childeishly | 🐳 imeeji; inbox.

[ it's a lot warmer in Childe's clothes, at least, so he won't complain. And once they are inside he will peek out of them, shifting and moving so he can climb on his shoulder again ]

Good to change back? [ plucks him off his shoulder and takes him into his arms, changing him back to normal and giving him a shit eating grin, because he’s still holding him. ]

Who knew you could be so cute~

I wasn't that cute.

[ should he complain about him keeping him in his arms. He decides not to and instead just bring a arm around his shoulder ]

Thought we had things to cook.

Let’s agree to disagree. [ sets him down and heads into the kitchenette. ] We don’t have a lot of space, but I figured you’d be more comfortable in here. [ going to put on a ridiculous apron that probably has a whale and a terrible pun on it. ]

Is there anything specific you wanted to make, otherwise I chose a few dishes from Liyue and Snezhnaya.

Well my specialty is a sandwich with marshmallow and peanut butter so I don't think anything I want to make will be appropriate.

[ just this face. ]

How cute sensei!

It's a treat my sister used to leave for me.

Will you make it for me sometime?

Well. It doesn't take much, so I could do it now if you'd like.

Nah, not now. I don't want to spoil my appetite. I have a long list of different foods I want to make! Like vareniki, beef stroganoff, and chicken kiev... at least as far as the Snezhnayan dishes go. I started on Xiansheng's bamboo shoot soup and I also thought making jade parcels could be nice too. I can show off how well I've gotten with chopsticks!

Should I ask for spoilers or is that going to have to be a surprise for me too?

[ presses five into the counter and pins him in place. ] I could think of a special dessert for you and only you, sensei, but that might have to wait for another night.

[ Oh. Why is spending time with this guy always so dangerous! Once again his face goes red and it's clear it's his mind going to the gutter this time, and with Childe pinning him in place like that it's even easier for his thoughts to wander ]

—I was talking about your progress with chopsticks, but the dessert will be, uh.

Appreciated.

[ kisses the side of his head. ]

...oho, but as far as the chopsticks it'll be a surprise for you too. I *have* been practicing! and I think you'll be impressed, but do refrain from stabbing me in the eyes. I think that'd make for a piss poor date. [ snickers. ]

But, anyway!, where do you want to start? We've got a lot on the docket.

[ how dare he be cute after torturing him ]

You're the chef, I'm the assistant. I can cook but to be honest what I can do is pretty basic.

Alright, follow my lead, sensei. [ he steps back and disappears for a moment before returning with an equally cute apron which he ties around five’s waist before he has time to protest. ] Look at you, haha.

[ he then starts rambling about whatever dish he’s working on at the time, switching between them seamlessly. he definitely feels comfortable in the kitchen, and its probably obvious with how he moves around and performs. ]

[ it's a testament to how much he likes Childe that he lets him put him into a cute apron and doesn't protest much beyond some grumbling. But he'll be a good assistant, listening to instructions and all the details about each dish - not as comfortable as Childe is in the kitchen, but definitely a quick learned ]

I used to cook with my mother, … [ said quietly. ] Making all sorts of food for my siblings, since it was a lot for just one person. I mentioned I had a lot of siblings, yeah, and my father was often sick…

[ he'd mentioned his siblings before, but not his parents, so this is news for him ]

... I see. So you used to help taking care of your family.

[ which explains why he wanted to take care of him, if that's how he felt useful before ]

…yeah. My older siblings took jobs as soon as my father fell ill and my sister starting helping my mom around the house, but there were just so many of us that I couldnt leave it to just here. And even when I joined the ranks of the Fatui I still sent stuff back; mora, gifts, and medicine. I might not be able to be there for them, but that didnt abstain me from my resposibility to them. Family means a lot to me… [ smiles down at the veges he’s chopping. ] And I have to make sure they’ll be well to do when I’m gone.

... Well. I guess your job does seem to be dangerous, so that makes sense. But I'm pretty sure they'd rather have you there instead, so don't die.

Haha. Collecting debt from low-life scum isn’t *that* big of a deal. [ … ] Maybe. [ he stops what he’s doing for a half a second, hesitating, but he gets right back to it. ] My father conscripted me into the Fatui at 14 because I caused nothing but problems back home. Picking fights and starting shit… he thought it’d help. It… did and it didn’t. I made short work of a number of trained soldiers and caught the eye of one of the Tsarita’s Harbingers and they nurtured my chaotic nature. [ he doesn’t necessarily resent him, since he got to fight and kill and all that, but he knows he disappointed him. ] I don’t know what’s going to happen when we inevitably all go to war, but I’m sure I won’t make it through that… and not for lack of strength and cunning. [ smirks. ] …you know the Foul Legacy transformation I showed you?

… I remember it, yes. What about it?

I fell into something called the abyss as a kid - a dark world beneath Teyvat filled with all sorts of creatures. It’s a cursed place that most people don’t get to see let alone like to talk about…

I learned that technique there, from my master, and my resilience along with her teachings are, of course, that helped me to survive. [ he’s stopped doing anything else by this point, eyes staring through the counter. ] But you don’t go to the abyss and get out, at least not unscathed, …and using the technique puts a dangerous strain on my body. One day I may not be in control when I transform… back home, of course. [ here it’s already a shit show. ]

Re: Day 379.

Re: Day 379.

Re: Day 379.

Re: Day 379.

Re: Day 379.

1/2

Re: Day 379.

Re: Day 379.

Re: Day 379.

Re: Day 379.

Re: Day 379.

Re: Day 379.

Re: Day 379.

Re: Day 379.

Re: Day 379.

Re: Day 379.

Re: Day 379.

Re: Day 379.

Re: Day 379.

Re: Day 379.

Re: Day 379.

Re: Day 379.

Re: Day 379.

Re: Day 379.

Re: Day 379.