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[childeishly]

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[leaveofabsence]

Please see for yourself.

[ And he sets the box carefully in Childe's hands. ]

It used to be in Snezhnaya that celebrating a birthday before the actual day was considered bad luck. And since time here moves ever so peculiarly, I did err on the side of caution --- I hope it is not too past due.

[ The cake is decorated to look like the ocean. Unfortunately, Zhongli could not find a narwhal topper that he did perceive as incredibly tacky so it is without Childe's signature constellation. ]

[childeishly]

[ childe graciously accepts the box and opens the it, peering down at the beautiful cake inside. he feels his heart clench, since this is, what, the second birthday he’s celebrated away from home, but this is certainly a very pleasant and extremely welcome surprise. ]

No, not at all. I’m not really sure what the actual date is, but it has been summer for some time, so I figured it must be around that time too.

[ his cheeks color the longer he stares at the cake. ] Thank you, Zhongli Xiansheng. [ so much for keeping a lid on his feelings. ] …you’ll enjoy it with me, right? I bet it tastes even better than it looks!

[leaveofabsence]

[ Also matter-of-factly and perhaps slightly confused: ]

Of course it does. There is no point in sacrificing taste for artistry. Your cake is deserving of both.

[ And the arm oh so casually sliding around Childe's waist should be a good indicator that Zhongli intends to accompany him back inside the dorm. ]

[childeishly]

...

[ laughs, leaning into zhongli. ] Should we go to my cabin? My room is a bit of an awkward place to enjoy something like this.

[leaveofabsence]

Yes, of course.

I really should procure a warmer coat so that I do not always have to borrow one of yours when visiting.

[childeishly]

I can take care of that, Xiansheng. I can buy you a coat specifically for when you come to visit my cabin. And that way I can bring you ice fishing or ice skating!

[leaveofabsence]

[ A normal humble person would balk at the idea of someone buying them a gift, especially on their own birthday.

Unfortunately Zhongli is neither of those things. ]

Ah yes, you mentioned both of those if I recall. I am interested in trying both. Especially ice fishing as you said it was a particular favorite pastime of yours.

[childeishly]

Here! Let me just make a couple of purchases. [ childe takes out his phone to get zhongli a super fluff coat and also two sets of ice skates. ] Do you... want to ice skate, Xiansheng? [ asked as he heads to the drop box. ] I haven't been since we arrived... and it might be nice to do it together.

[leaveofabsence]

I would be honored to. Though it does not get cold enough in Liyue for the rivers and lakes to freeze over so I'm afraid I do not have much experience.

You'll have to teach me.

[childeishly]

I can help you learn, Xiansheng. I think you'll enjoy it.

[ he heads into the cave and opens the hatch to the snowy cabin, dropping the skates into the snow and then jumping in straight afterward. he holds his arms out and looks up. ] Jump down, Xiansheng, I'll catch you.

[leaveofabsence]

[ Childe's funeral.

As soon as Zhongli wraps the coat around himself, he jumps down as requested. But well---

Let's just say that being the Geo Archon means he's the opposite of light and fluffy when he connects. ]

[childeishly]

[ sets the cake into a mound of snow and changes into a big bear! to catch him!! and then zhongli is getting licked. b- but, yeah, that had not been his smartest idea. zhongli is a lot heavier than most... ]

[ he'll change back after he's safely in his arms, giving him a lopsided smile. ] Mind holding the cake, Xiansheng? [ going to pick it up and offer it to him. ]

[leaveofabsence]

[ Zhongli wrinkles his nose about being licked by a bear but otherwise affectionately pets Childe's fur until he changes back. ]

Ah, of course.

[ As he takes the cake carefully as to not smush any part of it. ]

Shall we eat first before we go ice skating? At the very least, we should take it to the cabin.

[childeishly]

..thank you. [ and he's going to trudge through the snow with zhongli in his arms. ] I don't mind going to the cabin first. I need to get you a pair of gloves and a scarf besides. [ his eyes dip to the box. ] But I don't think I could stand having to wait to eat the cake. [ gives zhongli's cheek a kiss. ] ...thanks again, Xiansheng. This was really sweet and it means more than you know.

[leaveofabsence]

[ His hand runs affectionately though Childe's hair. ]

You have been through much, both here and in Teyvat.

If I can help you find even a moment's worth of peace, it is well worth the effort to see you like this. That is thanks enough.

[childeishly]

...I'm not the only one, and it'd be selfish of me to think otherwise. I know a lot of what's happened here and even back home has affected you greatly too. And just because you decided to step down as the Geo Archon doesn't mean you needed to be thrust into this bullshit. A nice and relaxing trip around Teyvat should have been on the agenda. [ a half-hearted laugh. ] ...but I do appreciate sharing time like this, especially with you. I look forward to these moments in between everything else. [ leans into the touch. ] Let's share the cake. I'll even let you feed me~

[leaveofabsence]

Oh will you? The birthday boy is being quite generous today.

[ And it's his turn to place a kiss on Childe's cheek ]

Then I suppose we can use utensils more suitable for eating cakes if you'll allow me the honor.

[childeishly]

Getting to spend my birthday with you already has me feeling spoiled. [ leads him into the kitchen. ]

[leaveofabsence]

You should feel as such. It is a very important day for humans, is it not?

[ And he shifts in Childe's arms when they step into the kitchen, indicating that he can walk now but not willing to risk even smudging the side of the cake in his hands. ]

After we have skated, is there anyone else you would like to invite?

[childeishly]

...mm. [ sets him down once he reaches the kitchen. ] I guess it's a bit different for a human, since we don't get to spend all that much time here. A lot of people, myself included, will be lucky to get a few decades, and even that's a stretch. [ a half-hearted laugh. ] So... just cherishing the time that's come to pass with the people that mean a lot is... it's nice.

No, not today...

But maybe we can go to the amusement park with Aether and Lumine at some point.

[leaveofabsence]

That sounds lovely. I am sure they would appreciate such an outing to get their mind off things.

[ He carefully unwraps the cake and sets it on a plate, digging into the cupboards to find a petite dessert fork. ]

Would you prefer coffee or tea with your cake?

I can make some while you're getting the gloves and scarf.

[childeishly]

It’ll be a good time for all of us. [ it’s something to look forward to too. ]

Tea is fine. [ and, sure, he could go get the gloves and scarves and whatever else they’ll need to brace the cold, but instead he’s going to hover and inevitably latch onto zhongli while he starts the tea. ] …so tell me, Xiansheng, are you my gift for this evening?

[leaveofabsence]

[ Zhongli laughs - equal parts delighted and fond as he reaches over his shoulder to stroke Childe's cheek affectionately with the back of his hand before returning to the tea at hand. ]

It is a part of your gift, yes.

How fortunate I was to find you free tonight.

[childeishly]

[ childe smiles, zhongli’s laugh music to his ears. he expels a content sigh as he leans into the touch, eyes briefly closing so he can simply revel in the attention and affection. ]

Part…? [ color him intrigued. ] I think I should consider myself lucky. It’s be a shame if I were to miss out on whatever you’ve got in store for me. [ kisses his cheek. ]

[leaveofabsence]

Yes. Might I ask what your plans were before I interrupted you?