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)
insurmountable2023-10-29 11:43 am
monoceroscaeli) wrote in insurmountable2023-10-29 11:43 am
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how could i ever forget // outside the morning was cool and wet
[It's not often Ajax finds himself getting his head slammed down onto the hood of a car, least of all a cop car. Usually it's him doing the slamming.
But today the young man finds himself denting the hood, the sound of metal caving in under his head ringing in his ears. Not exactly the ideal situation he was hoping for, but he figured sooner or later he'd have a run in with the cops due to the sensitive nature of his profession, but that doesn't mean he has to like how inconsiderate they are with him as they cuff him and throw him in the back of the paddy wagon. Not that he was considerate to them when he was discovered, as evidenced by the blood all over his clothing and knuckles from the fight he'd gotten into with them. How he managed to avoid getting shot is beyond him- plenty of shots were fired, but that hadn't stopped him from knocking a few of them out.
It's just too bad he'd been instructed that he couldn't kill anyone, or else he'd of gotten out of there without being caught.
The lights of the police station are bright, almost too bright from the contrast of how dark it was outside. Ajax squints as he's dragged inside, held tightly by two cops who hurry him through the station, but not fast enough that he doesn't catch a glimpse of the secretary behind the desk as they come in. Pretty, blonde, looking like she'd rather be anywhere else. Gorgeous eyes, ones that catch his attention almost immediately as he's being shoved towards the back, shining with a radiance that captures him instantly. His eyes lock with hers, feeling something silent yet powerful surge through him from this tiny, insignificant interaction. He doesn't even have a moment to think further on it, before he's so rudely interrupted.
Get moving.
The curt voice of the bigger cop on his right cuts through the moment, anger welling up in Ajax's chest and something dark stirs in his core. If he wasn't cuffed and being restrained, he'd turn that guy's face into a new work of art, something so abstract some insane art collector would gladly pay millions for it.
No sooner had Ajax been ushered in, he disappears from sight as he's taken back into an interrogation room, the mysterious blonde no longer in his sights, now getting shoved into a corner of a room.]
What's with this? Don't you even have the courtesy of giving me a chair to sit in, at least?
[From outside of the room, muffled noises of a scuffle as the cops lay into Ajax can be heard, the loudest of which is a thud of a body slamming into a wall, accompanied by a groan from the ginger kid. Though little do any of them know, their real problems haven't arrived just yet, waking from their slumber right outside of the city...]
But today the young man finds himself denting the hood, the sound of metal caving in under his head ringing in his ears. Not exactly the ideal situation he was hoping for, but he figured sooner or later he'd have a run in with the cops due to the sensitive nature of his profession, but that doesn't mean he has to like how inconsiderate they are with him as they cuff him and throw him in the back of the paddy wagon. Not that he was considerate to them when he was discovered, as evidenced by the blood all over his clothing and knuckles from the fight he'd gotten into with them. How he managed to avoid getting shot is beyond him- plenty of shots were fired, but that hadn't stopped him from knocking a few of them out.
It's just too bad he'd been instructed that he couldn't kill anyone, or else he'd of gotten out of there without being caught.
The lights of the police station are bright, almost too bright from the contrast of how dark it was outside. Ajax squints as he's dragged inside, held tightly by two cops who hurry him through the station, but not fast enough that he doesn't catch a glimpse of the secretary behind the desk as they come in. Pretty, blonde, looking like she'd rather be anywhere else. Gorgeous eyes, ones that catch his attention almost immediately as he's being shoved towards the back, shining with a radiance that captures him instantly. His eyes lock with hers, feeling something silent yet powerful surge through him from this tiny, insignificant interaction. He doesn't even have a moment to think further on it, before he's so rudely interrupted.
Get moving.
The curt voice of the bigger cop on his right cuts through the moment, anger welling up in Ajax's chest and something dark stirs in his core. If he wasn't cuffed and being restrained, he'd turn that guy's face into a new work of art, something so abstract some insane art collector would gladly pay millions for it.
No sooner had Ajax been ushered in, he disappears from sight as he's taken back into an interrogation room, the mysterious blonde no longer in his sights, now getting shoved into a corner of a room.]
What's with this? Don't you even have the courtesy of giving me a chair to sit in, at least?
[From outside of the room, muffled noises of a scuffle as the cops lay into Ajax can be heard, the loudest of which is a thud of a body slamming into a wall, accompanied by a groan from the ginger kid. Though little do any of them know, their real problems haven't arrived just yet, waking from their slumber right outside of the city...]
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[ Yoimiya might be exhausted but her hearing is still in tip top condition. If he pays close enough attention, he might be able to pick up her muttering. "Why is he suddenly talking to a fish when he says they can't talk?!" "Stinky head!" "I hope Hanabi tells him what for!!!!" Among other dumb, childish grumblings of a butthurt Yoimiya.
On the flipside, Hanabi actually looks at Ajax. If it were possible for a fish to give an expression, she'd be staring at him with the biggest WTF face. He wants to be friends? After everything he's said about her???? The goldfish stares at him one last time before looking like she's... huffing as she high tails it back to her toy castle. It's clear Ajax has a long way to go if he wishes to befriend the queen of the apartment.
Finally, Yoimiya comes storming out of the bathroom, cleaned up and wearing a long sleep shirt. ]
See?! I knew you wanted to be in Hanabi's good graces. Here you are talking to her when you acted like I was crazy.
[ She still is but that's besides the point. ]
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You know how the old Fontainian saying goes...if you can't beat 'em, join 'em.
[He laughs, reaching out to let his fingers graze the skin underneath her jaw before he goes and sits back down on the couch. Though he's tired, the exercise and euphoric high from the sex is still making him feel good and relaxed.]
Guess we missed the movie. I think we still had fun, though.
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Yeah... that's okay, you're way more fun than the movie.
[ She scoots closer to him, resting her head on top of his shoulder to soak in the splendor that is her bratty, hypocritical Ajax. ]
Since you won the bet, you can pick out any restaurant you wish to eat at, my treat. I think I'll take off work tomorrow if you want to grab lunch somewhere.
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I think that sounds lovely. We should try that new Liyue cuisine place that opened up not too far from here. I hear they're serving Yue style food, and I haven't had the opportunity to try that kind.
[He's heard a lot of wonderful things about Liyue cooking, and he hopes it's a nice mom and pop shop they can try. Those are always the best kind, so he's looking forward to it.]
How does that sound? It's not quite Inazuman food, but I hope you'll like it.
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Oh! I'd like that a lot. I've heard nothing but good things about Liyue cuisine. This is going to sound bad but I've only had Liyue takeout...
[ Growing up in Inazuma didn't give her very many options for Liyue food. Egg rolls, crab ragoons, fried rice, sweet and sour chicken is all she knows. ]
So! I'm super stoked to expand my palate. Yue style food is very seafood based, right? I wonder how different it is from Inazuman seafood...
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[Winking at her, he relaxes into the couch, feeling like he could pass out after all of that right here and now. He won't, but he's definitely feeling good enough to.]
Guess we'll find out together. Let's rest, and tomorrow will be a nice day out, just the two of us.
---
[And as promised, the next day comes and Ajax drives them both to the little hole in the wall restaurant a few miles away. Pulling into the parking lot, it sits cozied in a small strip mall that doesn't look all too put together. But to him, that just signifies that the food might be really good, since mom and pop shops aren't always the most fancy or in the most expensive of areas. Getting out of the car, he holds the door open for her as they step inside, the smell of all sorts of different seafood hitting their nostrils.
The inside greets them with the sight of different little trinkets from Liyue, all looking relatively cheap with some scrolls on the wall depicting art from the region. Only a few tables are inside of the restaurant, enough for maybe two or three couples to be able to come in and dine in. The linoleum floor isn't well kept, but he figures that's because they just moved into this place- it'll take money to get that replaced, along with the mildly dilapidated ceiling.
Ajax doesn't really care though, all he cares about is a good meal.
The employee who's supposed to be managing the register walks over from tossing some food in a wok a few times, leaving it to the rest of the kitchen staff to cover, looking at them like they need to start spitting their order out.]
Hi, we'd like to dine in? Uh...
[They stare, waiting for Ajax to order, making everything awkward.]
...I'll just have your recommendation. Whatever the chef excels the most at.
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Once they step in and she can already smell the seafood punctuating the air. Though it might not be the most pleasant smell for some, it's warm and inviting for Yoimiya, almost reminding her of the fish markets back home in Inazuma. Her mouth is already watering, salivating at the thought of those searing spices hitting her tongue with heat. This is her first time trying spices from Liyue and she can already tell her tastebuds will be in for a world of flavors. She doesn't pay mind to the unkempt floors, and the lack of tables. The food smells divine and that's truly all that matters to her.
Poor Ajax. Maybe it's just her but he seems kind of lost. She can't help but giggle as the staff just stare at him. She wonders if his Snezhnayan self is having trouble pronouncing the names, she totally gets it. The employee falls silent for a few moments, briefly exchanging glances with the chef in the kitchen before turning his attention to back to Ajax. ]
Then if you can handle spice, I can put you down for an order of Sichuan boiled fish, it's our chef's signature dish. It's heavy on the chili but we can tone it down to your liking.
[ Luckily, Yoimiya who knows what she wants and that also extends to food. One look at the menu and she's already spitting out her order. And since she's paying for it, she's not holding back. ]
I'd like to order the Szechuan shrimp and spicy noodle soup. Oh! And give us a side of your chili crab potstickers as well.
[ Oh gods this girl talks way too fast. Thankfully, the employee jots her huge order down. ]
Anything else?
[ Yoimiya shakes her head. ]
Just water for me, please. I have a feeling we're gonna need a lot of it, haha.
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Water as well for me.
[Digging his wallet out, Ajax offers payment over as they get the total and are both told just to take a seat at any table they please. Without much to choose from anyway, he just picks a table and sits, and the water makes its way out quickly for the two of them to sip on while their food is made. The aroma of the seafood is making his mouth water a little, not realizing how hungry he actually was, but he'll thank his empty stomach so he can at least try to eat as much as he can.]
I'm glad you knew what you were doing, [he says a little quietly,] I thought he was going to stare a hole right through me.
[He doesn't know why, but Ajax just has this feeling nagging at the back of his mind about the employee at the counter.]
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With her tummy growling for food, she follows him to the table, taking a seat from across from him while taking in the scents permeating the air. The place might be a bit run down but the food smells divine, she can see herself coming back for lunch. ]
Hehe, don't worry about it! I know you'd do the same for me when it comes to Snezhnayan and Mondstadt names. [ WINKS. She gets you!!! ] Besides, I couldn't leave you high and dry...
[ She also lowers her voice, just to be on the safe side. Yoimiya couldn't put her finger on it, but something about the way the guy was looking at Ajax just felt... off. ]
when he was looking at you funny. I also noticed he kept staring at you... maybe he thinks you're good-looking? I certainly don't blame him.
[ Giggling, she hopes the joke lightens the mood a little. All her years of training in the police force have taught her not to let her guard down but, Yoimiya hopes she's just being overly paranoid given the circumstances. ]
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Haha, c'mon, I don't need another suitor when I've already got a handful right in front of me~ ♡︎⋆˙✧
[He winks at her, just poking fun, following the lighthearted banter to forget about the weirdo at the counter and focus on Yoimiya. Which is what he wanted to do anyway...they're supposed to be going on more dates anyway and he wants to spend time with her outside of having to deal with monsters and people wanting to hurt them and everything else! She's his handful, after all!]
So, I'll need you to chase him off for me, if you don't mind. Don't let someone else shoulder in on your territory, as they say.
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More importantly, she hones in on his follow-up. "Don't let someone else shoulder in on your territory, as they say." Her terriory... color her surprised to hear those words. Aside from dates and getting to know each other, they haven't made any official declarations about their relationship. Even though she's still trying to gather her thoughts and feelings, her heart tells her otherwise, there's no denying she's bursting with pure, unadulterated joy at his proclamation. ]
Hehehe! Oh, you silly man.
[ The lighthearted banter is welcome, it's just what she needs to brush off the stares they keep receiving from the guy working in the kitchen. ]
You make a good point. I can't let anyone encroach on my territory. And so, I must make it known that I've already made my mark on you.
[ And she does so by leaning over the table to give him a small kiss on the lips. Mwah! ♡︎ PDA be damned, no one is sinking their claws in Ajax on her watch. ]
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And, there's a part of him that really enjoys the idea of Yoimiya leaving her own mark on him. Things are complicated, but he's pretty certain that they're far more than just friends at this point.]
Hahaha. Let that be a warning to anyone trying to edge themselves in, [he jokes again,] just as no one gets to court you while I'm doing so.
[There's a mischievous grin playing around the corners of his mouth, but all that chaos will have to wait for another time and place.]
Speaking of which, I'd like to take you out again later this week. There's a show playing on Thursday that I think you'd like.
[Naturally he doesn't tell her what it is...it's a secret.]
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Oh, Ajax...
[ To anyone within earshot, they probably sound like the most lovey lovey couple in all of Fontaine. ]
You've been going above and beyond for me. I'm excited to see what show you have planned. Since it's you I have no doubt it will be... thrilling.
[ She says with a mischievous grin while shamelessy, running her foot across his leg from underneath the table.
Because of course, he's been the most thrilling guy she's come across. Winks. ]
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I feel like I'm being held to some sort of higher standard. Now I'm nervous my surprise won't meet expectations.
[Chuckling quietly, he sips his water, not expecting food to come out to them soon. However, the waiter/employee returns immediately, serving the two of them the food they've ordered. It was made so quick, and it takes him by surprise.
He doesn't say anything to the waiter, accepting the food with a small nod, given how much the guy doesn't seem to want to talk to him anyway. He doesn't care- he's not here to talk to him or make friends, he's here for Yoimiya and a good meal.]
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Besides... she'd much rather talk to the absolute snack sitting across from her. He's way more appealing than the waiter. ]
I didn't know nervous was in your vocabulary. Who would have thought that the big bad Ajax could second-guess himself...
[ Nervous? Pfft, she doesn't believe the man who oozes confidence for a second. A sly smile spreads across her lips as she gives him one last rub, suggestively running her foot across his calf before stopping at his knee. She dishes out one last wink as she pulls away to munch on a nearby potsicker. Oh! It's spicy, that chili oil doesn't miss. ]
Don't worry, I'm confident in your tastes. You haven't let me down once.
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[As much as he'd like to concentrate on Yoimiya and her lovely way of flirting with him from beneath the table, the food is here. His sichuan boiled fish looks spicy, and he can't wait to try it. After blowing on it a few times to at least reduce the amount of pain he'll surely be in, he takes a bite of it, while also making sure to try the broth by itself with a soup spoon.]
Oh! Now that is different. Not bad either, [he comments, taking another bite of it.] I can't quite put my finger on it, but there's some other sort of unique taste to it, too. I guess I just didn't expect fish to taste like that.
[It won't stop him, though. He eats his food happily while sipping water in between. The warmth of the food in his stomach feels nice, and he feels more relaxed now that he's eating, all of a sudden.]
Want to try a taste? [He offers a bite of his fish to her.] In turn you wouldn't mind if I try yours, would you? It looks scrumptious.
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Aren't you sweet? Please grab as much as you want, there's no way I can eat all of this and I kind of went crazy so both of us can try everything. Well... don't mind if I do!
[ Likewise, she takes a bite of the fish with the broth and whew! That is certainly some heat!!! Her eyes widen from the intense spice and she's immediately chugging down the nearby cup of water. ]
Goodness, it's all so spicy that it's kind of addicting. It's got a very comforting flavor to it...
[ She pushes her plate of shrimp, noodle soup, and pot stickers in his direction. ]
Here! Feel free to help yourself. I haven't had the noodle soup yet but the shrimp and pot stickers are to die for. I feel like I'm gonna need a nap after all this food...
[ In fact, she's starting to feel the yawns coming for her. She stretches and yawns, her body becoming a bit too relaxed with each passing second. ]
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It's quite a bit of food, so after we're finished there's no doubt a nap will be in order. The warmth of it in my stomach is already making me a little sleepy...
[Which means he's got to eat it before he gets too tired or it gets cold, whichever comes first. Spoonful after spoonful of the sichuan fish goes right in, drinking water when needed. He's gotten halfway through his bowl when he has to put his utensils down, letting out a big yawn of his own.
It's so good, so relaxing...he could fall asleep right here.]
Goodness, I feel as if I got so tired all of a sudden. It's difficult to keep my eyes open...
[A fact that surprises him as his eyelids droop. His mind begins to clear, thoughts emptying from his head as sleep looms over him. Ajax yawns one more time, stretching and slouching in his chair, more relaxed than he probably should be at a simple Liyuean restaurant.]
How about you...Yoimiya...
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Mm... me too. The food is so comforting I could fall asleep right here.
[ The soup is halfway consumed when Yoimiya feels a wave of sleepiness hitting her. Each bite makes her feel groggier than the last and she can't stop her eyes from closing. Ajax's sleepy voice isn't helping matters, he sounds like he's about ready to pass out any second. ]
...A..jax...
[ His name is the last word uttered before she succumbs to the sudden exhaustion. She leans over and passes out on the table. ]