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[leaveofabsence]

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[childeishly]

[ and he'll explain in a bit. he's just excited to show zhongli all of the things he prepared for him tonight. it took a long time to make the lanterns! and that's not counting the time spent fucking it all up. ] I made them. It took forever, because the material is so fragile, but it was well worth it to see your face, Xiansheng.

Aaaand speaking of your reactions... what do you think? [ makes a sweeping motion over himself. ] A happy little accident, this.

[leaveofabsence]

[ The words catch in his throat.

How long Childe must have prepared for this? How excited he is to show it to him? How much he wants to please Zhongli and make him happy? ]

Yes, I can see that. I can't imagine---

Childe, this must have taken so long to prepare all of this.

[ And he reaches out to pull Childe close, face buried against the side of his neck. ]

You're beautiful. As always.

And so special.

[childeishly]

I’ll admit the lantern thing had been something I was planning for a while, so I didn’t do aaaall that tonight. I just kind of thought a date night would be nice, and I wanted to spend tonight with you. Here.

[ he brings a hand to zhongli’s back, rubbing as his smile widens. ] I did decorate this evening though… and make the food, which was probably the most difficult thing. [ chuckles, trying to bring him back inside. ]

It’s different, but I… I don’t hate it. [ kisses his cheek. ] I’m glad you like it though.

[leaveofabsence]

Of course I like it. I would like you in any form, Ajax. How beautiful you look in each transformation is just one of your endearing qualities.

But ah--- You spent so much time on the meal.

[ And he kisses Childe's cheek in turn ]

We should endeavor to not let all of your hard work go to waste.

[childeishly]

[ colors, because zhongli compliments are some of his favorites! ] Sure, but then after… [ nips at him, snickering. ] Come. [ tugs him over to the table, taking a seat and grabbing his chopsticks ( the set zhongli got him ). ] Allow me, Xiansheng.

[ time to show off how good he’s gotten, probably only messing up once or twice. ]

[leaveofabsence]

[ Hit sits down next to Childe, patiently waiting for him to feed him at least a morsel or two before picking up his own chopsticks and offering one of the dumplings to Childe in turn. ]

Ah, but Snezhnayan food is not eaten with chopsticks, correct?

[childeishly]

[ childe manages to avoid dropping a SINGLE THING. be impressed. he does set his own down to eat the offered dumpling and then he's excitedly moving the snezhnayan dish front and center - chicken kiev and buttered pasta. ] Knife and a fork! [ he'll cut the chicken in half... and then in half again, stabbing the bite and holding it out to zhongli. ]

It's so good, Xiansheng. It's one of my favorite dishes. [ besides his own seafood stew, of course. ]

[leaveofabsence]

[ He places his hand on top of Childe's, curling his fingers gently to steady the fork before he leans forward and uses his teeth to pull it from the utensil. He chews thoughtfully, eyebrows furrowed as he tries to place each and every ingredient used before licking his lips with a satisfied smile. ]

I can see why that is.

[ And he looks over at Childe's plate. ]

Might I be allowed to do the same for you?

[childeishly]

[ he is real tempted to kiss him and make a stupid comment about how a little zhongli elevates the dish, but he refrains, SOMEHOW... instead smiling and nodding. ] Of course, Xiansheng. I love it when you spoil me.

[leaveofabsence]

[ He reaches over to cut the chicken on Childe's plate - mimicking his actions with perhaps a little less force. One of the pieces of chicken is then carefully pierced as he holds it up to Childe's mouth, other hand cupped underneath it to prevent any juice from spilling on the table. ]

Should I perhaps spoil you without asking then?

Does that enhance the experience?

[childeishly]

Xiansheng... you never have to ask. And, I'll admit, it is kind of nice having something like this sprung on you, don't you agree? A real pleasant surprise.

[ he noms the bite of chicken and once he's through chewing he takes zhongli's hand, the one that had been cupped underneath, and licks any excess juices off it. ]

[leaveofabsence]

[ He does his best to look stern as he taps a finger against Childe's lip with a tsking sound. ]

No.

We are finishing our meal first, Ajax, or we will never come back to it.

I know how this works.

[ He brings Childe's hand to his lips so he can kiss along the knuckles sweetly. ]

Please.

[childeishly]

Fine fine fiiiine. [ childe chuckles and picks up the chopsticks, leaving zhongli to man the fork. ] I'll take care of all the chopsticking! [ grabs another dumpling and offers it to zhongli. ] Here, Xiansheng... let's finish the food so we can get to the fun stuff.

[leaveofabsence]

[ Zhongli patiently waits then for each bite offered to him by Childe via chopsticks and respectfully does not touch his own.

Though he does press a napkin into both their laps to protect their clothing of most of the slosh and spill.

On occasion, he does swipe a piece of Snezhnayan food with his fork to offer it to Childe so he also does not go hungry. ]

[childeishly]

[ childe does real well all things considered-! he doesn't drop a single piece of food, and instead just gets to enjoy it all. ] How do you like the food, Xiansheng. I know I shared some Snezhnayan food with you during our double date, but I never got to ask you what you thought.

[leaveofabsence]

It is quite a heavy cuisine - I can see how it is meant to be filling and nutritious in a land that is perhaps not as hospitable as any other countries. And as such, there is a rustic and warm charm to it that I believe exemplifies the term home cooking.

[ He picks a leftover piece of it deftly with his chopsticks and chews thoughtfully. ]

My main critique is the overabundance of bread and breading in the dishes.

[childeishly]

Hah! Bread is filling and, like you said, Snezhnaya isn't known for its fresh produce. We import a lot of that kind of stuff, because of the colder climate. [ but because of its place on the tech scale snezhnaya can manage just fine, having found a number of ways around the hindrance of cold weather. ]

We should make a recipe book of our favorites and then see if we can't combine a couple!

[leaveofabsence]

Yes. Later.

[ Now that the meal is done, he can carefully set the cutlery down and not so carefully pull Childe into his lap. ]

For the moment, though, I have other priorities.

[childeishly]

[ loops his arms around zhongli's neck and drags him into a kiss. ]

I'm glad to have your undivided attention, Xiansheng. Tonight you're mine and mine alone.

[leaveofabsence]

[ He huffs into the kiss, careful not too laugh out loud at the statement. ]

I am always yours. And you will always be mine. The bond we share can never be replaced by any other.

However---

[ One hands gently cups the swell of Childe's breast. ]

If you are not bothered by it, perhaps we should enjoy this happy accident to its fullest.

[childeishly]

[ his smile broadens as he gently bonks their foreheads together, his eyes closing as he simply basks in the excess of happiness hearing that makes him feel. ]

[ all of that is interrupted by a startled yelp, one that swiftly turns into a broken moan at the touch to his breast. his eyes snap open and he grabs zhongli’s wrist, fingers trembling as he gives a quick shake of the head. ] I’m not bothered by it. [ he leans in to kiss him again, grip loosening. ] Your touch is already enough to make me melt.

[leaveofabsence]

[ His eyes widen in surprise at just how sensitive Childe was to the touch. Over a layer of fabric is well.

But that surprise melts into something that looks halfway appreciative and a little bit more teasing. ]

I can see.

I suppose I should treat you with more care today to avoid you burning up too quick.

[childeishly]

D- Don’t make that face, Xiansheng! [ and his comment doesn’t help, his face coloring a few different shades of red as he looks a cross between offended and embarrassed. ] You don’t need to be careful with me, I can take it, I actually like it rough!

[leaveofabsence]

[ He gives Childe an appraising look, eyes traveling greedily along the length of him as he cups the back of Childe's head with one palm. ]

Very well. But - I have no interest in ruining this lovely garment you have acquired.

[ And he shoves Childe down roughly among the cushions and blankets ]

The only thing I wish to ruin is you.

[childeishly]

[ n- not helping! he averts his eyes and half laughs, squirming against the hands pinning him in place. ] I’d like to be ruined, but if you’d like the keep my clothing in tact it may be wise to remove it sooner than later. [ and zhongli will find that chikde is exceedingly eager for him, already thoroughly wet. ]