brokebitchmountain | IC INBOX

You around? Think you can teach me a thing or two about cooking?

[ He has no idea who this is?? But he will respond as usual. ]

I am. What is it that you would like to know? I believe we have never spoken before but I'm always up for lending a helping hand.

Wait, this isn't Akane-chan? Ah, I'm sorry, I got the wrong person!

But who am I talking to right now anyway?

[ There is a sound like someone is perhaps BREAKING IN THROUGH HIS WINDOW.

Good morning Morax. ]

[ Well it's a good thing Morax doesn't need to sleep all that much!!! The noise is what alerts him first and so he will go to see who it is only to pause when it's Barbatos. He doesn't look mad or even disappointed, just confused and curious. ]

To what do I owe this honor? [ His arms are crossed over his chest as he asked that. ]

((Event post for reference))

[He's tried his hand a few times at making drinks by now. A little at home, and a little more here as he's been making them for himself and Yoimiya at home when they like to relax and tip back a few while enjoying their night. So how could he resist when a quest pops up asking for these same skills? Sure, it's not like he's taken a bartending class or anything, but does he really need to when the point is to get hammered? That's what Fire-Water is for, right? Right.

Of course, the Brewery is more than just a place that serves alcohol, and his expression brightens a little when he sees the former archon walk in through the door. Someone he's never seen drunk is Zhongli, so he wonders if he's here to partake of the various new fall flavors that the Brewery provides.]

Hey, Mr. Zhongli!

[Tartaglia gives the man a wave from behind the bar, dressed up in a nice white dress shirt with a black vest over it. Gotta look the part too.]

What a surprise! Here to try something new, perhaps?

Edited (oh my god i messed it up again how is this happening) 2023-10-05 01:49 (UTC)

Ah, Childe. It's been some time since we last spoke. So you've taken up mixology on the side as well, hm? I hadn't considered you the type to do so.

[ What a pleasant surprise. ] You are correct in your inquiry. I wish to sample something new. Perhaps a new tea, if there is any to be had. Do you have any recommendations?

Tea? I do, as a matter of fact...

[Can't pass up a good tea either. He probably has Zhongli to thank a little for that, honestly...]

But you know, [he says as he begins to prepare a new fall flavored tea for his companion here,] the brewery is also serving up some wonderfully flavored fall drinks that have a little...kick to them, you could say. In fact, I've been working on my own special brew for such an occasion.

Edited (i linked....the wrong tea....) 2023-10-12 23:22 (UTC)

Oh? And what might that occasion be? [ If it's anything like fire water Zhongli hopes whoever attends this occasion is informed first of its power?? ]

I normally don't imbibe in such things, but I might consider giving it a try. If you require a taste tester then I might be able to indulge you. [ He's no drunkard bard but archons don't get drunk that easily, himself included. ]

Hello Zhongli, it's Saya.

I wanted to see how you are since he vanished. I meant to ask sooner, but I've been a bit of a disaster about it. [ "A bit" she locked herself in her room and didn't come out until one of her dearest friends turned into a lich. ]

[ How has he felt? Zhongli hasn't really had time to process Venti's leaving. But on some fundamental level, he does feel a bit...hurt over it. But it's not like this is the first time that Venti has vanished on him. ]

I have been doing fine, thank you. Would you like to speak in person, perhaps over a cup of tea?

Happy early birthday!

Edited 2023-12-29 21:46 (UTC)

Rex!!
Didn't we always celebrate you on this day?

I have a surprise for you. You should come and see me.

Ah. Is it that time already? I shall be over shortly. Today is meant for celebration and being able to do so with you is something I'm looking forward to.

[ It's been so long and Zhongli has never said it but celebrating alone on this day was just something he had gotten used to. But that's not the case here. He'll arrive at Guizhong's apartment promptly and quickly a light knock on her door signifies his arrival. ]

[At least she doesn't have to fight to get him over to visit! Not that she thought she would have to - Rex is always fairly eager to see her, and she can understand why. The moment he knocks she opens the door as if she'd been waiting, and immediately wraps her arms around his middle in an affectionate hug.]

Hello, you.

[She's smiling as she wraps her fingers around his wrist and pulls him inside, closing the door behind him.]

No surprise party, I promise. Just you and me.

[ She never would have to fight him. After all, Guizhong is one of the few people that Zhongli eagerly awaits to see and talk to. The hug and affection behind it do not go unnoticed or unresponded to. Zhongli looks surprised but his gaze softens as he's pulled inside. ] I see. I will never turn down any time together.

[ This is just like old times, really, and there is still so much for them to talk about and catch up on. ]

Hehe. I didn't think you would.

[She keeps hold of him as she draws him into the apartment, loosing her hold on his wrist only to slip her small hand into his instead.]

I thought long and hard about what I might give to you as a gift today. [Guizhong says, sitting down on the couch and urging him to sit down with her.] But I found I couldn't think of a single thing that you might want that you would not already have.

[Sigh! She shakes her head and clasps her free hand over both of theirs.]

Things were very different when last we were together in Teyvat. There were so many things I wanted to tell you before I died but there was simply not enough time... [Gently, she pats his hand.] I had never wished to be a distraction to you while you were fighting so hard, and I left so many things too late...

[So many things left unsaid. Guizhong smiles up at him.]

Close your eyes.

Such things do not need to be forgiven, Guizhong. We both know the state of the world back then was anything but ordinary. Our people survived and thrived through all of it and that is truly what has mattered. But also you being here is a gift in and of itself. I need nothing more if I am being honest. [ It's been such a long time since he's shared a table with old friends. Truly nothing else could compare to it. His mouth presses into a thin line because she did not get to see it and even still Zhongli berates himself over such things. ] You wish for me to close my eyes?

[ Guizhong always with her strange requests but fine. Zhongli will acquiesce to it and close his eyes, his brows furrowed into what can be assumed confusion or consternation, either or. ] Very well.

[She considers his face as he closes his eyes and she is left looking up at him. He's still the same in so many ways. Guizhong could not mistake this man anywhere or for anyone else, and yet... he has grown so much, too. Without her, even if so much of it was because of her.

Her hands slip free of his as she silently hopes that he has not grown so much as to outgrow her.

Guizhong places her hands on his shoulders, gently coaxing him to bend down while she pushes herself up onto her toes. One of her hands shifts to cup the side of his face, her thumb lightly stroking across his cheek before she closes the scant distance left between them to fit her mouth against his.

She couldn't, back then. It was too dangerous, there was too much to worry about, and she had not wanted to be a distraction in a war that Rex Lapis had to win. Right now, though..? Right now, she can distract him as much as she likes, and she has decided that she fully intends to do just that.]

[ Zhongli has to pause at first these actions are unfamiliar to even him. Of course, romance and gestures like this are not lost on him but more so he...never expected to be receiving such things. His amber eyes open briefly as he feels the corners of his mouth gently lifting into a genuine and heartfelt smile. He doesn't pull away, not yet, for some reason unbeknownst to him he just...can't make himself do that right now.

Somehow this feels right in a way that even he can't explain. The great Rex Lapis is at a loss for words because in his heart he can feel that this is something he's wanted for so long but could never adequately place it. ] Guizhong...

[ His voice is barely above a whisper as he finally pulls away to look at her. ]

[She could have spent months, years, dancing around this issue with Zhongli never realising what was right in front of him. This, she decided, was really the only way to make it clear once and for all and something that she felt she simply must do now that she had the opportunity. Who knew what the future might bring? Even tomorrow could have robbed her of this chance.

Guizhong feels him smile against her lips, her heart buoyed up by it, and the whisper of her name when he finally shifts back has her opening her eyes to gaze up at him from under her lashes.]

I would hope, after all this time, that that was sufficient enough to make my intentions clear. [Both of her small hands come up to cup his cheeks, her thumbs smoothing gently over his cheekbones.] My dear Morax. [She says softly.] I love you.

[ Zhongli's look of surprise is a fleeting thing but it's there nonetheless. For someone so wise and old as himself, not many things can render him speechless, but somehow Guizhong is the one able to do it. Even back then he was always taken aback and charmed by her demeanor and insight. Her ability to create wonderful things while his only merits were to destroy. Despite all that he has missed these moments and never expected such words from her. ] I had...not realized.

[ Which is not unsurprising considering this is Zhongli we're talking about. ] I apologize for...not entirely recognizing your feelings for me.

[ The corners of his lips turn downward into a slight frown. ] But I am glad you told me.

[Rui is doing solo street acts with a few small robots to help fill in the cast. Its a short story about a bird that cannot fly and spends the entire show trying to find a new purpose. For only having one human actor its pretty well done, and thankfully no one came to chase him off half way through. Which means he can take his time packing his stuff away and chatting with whoever was around.]

How did you like the performance? It was my first time showing that one to the public, so feedback would be appreciated.

[Xinyan just got done playing a set. The crowd was starting to disperse, but she saw someone who looked familiar in it.]

Oh, hey! You're the guy who invited me ta play at a funeral once, aren't cha? You're here too? What are the odds?

(づ๑•ᴗ•๑)づ🎂

Happy Birthday to one of my favorite old men. Don't put any candles on the cake, it will be a fire hazard.

Ah. So it is that time already, hm. [ Unexpected text but not unwelcomed. Zhongli will read the message with some amusement before he replies. ]

To have you give such a warning...but I do appreciate the congratulatory message. [ Even if you're a drunkard and would probably be more of a fire hazard then him!! ]

Of course! I ever forget a friend's birthday. I just want you to stay safe. (˶◜ᵕ◝˶)

IC INBOX - @ seasonsrpg

text; un: Aidol; misfire!

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June 28 at like. 3am.

This fuckin guy

Early Oct, I've Had Enough of Pumpkin Spice

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text un: gaine, several days after Venti's disappearance

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Totally not here but....!!

backdated to Dec. 31st

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Action

Action

text; un: bard

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