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[childeishly]

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[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. ]

[leaveofabsence]

[ After he's put the forkful of cake into Childe's mouth. ]

Always the endless flattery with you.

[ Though Zhongli's smile indicates it's not unwelcome. ]

But Ajax.

Today is your special day so please allow me to do the spoiling. Even if I have to fight you for it.

[childeishly]

I can't help it, Xiansheng. It just comes as a result of people so happy... and I feel most happy around you. [ licks his lips clean of any space frosting once he's eaten the piece of cake. ]

[ childe smirks. ] Oho, so you'd like to fight to spoil me. Do you think I'd turn down a chance to go toe to toe with you, ..? [ captures the wrist that's holding the fork and brings it close so he can kiss it. ]

[leaveofabsence]

[ His cheeks flush at the kiss to his wrist. How can he not give Childe that much? Especially when he wants to give him so much more.

Zhongli leans forward to kiss his forehead. ]

You're enthusiasm is endearing.

And quite cute in this situation. But I will allow the challenge if it pleases you so.

[childeishly]

I have to admit I am curious about what sort of things you have in store for me, but if I have to fight you in some manner to get them, then let’s get started-!

[leaveofabsence]

[ He carefully sets the fork on the counter, pushing the cake to the side to keep it out of danger.

And then reaches to take both of Childe's wrists in his hands. ]

[childeishly]

[ his eyes follow the cake, since he’s a little sad he only got a single bit, but it’s not like he can’t have some more later. he smiles when zhongli takes his wrists, gaze dropping to them. ] Going to take me somewhere, Xiansheng?

[leaveofabsence]

Eventually yes. There is cake to be had and you wished to try ice skating. Both of which I will accompany you.

But before that---

I recall there was something else you enjoyed.

[ And he brings Childe's wrists up above his head to pin against the kitchen cabinets before leaning in close for a rough and messy kiss. ]

[childeishly]

[ the surprised noise he makes is muffled in the kiss, a bit of resistance to be had as zhongli pins him against the kitchen cabinets. ] A bit presumptuous, eh, Xiansheng. Just what do you think I enjoy, hm~ [ the smile on his face says zhongli is right, but childe is definitely playing coy. ]

[leaveofabsence]

A fight and a conquest.

[ And he leans in to nip at one earlobe, breath ghosting over the shell of his ear. ]

Even if you might be said conquest.

[childeishly]

[ childe shudders, shifting to and fro and then oh~so~subtly pressing into zhongli. ] Me? Do you think you'll be able to conquer me? Perhaps I'll conquer you.

[leaveofabsence]

Perhaps.

[ And he very unsubtly presses back against Childe, pinning his hips to the counter with his own and sliding one leg between his thighs. ]

Shall we see who is the victor?