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

[monoceroscaeli]

[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...]

Comments

sobbing he'll read it on the boat and get all emotional qqqqq

[monoceroscaeli]

[He can tell she's getting a little choked up, smiling back at her reassuringly. Even though they need to part for now, that's really all it is to him- for now. He will make absolutely certain there will be another time that they can meet again, and hopefully it'll be sooner rather than later. He gently pushes a strand of hair from her face, fondly gazing down at her as she presents the present she's prepared, taking it from her, gratitude lining his expression.]

Don't worry, I will. You don't have to worry about me, I'll do whatever it takes to stay alive.

[It's not exactly the most reassuring, but that's a promise he knows he can keep to her. He holds the package tightly to him, feeling his own heart start to ache. He's not unused to saying goodbye to loved ones, but saying goodbye to Yoimiya is a new kind of ache that he's never felt before. It twists his heart and makes his chest feel tight, while his stomach feels as if it's starting to swirl with unease. He does his best to keep all of these feelings off of his face, knowing that this moment needs to be just as special as all the ones they'd had before with each other. He can't leave here being sad and down that he has to go without her.]

Thank you for this, it's a lovely gift. I can't wait to bring my siblings here, I know that they'll love every second of staying in Inazuma. I'm sure we'll have plenty of fun with the fireworks too, but I promise we'll use them safely, haha.

[A Fatui agent approaches the two of them slowly, not wanting to disturb their Lord Harbinger while he's giving his last goodbyes to someone who is clearly important to him, saluting Childe as he delivers his message.]

Master Childe, the ship is due to leave shortly.

[The kind and loving expression on Tartaglia's face shifts, shooting a stern expression towards the agent, who stiffens immediately under the Harbinger's gaze.]

Can't you see I'm a little busy right now? I'll dare you to have this ship depart without me on it, go ahead. Here, make sure this gets secured in my quarters.

[He hands the package off to the agent, who nervously bows and takes it.]

Y-Yes, sir.

[And as soon as he came, the agent quickly removes himself from this dangerous situation, leaving Yoimiya and Tartaglia alone once more. Childe only smirks when the agent flees, knowing full well that the guy really was in no danger at all- he's just doing his job and letting him know. But still, you gotta put your foot down in this military.]

Now, where were we? Ah, yes. I have something for you too, you know.

SOBS i'm already crying just thinking about it

[niwabi]

[ Tartaglia's wonderous smile is reassuring, a blessed comfort in the wake of their separation. His gentle touch lifts her spirits, leaning into his warmth as he brushes a loose strand of golden hair out of her face. Even now, while her heart feels like it's twisting, she duly smiles at him, soft and sweet. He's doing his best to make this final moment between them special and she's determined to do the same.

They'll have plenty of adevntures to look forward to in the future. This is just an unfortunate bump in the road they must cross before they walk the path of blissful happiness, she eagerly looks forward to the day she meets his family, the day his siblings visit Inazuma as they laugh and partake in festival filled with fun and joy. ]

Thank you, Tartaglia. I believe in you and your strength. After all, your my strong and powerful Lord Tartaglia.

[ To most people it's not exactly the most reassuring thing to say, but for Yoimiya, she's relieved to hear his words. The Eleventh Harbinger's strength is impeccable, she's only gotten a glimpse of his power but just from the fragments she's seen, this man is capable of many feats, he has the power to take on anyone who dares to challenge him, so there's no need for her to worry. He's going to be perfectly fine out on his own in the vast world of Teyvat.

The whiplash from sweet, loving boyfriend to a stern military officer is quite incredible. It's astounding how Tartaglia, the man she's fallen head over heels for can quickly turn into Master Childe, fearsome Harbinger who whips his underlings into shape. Sorry poor Fatui agent, she can't help but giggle at your plight, shouldn't have tried to rush him... But if anything, she's pleased to know the package will make it safely to his quarters, lest the unfortunate agent invoke his superior's wrath. ]

Oh! You didn't have to get anything for me. But, I appreciate it a lot. You've been nothing but kind and thoughtful to me the entire time we've known each other.

[ A genuine look of surprise is evident on her features, her stare full of curiosity and wonder at his own lovely gift. ]

[monoceroscaeli]

Haha, well, it's not so much that I got something for you, rather than it's something I'd like for you to have.

[He'd been considering it for the whole night on how he wanted to leave Inazuma and leave the biggest impression on Yoimiya before he had to go. Admittedly, Tartaglia had been fretting about it throughout the night if there was one last thing or one final gift he wanted to present her with that would make this parting all the more special. More than anything, the man wanted to give her something to reflect on that would make her heart swell and leave her with the relief that he would indeed come back for her one day, no matter how long it took and no matter how far apart they were. He'd considered everything, but nothing really felt adequate or thoughtful enough to go out and buy or set up secretly in such a short amount of time.

But it's as they say, sometimes the best solution is the simplest, and in this case he's decided to follow his gut and go with something easy. And yet, to him, it feels sentimental, something she'll appreciate.

And maybe even find a use for, as long as there's enough Fatui in the area watching on to spread the rumors, which he's counting on.]

Here.

[Reaching up, he takes his own red Harbinger mask off of his head, cupping her cheek with his left hand and attaching it to her head with his right, letting it sit nicely opposite all the decorations and charms in her hair that she normally wears. Tartaglia takes a step back, admiring how it looks on her, noting how well it matches her own outfit and goldfish accessory. He lets his thumb come up to his chin, tilting his head in a faux inquisitive manner, as if he was deciding whether or not it was the right kind of thing for her, a satisfied smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.]

Huh. It looks even better on you than I thought it would.

[niwabi]

[ Staring at him with a puzzled expression, she can't even begin to make a guess what he wishes her to have from his words alone. Confusion quickly morphs into a stunned look of surprise as he carefully places his special Harbinger mask on the side of her head. How the Fatui operates is still a bit of a mystery to her but judging how Tartaglia always has this mask on, it's more than just a part of his uniform, his mask is clearly important to him. And he's leaving it in her care. ]

Huh?! This is...

[ your mask. That is what she wants to say but can't quite finish that sentence. She's beyond moved by his gift, her heart swelling with adoration at this sentimental gift that now means the world to her. She takes a deep breath, her voice quivering as she brings her hand on top of his. ]

This is really important to you. Are you... [ Are you sure? Seems silly to ask, since when has the Harbinger ever not been sure about his life choices? ] I...

[ Ah, she made a promise to not cry but Tartaglia's heartwarming gift stirs up a tempest of emotions that she's been bottling up. In spite of her best efforts, tears well up from the corner of her watery eyes, spilling down her cheeks and onto his left hand tenderly cupping her face. This whole time, she's been trying hard to fight the pain that's twisting at her heart but it's his soft gesture of affection that breaks her sunny disposition. She chokes out a sob, powerless to stay bright and cheery as she gives in to the teardrops falling down. It hurts to part ways with him, it especially pains her to be so uncertain of when they will even get to see each other again but her tears aren't exactly ones of sadness, they are also of relief. His message is loud and clear, he's giving this mask to her as an oath that they will be reunited one day. ]

T-Thank you so much, Tartaglia. I... promise to take good care of it— I'll wear it everywhere I go— and think about the wonderful man that's captured my heart...

[monoceroscaeli]

[Ah, he's made her cry.

He hadn't meant to, but he also had anticipated that she might, pulling her into an embrace that's tight and reassuring. The look of surprise he'd elicited out of her was fun, he knew that she'd at least be thrown off-guard by his gift, but it's been moved from surprise to tears as she cries into him. Childe's embrace is steady and solid, his arms wrapping around every part of her that he can as he presses his head to the side of hers. It's more than difficult to keep himself from letting his emotions spiral out of control and start crying a little himself, but Tartaglia finds that even he has to take big, measured breaths to keep it all in and act as a cornerstone for the both of them that they would one day be able to see each other again.]

Hahaha... [he chuckles quietly, letting his head closing his eyes with a soft, hidden smile spreading across his face,] I'm glad you like it. I'm counting on you to keep it safe while I'm away.

[Pulling away from her, he lets his finger come up to wipe away the start of more tears in her eyes, expression soft as he fights his own tears away. He's going to miss her more than he could have imagined, now that he's faced with letting her go for now to return home. But it means more than anything that she be left with a good memory as they part, so he continues to smile in the same loving way he's been smiling at her ever since the festival the day before, wanting to do and say everything to comfort her as much as possible.]

I promise that I'll come back for you as quickly as possible. Our time apart is simply temporary, and I won't be able to keep myself from you for very long. I'll think of you every day, from the moment the sun rises to when the moon hangs in the starry night sky. You've become such a bright, shining light among the constellations that illuminate the horizon to me- and I can only count the days before we are reunited.

[Tartaglia presses downward to capture her in a affectionate, loving and deep kiss, the emotions he'd kept pushing down on erupting upward to pour into it with an unrestrained fervor. He can't help it, he's going to miss her terribly and this is all he's getting for the foreseeable future with her. His passes beg for her to come with him, the way he presses his forehead to hers says that he knows she has to stay. His feelings tug at his heart and make it ache more than he was prepared for, but he's glad he's afforded this last kiss.]

You mean the world to me. Please, wait patiently for me, if you could.

[niwabi]

[ Although this parting is one of the most painful experiences she'll ever face, she's forever grateful for their chance meeting, to be with a wonderful partner that supports her even at her lows. Yoimiya tucks herself into his steady embrace, feeling his love pouring out from his warm gesture, he's doing his best to be strong for the both of them, to be her rock in this agonizing moment. Pressing her face into his chest, tears freely stream out of her eyes as she weeps into him, crying her heart out. Residents of Inazuma know the Queen of the Summer Festival as a bubbly, cheerful girl who always wears a bright smile on her face, but Tartaglia is the first person to witness her fall to pieces. Heck, Yoimiya herself can't even remember the last time she cried.

Once they pull away, she's cried so much that there are no more tears to shed, greeted by the soft expression adorning his face, it's then Yoimiya comes to the realization he's fighting back his own emotions. Drawing in a deep breath, she listens to his lovely words that make her heart swell, engraving that loving smile into her memories in order to forever remember him in all his wonder. No one has a way with words as Tartaglia does, to be called his bright, shining light among the constellations is one of the sweetest phrases anyone has ever uttered to her, more romantic than anything she's read out a light novel from the Yae Publishing House.

There's no doubt in her mind they'll meet again, she can feel that stalwart promise spilling out as she returns the loving kiss in full. It's a wonderful display of affection, his locked-away emotions pour out from his lips. She follows up with each pass of her lips, expressing her wishes to sail off with him, thankful they are afforded this final, amazing kiss to keep them tied until they see each other again. ]

I will, I promise to wait patiently for you. There won't be a day that goes by without me thinking about you. I'll look forward to every evening when we can meet each other in our dreams until the day we're able to reunite.

[ In the whirlwind of her emotions and feelings, she recognizes that sacrifices are also a part of love, to put aside her own selfish desires and prioritize her beloved's best interests. He's got a family back home that's eagerly awaiting his return, there's no telling how long he's been away from them. Through her moist eyes, a hand comes up to cup the side of his face, tenderly caressing his cheek. If she truly cares about him, she needs to bury her anguish and let him go. Determined to send him off with one last happy memory, she manages a serene smile that reflects the immense love she has in her heart for him. ]

Thank you for everything, have a safe journey. Your family is waiting for you.

[monoceroscaeli]

[He supposes this is it, then.

Childe's gaze grows more and more fond the longer he keeps his eyes locked with hers, unsure how he'd even be able to step away from her like this. Deep down, he knows that this is only temporary and that they would be able to see each other again, maybe even work out a way that partings like this would be less frequent. But all of that will have to wait for now, nodding his head to Yoimiya as she reminds him of the loved ones waiting for him at home. He'll be able to rest easy knowing that she would be safe and sound back here in Inazuma, knowing that she'd think of him in the days he's away and how he'd daydream about her near constantly even while he's off completing missions as the Tsaritsa's vanguard.

But for now, he has to go. Childe reaches to gently take her hand, kissing the back of it as one last gesture of his dedication to her, cupping it in his hands for a moment as he looks back at her from under his eyelashes.]

Be well, Yoimiya- I'll return soon.

[Letting go of her hand, he turns to go, heart aching in his chest as he boards the ship. Fatui salute him as he walks past, and Tartaglia doesn't go inside to his quarters- instead, he chooses to stay above deck, leaning on the railing to watch her as he sails off. He tries to think of it as any other goodbye he's had to give, but this time it stabs him in the heart in such a viscerally different way that his mind is already racing with different ways to avoid such a parting ever again. As the ship takes off, the smaller and smaller she gets, and the deeper the longing already starts to grow in the pit of his stomach. It won't be until the island is completely out of sight that he'll even bother to go inside to rest, lying down and closing his eyes so he can see her against the darkened backside of his eyelids.]

[niwabi]

[ It takes every ounce of willpower to step away and let go of him. But for the sake of Tartaglia and his family, she has to. The sooner he departs, the sooner he'll receive a warm welcome from his parents and siblings who have missed him dearly. A happy reunion filled with smiles and laughter awaits him in Snezhnaya. She can already picture the excited trills of Teucer, Tonia, and Anthon as they greet their beloved older brother, his older siblings playfully rubbing his head as soon as he walks into the door. With that wonderful thought in mind, the pain in her heart slowly begins to heal bit by bit.

Love and adoration blooms in her chest from the tender caress of his lips. His final act of devotion will forever be engraved into her soul, a reminder that the two of them will always be in each other's hearts and thoughts even with the vast sea separating them. ]

I'll be waiting for you my strong, Lord Harbinger.

[ She gives his hand one last gentle squeeze as they slip out of each other's grasp. Her golden eyes are glued to him, studying every last inch of his face to cling to his memory, her stare is locked onto him as he steps onto the ship, getting one last glimpse of him leaning against the railing. The sight of the ship grows smaller, one final teardrop slides down the side of her cheek as she whispers goodbye into the wind.

Wiping off the remaining tears off her face, she glances up at the blue sky, finding solace that they'll always be connected no matter the distance between them. From this day forward, she makes a promise to always bear their love as she moves forward, knowing that Tartaglia would want her to continue living her happy, peaceful life in Inazuma with her parents. She solemnly swears to make every second of every day count, faithfully believing that this parting is only temporary and that one day in the future, they will have a joyful reunion of their own. ]