…it’s not nearly as special as you, but I certainly tried. [ his face colors as soon as zhongli starts trying to fix his collar. ] Hah, Xiansheng, I- [ /// ] come here. [ he cups his cheek and guides him into a proper kiss. ] thank you for indulging me. Just being able to see you again, and see that smile of yours, makes this worth it.
I did-! I made varenik, beef stroganoff, and chicken kiev. [ points to each dish in turn. ] I thought I'd share some of my favorites with you. I would have made more, but this seemed like plenty... especially for only four people.
Morepesok is known for a number of delicious seafood dishes, being on the coast, but I knew those might not have been something you'd enjoy. Maybe one day I'll coax you into giving at least one of them a shot. [ his own specialty ♥ ]
I think you'll find a fork and knife are infinitely more simple to use that chopsticks. [ WHICH ARE BASICALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO MASTER. ] But I can show you no problem, here. [ even though there's really not much to know about how to use either of these utensils childe still takes zhongli's hands to slot them into place, stealing a kiss to his cheek as he presses closely. ]
He flushes lightly at the kiss. And is suddenly very aware of how distracting it is to be on the receiving end of such a lesson. Something that he is filing away for later ab(use).
Exactly. [ helps zhongli pick up a piece of chicken, not that he thinks he needs it, but he will let go so he can eat on his own… instead resting his chin on his shoulder and circling both arms around his waist. ] Tell me what you think, Xiansheng.
[ The chicken is honestly the last thing on Zhongli's mind as Childe presses up against him. And so the fork just hovers there for a moment before he finally puts it in his mouth. ]
It's good-- very good. The chicken is expertly cut and cooked while the garlic butter adds a deep richness to the dish, which is offset by the parsley's freshness.
Xiansheng has the perfect palate, but, hm, I think I need to double check... [ slides a hand up his front and to his chin, turning his head to give him a kiss. ] Ah, sea salt, yes, ...though [ his lips quirk into a smirk. ] there's a hint of something sweet. I wonder what that could be.
Do you want to know a secret, ..? As delicious as all of this food is I prefer Xiansheng. [ kisses zhongli once more as he grabs a piece of chicken for him to taste. ]
[ smiles, opening his mouth for the bite. he might normally be embarrassed, but seeing as five and emet are doing something similar he finds himself not caring. they’re in good company. ]
[ and that’s going to earn a chuckle. ] I beg to differ, Zhongli. [ it’s so hard to refrain from touching to punctuate his point!!! ] I think you could satisfy me just fine on your own.
I hope you can do so as we are, since I have no intention of letting go. [ he’s just going to keep himself loosely draped on zhongli. ] Do you want to see how much I’ve improved with chopsticks, Xiansheng? [ prepare to be underwhelmed. ]
[ childe takes the chopsticks and very shakily and reaches to grab one of the jade parcels. he doesn't drop it, by some miracle, and instead holds it up to give zhongli. ]
Here, Xiansheng. [ he's concentrating REAL hard right now. ]
We ordered them often enough. If I didn't think I could replicate the recipe at this point, then I'm not the chef I think I am. [ a lighthearted chuckle. ] But I'm glad you like them. You know, Xiansheng, if you're interested in semi authentic Liyuan cuisine I can always assist. [ tries to grab himself a jade parcel, his hands trembling as he attempts to navigate the piece of food to his own mouth. ]
[ he adjusts the chopsticks, about to try again, when zhongli picks up a piece of food to offer to him. ]
[ /// ]
Ah, [ clears his throat and stares it down for a moment. ] thank you, Xiansheng. [ takes the bite, humming his response, since he can only eat so fast. ] Maybe you can show me how to make your version of Bamboo Shoot Soup.
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[ He returns the kiss before wrapping an arm comfortably around Childe's waist. ]
But oh--- did you also prepare some dishes from your hometown?
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I did-! I made varenik, beef stroganoff, and chicken kiev. [ points to each dish in turn. ] I thought I'd share some of my favorites with you. I would have made more, but this seemed like plenty... especially for only four people.
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[ Then with a light laugh: ]
And of course, to properly experience Snezhnayan gastronomy, you'll have to teach me how to eat them.
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I think you'll find a fork and knife are infinitely more simple to use that chopsticks. [ WHICH ARE BASICALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO MASTER. ] But I can show you no problem, here. [ even though there's really not much to know about how to use either of these utensils childe still takes zhongli's hands to slot them into place, stealing a kiss to his cheek as he presses closely. ]
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He flushes lightly at the kiss. And is suddenly very aware of how distracting it is to be on the receiving end of such a lesson. Something that he is filing away for later ab(use).
He lets Childe guide his hands as he pleases. ]
Like this?
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1/2
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Okay, now his attention is on the chicken. ]
It's good-- very good. The chicken is expertly cut and cooked while the garlic butter adds a deep richness to the dish, which is offset by the parsley's freshness.
[ He elegantly cuts and eats another bite. ]
And is this sea salt I'm tasting...?
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Is that not a detriment to your savory dish?
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[ And he cuts another bite of chicken and holds it up for Childe. ]
The chef and host should also enjoy the fruits of his labor.
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[ smiles, opening his mouth for the bite. he might normally be embarrassed, but seeing as five and emet are doing something similar he finds himself not caring. they’re in good company. ]
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[ And he pecks Childe on the lips once he has finished chewing. ]
Let me prepare a plate for you since you have already worked so hard cooking for everyone.
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I hope you can do so as we are, since I have no intention of letting go. [ he’s just going to keep himself loosely draped on zhongli. ] Do you want to see how much I’ve improved with chopsticks, Xiansheng? [ prepare to be underwhelmed. ]
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Yes, of course. You have been practicing, haven't you?
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Here, Xiansheng. [ he's concentrating REAL hard right now. ]
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Zhongli takes it carefully between his teeth, freeing Childe from the burden of chopsticks and being adoringly spoiled at the same time.
A win/win situation on both accounts.
Once he has finished chewing: ]
Mmmm. I see you have paid close attention to how Xiangling prepares them.
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[ plop. ]
[ pretend you didn't see that zhongli. ]
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Instead, Zhongli just expertly picks another one up and holds it out for Childe to eat. ]
I would enjoy that. Cooking together, I mean.
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[ /// ]
Ah, [ clears his throat and stares it down for a moment. ] thank you, Xiansheng. [ takes the bite, humming his response, since he can only eat so fast. ] Maybe you can show me how to make your version of Bamboo Shoot Soup.
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I'll have you know I can be a very strict teacher when it comes to that particular dish. But I'm sure you'll rise to the challenge.
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