[Beautiful. It shouldn't be surprising - but maybe it's that it's said so purely, without the salaciousness he might expect. Childe may be cruel, but he is at least cruel with purpose. It still pulls a faint frown to Zhongli's face, his expression so subtly different that some might not have noticed it.
Despite it all, though he appreciates the resistance to touching and the offer, he can't find himself impressed. Not so soon after everything, and not in his current predicament.]
... And if I were to tell you that those... scraps of yours are hardly acceptable for the clothing you doubtless expect them to be?
[He's no fool, of course - even if Childe hadn't clarified, he's more dignified than to demand his own freedom for a name. If it was that simple, he wouldn't be here.
As to stubbornness... well, no. Ultimately, there's an ache starting in the tips of his extremities, and the way they've begun to curl in a bid of protection says as much. Still, he'll dance this dangerous dance as long as he can.]
no subject
Despite it all, though he appreciates the resistance to touching and the offer, he can't find himself impressed. Not so soon after everything, and not in his current predicament.]
... And if I were to tell you that those... scraps of yours are hardly acceptable for the clothing you doubtless expect them to be?
[He's no fool, of course - even if Childe hadn't clarified, he's more dignified than to demand his own freedom for a name. If it was that simple, he wouldn't be here.
As to stubbornness... well, no. Ultimately, there's an ache starting in the tips of his extremities, and the way they've begun to curl in a bid of protection says as much. Still, he'll dance this dangerous dance as long as he can.]