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[childeishly]

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[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. ]

[childeishly]

I bet I found find it in my busy schedule to take some time off, so we could travel around Liyue. I sincerely doubt I'll be needed for another assignment so soon after... [ trails off and simply clears his throat. ] It's not like the Tsaritsa doesn't have other Harbingers in other parts of Teyvat. [ though childe has his own unique set of skills, so... WHO KNOWS. ]

I'd like to travel with you, Xiansheng. Perhaps sometime you'll come back with me to Snezhnaya.

[leaveofabsence]

Of course.

[ And he steps out of his shoes, placing them near the parasol as he starts to roll up his pant sleeves. ]

If there is one thing I have an abundance of now, it's time. I would be honored to travel with you to Snezhnaya. It has been a long time since I lasted visited the Tsaritsa's realm. Perhaps too long.

[childeishly]

[ childe shrugs his jacket off and just throws it to the side, kicking off his boots and doing the same. ]

Were you two close?

[leaveofabsence]

To the best of my ability, I tried to stay on good terms with the rest of the Seven. I felt it was my duty as the eldest.

Rising to become an Archon--- it is a complicated experience.

[childeishly]

And how did that go for you? Kind of seems like things started falling apart, especially since most nations aren't friendly with each other. I mean, look at Inazuma and what's going on there.

[leaveofabsence]

It is as with all things, Childe. New ways come replace the ways of old.

In the beginning, there were many more gods and demons. The world was a much more dangerous place. And so the original Archons made a vow to guide the humans that they lead.

The next generations of archons made no such vow. And Baal---

Having eternity as one's domain must be difficult.

[childeishly]

It kind of seems like all of you did your job and honored your vow well enough, having gotten humanity to a decent point. I’m sure that’s why none of the new archons made that same vow, and instead focusing on taking things a step further. New goals, new heights, and a new future.

[ he just smirks, looking forward to seeing the tsaritsa and the fatui snuff out that so called eternity. nothing lasts forever, and she certainly isn’t going to. ] Mm…

[leaveofabsence]

[ Side-eyes ]

Should I inquire as to what that smile is for?