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[childeishly]

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[leaveofabsence]

[ And when they are in the suite, he clasps his hands to Childe's cheeks, forcing him to look at him directly before kissing him soundly. ]

You---

I try to plan a perfect date for you. One as touching and memorable as the lantern rite night you prepared for me. And yet you always outmaneuver me so easily.

Please teach me. I want to learn.

[childeishly]

I can get it later. I’m not too concerned about, what, an extra set of clothes! Pah, I’m sure we can buy stuff here.

[ he sets zhongli down and makes a strange and slightly muffled sound as his cheeks as squished and he’s kissed. ] I haven’t outmaneuvered you, Xiansheng. And we only just got here! There’s plenty of time to ‘wow’ me, though… if I’m being honest any time with you is some of the best. I’m really looking forward to everything we can do here together.

[leaveofabsence]

Very well then.

[ And his hands drop from Childe's cheeks to smooth over his shoulders before Zhongli begins fussing with his collar. ]

What would you like to do first?

We could go enjoy the snow outside. Or perhaps the scenery from the comfort of the suite. Or we could order room service if you'd like something to eat or drink.

[childeishly]

Let’s go out into the slopes first, and then once we’ve had our fill we can order room service and relax in the hot tub. [ but he is itching to get out there and play in the snow! ] We should probably check out the shop here for equipment.

[leaveofabsence]

Yes.

[ And he sets his book on the nightstand before getting to his feet, attempting to pull Childe up by their joined hands. ]

If I had to make a guess---

Are you one to prefer snowboarding over skiing?

[childeishly]

You’d be right, Xiansheng, though both can be fun in their own way. Which are you going to try? [ let’s himself be pulled up. ] And did you want to try out one of the smaller slopes to get your ski legs or just jump right into it?

[leaveofabsence]

Smaller slopes?

[ As if this had never even occurred to him. ]

Ah. No. I think I can handle whatever you can. But I appreciate you being concerned about my well being.

[childeishly]

If you’re certain, though I would like to be able to take you back to our suite in one piece. [ time to go gear up in the pro shop! ] Are you going to be skiing or snowboarding?

[leaveofabsence]

I will take the skis, thank you.

[ The more things touching the ground the better for the Lord of Geo.

He picks up a red scarf and begins looping it around Childe's neck. ]

[childeishly]

Alright. I'll do my best to keep an eye on you in case there are any accidents. [ smiles, reaching to touch the scarf as it's wrapped around his neck. moves a step closer, trying to intervene and grab the end, so he can loop the other side around zhongli's neck - though it's probably a bit messy. ] Wǒ de... xīnlǐ zhǐ yǒu nǐ. [ in my heart there is only you. he has a bit of trouble with it, but he is doing his best!!! ]

[leaveofabsence]

[ He laughs fondly and kisses Childe on the cheek. ]

I do not believe I taught you that proverb.

[ And he loops the other end of the scarf comfortably around his neck. ]

You know, this will make our winter activities that much more of a challenge.

[childeishly]

You didn't. I learned a couple of things on my own in Liyue. [ some with a liiiittle bit of help. ] How did I do, hm, did you like that, Xiansheng? [ moves an arm around his waist. ] I'm sure it could be done, but it certainly wouldn't be without some difficulty. Maybe after you've successfully made a run of one of the slopes.

[leaveofabsence]

[ And many runs they do make --- though by the end, Zhongli is cold and wet and exhausted and covered in various amounts of melted snow from head to toe. But happy and aching in a good way. He's huddled up in his gloves and scarfs as he ushers Childe back into their room and immediately orders tea from room service and goes to look for a first aid kit to handle the scratches that came with an unfortunate incident with a bush. ]

I think I managed to keep up rather well.

[childeishly]

[ childe is glowing-! the smile on his face stretched as wide as it could possibly go! he’s also covered in snow, his own clothes a bit wet, because he’d made several passes at the expert slopes, jumping the ramps!, and not all of them ended well. still, he’s pleased as punch, draping an arm around zhongli and giving his cheek a smooch as he laughs tiredly. ]

You did a lot better than I imagined you would, Xiansheng. Maybe next time I can get you into a snowboard, …oh! or maybe we could go tubing!

[leaveofabsence]

Tubing?

[ He's already trying to strip Childe out of his wet outer layers and hangs them out to dry. ]

I do not believe I saw that as an activity here.

[childeishly]

You take a sturdy inflatable tube and use that to go down the mountain!

[ he’s probably not making this part easy since he’s not helping. ] Or we could just walk around the grounds if you just wanted to enjoy the snow.

[leaveofabsence]

[ It's fine. Childe probably enjoys the manhandling. And Zhongli definitely enjoys the touches that linger just a bit too long to be justified as him helping getting Childe out of his clothes.

As he drags the fingertips across one hip. ]

I believe I could be convinced of both.

Later, of course.

[childeishly]

[ as soon as he’s half undressed he pulls away - tracking a bit of water through the room as he grabs the first aid kit zhongli had grabbed for himself just a few moments prior. ]

Later.

[ smiles, motioning for him to take a seat on the bed. ] …bush really did a number on you, hm. [ let him take care of you first! you need the healing touch, Zhongli. ] what did you order us anyway?

[leaveofabsence]

Ah yes, I did not henshin quite in time. I have not gotten the timing right since it is slower than the Jade Shield.

[ And he plops down on the bed, extending the arm that took the worst of it. ]

Some hot tea and soup. The udon here is particularly recommended.

[childeishly]

It wouldn't be a proper ski trip if someone didn't get hurt, and at least this isn't too bad. [ he's going to clean out the cuts and scrapes and then start bandaging. ] Oh, that sounds nice, especially after being in the co- a- ahchoo! [ turns his head aside to sneeze into the crook of his arm, crinkling his nose afterward. ]

[leaveofabsence]

Childe, that is unsanitary.

[ And he reaches for a handkerchief to properly wipe his nose.

And his arm. ]

[childeishly]

I wasn't going to sneeze on you, Xiansheng. [ makes a face. ] And it's not like I wouldn't get up and clean up after I was finished. [ leans. away. ]

[leaveofabsence]

[ Holds out the handkerchief ]

Go clean yourself up now. I will manage the rest.

And change into some dry clothes.

[childeishly]

[ takes it with a huff and gets up from the bed to head into the bathroom. he strips out of the remainder of his clothes and just throws on a simple pair of pants. he cleans up just like he said he would, though when he comes back out his nose is pretty red. ]

Better? [ aka like the view? ]

[leaveofabsence]

[ Zhongli does not even hide how his eyes trail appreciatively over Childe's chest and abs before he beckons him over with one hand to join him on the sofa. ]

Yes. Now come here.