[ Zhongli's hands pause for a moment in their motions across Childe's skin. He had said that many times now - that he was surprised Zhongli came to him of all people; that he would take care of him and make sure that he didn't feel alone.
Had he felt alone? Is that why he was here? ]
I suppose there are others that I could confide in. And others whose company I could keep.
[ But when he looks back on his life in Liyue---
He seems himself working at the funeral parlor, the director both his boss and a friend, but she is quite young still - more likely to spend her free time with Xiangling and those two boys... ah, the names had escaped him again. But he was certain, yes, there were two young men around their age. He sees himself in his free time, listening to poems of Liyue's history and traditions and watching operas of Yun Jin Troupe. He sees himself wandering the markets, pleasantly greeting shopkeeper and shopper alike. He sees so many people in his life.
But none capture his attention like the Harbinger as he makes a pleased noise at a new dish Zhongli picked for him to try. None warm him like the volley of questions that come with each story, not matter how old or dry the content. None lighten the weight like Childe taking Zhongli's hand and plopping the item he'd be glancing at for weeks in his palm with a smile and a "I'll pay for this one, Xiansheng" as if that was the exception rather than the norm.
The comparison of the two feelings --- ah, well, it's not even comparable at all.
He looks up to return Childe's smile with a small but reassuring one of his own, shaky as it might be in his confusion. ]
no subject
Had he felt alone? Is that why he was here? ]
I suppose there are others that I could confide in. And others whose company I could keep.
[ But when he looks back on his life in Liyue---
He seems himself working at the funeral parlor, the director both his boss and a friend, but she is quite young still - more likely to spend her free time with Xiangling and those two boys... ah, the names had escaped him again. But he was certain, yes, there were two young men around their age. He sees himself in his free time, listening to poems of Liyue's history and traditions and watching operas of Yun Jin Troupe. He sees himself wandering the markets, pleasantly greeting shopkeeper and shopper alike. He sees so many people in his life.
But none capture his attention like the Harbinger as he makes a pleased noise at a new dish Zhongli picked for him to try. None warm him like the volley of questions that come with each story, not matter how old or dry the content. None lighten the weight like Childe taking Zhongli's hand and plopping the item he'd be glancing at for weeks in his palm with a smile and a "I'll pay for this one, Xiansheng" as if that was the exception rather than the norm.
The comparison of the two feelings --- ah, well, it's not even comparable at all.
He looks up to return Childe's smile with a small but reassuring one of his own, shaky as it might be in his confusion. ]
But your star is the brightest to me.