kowase | IC INBOX

[Ah, right, the side entrance-- which he remembers after he reads the sign. Not a problem. He makes his way up there, and is greeted with a more tousled Vittore than usual.]

Forgive me for stopping by unannounced. I brought food, however, so I thought it would be a suitable apology for the imposition. [Poor Vittore is going through the motions. Don't think he doesn't notice.] A key would be very safe with me, but you've no need to go out of your way...

As for drinks, water is fine. Otherwise, I'm happy to share something with you.

[Zhongli is as calm as ever, a boulder in a placid stream. He goes to find a place to set down his bag and unpack it, and he explains as he unloads.]

I heard from a little bird that you were not feeling well. Eating appropriately for the season, as well as something nurturing, is often prescribed when that is the case. Accordingly, I consulted the 24-month calendar that was in use during much of China's history... including my own. Did you know that according to tradition this week would be considered the beginning of autumn? Harvests are nearing their peak. I thought you might enjoy a little taste of my home since we are both currently unable to travel abroad.

[First is something light that looks like a... bunch of grapes? But upon closer inspection, they're not translucent. They're bigger, too, and more like lychee than anything else.]

Longan fruit is particularly pleasant for this type of weather. Once you crack the shell, you can eat the soft fruit inside and discard the pit. It's sweet without being overwhelming—a perfect appetizer.

[Next, he takes out a big ceramic dish with some still-hot crispy noodles as well as a smaller dish with beef and tomatoes to go on top.] Summer fare is generally quite light. With autumn on the way, however, it was suggested in those times that people eat heartier things to prepare for winter.

And lastly, the promised soup for whatever ails your body or soul. [This is perhaps the biggest tupperware of all. It's very old but very sturdy, and calls to mind 70s era housewives throwing parties in their living rooms.] Autumn chicken soup, a favorite in many herbal cookbooks. Garlic and green onion, shiitake mushrooms, goji berries and jujube... All good for the immune system and digestion.

Your plates have not been packed away, have they?

It is ... alright. You are one of the few people who I would not be upset with and turn away for visiting without first calling, Zhongli. [ you saved his life, after all. how could he ever hope to think of this man as anything but a welcome sight--even while he's feeling on edge, like someone could sneak into the third-story window at any time?

even opening the door had been a chore. ]

--...Ah. I wonder who that little bird was. As it is right now, it could be one of a dozen, truth be told. [ Dante, Nero, Nicholas, Zulius... just to name a few. He legitimately cannot think of who it could be. ] I do apologise if I worried you any--I am sure they are more worried than they need to be, I merely. Have a discomfort with leaving the house, currently.

[ emotionally constipated as this man is, he's having difficulty explaining that he's afraid to go outside--that he worries he may get jumped again, as he did, last time. Despite the fact that the facility has become one with the center of the earth, and all its inhabitants buried and long gone.

,...he'll listen as the other describes the beautiful, but purposeful dishes he brought along with him--cooked, himself, he would assume, and there's an... odd feeling, starting in his stomach. Being cared for is a strange feeling when you have no real reference to what it feels like?

surely, this is what it's like to be worried over. ]

I have not packed much of my home away yet. It is mostly just things that can be easily put away, not the things being used. So fortunately--plates and glasses are still available. [ because he will go and get some water and ... surprise, he does actually have chopsticks, as well as some spoons for the soup.

He'll set the table while he tries to figure out what his emotions are currently doing. ]

I should probably reassure you that I am not moving away. The young girl, Eve, approached me a day or so ago, worrying that this incident has made me wish to go home.
Such an idea could not be furthur from the truth.

[There are few places safer than right next to Zhongli in this town, but he has to convince Vittore of that first.] I would never turn you away either, friend. My door is always open to you. [The issue is that Vittore has to actually leave his building for that to matter.

As the man goes on, Zhongli's lips press into a line. He definitely has the look of a worried parent, though it's less because he's suddenly very expressive and more because Vittore has known him so damn long. His expressions are all in the eyes.]

Vittore, I am going to worry regardless of whether I am told of your wellbeing or not. [It's a given, he's a dad.] You do realize that the only way to conquer such a concern is to go outside?

[That's the depression, my man. He'll arrange everything in a neat way while Vittore fetches the plates and things, because otherwise he will fret openly and he'd rather not subject anyone to that.]

—Ah, not quite. I had assumed that, due to the incident, you no longer felt safe at this location and intended to move somewhere else in the city. You have family here, after all. [A pause.] I assumed that if your suffering did not drive you directly into the arms of your father, nothing would.

[Zhongli doesn't care for that guy.]

Edited (word choice, it's 5am and my brain is old rice.) 2023-08-13 12:08 (UTC)

[ it's... weird, having someone fret over you openly. Frankly, Vittore isn't sure how to deal with it. The only fretting he'd been used to was from his mother, fretting over his appearance, making sure his hair was properly done, that his clothes weren't wrinkled--so he'd make a good impression.

His father's fretting about his choice in schools and investments, and how they'd affect his life.

Having someone fret over his well-being, his heart--There's a flash of something in his mind, a memory that's distant and unclear. It makes him pause as he pours two glasses of water from the filtered dispenser in the front part of his fridge. ]

...I realise that now. [ it really just hit him like a brick, delivered by the one and only rock god himself.
He places the water down, and then he sits. Folding his hands over one another as he adjusts and readjusts his grip. ]

I will have to go outside once the transition between houses starts. I had thought about staying here, but a... friend of mine had other plans, and said he could not stand to see me 'live inside a closet', or something to that effect.

[ he's looking at Zhongli, fully, now. ]

I have no need to run into Aldo's stiff and dysfunctional arms. Will I be able to assure you better, once you see me go outside, then? [ he doesn't need aldo, Zhongli is here. ]

Hmm. If this is a closet, then I shudder to think of what my old quarters might be called... A new house is something to be celebrated, however. I'll have to find a suitable housewarming gift.

[He thought Vittore's place was perfect, but considering how hoppin' the birthday party had been, perhaps it's better that Vittore's expanding.

He pauses halfway through dishing up the noodles, then nods.]

Of course. If you would not mind a little company, I'd like to take a walk with you as well.

[Is he giving Vittore too much of the beef and tomatoes on top? Probably. In some respects Zhongli is less some old god and more like everyone's doting grandparents who won't let anyone leave the house hungry.

He starts on the soup next. There is definitely way too much going into Vittore's bowl, but who's gonna call him out on it?]

[ he's gonna watch the other for a moment, quiet as zhongli goes through the motions. portioning out food. there's a small thought in his mind--an amusement that ah, this is what it's like to have a parent who visits and decides you're too skinny, isn't it.

His parents weren't ever like this--nor were his own grandparents, but.
He's sure this is what it looks like. feels like.

He can't help the little shake in his shoulders as he tries to hold back a chuckle. ]

Now I am worried about the state of your own home, Zhongli. [ ....hm. ] Should I ask? [ he's going to cut him a serious glance as... the man starts to put way more than he needs to into his bowl. ]

I would invite you out for a walk.
That is, if I am able to walk after the amount of food you are putting on my plate.

The state of it isn't terrible, but it is small for two people. Xiao refuses to take the bedroom despite my urging, but I have been—

[He pauses, remembering the 'game' with Venti, and rephrases what he was going to say.]

I have been out of the apartment very often as of late, so our arrangement works in the short-term. In the long term I would like to upgrade to a two-bedroom apartment. It's important that he has his own space, even if both of us have lived in more dire conditions than this.

[A whole apartment to oneself was a luxury only royalty and nobility could afford, once.

Zhongli, for his part, ignores the glance.] Hm? [He's just being a doting parent, don't mind him. Upon being called out on the amount of food, however, he stops and chuckles a bit.]

I can carry you, if necessary. [He takes the hint, though, and stops shoveling the food on. He doesn't take any off the plate, though, and just sets it in front of Vittore.] But I think that would do little to help your pride.

[ it's fine that zhongli didn't taken anything off his plate. he'll clean it regardless, already picking up his spoon to start on the soup, his eyes drifting a little as the other offers to carry him.

God why does everyone offer to carry him. Everyone in his life-- ]

I would spare your back. It is quite alright. I have been taking time to build my pride back up, you see. [ it's taking some time. ]

If you need aid in finding a new place, you do know you can always ask me for help, Zhongli.

I know accepting charity from others can be difficult, especially when it is of a large scale, but.

[ he gestures at the apartment that he's working on moving out of. ]

Nero also refused to take my bedroom despite the urging as well. I believe the young people are just like this.

I see.

[SPARE HIS BACK... Zhongli is old but he isn't elderly. Still, it's... nice to be able to talk to him like this, and share a good meal. Truly there is nothing more healing for the sickness of one's heart than the company of loved ones. Zhongli might act like he's relatively unbothered, but he harbors a deep concern for Vittore after... everything.]

Thank you for the offer. I should be able to find an empty unit in Arcadia, where I currently reside. I'd like to stay there for... a few reasons, not least of all being that Xiao has a friend there, and I would be remiss to separate them. [Xiao has not had many friends in either lifetime.] It also has the most beautiful flowers.

Regardless, the Black Order will soon send me some funds I am owed, so I should be able to afford the upgrade.

[He settles down into his chair now that he's done dishing up the food. He'll start with one of the fruits he brought, which he cracks open barehanded with ease of practice.]

I am willing to believe it. [Xiao is like 1000 years old but.] Perhaps it's something to do with independence.

[ listen youre older than him, therefore it's compulsory that he make some sort of dry joke about zhongli's age. it's what Nero would want, or something. Or maybe it's just him being a little manic on top of the mood swings he's been feeling lately. ]

Likely a poor idea to pull the boy away from his friends, so I understand fully. I hope your backpay is substantial enough to allow it. [ he's going to quietly start eating--and at the very least, his italian upbringing will have him clean his plate. He knows better than to leave leftovers. ]

...thank you for visiting me today. [ he suddenly ... realises that maybe he needed this. casual conversation with someone who isn't dante. who isn't nero. someone from outside, and who isn't asking him constantly if he's okay, or if he needs anything.

just chatting.
like life is normal. ]

Are you interested in things like gardening? You mentioned flowers.

[It's true. Zhongli is definitely used to the needling from the people around him. It feels nice and familiar.]

It should be. [He sips his water.] I am not sure of the exact sum, but I am owed some amount for the past five hundred years or so.

[He moves onto the beef noodles like he didn't just fucking say that.]

Of course, Vittore. I only regret not visiting you earlier. [Vittore is in a state, that's for sure. But Zhongli's here now, and he'll do what he can to help him recover.]

Hmm... Not quite, though I don't dislike it. I was originally raised on a farm so the rituals of planting and harvesting are not unknown to me. Though, it was a very long time ago now. [Vergil is just getting all the lore today.] You may find the real reason to be frivolous.

[He sets his fork down.]

The flowers I am speaking of hail from Liyue. Like a few other things, they were plucked wholesale from my memories and landed in Kaisou, as if not a day had passed since I last walked among them. The flowers are called Glaze Lilies, and they were rarely seen even in my time...

[His amber eyes seem unfocused, distant, as he thinks of a scene that he hasn't set eyes on for thousands of years.]

The one who cared for those flowers is no longer here, and I would not like to see anything happen to them. In this life and the last she was a gentle soul with a bright and inquisitive mind. She used her gifts to help others—right unto the end.

Edited 2023-09-04 10:59 (UTC)

[ 'glaze lilies'. Vergil had a pretty extensive knowledge about flowers--even their language--but that was a flower he'd... never heard of. He slows his eating again, taking a pause to drink a glass of water as he focuses on Zhongli, eyebrows furrowing. 'Liyue--' clearly a name from off-world, and by the dragon's own admittance, they are a plant not native to Earth.

He wonders if they were like many other things in the supernatural world: invisible to those who aren't magically-inclined. he wants to see one, now. ]

My condolences for your loss of this friend, but it is at least tender to hear you caring for something she left behind. Taking you from such a precious memory seems cruel, on one end. [ he gives a small chuckle, a dry thing at the back of his throat. ]

I do not think it is frivolous to care for something that brings you comfort. Even if it is something like caring for a simple flower.

No, I would say that your gentle hand to take care of the things you care about in your very long life is part of your charm, as a person.

[Zhongli appreciates now, as always, that Vittore is the way he is. He gets him. Zhongli is a man of elegant words and deliberate actions, so it's obvious the flowers mean a lot even without explaining the entire backstory. Not that he'd mind, but he was trying to cheer things up rather than make them more depressing.]

... Thank you.

[He smiles a little, but there's definitely some sadness to it.]

If I am in any way gentle, she was the one who first taught me such things. She always advocated for humanity. In those days, I was somewhat... difficult to work with—I was more of a beast than a man, truth be told. Fortunately, her stubbornness and determination matched my own.

I was blessed to have friends in both lives who saw a heart that could be polished.

[ he related to zhongli because they were alike in that regard--elegant and purposeful, no wasted words, if they could help it. A purpose behind every feeling, every sentence. It was easy to understand him--even if he didn't understand the emotions behind the words entirely. ]

There's little need to thank me. [ but he nods anyway, while slowly getting through his plate. ...honestly, it's probably the most he's eaten in days, and he's slowly realising exactly how hungry he'd been--and had been ignoring it. ]

I have a hard time imagining you as a beast. Despite the fact that I have seen you half-transformed into one.

[ it was more haunting than beastly--but not frightening--rather, he felt protected by it. safe. ]

But if that is the case.
Perhaps I should offer her thanks as well.

[Zhongli sees how Vittore is making the food disappear, and he's quietly relieved.]

Is that so? [He's a little embarrassed at the reminder, but the words feel... nice, regardless.] I will take the compliment.

[The less said about his murderous past the better.]

Perhaps one day you shall receive the chance.

[He neatly eats a bit more.]

Is the food to your liking?

[ he seems content that Zhongli is willing to take the compliment at face value. Nodding his head as he pauses in his chewing--looking down, maybe. Not having realised exactly how much of the dishes Zhongli had (piled up) put in front of him he'd been quickly destroying.

He clears his throat. ]

I admit, I cook most of my own meals and therefore I am not ... used to Chinese food.
But it has been a pleasant change.

No, rather, I quite liked it.

You'll have to share the recipe for this soup.

IC INBOX - kaisou

as do i, though i am woefully making spaghetti right now

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