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

[ Crisis averted! While Yoimiya isn't exactly against Ajax starting a fight (Heck, she'd be happy to throw hands alongside him like the chaotic fireworks gremlin she is! >:D) she would feel terrible if he somehow got hurt on her behalf. She isn't aware of Pantalone's powers or if he's even able to fight but given that he's a Harbinger of higher rank than her beloved, there's no doubt he's got something up his sleeve. And for the time being, it's best she doesn't find out. Maybe once this entity thing is under control, Ajax can pick fights with Regrator all he wants and she will cheer him on!

But for now, they need to go ahead with the account and be done with it. As nice as the offer is, it's the least of her worries with the whole mysterious being and the Delusion she will eventually have to master. ]

That's right, I've been looking forward to the tour ever since he told me about it! He has so much to show me so if you don't mind, we'd like to go ahead and get the account set up so we can enjoy the rest of the day together.

[ Although Pantalone didn't get quite what he bargained for ~~He really wanted to yap Tartaglia's ear off...~~, this outcome is still quite favorable and in the end, he didn't have to spend a single mora on an extravagant meal for the three of them. Either way, he's gained a new customer in this girl who might possibly be his golden ticket to having a hand in Inazuma. ]

Of course, it will be my pleasure to lead you to the Northland Bank.

---

[ With her hand on her forehead and a stack of papers tucked underneath her arm, Yoimiya exits the Northland bank looking confused and dazed. How long were they inside that bank? An hour? Two hours??? The actual time doesn't matter because Archons it felt like she and Ajax were trapped there for a hundred years. She'll have to sort through these documents later and ask her boyfriend for a simpler explanation because some of what Pantalone was saying completely flew over her head. ]

Oh dear, I thought I was a big talker but I think he takes the cake. I'm still seeing and hearing numbers...

[ Maybe some self-reflection is in order because she's starting to wonder if this is how other people feel with her nonstop chattering. Yoimiya's head feels like exploding from all that talk about finance. She'll be seeing numbers in her dreams tonight. ]

[Leave it to Yoimiya to successfully get them out of having to spend the afternoon with Regrator. He couldn't be more thankful, and she'd even managed to avoid him drawing his blade at his colleague- which is probably for the best given that they have bigger fish to fry. But they still have to go through the pain of going to Northland Bank and get everything set up, which he knows will take a hot second to do. The worst thing about it is, they're walking right into the Ninth Harbinger's trap. There's no escaping him while they fill out paperwork, and Tartaglia is sure he can actually feel his brain melting as they cover all the necessary information about Yoimiya's new account with the bank and how the Fatui will pay her...]

---

[If he didn't have a migraine before, he does now. He knew, he KNEW that would lead to Pantalone still talking their ear off and digressing to talk about his crazy theories and grand schemes to upset the natural balance between the gods and mortals. He knew the guy hated Morax with all his heart but did he really have to show that side of him to Yoimiya too???? The girl wasn't a Harbinger, let alone Fatui, and there's no doubt she didn't understand most of it anyway. He didn't understand most of it and he's sat through these rant/explanations more times than he'd like to admit to. If he has to hear one more word about how money and markets can be manipulated to gain vast wealth and upset the order of things, he'll literally die. Right there. On the spot.]

That's only a small taste of what he's capable of, [Childe comments, holding his head as it pounds.]

Going on missions with him is one of the worst experiences I've ever had. After a while, you start to have nightmares about mora. If I could avoid ever having to talk to him again for longer than two minutes, I would.

[But as a Harbinger, he's practically inescapable...]

I don't mean to complain, but he does get overbearing after a time. But it is thanks to him that the Fatui and Snezhnaya in turn have a vast amount of wealth. He keeps our accounts full, and I don't grumble too much about it. You'll find now that you're working with the Fatui that your coffers will never cease to be full. Anything you or your family would need or want for, will be well within your reach. Though you might have to see Regrator again. I'm sure he intends on using you for access to the Inazuma market.

[ Poor Ajax. If her head is already throbbing from her first encounter, she can't imagine the terrible mirgaines he walks out with every time he has to deal with this man. Yoimiya is all about lending her ear to people but gods, she did not understand a word of what Pantalone was going on about. Something something markets? What did Morax ever do to him?? What does manipulation have anything to do with this??? WHY DOES HE WANT TO UPSET THE NATURAL ORDER OF THINGS???? And judging from the expression on Tartaglia's face during that discussion, he also didn't understand a lick of what was being said and that makes her feel a whole lot better.

Now that they've escaped from the clutches of Pantalone's crazy talk, Yoimiya feels like they can finally breathe. But knowledge that this is only a mere fraction of his talking power is downright scary. He's capable of more?! Oh no. Oh nononono. (⊙_⊙) ]

Don't worry, everyone needs to complain every once in a while! And after sitting through all of that... I understand why you try to avoid him at all costs.

[ Standing on her tip toes, she leans upwards to give him a peck on the forehead in hopes that a Yoikiss will alleviate his poor pounding head. Ajax has been through it today and he deserves every little bit of affection. ]

Well... he might be in for a disappointment. I don't have much influencial power in Inazuma, I don't think there's much I can do to help him out on that front. [ Still, she does find it flattering that Ninth Harbinger believes a simple fireworks girl might have some sway. ] Hehe, I don't know if my little Yoimiya head will be able to comprehend having so much mora but... as long as I can use it to help my family, then that's all I can ask for.

[ Allying with the Fatui won't go over well and if word got out in Inazuma then there's no denying she will be shunned. But it's a risk she's willing to take. Being with Ajax is worth more than her reptuation and she's already sworn to fight anyone who tries to stand in the way of their relationship. ]

Thank you, Ajax. I can't thank you enough for everything you've done for me. The whole situation is still a little scary but thanks to you, I'm finally starting to see the light of hope.

[A Yoikiss is always welcome, allowing him to at least put on a small smile at the gesture. His head still hurts, but now that they're out of the bank and getting some fresh, ice cold Snezhnayan air, he's sure it'll go away with time. Tartaglia rubs his temples a little bit as he walks alongside her, and he gets why she'd think she doesn't have any influence or any way to help his colleague with his schemes. But she's also underestimating him...mora has the power to move mountains in ways he's sure she can't even fathom.]

Hey, I wouldn't be a very good boyfriend if I just left you out in the cold, literally, now would I?

[He shoots an affectionate smile to her, as if thanking him is totally unnecessary, which it is, to him. He means what he says- who would he be if he left someone he loved to fend for themselves against some kind of mystical, possessive force? There's no way he'd ever let that go, and he'd never forgive himself if he turned a blind eye to it.]

I care about you, and your safety means worlds to me. I'll do whatever it takes to make sure you can beat this thing. I am a little concerned with Dottore giving you a Delusion, but it really does hold the power to give you another extra layer of protection against anything trying to attack your mind. I'll teach you how to use it a little later, and how to handle it properly so it doesn't cause an unnecessary amount of damage to you. Are you aware of the backlash a Delusion has on the human body?

[He hates to be serious here, but this is a very serious matter, as they start their little tour around the city.]

[ She swears his dazzling smile has the power to split the sea in two. Maybe it is a bit silly to express her gratitude but she needs him to know how much she appreciates him, especially when that same malevolent force keeps hurling awful things into her ear. Weak, pathetic, useless... Yoimiya's confidence has taken a massive beat down but when she's with Ajax, those terrible insults don't affect her. Ajax's comforting words remind her that she is loved and if she were to disappear, this man will go to the end of the world to find her. She smiles back with all the boundless love tucked away in her heart for him, feeling all the more determined to defeat this mysterious presence lurking inside her. It's not just for her sake but Ajax's too.

Overcome with so much emotion, a stream of tears spills out of her eyes before she even realizes it. In the span of these two days, so much has happened to them and it's just now starting to dawn on her how much she's been keeping bottled up. If it wasn't for Ajax, she'd be dead and left without a single trace of her body inside that lava pit. She's so deeply moved to have such an amazing person as her partner in life. ]

Hehe, sorry... I just got really touched by your words. I'll get it together in just a second, I swear.

[ No crying! Not when they have such a serious matter to discuss. After wiping her eyes, Yoimiya gives her cheeks a good ol' SLAP to pull herself together. ]

Not really. I'm afraid I don't know much about Delusions. I do recall Dottore saying that extended use will negatively affect my body, right?

[Tartaglia slows his pace the second he starts to see tears. Even though they're constantly moving forward, the past few days have been a lot and it shouldn't be surprising that it's taking a toll on Yoimiya. Anger, sadness, and helplessness flood him, but it's also coupled with a fierce determination to protect her. Ajax steps forward to pull her into a loving embrace, for as long as she needs while she pulls herself together. He laughs as she slaps her own cheeks, as he lifts his hand from behind her back to rest it on the top of her head. Yoimiya is far too cute for her own good, and even when she's crying she's pretty ;;]

Yes. It feeds off of the user's lifeforce, but Visions give all sorts of unpredictable immunities to the strange occurrences of this world. I've used my own Delusion a bit since I've received it, but I've not suffered any of the detrimental effects so far. Though, it just may be that those of us gifted with Visions just delay the effects, we're not sure. That's something only Dottore could tell you.

[He hates to bring up old matters, and he's not sure if she saw what happened to people in Inazuma. He'd heard about it through reports, and though he wishes he could have taken part in the war, he's also glad he didn't have to see how a Delusion killed off a person.]

You may or may not of seen the aftereffects of Delusion use in Inazuma- some of the troops standing against the Shogunate had some, and from the reports I read, their bodies deteriorated completely. Their hair went white, their energy levels dropped until finally, they died. Not a pretty sight, from what I understand.

[ Yoimiya was already starting to brighten up just by being in Ajax's company and he managed to fill the sorrowful void in her heart by wrapping his arms around her. She can't ask for anything more soothing than being enveloped in his warmth, any remaining hint of despair is washed away with her lover's comforting arms. Just having him at her side is a reminder that everything will be okay, they will get through this ordeal and come out stronger than ever. As the last of her tears spill out, she buries her face into his shoulders wanting nothing more than to soak in his presence.

Ah, so that's what caused those poor soldiers to rapidly age. Now it all makes sense. Yoimiya was so busy drawing up fake visions and doing whatever she could to help out that she never got a chance to see the troops for herself. It's scary to think that something so little could cause someone to die in the blink of an eye and that same object that killed some of her fellow Inazumans is in her hands as they speak. ]

So, I didn't see aftereffects for myself but heard about it from others who saw it firsthand. [ Maybe it's for the best she didn't see them suffer with her own two eyes, it would have been heartbreaking to witness. ] I knew something strange was going on but I never put two and two together that a Delusion was the cause of those deaths. But I guess it's probably more appropriate for me to say that I didn't know what exactly a Delusion was at the time.

[ His fingers brushing her strawberry blonde hair alleviates the last of her internal struggles. Although they have a tool that can potentially help her, there's now the matter of how dangerous said tool is and now... she's worried for Ajax's sake. ]

Are you going to be okay using something so dangerous? You're strong and I will always believe in you but... I also can't help but worry about you.

[More than happy to be the rock Yoimiya needs right now to deal with this stressful situation, he stands firm and listens to her as she explains what her own knowledge was on the matter in regards to the war in Inazuma. Sure, he knew that she had put up her own resistance as much as she could against the Shogun's stifling and oppressive rule, and he is a little thankful that Yoimiya didn't have to see the ugly reality of war and what happens during it. Now that the fighting is over, it's probably easier now for him to explain it, which he's more than willing to do.]

I appreciate the concern, [he begins,] but don't forget- I'm one of the Fatui Harbingers. I wouldn't be given a Delusion if they didn't know if I could handle it or not.

[He gives her a reassuring smile, as if there was nothing in this world that would possibly be threatening enough to come close to ending his life.]

I'd rather focus now on helping you grow accustomed to one so it doesn't hurt you. Believe me Yoimiya, I'll be just fine. Okay?

[ Although she can't promise that she'll never be worried about his safety, what she can promise him is her unwavering faith in him and his abilities. Tartaglia's job is fraught with danger and with the threat of his Delusion taking a toll on him, she'll always harbor some level of concern for her beloved but deep down inside... she knows he's more than capable of handling it. He's right. The Fatui wouldn't have given him a Delusion if they weren't confident in him, Ajax has proved himself in battle time and time again. And with each passing day, his abilities continue to blossom.

If she wasn't already reassured, that precious smile of his seals the deal. That's the look of a man confident of taking on the world and conquering it beneath his heel. Yoimiya knows he'll be able to accomplish anything he sets his mind to, she just hopes she'll be around long enough to see him achieve his dreams. ]

Okay. I can't promise that I won't always worry but... I can say with certainty that I believe in you, Ajax.

[ She pulls away from the embrace to take both of his hands, interlocking their fingers together. His hands are so much bigger than hers, those same hands have been through countless battles and slain those who oppose the Tsaritsa but despite all that, no other set of hands could fill her with love and comfort the way he does. ]

What I can promise is that I'll work hard to adjust to the Delusion's powers. And with you as my teacher, I have faith that everything will be okay.

[Ajax's fingers curl around her own as she takes his hands, happy that she's willing to put her faith in him. It's all he can ask for, and he silently vows to himself to do his best to never make her worry needlessly about him. He never wants to be the reason why Yoimiya gets stressed out. She's got plenty of other things to worry about- namely, her own life.]

I'll do my best to instruct you in how to use it. You'll be a master in no time.

[With the serious part out of the way, he breathes out a sigh of relief, leaning down to place a small kiss to the top of her head.]

Now, why don't we go and enjoy the rest of our day? I see no rush to get into Delusion use, and we've got to make good use of our time before we travel to Sumeru with the Doctor. Will it be alright if you extend your vacation a little longer? Regrator will make sure you're paid for that time after all, and I can easily send orders back to Inazuma for our agent to continue to help your folks.

[Breaking contact with one of her hands so he can swing to her side, he adjusts her other hand in his so they can walk the streets hand in hand as they continue to tour the city.]

I'm sorry your vacation up here has ended up this way. I hope the people of Inazuma can understand that we'll need to keep The Queen of the Summer Festival here for just a little while longer.

[ For someone as ordinary as her who has never even touched a Delusion, it's not going to be an easy road but with Ajax as her instructor, there's nothing to worry about. She's elated to hear his faith in her abilities, it's the greatest honor she could ask for. And since he'll be her teacher, she's fired up with determination to make him proud and be a girlfriend strong enough to stand by his side.

A Tarukiss is just what she needs to feel extra better! ♡ She blissfully sighs at the press of his lips to the top of her head, nodding in agreement with his suggestion. After everything they've been through, they deserve a nice day out where they can just enjoy each other's company. ]

Of course! If we can, I'd like to get this settled before returning home. And... even without this looming threat, I probably would have asked if I could stay a little longer. I'm not quite ready to leave you...

[ Extending her vacation is for the best, Yoimiya doesn't even want to think about taking this horrible entity back home with her to Inazuma. She would never forgive herself if this thing took control over her body and made her hurt her parents. ]

You don't have to apologize for anything, silly. Despite everything that happened, I still don't regret coming to Snezhnaya. I'd rather take my chances with some mysterious entity than stay separated from you. Those long months apart from you were one of the most excruciating experiences of my life.

[Tartaglia feels his heart stir with her words. He's not ready, not even close, to separate from her yet. And that's just on principle- now, more than ever, he finds the idea of being separated from her more agonizing every moment. Maybe, once all this is over, he'll figure out a way so the two of them can see each other more often than once a quarter. If she can be with him, sometimes she probably could also travel with him when he goes out on assignments, depending on the mission. It's something he longs for, and now that she's here, he's unwilling to part from her.

His thumb brushes over her knuckles, looking over to her with a soft expression. Knowing how much she really cared, how much she'd missed him is like a shot to his heart. He was already determined to do his best to get Yoimiya the life she deserves, one that isn't wracked with stress and fraught with danger from some unknown presence, but he's filled with even more motivation to see that through.]

Missed me that much, huh? Haha...I guess I really left an impression on you before I left Inazuma.

[He says like he's hasn't thought about her every single day since he got on the boat. Like he hasn't had everything planned out with things to spoil her with and secret gifts he still hasn't given her yet because he's waiting for the right moment. Like he doesn't feel the exact same way about it as her.

That, and he's just trying to make this a little more lighthearted too.]

Then I guess you'll just have to stay for a lot longer...I couldn't bear to have you experience that again.

[^^]

[ It's true, he left a strong impression on her. Ever since they kissed at the festival, Yoimiya knew he was the one. Tartaglia is practically her dream guy and there's no doubt she fell for him pretty fast and hard. During their short time together in Inazuma, no one has ever made her heart soar above the clouds the way he has. He left such a profound impression on her that their separation was one of the most painful moments in her life, she spent many restless nights thinking about him and yearning for his touch. And when he brushes over her knuckles and blesses her with that soft smile, Yoimiya is even more convinced she's found her one and only true love.

But...

It's the blatant way he teases that causes her to arch an eyebrow at him. ]

I couldn't bear to have you experience that again. [ She deepens her voice, trying her hardest to pull off an Ajax impersonation but there's only so much her cute, high-pitched voice can do. ] Uh huh....

[ She narrows her eyes, shooting the egomaniac ginger a flat look. He's just trying to lighten the mood and she knows it, what he's doing is a much-needed change of pace from all the dread and gloom they've been forced to endure these past few days. But there's something about the way he doesn't even mention his own feelings that makes her want to put him in his place. ]

You say that like you didn't send me all those heartfelt letters while we were apart, or plan out this whole trip, or didn't just ask to extend my trip. I'm sure you were a wreck without me.

[ (˵ ¬ᴗ¬˵) ]

[Childe has to fight to not curl his bottom lip inwards to bite it just to keep himself from laughing at how she imitates him. No comment on whether or not that was a good impression of him, but it's too cute with how high her voice is even when she's trying to deepen it. And the mean mug she's giving him...oh, how much fun it would be to start a little spar right here, right now. But it's not the time or place for it...]

Me? A wreck? [His free hand comes up over his chest as if she'd just accused him of a terrible crime.] What would ever give you the impression that I was a wreck?

[He doesn't hide the look on his face now, both it and the tone of his voice scream facetiousness. He continues on, with a smirk on his face, gesturing now with his free hand as he goes on to describe how much he missed her...]

I only thought about you every night we were apart, yearning for the day where I could wake up beside you. My dreams were always filled with joyous moments, only to find that that's all they were...dreams. Food didn't even taste as good as it does now that you're here...surely that's not enough to accuse me of being a wreck, now is it?

[He was absolutely, without a doubt, a mess without her.]

[ Childe refraining from a fight? GASP-P!!! What is this beautiful character development? 😢

On the flip side, Yoimiya suddenly gets the urge to start a brawl with him the moment he places his hand over his chest. Who does this guy think he is??? Acting like he's being accused of some heinous crime when all she's done is speak the words of truth! And that smirk... ooooh, she's having difficulty letting that slide. Despite being much shorter than him, she has no qualms giving her skyscraper boyfriend the stink eye, seriously considering starting that fight he's sure to enjoy.

But luckily for him (or maybe unluckily for the battle-crazed Harbinger—) he more than makes up for his silly quip with his follow-up. The blonde's mean mug melts into something softer, an expression of a girl who is hopelessly in love with her over-the-top boyfriend. Ajax has always had a way with words, and it's just like him to say something that causes her to be like putty in his hands. ]

Hmm... well, when you put it like that...

[ Just like that, Ajax manages to weasel his way out of this. Giggling, Yoimiya gets on her tiptoes to plant a quick and loving kiss to his lips. This guy never stops winning. ]

It is kind of hard to make that call. Maybe I was a little unfounded in my accusation. Just a bit, hehe.

[Seems he's quelled the beast who was ready to tear him apart, the way she's looking at him like he'd just melted her heart and made her yearn for him. He meets her as she gets up on her tiptoes to receive her sweet kiss, pulling away with amusement at his silly girlfriend's antics. Feisty one moment and then soft and sweet the next, it's all entertaining to him and he's thankful he's got such a fun, interesting lady to fill his life with. Not to mention how adorable she is when she giggles like that, it makes his chest flutter and drives him to elicit more of those cute laughs out of her.]

See? I'm much stronger than you think.

[Says Tartaglia, who now can't keep the game up any longer and begins to laugh at how silly the both of them are acting.]

Hahahaha, oh goodness, for a second there I really thought you were going to hit me there. Where in the world did you learn your imitation skills, hahaha!

[He moves to press his side into her a bit, just as a cute gesture (and bc lbr he just wants to be as close to her as possible.)]

[ For all of her bravado, the truth of the matter is that she doesn't have in her to "stay mad" at him. Ajax will always be her greatest weakness, he can get away with practically anything as far as she's concerned, especially when he scoots in closer to her. So cute... he is just like a baby fox craving attention. She can't help but want to spoil her strong fox baby, standing up on her tiptoes to leave a trail of kisses from his chin to his lips. ]

Hehe, I guess you've rubbed off on me so much that I know your voice by heart. I think I did a pretty good job mimicking you. [ She did not do a good job...] Let me try again!

[ Despite that her impersonating skills are a little... lacking, she eats up his praise, strutting her feathers like his little golden pavlin. Their silly banter is just what she needs to take her mind off their troubling situation, and she appreciates Ajax for being her bright shining star. Without further delay, she clears her throat to begin her next attempt at Yoijax. ]

This place is pretty dead. By which I mean... there's nothing to kill.

[ Yoijax sure has a high pitched voice... ]

[He enjoys those kisses! They feel nice against his skin in the cold weather, warming him up a little more as he smiles down at her.]

Well, that is certainly something I would say...

[Ajax's hand comes up to his mouth to hide his sardonic expression, amused at her continued antics here. She didn't do a good job at all but it's endearing and cute no matter how you slice it. So he's not going to stop her. Not at all. If anything it's a little flattering that she's paid attention to his speech this closely to even make the attempt. At least she got the dialogue right!]

Maybe try a few more phrases, just so I can determine how well you've really got it down.

[For his entertainment. (⌒‿⌒)]

[ Now, Yoimiya might not be the sharpest tool in the shed but she has a sneaking suspicion her boyfriend is up to no good with his request. She doesn't quite know what his game is but for the time being, she'll play along! It's pretty fun to imitate him even if she'll never be able to get his baritone voice down pat. ]

The world looks glorious in the snow. Pure white, like the light of the moon. A perfect backdrop for bloodshed. [ Giggling to herself, she's starting to realize how much Ajax waxes poetics in his speech. It's really impressive. ] I've been working hard on this particular line! It's my favorite. Are you ready for it...?

[ She takes a deep breath before exhaling, needing a short moment to concentrate to deliver her best Yoijax performance. Finally, after getting her bearings together, Yoimiya locks stares with Ajax and opens her mouth to say: ]

Hey look at me, I'm Ajax and I sure love fighting. Have I told you how much I love a good ol' brawl? Nothing beats duking it out with everyone and anyone. Let's fight! Fight! Fight! Fight!

[ How was that??? (*-`ω´- ) ]

[Ajax would probably argue that his own poetry probably sounds a little better and smoother when he says it, compared to that, which is what makes it even funnier when she says it. Yoimiya definitely looks like she's having fun imitating him, and Tartaglia's eyes are wide with amusement as he listens to her recite things he's probably said in the past at some point during their time together. Such bloodthirsty words coming out of that little body...he'd hardly be able to imagine it if it weren't happening right before his very eyes.

He can barely keep his laughter in at her little chant at the end of that last bit. His eyes gleam, feeling his fighting spirit getting riled up just by her words.]

I think you just made all of that one up. Is that what I sound like to you, like I'm some kind of bloodthirsty hound who's only seeking a battle wherever he goes?

[He's not denying that it's true that he really is always looking for a fight. Even now, there's a brewing chaos behind his eyes, an itch he can't reach that's growing more and more present in his veins for a fight. He looks at her with a hunger that's only satiated with blood, licking his lips as he sizes his little girlfriend up.

Now he does want to fight...]

[ Oh, she's having the time of her life imitating him. Even if she can't quite match the 11th Harbinger's pitch, she's thoroughly enjoying herself, and seeing Ajax laugh his head off is all the more worth it. After everything they've been through, she's overflowing with joy to see his dazzling smile and hear that heart-stopping laughter.

This blissful moment is exactly what she needs to take her mind off their situation. His smile and shimmering eyes are a more efficient cure than the Delusion Dottore gave her. ]

Hehehe, I may have exaggerated some details here and there. [ Just a few. WINKS. (>ᴗ•) ] Buuuut... judging from the expression on your handsome face.

[ She can see it clear as day, her silly little quip has lit a fire in his heart, an insatiable desire for battle swirls behind those deep blue eyes. Grinning from ear to ear, she returns his look with an all-knowing smirk and a chaotic storm that brews behind her bright, golden eyes. He's not beating the bloodthirsty hound allegations when he licks his lips and sizes her up like she's the next course in his meal. If it wasn't for the fact they were out and about in public, Yoimiya would have lost all control right then and there as soon as she saw that tongue wet those succulent lips of his. ]

I don't think I was too far off in my assessment. Does my little bloodthirsty hound crave a fight?

[ If a fight is what he wants, then he shall receive! After all, she's still reeling from his silly little comment from just a few moments ago. ]

[He looks back at her inquisitively, wondering where she's going to go with this. He can see how her eyes light up, she's clearly enjoying how she's gotten him all riled up. She'd played him like a fiddle, gotten him to succumb to his own desires, lit a flame inside of him that needs and wants for conflict. Ajax will fight anyone and anything, as long as they're willing to participate whether he puts them in a position that stokes the fires of war in their own hearts or if they volunteer simply because they like to and it's fun to them. Including Yoimiya.]

Hah, if you had been anyone else, your imitation of me would of been considered mockery and I'd of challenged you to a duel right then and there.

[He swings himself back in front of her, wrapping his arms around her waist with nothing less than his full affection, eyes burning as he stares down into those charming gold pupils that also reflect the storm raging in his heart.]

We could put on a little exhibition match right here in the square. It's not often someone gets to go up against a Harbinger. Consider it an honor.

[An actual spar with her where they're having fun and not one where she's trying to push him away in order to kill herself sounds like a much better time. And he doesn't mind showing off his skills to the Snezhnayan public, to show them that their Harbingers truly are worthy of their admiration. He, specifically, should be feared- and then the people could see that the beloved of the Eleventh is just as fierce a fighter.]

What do you say?

[ Without any hint of shame, Yoimiya can no longer hold back and has the sheer audacity to roll her eyes right in front of him. A mockery, he says. She's got half a mind to tell him that he brought it onto himself by trying to use her as his form of entertainment. However, she's not interested in a childish back and forth, what she wants is a no-holds-barred match against her boyfriend in the center of Snezhnaya's capital. Not only does it sound thrilling, but it's exactly what she and Ajax both need right now; an outlet to let loose and have fun.

She might still be learning about her battle-happy Harbinger but the one thing she does know about him is that he loves the thrill of combat above all else. He not only saved her from a gruesome death in the volcano, but he's also the reason why she was able to pull herself out of that entity's grip, and continued to help her by taking her to Dottore. Ajax has also been through so much in the span of these few days and all she wants is to help take his mind off all this stress and let him have the time of his life. ]

Sure! Sounds like a great time to me. This will give me a chance to show you how much I've improved since we parted ways in Inazuma.

[ Even if he's acting like a bloodthirsty hound ready for battle, he's still so affectionate and cute. She's never seen someone both eager to battle and act like a total darling as he wraps his arms around her waist. Maybe he's more like a bloodthirsty puppy, instead? She presses her lips in a thin line to hold in her giggles, rewarding her sweet hound by leaning on his shoulder and nuzzling her face into his warm Harbinger coat. ]

However, I'd like to add one special condition to our match if you don't mind.

[ Using his embrace to her advantage, Yoimiya gets on her tiptoes to lean in close to his ear and whisper her special challenge to him. ]

Last one to the square is a rotten lavender melon.

[ In a flash, she breaks away from his hold, coquettishly sticking her pink tongue out at him before hightailing to the square, all the while her merry laugh warms the frosty air of Snezhnaya. ]

[He holds a snort back at her eye roll, and his eyes light up once she agrees. It's not exactly the best place to hold a duel but he's never been one to be too picky about where or when he has a fight, unless it's, you know, a funeral or something. Joy fills his heart as she nuzzles into him, happy that she's happy at the prospect as well. Though he curious of what she's got in mind for this 'special condition', leaning down as she tip toes up to hear it is what she's got to say-]

Huh?

[Ajax's eyes go wide as she breaks from him, sticking her tongue out and taking off into a run towards the square. His jaw hangs agape for a moment, surprised at her action before it all catches up to him and lights a fire under his ass and he takes off running. Tartaglia's long legs definitely give him an advantage, but she got a head start- so he wonders if he should cheat a little to catch up...]

Hey!!!! That wasn't very fair!!!

[He runs full tilt, his coat billowing out behind him as he sprints to catch up to her. HE SWEARS.]

[ Yoimiya's laugh grows louder upon hearing her silly boyfriend's protest. He may have the advantage in terms of height and those long legs but that isnt enough to deter her! She's ran around with children enough to be confident in her speed. With her best foot forward, she runs as fast as her little legs can take her all the while laughing and not caring about any passerby staring at them. ]

Life ain't always fair, Ajax!

[ Although she has her back turned to him, the smugness in her voice is evident. She happily takes advantage of her cheating head start, sprinting forward with all her might. ]

What's wrong? Can't keep up with a little country girl from Inazuma?

[ She is absolutely taunting him on purpose.]

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