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[childeishly]

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"..."

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[leaveofabsence]

[ Zhongli has no interest whatsoever in pulling away from Childe. He reaches up to run damp fingers through his hair. ]

I believe you.

That doesn't make my statement any less untrue, however.

[childeishly]

Then tell me why.

[leaveofabsence]

Do you know what erosion is?

[childeishly]

I'm familiar with the concept, but I get the feeling you're referring to something else...

[leaveofabsence]

For those beings in Teyvat that are long-lived, erosion comes from them much like old age comes for humans. It is a loss of self of sorts. Pain or hardship or loss can quicken the process. There were some of my dearest friends in Liyue - those I fought with during the Archon War and many others after - who simply lost themselves to it over time.

[childeishly]

Are you're trying to imply that this is going to happen to you too?

[leaveofabsence]

Even the tallest mountain will slowly been worn away by the winds of time.

[childeishly]

Five and Emet-Selch promised to help me, so I'm sure they could help you too. [ cups his cheeks. ] And if you need a reason to cling to yourself, then I'll be that reason for as long as I'm able.

[leaveofabsence]

You already have helped me. And you continue to do so each day.

But it will be an ever-present danger as long as I live. That is why the promise is dangerous.

Not that I think you won't overcome it.

[childeishly]

There is no challenge that I won't find a way to overcome. I'll figure something out.

[leaveofabsence]

Of course.

One day you will tear down all the stars from the sky, yes?

[ And he says that with no hint of mockery but genuine admiration for Childe's ambition. ]

I look forward to the tales they will tell of Ajax of Snezhnaya. But I look forward more to being allowed to know the truth behind those tales.

[childeishly]

I'll tear down all the stars in the sky so I can write a message and tell you how much I love you.

[ moves an arm around zhongli to tug him into his chest, nails digging into his arm just a bit harder than he may have intended. ]

I'm not going to let you erode, Zhongli.

[leaveofabsence]

[ If he notices, he says nothing - instead he just sinks deeper into Childe's embrace. ]

Of course you won't.

That is why I can entrust these old secrets of mine to you.

[childeishly]

[ moves his hand up and down zhongli's back,
rubbing in small and soothing circles. ]

We have each other, so there's nothing that we can't overcome... even... even that.