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[Tartaglia is touched by the reason why she wants to learn to wield a sword. People have their own reasons, whether it's to protect the ones they love, to become the best swordsman in the world, or like him to constantly seek improvement to become a blade itself, conquering the world in the process- but for him to be the reason, it's flattering. Deep down he knows there's more to it than that, but it doesn't matter. Yoimiya wants to learn, and he knows she'll be a good student for him.]

That's one possibility why it took that shape. Part of the explanation we received is that the weapon would take a shape that suited the wielder- but you've never used a sword before, yes? So if the criteria isn't as clear cut as what I'd assumed, then it must be something else. Something to do with the both of us and the bond of trust we have with each other.

[There's a whole world of possibilities there, but at the moment, Ajax doesn't have a clue as to what it could be.]

Whatever it is, it clearly has something to do with my time in the Abyss. Unless of course, you're hiding something from me...

[ Something that represents their bond of trust... Logically, a bow and arrow would have made the most sense given the weapons they have on hand currently but looks like Ajax is right that the criteria isn't as clear-cut. Maybe there's a special meaning behind the abyssal sword that links the two of them? It really could be a lot of possibilities but she has faith that becoming more proficient with the blade will lead to solving the mystery behind their bond weapon.

But in a flash, any wandering thoughts she might have had are cut short by his question. For someone as chatty as Yoimiya, silence filling the air is most certainly strange. ]

Well... there is something I should have come clean to you about a long time ago.

[ What she's about to say is such a deep dark secret, she's surprised her heart didn't freeze over a few months ago. She inhales before exhaling, letting out a deep sigh in preparation for what she's about to reveal to him. ]

I've been eating your snacks while you aren't looking. [ ... ] Now you know the truth, I'm sorry for keeping this a secret from you, Ajax.

[ Yoimiya looks so uncharacteristically serious about it but with each passing second, it's becoming increasingly evident she's trying hard not to chuckle. A small smile tugs at the corners of her lips. Buck wild secret, isn't it??? ]

[He meant it as a joke, but the sudden silence is a little heavy, heavier than he expected. At first, he's not entirely sure if Yoimiya is pulling a prank on him here, but she's never this quiet. Even her face is very serious- if she's trying deceive him, she's doing a good job in making him think she isn't being facetious here. Maybe she's been spending a little too much time with him to be getting this good at it...

He waits, to see what she says next, doubt creeping into his mind. There's no way someone like her could hide something from him that's as serious as something like the Abyss.]

...

[Because it's not. Snacks...he doesn't even think that he has any snacks that he keeps that she already doesn't have complete permission to eat to her heart's content. After a moment of silence and the ever-encroaching smile that threatens to spill out on her countenance, his own expression cracking into a smile, laughing at how well she managed to pull that off.]

Goodness, snacks, I never would have thought that you'd thieve them from me from right under my nose...impressive to pull off such a feat so blatantly in front of a Harbinger.

[He can't be serious after that. Laughing again, his head cranes down to touch his forehead to the top of her own.]

You had me going for a moment there, hahahaha! I wasn't sure what to expect.

[ Goodness, his reaction is even more hilarious than anticipated. His laugh is infectious, Yoimiya's serious facade instantly cracks, sending her into a fit of giggles. If not for the press of his forehead, she would have doubled over from laughing so hard. Any other time, she wouldn't have been able to pull off the poker face but the Harbinger's cunning persona has rubbed off on her a bit, she's learned the art of keeping an inexpressive face... for a whole five minutes! ]

Hahaha, sorry I couldn't resist! [ She's talking about both the snacks and the joke ] Who would have thought that a little ol' country girl would be able to pull a fast one over a Harbinger.

[ Her jokes are lame, she should probably feel bad but... she doesn't! ♥ Not when she got to draw out a wonderous laugh from him and see that dashing smile she adores so much. Bringing up such a heavy topic must not have been easy for him, he's already been through hell and back, so the least she can do is brighten the mood and continue to be his shining star in the night sky. ]

Hehe, better keep a close eye on me or else I might steal something even more valuable from you.

[ She tenderly places a hand on top of his chest, circling her fingertip above the spot over his heart. ]

Or have I already stolen that?

[He's grateful for the lighthearted banter, taking his mind off of worrying about revealing such a dark moment in his life to her, instead choosing to soak up that charming smile of hers. His eyes flash mischievously, pressing himself a little closer to her as her hand touches his chest, shooting her his own sly grin. Yoimiya found her place in his heart long ago, and he playfully moves his face closer to her own.]

I'm not sure how you could have possibly stolen such a precious treasure...

[Tartaglia catches her lips, placing a slow, deliberate kiss to them, before pulling only inches away. That same sly look is still worn on his face, eyes almost challenging her to contradict his next words.]

...if it was freely given in the first place.

[ Tartaglia's rizz game is too strong. In one fell swoop, she's putty in his hands, duly responding to the kiss with affection seeping out of her lips. She's utterly starstruck once they break, staring into his eyes like a love-stricken maiden. In turn, she's given him her heart, along with the lock and key that only he's capable of opening.

Not a day goes by when she doesn't count her lucky stars, blessed to be with the most amazing man in the entire universe. ]

You make me feel like the luckiest girl in the whole galaxy.

[ She smiles softly, pressing their foreheads together as a hand comes up to stroke the side of his face. The challenging gleam in his eyes is tantalizing but there's no way she's able to combat his words, more than happy to let him have this victory. Instead, she takes his hand, resting his palm on top of her chest where her heart is located. ]

You have my heart too. And I couldn't be any happier that it's in your care.

[Seems she's giving him the win on this one, but that victory is already forgotten as the two of them share this intimate moment with one another. The hand on his face sends tingles through her touch, closing his eyes to enjoy how their foreheads press to each other's. A long, content sigh is breathed through his nose, letting his eyes flutter open to look down at his hand placed over her heart.

He'll protect that heart with all of his strength, so it can beat freely and enjoy the rest of the days they'll spend together.]

I love you so much, Yoimiya. [Turning his head, he moves to place a delicate kiss to her cheek.] C'mon, let's go home and enjoy each other's company for a while. For tomorrow, we start your training- and I won't go easy on you.

[He gives her a confident grin, but he knows she'll be able to handle it.]

Tonight, however, I'd rather be relaxing in your embrace. We can order out too, after all this excitement today, I think I'd rather let someone else do the cooking.

[ Like an affectionate kitten craving attention, Yoimiya beams at the sweet kiss on her cheek. Giggling, she can't help but return the gesture, rewarding him with his own peck on the cheek. They are so sugary sweet... ]

I love you too, Ajax. [ Until the end of time, she'll never grow tired of declaring her love for him. ] I wouldn't expect any less! I'm looking forward to our training session, gonna be exciting to have you as my teacher. Hehe, I can't wait to see what you're like when you get strict. Don't hold back on me...

[ She says, throwing a sly wink his way. THIS GIRL CANNOT CONTROL HER THIRST.... ]

That's a splendid idea! After all the work the two of us did today, we deserve a nice relaxing evening. I'm in the mood for some good ol' seafood tonight.

Edited 2023-10-13 00:37 (UTC)

[He's not so sure if she's talking about the training or something else now....especially after that wink. Oh, he'll be sure not to hold back, not anymore...]

Let's get it ordered on the way home then. It should arrive shortly after we get home. I'm looking forward to it.

[He rolls his shoulder once, stretching his neck with a satisfied sigh. Taking his phone out, he'll hand it to Yoimiya to order from their favorite seafood place that delivers- and they'll have a nice night afterward.]

---

[It's been some time since Yoimiya pulled the sword from the stone and formed the trust weapon within Tartaglia, having trained with a sword with him in preparation for the day that she'll be able to wield it herself. Efforts to get her to draw it out of him have been unsuccessful so far, but Ajax has only tried to encourage his girlfriend to keep training. One day, he's sure, she'll be able to use it in battle.

Meanwhile, he's really enjoyed how the bond between them works. He feels so light, so warm around her all the time, as if he's exactly where he belongs every time she's near. Like he's home.

He can even tell sometimes where she is when they're not together, giving him a peace of mind for her safety. Which is going to serve him well on this trip, as the two of them follow the very same mermaid that had originally taught them to do the rain dance so many months ago. Except this time, he's here because he's got a bone to pick with these sirens, and he's sure that Yoimiya doesn't mind if he lets a little residual steam out on these ones here. After all, they're here to do something good- who cares if a few extra sirens disappear along with it all.]

So you want to hear our stories? [He responds to a local mermaid, tapping his chin.] Huh...I do have a good number of them, but I wonder if it would be worth it to tell one of our joint adventures together. What do you think?

[He turns to Yoimiya with a questioning glance. Some of their stories are...not safe for young children.]

[ Day after day, Yoimiya stayed true to her promise to work hard during their training sessions. She still has a ways to go before claiming to be proficient with a sword but with her beloved's guidance, she went from zero to... at least fifty. In the course of his tutoring, she learned so much from him, going from swinging around his makeshift hydro blade like a sparkler to cutting down training dummies with an actual sword. There's still lots of work that needs to be done in order to properly unsheathe the weapon stirring inside of him. At times, she can't help but feel a little discouraged with her lack of progress on their soul weapon but each and every time, Ajax's encouragement lifts her spirits, motivating her to never give up. Once they get back to the surface, she pledges to keep shooting for her goal.

Likewise, he stayed true to his word, keeping up with his strict regime ~~AND SHE THOUGHT IT WAS HOT LOL~~. Although it was tough at times, there's no way she couldn't have gotten as far as she did without him. Tartaglia is the best instructor anyone could ask for.

And now, on their new mission to save the Fairy Queen, this will be the perfect chance for Yoimiya to show off the fruits of her labor. Not only did she take on this mission to help in any way possible, she's also here to fight alongside Tartaglia as he goes to town on the monsters that left them with scars in their hearts. She fully supports him in letting off some steam!

At his question, she ponders to herself. During their time in Ellipsa, they've been on many exciting adventures, it's just that a good chunk of them are not safe for work...]

How about we tell her about our adventure in the castle with Kaveh and Alhaitham? My heart still pounds with excitement as I recall you taking on that vicious vampire bear. You were so cool!

[ Maybe it will give the mermaids some peace of mind that they are both capable fighters. ]

[He knew he could leave it to Yoimiya to think of something that's a bit more appropriate. Telling the mermaid about that would work out just fine, tapping his chin a few times while he thinks of how to start it. He can't tell a boring story, and to him it was a pretty boring trip up until the fight.]

Haha, yes, [he begins, looking proud of how Yoimiya praises him,] we discovered an abandoned castle not too far off from here that housed a vicious beast that a research team had been experimenting on deep in the forest between the Summer and Autumn segments. Once inside, we found that the barriers that kept it in place were weakening, so the only thing left to do was deal with the monster before it could break out. But unfortunately, tragedy struck in the middle of our fight...

[Of course, he's referring to Alhaitham's unfortunate incident during the battle, and boy that kind of was scary...for everyone else. Tartaglia had a great time.]

That's right! We knew that if we didn't deal with the beast, it would spell danger for everyone living in Ellipsa. Unfortunately, one of our companions got bit by the bear, turning him into a vampire so we also had to deal with him alongside the monster. Thankfully, his boyfrie— I mean roommate was there, we definitely couldn't have done it without him. Hehe, he was ready to throw down and do anything to save Alhaitham.

[ Needless to say, the mermaid looks confused by the relationship between the Architect and Scholar. Boyfriend slash roommate??? ]

It was a tough fight but with our teamwork, we were able to overcome it. But if it wasn't for Tartaglia, we wouldn't have been able to defeat it. Out of the four of us, he was the only one with magic capable of vanquishing the beast. I also owe him my life, even while he was fighting, he still made sure I was well protected... like my knight in shining armor.

[ Glancing over his direction, she can't help herself by giving him a soft peck on the cheek. It's what her strong knight deserves! ♥️ ]

[Childe looks proud as his beautiful girlfriend gives him a little peck on his cheek, and the mermaid gets it. You two are probably very gross in private, and honestly that's pretty cute. Not all couples are so saccharine, and they can tell that Yoimiya and Childe are absolutely that couple. The mermaid asks a few questions, like did you find the research team? and so, they're roommates? Or...? and that makes Childe laugh.]

Well, the scientists in question weren't there, and I'm sure they're going to be a little upset about their experiment lying dead on the floor...

[Eh, but to him, that doesn't really matter. He got to fight it, look cool, and kill it.]

But ahaha, yes, you could say those two in question are roommates. And one of them seems very adamant to be called as such, rather than be a bit more open about it in its entirety.

[Bc oh they fawkin]

[ OH THEY FAWKIN!!!! ]

Hehe, it's really hilarious that he's so adamant about them just being "roommates". [ Yes, she's even doing the quotation marks with her fingers. ] A while back, an arts festival was held at Amberfall. Kaveh and I were drinking boba tea when I started questioning him about Alhaitham, he started getting so red and flustered and blamed his reaction on the boba tea. According to him, he's allergic to the drink, hahaha!

[ Goodness, recalling that memory is enough to draw a boisterous laugh out of the chipper blonde. In turn, her laugh is so infectious that the mermaid also begins to giggle. This Kaveh guy sounds really funny! Yoimiya nods her head in agreement, hoping that the two of them can meet one day. The mermaid makes an observation, noticing the stark contrast between the couples, When it comes to your relationship, you two seem like the complete opposite of them. ]

I've never been the shy type to begin with. But every moment we spend together, I can't help but want to shower him with endless affection. I'm really grateful the two of us met because... I believe I truly found my other half.

[Tartaglia hadn't even known about the arts festival, and he starts laughing right alongside the mermaid. Wow, Kaveh, he's really not surprised, but still. Faking an allergic reaction just to hide that he's involved with the Scribe...and in the end, hiding it didn't even matter.

He stays silent while Yoimiya converses with the mermaid, letting her take the lead, throwing his hand up behind his head almost bashfully.]

Aw, c'mon, now you're going to make me blush. She really does spoil me, far more than I deserve. I'm very lucky to have her, and if my luck continues, hopefully that'll be for a very long time.

[He plants a small kiss on top of Yoimiya's head, letting his arm wrap around her middle and pulling her into him. The mermaid's eyes twinkle, the two of them are too cute, but she also has something for the both of them. Small tear-shaped objects are given to them both, because they made her laugh.

That was a good story! Please take these, they'll help you with your quest here!]

[ A bashful Ajax is the cutest, she's definitely taking the time to appreciate the rare sight, giggling to herself as she snuggles against his chest. She can't help but puff out her chest, proud of herself for successfully rizzing her boyfriend into blushing.

Before she gets the chance to poke fun at her flustered beau, the mermaid presents them with a stunning gift. ]

Oh wow, they're beautiful. What do they do?

[ A serene smile graces the mermaid's features as she explains that the teardrop objects have the power to create a water shield around them in the face of danger. In childlike wonder, Yoimiya's eyes sparkle at the lovely creations, inspecting them from each and every angle. ]

How wonderful! These beauties are going to be handy dandy in our mission. Thank you so much.

[You're welcome! The mermaid replies, giving them both a smile. Please be careful when you go, and don't be afraid to use them to keep yourselves safe!

With a wave, the mermaid dismisses herself, leaving Yoimiya and Childe to their own devices for the moment. Childe's hand grips around the teardrop in his hand, his smile shifting from something friendly to something still happy, but more devious and bloodthirsty, even as he holds Yoimiya in his arm.]

These certainly will serve us well. Are you ready for our eventual battle, Yoimiya? The closer our assault draws near, the more excited I get...

[Naturally, to him, the sirens are nothing more but monsters much like a hilichurl or a monster from the Abyss. And there's no point to try to hide his true nature from his girlfriend, so he won't even bother to mask his excitement.]

[ Ah, there's that bloodthirsty devilish expression she loves so much! Her battle-crazy psycho is the cutest and she will fight anyone who dares to challenge that claim. In response, a grin tugs at the corners of her lips, his enthusiasm for a fight is infectious. Even she can't help but feel a surge of excitement rippling through her, thrilled to exact some vengeance. ]

Hehe, I am! Both of us improved since our encounter with that awful siren. It will be fun to get our revenge and make sure they can't harm any—

[ Welcome back, Tartaglia! Suddenly, the ~~bloodthirsty~~ chipper blonde gets cut off by the same mermaid who taught them the rain dance and brought them down here. Now that the two of them are free, she's happy and ecstatic to see the man her heart has developed feelings for. Without any hesitation, she makes her way over to him to hold onto his hand. How are you settling in? Do you need a place to rest?

At first, Yoimiya stupidly stands there looking offended. She's... trying. She's trying really hard to reel in her jealousy, knowing full well it's dumb to feel jealous considering her boyfriend has been nothing but loyal. BUT ARGGGH!!!! How can she sit here and watch this?! Puffing out her cheeks, she quickly makes her way over to Ajax's side, throwing herself onto him and holding onto his other arm.

Yeah, that's right. She's staking her claim on her man. ]

[Childe isn't entirely sure when Yoimiya started to get excited about battle too, maybe she's always been this way, maybe she's just started to enjoy it since they've been dating- but he loves how she seems to get revved up too for the inevitable conflict that would be happening the next day.

Unfortunately, he doesn't really get to revel in it for too long, since out of the blue their dance teacher from months ago reunites with them. His head turns at the sound of her familiar voice, his eyebrows raising in surprise as she takes his hand. She seems so happy to see him, and Tartaglia is anything but oblivious to what's happened since their deeds out in the Summer Segment to help the mermaids. Ah, she's definitely got a crush on me...not good...

He doesn't dare look over to Yoimiya yet, knowing full well that she's probably not happy about another woman acting the way she is to him. Sheepishly, he smiles back and tries to take his hand from the mermaid, but she's got a grip on it- oh boy.]

O-Oh! It's nice to see you again, I wasn't sure if we'd run into you again after leading us down here. We haven't quite found a place to rest yet-

[His answer is cut off momentarily by a cute, jealous blonde wrapping all of her arms around his one arm, clinging to him with puffed cheeks. His gaze flickers down at her, and he'd laugh if he didn't know this was a very serious and touchy subject for Yoimiya. The mermaid glances over to give Yoimiya a small smile, letting go of Tartaglia's hand finally as she acknowledges that he does have a girlfriend, still to her dismay. But he's a fish who's already been caught, so she'll back off for a moment...though she can't help but flirt with him for a minute while she can.

I've got the perfect place for you two. If you'll come with me, we can get you settled in before you leave tomorrow. I don't think we'll have anything to worry about with you along, she says to Childe, who is trying not to sweat as this interaction continues.]

Yoimiya, is that alright with you?

[He's not doing ANYTHING without her approval at this point.]

[ ~~Wow I can't believe he's whipped~~

It's just an innocent crush, the logical side of her brain is screaming at her that it's stupid and petty to act like a jealous brat. But after experiencing not one but two women attempting to steal her man, she's become quite sensitive to anyone who dares to flirt with her boyfriend!!! Ajax is a good-looking man oozing with charm, it's only natural for people to be attracted to him, but that doesn't mean she has to like it! Yoimiya doesn't even register the nervousness in Tartaglia's voice, too busy clinging to him and locking stares with the mermaid to further drive home the point that yes, he's happily taken.

Thankfully, for everyone's ears, the mermaid lets go of Ajax's hand. Had it continued, the jealous blonde might have made more of a stink about that. Still, she knows the battle isn't over yet. She narrows her eyes, not at all pleased that the water creature still insists on flirting with him right in front of her. I don't think we'll have anything to worry about with you along... oh please. Keep up it and there will be something to worry about, in the form of exploding goldfish.

Through puffed cheeks, Yoimiya finally responds to her beloved's question. Nodding her head while childishly keeping a tighter hold on his arm. ]

Yes, that works for me. We could use some rest before our battle. Just the two of us, alone. [ >:c ! ] You and me. [ >:c !! ] No one else. [ >:c !!! ]

[ HOPEFULLY THAT GOT HER POINT ACROSS LOL

The mermaid takes Yoimiya's childish jealousy in stride, simply giggling at the pair as she leads them to a lovely coral home. Of course, she can't help herself as she makes passing glances at Childe while they converse on the way. To which of course, the pouty blonde obviously notices, YEAH, I SEE THOSE GOO-GOO EYES FISH LADY! I'M STANDING RIGHT HERE!! Smiling, the mermaid continues to not pay mind to the blonde's glaring eyes. I still think about your dance. She says to Childe. Just a glance is enough to tell me you're strong. I take it the two of you are going to team up to fight the sirens?]

Oh yes, we're going to be fighting together. Because y'know, we make a great pair.

[ >:c !!!! ]

[As the grip on his arms tightens, the more he's becoming aware that this might end up in a cat fight. Far be it from him to discourage a fight, but this isn't going to be the kind of fight he likes to revel in, but rather a passive-aggressive verbal slap fight that he'd rather not get started. If you're going to fight ladies, use your fists!

He's glad that the mermaid doesn't seem to be taking Yoimiya's bait, but on the other hand the more she talks, the more it seems like she's just trying to get his girlfriend's goat. He knows that it's not hard to manipulate her, being guilty of that himself from time to time, even if it's all in good fun for the two of them! But this is getting dangerous, and he wonders how this'll all play out. He'll put an end to this if it gets out of hand, but...

It might end in a fist fight after all.]

We've been training together for some time now, [he adds onto Yoimiya's statement, ignoring how the mermaid blatantly hits on him,] and I've actually taught her how to use a sword recently. She's gotten pretty good at it.

[He says proudly, the statement both him bragging about Yoimiya's ability and a warning that she just might cut her if she keeps hitting on him, but it doesn't stop her. She bats her eyelids at Childe once, making sure Yoimiya can see it plainly.

That sounds fun. I've never fought with a sword, but I've always wanted to learn.]

[ Receiving praise for her swordsmanship and watching Ajax blatantly ignore the mermaid's attempts to flirt with him does the trick in cooling her temper. Somewhat. If she allows the fish lady to constantly badger her, then she wins and Yoimiya's competitive nature refuses to concede. Her boyfriend's subtle warning draws a smirk from the blonde, proud to be recognized for her ability to shank this mermaid if the flirting gets out of hand.

Judging from how she purposefully bats her eyelashes at him while implying that she wants to learn how to use a sword too... Yoimiya has a feeling she knows where this is heading and she's got a plan. ]

Maybe you'll find a teacher one day. I'm sure someone in the guilds can show you the ropes.

[ Hook, line and sinker, the mermaid thinks to herself, preparing for her counter attack. Well, I can't think of a more perfect teacher than— ]

Oh hey! I spy a coral house just right up ahead. [ No. She's not sorry for cutting into the mermaid's request. Without a hint of remorse, she tugs on Tartaglia's arm, eager to go inside. ] Ready to go in and get some well-deserved rest?

[ Bullet dodged... hopefully. ]

[Things just got more interesting. Seems Yoimiya's caught on, or at least feels like she can't lose this battle. It's as they say, don't step in between two warriors dueling it out, for risk of insulting their pride. One could say the same here, and as much as he knows that he probably should have told the mermaid to cut it out already, his girlfriend can also handle herself.

Example #1: right here as she cuts off the retort, forcing his eyes to stop flicking back and forth between the two women to the house in question.]

Yeah, I think I'm definitely ready to lie down for a while. It was a long trip down here.

[Oh...alright. Well, sweet dreams! Rest up before your big day tomorrow.

She turns to leave with a wink, and he glances down at Yoimiya wondering if she'd pick a fight with her or let her go. He won't stop her if she wants to escalate this, because honestly he feels like she's well within her rights to do so. But he'll stay silent and let her make her own decision.]

[ An eerie silence fills the air as Yoimiya simply watches the mermaid leave. A tempest of ideas swirls around in her mind, it would be tempting, oh so tempting to walk over and deck her in the face, no doubt she can take the water creature on in a fight. Another thought pops into her head, would the other mermaids join in to help one of their own? Even if they do, it doesn't matter. She'll take on every single one of them, crush them beneath her heel, and teach them all a lesson. This is what they deserve for disrespecting her relationship.

... Huh, that's weird.

Since when did she start to harbor such dark thoughts? Shaking such intrusive musings out of her head, she writes it off as just being tired. As much as she'd like to pick a fight, Yoimiya decides it's best to let it go and focus on their battle with the sirens. ]

We will! I'll make sure to get plenty of rest with my boyfriend.

[ Said with the biggest, brightest smile. Yeah, she couldn't just not say anything.

Without another word, she turns her heels to walk inside the house. ]

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