[ he could be good, probably should be good, but instead of taking the spot beside zhongli he sets a knee to the bed and crawls overtop him, joining their lips together for a chaste kiss. ]
[ Zhongli pressed forward into the kiss, but also keeps it chaste. Even if it would be so so easy to get swept up into the hurricane that is one Harbinger. ]
Childe. Your advances have not gone unnoticed or unwelcomed by me. I was going to wait until we had a moment to catch our breath, but---
It seems that we will not be given such an opportunity here. Have not had much peace for many weeks now. So might I ask.
[ He reaches up to draw his fingers along Childe's jawline... ]
[ he stills at the question. c- couldn’t he just leave well enough alone-! who has time for words, or to put their mess of feelings to words... is such a thing even possible?! childe sits back, retreating a bit as his lips become a tight, thin line. ] ... [ he doesn’t know how to answer that. or, hm, no... he kind of does, but isn’t interested in doing so? it’s easier to neither confirm nor deny this sort of thing. ]
I think the tea’s getting cold. [ as are his feet - womp - so he’s going to try to hastily get off the bed and head back to the kitchen. ]
That wasn't what he was expecting. And there is a half-hearted attempt to catch Childe's arm before he retreats that just ends up with Zhongli grasping at nothing but air. ]
[ he thinks he’ll have some time to himself, to unscramble the thoughts filling his head, but then zhongli is trying to join him! ] I- I bet the soup is fine, Xiansheng. It’s just been a few short minutes. [ backing up he bumps into the door, hand pawing haphazardly for the knob as he laughs to fill the silence. ] And I can check on it.
[ his hand finally catches the knob, but instead of simply turning it, throwing the door open, and running for dear life... he lingers, a mixture of cowardice, embarrassment, and shame coloring his face red. ]
I don’t know. [ ruining what they have at a chance at something else has him... terrified. what if zhongli doesn’t feel the same, whatever that is, because he can’t figure it out, but... but then he’ll have nothing and no one again. ]
[ Zhongli stops at the foot of the bed, wondering if Childe is going to bolt out of the dorm entirely.
And then he bends down to scoop up a whale plush from the floor, turning slightly toward the new shelving so it's clear his intention is not to follow. ]
I am sorry. It was not my intention to startle you with such a question.
You do not have to answer it now or ever if you so choose. I will wait until you are ready.
...i- it's alright. I mean, you're... not wrong. [ he keeps himself pressed against the door, watching as zhongli picks up the plush to set onto a shelf. ] I just... I wouldn't mind... [ averts his eyes. ] Have you liked the extra attention?
[ childe takes a step off the door to move a little closer to zhongli. ] At least this room will let you be a little closer to home... it's not perfect, but... [ he sets a hand on the plush zhongli keeps moving. ] And I really enjoy your company too, Xiansheng. It's always meant a lot to me. [ ... ] I, ah, ...maybe we could... would you ever consider dating?
...alright. [ he is MUCH CONFUSE. dating shouldn't be this complicated??? right??? m- maybe... ] You can start. [ because he legit has no idea where to begin. ]
I had kind of thought something like that would be an, ah, given? Isn't that just something that happens as a result of liking someone? I don't think I need a contract to tell me to spoil you, and I'd hope you don't need one to know you can spoil me. [ scratches at his cheek. ]
...so this is new for us both then. [ he takes another step closer as he reaches for zhongli's hand. ] How about a promise, then, instead of a contract... at least to start. [ because dating contract has him feeling a touch overwhelmed-! ] I promise to do what I can when I can to make you happy. [ brings his hand to his lips for a kiss. ] ...whether that's buying you stuff, cooking you things, or just smothering you in attention and affection. I just want this to make you happier.
[ he’s no dating expert, so... enjoy the moment of silence, because he’s not sure how to respond. ] Ah, yeah, of course, but... [ somehow this is the most complicated thing he’s dealt with recently. zhongli WHY. ] now it’s official??? [ he legit has no clue. ]
... [ cups zhongli's cheeks and squishes. ] If it'll make you feel better we can make a little contract. Nothing crazy though, alright. The last thing I want to do is face the wrath of the rock. I'm sure you'll find some way to drop a boulder on me should I accidentally misstep.
I do not require a contract. If my word and promise are sufficient, then I will also be content with yours.
[ The last thing either of the need is any boulders from the sky - intentional, accidentally, or provoked. And consider the two of them, any of the three are equally likely. ]
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leaveofabsence) wrote2025-03-14 08:34 am
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Childe. Your advances have not gone unnoticed or unwelcomed by me. I was going to wait until we had a moment to catch our breath, but---
It seems that we will not be given such an opportunity here. Have not had much peace for many weeks now. So might I ask.
[ He reaches up to draw his fingers along Childe's jawline... ]
What exactly are you looking for?
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I think the tea’s getting cold. [ as are his feet - womp - so he’s going to try to hastily get off the bed and head back to the kitchen. ]
1/3
That wasn't what he was expecting. And there is a half-hearted attempt to catch Childe's arm before he retreats that just ends up with Zhongli grasping at nothing but air. ]
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Perhaps he had read Childe's advances wrong. Zhongli was never skilled at understanding human emotions anyway. ]
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[ And he also slips off the bed to follow. ]
I should check on the soup as well.
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[ his hand finally catches the knob, but instead of simply turning it, throwing the door open, and running for dear life... he lingers, a mixture of cowardice, embarrassment, and shame coloring his face red. ]
I don’t know. [ ruining what they have at a chance at something else has him... terrified. what if zhongli doesn’t feel the same, whatever that is, because he can’t figure it out, but... but then he’ll have nothing and no one again. ]
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And then he bends down to scoop up a whale plush from the floor, turning slightly toward the new shelving so it's clear his intention is not to follow. ]
I am sorry. It was not my intention to startle you with such a question.
You do not have to answer it now or ever if you so choose. I will wait until you are ready.
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[ He sets the plush down, picks it up, tries a different spot. Rinse and repeat. ]
It is very comforting. To have someone warm and familiar nearby. I have never stayed away from Liyue for such an extended period of time.
But it is not just that---
I've always enjoyed your attention. Your company. Selfishly so.
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[ 💡 ]
Oh.
You wish to enter a contract with me?
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1/2
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Perhaps we should just determine the major clauses first.
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This includes gifts and spoiling, though they may not be material in nature.
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Xiansheng, have you ever dated anybody before?
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Never a mortal.
And certainly never one when my duties to Liyue and its people did not overshadow everything.
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Do we not already do that...?
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[ Repeats slowly, as if trying to bring meaning to words he does not understand. ]
Alright.
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Sir! ]
I do not require a contract. If my word and promise are sufficient, then I will also be content with yours.
[ The last thing either of the need is any boulders from the sky - intentional, accidentally, or provoked. And consider the two of them, any of the three are equally likely. ]
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1/2
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