i’m a monster.

……….if you command it. of course. ( head bowed like a scolded child as he cracks the door open. )

( well that’s hard to work out for xiao. to think of zhongli as anything as his liege is like asking him to think of water as anything but wet. he nods, still. ) as you wish. i would like some tea.

( he sees. of course he does. his head ducks as he sits in the nearest chair. he’s doing something wrong. ) yes. ( no. but zhongli asked, so he will not deny him. )

( and of course, his archon knows him better than anyone. xiao’s eyes widen as he looks up at them, realizing his lie has been caucht. he does not fear punishment from zhongli, only their disapproval. ) i would not want to be anywhere else than with my lord.

. . . On a day this holy? ( shifts uncomfortably. jaw working around words that seem impossible to say out loud. then, ) Happy birthday, Zhongli-er.

I am not your son.

I will destroy you before that happens.

. . . Not on their birthday. Have some sense.

( breathes a small sigh, back straightening at the perceived praise. a short nod, determined to please his lord in any way they wanted. ) If that would please you. I . . . do have a gift for you as well.

Today only. He deserves the quiet. ( decisive nod. )

You are worthy of all I have. ( a pause. cheeks warm instantly, duch clear devotion obviously unwanted and unnecessary. morax knew how deep xiao’s loyalty runs, he doesn’t need to repeat it. ) It is nothing much. It is something I should have given you long ago.

That must mean it is a good one. The Traveler said one should never guess a birthday present. ( turning around after a second, seemingly gathering himself. then, as he turns, he presents zhongli with a feather; a muted gold and tattered by the years passing. ) Here.

. . . And stay away from him. Et cetera.

pfft

you look miniscule

…………………….

( he looks absolutely distraught. she destroyed him. )

“a water.”

i’m not hungry.