leaveofabsence | Imeeji Inbox

[ childe keeps a hold of his wrist, smiling like the sly fox he is from behind it, his lips still hovering dangerously close to the mark that's likely glowing now. ] I'm not just talking about them, ... [ his eyes catch the light and glisten as he tips his head, another kiss given to the mark. ]

[ but, yes, sure, back to business. ] It does have to be an enhancement. I'm afraid I can't pull an ability out of my ass. [ a subtle chuckle. ] ...so no way to get my Vision power back. But speed, strength, reaction time, acrobatics...

[ He huffs a breath as Childe kisses the mark again. Honestly. Is Child challenging him to keep his thoughts on this conversation?

Though Zhongli's brow does furrow as he considers the possibilities. ]

I suppose---

What do you find most lacking in your current form? I would suggest augmenting your greatest handicap but you also find joys in working within a deficiency and improving upon it.

Perhaps - what personal limitation do you find the most frustrating?

[ #guilty. ]

...that is part of the reason I had chosen a greater pain tolerance, so I could continue fighting even if my body thought it should lay down and [ die. ] give up. It was like a second, no, third wind. [ throws zhongli a sharp grin. ]

Time. [ he laughs it off. ] ...my personal limitations don't have anything to do with these abilities. I still train without them, because I want my body to be in the best shape it can possibly be in. I'm just interested in something that'll be a benefit to us both.

Let's think about some of the games we've had. I know in a lot of them we didn't have our abilities, but... if we had, then what's something that would have been incredibly beneficial?

[ At this, he squeezes Childe's hand ]

I do not wish to think of it in those terms. Games are meant to give you the illusion of success, to think that failure was wrought because one was not able to overcome the challenges.

That is not true. They are designed to make us doubt ourselves.

I know that’s not how they work, Xiansheng… and that there’s always some bullshit going on behind the scenes. It’s it just… luck. But there are some, in which we’re pitted against each other, against monsters or hazards or obstacles, I’m talking about those. I’m talking about fighting. [ because ofc he is. ] …and it should have some out of combat uses too.

Strength could be used for breaking arms or carrying a couple of wounded unitmates back to the dorm, for example. [ not the best example… ]

But if you have your abilities, you should have various methods of increasing your strength at your disposal. Transforming into a creature of greater strength being the most obvious example.

I can turn into animals to affect all of these things - strength, speed, acrobatics, reaction time - honestly, you name it and there’s likely something I can change into that covers it. It’s more so that I don’t have to. It’s so I can stay myself. I can’t exactly right all that easily as a T-Rex or an Elephant or a Cheetah. I don’t have the same dexterity or… ability to use weaponry.

I think being stronger or being faster would be better.

Then despite my own tendencies ... or perhaps because of them, I believe that speed and dexterity has more applicable uses than raw strength.

...mm, you can turn speed into strength in some scenarios, so, if we're in agreeance, then I can change pain tolerance to speed. [ ... ] This would also give me a chance to change my animal. I could pick something with wings or poison or... something like that...

But do you think a fox suits me?

[ Attempting to not look too distressed ]

Would you lose your tails if you changed your animal?

[ The important question ]

[ shakes his head. ] No, the corruption that granted me the additional tails was a package deal. I have the ears and the tails whether I'm a member of Wild City or not... [ smirks, getting all up in his face... and so he gives his nose a lick. ] You like them, don't you, Xiansheng?

[ Rubs at his nose, going just a bit cross-eyed when Childe licks it. Of course, Zhongli likes his tails. He thought he was quite obvious about it.

... But if Childe wants to hear it, then--- ]

Yes, I am quite fond of them.

Not only are they soft and pleasant to the touch but you are very expressive with them. I believe with their help I have begun to understand you a little better.

[ he is obvious about it, but childe likes hearing it. smiles, scooting closer, and bringing them all up in his space - making sure to fluff them up just for zhongli. ] And they like you too. We like you, I should say. [ he loops an arm around zhongli's waist, resting his head on his shoulder. ] ...they're not going anywhere if I change animals, but this is an opportunity to pick something that could be more effective in killing somebody.

You know what I think would be kind of... neat? A scorpion. Can you imagine that tail... big? And venomous.

A scorpion is also well armored to protect itself.

[ He reaches over to run his fingers across one of Childe's tails, petting it reverently. ]

But do you think it suits you?

Do you not want something more akin to your element?

It is battle ready… like me. [ but beyond that, not really. ]

Like a… fish? I’m not really sure if there’s anything interesting I could get out of a fish besides breathing underwater, and I don’t really think that’s going to come in handy all that much.

…the ones that have some interesting abilities, ah, well, I wouldn’t want to make you uncomfortable.

Ajax...

You do not have to worry about my comfort in these matters. You should choose what is best for you.

[ he takes his hand and squeezes it, leaning over to brush his lips over his cheek. ] Maybe not, but I’m still trying to be considerate, because I love you… are you’ll likely have to deal with me and my abilities sooner or later. [ a bit of a chuckle. ]

[ A somewhat fond if exasperated sigh ]

As long as you respect my personal space in regards to any tentacles, then there should be no issue.

I'm not going to pick octopus, but I did consider it... as there is a venomous octopus and, not going to lie, I'm really into the idea of killing somebody like that. [ smiles. ] And the suckers could come in handy for clinging to things... but I do think I have another animal in mind - one that will fit both of our criteria.

One with or without suckers?

Would you like me any less if I had a slew of tentacles coming out of my back~ but this one doesn't have any suckers. A type of eel. You would have to deal with me being a little wriggling and potentially slimy snake like creature sometimes though.

[ Zhongli brings his hand up to brush the back of it against Childe's cheek ]

I could never love you less. You are Childe and Ajax and Caeli and Tartaglia. And I am terribly fond of every part of you.

If a wriggling eel is to be added to the list, then I will love that as well.

[ sets his hand on zhongli's and smiles, his face starting to hurt, because he's just so damn happy. scoots a little closer, giving him a chaste kiss. ] And I you, Xiansheng. I don't think there will be many situations where you'll have to deal with that, as I imagine I'll mostly still turn into an arctic fox, but I just won't be able to talk to you in that form anymore. A real shame, but... as this specific type of eel I'll gain the ability to electrocute people, which will almost be like having my delusion back.

Indeed. I believe that you would be less restless if you were once again connected with the elements.

As for not being able to speak in your arctic fox form --- while regrettable, perhaps it is for the best. That way you can use such a form for resting. A fox can still curl up near a fire and regain their strength.

I'll be able to connect with them both this way. [ he takes out his phone to make the purchase. ] I'll be without all of my abilities for a little bit... [ sets a hand on zhongli's chest, nudging him backward. ] did you want to take advantage of that for anything~

And, mm, it could be nice to use that form for r&r.

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