Childe "I Can Make Her Worse" Tartaglia (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
monoceroscaeli) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
insurmountable2022-11-26 09:40 pm
monoceroscaeli) wrote in 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...]
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...]
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[ Oooooh goodness. Arajax and Aramiya are such spitting images of them it hurts. Yoimiya has seen this same song and dance before; it reminds her of when she argued with Ajax to get involved in the fight with Columbina. So, she gets it! Their declaration is enough to tug at her heart, tempting her to give in to their plant friends.
But just when she thought the situation couldn't get wilder, Ajax challenges his plant counterpart. She looks at him, eyes wide with shock. Normally, she'd throw her full support for her battle loving sweetheart but in this instance... ]
Huh?! Hey! I get that you guys want to prove yourselves. Believe me, I understand the sentiment...
[ She too, challenged Ajax for her own rights, so she completely understands. However, there's just one problem with this duel. ]
We're on a ship! There's not enough room for y'all to have a brawl in here. What will the other guests think if they hear us?!
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So he folds his arms over his chest, fighting back the urge to throw hands right here in the cabin. He'd rather be having intimate time with Yoimiya right now anyway, but as it stands that's not going to be an option.]
Fine, fine, [he concedes, letting out a huff.] She's right. This is no place for a fight. We'll have to have our duel once we reach the shores of Snezhnaya.
[Arajax too, folds his stubby little arms over his chest.]
Fine by me. I've wanted a rematch anyway! I've already gotten stronger since we last fought!
[A knock at the door cuts through the argument, as the food has finally arrived. Arajax immediately moves quickly to hide back in the bag on the bed, as Tartaglia's head snaps in the direction of the door.]
Coming! [he calls, as he gets up to answer, giving Yoimiya's leg a pat.] Make sure they're quiet...
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Thankfully, the two of them agree to her suggestion. Although she doesn't mind watching them fight (and even wants to see a rematch), there's no way they can go all out on a boat and that's just not fun for anyone involved. Satisfied with his response, Yoimiya shoots him a sweet smile laced with gratitude as he gets up to answer the door. ]
Got it! [ She turns her attention to the Aranara, whispering to them: ] Okay you two, stay close by me...
[ Meanwhile, Aramiya's beady eyes are sparkling like stars in the night sky. Quiet? What's that??? Someone didn't get the memo as she proceeds to open her mouth. ]
Oooh! Is that more Nara foo—
[ In the span of 0.5 seconds, Yoimiya quickly clamps her hand over the chatty Aramiya's mouth. Inwardly, she sighs at herself, wondering if this is what other people have to put up with. Between Arajax's desire to pick fights and Aramiya running her motor mouth, they have their hands full with these two trouble-making Aranara.
Maybe it's time for some self-reflection... ]
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Arajax comes out from his hiding spot in the bag, to look at all the delicious Nara food that was just brought in. He smells it, wondering how on earth the others in the village would ever hope to emulate it.]
Dinner is served. Sorry you two, if I'd of known you were here I would have ordered something for you guys as well. To be honest, I'm not even sure if you can eat Nara food.
[Arajax looks like he's practically drooling. He realizes this a bit late, wiping the side of his mouth to try to hide it, but he's never smelled something so good before.]
We don't have anything like this in the village...
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Ajax isn't the only silly one. If she wasn't so hungry, Yoimiya might have doubled over with laughter at Arajax drooling. Gonna make a note to poke fun at her drooly boyfriend later, the similarities keep piling up. Likewise, a waterfall threatens to spill out of Aramiya's mouth as she gazes at the food. They haven't eaten since leaving the village and hunger is now hitting her. ]
We don't! This is Aramiya's first time seeing a feast like this. Can we try?!
I don't see why not. Dig in! We can always order more food.
[ Without further ado, Aramiya digs in, grabbing little portions of food with her stubby arms. It's so cute and ughhhhhh, she just wants to pick up the buggers and give them a squeeze. Despite being disappointed they won't have any intimate time together, Yoimiya isn't unhappy with this turn of events. She was already beginning to miss the little stinkers, seeing them again brings her joy. ]
Well, I didn't expect to have stowaways on our trip but it's not all bad! We can introduce them to Teucer, Tonia, and Anthon when we're back in Snezhnaya. Maybe your siblings can keep them occupied.
[ She can already picture Teucer bouncing off the walls upon seeing a little plant creature resembling his brother. ]
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[Too late. Yoimiya gave the go ahead and Aramiya didn't hesitate for a second to getting to the food. He watches her pick up a part of a steaming hot potato, along with some bit of meat and a few vegetables. Parts of cut up Harra Fruit get taken as well, which she should be able to handle now that she's had some of Yoimiya's spicy salad. Guess they'll find out if Aranara can handle Nara food.
Resigning to his loss, Ajax starts to take portions of his own food from the tray, as Arajax joins him by his side to eat a bit of meat. He's never had meat before, testing it on his tongue before gobbling it down.]
Mmmmmm, is your Nara brothers and sisters as strong as you?
[Keeping on the right thought track here, Arajax is clearly interested because he wants to fight someone else, and any and all challenges are accepted. Tartaglia looks down at him with a warning glare however, shaking his head at the small little Aranara.]
They certainly will keep these two occupied, [he says, answering Yoimiya,] but they really don't know how to fight yet. They need to reach that conclusion on their own if they want to begin to learn. Teucer has decided he wants to learn to fight, but I haven't had much of an opportunity to teach them, so you two will have to play with them instead. No rough housing.
[Looking to Yoimiya, he can already see these two getting in his hair.]
I hope that they'll all get along so we can work out our plans. We'll need that crucial time. But keeping these two at home sounds like a good idea...they shouldn't be easily reached there.
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Tuning back to the conversation, Yoimiya's chest buzzes with warmth at the thought of Teucer taking up the mantle from his older brother. No doubt he's interested in fighting because of Ajax. It's cute and sweet even if she's worried about him. But! Since he'll be learning from his brother, she's sure he'll grow up to be a strong fighter one day. ]
That's right! They're still kids so make sure you go easy on them. Ajax's siblings are full of energy, so even if they're not fighting, they'll give you a good workout just from playing with them. You'll be running all over the place with them, hehehehe.
[ Yoimiya definitely knows from experience. Maybe if they're lucky, the three siblings can wear their Aranara counterparts out and make them pass out from exhaustion before their confrontation with Dottore. ]
Aramiya wants to meet Orange Nara brothers and sisters! [ She says with a mouth full of Harra Fruit. ] If they're anything like you, I'm sure they're wonderful kids. Oooh, Arajax! Maybe we can show them some of the games we play back at the village?
[ She's still talking with a mouth full of food... don't mind the pieces flying out.
But it's settled! Although Yoimiya still can't believe the two stinkers snuck on board with them, this might turn out to be a net positive. Make Teucer, Tonia, and Anthon happy, get them new friends, AND provide a distraction for the rascal Aranara? That's a win in her book. Beaming, Yoimiya turns her attention back to Ajax, satisfied that they might be able to shoo them away before the going gets tough. ]
Sounds like they're sold on the idea too. If Tonia has any doll clothes, we can bundle them up in cute little jackets to keep them warm. If you're relationship with Teucer is anything to go by, I don't think we have to worry about them not getting along. They might even become partners in crime.
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Now that's not the thing I needed to hear, hahaha.
[He has flashbacks to Teucer showing up in Liyue unannounced, just as these two little rascals have also shown up on the boat to Snezhnaya unannounced. He doesn't need Arajax and Teucer coming up with schemes and plans that would endanger themselves.]
We'll have to use those clothes from Tonia's doll collection to bundle them up and tie them to the tea party table...
[Arajax, who has moved now to fuss a little over Aramiya spitting food out of her mouth while she's talking (Aramiya! Chew with your mouth closed...) hears this and turns.]
No way we're getting holed up in your Nara house! We came to help, don't forget!
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That's right! We ain't here to sit around. We want to help!
[ Likewise, Yoimiya finishes swallowing a piece of meat and turns her attention to her grumpy boyfriend. ]
Ajax...
[ She doesn't mean to gang up on him but his snappy comment at her joke and the bit about tying the Aranara to a tea party table felt a little rude. ]
Now, I know this situation isn't the most ideal but there's no need to act grouchy to them. I don't approve of them being here either but I can respect that they want to help.
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Kidding, kidding...I won't tie them to any table...
[He'll leave them to make up their mind on if he was serious or if that was just some Snezhnayan humor or not. Everyone's turning on him here and he'd rather focus on eating than getting ganged up on, so he shuts his mouth about it. He wasn't entirely convinced that tying Arajax to anything would stop the little guy anyway, so...
He shoves some food in his mouth, pushing the issue aside for him to deal with once they return to Snezhnaya. Tartaglia feels like he's going to need some fresh air after this, just so he has a way to clear his head. Why is he always managing to find stowaways? First his brother, now these Aranara.]
Anyway, after dinner I think I'd like a little stroll around the boat. There's a lot of other Nara on the boat, so maybe it's best you two stay in here while Yoimiya and I go.
[He still wants his alone time with Yoi, too. >:|]
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Satisfied with that answer, Yoimiya proceeds to grab a few more bites of food, munching on a piece of meat in thought. This is her first time on such a big boat, and she's been bouncing with excitement to see everything the ship has to offer. ]
Huh?! But... Aramiya wants to see everything too. This big floating house is amazing! I've never seen a house sit on top of water before.
[ Big floating house... bless Aramiya's heart. As cute as it is, Yoimiya also wants to spend alone time with Ajax now that they're finally allowed. She places her hand on top of her small, yellow head, shooting her Aranara counterpart an apologetic smile. ]
Sorry, I do agree with him on this one. As much as I'd like for y'all to join us, there are other small Nara on this boat and there's no telling what will happen if they see you. This room is huge and has an amazing view! We haven't fully checked it out ourselves so why don't y'all explore and tell us all about it when we get back?
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Arajax seems to see the logic in it too, though maybe not as much as Tartaglia and Yoimiya do. So his shoulders slump, but he agrees.]
Okay...we were really hoping to see the world outside of Vanaranara. But if the little Nara might make trouble, we'll stay put.
[That's a relief for Childe to hear. He keeps eating, because maybe letting Yoimiya handle this is better. He's never been great at the whole diplomacy thing, so letting her take the lead on this seems to be working better.]
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They've already caused enough issues just by being here... but that's besides the point! ]
Okay! We'll be good and stay here. But don't forget to tell us about everything you see. We don't want to miss out too much.
[ Cute........ it's hard to stay mad at them. Not that Yoimiya was ever mad at them to begin with. ]
We promise! We'll even bring you back a souvenir. And maybe the four of us can explore when it's dark and you guys stay well hidden.
[ After giving Aramiya one last pat on the head, Yoimiya finishes her portion and steps out of bed. She rolls her shoulders and stretches her arms to rid her body of any stiffness before turning her attention to Ajax. ]
Ready, Ajax? I've been itching to see the whole boat.
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Standing up, he slips back into his boots, not bothering to change out of the comfortable trousers and shirt he put on in lieu of his Harbinger jacket and pants.]
Yep, [he says with a stretch,] I'm as ready as ever. Let's go.
[With a little wave to their plant friends, the two of them depart and Ajax leads them both upwards topside so they can get some fresh air. The breeze feels nice on his skin as they sail down the river towards Port Ormos, the sun beginning to set giving the Sumeru rainforest a golden hue. Trees sway in the wind slightly on shore, where tigers roam for their next meal and birds begin to perch in trees to get ready to settle for the night.
Childe slips his hand into Yoimiya's as he brings her to the edge of the ship, letting his other hand rest on the rail.]
It's a wonderful night to enjoy the last sights we'll have of Sumeru for a while. Sorry the trip didn't turn out as nice as we'd hoped.
[He supposes he should of expected that, though. Columbina is relentless.]
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And she won't take this moment for granted, silently promising to cherish any moments of peace between them. Even just the simple gesture of holding his hand out in public sets her heart ablaze like no other. She laces their fingers together to soak in his warmth and with her skirt swaying in wind, she's finally allowed to admire the scenery around them in her usual, childlike wonder. ]
Hey, don't apologize. It's not your fault. We never came out here for a vacation, anyway. Even with everything that happened, I'm glad we went on this trip together. We learned a lot more than I imagined.
[ With their hands intertwined, Yoimiya happily takes this chance to rest her head against his shoulder while her eyes follow the rainforest full of bustling life. The bright blue and orange feathers of a Dusk Bird catch her attention, her heart filled to the brim with warmth when she spots it flying towards a nest with its mate and babies awaiting its return. ]
Maybe when this is all over, the two of us can go on a nice trip. It will be nice to have some alone time with you without all the worrying and all the stress. I'd like to just spend time with you and you alone.
[ Unbeknowst to Yoimiya, she just said the wrong thing. A sharp, cold chill brushes past Ajax in particular, making it's presence known to him. ]
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If they're lucky, then being able to admire this kind of view anywhere in the world, just the two of them, would come soon. He breathes out a heavy sigh when he thinks about it, about how wonderful it'll be to take a real vacation this time and go where no danger would threaten her life, or threaten to capture his, somehow.
It's too bad that thought it cut short. Some cold, menacing, and threatening makes him shudder from out of nowhere, his eyes darting around him in surprise.
Tartaglia doesn't dare say anything, not wanting to scare Yoimiya for no reason. But what exactly was that? It's as if the chill of the air hasn't left his skin, like there's something there.]
Why don't we head down to some of the other areas to the ship? [He asks, not finishing off or responding to Yoimiya's wish of one day being able to go on a trip.]
I'd like to see all of it, since it's not often I travel by civilian transport. I heard they had some nice amenities on this ship.
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So, she tries not to make her confusion obvious and simply smiles at his suggestion. ]
Sure. This is also my first time traveling on a large ship like this, and it'd be a shame if we didn't see everything it has to offer.
[ Yoimiya gives the wildlife one last glance over before taking his hand and leading him down the deck. ]
If there are any souvenir shops, maybe we can pick a few things up for your family?
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Unless it wasn't meant for him and they didn't realize who he was. That was also a possibility, but he figures that likelihood of that is much smaller than what he actually thinks it is, and it's the faint aura of a certain angry, crazy ex.]
I hadn't even considered a souvenir...do they have such things on a ship like this? I wouldn't mind taking a look. I may ask for your help again in picking out a few things.
[Souvenirs are definitely the last thing on his mind, but maybe being in a small shop could help him root out whoever's watching them. The ship is small and there aren't places to hide like there would be in a city.]
Let's go. Now I'm interested to see what they've got. A souvenir shop on a boat...how fascinating...
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If only...
Since this is her first time on a passenger ship, Yoimiya isn't sure if a souvenir shop even exists but she figures it doesn't hurt to look around. Hand-in-hand, she leads him around the ship, blissfully unware of Ajax's internal horror, and the presence following them everywhere they go. After a little bit of searching, her eyes eventually land on a small shop located near some of the restaurants. ]
Oh, nice! I spy with my little eyes a cute souvenir shop. Let's go take a look. Maybe we can also bring something back for our two little stinkers.
[ Not Arajax and Aramiya catching strays.
Anyhow, Yoimiya steps in with Ajax, amazed by everything the store has to offer. Shirts, globes, replicas of the ship, Aranara carvings and plushies. There's so much memorabilia from Sumeru. ]
How cute! Gosh that reminds me, I should pick out something for my three stinkers at home.
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When his eyes land on the souvenir shop, he thanks everything that it really is small enough that if anyone follows them in, he'll catch them right away. If they choose to stay out and keep an eye on them, there isn't anywhere to conceal themselves.]
Haha, we'll be out of money before we know it.
[He jokes lightheartedly, entering into the store and feeling that chill stall behind them somewhere. So they won't dare come in...]
Well, look at this! What a find, [he says immediately, wandering deeper before he comes across a little oil lamp that reminds him of fantastical stories involving genies.]
Perhaps if you rub it, something magical will happen.
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Do you think a real genie will come out?! I'd give anything to see one with my own two eyes. I heard they can grant any wish you want.
[ Like an excited kid, she picks up the oil lamp without too much thought. Before she gives it a rub, her ears perk at the sounds of the shopkeeper grumbling underneath his breath. She turns in his direction, catching him roll his eyes at her.
"Tourists..." He says with sheer contempt in his voice.
Yoimiya suddenly feels self conscious, she starts to wonder if she's the being the rude one by picking up wares she might not even purchase. She glances over at Ajax, looking unsure of herself. ]
Maybe I outta put this back...
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Tartaglia's ears perk up as he turns his gaze towards the guy, clearly annoyed. The hell did he just say?]
No, you can keep looking at it to your heart's content, Yoimiya.
[He doesn't leave her side, but he won't let a comment like that slide.]
Hey, mind apologizing to my girlfriend for that remark? Uncalled for is an understatement for your behavior; and it's only fitting you treat your customers with care.
[There's danger dripping out of his voice, like he wouldn't hold back and slug the guy if he'll be difficult. Really, Childe is always hoping for a fight, even though this is a bad time for it. It might be the only reason why he didn't already deck him.]
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Hey Ajax...
[ She's getting ready to stop him, reassure him that it's okay, she's the one at fault. With the lamp in hand, she glances back and forth between the two; Yoimiya can tell the shopkeeper is growing increasingly irate with each passing second. Even if he's staring at her boyfriend, she can feel him shooting a nasty glare directed at her. For a moment, he looks like he's about ready to get up from behind the counter to duke it out with both of them, even though he doesn't wield a vision. ]
What did you say punk—?!
[ As he's raising his voice, the man suddenly... stops. Yoimiya can't quite pinpoint it, but it almost looks like the guy got one look at Ajax and decided not to escalate the matter. ]
Che... fine. I apologize for being rude but you better be careful with it. You break it, you buy it.
[ He practically spits out the apology, not sounding sincere in the slightest but it's clear he doesn't want to get into a fight with Ajax. Maybe he can sense the danger radiating from him, just one look should be enough to tell anyone that her boyfriend isn't one to be messed with. ]
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And then...he backs off. Just like that. Childe's aware he has a certain aura around him, something that powerful people can recognize as downright frightening and dangerous and others can recognize as not worth it just to lose to him. Seems the shopkeep is one of the latter.]
Good. Maybe we were going to buy it in the first place.
[Just to add insult to injury. He's pretty sure that the souvenir shop isn't owned by that guy anyway, it's probably owned by the ship line itself. So it doesn't really matter to him if they buy it or not. He's just being an asshole to Yoimiya for no reason.
Turning back to her, his eyes soften for a moment to reassure her, everything's fine and that she shouldn't feel bad about this.]
Sometimes people need to put in their place. You can go ahead and look at everything you want to while we're here.
[Childe presses a kiss to her forehead just for good measure, but when he pulls back he catches something out of the corner of his eye in the reflection of the glass of the shop. A figure stands in it, dark hair with pink highlights at the ends...]
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But still! She appreciates Ajax for jumping in to defend her. Truly cannot ask for a better partner than him. Now feeling a little less apprehensive, Yoimiya can't help but laugh at her boyfriend's retort, grinning at the man behind the counter as if to say; That's right! She triumphantly huffs and returns Ajax's stare with a warm smile, feeling relaxed and reassured thanks to him. ]
Thank you. I can always count on you to be my hero.
[ Her chest buzzes with warmth at the sweet kiss on her forehead and in turn, she stands on her tiptoes to plant a kiss on his chin. Mwah! Take that mean ol' shopkeeper! Ajax has been through so much, she can tell he's stressed beyond his mind and despite it all, he's still going out of his way for her. Yoimiya silently swears to give him anything he wants when they go back to their sleeping quarters. For now, she takes his advice and continues looking around with the lamp in hand, oblivious to the reflection in the corner of his eye.
As soon as Ajax makes eye contact with the figure in the glass, a faint giggle fills the air, the tone is beautiful, haunting, and so sickly sweet that it's nauseating. The giggles go on and on, showing no signs of stopping as it rings in his ears. To make matters worse, Yoimiya and the grumpy shopkeep appear to not notice the terrible laughter all around them.
Suddenly, Yoimiya's loud voice cuts through the ominous giggling as she points out a few children's toys lined on the shelves. ]
Ajax! Would Teucer like an Aranara building block set or a mini replica of the ship?
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