crescentview | CATCHALL ⬦ 欲买桂花同载酒

[ A sigh. ]

Choose to behave today.

[ Or he will beat you up. Zhongli just takes it that Childe is excited for fish and not to see him. After days of thinking about it once in a while, he understands the extent of his "betrayal." Are there regrets? No. Just understanding.

Motioning to the dog, he introduces them. ]

His name is Jiaotang. [ Which Childe should be able to figure out means "caramel." Jiaotang gives a couple of sniffs before licking Childe's fingers. ] I'll get the tools, then you can follow me.

[ To cut out a hole in the ice, of course. Zhongli goes to fetch them, but is within earshot. ]

[ Crouching down as soon as he's certain he won't be overheard, Childe's patting the dog's head, soft and gentle, ruffling behind the ears. ]

... It's frustrating that he gave you such a cute name, Jiaotang.

[ Stings so harshly that none of this was personal, that he's just harboring this grudge all on his own. No malice behind the words. There's no acrimony here, except in the kind that Childe keeps for himself. ]

It wouldn't matter to you, though. Because he treats you well, right? [ Trust can be so precious. The dog barks, and the sigh that issues out of Childe is long and forthcoming. ] Right. Teucer would like you a lot, too.

[ Fondness like that is difficult to dismiss or overlook, when it comes down to it. By the time Zhongli returns, he's standing again and acting none the wiser, although the dog is nudging at Childe's hand by the snout. How telling. ]

I haven't been to the peaks yet. Is there ice up there?

[ you good, dude...? Jiaotang is nosing and teething Childe's hand, coaxing it to pet him more. Zhongli can see that as he returns with picks and chisels in his bag. Hm. ]

I see you two were getting acquainted. [ Which earns a small smile. Socialization for Jiaotang is good and whatever makes his company comfortable is a plus. ] He can join us, then.

[ Somehow, some way, the dog understands and excitedly spins around. Zhongli leads them off of his property, then up the trail. ]

There are snowcaps on the mountains, but I haven't had the chance to see them myself.

[ Can't believe the dog understands Zhongli better than he understands Zhongli. Anyways, much like a third wheel in this trio of emotional ineptitude, Childe takes the leisurely approach when answering. His pace stays slow and even, overwhelmingly deliberate. ]

I've at least been in the surrounding area a couple times. [ Having fought several people in the mountains since arriving in this godforsaken place, he'll only fight more as time goes on. ] The locals say there are hot springs near the top. Might be a good idea to pass by later if we're in the area.

[ May as well check it out. ]

[ It isn't that hard, Childe... Jiaotang walks beside Zhongli like a good dog, sometimes advancing forward and dipping into the forest with interest only to return with sticks. Every once in a while, the dog slows down to walk beside Childe, peering up at him like "no pets?"

Zhongli hums, hands clasped behind his back like the usual. ]

The lakes aren't so far up... [ Hm. There's a pause on his step, waiting for Childe. ] We can stop by if that's what you want.

[ Succumbing to vulnerability once was bad enough. Twice over and he might literally just pass away. Childe's exchanging profound, meaningful stares with Jiaotang, but beyond lobbing the stick every time it's handed back, he hasn't given into the temptation of another headpat. Not while Zhongli's looking. ]

And what do you want? [ His bloodlust, or his attention, or merely his company? This dynamic isn't exactly transactional anymore, so it must be something else. ] I still haven't figured that out yet. Did you want me to teach you how to fish? Or were you always interested?

[ If it's the latter, why did he only learn this now? ]

[ Jiaotang takes those heated looks to mean that Childe is also holding back on petting him? With whines and whimpers, the dog continues to bump his muzzle against his fingers.

For Zhongli, he tilts his head... Childe is moody again. ]

Friends create memories together, do they not?

[ He's even waiting so that they can walk side by side. These are small subtle steps. ]

Don't ask that. [ This bully... ] I'll accompany you even without being told to. Isn't that how friends should be?

[ Another pause, like he's righting himself after that admission, roughed-up and careful with the phrasing. It stirs up plenty of recollections, not all of them good. Even so, Childe falls in step, telegraphing his intent when he relents to patting Jiaotang. Never thought it'd be this way again, right on the brink of something too personal to confront. The only way to go on is to keep moving, though. ]

Come to think of it, I'm taller than you, aren't I? Just a little. You could say I have that over you, Zhongli.

[ By this much, small and infinitesimal, he can come out on top. ]

[ like a dog?? ]

Don't push yourself.

[ Building something new takes time and effort, but Zhongli believes in rest–he's in retirement, of course he does.

When the distance closes, Zhongli ambulated as usual, but matches Childe's pace. Jiaotang happily accepts the pets, satisfied and quelled. No more bothering from this dog.

...

......

Huh. He didn't have expectations and he especially did not expect this. It coaxes a small laugh, incredulous and amused. ]

I suppose so... Are you intending to weaponize it?

[ What are you going to do with that one or two centimeters? ]

[ like helping grandpa because he's going senile ]

Didn't you want to learn more about me? Isn't that why we're here? [ Selfish and contrived, foolish and still so insatiable for a fight: they're all traits that Childe exhibits in spades, just parts of who he is. Turnabout is obviously fair play. So is laughing back at Zhongli, louder for it, led on by absolutely nothing but mirth as he continues up the path. ] So, yeah! When you take off your shoes, maybe you'll have to look up at me afterwards? Because I'm so tall.

[ That's so funny. ]

It could be handy in a fight, too.

[ Long legs, longer strides. Two centimeters might come in clutch sometime. ]

[ just because that's actually happening doesn't mean we gotta say it ]

We are. So far I've learned you're taller than me and you get excited over fishing.

[ Getting to know each other, spending time without ulterior motives hidden behind their smiles, all of that wrapped in a neat package called Crescent View.

They're rounding up to the large lake now. Zhongli effortlessly guided them and they can see the icy surface upon their approach. ]

Height could be a benefit or a detriment, but it would depend on your opponent.

[ He isn't going to add an opinion if the opponent was himself. Instead, he starts working on cutting out a hole. Jiaotang sniffs the ice before trying to walk on it, only to instantly slip and flop. ]

[ To Jiaotang, as he's setting down the overwhelming miscellany of tools and various fishing implements: ] Over here. Good boy.

[ Soon as Childe's rolled out a mat (ostensibly for his new friend, how convenient) and inspected those paws for injury, he leaves the dog to wander about freely. Attaching the spools of filament line onto the end of each rod and hooking the lures is taken to utter seriousness. He doesn't respond awhile, attention either usurped or stopped cold in its tracks. ]

... Ah, do you know why I enjoy ice fishing the most, though?

[ Knelt down, glinting in Childe's voice is all that humor, unfazed by the chill. Eventually, his head tips up like a taunt, breath puffing and blown out. ]

I'll tell you, if you tell me something about yourself first. I don't know as much as I'd prefer. But I'd like to learn.

[ Jiaotang pads around into a circle onto the mat before settling down on it, barking once in satisfaction. Zhongli gives this a glance, thinking to check on his dog, but Childe has that handled?

After carving, he extracts the ice to unveil... A perfect hole. The excess is deposited gently on the side. Rubbing his wrists after is the only show of the cold affecting him, expression unwavering as he looks over. Hm. ]

What are you interested in knowing?

[ He's guessing Childe has an idea or two. ]

Your hobbies? Things you can't share with anyone else. [ For all that he's coming around to camaraderie, Childe fixates on the wrong things. Only had the foresight to bring a single pair of gloves today, after all, held out to Zhongli alongside the fishing pole. ] ... Tell me why you didn't reveal you were the Geo Archon sooner. Because Her Highness willed it?

[ Premeditation from even the Tsaritsa, hinged upon the expectation that he'd fail her. How bitter. Idly lifting his hand, Childe points to Zhongli's chest. ]

It never crossed my mind to aim here. [ Couldn't even conceive reaching inside of that ribcage and forcibly ripping the gnosis out of him. ] What would happen if I did now?

[ What's with this list? Zhongli doesn't appear frazzled, but he is surprised by how quickly Childe starts shooting off questions of interest.

Fortunately for the both of them, he flashes his own pair of fishing gloves–Childe can keep his. Tools aren't things he forgets to bring along. It really is only money. ]

Some of my hobbies you are already familiar with... Meditating, taking walks, sampling teas, reading books, fielding restaurants and stands, but lately I've found myself enjoying birdwatching. [ He just sounds old. There's a pause as he takes the fishing pole after his hands are covered, inspecting it despite thoughts elsewhere. ] For my plan to succeed, pieces had to stay hidden and truths needed to be obscured. The Cryo Archon and Signora's silence was but another condition to our contract.

[ This shifts more blame onto him, less on the Tsaritsa, which he has no qualms. The game was rigged from the beginning.

Bait hooked, the line gently descends into the hole. ]

If you were to try it now... You would be trying to break my sternum and ribcage.

No point trying it, then. There's nothing in there for me. [ Mildly spoken, Childe takes the gloves back, turning them over in his hands before pulling them on. Bird-watching, huh. His fingers close and then open wide, but he still can't visualize cracking open the ribcage to tug out the heart. ] It didn't have to be that way. If you'd asked, I would have given you the chance you wanted.

[ As if it's unfeasible that it could be any way otherwise. Tossing the lure in, he refrains from saying anything else on the subject, biting down on his own tongue instead. ]

... It's about the pursuit. Fishing tests my patience. How long I can last. I like it, because it's worthwhile. If I'm determined to keep going, then I'll get what I want the most.

[ Don't question his methods. Childe hardly questions himself, unwilling to relent or look away when it matters. No break to these thoughts. ]

Your turn. Ask me whatever interests you, Zhongli. I'll answer.

[ He stays quiet while his gloved hand presses over his other for warmth... With the topic dropped, he doesn't pursue it. There's no point in relaying the many variables and that perhaps how all of this fell into place is destiny manifesting itself.

It's all in the past now, untouchable and set, yet Zhongli daydreams some of a different tale—one where he colludes with someone else. It's a blip on his mind before he swerves right back. ]

Hard work and patience are parts of the formula for success, in many cases. [ Though he'd simply accept that Childe just likes fishing. He hums... ] I'll throw the same question back at you. What do you do in your spare time?

[ Hopefully, it isn't stalking people and that's just a part of espionage. ]

Well, I'm partial to people-watching. [ Any reports that he's quit chasing randos since the incident in Liyue may be greatly exaggerated. ] Besides that, I usually train. Maintaining my reputation is pretty important! [ Off-the-clock, it comprises the bulk of what he does. ] I also like performances.

[ Dedication to one's craft is beautiful. So many times, he's stood outside the grounds of street fairs and opera halls alike to observe the dancers and theater actors and musicians, all of them immersed in the heights of passion. Just for a short while. Without any emphasis, Childe's gazing down into the water, staring at nothing in particular. ]

My father would often tell me tales of glorious heroes when we went hunting. I have a soft spot for them.

[ After all, he has to carry around this birthright with him at all times: Ajax coming to one harbor after the next like blood trailing through water, a portent of absolute death. Several years have passed, and he's still no closer than before to what he seeks. ]

Does that answer it?

[ Zhongli sees nothing wrong with people-watching despite my meta comment. It's a hobby he has grown fond of with old age, when before he had little interest in mortal matters. With some shifts, he adjusts his line, hoping he'll have better luck. ]

It does. [ As predictable as some of this was, it's different to hear it from the source. ] I hope you find formidable sparring partners here. As a harbinger, you can't afford to return rusty.

[ Zhongli doesn't offer himself since Childe should choose whom he fights and his pathway to heroism—odd considering the Fatui's current role in their world. However, he's open-minded. Heroes and villains are sometimes divided by a fine line, seen through the eyes of the beholder.

Still humorous. The mention of stories has him reminisce. An afterthought... ]

I haven't heard a Snezhnayan tale in a long time.

[ Maybe he should, that shit's fucked up. ]

I'd heard plenty about you, too. How many revered gods you'd slain. In battle, you were reputed to reign undefeated. [ Tantamount to death, he'd expected nothing but greed and bloodlust from Morax, who wielded enough power to even overtake the world. ] Honestly, I didn't think you'd be this way.

[ So normal as to evade his notice completely, and then playing him for a fool. All of this ambition Childe can't put to rest, and he's just out here fishing on the ice with the much-esteemed archon of contracts and commerce. Several times over, he'd even stepped in to pay on Zhongli's behalf. Is this guy just messing with him? ]

How can I convince you to fight me? Win you over with a story from my homeland?

[ Look, Childe can't help snickering into his hand, the other one left steady on the rod. It's too much to handle, almost like real friendship. ]

Those tales paint me in a different light, even if the events they regale are true. [ Some translations describe him as the god of war, but he wouldn't apply that to himself. He was not barbaric. He was just a musclehead. ] I do admit that I've changed across the years.

[ Far from human, he was quite different before he tangled with them. As much as he taught and influenced them, they taught and influenced him (but not enough).

I rolled an 8, so there's a little nibble from Zhongli's line, but it goes still shortly after. He doesn't yank at it at all, instead deep in thought. In the end, it comes down to combat with Childe. ]

For that price, I'd ask for a story of a different nature.

[ First time he's haggling? ]

It wouldn't be strange if you kept changing. Isn't that how life is? Even you couldn't stay the same forever. [ Retirement came out of left field, but Childe still isn't the least bit aware of how erosion devours the mind. Sitting in the confines of his thoughts, he answers the thrashing on his line with a sharp tug of his own, the reel of the rod spinning around what's ensnared on the other end. ] And— besides that, was suspense always your strong suit? Afraid I'll refuse?

[ Obliqueness, like chance, has no place here. RNG never even factors in when Childe hooks the fish, glass-thin fins wriggling as it lands in the bucket. No insensitivity here for what ultimately loses out to him. The world merely belongs to those strong enough to possess it. ]

Name your price?

[ Covering the costs is what he's used to? ]

Within an exchange, every person would get their turn on the floor.

[ Which is usually why he tends to pause, go silent, and merely listen... Granted there are many people in this world that enjoy filling the silence simply with their voice. Maybe too much.

Anyway. ]

A story from childhood will do.

[ Stop calling him a loudmouth, wtf. Anyways, time to be noisy with this anecdote. ]

... I wasn't nearly so outgoing back then. See, I was afraid of getting hurt, so I'd stay inside while my siblings ventured outdoors. One day, I decided I'd had enough, and struck out from home for an errand. It wasn't a long trip. No more than a mile and a half away, at most.

As I'd sought to surprise my family, I told no one I'd left. But I spent far too long wandering about the village instead. It'd grown dark and begun to snow, so I couldn't tell where I was going... nor where I was headed. I kept going, and lost my way. I remember thinking that I should have brought a compass, since I couldn't consult the stars.

Hours passed before I saw a fox pawing at the ice. I realized I was standing on the river that ran from outskirts of town to my home. At that time of the year, it was completely frozen. If I followed it, I'd be able to return home.

So I walked across it, and found my way back. After that, I was laid up in bed for a week. But I wasn't nearly so fearful, from that point on. Because I promised myself... I'd never be caught unprepared again.

[ Here, he pauses, in case Zhongli is inclined to offer his input in these trying, trying times. The pile of fish Childe's caught while rambling on and on is steadily forming beside him. ]

[ Childe is a loudmouth... The guy just walks into rooms and his voice is loud? It cuts through conversations and makes them stop? ]

I see... [ He wrangles in one fish which is sizable, a bit of a chubby one. ] Your troublemaker streak started at that point.

[ Says something rude without the intention of it being rude. That's just how he sees it. ]

CATCHALL ⬦ 欲买桂花同载酒

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