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[childeishly]

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[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?

[childeishly]

I was just going to go to a couple different restaurants and check out the food. Nothing too exciting. I figured I might be able to learn some new recipes, or maybe even find ways to make the ones I already know better.

[leaveofabsence]

So you have not eaten yet? I see.

Might I also cook for you this evening - as part of your gift.

[childeishly]

No, not ye- if you’d like to, Xiansheng. I’m certainly not going to say no to your cooking. But… if we’re going to do all that, then maybe we should skate first. I can help you work up an appetite to match mine.

[leaveofabsence]

Of course. But are you sure you don't want at least some of your cake first?

[childeishly]

[ holds his hand out for the fork. ] Fine~ you’ve twisted my arm. [ not really. he enjoys sweets, so spoiling his appetite, even just a little, is a-ok. ] Let’s have a taste!

[leaveofabsence]

[ Zhongli laughs and gets the perfect forkful for Childe, not too much icing and sugar to overpower the flavor of the cake itself.

And he holds it up to Childe's mouth. ]

I do believe I was offered the opportunity to feed it to you.

[childeishly]

...sounds about right. I wonder if the cake will taste better than you do, Xiansheng. [ steals another quick kiss and then opens his mouth for the cake bite. ]