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[childeishly]

—

CODE BY

"..."

Comments

[time5kip]

You've already been here for an unfortunate number of shitty games, so. I'd say you have a good idea by now.

Though that's a depressing topic for the evening.

[leaveofabsence]

Quite.

[ And he goes to portion out the soup and the jade parcels for everyone. ]

Have you ever had food from Teyvat before?

[time5kip]

You know technically you're the guest so you should be letting me and Caeli do all the work, right?

[ but he'll take his portion as he's handled it, and shakes his head ]

Unless you count the taste tests he made me take. I'm curious to try the finished product. He did mention one of these is your favourite.

[leaveofabsence]

[ He laughs ]

Ah yes. As a good host, you should definitely be serving the food. But as a good guest, I will endeavor to offer to do it for you.

[ As he turns to his own portion of soup. ]

Ah yes. This bamboo shoot soup is a favorite of mine. The pork belly comes from Springvale boars in the neighboring country of Mondstadt and the bamboo shoots fresh from the farms of Qingce village. And the broth itself--- Caeli must have been working most of the day on this.

[time5kip]

He did actually. By the time he called me to help out he'd already started working on this.

He's pretty good too.

[leaveofabsence]

He is. A man of many underappreciated talents.

Perhaps I had been remiss in not letting him show off this one as much as it deserved.

[time5kip]

Well.

If you think so ask him to cook for just you next time. I'm sure he'll enjoy the chance to take care of you.

[leaveofabsence]

Duly noted.

Now if only he would allow himself to be spoiled in return.

[time5kip]

Just force it on him, he won't be able to refuse once you're giving him attention.

[leaveofabsence]

Force it on him...?

[ Not that he is opposed to the idea. He's just thinking over this previously unconsidered option carefully. ]

Ah. So just let it gather momentum and take its course.

[time5kip]

Exactly. If you give him the chance to protest he will - I know because I'm the same in that regard. So simply that chance away from him.

I do hope this isn't too embarrassing for you, by the way.

[leaveofabsence]

[ He looks honestly puzzled. ]

What's to be embarrassed about?

[ One side effect of being a very public and highly worshipped figure is the shame meter is low. ]

It seems as everyone is enjoying themselves, even with the teasing.

[time5kip]

Aren't double dates embarrassing by default? And here I thought you'd be the easiest target for the night.

[leaveofabsence]

I see.





Are you embarrassed?

[time5kip]

[ WOW DON'T ASK HIM!! His face does go red and he's conflicted between admitting it and not for a good moment ]

...

...

A little.

[leaveofabsence]

Is there anything that I can do to help put your feelings at ease?

Or provide a distraction perhaps.

[time5kip]

No, it's fine, it's just I tend to be more private usually.

[ nevermind that he and Emet are PDA central all the time if there aren't people talking to them it's clearly still private ]

This sort of double date encounter is new, is all. Besides. I don't think I actually mentioned my relationship status before. Not that you have any reason to be interested.

[leaveofabsence]

I would say it is less a lack of interest and move navigating an emerging relationship without overstepping. It is true that you and I have not had much chance to establish a foundation outside of discussing the events that have occurred here in Imeeji. But even through those encounters I have come to appreciate what a thoughtful and straightforward person you are. In addition, you and Caeli are close, and for that I am thankful. Being in Liyue could be rough on him due to the inherent biases against the group he was affiliated with. So that he has a friend he can trust also contributes to the fondness.

But more to your point -- it is heartwarming to see how much love you and your partner share for each other. And I am grateful for this opportunity to know you and Alexander better.

[time5kip]

[ he should have let Emet go to full shameless mode he feels bullied now!! And maybe his face is going slightly pink at that last part ]

Well I've enjoyed our chats thus far as well. Not everyone is receptive to my critique, but you've been surprisingly fine with it.

[childeishly]

[ this is what you get for not making an alliance with him!!! he’s smirking in the background, because get bullied, sensei. ]

[leaveofabsence]

Discussion is one of the greatest tools we have at our disposal. Even if we cannot agree on an end result, it is always important to consider the other perspectives.

[time5kip]

I agree but well. It doesn't always go that well and I do tend to be an asshole.

[leaveofabsence]

I will have to take your word for it as I have yet to experience it myself.

[time5kip]

Well I did threaten to stab Caeli the first time we met. Though that was his fault.

[leaveofabsence]

. . .

You realize that that probably only made him more fond of you?