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[childeishly]

—

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"..."

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[leaveofabsence]

There is somewhere I wish to take you.

[ And he pulls out his now well dogged-ear and sticky-noted Tokyo Guidebook and flips to a specific page. ]

However, it is a fair distance away outside of Tokyo proper, and this travel guide recommends that one travel there by vehicle. So I have borrowed one of my unitmate's cars for the day.

Would you like to come with me?

[childeishly]

I didn't know you knew how to drive... [ childe shouldn't be all that surprised, probably. zhongli's been around the block at least a dozen times, so having seemingly random skills is... normal??? he decides not to think too hard on it, instead looking around for the ride zhongli's borrowed, curious! ]

Is the destination a surprise? [ turns his attention back on zhongli. that's basically a yes. ]

1/2

[leaveofabsence]

I did not until yesterday.

[ So that already speaks to his driving skills ]

The same unitmate who was kind enough to lend me her car also gave me lessons yesterday. She has quite the collection. There is the large red one that stores water to deal with fires. And the motorcyle-like vehicle with a couch balanced on the tail for what I assume is additional seating. And---

[leaveofabsence]

[ Oh. He catches himself rambling again--- ]

We can discuss it more on the way.

[ Zhongli reaches for Childe's hand before pointing the sleek white car with a bunny motif parked not too far away ]

I had not considered the possibility of keeping the destination a secret. Would you like for it to be a surprise?

[childeishly]

. . .

How many of these things does one person need, ..?! But I guess the water truck has its own unique purpose beyond transporting people. [ but a couch motorcycle… hn, ok, fine, it can hold more people. ] Can we go see all the others? [ because now he’s curious. ]

Oh, ah, that’s fine, sure. [ let’s himself be lead. ] And that sure was nice. My unitmate showed me how to drive too. I actually own a car myself. [ grins. ] So I don’t need sensei’s motorcycle anymore.

[ Hums, ] Why not. Keep it a secret.

[leaveofabsence]

[ Opening the door for Childe on the passenger side. It takes him a moment to figure it out. ]

Oh.

And what sort of vehicle did you purchase?

[childeishly]

[ slides inside. ]

A car! hilariously enough.

[leaveofabsence]

[ As Zhongli climbs into the driver's side, carefully inserting the key into the ignition: ]

I suppose it is more practical. Especially if you want to travel with people.

[ And off they go - away from the hotel. It's obvious that Zhongli is new to this whole driving thing, but he is steadfastly staying within the lines. Thank Celestia there isn't much traffic in Tokyo F. ]

[childeishly]

...mm, though, not going to lie, I'm not as concerned about... other people. [ just, like, one or two people. ]

I didn't know you had any interest in this sort of thing. [ driving, that is. ]

[leaveofabsence]

I could wait around for the public transit, but this is much more direct and provides access to more places.

[ They go slow and steady as they traverse through the smaller, tighter streets of Tokyo. ]

And while not quite as enjoyable as walking through Liyue, it does have its perks. Wouldn't you agree?

[ And then Zhongli floors it when they hit the expressway. ]

[childeishly]

I hate having to wait on the public transportation here. It feels like it takes longer than it should...

If you'd like to go on a walk, Xiansheng, there are still plenty of nice places to do so he- ack! [ he's forced back into the seat with a grunt. ] Should I be wearing a helmet? [ a halfhearted laugh, but, uh, really now... should he be wearing a helmet??? ]

[leaveofabsence]

A helmet? Ah yes. I believe Cardinal Chases Dawn showed me one of those when they introduced me to their motorcycle.

[ He says so casually.

With not a helmet in the car to be seen. ]

Would you prefer one? I can remember that for next time.

[childeishly]

…uhuh, [ clears his throat. ] but no, Xiansheng, it had just been a joke. [ peers out the window to see if he recognizes the direction they’re heading. hm! just going to take random stand in the dark… though he’s probably still clueless. ]

[leaveofabsence]

[ They're heading southeast. Very southeast. Out of Tokyo-F city proper towards--- would that be Chiba-F? and then even more into the countryside. Farther and farther until the ocean gets closer and closer. ]

Ah.

I wonder if I should have asked you to bring a jacket.

[childeishly]

Oh? I think I’m better equipped to deal with the weather given that, if I do get chilly [ unlikely! ] I can simply turn into something warm & fuzzy.

Or you could always lend me some of your body warmth, Xiansheng.

[leaveofabsence]

Of course. I will be happy to after we get there.

[ And eventually (it is a long drive), they will end up at Kujukuri beach. While it is not as scenic as other beaches in Japan, it is named for being an incredibly long stretch of beach. Also it has convenient vehicle parking. ]

We're here.

[childeishly]

…ah, a… a beach. I don’t think I’ve ever been to this one before. [ eagerly he hops out as soon as the car comes to a stop. ]

1/2

[leaveofabsence]

[ Zhongli's gaze lingers perhaps just a bit too long as he watches Childe get out of the car. ]

[leaveofabsence]

[ Before getting out of himself and rummaging around in the backseat to pick up a parasol (which he tucks under one arm like a polearm) and a half-empty basket. ]

While I appreciate the beaches closer to the city proper, I must admit sometimes I miss an open skyline.

[childeishly]

I enjoy coming out here more often than not, honestly. Less chance of bumping into another person when you're just trying to clear your head, explore, or enjoy somebody elses company. [ glances back at zhongli briefly. ]

Do you want a hand with any of that, Xiansheng?

[leaveofabsence]

[ He sets the basket in the crook of the elbow will still keeping the parasol tucked away before approaching Childe.

Then, as if it takes a long time to decide whether he is actually going to say it or not, he reaches to lace his fingers with Childe's. ]

The only hand I want is yours.

[childeishly]

... [ oh. ohno. he flushes a light pink and takes his hand, squeezing it as their fingers lace together. ] H- Hahh. Xiansheng... [ don't do this to him! genuine cute affection is a critical KO. ] L- Let's head down toward the beach..?

[leaveofabsence]

[ He has no concept of the power he wields.

But Zhongli just looks at Childe fondly (he's so cute), squeezing his fingers in return before tugging him toward the beach proper. ]

Okay.

[ And since they are so far away from Tokyo-F proper, they can claim the whole incredibly long stretch of beach to themselves. ]

[childeishly]

…this place is beautiful, Xiansheng. [ squeezes his hand again, eyes dipping down to stare at them. ] It’s a shame I never really had a chance to enjoy the sandy shores of Liyue.

[leaveofabsence]

Perhaps on our return, we can visit Yaoguang Shoal. It's cooler there since it is so close to Dragonspine. But the sunsets are lovely. And it has been some time since I have been to Mingyun village.

[ Once Zhongli has found a spot far enough from the tide where it won't wash their things away, he begins to one-handedly set up the parasol and beach blanket. ]