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[leaveofabsence]

[ The default voicemail message greets you. ]

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[leaveofabsence]

You would know best.

But regardless, it is just going to get worse if you leave it, yes?

[childeishly]

[ as long as it's not like his mask since he's not interested in losing his dick... ] I think I can deal with it. Who hasn't been [ trails off. ] H- Hahaha.

[leaveofabsence]

Who hasn't been what...?

[childeishly]

[ clears his throat. ] ...horny. L- Look, we can talk about something else. I- in fact I wanted to, ah, talk about one of my other ‘corruptions’, the mask...

[leaveofabsence]

[ Does Childe really want to talk about this when he's in such an obvious state of discomfort?

Well.

Zhongli isn't going to deny him, so--- ]

Of course.

We can talk about the mask.

[childeishly]

[ no, but having a conversation about being horny is somehow worse. he’ll figure that out somehow. ]

I don’t think the game was the sole source of my nightmares... the mask breaking seemed to make matters in my head worse. It might not have broken this time, but I’m sure it won’t be pretty when it does.

[leaveofabsence]

And have you found what causes it to break? It does not seem to be related to physical injuries. Or at least - it seems to be more than that.

[childeishly]

I think it's connected to how I'm feeling... mentally. If I remember right it started breaking apart when you fell from the ceiling following that one game, you know, with the rest of Heart...

[leaveofabsence]

. . .

[ He reaches up to take Childe's face in his hands ]

[childeishly]

...

[ covers one of zhongli’s hands with his own. ] I’m fine now.

[leaveofabsence]

It is not unknown to me that Heart has a certain reputation for self-sacrifice and not tending to ourselves. And I know that must be difficult for you.

But know that we are trying to make it through every game. And even on those occasions where we cannot---

Please look after yourself.

How cruel of them to place such a corruption on someone who feels as deeply as you do.

[childeishly]

Wild City prioritizes itself, first and foremost, so you don't really have to worry about us or... me. If we can protect other units we generally talk among each other and go from there, so I intend to try when I can, but I can't promise I'll always be of use... [ and that bothers him. ]

Hah. Hell is a cruel place, as I've been told. [ said with a touch of sarcasm. ] I don't know for sure, but it seems like that's the case. I almost want to see what happens when it breaks, so I know, specifically, what to be wary of... [ though he's got a hunch, especially given the nightmares he had. ]

I need to show you something though, Xiansheng.

[leaveofabsence]

If there is ever a danger that it would break and you are able to, would you let me know so that I may be there?

[childeishly]

[ nods. ] If I'm able.

But... Xiansheng... [ sighs, combing his fingers through his hair and taking out his phone as fingers catch the edge of his mask. ] Here. [ he offers the phone and the entire golden house scene plays out, from when the traveler walks in up until childe summons osial and fucks off as a water sphere. i'm at work so i'll write this up later. ]

I think you'll be dealing with something like this.

[leaveofabsence]

[ Zhongli watches the memory with a blank expression. After all, this is what he wanted when he made the deal with the Tsaritsa in the first place. And Childe had performed his part admirably. What a stunning performance.

And yet--- ]

That power.

It comes from the Abyss.

[childeishly]

It absolutely does.

[leaveofabsence]

Childe. . .

You must know that the price is not worth it. Even for the power it grants you.

[childeishly]

...that had been for me to decide. [ and dying had been the other option, so. ]

[leaveofabsence]

. . .

Then know if you change into that form involuntary or not with the intent to harm others, I will subdue you.

[childeishly]

...you might regret not killing me.

[leaveofabsence]

That is but one extreme method of subduing someone. And one I will invoke if it becomes necessary.

I take it this means I have your blessing.

[childeishly]

Make a contract with me.

[leaveofabsence]

I---

Childe. I no longer have the power of contracts here. Not as the god of contracts nor as just an adepti. Those powers have been stripped from me.

All I can offer you is my word.

[childeishly]

Is that not what a contract is, Xiansheng, at least among humans... a promise.

[leaveofabsence]

. . . Then what would you have me promise?