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Childe "I Can Make Her Worse" Tartaglia ([personal profile] monoceroscaeli) wrote in [community profile] insurmountable2022-11-26 09:40 pm
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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...]
niwabi: (pic#16309529)

[personal profile] niwabi 2025-06-18 10:24 pm (UTC)(link)
[ What.

Yoimiya stares at the two Aranara, dumbfounded and confused. A waterfall...? She knows the Aranara's language is more simple than humans but she's struggling to figure out what exactly the little plant creature is talking about. ]


I didn't know we had a waterfall in here. Where did you find it?

[ Naturally, the chatty Aramiya has to chime in. Yoimiya isn't surprised that she too got into some shenanigans. ]

It was in that other room with another mini waterfall! It's all the way up in the sky and we had to climb up to see it! I don't know what Arajax did to set it off, but the water blast was so powerful that it nearly sent us flying.

[ A mini waterfall on top of all this. Oh, Archons. The mental image of Arajax and Aramiya blasting away is what she and Ajax both need. She's trying so hard not to giggle at their expense but thankfully, the answer is straightforward. Those two rascals went inside the bathroom...!!!! ]

Umm... are you talking about—

[ But it's then, Yoimiya's ears perk up at a peculiar noise that's been bugging her since they entered the room. She's been too worried about Ajax to really hone in on it but now that she's paying close attention, it sounds like running water endlessly pouring out of...

Oh no. Oh no no no no no no. The blonde's eyes grow as wide as saucers as she immediately bolts to the bathroom, only to find water gushing from both the sink and the showerhead. The tub is somehow full of water and is spilling out onto the floor. ]


THERE'S WATER EVERYWHERE!!! BOTH THE SHOWER AND SINK ARE STILL RUNNING!!!
Edited (thought of something better) 2025-06-18 22:37 (UTC)
niwabi: (pic#15963368)

[personal profile] niwabi 2025-06-20 09:16 pm (UTC)(link)
[ What a day.

First they leave the Aranara village to get ready for a week long boat ride, find out their Aranara counterparts snuck on board with them, found out Seraphina is still relentlessly chasing them and now here they are, cleaning up the mess of their Aranara friends...

This day has been a wild ride to say the least.

How did they figure out how to seal both the sink and tub? So many questions. But regardless, she's thankful for Ajax's assitence. While he takes care of the tub, Yoimiya unseals the drain, allowing the water to fall through the hole. She lets out the loudest most exasperated sigh imaginable as she pulls a couple of spare towels from underneath the drawer. ]


Yeah... it seems trouble lurks around every corner for us these days.

[ Accompanied by a plip-plod plip-plod plip-plod, Aramiya sticks her small plant head into the room, slowly coming to the realization they might have made an oopisie. ]

Were we bad Aranara...?
Edited 2025-06-20 21:21 (UTC)
niwabi: (pic#16270735)

[personal profile] niwabi 2025-06-23 12:58 am (UTC)(link)
[ Oh, happy day! Aramiya thought for sure she'd be reamed for making a mess. Not that she blames them because in hindsight, the water is starting to seep into the bedroom area and it's only now, she's beginning to realize that they might have hecked up a lil. But thankfully, Orange Nara is kind! Orange Nara is understanding! They've already caused enough trouble by sneaking in with their luggage and the last thing she wants is make him or Red Nara upset. ]

Okay! Aramiya will tell Arajax. This is our first time seeing the ocean this close... thank you so much Orange Nara, Red Nara! I promise to try my best to not make any more messes.

[ Try is the keyword, here. Knowing her little plant counterpart, Yoimiya would not be surprised if she got into more trouble. But as Aramiya begins to plip-plod her way to Arajax, she stops to look over at Ajax one last time. ]

But umm... if there's anything on Orange Nara's mind, you can always talk to me. Don't be afraid to scold Aramiya if she really did do something wrong.

[ She might be simple-minded but seems like she has some of her Nara counterpart's perception. Yoimiya doesn't say anything in response because she knows exactly what's bothering Ajax and she can also tell he's doing his best to put on a brave face for Aramiya. With one last wave of her stubby arm, she heads out and begins boldly declaring to Arajax that they shouldn't play with the waterfalls anymore.

As cute as it is, that's not really important right now. What's far more concerning is Ajax... she could hear the emptiness in his voice clear as day, he doesn't have his usual spark. Listening to him sound so down in the dumps feels like her heart is getting crushed into many tiny pieces. Forgoing the mess, Yoimiya walks up to him from behind and wraps her arms around his stomach, burying her head into his back. ]


Hey, I know you're not okay, there's no way anyone would be okay after what happened today. But please don't hesitate to talk to me about anything, Ajax. I'm here for you. If there's anything, anything I can do for you, I'll move mountains and swim the deepest ocean for you.
niwabi: (pic#16270735)

[personal profile] niwabi 2025-06-23 05:31 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Poor Ajax. He's always so full of life, raring to fight anyone who dares to challenge him. Seeing him with his usual spark completely snuffed out has to be the most heartbreaking sight she's ever witnessed. Yoimiya desperately wishes she could do more to help him but the unfortunate truth is that until Columbina is dead and gone; they'll never know peace.

She moves in closer for him to listen to the sounds of her heart beating against his back. ]


Don't worry about, we can talk whenever you're ready. You just take your time and do what you gotta to do feel better. I'll be here by your side no matter what.

[ There might be a lot of uncertainties but if there's one thing she's assured on, it's that she'll always stand by Ajax till the end of time. ]

Hey, why don't you go lay down and for the rest of the day? I'll take care of clean up duty.
niwabi: (pic#16604455)

[personal profile] niwabi 2025-06-26 06:28 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Underneath his Harbinger status and his grand ambitions is the heart of a kind man who truly and unequivocally loves her. There are times she finds it hard to believe that he's the "kind of a bad guy" he claims. Not with unwavering devotion to her. All she can think about is how happy she is to be with this man as she gently presses her hand against his stomach and feels his warmth permeating her skin. ]

There's no need for you to apologize. I can handle those lil stinkers just fine. They're like rowdy children.

[ Which probably says a lil bit about them as people but Yoimiya wouldn't change him or their Aranara counterparts for the world. ]

I appreciate that you're worried about me. You've done so much for me, far more than I deserve. You've protected me, fought for me on my behalf, gone above and beyond to ensure my safety and happiness. And now, it's my turn to protect you. We can't give Columbina the beating she deserves if you're exhausted.

[ She nuzzles her face into his back as a small form of reassurance. ]
niwabi: (pic#17659053)

[personal profile] niwabi 2025-06-27 04:48 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Despite the numerous times they've kissed, he never fails to sweep her off her feet. She duly returns his affections, pouring all of her love and adoration into this short moment, a silent vow of protecting him at all costs.

As soon as they break, she shoots him a soft smile to reassure him. Though she'll always fret over him, his smile also tells her that he'll be fine and for that, she feels a lil less worried. ]


Take care Ajax. Try to get some rest. I'll join you as soon as I'm done.

[ Once he's out, she proceeds with cleaning the wet floor and making a note to keep a watchful eye on the two rascals in the future... ]
niwabi: (pic#16270699)

[personal profile] niwabi 2025-06-28 11:00 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Several towels later, the bathroom is finally somewhat dry. It took some effort and a bit of elbow grease, but Yoimiya feels satisfied with her cleanup work. Still, she makes a note to ask the staff for some extra towels in the morning. There's no telling how many she went through just to get the floor clean. These little stinkers are going to be the end of her, she swears. In some ways, they are worse than children...

But what's done is done and there's no use getting mad at little plant creatures who didn't know what they were doing. With that out of the way, Yoimiya immediately feels exhaustion hitting her like a swipe from a lawachurl. She had been so worried about Ajax the entire time, she hadn't realized just how tired she was. After a quick change into a silk dress, Yoimiya makes her way back to the bedroom to a sleeping Ajax. She softly smiles, brushes a stray ginger bang out of his face, and plants a soft kiss on his cheek before retiring for the night.

As soon as her eyes close, she returns to the world of dreams. It's hard to see since everything is dark around her but it's more than enough for her to know that once again, she's met with the same dream of sinking toward the bottom of an endless ocean. ]


---

[ Sunlight filters through the window, hitting her face and stirring her awake. Yoimiya faintly hears Ajax's voice calling out to her, and it's all she needs to fully wake up. Opening her blearily eyes, she's greeted by the lovely sight of Ajax's blue eyes staring down at her. And behind him, she can just barely make out Aramiya passed on a nearby chair with empty candy wrappers beside her. No doubt the little stinker got into her snacks and helped herself to some candy. Oh well, she did offer it to her plant counterpart so it's no loss. Whatever, it's not about her. She's far more thrilled to see Ajax, happy that they got to sleep without Columbina looming over them. ]

Hey...

[ She scoots her body closer to him, bringing her hand to the side of his face to cup his cheek. ]

Morning, sunshine. Did ya sleep well?

[ Poor guy was stressed out of his mind yesterday, for good reason. She just hopes he was finally able to get some much-needed rest. ]
niwabi: (pic#16907988)

[personal profile] niwabi 2025-06-29 06:43 pm (UTC)(link)
[ It's easy to forget about the threat of Columbina when Ajax nuzzles his cheek into her palm like a cute kitten. If it weren't for her they could indulge in each other's presence and enjoy moments of peace like this. Doesn't matter where they travel, she wholly and unequivocally loves being by his side.

However...

Despite her heart being filled to the brim with warmth, there's something about Ajax's sudden change of demeanor that strikes her as a little off. He was so stressed out yesterday, for good reason. And now, it's almost as if he isn't bothered in the slightest. She's not sure what to make of it; a part of her wants to brush it off and be happy that he's finally got some well-deserved rest, but... she also can't ignore the feeling nagging at her heart.

But she won't pursue it right now, especially not when he's kissing her like they're the only two people who matter in this world. So, she simply brushes her feelings to the side, ignoring it in favor of kissing him back and drowning in his taste. Once they break, she looks starstruck as she leans her head back on the pillow. ]


It was okay! Could have been better but at least I was able to sleep in a warm, cozy bed next to the man of my dreams.

[ At least Aramiya is asleep. She'd feel terrible shit-talking her wooden bed right in front of her. ;;; ]

I'm glad you're feeling better, though. I was really worried about you after what happened in the souvenir shop. It's a shame you don't remember you dream because I would have loved to hear about it! But I guess it's true that getting some well-deserved rest really is the best medicine.
niwabi: (pic#16270732)

[personal profile] niwabi 2025-06-29 08:46 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Well, if he's putting the situation behind him, then who is she to question him? He seems to be much perkier than yesterday, so that's a win in her book. At the end of the day, she's just glad to see him feeling better. ]

Lets do it! We only scratched the surface of the ship and I want to see everything it has to offer.

[ And right on cue, her tummy growls. Oops. She could stand to get a bite to eat and pass out from a food coma like her little plant counterpart. ]

Aaaand, I'm kinda hungry, hehe. Guess that's our cue to grab breakfast. Maybe we can get a table with a view of the water.
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[personal profile] niwabi 2025-06-29 10:24 pm (UTC)(link)
That sounds wonderful! We didn't really get a chance to enjoy a good Sumeru breakfast in the city so now is a great time to make up for it. I've been dying to try pita pockets...

[ Archons, just thinking about pita pockets is making her hungry. If she could, she'd be yoidrooling all over the pillow right about now. Grumble, grumble once again, the Yoitumbeast keeps screaming to be fed. Okay, that's it! She can no longer hold in her hunger. Leaning in, she gives Ajax a quick morning kiss before hopping out of bed to change into something more presentable.

Once they're both dressed, they're out the door leaving two passed out Aranara behind. It's almost impressive they were able to sleep through their conversation and them changing. She can't help but wonder if those two stayed up all night causing trouble while they were asleep...

Not that it matters now. She's on the hunt for the cafe Ajax mentioned and as luck would have it, she spots it in the distance. Thankfully, they seemed to have missed the breakfast rush and there were still plenty of open tables for them to dine to their heart's content. And she got her wish, there's a beautiful view of the water while they eat. ]


Ooooh...! Is that the cafe you were talking about, Ajax? It looks so cozy!
niwabi: (pic#16907974)

[personal profile] niwabi 2025-07-01 12:34 am (UTC)(link)
[ Oh, goodness. Yoimiya almost feels overwhelmed by all the choices. During her previous trip to Sumeru, she hadn't even scratched the surface of the dendro nation's dishes, there's still so much she's unfamiliar with. After some consideration and a little bit of guesswork, she's ready to place her order. ]

And I'd like to try the poori and the samosas.

[ Idiyaapam... she also has no idea what it is but she trusts her boyfriend's choice. Maybe it's a bit much for breakfast but she's already making plans to let Ajax try her dishes. Sharing food with him is always a treat. But before she gets too excited, Yoimiya is once again greeted by a cashier visibly rolling her eyes at her. Which strikes her as odd, she didn't recall Ajax getting any sort of weird attitude when he placed his order. The lady only started acting grumpy when she strolled up to the counter.

She doesn't hesitate to scoff at Yoimiya, writing down their orders with a hint of irritation as the pen hits the paper. At least this time, she isn't met with a rude comment like the guy back at the shop but oh boy, she can sure feel the cold shoulder from the lady as she turns her back to the couple, not bothering to say another word.

She turns to Ajax, confused and making sure to keep her voice down in a hushed whisper. ]


Geez, we sure got a friendly bunch working on this ship...
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[personal profile] niwabi 2025-07-01 04:47 pm (UTC)(link)
[ So far they're two for two on rude customer service. Yoimiya has no idea what's going on. Maybe he's right, maybe it's a Sumeru culture thing or something in the water that makes people rude for no reason. Whatever the case might be, it's enough to make her feel bad, like she's being a nuisance to everyone around her. Maybe the truth of the matter is that her demeanor just rubs people the wrong way.

It also reminds her of the words Columbina keeps drilling into her head.

She's worthless and no one cares about her...

Yoimiya only continues to feel discouraged when her plate is practically thrown onto the counter without a single care in the world. For once, she's at a loss for words when the food falls onto the floor, the woman showing no signs of replacing it. But what she does know is that Ajax is ready to throw down on her behalf. ]


Okay. I'm sorry for any trouble. Don't hesitate to grab me if things get ugly.

[ Because she isn't gonna let Ajax handle this on his own. Heeding his words, Yoimiya takes his order and makes the short trek to the table.

Meanwhile, the woman continues to smile in the most uncaring manner possible. She shows no signs of budging, not a single regret kve making Yoimiya uncomfortable. ]


Why should I? The food is free. And it's not like we have a surplus.

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