insurmountable | you hide your face with your disguise // 'cause someone filled your head with lies

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you hide your face with your disguise // 'cause someone filled your head with lies

[It had been a few days since the hunt for the Great Mujina Youkai had come to an end, having to say goodbye to the kids and to Yoimiya too. The ship that was to take him back to Snezhnaya would be arriving a bit later in the day, and Childe sighs as he sits back in his chair in the tent he's occupying in one such hidden Fatui camp. He had a great time in Inazuma. The country was beautiful, rich with a new culture to learn and all sorts of places to explore and fight new and more exciting enemies. All his things were in order- the gifts that he'd bought to bring back to his family, Teucer's Onikabuto in a little bug box with some food to keep it alive during the trip back- all he'd have to do is wait for the ship and he'd be on his way.

He tells himself that he'd return to the country one day, once tensions between the Fatui and the Shogunate calm down. It was a miracle that he was able to stay as long as he has, evading the Tenryou Commission. He has some people to thank for that, and he won't forget what they did for him while he's been here. Some gifts would be in order for them upon his return.

The Harbinger idly plays with a writing utensil between his fingers. He'd like to bring something from Snezhnaya for Yoimiya, too.

There's a sharp rap at his door, and Childe sighs. He doesn't really want to deal with work right now, perfectly happy reminiscing on the time he's spent in Inazuma before he leaves, but answers with a bored tone to his voice:]

Come in.

[An agent enters, bowing and standing at attention.]

Sir, we've captured a Tenryou Commission spy that was found sneaking around. We've taken her into custody and are awaiting your orders on how to deal with her.

[Childe's eyebrow raises. It should have been hard to find this camp, even by the Shuumatsuban. Somehow, doubt creeps into his mind, but stands from his chair.]

Alright, I'll deal with it myself. At least I can have one last bit of fun before I depart.

[The agent only bows once more, to lead Childe towards the prisoner. He knows better than to argue with the Harbinger, but feels sorry for the spy. The two cross the camp to another tent, the agent stopping him right before lifting the flap for his senior commander.]

She claims to be from the fireworks shop, but we've seen Tenryou soldiers stop frequently at it.

[Before he can answer, the flap is lifted to reveal a certain girl that he'd met not but a few days ago...]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Glancing up, she catches a glimpse of the apologetic expression Tartaglia is sending her. She giggles in response, nodding her head to tell him that she's already having fun. Now where could Teucer have gotten his merciless personality from? Hmmm, she'll have to point that out to him later. ]

Nice try but looks like you missed this one. Hehe, maybe it's time for the Queen of the Summer Festival's firey counterattack!

[ Said jokingly with only the utmost fondness, wanting to ignite the flames of Teucer's merciless kid heart to make the game as fun as possible for him. On the surface, Yoimiya has a big ol' confident smile on her face, but on the inside, she's sweating bullets. The young boy might have missed this time but he got dangerously close to another ship sitting at E4. Maybe he's got a natural talent for Dreadnaught. ]

How about B6?

[Relieved to see that Yoimiya is having fun regardless, he relaxes as both Yoimiya and Teucer continue their fake naval battle. Teucer looks down, but determined knowing he missed with his guess, however that won't stop him from sinking at least one of Miss Yoimiya's battleships. He waits with baited breath for Yoimiya's next guess, and Tartaglia notices now that Teucer had placed all his ships really close to each other. That's...not good.

Sorry little brother, you might end up losing this round, and it's barely even begun.]

Oh no!!!!!

[The confirmation that Yoimiya's guess was right, the little boy's voice rings out through the cabin. Chuckling, Tartaglia hands Teucer a little peg to put in the top of his ship, to indicate that it's been hit.]

Sorry Teucer, looks like Miss Yoimiya here found one of your ships. You better prepare your own counterattack or she'll take them all out.

[The smile on Tartaglia's face is warm, fondness for this moment creeping up on his countenance, hidden from his siblings but in full view of Yoimiya. His siblings playing with the love of his life, how could it be more tender, he doesn't know.]

But how do I counterattack? I don't know where her ships are!

[The little boy whines, forcing Childe to press a finger to his lips.]

Shush now, complaining won't get you anywhere. You have to think about it, and have a little luck on your side, too. Remember where you hit her ship the first time? Guess around there.

Okay...where was that...oh, I remember! It was A4, so I'm going to guess A3!!!

[ In the face of Teucer's precious over-the-top reaction, she's doing her best to hold in her giggles but it's hard to not at least crack a smile at him. Glancing between the two brothers, Yoimiya's heart skips a beat as she gazes upon his features that display a loving fondness for his family. For most people who simply know him as a Harbinger, it might be hard to believe that he even harbors a soft side but for Yoimiya, he's been nothing but sweet and warm ever since their first encounter back home in Inazuma.

In this tender moment, she finds herself getting lost in his beautiful eyes, staring at him with pure love behind her expression, truly and utterly blessed to have him in her life.

Oh! Before she gets carried away staring at him, they have ships to sink. ]

Nope! But that's a great guess.

[ Tartaglia's got the right idea, one of her ships sits at A6. She doesn't mind giving him little hints here and there. If anything, Yoimiya is hoping for Teucer to pull out a victory. Just thinking about him celebrating with his older brother while he showers him with praise fills her heart with warmth. ]

Why don't we go with... D1 this time.

[ It still has yet to occur to her that Teucer's ships are all in close proximity to one another. For the time being, she'll continue throwing out random quadrants until they stick. ]

[For a second, he glances up to see that lovestruck look on Yoimiya's face. His heart suddenly skips a beat, but his attention is drawn away almost as fast as he'd given it to her to see if Yoimiya's managed to sink one of Teucer's ships. She misses, but his lips are sealed on that, because she definitely doesn't need two brothers telling her she didn't hit it-]

Mwahahaha-! You missed again. Looks like Teucer is going to win this one.

[His youngest brother's proclamation gets him to chuckle, oh wow, who taught him to taunt his enemies in battle like that...]

You're pretty confident, aren't you Teucer~ I hope you're able to hit one of Yoimiya's ships if you're going to talk a game like that.

[He sends another wink to Yoimiya, his brother is being kind of extra, but please shittalk him back. It'll be good for him when he actually starts shittalking during fights.]

Careful or she might make you eat your words.

[ Interesting. Yoimiya marks the location on the radar, taking note that all of her guesses have been pretty far away from each other. Did Teucer accidentally put his ships close together? Her next estimate will decide his fate, for now, it's little brother's turn for a counterattack. From the corner of her eyes, she spots Tartaglia sending a cheeky wink her way. She grins back at him, understanding his intentions loud and clear, he wants her to fire back right at the lil fella.

Admittedly, she was holding back since he's just a kid but since the older brother asked... ]

Oh, you're putting up a valiant fight, Teucer. I feel like I'm on the end of my ropes...

[ Yoimiya lets out a long sight, adding a flair for the dramatics to make this game even more exciting. However, it's not long until she flashes him a toothy grin. ]

But I'm not going down without a fight. What's your next guess? Bet you aren't gonna hit me.

[Teucer, naturally, eats all that drama all up, feeling more and more confident in himself. He's winning! Against an adult! He's going to make his brother proud of him, rubbing his hands together. But it looks like she's not going to give up, the little fire behind Teucer's eyes lighting up when she taunts him. It takes a lot for Tartaglia to hold back a giggle, his fist coming up over his mouth as he hides his smile. What a show, this game was a great idea after all.]

Ohhhhh, just you wait and see! Hmmmmm...I guess! E2!

[Even now, the other two siblings have seemingly lost interest in their own game to become spectators to Teucer and Yoimiya's game, with Tonia sliding over to cuddle up next to Yoimiya and Anthon taking a place next to Teucer. They watch on silently, now engrossed in how this battle will end. Tartaglia too, waits patiently to see the outcome, finding it so endearing that all three of them have gotten involved in this one little game. Bringing Yoimiya home was a good idea, and he's glad to see that they're all getting along so well.]

[ Like a child herself, Yoimiya is having a blast playing up the drama, Teucer's precious reactions adding fuel to her boundless excitement. He's so funny rubbing his hands together, looking like a mini diabolical menace ready to blow up some ships. ]

Nope! That was a good guess though.

[ A small hint for his troubles. Glancing over at Tonia, she gives the sweet girl a wink, gesturing with a head nod that her ship is floating its life away at E4. Giggling to herself, she scoots over to give her companion some room. Ever so gently, she places her hand on top of her head, combing her fingers through the girl's soft ginger hair. Having Tonia by her side is the power boost she needs to take on Captain Teucer! ]

Hehe, what did I tell ya? And now that my trusted first mate Tonia has arrived, we're gonna be unstoppable.

[ Now with the trash talking out of the way, it's time to confirm a theory about her rival captain's ship placements. ]

A6?

[Both of the younger boys' jaws drop when Yoimiya guesses A6, another hit and what seems like the beginning of the end to the siblings. Anthon can't help but give Teucer a look, seeing his placement of all his ships...]

Teucer, no wonder she found your ship again! Look at how you placed-

Shhhh, Anthon, don't give it away, [Tartaglia quickly interjects, shushing his younger brother so Teucer still has a fighting chance.] If you say anything more, Yoimiya is going to find all of his ships no problem. Don't give your opponent any more information than you have to. This is an important principle in not only Dreadnaught, but in battle. You have to keep your enemy on their toes, got it?

[Both brothers look upward at Childe, eyes wide and nodding.]

Got it!

[Both of them turn to look at where Teucer's already guessed, their faces scrunched up in concentration trying to figure out where to go next. Tonia, as they think, looks up at Yoimiya with concern on her face.]

Miss Yoimiya, you have to win! It's two against one now, so I can help to even it out, right? I'm your first mate!

[Now having come to a decision with a few whispers between the boys, Teucer pipes up from behind his board.]

We're still gunna win even if you do help! Heheheeee...Teucer guesses B3!

[ Oh? Although Anthon didn't get to finish his thought process, he confirms her suspicions. Poor sweet Teucer placed his ships too close together without much thought. She grins to herself, purposely feigning innocence to keep the game going. The kids having fun is way more important than winning and truthfully, she does want to see the little fella pull out a victory through sheer willpower.

To play up the drama, Yoimiya lets out the most over-the-top gasp. ]

Drat! They got a hit... Captain Teucer and his crew sure are powerful.

[ Yes, she's including Tartaglia as part of the crew. Maybe his fighting words resonated with his younger brother because she was impressed with that quick counterattack. ]

That's right, Tonia! Even if they have the advantage, we're gonna shine through with our teamwork.

[ She belives in Tonia power! ]

With all my heart, I trust the judgment of my reliable first mate. So Tonia, where do you think we should strike next?

Uhm...

[Yoimiya's confidence in Tonia makes the little girl blush, putting her finger to her lips as she looks at the board. Where would her silly brother be hiding all his ships, she wonders. Teucer is still really bad at games and gets ahead of himself due to all that pent up energy he's got, but Tonia doesn't want to mess up Yoimiya's chances of losing, either, so she's being careful. Tartaglia watches from across the table, wondering how his little sister will deal with the situation now that she's been put in the hot seat with intrigue.]

C'mon Tonia! Just pick a spot!

[Teucer, being impatient, whines from behind his board. But their game won't last much longer, because a new voice pops up from the doorway as their mother enters the room.]

Be nice to your sister, Teucer. It's just a game, let her take her time.

Mother.

[She glides into the room, and Childe stands quickly to greet her, giving his mother a small kiss on the cheek before he turns back to his warring siblings.]

Hey you three, Yoimiya and I are going to go in the kitchen with Mother for a little bit, so you guys behave and finish up this game, okay? You can play another if you'd like, but after that, get ready to wash up so you can come help us with dinner.

Okay!

[They all chirp in unison, with the oldest son present giving them a look of satisfaction. He offers a hand to Yoimiya to help her up from the couch, before looking at the two women and nodding.]

Come, so I can do a proper introduction. It's a little too noisy in here, after all. Let's go somewhere more quiet.

[Tartaglia will lead the ladies away as quick as he can so the kids can play their game, which they're fully into now as they try to sink each other's ships. Once they're in the kitchen and away from the kids, Childe is able to breathe a little easier for the moment.]

Alright, shall we? Yoimiya, this is my mother. She's been very excited to meet you.

It's true, I've been waiting ever since he told us about you. He never stops talking about you, [she offers, with a big smile on her face,] so I couldn't help b-

Mother, please, [Tartaglia begs, his face flushing a hue of red.]

[ Out of the blue comes a beautiful lady striding into the room. As she gracefully enters to the glee of her sweet children, Yoimiya is star-struck, in total awe at how pretty her appearance is. It's no wonder the whole family of gingers are all so precious. ]

Y'all have fun. Make sure to tell me who wins, I gotta know. [ But of course, she doesn't forget to cheer her lovely helper on. ] I believe in you first mate Tonia!

[ As she takes Tartaglia's hand to stand up, Yoimiya makes sure to give each of the three kids a warm pat on their adorable heads, a thank you for the immense fun she had. Whatever happens after they leave, she can't wait to find out, knowing they will have a fun story to share at the table.

She gingerly laces their fingers together, quietly inhaling a soft breath as they make their way into the kitchen. There's no denying her heart is racing with both excitement and nervousness that she's finally meeting her beloved's mother. This momentous occasion has been on her mind for some time, ever since they started exchanging letters. Impressing children with sparklers, fun, and games comes naturally to Yoimiya but making a good first impression on her boyfriend's mother? That's a brand endeavor. One she hopes to succeed. Ahhhhhh! This has to be one of the most nerve-wracking moments of her young life.

But then, her worries start to seem a bit silly. The playful tease does the trick in settling her nerves, merrily giggling at poor Tartaglia's plight. Now she's starting to see where her boyfriend gets his mischievous side from. ]

Hehehe. It's so wonderful to meet you! I've been looking forward to this day.

[ With a smile as bright as the sun, Yoimiya feels at peace now. Gently, she slips her fingers out of Tartaglia's grasp to clasp her hands together, greeting his mother with a polite, Inazuman bow. ]

Thank you for the warm welcome and for inviting me into your home.

[Thankful for the fact that Yoimiya isn't joining in on the teasing quite yet, he breathes a small sigh of relief as his girlfriend introduces herself. He's not completely used to their ways of meeting people quite yet- Inazumans are incredibly polite, and he's glad his mother hadn't reached out for a handshake or anything, as he'd warned her not to prior to their meeting. Though, he hadn't really known what to tell her how to greet Yoimiya back, but he's sure she's not offended.]

Of course, we're so happy that you could come visit. It must of been such a long ride for you here in the far north. How are you liking Snezhnaya so far? Is it as pretty as he's surely waxed poetic about?

[He'll leave those two to converse for a moment, walking over to a door that leads out to an enclosed porch, walking out there for a moment before returning with what looks like a bottle of wine which he sets on the center island of the kitchen. He quickly pours two glasses out for them, handing them over so they could have a little drink while they got to know each other.]

What's wrong with expressing my love of Snezhnaya's beauty? I love my country just as much as the next person, [he says, not taking that comment lying down.]

[ Poor Tartaglia... she's watching a mother embarrassing her son right in front of her eyes and it's hilarious. Sorry boyfriend, she can't stop the giggles slipping out of her lips as he pours them glasses of wine. The whiplash from Lord Tartaglia commanding over his men to a good mama's boy is really quite endearing. She's all smiles, bringing the cup to her lips to enjoy the taste of the wine on her tongue, along with drinking in Ajax's funny reaction.

Yeah, she definitely sees where the son gets his mischievous nature from. His mother is an absolute riot. ]

Snezhnaya is absolutely stunning! Hehe, his flowery poetics described the beautiful country perfectly. [ ONCE AGAIN SORRY BOYFRIEND, she can't help herself with this one. ] I've never seen this much snow in my entire life.

[ IT'S SO MUCH SNOW... her beach-loving heart still can't believe it. And oh boy, she's looking forward to playing in it with his family. ]

Have you lived in Snezhnaya your whole life?

[At least someone's appreciating his poetry. Tartaglia will gladly look proud of his choice of words, pouring himself some wine as well for the moment- he feels like with his mother here, he might need it. Surely she'll break out the baby stories about him soon enough, and he's going to need to be a little loose for that.]

Oh yes, myself and his father have lived in this little village our whole lives, we met here when we were little...I suppose you could say I got to marry my childhood friend. Everyone in the village was delighted when we were engaged, and it's one of the most memorable weeks of my life.

[He can see what's going on here, and Tartaglia quickly clears his throat because mom we are moving on from the subject of marriage thank you, changing the subject to stay away from any more potentially embarrassing topics.]

Yes, and now she has a son that spoils her rotten every chance he gets, [he adds, sipping from his wine glass as he turns to Yoimiya.] Mother's birthday is coming up, and I've managed to keep her gift a secret from her. Every single year, she somehow catches wind of what I've gotten her, but I've taken every precaution this year to keep that from happening. Perhaps I can ask you to help me with this year's gift to her, Yoimiya.

[He smiles at her, before turning his eyes towards his mom with a mischievous grin. NOT THIS YEAR, LADY.]

[ As she listens to Tartaglia's mother, Yoimiya's chest bubbles with tender warmth as she imagines his father proposing to her in the most romantic fashion, the entire village of Morepesok celebrating their marriage to a breathtaking wedding near the ocean. But before she gets a chance to inquire, her son quickly changes the subject! She can't help but giggle, the poor guy has been embarrassed enough as it is.

Not to mention, the topic of marriage is a bit too soon for a couple that's only been dating for a few months. He still needs to meet her parents before they consider tying the knot... ~~SWEATS NERVOUSLY AT SEASONS~~ ]

Oh! Yes! It'll be an honor to help pick out a present! If we work together, I'm sure we can come up with a surprise that she won't see coming, hehe.

[ To throw her off, it'll have to be something from Inazuma, she ponders to herself, already formulating ideas. Suddenly, a glimmer of realization reflects in Yoimiya's honey-colored eyes. That's right! She can't forget the presents!! ]

Speaking of gifts! [ She turns to Tartaglia. ] Do you know where your men placed that chest? I brought some presents from Inazuma to give to your whole family.

[Crisis averted, for now. He's gotten his mother off of the topic of marriage, knowing full well that she wants her son to tie the knot with a nice girl and settle down, despite the fact that she knows that he's a Harbinger and can't do any such thing for the foreseeable future. Bless his mom, but she's really got to keep that mischievous side out of this for the time being, he can't be making any promises he can't keep here...]

Ah, yes! I placed the chest upstairs in the room you'll be sleeping in tonight.

[Going to not say it's in his room in front of his mom, here. Not yet, not till later. They just met, and he doesn't want to starting throwing that kind of thing right in her face.]

I can take you up there. Mother, you don't mind if we head upstairs for a moment, do you?

[He smiles at her, that face saying everything. Let them go upstairs for a minute, have a little moment to themselves, and they'll be right down with gifts.]

Oh, yes of course, you two go fetch those gifts. Thank you Yoimiya, you shouldn't have. That's so very thoughtful of you, to think of us all the way up here in the cold north.

[ The room she'll be sleeping in... should be Ajax's room! Yoimiya picks up the vagueness in his response, happily nodding her head. Good call on his part to keep their sleeping situation on the down low for the time being. While it wouldn't surprise her if his mother eventually figured it out on her own, it wouldn't be proper to be so overt about it on their first meeting. ]

You're welcome. It's the least I could do for inviting me into your lovely home. I wanted to bring you all a little slice of Inazuma.

[ And one day, she hopes that his family will be able to visit her country. It will be a little crammed up in her family's tiny Inazuman home with his huge family but she's looking forward to housing all of them. As soon as they're out of the kitchen, Yoimiya reaches over for Ajax's hand, lacing their fingers together as they make their way upstairs. ]

Thank you for showing me the way. You're such a gentleman, hehe.

[ A gentlemanly Harbinger! For his chivalry, he deserves a well-earned kiss to the cheek. ♥ ]

[Tartaglia excuses both of them from the kitchen, his fingers twining with hers when she takes his hand. It's soft and warm, and at the same time feels so small in his grip. He doesn't know how to describe it, but it feels like something worth protecting, this feeling of warmth and closeness that he gets from her. The kiss is the cherry on top, making his heart flutter a little bit, the realization that Yoimiya is here, in his home and meeting his family finally starting to settle in.

As they climb the wooden stairway up to his room, he grins back at her, the ghost of her lips on his cheek still tingling his skin.]

Of course. We'e got to get you settled in, right? Come, it's just down the hall.

[Reaching the top of the stairs, the pair is greeted by a hallway that leads to several rooms, the finishing matching that of the cedar that the home was built with. Pictures line the walls of the family in various settings, all framed and hung up for anyone to view. Decorative wall amulets with Snezhnayan patterns are hung up among the various pictures, and at the end of the hall is a window with a cute wooden table sporting a vase of flowers. It's a strange sight given the endless snow outside, but Tartaglia doesn't seem to pay them any mind, swinging into a large room right on the end on the left next to the window.]

Right in here.

[The room itself looks bigger than what one would imagine this cabin would hold. A bed sits in front of a giant window that takes up the whole wall, letting light shine in without any issues. It seems there's a way to bring a giant blind down if Ajax wishes, but otherwise there's a gorgeous view of the Snezhnayan countryside from the window with the water from the ocean visible through the trees. He also has his own personal bath that's attached to the room, the door off to the right to a spacious room filled with all the necessities of having a comfortable bath. A small couch and chair is found in another corner of the room, where he can have his own personal time to work on things for the Fatui or just to crash if he wants.

Tartaglia lets go of her hand to go sit on his bed, letting her to wander around and take a look all she wants. But when she's ready, he'll be waiting for her right next to him.]

Make yourself at home. You'll be here for a while, so as far as I'm concerned, my home is your home.

[ As they make their descent up the stairs, Yoimiya marvels at all the rooms lining the vast hallway. From the moment she first laid eyes on their home, she's been enamored by the cedar cabin that stands proudly in the pristine white snow, and with each step she takes, the house has an even more beautiful presence on the inside. Even more so with the knowledge that Ajax had this house built for his family after becoming a Harbinger, their safe space from Snezhnaya's harsh weather is one of the most splendid sights she's ever seen. It warms her heart knowing that he had this cabin built from the ground up out of love for his family.

Every decoration is like a work of art that Yoimiya can't help but stop and awe at. She fondly smiles at the frames displayed on the wall, the portraits tell a story of a large family with a love for one another as vast as Snezhnaya itself. A singular vase filled with pink flowers easily catches her attention, an unexpected sight in part due to the land encased in ice but it only adds to the cozy atmosphere of their lovely home.

And for the grand finale, they wind up in Ajax's room. Immediately upon stepping in, Yoimiya's eyes grow wide at the splendid view of the frosty countryside and the stunning ocean right outside his window. She quickly drops off her bag on top of the yumemiru chest containing his family's gifts before making her way closer to the window to get an even better view of the fantastical scenery. Once she's had her fill, she makes sure to do a quick look around of her beloved's room. There's not a single speck of dirt or dust, everything is clean and immaculate. The spacious bath looks amazing, already exciting her to dive in and get cozy. And from the corner of her eye, she spots a cute chair and couch, it makes her wonder how much Fatui work he still has to take care of while visiting his family.

Now that she's got a good tour of the place, she joins Ajax at his bed, gingerly placing her hand on top of his. Thanks to him, she feels so perfectly at home. ]

It's so wonderful, your house gets even more beautiful the more I explore. Thank you so much, Ajax. I feel right at home.

[His eyes follow her as she explores, smiling when she gets to the large window. It really is a wonderful sight, it's one that he enjoys waking up to every morning that he's actually able to be home for. The best part about this now is that he'll get to wake up to it with Yoimiya at his side, and he couldn't of asked for a better moment. Ajax stays silent only to point out small things, like 'hey, there's a small closet in there too' and chuckle quietly at her intrigue to know how her boyfriend lives when he's at home.]

I'm glad to know you'll find it easy to settle in here. Be careful, you may never want to leave.

[He grins at her as he takes her hand, holding it up in front of his mouth to plant a small, gentle kiss to the back of her fingers, his other hand brushing the rest of the back of her hand. Tartaglia lets his gaze lock with hers, as if he were trying entice her to stay with him here in this snowy landscape forever, seeing how strong she was or if she'd melt and truly never leave.

Not that he would mind. Nothing would make him happier than to wake up by her side every day he's able.]

There's no need to go back down quite so quickly either. We can have a few moments to ourselves before bringing the gifts back down.

[ The gentle kiss to her hand incites a soft sigh to spill from her mouth, those lips that she's been yearning for feel like heavenly bliss against her skin. Those beautiful blue eyes are like a honey trap, tempting her to forgo Inazuma and stay in this icy tundra with him forever. An offer that she seriously might consider. The time they spent apart from each other was excruciating, every second felt like a knife was twisting at her heart. And now that they've reunited, she wishes for this moment to be frozen in time so they never have to part again.

But... she also knows her boyfriend appreciates a good challenge. And his competitive girlfriend is here to give him just that. ]

Quite the confident man, aren't ya? I got my work cut out for me but... I'll try not to fall for your charms too much. Or else you might really trap me here, hehe.

[ The truth of the matter is, it truly isn't going to take much for Yoimiya to become ensnared in his charms. He already has her heart in his grasp. The longer she stays in Snezhnaya, the more enticing it will be to live here.

Her free hand comes up to cup the side of his face, gently stroking his cheek with her thumb. It's been so long since they've gotten to touch each other like this and she wishes to savor every single second of it. ]

I'd love to stay with you but... won't it be rude to keep your mom waiting?

[He can appreciate her effort to try to not let herself fall into his trap, for he'd keep her all to himself and make sure her mom and dad were well taken care of back in Inazuma if it meant he could come home to see her every time he returns from missions. It's selfish, and if he had it his way he'd move her parents out here too, but he knows deep down that Naganohara needs to exist in Inazuma- it's a deep part of their culture. He'll think about how to make sure he has his cake and eat it too. Mora would be no obstacle.

His head moves along with her hand, enjoying the feel of her skin against his, the brush of her thumb on his cheek making goosebumps form on his arms. He missed it more than even he'd realized, craving for more, but knowing they don't have the time to completely indulge in themselves.]

She'll be fine for a few extra minutes, [he says, his head leaning in close to hers,] I did have to get you settled in, and I don't think we've properly done that yet.

[Tartaglia doesn't leave room for a response, instantly slotting his lips with hers to pull her deeply into a kiss, filled with ardor and a promise to give her the best time of her life while she stays with him here in Snezhnaya. He opens his mouth just so to let her come and drink of him as much as she likes, his hand coming up to her cheek just to intertwine them more as he pours all of his adoration into it. A small moment of passion before they have to return back downstairs, but one he doesn't want her to forget on her first day in the country.

Even so, he feels dizzy from just kissing her, his senses overwhelmed by Yoimiya's presence alone. When he finally breaks from her, the look on his face is almost stupid from the feeling of love for her that's welled up in his chest, like she's the entire universe and he's lucky enough to be in it.]

[ The kiss is everything she could have asked for and more. She returns his affections in full, drowning and drinking in the impeccable delight of his mouth she's craved for so long. A wordless response is conveyed through her tongue sliding between his lips to dance with his, she's very eager to take advantage of their alone time. Sorry Mama Ajax. The gifts temporarily sip from her mind as she deeply kisses him over and over again to make up for their separation. Everything about this passionate moment is oh-so-wonderful. She melts at the tender warmth of his hand cupping her cheek, enamored by the taste of his love spilling into her with every pass of his lips.

And when it's over, Yoimiya is left breathless, utterly lost in Ajax's magnificence. The expression on his handsome face is one of the most beautiful sights she's ever witnessed, more stunning than any firework she could ever create. She's so lucky to be in love with such a wonderful person... just staring at him draws out a loving sigh that spills out of her lips. And in turn, her face reflects that of someone who is hopelessly in love with the man who shines brighter than any of the stars in the galaxy. ]

Mmm... now I feel properly settled in.

[ He sure knows how to make a girl feel welcome. Giggling, her index finger comes up to gently boop his nose. She leans in, pressing another kiss in the corner of his mouth. ]

I've missed you so so much. Our reunion feels like a dream come true.

[The whole world around them seems to have a sort of ardent feel to it, as if it took on a warm hue that follows wherever Yoimiya is. Even the soft boop leaves the tip of his nose tingling, his whole body more sensitive to her and her touch, open and receptive to anything she'd want for. All she'd have to do is ask. The feeling of longing he'd had for her is finally satiated temporarily, breathing out a sigh of content at the kiss she gives him. They finally get to be with each other longer than a day, and he's determined to make every second of it count.]

I've missed you too. I'm beyond overjoyed that we were able to set this little trip up for you. I've been restless waiting for your arrival.

[Tartaglia moves forward to press his forehead to hers, closing his eyes. All he wants now is to soak in her presence here, next to him. Like it's not imaginary that she's finally here after all these longs months apart. The letters were nice, and he always was excited to get a letter from her, but it was never enough.]

How have you been? Are your parents well?

[ Yoimiya hums softly as he leans in to press their foreheads together. Her eyes close shut to bask in his comforting presence. It's been far too long since they got to be together. Sense of longing, feeling as though she's missing a vital piece, yearning for his touch, never before has a separation been so painful. It's still hard to believe this isn't a fantasy but so long as she has Ajax at her side, Yoimiya would never wish to wake up from this lovely dream. ]

My parents and I have been well. They were just as excited as I was about the trip. [ She giggles, reminiscing about her papa's joy and her mama triple-checking her luggage to make sure her daughter has everything packed. ] Before I left, the two of them had already begun making plans for when you back to Inazuma. They're ecstatic to meet you.

[ They have all the time in the world and she's determined to make the most of it. Her hands seek his, sliding her fingers in between his to remind herself that this isn't a dream. Ajax is truly right in front of her, they finally get to be together once more. ]

Your family are all wonderful people. I feel so blessed to have the chance to meet them. How have they been?

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