high in regards he holds Zhongli as well.

But perhaps this might be a good starting point to ease those ridged boundaries. ] There is no forgiveness to ask for, Xiao. I can only hope that you are faring well? If you are in need of manna then I shall remind you that you may always come to me for that as well if you are uncomfortable doing so with strangers.

[ It's rather endearing to know that Xiao got him a present and he can imagine how difficult this must be for him right now, but Zhongli's smile is warm and caring before he raises his hand to pat Xiao on the head not once but twice before he withdraws his gloved hand with a chuckle. ]

I would enjoy that very much. It has been some time since we've talked like this. I will go make us the water for tea, for now, sit and I will also bring us something to eat while we wait.

[wingednemesis]

[ Whatever Xiao was thinking on same is swiftly forgotten when his head is pat. There's such a strange mixture of emotions that burst in that singular moment in his chest that he can hardly make sense of any of it. All that he ends up actually doing is flushing from the embarrassment, reaching up to set a hand over his own head where Zhongli patted him just now. Words fail him so terribly.

At least until Zhongli mentions he's going to prepare tea and snacks and it's only then that he finally finds his voice. ] Ah, that - wait one moment.

[ He's fast to go back over towards his gift, somewhat regretting he didn't wrap it more properly but he's not exactly good at those mundane things. Still, he reaches in carefully and pulls out his gift, a tea set. Just as careful, he brings it over to the Archon. ] I...thought you would enjoy something like this. I am sure you probably have your own already but even so it reminded me of you.

[ Maybe someday Xiao will see fit to actually meet Zhongli's eyes when they talk but baby steps. He'll get there sometime...for now, he presents the gift a bit more formally with a bow of his head towards the other. ] Happy Birthday.

[brokebitchmountain]

[ Zhongli will pretend he doesn't see that extra motion from the other. Instead opting to turn to go get them some snacks from the kitchen in the meantime...but he does pause when Xiao speaks up again, turning with that usual stoic expression back on his face. ]

Ah. It's quite ornate, the detailing superb and craftsmanship dedicated to the trade. It's perfect, Xiao, thank you. I'll be sure to keep it in a safe place.

[ He might go to pat Xiao on the head again, his expression happy and content. ] This birthday is quite something. There have been many visitors today, but this is one of the more special visits. I know we have not spoken in some time, here and in Liyue, but I would...like to do so more often if you would like? As...Zhongli, I want to make up for the lost time.