brokebitchmountain | IC INBOX

[ Hm. ] Are you trying to convince me there's nothing to be concerned about or yourself?

[ Hm? Ah. He forgets how perceptive the other can be. There's a faint chuckle from him again as he moves towards the kitchen. ]

Perhaps it is a bit of both. I have recently come to acquire something I did not think possible to have here. That is all. It has put my mind ill at ease, but it is nothing for you to concern yourself with, Childe.

You could also just tell me if you're willing to give up that much information, already.

[ he's definitely worried about Zhongli's wellbeing, but there's a fine line needing to be walked concerning letting it show or not.

Childe shrugs lightly as he follows the other to his kitchen. ] Anyway, if you don't want to tell me, fine, I won't pry.

If you're not hungry or otherwise interested in any food, then I can put the finishing touches on it and have it put away for you to eat later. No sense having it go to waste or you forcing yourself to eat it and not enjoying it as a result.

Mm. It is not that I do not wish to tell you but...

[ He might move away from Childe for a second before he summons his gnosis into his air, and just like in the Northern Bank it will idly float above his open palm. But there's no mirth or even amusement in Zhongli's eyes as he stares at for a long while before he finally looks back at Childe. ]

There is not much you might be able to do. [ There's a very tired sigh from him as it disappears again and Zhongli stands there with a tired, almost defeated look. After 6000 plus years he had hoped that the contract being fulfilled back home would mean that his gnosis would not find itself back to him. In a way, he's selfish like that. ]

I am unsure how it has made its way back to me, but, I will keep it safe in my interim here as I have done back in Teyvat.

[ ...so that's it, huh. Childe hesitates but then considers the fact that Zhongli didn't actually keep a secret from him. That's... significant progress between them, he feels, and so he moves to set the food he's carrying on the counter before coming back over to Zhongli to wrap him in a bold but comforting embrace from behind while coming to rest his cheek on the archon's shoulder. ]

It doesn't mean anything, Xiansheng. This isn't Teyvat, you're free to continue living like a free mortal than an enslaved god to Celestia's bidding if you want. Don't read too much into it, either.

[ Childe presses himself a bit closer raising his head to briefly kiss Zhongli on the cheek. ] Don't let it bother you, you've made so much progress since arriving here. Seeing you learning to become human and happy about it has been a joy. [ he hasn't been here that long, but he assumes that during his previous time here that he must have felt the same way. ] Don't let this take that away from you, got it?

[ he lets go now, aware he's pushing boundaries, but figures it's fine in very brief stints as long as he doesn't let himself think it signifies anything.. Stepping back, he moves over to the kitchen counter to grab the food and turn to the refrigerator. ] I'll put water on the stove for some hot tea, and put dinner in the refrigerator for later. Sound good?

Go sit and rest, I'll bring it to you, okay?

No, it does not, as the rules and contracts of this world are entirely different from those in Teyvat. [ But even so the burden it places upon him is heavy indeed. He looks tired and worn out like a rock that's lasted through storms and winds but is slowly, ebbing away despite its best efforts. Zhongli inhales with the surprising and unexpected contact that Childe provides. But it's not unwelcome as his tense shoulders slowly start to ease up a bit. The soothing nature of synchronicity allows him to at least let out a tired laugh. ]

There is still much to learn, but I am learning every day how humans form relationships. This is...nothing that I did not have back home and yet- [ and yet he feels such a disconnect knowing that his gnosis is now with him again. Is he a god? Or can he still remain human? ] Ah. Thank you, Childe, but as a guest, it is only proper for me to prepare tea.

[ He might also follow into his kitchen to help at least get the cups and water ready. But it's a solemn affair as he lingers a bit before he heads to the couch to sit. ] I apologize if my company is not...ideal.

[ Having put the food away Childe follows Zhongli out of the kitchen as they wait for the water to boil, sighing lightly at Zhongli's words about the quality of his company.

Running a hand through his hair he makes the decision to go sit next to geo archon on the couch. He brings his foot up to rest on top of his other leg's knee as he leans back a little and now looks to the other. ]

Listen to me. We're friends, aren't we? If I can't accept your company in its worst form, then I don't deserve your company when it's ideal. So, I'm here for the long haul no matter how miserable your company ends up being.

Honestly, you concern yourself with the most trivial things, sometimes, Xiansheng.

Edited 2021-09-22 05:08 (UTC)

[ Zhongli's expression is unreadable for the most part, but he does blink as he looks back at Childe with some mild amusement. He can't help but shake his head as he looks down at gloved hands again.

Realizing that Childe doesn't actually know what he's capable of, what he's done in his own past, so much war and bloodshed rest on his hands and shoulders that even now he can feel those cracks in him widening and creaking open like scars in a mountain that's weathered the winds and rains for eons. Outwardly it just looks like he's tired, almost defeated even. ]

Your words have truth in them. What are friends if not the ones who you need close to you at your most vulnerable times? [ But trivial, hm? He supposed it would be if it weren't for other things... ]

Trivial, perhaps, but they are still troublesome if not admitted with honesty. [ Though he does lean in to lightly cup Childe's cheek with a gloved hand and then he gives the faintest of smiles to the harbinger. ]

I do appreciate the company. You have my sincerest thanks.

[ Childe really doesn't know, but if he could ever find out and know what haunts the older man, he believes he would take the opportunity in a heartbeat, not because it would give him an advantage, but because... It would be nice to be able to better understand him in tints line this. Even if he won't admit such things.

The touch to his face and the bit of a smile causes him to blink, especially at the sincerity of Zhongli's words before he nods slowly, a little bit embarrassed as shown by the slight coloring to cheeks. ]

It's ... it's not a big deal, Xiansheng. Everyone should want to keep you company. I'm sure they do, even, it's baffling to me you are still living alone here despite being here for so long.

[ What haunts Zhongli is something that no mortal should have to comprehend or try to fix. It's not that he doesn't want the help but more along the lines that Childe would try to fix or help a matter that is well beyond his control and even beyond Zhongli's control at this point.

Zhongli will blink and look away a soft huff coming from him. ] Being alone in solitude like this...has its merits. But it is a bit quiet at times. I am used to hearing the hustle and bustle of the street vendors hawking their wares and the clinking of cutlery against plates from Wanmin restaurant. But perhaps you're right. Maybe getting a roommate wouldn't be so bad.

[ he chuckles at that huff. For an old world powerful god he really can just be the cutest thing at times.

growing a little bolder, Childe brings his own hands to caress Zhongli's face affectionately, ghosting his lips over the other's with a soft hum of approval at his thoughts. ]

You can have your benefits of solitude without depriving yourself of its opposite to remind you of what makes it solitude in the first place. [ What he means is company can help solitude be more appreciated when it is desired or necessary. ]

Good. I want you to take care of yourself and you're out quite a ways from the city here. Everyone gets lonely.

Edited 2021-10-15 00:55 (UTC)

Mm, perhaps you are right. Though I have felt lonely at times I...didn't normally seek the companionship of others to dull it. On occasion, I would go to the top of Mt. Aocang to enjoy tea with good friends. Perhaps I might find some others to enjoy that company with as well. You are also free to join, Childe, if you wish.

[ He gives him a warm smile before looking back at the cup steaming before him. He'll take a few sips. ] Shall we eat the food you've brought?

Of course, Xiansheng. I'll spend any time I can with you regardless of what it consists of.

[ Childe blinks blue, tilting his head slightly. ]

You've got some appetite again? You don't have to if you're still lukewarm on the idea ...

[ Zhongli might huff out a laugh at that response, but it's not surprising to hear Childe state such a thing. ]

I'm fine Childe. Your concern is touching, but you need not worry about me. Speaking of it to someone has helped some.

[he's not sure he believes him in terms of not needing to worry, but he does know better than to pry. With a nod, Childe gets up to head towards the kitchen. ]

I'll bring it to you if you'd rather stay there.

[ if not, he'll see you in the kitchen, Zhongli. ]

[ It's probably best not to believe him, honestly, given Zhongli's past and hiding the truth. If anything he would keep it to himself because of such things in the past. ]

It's quite alright, Childe. We can eat in the kitchen.

[ And he will rise to go follow the other. He doesn't look as dour but there is a certain air to him that lingers regardless. ]

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