[Aether looks Childe straight in the eyes as his own grow a little bigger when his hand is taken like this. For a moment he looks like he's unsure if he's even hear right.]
I...
[A bright blush overtakes his face and yet he just keeps on looking right into the endless blue of Childe's eyes. Just why does the other make him feel like this? Why does he try to tease him all the time?]
I-I'm perfectly fine, just... [He's trying to act like he's unbothered by the request. This place requires them to be physically close with one another anyway!] But.. your wounds...
[ Childe just smiles and keeps his gaze steady on the other. No fit of laughter or suggestive nature, instead, it's all patient waiting for Aether to sort out what he wants to say and do.
Concerning his wounds, he hums lightly before stating with a fair deal of confidence: ]
I think it'll be fine! You aren't planning to squirm around a lot or anything, are you? Ohh, and we can watch TV! I'm sure there's something worth watching on here. [ This is a better idea by the minute, in the Harbinger's opinion. He will shift his position on the couch to spread his legs and pat the spot between them. He can't have Aether sit on his lap exactly because of the wounds, as he said, but he still can cuddle him this way, he's sure. It'll help Aether more, too, which Childe will also be glad for.]
[In this very moment Aether thinks to himself that Childe's smile is absolutely unfair. The traveler already promised to do anything to help the other, so there's no turning back.
Still, when Childe parts his legs and pats the spot between them, Aether's face reaches a new level of red. He's... really supposed to sit there? It seems to close, and yes, he's still worried about Childe's wounds but at the same time he's also concerned how his heart is going to take this.
Sitting on the other's lap wouldn't be a better option even if it was possible now.]
TV... s-sure... [He desperately needs a distraction now as he very slowly and carefully moves to the spot that Childe gestured. Except then he gets unsure how he's even supposed to sit there. With his back turned to Childe? His side facing the other?
Oh gods, this seemed so much easier just a few moments ago. Now it feels like he's a nervous mess and he's afraid to move too much because Childe is hurt and he'd hate to add to his pain.]
[ Aether is about to get a whole lot more of this smile because he just keeps it there like it's a beacon even as the other has a small crisis. When asked if he's sure he nods and an uh huh reaffirms that he means business about this cuddling!
Unfortunately, or fortunately, if Aether still can't seem to make a decision on how he best wants to sit, Childe is just going to finally wrap his arms around the other and pull him into the spot. He will end up with his shoulder or his back against Childe's chest. Either way, Childe doesn't seem to care and looks quite pleased once he has Aether in his arms, cuddling him loosely but ... still like a plush teddy bear. ] Yeah, great! This works~. Go ahead and get comfortable, aibou, you don't want to be stuck in a position that makes you all sore later, yeah?
[ With that, he lets go of the other again so he can move freely. Now that Aether is in place surely he can decide the most comfortable position for him ... right? There's absolutely no turning back now! ]
[Unfair. Absolutely, utterly and completely unfair. There really is no hope for him.
When arms wrap around him Aether freezes for a second, before relaxing slightly. Perhaps he's extra jumpy about these things after what happened with Venti. His back is right against Childe's chest, the other doesn't hold him too tightly though, so maybe it really will be okay.
...It feels warm. Like in that dream.
He doesn't know why he's remembering that again, but Aether breathes out slowly, trying to relax. Then he settles in something maybe not really too comfortable, but he's pretty sure he'll be fine like this even if they sit here for hours.]
[Childe is reaching for the TV remote to turn on the TV, going to flip through the movies before he lands on one in his history section. ] Oh, this one was really fun! The bunny reminded me a little bit of you with how determined she was.
[ He'll click play and settle back in the cushions with a happy sigh, putting his arms back around Aether now as he drops the remote on the couch next to them. ] I will, don't worry. This is relax time for the both of us.
[ anyway, they'll be watching a Noctoum rip-off version of Zootopia. ]
[Once Childe settles back against the cushions and wraps his arms around him, Aether lets the air out of his lungs, then very gently leans back. He's trying to get comfortable more against the other's arm than chest, to avoid the most injured parts. If the situation was any different he would likely get extra embarrassed and even kind of amazed by the harbinger's impressive muscles, but now he focuses more on their closeness and the wounds.
The movie proves to be a nice distraction and he stays silent at first, up until the moment a sneaky fox makes his appearance.]
...The fox is kind of like you.
[Except he's not looking for fights. But again, Childe even has a fox form, so it absolutely fits.
The story is really nice. It has it's happy or funny moments, it has some drama to it, some action. The more Aether focuses on the pictures on the screen the more he relaxes in Childe's embrace. He even puts his hands on the other's arms, gently keeping them there.
There's a pleasant warmth spreading through his entire body.]
[ Childe is quiet as they watch, but chuckles at Aether's comment, a cute "you think so~?" said softly. He thinks his younger siblings would find this movie fascinating, and he's happy to watch it again with Aether. Truth be told, he's more than grateful for the other's presence, not just because he wants company and cuddles or the manna. Without Zhongli around to distract (and distract himself), his mind wanders too easily to what happened those nights after they found Aether. He doesn't tell Aether this, but he's amazed he only fell into the hibernation regenerative coma after his fight with Zhongli on top of all the manna he lost to Zhongli and Venti a few nights before. Of course Zhongli had helped him recover all of it, but something about the stress and strain made him feel more easily worn than normal.
He hates being weak, he hates being vulnerable like this and part of why he's glosses over everything that happened is it still hurts to remember. It hurts to remember being helpless and terrified again like he had been running from those wolves and then tumbling the Abyss. He had sworn never to let that happen to him again, and yet—
Did that make him a failure? If this place could so easily render him that way, to force him to feel things he was sure he wasn't even capable of feeling, anymore?
As the movie goes on, Childe starts to drift. Despite his best efforts to stay alert, Aether's warmth feels good and holding him seems to keep his inner demons at bay that were out in full force before the Traveler showed up. It's nice to rest without memories flickering through his mind. He's had no nightmares yet, but he believes that is also this place doing something to them rather than his own mind being kind to him. The ugly nasty thoughts of his shadow self still linger months after even though they have been mostly quiet with Zhongli's help, there no reason for them to be quiet over the recent events.
He does come to before the end of the movie, happy to see the ending in particular. Stretching a bit like a cat, he yawns before snuggling Aether a little closer and leaning forward to rest his chin on the blond's head. ]
Cute, right? Want to watch another? Or are you hungry, want a drink, et cetera?
[Aether doesn't say anything anymore, watching the movie with great interest. He does however, glance at Childe every once in a while and he notices that the other seems somehow tired. Just like always the harbinger's mind remains a mystery to him so he doesn't know about his inner demons either.
Once the movie ends and Childe brings Aether closer, the boy doesn't protest. Instead he looks at the bandages that wrap around the other's torso, before looking up (or rather trying to) at Childe.]
Are you sure you should be moving like that? [The stretching, he means, but Aether's closeness also doesn't seem like a good idea if it would irritate the wounds.] If you're tired you can go to sleep. I... [He can't leave. He promised he'll take care of Childe until Zhongli comes back.] I'll stay by your side. Or sleep with you, if you want... I'm guessing the more manna you get in your state the better.
[There is a hint of blush on his face again, but they're already so close, napping together wouldn't be a problem.]
If your bandages need to be changed let me know, too, okay?
[A small whine escapes Childe initially, unwilling to give up his closeness to Aether regardless of wounds or whatever. There's a very slight tensing of his body at Aether's wording, though, and can't help but smile despite resisting from shifting his hold. He knows what Venti did to Aether, even if perhaps not as bad as what Venti did Childe, and isn't interested in making the teenager uncomfortable. He will tease him a little though, even if he still sounds tired. ]
Careful, Aether~. Those two offers could equate to about the same thing. When you separate them like that, it sounds like you're offering something much more intimate. [ It's to be commended, even, that the Harbinger doesn't do anything even slightly inappropriate to tease the other beyond what he said, which could also mean he's just that easily worn down.
He nods about the bandages, but doesn't say anything. He can't be bothered with them right now. ]
I've already slept more than I want to ever again, but... if you'll let me still hold you, then I guess I can stomach it.
[Aether blinks blankly, before realization hits him making his entire face go bright red in an instant.]
I-I meant just a nap, nothing else!
[But he will thank Childe for not teasing him more about it, especially considering the recent events.
Still blushing, he can't help but note how tired the other looks.]
W-well... that's fine. [His heart is beating faster in his chest.] I just want you to feel better. Once you get some rest I'll take care of your bandages. And you need to eat something, too.
[He worries. He may not say it out loud, but he really worries about Childe. The other doesn't seem to ever take his injuries seriously, so he obviously needs someone to worry about him.]
[ He forces out a tired chuckle. ] I know. I won't do anything. [ for whatever reason he has to desire to get to Aether intimately in such a way. It's strange considering how he acts towards everyone else, but... it's a good thing for now because it helps him commit to his words. ]
Ha, I feel better already! Really. I just get tired so easily no matter how much manna I get. I'm guessing it has to do with the recovery process here.
[ Aether is so warm and real and solid. Right now, he wants to keep him in his arms forever. ] Are you sure you're okay like this with me? I can let go if it's uncomfortable for you. [ he knows Aether isn't very great at affectionate contact and Childe himself is overly indulgent, so he attempts to make sure one more time. ]
Of course you won't... [Aether wouldn't let him! Or so he thinks. The dream where Childe kissed him still lingers in his mind, so he has to remind himself that reality and dreams are two different things. Childe is not the same as the one in his (absolutely outrageous) fantasises.
...Though now that the harbinger is holding him so close, being so warm and caring about his comfort, Aether wonders if the gentle and kind Childe is actually real.]
You were hurt quite badly. [He says with a soft sigh.] I'm not surprised it's taking its toll on you... but hopefully you'll be better soon.
[He closes his eyes, trying to relax more against the other.]
We... both need to recover some more. But I'm fine like this. I'm fine as long as I'm not hurting you more.
[A soft sigh. ] Oh, Aibou, you're the only thing that could never hurt me. [ that would probably be worth elaborating on, but he doesn't. It's rather unsettling in its explanation, most likely, anyway. ]
That... isn't much of answer. Is this not helping you? What do you need? Tell me, and I'll give it without hesitation.
[When Childe says that, Aether opens his eyes and blinks slowly. He doesn't know what exactly Childe means by that, but he knows he's absolutely capable of hurting him.]
You sound so sure... [Is all he whispers, but doesn't ask for clarification. Instead, he tries to catch Childe's hand in his own and sighs a bit.]
I... don't need anything. I want to take care of you and make sure you recover properly.
[He'll squeeze Childe's hand if he's allowed.]
You sure like giving... but would you really give anything without hesitation?
[He's not asking because he has something specific in mind. He's just curious... That's all, really. He promises.
Either way, it doesn't matter, because Aether doesn't want to get anything. He wants to give everything instead. Since Childe is hurt and tired, he deserves to be spoiled at least a little.]
I am. [ He lets Aether squeeze his hand, gently squeezing it in return for reassurance. Childe hums softly at that question. ] I could answer that, but the only real way to find out would have you need to ask for it, now wouldn't you?
Besides... I wonder if you should be asking that question to yourself, instead? Hmm...?
You're far more giving than I am. I only like giving to you and xiansheng, anyway.
[ Childe shifts from squeezing Aether's hand into manipulating the teenager's fingers to be able to lace their fingers together. He still hasn't moved his head from resting on Aether's own as he rests his cheek against him now, idly watching from the edge of his vision their hands together as he does so. He likes the feeling. ]
You're taking plenty care of me, but if you aren't sure to take care of yourself, as well, how will be able to keep doing so?
[He lets Childe lace their fingers together, looking at their joined hands with an odd feeling welling up in his chest. He tries to not think much about it, but he can't hide some fondness from his gaze or tone.
He laughs softly.]
So I'm special? [Well, he and Zhongli are, apparently.] I'm taking good care of myself, promise.
[He tries to look confident. His thumb gently runs against Childe's skin as if in reassurance.]
And I... really don't need much anyway. You could say that being able to help someone is something that gives me a lot of satisfaction.
[Obviously, as long as he doesn't feel used. Possible rewards are nice too, but he's not as greedy as Paimon!]
You are extremely special. And all right, I trust you. [ Few are as greedy as Paimon.
He's well aware of Aether's selfless nature. ] It's easy to help in this place if you're willing without much self-sacrifice. Which I'm glad for because I don't want you helping others at your own expense every which way possible. The only thing I can think of that is beneficial to you right now is giving you manna and that's already happening. So until you decide you want to synchronize at a different level, I'm happy to provide this for you, too. I like your company, so it's extra helpful to me, heh.
Are you sure you don't have other plans, though? I'm happy to keep you too myself for the rest of the day, but...
In any case, you deserve to be rewarded sometimes, too.
[He blushes when Childe calls him "extremely special". He blushes more when he talks about "synchronizing at different level". It reminds Aether of Venti, but not the one that attacked him - about Venti when Aether visited him earlier today. The boy got a kiss to the cheek and a silly smooch on the lips from the archon, but he wonders if one day it'll become normal to him. He's more than sure that Childe would kiss him without a moment of hesitation, but how would that go?
Would it be anything like in the dream?]
A-actually I... [His voice dies in his throat and Aether closes his eyes for a moment. The blush that grows on his cheeks is almost damning.]
You can reward me once your injuries heal. [He managed to say firmly.] And I already said I'd stay here with you until Mister Zhongli is back.
[He's not planning to go back on his word.
But it's... it's nice that Childe cares so much about him. Everybody keep saving him in one way or another, so sometimes it feels like he's not giving back enough.]
[ lucky for Aether, Childe can't see that blush from his position. He does perk a little at the mention of rewarding him once he's healed, though. ]
You promise, aibou~? [ he's not a fox currently, but if he had those tails they would be wagging like a puppy's. Funny since he isn't the one getting the reward, but hey! He's super curious now. ]
Ah ha, I'm glad to hear this! Will you stay for dinner with us, too, then?
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I...
[A bright blush overtakes his face and yet he just keeps on looking right into the endless blue of Childe's eyes. Just why does the other make him feel like this? Why does he try to tease him all the time?]
I-I'm perfectly fine, just... [He's trying to act like he's unbothered by the request. This place requires them to be physically close with one another anyway!] But.. your wounds...
[Hugs or cuddles would hurt him, wouldn't they?]
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Concerning his wounds, he hums lightly before stating with a fair deal of confidence: ]
I think it'll be fine! You aren't planning to squirm around a lot or anything, are you? Ohh, and we can watch TV! I'm sure there's something worth watching on here. [ This is a better idea by the minute, in the Harbinger's opinion. He will shift his position on the couch to spread his legs and pat the spot between them. He can't have Aether sit on his lap exactly because of the wounds, as he said, but he still can cuddle him this way, he's sure. It'll help Aether more, too, which Childe will also be glad for.]
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Still, when Childe parts his legs and pats the spot between them, Aether's face reaches a new level of red. He's... really supposed to sit there? It seems to close, and yes, he's still worried about Childe's wounds but at the same time he's also concerned how his heart is going to take this.
Sitting on the other's lap wouldn't be a better option even if it was possible now.]
TV... s-sure... [He desperately needs a distraction now as he very slowly and carefully moves to the spot that Childe gestured. Except then he gets unsure how he's even supposed to sit there. With his back turned to Childe? His side facing the other?
Oh gods, this seemed so much easier just a few moments ago. Now it feels like he's a nervous mess and he's afraid to move too much because Childe is hurt and he'd hate to add to his pain.]
Y-you're really sure about this?
[Just asking!!]
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Unfortunately, or fortunately, if Aether still can't seem to make a decision on how he best wants to sit, Childe is just going to finally wrap his arms around the other and pull him into the spot. He will end up with his shoulder or his back against Childe's chest. Either way, Childe doesn't seem to care and looks quite pleased once he has Aether in his arms, cuddling him loosely but ... still like a plush teddy bear. ] Yeah, great! This works~. Go ahead and get comfortable, aibou, you don't want to be stuck in a position that makes you all sore later, yeah?
[ With that, he lets go of the other again so he can move freely. Now that Aether is in place surely he can decide the most comfortable position for him ... right? There's absolutely no turning back now! ]
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When arms wrap around him Aether freezes for a second, before relaxing slightly. Perhaps he's extra jumpy about these things after what happened with Venti. His back is right against Childe's chest, the other doesn't hold him too tightly though, so maybe it really will be okay.
...It feels warm. Like in that dream.
He doesn't know why he's remembering that again, but Aether breathes out slowly, trying to relax. Then he settles in something maybe not really too comfortable, but he's pretty sure he'll be fine like this even if they sit here for hours.]
If... anything starts hurting you, tell me, okay?
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[ He'll click play and settle back in the cushions with a happy sigh, putting his arms back around Aether now as he drops the remote on the couch next to them. ] I will, don't worry. This is relax time for the both of us.
[ anyway, they'll be watching a Noctoum rip-off version of Zootopia. ]
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The movie proves to be a nice distraction and he stays silent at first, up until the moment a sneaky fox makes his appearance.]
...The fox is kind of like you.
[Except he's not looking for fights. But again, Childe even has a fox form, so it absolutely fits.
The story is really nice. It has it's happy or funny moments, it has some drama to it, some action. The more Aether focuses on the pictures on the screen the more he relaxes in Childe's embrace. He even puts his hands on the other's arms, gently keeping them there.
There's a pleasant warmth spreading through his entire body.]
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He hates being weak, he hates being vulnerable like this and part of why he's glosses over everything that happened is it still hurts to remember. It hurts to remember being helpless and terrified again like he had been running from those wolves and then tumbling the Abyss. He had sworn never to let that happen to him again, and yet—
Did that make him a failure? If this place could so easily render him that way, to force him to feel things he was sure he wasn't even capable of feeling, anymore?
As the movie goes on, Childe starts to drift. Despite his best efforts to stay alert, Aether's warmth feels good and holding him seems to keep his inner demons at bay that were out in full force before the Traveler showed up. It's nice to rest without memories flickering through his mind. He's had no nightmares yet, but he believes that is also this place doing something to them rather than his own mind being kind to him. The ugly nasty thoughts of his shadow self still linger months after even though they have been mostly quiet with Zhongli's help, there no reason for them to be quiet over the recent events.
He does come to before the end of the movie, happy to see the ending in particular. Stretching a bit like a cat, he yawns before snuggling Aether a little closer and leaning forward to rest his chin on the blond's head. ]
Cute, right? Want to watch another? Or are you hungry, want a drink, et cetera?
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Once the movie ends and Childe brings Aether closer, the boy doesn't protest. Instead he looks at the bandages that wrap around the other's torso, before looking up (or rather trying to) at Childe.]
Are you sure you should be moving like that? [The stretching, he means, but Aether's closeness also doesn't seem like a good idea if it would irritate the wounds.] If you're tired you can go to sleep. I... [He can't leave. He promised he'll take care of Childe until Zhongli comes back.] I'll stay by your side. Or sleep with you, if you want... I'm guessing the more manna you get in your state the better.
[There is a hint of blush on his face again, but they're already so close, napping together wouldn't be a problem.]
If your bandages need to be changed let me know, too, okay?
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Careful, Aether~. Those two offers could equate to about the same thing. When you separate them like that, it sounds like you're offering something much more intimate. [ It's to be commended, even, that the Harbinger doesn't do anything even slightly inappropriate to tease the other beyond what he said, which could also mean he's just that easily worn down.
He nods about the bandages, but doesn't say anything. He can't be bothered with them right now. ]
I've already slept more than I want to ever again, but... if you'll let me still hold you, then I guess I can stomach it.
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[Aether blinks blankly, before realization hits him making his entire face go bright red in an instant.]
I-I meant just a nap, nothing else!
[But he will thank Childe for not teasing him more about it, especially considering the recent events.
Still blushing, he can't help but note how tired the other looks.]
W-well... that's fine. [His heart is beating faster in his chest.] I just want you to feel better. Once you get some rest I'll take care of your bandages. And you need to eat something, too.
[He worries. He may not say it out loud, but he really worries about Childe. The other doesn't seem to ever take his injuries seriously, so he obviously needs someone to worry about him.]
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Ha, I feel better already! Really. I just get tired so easily no matter how much manna I get. I'm guessing it has to do with the recovery process here.
[ Aether is so warm and real and solid. Right now, he wants to keep him in his arms forever. ] Are you sure you're okay like this with me? I can let go if it's uncomfortable for you. [ he knows Aether isn't very great at affectionate contact and Childe himself is overly indulgent, so he attempts to make sure one more time. ]
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...Though now that the harbinger is holding him so close, being so warm and caring about his comfort, Aether wonders if the gentle and kind Childe is actually real.]
You were hurt quite badly. [He says with a soft sigh.] I'm not surprised it's taking its toll on you... but hopefully you'll be better soon.
[He closes his eyes, trying to relax more against the other.]
We... both need to recover some more. But I'm fine like this. I'm fine as long as I'm not hurting you more.
[In the end it's all about the other.]
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That... isn't much of answer. Is this not helping you? What do you need? Tell me, and I'll give it without hesitation.
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You sound so sure... [Is all he whispers, but doesn't ask for clarification. Instead, he tries to catch Childe's hand in his own and sighs a bit.]
I... don't need anything. I want to take care of you and make sure you recover properly.
[He'll squeeze Childe's hand if he's allowed.]
You sure like giving... but would you really give anything without hesitation?
[He's not asking because he has something specific in mind. He's just curious... That's all, really. He promises.
Either way, it doesn't matter, because Aether doesn't want to get anything. He wants to give everything instead. Since Childe is hurt and tired, he deserves to be spoiled at least a little.]
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Besides... I wonder if you should be asking that question to yourself, instead? Hmm...?
You're far more giving than I am. I only like giving to you and xiansheng, anyway.
[ Childe shifts from squeezing Aether's hand into manipulating the teenager's fingers to be able to lace their fingers together. He still hasn't moved his head from resting on Aether's own as he rests his cheek against him now, idly watching from the edge of his vision their hands together as he does so. He likes the feeling. ]
You're taking plenty care of me, but if you aren't sure to take care of yourself, as well, how will be able to keep doing so?
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He laughs softly.]
So I'm special? [Well, he and Zhongli are, apparently.] I'm taking good care of myself, promise.
[He tries to look confident. His thumb gently runs against Childe's skin as if in reassurance.]
And I... really don't need much anyway. You could say that being able to help someone is something that gives me a lot of satisfaction.
[Obviously, as long as he doesn't feel used. Possible rewards are nice too, but he's not as greedy as Paimon!]
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He's well aware of Aether's selfless nature. ] It's easy to help in this place if you're willing without much self-sacrifice. Which I'm glad for because I don't want you helping others at your own expense every which way possible. The only thing I can think of that is beneficial to you right now is giving you manna and that's already happening. So until you decide you want to synchronize at a different level, I'm happy to provide this for you, too. I like your company, so it's extra helpful to me, heh.
Are you sure you don't have other plans, though? I'm happy to keep you too myself for the rest of the day, but...
In any case, you deserve to be rewarded sometimes, too.
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Would it be anything like in the dream?]
A-actually I... [His voice dies in his throat and Aether closes his eyes for a moment. The blush that grows on his cheeks is almost damning.]
You can reward me once your injuries heal. [He managed to say firmly.] And I already said I'd stay here with you until Mister Zhongli is back.
[He's not planning to go back on his word.
But it's... it's nice that Childe cares so much about him. Everybody keep saving him in one way or another, so sometimes it feels like he's not giving back enough.]
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You promise, aibou~? [ he's not a fox currently, but if he had those tails they would be wagging like a puppy's. Funny since he isn't the one getting the reward, but hey! He's super curious now. ]
Ah ha, I'm glad to hear this! Will you stay for dinner with us, too, then?
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I promise. [Still... he's not quite sure what he'd ask for his reward. He sighs a bit, pressing his head a bit more against Childe's chest.]
And I guess I can't say no if you're inviting me to dinner... but are you sure I won't be intruding or anything?
[He's just making sure!]
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Hm... In that case, I'll be helping you with cooking. You shouldn't be moving too much with those wounds.
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It's fine, we'll just order in and you can get the door. Sound good? [ he doesn't want to hear it from Zhongli if he tries making dinner, anyway. ]
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[All to keep Childe in one place, so he could recover properly!]