[ Oh. There's a look about Rex Lapis' features. That coupled with the comment - ]
My lord, excuse me for the impertinence, but... What are you trying to discover? The conversation makes it seem like you have something you want to know.
[Rather than be upset with Xiao's question, Zhongli chuckles a bit.]
Your intuition is as sharp as ever, Xiao. I'm afraid I did have a few ulterior motives when I asked to speak to you.
[He adjusts his posture in his seat, bringing his arms up onto the table and clasping them before him.]
Now I must ask you for your forgiveness for my own impertinence. I heard upon the winds that your affections have been claimed, and wished to see if that was true for myself.
You didn't need to do all of this just to ask a question.
[ Because Xiao would have answered. He would agree to come to tea for the sake of spending time with Rex Lapis. Xiao would also agree to tea even if he knows that the Archon had questions. There's nothing he would hide from Zhongli.
The mention of affections has him looking down at the cup. His grip becomes a little tighter. ]
There... Was no claiming anything. I think he's always had them, from the day I met him.
I may not, but is it out of the ordinary for friends to converge over tea? And is it not more appropriate to share big news with others over a good cup of tea?
[Maybe he also just wanted to spend some time with Xiao to check in on him. Even so, leave it to Zhongli to put together a whole ceremony for asking simple questions. He is nothing if not particular.]
[He nods slowly as he listens to Xiao's explanation, a small hum of understanding escaping him. Ever since that first meeting, huh?]
That is quite a declaration. And he returns your affections?
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no subject
My lord, excuse me for the impertinence, but... What are you trying to discover? The conversation makes it seem like you have something you want to know.
no subject
Your intuition is as sharp as ever, Xiao. I'm afraid I did have a few ulterior motives when I asked to speak to you.
[He adjusts his posture in his seat, bringing his arms up onto the table and clasping them before him.]
Now I must ask you for your forgiveness for my own impertinence. I heard upon the winds that your affections have been claimed, and wished to see if that was true for myself.
[His wording is entirely intentional.]
no subject
[ Because Xiao would have answered. He would agree to come to tea for the sake of spending time with Rex Lapis. Xiao would also agree to tea even if he knows that the Archon had questions. There's nothing he would hide from Zhongli.
The mention of affections has him looking down at the cup. His grip becomes a little tighter. ]
There... Was no claiming anything. I think he's always had them, from the day I met him.
no subject
[Maybe he also just wanted to spend some time with Xiao to check in on him. Even so, leave it to Zhongli to put together a whole ceremony for asking simple questions. He is nothing if not particular.]
[He nods slowly as he listens to Xiao's explanation, a small hum of understanding escaping him. Ever since that first meeting, huh?]
That is quite a declaration. And he returns your affections?