songerein | It's a Genshin Christmas

Who: Genshin cast!
Which: Log
Where: Aether's ~~(and Childe's)~~ house
What: Genshin cast meets up for dinner and a small party, chaos ensues
Warnings: alcohol, will add more if anything happens!

[The temperature dropped, snow started to fall and it seems like Reverein is preparing for some kind of holiday. Aether observes all of that with fascination and decides that this is a perfect moment to gather everyone for a dinner together. Surely, a meeting at such a time will help them all get along!

...Hopefully.

Every person from Teyvat will get an invitation as Aether gets to work, and when the day comes around, all invited will be welcomed by the traveler and lead inside to the living room.

All kinds of dishes can be found on the table and everyone should be able to find something they like. Apart from various specialities from Mondstadt, Liyue and Inazuma, there are also Snezhnayan dishes, all thanks to a certain Harbinger who helped Aether prepare this feast. You can also find various drinks and teas to warm you up (likely a contribution from Diluc and Zhongli), though Aether did not foresee that a certain bard may be trying to add something to those drinks. Be careful not to get drunk!

Apart from food, you can warm up by the fireplace and there are also blankets stacked on the couch in case someone felt particularly cold today.

In the corner of the room there are many small boxes with bows, each one having a name tag. Apparently, this is a gift-giving season so the traveler felt the need to include that in his plans. The gifts are really not too much, many will find cookies and a colourful holiday card inside, but it's the thought that counts!

Sadly, not everything is planned. Aether could not expect that his house will be so inviting for Gumdrops. The small creature will float around, urging you to hug or kiss... or fight! Aether definitely does not like that last kind.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Well, Zhongli is the God of Contracts, and more familiar in the realm of contracts and formal settings. Hugs just... don't usually come up much when discussing contracts. So it's more an awkwardness borne from inexperience than anything.]

[Still, Zhongli brushes the front of his coat and nods, standing up straight.]

Very well. I suppose one hug is a good place to start, yes?

[And he sort of... holds his hands out for Aether. Hug time?]

[In a way, Aether can guess that Zhongli has more experience with everything official, but something so casual like hugs may not come his way often. Maybe this is a good moment for a new experience, then, considering the holiday atmosphere and the cheerful mood of all (?) gathered.

Aether still feels some dose of awkwardness, but he gives a nod and a small smile, before stepping closer and wrapping his arms around the taller man.]

[Hug time! As Aether steps closer, Zhongli moves as well, wrapping his own arms around the traveler. It's a little bit stiff with inexperience, but for one who hasn't given out hugs in a while, it's surprisingly firm and steady. A nice stable hug.]

[He holds still while he hugs Aether, though after a couple of seconds he glances at the little creature. Would this satisfy it?]

[A nice and stable hug indeed. It's comforting and makes you feel safe - just as expected from someone who watched over his people for thousands of years.

But! Zhongli could definitely relax a bit. Aether gives him a small pat on the back while the gumdrop doesn't look quite satisfied yet.]

[A few seconds pass, and Zhongli clears his throat a little. Was the gumdrop not satisfied..? But at that pat on the back, Zhongli tries to readjust his grip, into something more comfortable. He does make an effort to relax a little, and though it still is a little awkward, the hug becomes a lot more relaxed than before.]

[Will this do??]

[The gumdrop seems to be nodding, but still not entirely satisfied with this. It does see the progress though! Good job!

Aether smiles a bit awkwardly as he pulls away a little.]

Are you okay, Mr. Zhongli? Those creatures really can be picky...

Ah... I am alright, but I must admit that I am not used to such public displays. I am ashamed to admit that it has been quite some time since I last hugged someone.

[Being a revered deity didn't often leave room for casual hugs, after all.]

Hm... maybe it's a good moment to practice.

[He grins a little.]

Then you could give Xiao a hug. He definitely needs those.

[Practice... well, it would certainly do some good to have more practical knowledge in such things, especially if he were to be living among mortals... However, Aether's words cause him to perk up.]

Xiao..? What makes you say that?

Well, he cares a lot about you.

[Aether may not know the full story between the two of them, but it's obvious how much Xiao respects and cares about Zhongli.]

And he's always trying to keep distance from people. He's working on it and... [He smiles softly, his gaze searching for the friend in question.] I really am proud of him that he's trying to open up.

[He looks to Zhongli again.]

I think a pat on the head or a hug could encourage him more.

[Zhongli lets out a noise of contemplation, and his expression makes it apparent he is seriously considering Aether's words.]

You certainly have gotten to know Xiao well over your stay, Aether. I have known Xiao for many years, and I know his... reservations when it comes to physical contact with others. But if you think this could be beneficial for him...

[HMM. He might have to research this whole "hugging" thing.]

I am proud of his progress as well; I can tell that he has grown more open to such things lately. I just do not wish to make him uncomfortable.

[Aether takes a moment to consider it.]

I understand, but it doesn't have to be a hug right away.

[Small steps with Xiao are important.]

Even a pat on a shoulder or a headpat would be good for him. If you're the one to do it, then it may reassure him that it really is okay to be close to other people.

I must say, your skills of perception are as keen as ever.

[He nods in understanding.]

But I will take your word for it. I had wished to give him space, but if it will be to his benefit... then I can certainly include more physical forms of affection.

[And it's like Aether says; he doesn't have to hug right away. Just something small.]

Thanks.

[He smiles, happy.]

I hope Xiao can really relax while he's here.

[The stay here is like a vacation for all of them.]

I agree. I also hope he is able to find some solace while here.

[It really is a much-needed break. It's nice, in a way.]

[Zhongli pauses, glancing at the little slug.]

Hmm... is our audience satisfied?

It seems to be quiet for a while now.

[Aether glances at it as well and soon the little gumdrop makes a small jump, then it leaves, likely looking for another victim.]

And it's gone.

[Aether sighs, then smiles.]

How about we get some tea?

Hmm. At least it seems satisfied.

[Well! That was easy. Zhongli sighs as well, and lets Aether go.]

Yes, I thing that sounds delightful. Lead the way, Aether.

It's a Genshin Christmas

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