childeishly | 🐳 imeeji; inbox 2.

[ childe kind of low-key hates that he changed his animal, if only for the fact that he can't turn into a fox, climb into zhongli's lap, and continue talking. he'll just have to stay himself for now. ]

Even though I knew it was coming I still wasn't fully prepared.

But I don't know. Nothing in this place is certain. It's just like... It's just like when they took you away.

[ After a few moments of deliberation, Zhongli pulls Childe into his lap anyway, stroking his hair as if he were a fox. Which-- well, he is in some ways. His tall many-tailed fox. ]

It is not quite the same, is it? As graduates, they'll have much greater freedom than I did as part of the production. Though I know that is not the same as having them where you may visit them on a moment's notice.

[ childe goes into his lap easily. he lays his head on his chest and listens to the steady thrum of his heart as he's petted. ] ...no, but it's not like I can pop over whenever I feel like it, and even if they say they'll visit who knows if they'll have the time or be able to when they finally do. I'm sure the rules of that hell change on a whim. [ he sighs. ] I... hnf, I just... I'm happy for them, I am, I... [ just grumbles. ]

[ Adjusts the blankets so they are wrapped around the both of them and the petting can continue. ]

You can be happy for them and sad for yourself at the same time. Those feelings are not mutually exclusive. Nor do they have to be rational.

I know you know they both will miss you terribly.

[ going too attempt to use his foot to drag the fire water bottle zhongli got for him over. being sober is being sad, and he doesn't want to be sad. ] ...well, I am sad, sad and annoyed. And this just has me thinking about when one of us graduates. I don't want to go without either of you and I don't want to be left behind a second time. [ but let's not even go there. he manages to get it close enough that he can snatch it up. ] You bought it, Xiansheng, so you get first sip. That's tradition. [ or something. ]

[ Once he sees Childe going for the bottle, he picks it up with his free hand, uncorking it and pouring one large and overfilled glass. As requested, he takes the first sip before pushing it in Childe's hands. ]

I do not wish to leave you behind either. And if your condition is that Tsukiakari is a part of it, then that is my condition as well.

[ going to scoot back, so he can more easily down the entire glass like an animal. it burns, but it burns so good. he expels a breath, licking his lips and searching for the bottle with a slightly dizzying glance. he hasn't eaten today, so it's hitting him a little harder than it normally would. ] I just want the three of us to graduate at the same time. He... doesn't plan on going back to Teyvat, so... yeah, but... we should all leave together.

You know... I don't really even need the glass.

You are not drinking out of the bottle.

[ As he pointedly refills Childe's glass. And will keep it filled. ]

When you say Teyvat, do you mean his star or all of them?

He mentioned that you were... concerned that you might return home and I might be from a different world.

But it'll make things so much easierrrr. [ he sighs, letting zhongli refill his glass, so he can take another couple of sips. ] All of them. He wants to travel to other stars and beyond. Teyvat has nothing for him... [ though he said he would come visit. ]

[ childe frowns. ] ...it's crossed my mind. He's from a different version of Teyvat, and not the Scaramouche I would return home to. How do we know that if we leave that we'll be the ones we see on the other side?

[ Gonna hold on to that second bit because--- ]

That is not true. Teyvat has you. That is something for him.

...and that's the reason he's going to visit, a lot, but I don't want to make him stay on a star that did nothing but hurt him. It wouldn't be fair. [ and he already tried to convince him a few times, but he really just wants him to be happy, so... as long as he visits, then that's fine. ]

When the Tsarista's war has come to its conclusion, would you consider travelling with him for a while?

...one step at a time, Xiansheng. I think that's something to consider once the war has ended and the dust has settled. Who knows where anybody will be by then...

Anyway... I don't want to talk about graduations anymore. I'm already bitter enough. [ and not drunk enough. ] I'm getting us a game to play. Monopoly. I think you'll like it. [ or hate it. probably hate it. ]

[ He refills Childe drink another time, taking one hand and pressing his lips against his knuckles. ]

I know where I will be. I will be with you.

[ But if he doesn't want to talk about graduations - then maybe a distraction is better. Operation failed on Zhongli's end. Hope Scaramouche does better. ]

But yes - it is probably a raw subject at the moment. Then let's play your game.

... [ childe shivers as zhongli's lips brush each of his knuckles. ] ah. [ his cheeks tint pink a short time after, and it's not because of the alcohol. ] At... some point, not now, [ perhaps when he's had a few more drinks. ] I do want to talk about our plans... specifics and all that. Just, not... not now. Like you said, it's all raw... and there's so much simmering that I don't want to pop.

Then we do not have to worry about it for now. Instead please allow Tsukiakari and I to distract all that restless energy of yours.

Do you think you can beat him in this game that you have chosen?

We need to distract him too. Cosmo fucked off after Hades... so now BARiTONES is down two more people. And Pentium left not too long ago too. He's had it pretty rough.

But, yes, absolutely. I'm going to bury the both of you in all of my monopolies.

[ It's cute really. How the two big bad Harbingers are fussing over each other. ]

Oh? Do you think a game is sufficient or are there other ways to distract him?

We could go shopping... I do like spoiling the both of you. I bet that would be a nice distraction too.

Interesting. I would not have pictured that as a hobby of his.

Perhaps a stroll through the night market would be a refreshing end to the night.

He just likes to be spoiled. And if we all go shopping, then it's the perfect opportunity for me to buy the both of you stuff.

But it could be fun! [ especially when we're all drunk af. ]

[ Furrows his brows. Logic hard when he is now slightly buzzed ]

But what about spoiling you? You should be spoiled the most.

What if... now, hear me out, Xiansheng, spoiling me is spoiling you? Eh? Eh? [ FLAWLESS LOGIC. ]

[ Squints at - SUSPICIOUS ]

That is probably true.

But that does not account for how truly bright your smile is when you are genuinely surprised at something thoughtful being presented to you.

Re: day 512, @BARiTONES - post graduation

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