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
Entry tags:
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...]
no subject
You forget we're paying customers. Our tickets were expensive enough to come with as much food as we like, so if I want the food replaced, then it will be replaced.
[It's like everything in the world has to go wrong, has to be a giant pain in his ass. He's getting really sick of it, really fast. This is the second day in a row now this has been a problem.]
Fine...it's wasted on her, anyway.
[She says it loud enough for Yoimiya to hear, and Ajax nearly loses his entire mind. He's fighting the urge not to fight this woman here, but she's a weakling and there would be nothing that would come of it, anyway. He just doesn't understand what is going on...
You don't need this hassle...
A voice floats into his mind, and he agrees. No, he doesn't, and he needs to find out what is making life so difficult in the first place so he can get rid of it.
They're all targeting her. She's the source...]
Here.
[She brings back the plate, miraculously not ruining Yoimiya's food. Childe doesn't even bother to say thank you, snatching the food from her and walking back to the table that Yoimiya has claimed for the two of them. The view of the ocean is nice, but he's so heated that he can't really appreciate it yet.]
I'm going to make a complaint about this, [he says, sliding the food to her.] I'm sorry, Yoimiya, I have no idea what on earth is going on here. Please, at least try to eat and don't think about it too much.
no subject
She's unremarkable, plain, and doesn't have any impressive feats under her belt. Why Ajax chose her out of everyone in Teyvat will forever boggle her mind. In some ways, she can't help but think that Columbina has a point.
"Fine...it's wasted on her, anyway."
Yoimiya hangs her head in the aftermath of those words, looking down at the food and unsure if she even has the stomach to eat. Why? She just doesn't understand why they're being treated like this. Both she and Ajax always make it a point to be (fairly) polite when they're out and about, and she's fairly certain neither one of them did anything to warrant this kind of abhorrent treatment.
Luckily, before she drowns in the sea of her negative thoughts, Ajax comes in like a knight in shining armor, just in the nick of time. She looks at him with a half-hearted smile, trying her best to put on a brave face but it's clear her confidence has taken a beating. ]
Thank you, Ajax. Don't apologize, none of this is your fault. Maybe everyone is coincidentally having a bad day or maybe humidity is making me sweat and smell bad.
no subject
Still. I don't appreciate how they're treating us, especially you.
[She's a problem. She's the reason for all your problems.
Tartaglia is trying to keep himself in check, and he swears this better not happen again. Looking out to the water, he tries to find a little bit of solace inside of the waves, but all he finds is emptiness. Shaking his head, he returns his gaze to Yoimiya, remembering that he should be more solid, more of a cornerstone for her to lean on. Acting like this isn't helping.]
Anyway, how is your food? This is definitely a new flavor that'll take some getting used to. It's good, you should try it. Please.
[He'd rather focus on their food than that woman...who he can see out of the corner of his eye.]
no subject
Thanks to him, she finally manages to crack a small, genuine smile. She can tell he's upset on her behalf, and even though she hates seeing him mad, it's all for her sake. It's another reminder that he's a stellar partner to have at her side. She's fairly certain she would have lost her mind if she were forced to endure all this suffering on her own.
Ajax is like her firework, lighting up the night sky on a dreary day. For now, she'll try not to dwell on it too much, opting to take a bite out of Ajax's dish to try and drown out her internal turmoil. ]
Mmm...! Idiyaapam was it? This is a hearty breakfast.
[ She can see herself getting full in no time. ]
It's certainly different but delicious. I'm finding out that Poori is kind of like a fried bread! I've never had it before but I think I can get used to this for breakfast. Feel free to have some of mine too.
[ Smiling, she pushes her plate closer to him, the samosas are still untouched thanks to her somewhat losing her appetite over that rude encounter. ]
no subject
Don't mind if I do.
[He takes one of the samsosas and tries a little bit of the poori. It's good, and he nods in approval as he munches on it.]
Not bad...you're right, it would take some getting used to. But I could see myself having this more often. Mmmmmm, I'm a lot more hungry than I thought.
[He gives his own idiyaapam another try, and along with what Yoimiya ordered, he'd have to say they got a good breakfast despite the endeavor they had to endure to get it. But he won't go back up and get more food no matter how hungry he is, not until that woman is gone. Instead, he gazes out at the ocean again, feeling a little better. He looks down into the water, wondering if he'd see any sort of marine life next to the boat, but instead he gets a completely different picture.
The reflection in the water that stares back at him is completely unexpected. Pink eyes watch from beneath the surface, but when he blinks again, it's gone. Childe rubs one eye in confusion, as if he couldn't of possibly seen what he thought he saw, turning his head back to Yoimiya.
Except, the person sitting across from him isn't Yoimiya...it's Columbina. The unmistakable dark hair highlighted with pink at the tips frame her angelic face, smiling at him with eyes covered by that familiar white lattice she wears like a mask. Tartaglia's eyes dilate in absolute fear, and his expression changes into one of complete shock and terror, but he can't move. He feels like he's paralyzed, as the ship around him grows dark and cold, the only heat near him is coming from her.
As if she were a warm fireplace for him to come sit next to, comforting and inviting, drawing him to her like a moth to a flame. His breath stutters and he seems to be locked into some strange trance, unable to speak or do anything but draw closer and closer...
To Yoimiya, he must look crazy, sitting there holding his breath with a pure expression of horror staring at her. The people sitting in the cafe around them start stealing looks at the two of them, their eyes judging Yoimiya silently...]
no subject
Maybe, just maybe, they can finally enjoy breakfast in peace if they just ignore the mean lady behind the counter, she sure as heck isn't going to get up and ask for service. It took a bit of work but she was able to finish the samsosa. And with part of their meal out of the way, she licks the crumbs off her fingers and averts her gaze to the ocean. It's not like the high seas of Inazuma but the salty breeze fills her with a sense of comfort, reminding her of her home.
As she's getting ready to ask her boyfriend what he thinks of the view, Yoimiya notices that something about his demeanor is completely off. He's staring back at her, face white as a sheet, sweat beading down the side of his face, and pupils dilated like he's seen a ghost. Rarely does she see him wear such a terrified expression on his face so when Ajax is scared, Yoimiya knows it's bad news. ]
Ajax?
[ Despite being scared, she tries calling out to him, calmly and sweetly to get his attention. But it feels like she could say his name over and over again and he still wouldn't respond. It's not long until panic begins to set in. Something is terribly, terribly wrong.
And if she were a betting person, she'd bet all her mora that Columbina is behind this. ]
A-Ajax...?
[ Her voice trembles with fear the longer she stares at him. Ajax's horrified face looks like he's frozen in time and she has no idea how to snap him out of this trance. The judgmental gaze of the people around them isn't helping matters, she can feel their stares burning a hole into the back of her hea. It's like they think she did something awful to her boyfriend and it hurts. What she doesn't understand is why he's looking at her like she's a monster. ]
Hey, are you okay? What's happening?
no subject
Come to me, and all your worries will vanish. I'll be here waiting for you. Everyone else is just dross to be thrown aside. Hehehehe...
Suddenly, Ajax's head droops downward and his eyes close, staying still for only a few moments before he seems to wake up again. Looking up, he blinks a few times, seeing Yoimiya looking at him with worry. He gives her a confused look, rubbing his eyes once before seemingly returning to normal.]
Huh? I'm alright, did something happen?
[It's like he has no idea what on earth he just went through, looking at her in confusion. Tartaglia doesn't remember what happened to him, but the rot has begun to spread further in his mind, completely unaware.]
You look terrified...
no subject
He seemingly snaps back to reality. Which is great and all but...
This time, Ajax is the one looking at her funny almost as if he was never struck with fear to begin with. This just leaves her with more questions than answers. ]
Huh, me...?
[ Confusion is laced in her voice and all she can do is stare at him with fear and disbelief. ]
You were the one looking white as a sheet just a second ago! Suddenly, you were staring at me like you saw a ghost and were completely unresponsive.
no subject
Strange, I feel fine. I don't remember that happening at all...
[He pats his chest as if he were checking himself for wounds or something that he could identify such a problem with, but naturally he doesn't find anything. Tartaglia then holds a hand up to his forehead to make sure he doesn't have a fever, and finds nothing at all. Giving Yoimiya a little bit of a worried look, he eats a little bit of his food.]
Perhaps you should keep that to yourself for now, Yoimiya. We're starting to get strange looks from the people around us.
[Which they are looking at them weird, and for some reason that fact bothers Tartaglia. Like Yoimiya's small "outburst" here is causing problems for them.]
We can talk more about it after we leave, okay?
no subject
His response is completely unlike what transpired yesterday. There's a brief moment where Yoimiya wonders if she's the one who is going crazy due to him seeming unbothered. Mostly. Maybe it's just her imagination but it almost feels like he's acting like she's the one being a huge nuisance when she was just worried about him. But that can't be correct. Sure, Ajax has those moments that make her want to send him the evil eye but he wouldn't dare make light of her worries. ]
... Alright. Fine. Fine. Just forget I said anything.
[ There's the slightest hint of frustration in her voice but she complies with his request. With no other words, Yoimiya proceeds to continue eating in silence, taking the time to contemplate to herself. With how everyone is staring at her like she's grown a second head and now Ajax brushing her off, she can't help but wonder if she really did just picture that in her mind.
... Maybe it's another one of Columbina's tricks. ]
no subject
He eats in silence for a few moments, letting her have a moment to herself after getting a little worked up. They've had a stressful time. He can't be mad at her for that, at least.]
I saw a store on the way here that looked like they sold some tasty looking snacks. Want to hit it up? I didn't know the names of anything in there, but we can get some and take it back to the room. Those two are probably hungry as well...
[Ugh, that annoys him, out of the blue. They'll have to feed the Aranara something. Can't they live off of water?]
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And it works! Soon, she realizes that getting huffy about the situation doesn't make her any better than that mean lady behind the counter. Tartaglia didn't do anything wrong, he even going as far as to defend her twice. It's hard to get the image of him shaken up out of her mind, but since he doesn't seem to be concerned, she figures it's best not to press the matter. ]
Okay! I could go for a light snack after breakfast. And I'm sure those two rascals are dying for something to eat. Aramiya kind of went through my snacks already, and knowing her, she'll be eager to try other types...
[ Between the training and the eating, Aramiya really will turn into a big buff scary Aranara at this rate. That thought alone is enough to elicit a small, chirpy giggle out of her. ]
If they're the kind of snacks that stay fresh during the trip, we can bring some back for your siblings too.
no subject
That's a good idea. They certainly would appreciate the snacks, though we may have to hide some of them from Teucer lest he fill up too quickly on them.
[Tartaglia has the motivation now to quickly finish up his meal, eating the rest of the plate in front of him. Honestly, the sooner they get off this boat, the better. It's too bad it can't sail faster.]
Alright, let's get out of here. The sooner we get away from the rude staff in here, [he says loud enough for that woman to hear,] the better. I'm getting pretty tired of all the rude attitudes around here. I'm sure we'll be treated much better over there.
[Off to the snack shop. He leaves his dishes right there on the table, to let the jerk woman clean it up for them instead of taking it to the proper area- something that isn't really like him to do, but right now he's been agitated enough to not care. Offering his hand to Yoimiya, he's going to happily lead her over to the snack shop across the way so they can buy something for themselves and head back to the room.
The snack shop is small, sporting all sorts of wrapped up goodies and perishables that don't look like they'll be able to bring them back to Snezhnaya save for maybe if they buy on the last day of the ride. But it all looks so delicious, his mouth is watering just looking at it all.]
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She even manages to slip out a giggle at the way he brazenly leaves the plates on the table. That's not like her usual Ajax; he's far more polite than that, but she gets it— the lady was super rude to them for no reason and, quite frankly, deserves it. If she's going to be a jerk to them, then Yoimiya hopes she has fun picking up their mess. So even though it's not like her, she happily obliges, lacing her fingers between Tartaglia's as they get the heck out of here.
The sight of the snack shop is a welcome one. As soon as they step in, Yoimiya takes in all the delicious scents wafting into her nose. Everything not only smells amazing but looks incredible. Sumeru dishes look like works of art. ]
Mmm...! Even though we just ate, I feel like I could gorge on everything in this shop. It smells like heaven in here!
[ She's especially salviating over the sigara boregi. Cheese rolls sound so good right about now. ]
What kind of snacks do your siblings like? Hopefully, they aren't at that age where they're picky. Iwao's parents told me he's being a little particular about his veggies.
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Oh, they're very much into sweets. I'm not entirely sure if they're going to like what's offered here, but it doesn't hurt to take a look. Anything I'd take home for them is going to be something I pick up before we depart the ship. But I think these little balls here, [he says as he points to some labneh balls,] might be perfect to take back to the room for those freeloaders to snack on.
[There's the slightest hint of resentment aimed at the Aranara in his voice, something also uncharacteristic of him. They are on a ship, so the price of the food is also jacked up, just as it was at the cafe, which also makes him balk out of character. He's got to spend that much just for them?]
What a hassle...
[He mutters to himself, feeling the need to just shed himself of these annoyances. Why it's getting to him so much isn't something he's bothering to think about, all he knows is that life would be easier if he didn't have to deal with it.]
Yoimiya, I'm going to grab a few of these to bring them back. Get anything you want, okay?
no subject
"—might be perfect to take back to the room for those freeloaders to snack on."
That throws her off kilter so much that it causes her to balk at him with her jaw practically on the ground. Freeloaders...? Sure, she gets that he's annoyed at the two stowaways, but calling them freeloaders feels like he's taking it too far to the point of being uncharacteristic of him. For as long as she's known Ajax, he's never been one to scoff at someone for being less fortunate; he's never once hesitated to throw money and then some. Yoimiya is so taken aback by this that she's dead silent for at least a solid minute.
First, the employees and now Ajax. Is there something in the water here that's causing everyone to walk around with a stick up their butt? Who's next? The Aranara? Are the Aranara gonna chew their heads off when they return to their room? This whole ordeal feels like it's reaching the point of insanity. ]
Um... okay, I appreciate that.
[ At least he seems to be nice to her. If Ajax is this grumpy at the Aranara, she doesn't want to deal with him when he's throwing an attitude at her. ]
Ajax, are you okay? You sound really... agitated.
no subject
At the call of his name, he turns around to face Yoimiya, blinking at her a few times.]
Agitated? Do I really sound like that?
[He seems to be completely oblivious to his own behavior, but it does get him to stop a consider it for a moment. Is he angry? If so, he reasons he's got a good reason for it. He did get mad in the cafe, and for some reason, he feels this growing resentment towards Aramiya and Arajax.]
...Maybe I am. I'm not really sure, but I feel like I'm on the edge of falling into a terrible mood. I don't know why, and all I want to do is avoid it at all costs.
[Whether he's being successful at that or not is a different story.]
no subject
... Yeah, you seem kind of off today. I know the situation with our um.... "friends" [ she doesn't dare say the Aranara out loud, just in case people are listening ] isn't ideal, but I was shocked you called them freeloaders. That sounds unlike you.
[ It's not that she's trying to defend them, but she likes to think she knows Ajax well enough. His annoyance toward the Aranara seems a little over-the-top. ]
But after what happened in the shop yesterday, I don't blame you. Anyone would be in a terrible mood after that. So please, if there's anything I can do to help you feel better, I'll do it. You've done so much for me, and I just want to be there for you.
no subject
Unnecessary burdens. You don't need that.
He only manages to keep it in because it's Yoimiya, and it would be rude and uncalled for to yell at her, especially after the last few days. Instead, he tries to consider what she's telling him, bringing a hand up to his head as he closes his eyes to think and simmer on his anger.]
I...sorry. It seems I really can't get away from constantly being on edge. I'll try to be more careful with my words. Thanks, Yoimiya.
[Sighing, his hand drops from his forehead and he looks down at her with genuine regret, knowing that his behavior is probably upsetting her a little bit. That's not what he wants, so he tells himself he'll keep himself more in check.]
You're already here for me, helping me stay grounded in all this. I couldn't ask for more than that.
no subject
Because truthfully, there's a part of her that feels guilty about everything. Yoimiya wonders if she's been making this situation all about her, and taking Ajax for granted this whole time. He's also a victim in this mess, and there's no telling how much stress he's been bottling up this whole time in order to stay strong for her. It breaks her heart to think about him suffering in silence while she's been out here throwing a pity party. ]
Hey... don't be sorry. On top of our life being kind of a wreck right now, you had an awful day yesterday.
[ A soft, reassuring smile pulls at the corner of her lips as she reaches out to grab his hand, brushing her thumb across his knuckles in hopes of soothing him. ]
I promise I'll be there for you no matter what. I'm sorry if it seems like I've failed you in that regard. I know I haven't been a good girlfriend lately, but from the bottom of my heart, I love you.