idolpro | Zhongli Ideal World: Session 3

Ah-- aahh. How splendid. I am an only child, so I can only imagine what it would be like to have a sibling, let alone a twin.

With the exception of your corruptions, you would be impossible to tell apart.

[ Then again, Tsukasa is sporting a new look himself. ]

[ his own ears and tails twitch. ] It would be a real shame if you were to mix us up. [ an absolutely 110% lighthearted laugh. ] But we come from a big family... siblings both older and younger. [ he smiles, but this, in contrast, is infinitely more friendly. ]

I don't think I can imagine being an only child. [ definitely eying him. ]

What are you talking about?

[ this is... not going to be as simple as he would like, because zhongli's head is full of rocks, but... let's give it a shot. clears his throat. ] Zhongli Xiansheng. Did I forget to mention I have a twin? [ int 4. ]

I find it hard to believe that such a thing would not have come up before now.

But also---

Why are you in those clothes? We are back in Teyvat now.

...yeah. [ a forced laugh, because 1) lying to zhongli and 2) lying to zhongli. ] I did have plans to introduce you to my family... but things just keep coming up. [ he tries to smile, but it doesn't quite reach his eyes. ]

[ looks down at himself. ] I find them comfortable, and they're a bit better suited to Liyue's weather than what I normally wear. [ 50/50 on whether or not that'd actually be true. ]

Ah, you have been here in Liyue for a long time now...

Perhaps we can arrange a trip to Snezhnaya after the Rite is over? It is warm enough this time of year that I will try not to complain too much.

And it's still too hot. [ tugs on the collar of his shirt, giving zhongli a cheeky smile, because he can also complain about the weather. ] But... yeah, that'd be nice. You know my siblings ask all the time about the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor consultant I bring up often enough in my letters. [ gently nudges him. ]

...though, I think the heat is getting to me, [ reaches for zhongli's wrist, the one with the mark. ] could you remind me about these. [ not that he can't guess, but he also wants to hear it straight from the horse's mouth. ]

Oh.

[ And Zhongli's expression changes to something incredibly fond. ]

You gave this to me on your first mission away from Liyue. I know that your duties are vast and many and take you away from the harbor for long stretches of time. So you gave this to me to let me know that you were safe. And as a sign of our bond.

How could I not do the same for you in return?

[ childe keeps a hold on zhongli's hand, stroking his fingers up to his wrist and over the mark. ] Even if I didn't have such a beautiful reminder of you, Xiansheng, it's hard not to think of you when you're not there. You've filled the void in my heart with warmth and happiness, [ going to lean over and give him a kiss on the cheek. ] and that's more than I ever thought myself capable of getting.

[ The smile persists until Childe leans in to kiss him on the cheek. He flushes all the way up to his ears and maybe looks a little scandalized ]

Master Childe!

We're in public.

[ And in front of Tsuakasa.

Though he squeezes his hand all the same in return. ]

I couldn't resist, Xiansheng. [ he sits back looking real smug and proud of himself. ] But that color looks so good on you, and I just had to see it before I set to work.

But [ clears his throat, expression growing more suggestive. ] is that an invitation to continue this, ah, [ ahem. ] conversation later... in private?

[ Puts a hand on his face and gently shoves him, still recovering from the last comment. ]

Yes.

[ cha 7 for just this face. ]

Re: Wanmin Restaraunt

leaveofabsence - 2022-01-01 19:39 (UTC) - Expand

Re: Wanmin Restaraunt

childeishly - 2022-01-01 19:41 (UTC) - Expand

It would have been nice to have a younger brother or sister, I think. Alas, I will content myself with spoiling my cousin instead.

[ His tail swishes from side to side. At least thinking of his adorable younger cousin is always a bright spot. ]

Please tell me more about your family one of these days.

I can do that. I have a couple of memories involving them. [ like, 2, but that's besides the point. ] But then who is going to spoil you, hm, maybe I'll just have to adopt you.

I would have great expectations for someone who wanted to take on the role of an older brother for a member of the Suou family, you know.

Is that a challenge? I'm not only to back away from a challenge, especially one involving family.

I had no idea you were such a family man. What happens if I turn out to be the more responible?

[ Fufufufu ]

Surprise~ [ but he follows it up with a laugh. ] Now that would be interesting... a shame it's not going to happen. I'm Mr. responsible. [ no he's not. he's absolutely not. ]

I have some doubts.

[ Ahem ]

Though I suppose that isn't the most important right now. We can always focus on that later.

[ wow, rude, don't talk to your brand spanking new older brother like that. ]

No. Right now Zhongli Xiansheng is the most important thing there is. [ not really just right now, like, all the time, but he'll dial back the gushing he could easily do. ] I won't forget~ [ to bother you about family. ]

[ Should he be worried. ]

Will you be staying here long? I wonder if... perhaps sightseeing on our own and meeting up later would be expedient, or if you feel sticking together may prove a little more beneficial to our experience here.

[ shakes his head. ] No. I think we were just talking about heading out. [ motioning to his... brother. ] I think splitting up might benefit our mutual goal. [ and he doesn't want kasa to see all the murder that's definitely going to happen... and also the fact that he's going to probably love every single minute of it. ] We should meet back here once we're finished though, so we can all head to the Rite of Parting.

That suits me just fine. Be careful, though...? It would be nice if we had an easier form of communication.