[God, it was just a matter of fucking time, wasn't it? That's how it's always been with these people. They'll find others like her and bring them on that chain whether they like it or not.
She thought she was done with this... she just held onto Zhongli for a while, muttering more swears and cursed under her breath that should never be uttered in polite company. Each blip her phone got only made her fear spike. But the contact eventually helped her to settle while she reminded herself how to breathe.]
Zhongli... [She pulled back slightly, rubbing at her eyes that were puffy and red. She couldn't stop the crying after all, but at least it was less than normal. It didn't take that long for it to start going into anger.]
I dunno how long she's gonna be stationed here. [Which was to say, she might need to stay a while.]
[When she pulls back, Zhongli is ready. He removes a napkin from inside of his coat and gently dabs at her cheeks.]
Xiaoquè, you are always welcome here. Stay as long as you need. [He doesn't use terms of endearment often, but it comes so naturally when comforting a child like this.]
I want to ensure the safety of the others. I'll contact Venti and see if we can shelter everyone who's in danger right now, since I only have the one spare bedroom.
[She still was better at this by now, having comfort from a grandparent figure. Still weird in a way, but it helped. The name was lost to her but she could feel the affection from it, that's all she really needed.
She nodded weakly, taking a shaky breath.]
A-Alright, got it. [A pause.] Yeah, good idea... I know Dan Heng and the others are safe, but I'm worried about the kids.
[It's still dangerous for them even if she would have remembered them either way and Ei's a god too so fucking with her was risky even for Teresa.]
I feel the same. This is the time where we should all come together. [This is why he regained his powers, he's sure-- so he could protect the ones he loves.]
Some tea would surely do you some good. Please, sit down and have a cup. It's been a little while since I had you as a guest.
no subject
She thought she was done with this... she just held onto Zhongli for a while, muttering more swears and cursed under her breath that should never be uttered in polite company. Each blip her phone got only made her fear spike. But the contact eventually helped her to settle while she reminded herself how to breathe.]
Zhongli... [She pulled back slightly, rubbing at her eyes that were puffy and red. She couldn't stop the crying after all, but at least it was less than normal. It didn't take that long for it to start going into anger.]
I dunno how long she's gonna be stationed here. [Which was to say, she might need to stay a while.]
no subject
Xiaoquè, you are always welcome here. Stay as long as you need. [He doesn't use terms of endearment often, but it comes so naturally when comforting a child like this.]
I want to ensure the safety of the others. I'll contact Venti and see if we can shelter everyone who's in danger right now, since I only have the one spare bedroom.
no subject
She nodded weakly, taking a shaky breath.]
A-Alright, got it. [A pause.] Yeah, good idea... I know Dan Heng and the others are safe, but I'm worried about the kids.
[It's still dangerous for them even if she would have remembered them either way and Ei's a god too so fucking with her was risky even for Teresa.]
no subject
Some tea would surely do you some good. Please, sit down and have a cup. It's been a little while since I had you as a guest.