| [It was a surprise to hear that stuffy old Zhongli had started a new research venture down in the Lental region, but Childe didn't think much of it, really. He'd honestly figured that he would just drop by for old time's sake. Sure, they both made their names and careers alongside each other, but after Zhongli earned his doctorate and Childe moved on to greener, better-paying pastures... well, they hadn't exactly kept in touch. He was planning nothing more than a short visit. He was planning to just be in and out. He'd say something nice and encouraging to Zhongli's new assistants, and then he'd be on to the next gig, the next award ceremony.
Instead, he keeps staying. He keeps putting off his departure, day after day. Childe's made a comfortable life for himself, staying down at the research camp with Zhongli and the twins. In the mornings, he helps prepare the things Aether needs for his exploratory ventures; in the afternoons, he helps Lumine processes the data from the photographs and plays with the Pokémon, who have all grown a little fat and indolent owing to Zhongli's general, well-meaning neglect of them.
It doesn't pay as well as it should, considering Childe's credentials and the fact that he might fairly be considered the world's most prominent contemporary Pokémon photographer, but Zhongli is an old friend, and the money's gotten old, really. Childe doesn't need any more money. He needs something fresh, and new, and maybe a little too young, but — eh, it's hardly a crime, now is it?
Something fresh and new takes the form of Aether, who is resting after a hard day of work in the Voluca Island volcanoes. He's lying on the bed in his room, scrolling through his camera, evidently reviewing the day's shots. Childe smiles; he has fond memories of doing the same, back when his camera wasn't half-smartphone and the film still needed to be developed in a darkroom.]
How's it going, comrade?
[Smiling, Childe makes his appearance, leaning in the doorway to Aether's room as he tips his head just so in the fledgling photographer's direction.]
Professor Zhongli showed me the photo you took of those two Volcarona today... Really great work! |
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