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

[monoceroscaeli]

[He can see the boat come into view, right on time as it should be, watching it dock as multiple Fatui work to tie it to the dock. Tartaglia feels like he can't stand in one place watching them, silently urging them to hurry up so Yoimiya can safely depart, and when it finally does settle he gets to see her.

The familiar golden hair tied up in in a messy, short ponytail that rides high up on the back of her head adorned by her hair accessories is the first thing he sees until she walks closer and the rest of her is visible. The red, winter kimono looks great on her even from a distance, and he feels his eyes widen at her beauty against the snow-white landscape that surrounds them. Tartaglia holds the white Harbinger jacket he's brought for her a little closer to him as he stares, heart pounding in his chest as he realizes that she's here, she's really here and it hasn't been one large fever dream he's been having about Yoimiya finally coming to Snezhnaya.

The Fatui crew of the ship can't even stop Yoimiya even as they cry "Lady Yoimiya-!" after her as she hurries across the icy dock, wanting to make sure she doesn't slip and hurt herself. But all Childe can see is his lovely Yoimiya striding towards him, and his arms open so that he can wrap them tightly around her as she presses herself against him. The ginger lets out an audible sigh of contentment now that she's back in his arms, unable to keep himself from rocking back and forth with her as his eyes close. It's been long, too long, since the last time he's held her, and waiting all these months seems to of paid off. He can't bear to let go of her, even as several other Fatui look on as the Harbinger greets his beloved. She seems even more beautiful than he remembers, but it might be the fact that he gets to see her in the astonishing view of his homeland as a backdrop in such a vibrant kimono that adds to her beauty.]

I've missed you too, more than I could ever express.

[It's a simple matter of pulling him down, he's practically on his way anyhow when he captures him in a kiss. He meets her lips with his own, hand coming up to cup her cheek as his head tilts, unable to keep himself from completely losing himself and drinking her in as they share this lip lock. Her warmth and presence chase away the frigidness of the crisp air, kissing her fervently over and over again as if his very life depends on her, chest tightening with every pass with love poured into every press of his lips to hers. He'd missed her so badly, it was as if he was wound so tight that he was ready to break on the day he knew she'd be here, only to unwind rapidly now that he has her in his arms. It's an exhilarating feeling, one that he wants to savor for as long as he can, and he dares anyone to try to interrupt it.

But when it finally ends, he reluctantly pulls away, eyes glossy with affection for her with a love drunk smile on his face.]

Welcome, [he finally manages, eyes locked with hers,] to Snezhnaya. I've brought you something.

[It's the coat in his arms- there's no way that kimono is going to cut it.]

[niwabi]

[ Thoroughly lost in the breathtaking view of Tartaglia, Yoimiya doesn't even register the voices of the Fatui crew yelling out in concern for her safety. As if they were frozen in time from the moment she stepped into the frigid region, all she can see is her beloved, happy that this long-awaited reunion is no longer a dream and that she's truly in his arms. Despite the cold winds whispering in the air, she can feel sparks fly from the passionate lip lock shared between them, a wordless declaration of their longing for one another. She returns his affections, kissing ardently as if any prolonged separation would be the end of her. With every pass, she feels an outpouring of love flowing out of his lips, his loving gesture revealing how much he's missed her. She responds in kind, spilling her emotions into the kiss, affirming her feelings of yearning with every sweep of her lips.

If it wasn't for the urge to breathe, it would be so easy for Yoimiya to smooch him all day on this icy dock. As they part, she flutters her lashes at him, staring into his eyes with a besotted expression mirroring his own. Seeing the look on his face makes her want to dive in for another flurry of kisses but a wintry adventure awaits her in Snezhnaya, so for the time being, they must pull away. But she'll be sure to make up for lost time once they are alone.

Now that they've pulled away, she's able to get a good look at his appearance. The long, white coat draped over his shoulders is stunning, her chest blooms with adoration at the picturesque scene of Tartaglia dressed in white with the landscape of his frosty homeland in the background.

Utterly enamored by the sight of him, she didn't even realize he has a special present, it is only when he speaks that it finally dawns on her. Ah, he kept his promise to have a coat especially made for her. It's only natural he'd go through with it, Tartaglia is a man true to his word, never backing down on a promise. Her eyes shimmer with pure joy at the wonderful gift in his hands. ]

It's beautiful... [ And super cozy! Much more fitting for the weather than the kimono she has on. ] Thank you, I'll cherish this coat for eternity.

[ Without a doubt, this coat is one of the most lovely gifts she's ever received. A smile full of affection and love curls on the corners of her lips, her shivering hands pulling the jacket closer, huddling into the warm fabric. True to her word, she's taken good care of his mask as it sits pretty on the side of her head. With the red Harbinger mask and white coat, she feels seamlessly integrated into the Fatui. ]

[monoceroscaeli]

[As he hands the coat over, his eyes drink in the sight of her standing in the middle of his homeland, dressed in her red kimono and white jacket, the orange jewel that hangs off of the side of it glinting in the light. He's glad now that he'd remembered exactly her size and frame, as the coat looks perfect on her, accented further by his mask that sits off to the side of her head. If he hadn't known any better, he'd dare say that she too, was one of the Harbingers. From beneath his own coat, a pair of black gloves appear, made specifically for her hands that'll keep her warm, handing them over as the final part of the gift for his beloved.]

I'm glad you like it. It'll be a sign for other Fatui of your status as well- only the Harbingers are allowed to wear this garb. Don't be alarmed if you get saluted while wearing it, not every soldier knows every Harbinger, so it's better to salute than not and get in trouble for it.

[He winks at her, hoping that Yoimiya will just wear her faux title with pride and order the troops around just as any other Harbinger would. It would entertain him to see soldiers trembling in their boots at Yoimiya's presence.]

Whatever will you do with this much power. I'm excited to see, haha.

[niwabi]

[ In this blistering cold, her cheeks and heart grow warm from his sweet display of affection. The black gloves gifted to her are lovely, fitting her small hands perfectly as she slides them on. A flawless final piece to shield her from the cold, making her feel like a fresh new Fatui recruit from head to toe.

That feeling is amplified when he mentions receiving salutes, eliciting giggles from her. Being held in high reverence is a new experience for her, as she's more used to a more casual lifestyle. But there's no denying she's looking forward to how this whole situation will play out. It's quite comical to think about these well-trained soldiers bowing down to some silly country girl from Inazuma. ]

Haha! From the way you've been talking, it sounds like I'm officially recruited into the Fatui. I've never had this much power before so I'm a little nervous... [ says the girl without a shy bone in her body, ] But I'll be sure to be responsible with my newfound powers.

[ She winks back at him, imagining all the harmless pranks she could pull on unsuspecting soldiers. But she'll be sure to treat Tartaglia's subordinates well! They deserve it for being so kind to her throughout the boat ride. ]

Ready to head on out? We should probably drop off my luggage so that way your subordinates don't have to carry it much longer.

[monoceroscaeli]

[That wink tells him everything he needs to know about what Yoimiya will really do with her new Harbinger command powers. He knows it won't be anything too serious, but it'll be comical enough for him to watch from the sidelines to make getting her the coat more than worth it now.

His eyes quickly snap in the direction of the Fatui who are seeing to Yoimiya's things, and they instantly understand what needs to be done now, hauling it along without complaint as the Harbinger turns around. Tartaglia's arm slips in behind her to wrap around the small of her back, pulling her in close to him as they make their way from the dock to his hometown. Of course, he wouldn't make his beloved girlfriend suffer too much in the biting cold that he knows she's not used to, and thankfully the nation of snow has its own way of getting around.]

No need to fret, they can take care of it. I have everything arranged to reach our destination safely and in comfort.

[He leads her to a carriage waiting for them that's mounted on sleds, with a large pack of huskies ready and waiting to take off down the semi-paved path through the snow.]

Come, the inside of it is heated- it'll be a long trip to my hometown from here. You can share with me everything I've missed out on since the last I saw you on the way there.

[niwabi]

[ Hand-in-hand, Yoimiya feels like a princess getting led by her prince charming to the cozy winter carriage awaiting them. Greeted by the sight of the husky pack, her smile broadens, golden eyes shimmering at the adorable, hard-working bunch ready and waiting to take them to her beloved's hometown. Instead of going inside the carriage, she does a quick detour to the huskies, patting each one of them on their fluffy heads as a way to express her gratitude. They are so cute! And she can tell just from a glimpse, all of them are good doggies. ]

Oh boy, do I have some stories to share with you! I would have told you by letter but I thought it would be more fun to tell you in person. You gotta do the same! I want to hear all about your adventures.

[ Well, the stories he's allowed to tell her, anyway. Since you know, Fatui and all...

After getting her fill of floof, she excitedly steps into the caravan, getting a good feel of the heated interior almost instantly, a stark contrast to the cold dock they were just on. She gets comfy in her seat, letting out a relaxed sigh at the warm, cozy atmosphere that's made even more snug with Tartaglia's presence. Once he's inside, she cuddles up to him, nuzzling her head into his shoulder as the huskies take off. Throughout the journey, Yoimiya jovially recounts the test of courage that led to Akitsu Kimodameshi, finishing off her adventures in Sumeru with the Traveler, Paimon, and her new friend, Avin.

Now that he's up to speed with her Sumeru journey, she pulls out a certain wood carving of an aranara, handing it over to him. ]

Ta-da~! Doesn't it look a lot like me? It's Aramiya, plip-plod, plip-plod, plip-plod. [ THE SOUND OF HER ARANARA PEOPLE] I made sure to get one for you during my travels. That way if we have to part ways again, you can look at it and know that I'll always be supporting you no matter the distance between us.

[monoceroscaeli]

[Tartaglia waits a moment for Yoimiya to give pets to all the dogs before they make their way into the carriage, not being able to help but grin at her as she pets each and every one of them. The dogs in turn, love having the attention from her, their tails wagging like a helicopter before the two of them finally settle down inside of the heated transport for the trek to Morepesok. He can't wait to hear all about her adventures back in Inazuma, and he quietly listens and only interjects here and there to ask a question. But he mostly just listens and gazes at her with affection as she speaks, enjoying her company and loving that he gets to have her in his arms again.

He takes the aranara carving from her when she produces it, laughing a little at her little sound effects of what an aranara must sound like when it walks, finding it adorable (and wasn't the Doctor going on about wanting to find one of these as a specimen at some point? He can't remember...)]

Hah, it's adorable. Aramiya, is it? That's a cute name. I'm surprised how closely it resembles you...if you looked like a small, walking plant, haha.

[Just teasing of course.]

Thank you, I'll make sure to keep it safe. Sounds like you had quite an adventure. I'm still a little amazed at the whole riding on a star thing, though. That must of been the most surreal and incredible part of your dream in the land where no one used to dream, haha. Perhaps one day, you'll get to see a real meteor shower.

[niwabi]

[ His jest earns him a silly little pout, a faux look of indignance paints her features... only for her to bellow out with laughter in zero point five seconds. She can't even pretend to be pouty, far too happy that this long-awaited reunion is real and not a dream like the meteor shower she described to him. ]

Hey! What's that supposed to mean? [ She's all giggles. ] But I guess if you put it like that, I must be the most adorable, chatty walking plant to ever exist.

[ Come to think of it. Her messy ponytail does resemble a plant ready to be plucked out of the ground. Maybe he has a point... ]

I have faith that I'll eventually get to see a real meteor shower. It'll be even more special if we get to witness it together. Oh! We should travel to Sumeru together one day! Maybe we'll even find an aranara that looks like you, so you can be a walking plant as well.

[ Gib her a carving of Arajax ]

[monoceroscaeli]

[He laughs along with her, really imagining her as this small, plant-like creature that just talks everyone's ear off without respite. Tartaglia thinks that no one could escape, because how could you possibly get away from her without feeling terrible. Abandoning something so cute that wants nothing more to talk to you and be friends...what an image. Even he wouldn't be able to get away.]

Well, I guess we'll have to see if any vendors have even seen me to think to carve one that looks anything at all like me, [he says with a wink.]

But, I'm not opposed to making a trip to Sumeru in the future. I've never been, and I've heard there's all sorts of adventure to be had, though I might have to keep a low profile while I'm there...

[Since the Akademiya's sages had all gotten in trouble by colluding with the Fatui, but he's not sure if that news had reached her ears or if she even cared to know.]

[niwabi]

[ If there isn't a carving that looks like him, she makes a mental note to look into getting one commissioned when they visit Sumeru. She can't stop laughing at the idea of a mischievous Aranara resembling him going around causing trouble and picking up fights. She can picture it in her head perfectly, a tiny plant-like creature demanding the toughest opponents to fight him while people ooh and ahh over how cute he is. Yoimiya would have no choice but to give in to his demands, who could turn down such an adorable face? ]

Ah... is this about those Akademiya folks working with the Fatui?

[ While she is not privy to the details, Yoimiya does recall hearing gossip about the sages as she strolled the streets of Sumeru. The thought of Tartaglia being involved did cross her mind for a split second but she eventually brushed it off, figuring that he would have mentioned visiting Sumeru in his letters. But still, even if he's Fatui, it's a little unfair he's forced to keep a low profile thanks to a plan he wasn't even a part of. ]

Don't worry, I'll protect you! [ Not that he needs protecting. ] And if all else fails, you can wear a disguise. I'll make sure you have a great time in Sumeru without any interruptions.

[ Somewhere laying in her room, she's fairly certain she has a fake mustache and glasses disguise he can wear. It's perfect, no one will ever figure out his true identity if he dons her silly attire. ]

Tell me all about your adventures! Knowing you, I'm sure you've been up to some wild antics during these past few months.

[monoceroscaeli]

[Seems like she did hear, but it doesn't sound like she's associating him with the incident, which is good. He wouldn't want her to think he had any hand in a scheme like that, as that goes against everything he stands for, and it makes him appreciate that Yoimiya has deduced somehow that he wasn't involved at all, so that keeps from any awkward explanations or rebuttals he has to come up with.

Tartaglia's eyes soften with amusement at her declaration, laughing quietly at the idea of him wearing a disguise. With this hair? He doubts he'll be able to make it far if anyone knows what he looks like at all. He doesn't need any of the Fatui there addressing him as Lord Harbinger in the streets, and he's not really sure what protecting she's going to do, but he appreciates it nonetheless. Silently, he commends her bravery, relaxing into her as they continue their trek to Morepesok.]

I've mostly stayed in Snezhnaya during this time, though in a few months or so I'll be heading to Fontaine. This trip really couldn't of happened at a more perfect time. Thankfully, I've had plenty of opportunities to spend time with my family, and we've gone ice fishing and...

[He goes on to describe fishing with his siblings, wandering off into the snowy wilderness to fight monsters and beasts alike, cooking for his family, etc. However, he stops for a moment, as there was another thing he feels like she should know before they have their fun here in his homeland:]

But Yoimiya, while you're here, I don't want you to run off too far. The frigid landscape here hides many dangers, and I don't want you to get hurt. You never know what one wrong step or an ill-placed encounter might turn into.

[For a brief second, there's a flash in his eyes of worry, of terror, before it's gone again only to be replaced with a simple concern. It's almost as if he senses he's expressed that, quickly letting his hand come up under her chin to press a short loving kiss to her lips, eyes closing for that moment before pulling away.]

[niwabi]

[ Yoimiya listens in rapt attention as he recounts the details of his (relatively) peaceful time with his family. Starry eyes glisten with wonder, her heart is filled with warmth, images of Tartaglia playing with his siblings, cooking for his whole family, taking care of his parents, and their bustling household being full once more flash through her head. Quietly smiling from ear to ear, she's silently attentive to every detail, only speaking whenever she has a question about his family or homeland. Although her boyfriend thrives off chaos, she's happy to see him relaxing before his next big mission. Even Harbingers need breaks too. ]

Y'all sound like a family of adventurers! I'm glad you were able to come back to your homeland after being away for so long. It's wonderful you were able to spend time with your family before heading off to Fontaine. Make sure to tell me all the details about your trip whenever you get the chance.

[ Surely nothing bad will happen in Fontaine—

Suddenly, he falls silent, which is a slight cause of concern. Although brief, the worry that lies behind those deep blue eyes sinks in, for Tartaglia to be fearful, Snezhnaya must be fraught with perilous danger, especially for someone who has never experienced such freezing temperatures. She duly kisses him back, his affection flooding her with a heat warmer than the caravan itself. Short but sweet, the message conveyed to her is clear, he'd be a mess if she got hurt or possibly worse. ]

Thank you for the warning, Tartaglia. I promise to be careful and won't stray too far away from you. If you don't mind having me as your shadow, I'll follow you every step of the way.

[ She'll be the cutest, brightest (is that even possible???) shadow to ever walk the face of Teyvat! To further seal that promise, she slots their lips together once more, tipping her head to kiss him in full. She's slightly breathless when they break, her lips offering a silent oath between the two of them that she will do her best to be careful on this trip. With Tartaglia by her side, there's nothing to worry about. ]

It's no pinky promise but hopefully that will suffice.

[monoceroscaeli]

Thanks, Yoimiya.

[Those are the only words he manages to sneak in before Yoimiya captures him in a kiss, opening his mouth just so to deepen it and letting the reassuring waves of her promise wash over him as he kisses her back. Tartaglia presses in, expressing his care and love for her through how he kisses and through involuntary whines that bubble up from him, as if it would pain him to part from her in any way. He feels a little lightheaded when they break, feeling almost like he was lost with only her as an anchor to keep himself from floating away in a haze, feeling as if he'd forgotten what a kiss from her really does to him from being apart for so long.]

Sealing your promises with a kiss seems even more binding than a pinky promise. I trust you won't go back on it.

[He shoots her a smirk, gently brushing some of her hair from her eyes as he appreciates every adoring feature of her face. It's not until there's a noise outside from the Fatuus running their carriage that he realizes that they'd be talking for a while, turning to look outside. He can see the defined outline of his hometown, turning back towards her with excitement.]

We're here. Take a look- it's not a large village by any means, but it's home. You can't see a lot of it yet, but we'll be arriving in a few minutes.

[niwabi]

Promises should always be kept! So you can trust my word. And if you're still unsure, I'll be happy to give you more promises sealed with kisses, hehe.

[ She says, sending a sly wink his way. Not that she needs an excuse to kiss him. ]

Amazing! A cozy little village by the sea... your home is so lovely.

[ As they draw closer to the seaside village, Yoimiya brightens, utterly enraptured in almost childlike wonder by the quaint town near the ocean. Without a word of warning, she suddenly opens the window to their caravan, sticking half of her body out into the cold, open air to get a better glimpse of Morepesok as they approach. Even from a distance, the small fishing village has a welcoming presence, the salty smell of the sea air reminding her of the archipelagos of Inazuma. Filled with excitement at seeing the place her boyfriend grew up at, she can no longer contain herself, shouting at the top of her lungs to give his hometown the greeting it deserves. ]

HELLOOOO MOREPESOK!

[ The Fatuus driving the carriage are startled by her loud voice, jumping in their seat as they shoot an expression of concern at the crazy blonde. A couple of them sigh in resignation, coming to the conclusion that, of course, the Lord Harbinger's beloved is just as wild as he is. ]

[monoceroscaeli]

[It's so cute to watch her reaction to arriving in Morepesok. He definitely wouldn't say that his hometown is really anything all that special, and the only reason it's on the map at all nowadays is because one of the Fatui Harbingers hails from it. But seeing her look at it with wonder, her eyes wide and bright to finally be able to see where he grew up warms his heart and even gets a bit of red to flush on his cheeks.

Till she does the thing he was not expecting- open that window, shove half of herself out of it, and yell as loud as she can. He swears he can hear and feel the snow shake off of the nearby mountains from her voice, laughing nervously at her action before grabbing her by her arms and lightly tugging at her to come back into the carriage.]

Haha, I think everyone knows you're coming now.

[And they better be prepared, because now not only is he home, he's brought someone with him who's equally as unpredictable and wild. He's sure they're going to have an absolutely splendid time. The carriage now slides through town, some townspeople coming out to see the return of their Harbinger, some waving and some looking at it like chaos incarnate just arrived.]

See that larger cabin back in the distance there? That's my home. It's a bit larger than most of the other houses here, I had it built shortly after becoming a Harbinger for my family. I can't wait to show you. Oh, and all my siblings should be home...you'll get to meet them all, including my older siblings.

[niwabi]

[ Laughing without a care in the world, Yoimiya relents to Tartaglia's request to get back inside lest she blow out a poor Fatui soldier's eardrums. For the time being, she'll try to be on her best behavior but no promises once the happy couple are out and about being the troublemakers they are.

Pulling up to a crowd greeting the Harbinger like a celebrity coming home almost seems surreal, the complete opposite of how he'd be treated in Inazuma if the Tenryou Commission got word of his presence. She still has a lot to learn about Snezhnaya and the Fatui, but she can emphasize that the people of this snow frost land view the Harbingers as heroes faithfully serving their Archon.

Besides, it's only natural her beloved Tartaglia would receive such a warm welcome! He is the hero of her heart. ♥ ]

Wow... what a splendid cabin!

[ From the distance, she spots the cozy cabin he's talking about. A very impressive sight, one that warms her heart just from staring at it. She smiles to herself, imagining what it must have been like for his large family to grow up in a smaller cabin. A bustling household with all the siblings running around, a happy family full of smiles and laughter is wonderful to think about. ]

You do such a good job taking care of your family, I can imagine they are beyond proud of you. [ No doubt, he's a good son and brother who loves his family dearly. ] It looks so cozy, I'm so excited to step in and meet all of them! I have some gifts for all of them too, I hope they like it... and me.

[ Ah, the realization that she's actually meeting his family is starting to dawn on her. Normally, she's a confident go-getter but Yoimiya can't deny that she's a tad bit nervous about this endeavor. ]

[monoceroscaeli]

[The carriage slowly pulls up to the large cabin toward the back of the small fishing village, hiding the large backyard they have that has a few giant-sized toys that Teucer keeps back there. For a moment, his eyes sparkle as they arrive, happy to have Yoimiya here to finally meet his family. His arms wrap around her, pressing himself to her in reassurance as she comes back into the cabin. She doesn't know, but he's bragged about her relentlessly to them, and he's sure that they're going to love her.]

They're so excited to meet you, Yoimiya. I have no doubt that they'll love you- after all, you're a very kindhearted, fun individual- there's no way they could dislike someone like that.

[He lets the back of his hand brush her cheek before pressing a small, loving kiss to her lips, gazing into her eyes for a moment as he appreciates her. To him, he finds it impossible for his family not to like her, as it's obvious how hard he's fallen for her himself. His mother is all too aware of how much Ajax has missed Yoimiya while she's been in Inazuma, preparing for her arrival since before her son left to get her at the port.

From the cabin, a couple of pairs of young eyes peer through the window, before disappearing almost as quick as they had appeared.]

Don't worry yourself over it. My family has always been very loving and receptive. It'll feel like home for you in no time.

[niwabi]

[ She's not sure if he realizes it, his words wash away the nervousness stirring in her heart. Enveloped in his arms, she melts into his touch, pouring all of her gratitude into this breath-taking kiss. He's right, there's no reason to worry about his family not approving of their relationship. From everything he's told her through all the letters they've exchanged, all of them seem like wonderful, kind-hearted people. ]

Thank you so much, Tartaglia. Hearing that makes me feel a whole lot better, I'm so excited to meet your family.

[ Maybe it was just her imagination but from the corner of her eye, Yoimiya could have sworn she saw two small somethings zip past the window. If her suspicions are correct, she's very certain the two 'mysterious entities' are adorable little spooks.

Now that they've made it to their destination, the carriage comes to a complete stop near the cabin. Her ears perk up at the hustle and bustle that's taking place outside, the pack of huskies barking away, the pitter patter of the Fauti solider's boots crunching the snow as they run around to make preparations for their Lord Harbinger's comfy exit. Although Yoimiya has witnessed Tartaglia's scary side when she accidentally strolled into his camp, the loyalty his men hold to him is endearing, she has no doubts they wouldn't hesitate to follow him to the end of the world. ]

Ah, if it's not too much of a bother, please be careful with the big yumemiru chest. [ Once again poking her head out from the window, she calls out to the Fatuus hauling her luggage from the back. ] Some of the gifts are a little on the fragile side.

[ Now with that out of the way, she turns her attention back to Tartaglia, reaching for his hand to intertwine their fingers in hopes of easing any lingering worries. ]

All right, I'm ready. It feels like my heart is going to beat out of my chest but I'm beyond happy this day is finally coming true.

[monoceroscaeli]

[It's a relief to hear that she feels better about meeting his family. Though he's never brought a girl home before nor had to meet anyone else's family, he can understand how nerve-wracking it can be. Wanting your loved one's family to like you is important, he knows that he hopes when he officially is introduced to her parents that they will accept him, despite his Fatui background. Despite being a Harbinger...

He twines his fingers with hers, giving her a reassuring smile as the Fatuus unloads her luggage, being careful as instructed. It sounds like everything is going smoothly, and Tartaglia leans down to give her one last quick kiss to her lips before they prepare to depart.]

I'm ecstatic as well. C'mon, let's go. Everyone's waiting for us.

[The door is opened by another one of the Fatui escorting them, nodding to Childe as he steps aside to let them emerge from the carriage. Tartaglia goes first, stepping out so he can offer his hand to her to help her step out into the snow. No sooner when Yoimiya emerges from it, the door to the cabin opens to reveal three young children, blue eyes wide with their jackets, boots and hat already on.]

BROTHER!!!!!!!!

[They all cry in unison, the two boys darting forward while Tonia jogs behind them to meet their older brother. The three of them latch onto him, giving him big hugs before finally letting go to say hi to the new lady next to him.]

Is this her?! [Teucer asks excitedly,] Hi, I'm Teucer! And this is Anthon, and Tonia...

Teucer, I wanna say hi too! I'm Anthon, [He older boy holds out his hand, because adults greet each other with handshakes. That's what he was taught.]

Okay, okay, I think we're all a little excited here. Let's go inside first, guys.

[Tonia stands with her arms akimbo, looking at her younger brothers.]

Leave poor Yoimiya alone, she just got here! Miss Yoimiya, come inside! We made snacks for you!

[niwabi]

[ Taking his hand, she slides her fingers in-between his, interlocking them together as she hops onto the snow covered ground, careful to not slip. The cabin is even more lovely in person, almost like a cozy oasis in the middle of the frosty lands of Snezhnaya. All starry-eyed, she glances up at his family's house in awe, her breath visible in white puffy form as she marvels at its design, unlike anything she's seen in Inazuma. The happy couple aren't even two steps away from the caravan when they're suddenly greeted by three adorable bundles of joy and energy.

Big blue eyes, curly ginger hair... the three kids are beyond precious. Her heart feels like it's going to melt into a puddle of mush as she watches them excitedly greet their older brother, clinging to him as if he's been away for a while. She's all giggles, her smile broadening once they turn their attention to her. ]

Hello Teucer, Anthon and Tonia!

[ She beams in excitement, making sure to greet each one of them individually, giving them equal amounts of attention. In the face of blistering cold weather, the kid's sweet responses fill her with warmth. Taking note of their personalities; Teucer must be the baby of the family, Anthon seems like he's trying to act older than his age judging from the way he extends his hand out to her, while Tonia is doing her best to wrangle the boys and be the responsible one among the three. They're all so cute! Kids really are a gem. She can't stop smiling as she happily takes Anthon's hand, giving him a hearty handshake fitting for an 'adult'. ]

Your brother has told me all about each one of you. I've been so excited to meet y'all.

[ Snacks sound really good right about now, once she got word they were closing in on Snezhnaya, Yoimiya was too consumed with excitement to eat. ]

Really?! You made snacks for me? Thank you so much! I can't wait to try it. I've never had Snezhnayan treats before.

[ Tartaglia and Tonia are right, they should go inside before they all catch a cold or frostbite from talking outside. ]

I've brought some treats for you all as well, we can have a snack exchange once we get inside.

[monoceroscaeli]

[At first, he wasn't sure if he was going to have to take care of introductions and get everyone organized and together for when they arrived, so he's pleased to see that the kids and Yoimiya are already happily getting to know each other without his help. Tartaglia chuckles quietly as they converse, shooting the Fatui who'd brought them here a glance to make sure everything has been taken care of, receiving nods of affirmation from them. He waves a hand silently to dismiss them, the carriage taking off with Yoimiya's luggage being set in front of the door. Childe would take care of that from here.]

Yes, a nice snack exchange sounds like the exact thing we need right now. If you all go inside and get things ready, I can give you all that secret surprise I was telling you about.

[The children's eyes widen with glee, remembering the promise their brother made to them once Yoimiya arrived.]

Okay! I've been waiting all day for this!

[Naturally, Teucer is the one who turns around first and runs inside, excited to finally see what the secret was. The other two follow suit, running inside to prepare for the snacks, and Childe just laughs as his head falls into his palm.]

Those little rascals...I knew they were going to make a whole scene when you got here, so to get them to behave I promised them I'd have a surprise for them once you got here. Worked like a charm.

[He winks at her, gesturing for her to come inside and get out of the chilly Snezhnayan weather.]

I'll grab that chest from here and put it upstairs. You don't mind sleeping in my room with me, do you?

[He asks with a grin- it's almost rhetorical, but it's still nice to ask.]

[niwabi]

[ And off the three bundles of energy go! They're so adorable with their eyes shimmering from pure joy as they bounce into the house full of excitement at their brother's surprise. Yoimiya can't stop the giggles bubbling out as she watches them, placing a hand over her chest where her heart should be. The smiles of children are precious and must be protected at all costs. ]

Hm, I wonder who they picked up those rascal traits from. Couldn't be their older brother. [ Sorry boyfriend, she couldn't help herself with that one. ] They're so sweet and precious. I can already see why you're so fond of them, they are wonderful children. I'm also really curious about the surprise you have in store for them.

[ Like a child herself, Yoimiya is also looking forward to the secret surprise he has in store for his siblings. Since it's Tartaglia, his creative mind is bound to make it fun and exciting for the kids. He's an expert at shaking things up and catching everyone by surprise.

A prime example is the question thrown at her. Admittedly, she had been assuming that she'd get her own room, unsure if it would be appropriate for them to sleep together in his family's house but looks like there wasn't a need to worry. She happily nods her head, already excited at the prospect of snuggling up together as they watch the snowfall. ]

Of course! I'd love to share a room with you. Hehe, I'm gonna be nice and cozy and in for a good night's sleep with you by my side.

[monoceroscaeli]

[He only returns the rascal comments with a bright smirk of his own. He knows that he's a little troublemaker himself, and he's sure a little of that has rubbed off on the kids too, to an extent. How else would Teucer think to hop on a ship and sail from Snezhnaya to Liyue? Definitely a result of being spoiled coupled with the troublemaking trait...

His smile softens as Yoimiya praises his siblings, happy that they'd gotten off on the right foot to start. Not that he had any doubts, but it warms his heart to see it all the same. He takes the compliments for them to heart, leading her to the front door and opening it before picking the chest up to take it inside.]

I'm glad. I wouldn't want it any other way.

[Hefting it up into his arms, he holds the door open for her to enter first.

The door opens into a large, cozy living room with a large window towards the back of it, allowing Yoimiya to see the coast of Morepesok where the fisherman go every day to bring in their catches. The fireplace throws soft light against the pine wood used to construct the home, with plenty of space for people to settle into for a nice warm family gathering. A few large, cushioned couches surround a mahogany coffee table in front of the fireplace, under the high ceiling of the cabin, with a few hallways that seem to lead off to other parts of the home.

Tartaglia turns his head towards one of them, hearing the shuffling of children from it, calling out to them as he turns towards a different hallway.]

Make sure Yoimiya feels right at home! I'm going upstairs! Yoimiya, [he says before he heads off,] I'll be right back. Go ahead and take a seat, the kids will be out momentarily with snacks.

[It won't be but a second after Tartaglia disappears that his siblings reappear, all carrying plates of all sorts of different treats on them to set them down on the table.]

Miss Yoimiya! Do you like nuts? Come on, come on, come try them!

[Teucer comes to grab her hand to drag her over towards the table, excited to share his creation with her.]

Look. I made these little cakes, all by myself. Tonia only helped me a little bit.

And I made these!

[The older of the two sons presents his treat, looking proud.]

I thought we needed some chocolate, because what's having dessert if you don't have chocolate?

Don't forget me! [Tonia interjects, letting Yoimiya see her dish.]

It's called vareniki! It's got cheese in it, and you eat it with jam and sour cream! Brother thought this would be a good choice, and I agree. I hope you like it too!

[They all beam at her, proud of their work, waiting with baited breath to see what their brother's girlfriend thought of it.]

[niwabi]

[ One step into the cozy living room is all it takes for Yoimiya to feel a surge of happy warmth flooding through her. The outside view of the cabin was spectacular but the inside is simply marvelous, as if got summoned right into a winter storybook. Despite this being her first visit, she already feels so comfortable and welcomed inside of their lovely home. Her gaze briefly flickers over to the massive window, in awe at the quaint seaside view displayed for them, very much looking forward to watching brave fishermen catch those underwater monsters she's heard harrowing tales about.

Watching Tartaglia go upstairs, she responds to him with a nod before she's suddenly swept up by the children. The pitter-patter of their little feet is precious, Yoimiya is all giggles, giving Teucer's hand a gentle squeeze as the rambunctious Mini-Tartaglia gets her settled on the comfy couch, each of them presenting her with their homemade dessert. One by one, she tries each of the treats, her golden eyes shimmering and shining from their wonderful gesture. ]

Mmm...! All of them are delicious. All by yourself? That's so incredible, you did such a great job, Teucer! The cake was so soft and melted right into my mouth. [ She turns her attention to the older son. ] You got that right Anthon! Chocolate desserts are actually kind of a rarity in Inazuma and so I'm thrilled I got a chance to try these cookies, I couldn't get enough of that crunch. [ And finally, Tonia! ] The vareniki was delightful and you were right, the combination of the cheese with jam and sour cream tasted heavenly. I couldn't stop eating them...

[ All of the kids deserve nothing but the highest amount of praise. Her heart is filled to the brim with pure joy, rewarding them with gentle head pats. ]

Thank you so much! I can tell the three of you worked so hard. Thanks to y'all, my tummy already feels so warm and full. Before I eat any more, the three of you deserve treats too.

[ Before they continue on with the feast, Yoimiya doesn't forget to keep her end of the deal to the three sweethearts. Inside of her carry-on bag, she produces boxes and bags full of goodies she made sure would make it through the boat ride to Snezhnaya. ]

First off we have, karinto. It's a deep-fried flour snack coated in brown sugar. Then in this box, we have mochi! [ she opens it to reveal a variety of mochi, all shapes, colors and sizes. ] They're a sticky rice cake with red bean paste filling. The white ones are made with milk and are a little more chewy than the others. The pink ones are sakura mochi made with Inazuma's prettiest and tastiest cherry blossoms, hehe.

[ To finish off the cultural snack exchange, Yoimiya places various bags of senbei onto the table. For the kids, she made sure to have zarame, kuro goma, and kawara prepared for them. ]

And finally, we have senbei, an Inazuman rice cracker that comes in many different flavors. There's zarame, which has big sugar chunks, the black dotted ones are called kuro goma and they have sesame seeds that give it a nutty flavor and last but not least, we have kawara which tastes more like a cookie wafer than a cracker.

[monoceroscaeli]

[The kids look on in wonder as Yoimiya tries each of their desserts they've made, glowing as she showers them in praise for their hard work. Nothing makes them more happy than to see that they've done well in giving Yoimiya a warm welcome to Snezhnaya, something that will surely make their older brother proud. The pats to their heads is reward enough, but Yoimiya did promise them that she brought snacks too as well, and upon the mention Teucer lights up especially. This is the kid that used to eat too many snacks, and now is no exception. It's worth ruining dinner and getting in trouble with Father to gorge on new Inazuman food.

Their eyes grow as wide as saucers when she reveals each snack. It's a fight just to keep themselves in check, to not dive in and be patient, oohing and aahing at each dish. But boy is it hard, and they listen intently to everything Yoimiya says about each food. Once she finishes, the kids finally can't help themselves, partaking of each and every single one of the snacks.]

This is greaaaaaat!!!!! Oh wow, it tastes so good!

[Teucer's unabashed praise is practically yelled, loud enough that Tartaglia's ears upstairs catch it as he makes his way back down to their living room.]

Hehe, yeah, I really like mochi! Thanks, Miss Yoimiya!

[Tonia happily scoops up one of each mochi, while Anthon is just digging into anything he can get his hands on along with Teucer.]

Miss Yoimiya, will you make us more of these before you go? They're so good...

Now now, the three of you can't get all filled up on snacks before dinner. You don't want to get yelled at by Father, do you? Besides, you have to make room for the surprise.

[Childe finally strides back in from upstairs, setting an unmarked box down on the table where there's still room, taking a seat next to Yoimiya with a wink. This is the surprise, and he's sure that everyone's going to love it.]

But before that, don't mind if I do...

[He picks up a few of the senbei, trying each of the different kinds, chewing on them thoughtfully.]

Oh, these are quite good. You made these, Yoimiya?