childeishly | 🐳 imeeji; inbox.

I do. Terribly domestic of us.

[He can't help but chuckle.]

That wasn't what caught my attention first, but it did confirm. You were a little ... shyer than normal.

I bought sensei some fish for the pond too. Don't forget to remind him to feed them. [ not that he thinks five will forget. ]

[ THAT WAS FOR ANOTHER REASON. ] I was *not* shy. You're just reading between the lines that aren't there.

I hardly need to do that. He would be absolutely devastated if they died on his watch. Not only because I have no doubts he cherishes them, but also because he would not want to disappoint you.

Of course I'm reading between the lines. A skill I've cultivated over time. And this is boundary I will push lightly, but if you do wish me to drop it I will.

[ right in the feels. ]

[ clears his throat. ] Ah, yeah, ...of course.

There's nothing to push. I'll be fine when Xiansheng has his face back and we can all put this stupid mess of a game behind us.

Was it the effects of the game that bothered you so?

How would you have reacted were Five Taisho's hostage?

Concerned, however, I know the role I play here and while I test those boundaries as well as I can, I know there are limits.

Five cares more about his physical state than I do. Not that I desire to watch him be hurt, but the revivals are predictable and I believe the echoes of pain will fade quickly considering his background.

Though I always am worried for more mental affects as those tear him down quite rapidly.

...until it manifests mentally. Getting messed up back to back and with no reprieve is bound to wear a person thin. [ and he's sick of seeing zhongli get hurt as a result of hss eating shit. ] And a loss in some games can earn you a new corruptions, something I'm not looking forward to. [ he already feels somewhat responsible for five getting any in the first place... ]

[He brushes his knuckles against his cheek.]

We do the best we can with the options available to us. As much as we wish to be able to protect them from all harm, that is not the reality we live in.

…tch. [ it’s not emet’s fault, but this conversation is just souring just mood all over again. ] Let’s talk about something else.

Do not be hard on yourself.

[He kisses his forehead once, but then drops the subject. And he does find a place to land. It is at the top of one of the structures of a suspension bridge. The wind is chill up here, and a bit fierce, but the mechanical horse does make for a good wind break.]

Well, if I must change the subject then I am curious on your favorite animal to be. I imagine it is the fox.

[ he doesn’t seem to mind the chill, but he does move just a little bit closer to emet. ] I don’t mind being a fox, but it’s certainly not my favorite. I’m not sure I really have one, but I guess if I have to pick… then something aquatic. I do miss resonating with the water and turning into those kinds of animals is the closest I can’t get to doing here.

[He will tug him on his lap.]

I will be sure to take you to the water more often then. I hope hearing it would help soothe you.

[And he does pet his hair softly trying to soothe him as best as he can.]

...mm, I do like listening to the subtle crashing of the waves on the shore. [ he might have to invest in a beach upgrade for his room. ] I do also spend a lot of time at the cabin. It reminds me of home, and I enjoy the serene atmosphere... Did sensei ever tell you he gave me the points to get that room following a bad game. [ huffs a laugh. ]

He didn't, but it doesn't surprise me. Sometimes when he acts as if he knows everything he is quite on the mark. Keenly perceptive to know what your heart desires when you do not.

Though I won't discount you are the same perhaps in a more overt way. He has been smiling more often, and I do believe I know why.

It was definitely a nice gesture that stood out, especially since it was so early on.

[ he feels his face heat up as he blushes. ] O- Oh, ah, well…
good, I’m glad. Sensei’s got a nice smile, so who wouldn’t want to see more of it.

I see. So it was friends you were looking for.

[He can't help but laugh.]

Because he's an asshole, know it all of an old man who selectively decides when to have good manners?

I hadn’t been looking for anything, but it’s hard to ignore something like that.

Mm, that’s definitely true. I think I wore him down though.

That is usually the case for what you need most.

He is good for you, and you for him. 'Tis why I am trying to encourage the both of you.

…so you can tell us both you told us so?

Can I not simply want you both to be happy?

You can. I didn't say otherwise. [ he's going to change into a fox and climb out of his lap to, instead, go back to sitting beside him. ]

[He scratches his ears and pets him softly.]

Are you feeling a little more at east at least?

[ he enjoys the pets more than he’ll admit aloud. ]

A little bit. My mask hasn’t recovered any, but that may take some time…

And what helps it heal?

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