As One Learns And Remembers . . .
This one's being written in honor of my former scalp, which is gone after seeing his birthday art because his boss really outed him like that. I think I do enough with the characterization here and one of them's new, but I think I got the core elements of them down. Self-indulgent as fuck.
In Yujing Terrace . . .
Zhongli: (wiping his mouth with a handkerchief) Mmm. This was a pleasant meal to be had with you. Thank you for inviting me along.
Diluc: (sets down his chopsticks) The pleasure is all mine. Now, for the bill-
Zhongli: (raises his hand) Allow me to pay for it. It's only fair for me to cover the bill.
Diluc: (raises his eyebrow skeptically)
Zhongli: (pulls out his wallet, politely) Please, I insist. It's only fair for me to cover the bill after you invited me out.
Zhongli sets down the payment, including a decent tip.
Diluc: (genuinely surprised) You didn't have to-
Zhongli: (chuckles, teasing lightly) I do have funds of my own, Diluc. I simply need to get into the habit of remembering to have it on my person.
Diluc: (awkwardly coughs into his fist) Of course. It's just a matter of what to expect. Thank you for paying.
Zhongli: (puts his wallet away) Now that the bill settled, shall we go for a stroll before we go to the theater? It would be my treat to take you as there's a limited show playing.
Diluc: (nods, agreeably) Yes, I would like that very much.
Diluc thought that the show itself was quite good, but to him, the fact that Zhongli actually covered the costs was something else entirely.
---
Somewhere in the Southern Wharf . . .
Zhongli: (observing a collection of letter openers, holding one) The carved engraving in the hilt is very intricate . . . (holds it up closer) What do you think of it?
Childe: (leans down to look at it, plainly) I really like the blade itself. It's been made well and looks like it'll do its job well. (turns to the display) Wait, I really like this one! (points to one in particular)
Zhongli: Hm? (looks at what he's pointing at) Oh, that is a nice one.
Childe: (thinking on it) You know, I really might get it. It looks durable enough to function as a shank if I need it to.
Zhongli: (unfazed) And it is for a decent price as well.
Childe: (spies something beyond the stall) Hold on, what is that over there . . . (already going towards that area)
Zhongli: (to the merchant, pulling out his wallet) I would like to purchase that letter opener, please.
The letter opener in a display case is a long silvery blade, dark, finished wood carved with what looks to be fish. The carving is filled with blue resin and the blade is engraved with Liyuen script on the edge. When he received it, Childe was very touched to say the least.
---
At Third-Round Knockout . . .
Zhongli: (waves a waiter over) Another round of drinks and those specialty rice balls for me and my friend, please.
Zhiruo: (nods) Of course, sir. (goes to prepare the food)
Beidou: (still cackling over something he said five minutes ago, fairly buzzed) Archons, that's unbelievable . . .
Zhongli: (turns to her) As unbelievable as it sounds, that is indeed the case. If you had been there to see it yourself, you'd find that it's not as impossible as you'd think to flip a crocodile onto its back.
Beidou: (wipes a tear from her eye) No, not that . . . that's perfectly believable . . .
Zhongli: (confused) Then what's so unbelievable about it? I'm only telling you what happened.
Beidou: (releases a noise akin to a wheeze as she laughs that much harder)
Zhongli: (unable to help but half-heartedly roll his eyes) I know not why you find it so funny, but to each their own, I suppose.
After the refreshments arrive, they chow down and converse some more, their combined energy eventually winding down as the storytelling for the evening starts. Whether Beidou notes that Zhongli paid for the meal this time or not is hardly of any concern at this moment.
---
At Heyu Tea House . . .
Itto: You know, Gramps, I had absolutely no idea that Ushi was a fan of tea! Ever since you introduced him to it, it's like he can't get enough of the stuff!
Ushi: (sitting on a cushion, lapping at a bowl of tea) Moo, moo.
Itto: (pats Ushi on the head) You're welcome, buddy! And while we're here, maybe Gramps can show you some more teas later.
Ushi: (pointedly) Moo, moo. Moo.
Zhongli: (considering) You'd like something a bit stronger this time?
Ushi: (firmly) Moo. Moo, moo . . . moo.
Zhongli: (nods) Duly noted. Your taste is quite interesting, Ushi. I may try some of your suggestions myself later.
To help with the translation: Ushi is very direct about his likes and dislikes.
Itto: (digs around his pockets and pulls out a few lollipops, opening one and giving it to Ushi) Here you go!
Ushi: (nabs it with his mouth nudging Itto's hand with his head, muffled) Moo.
Itto: (laughs a little) Don't worry about it, man! (hands a lollipop to Zhongli) You like the fruit punch one, right?
Zhongli: (smiles, taking it) Yes. I am quite fond of the flavor. Thank you, Itto.
Itto doesn't blink when Zhongli pays for Ushi's selection of five teas, but for whatever reason, he feels great about it.
---
At Wangsheng Funeral Parlor . . .
Zhongli: (looking over some documents quietly)
Hu Tao: (suddenly pops up from behind him, clapping her hands on his shoulders, loudly) Boo!
Zhongli: (did not flinch, unfazed) Hello, Director Hu.
Hu Tao: (deflates a little, arms falling away from his shoulders) Aw, I thought I got you for sure that time.
Zhongli: (turns to her) Did you happen to need something from me?
Hu Tao: (perks back up immediately, swinging around to the other side of his desk before rocking on her feet) Only an answer to a question - one question - of mine. (drawn out) So . . . .
Zhongli: (sighs, before asking) What question would you have for me?
Hu Tao: (swiftly goes from bouncy to dead serious) How do you like your gift?
Zhongli: (ponders on it, then says) It is a wonderful gift, Director. (heartfelt) Thank you for seeing it fit to get it for me.
Hu Tao: (eyebrows raised in some surprise, snaps back to her usual self, embellished) You are most certainly welcome, Mr. Zhongli! (bows) As much as I'd love to chat some more, I must leave you to your work. (waves directly in his face) Ta-ta! (dashes out of the room)
Zhongli: (blinks once, then allows himself to laugh a little, fondly) That child . . .
---
While we're here: 41 followers! Thanks for sticking around during this dry period. I'm trying to get back into it but the years start coming and they haven't stopped coming for a hot second. As such, I'm quite busy, but I felt I could bust this thing out in one go, so here!
An attempt was made to incorporate the five love languages and I don't know if I was successful or now. Have fun guessing them because I'm still guessing myself. Happy birthday, old man.
I shall continue to perpetuate that Ushi is not only sentient but on the thinking level of the Aranara if not Guoba. There's a brain in that head of his, I'm sure of it.
