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[ 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. ]

[Goodness, she's going to be a fiery one tonight, he thinks. Grinning and not even bothering to take a glance over his shoulder to see the mermaid's reaction as he turns to join her, Tartaglia trails behind Yoimiya and closes the door to their temporary resting place before the chaos the next day would bring. Catching up from behind, he wraps his arms around her waist and pulls her in, knowing that he might be poking the bear a little bit by doing so, but he's hardly scared.]

You, [he says playfully,] were the spitting image of a jealous little павлин strutting her feathers with all her colors for everyone to see. For a moment there, I really thought you just might start a physical altercation.

[There's amusement written all over his face, as if he would absolutely approve of Yoimiya losing her whole mind on that lady.]

I'm flattered that you'd protect me so. You know, you're pretty hot when you're angry...

[ Firey he shall receive. Yoimiya doesn't know what a павлин is, some kind of bird from the sounds of it, she'll have to ask him later. His cute description is flattering and she's definitely going to take a liking to that nickname once her head is cool. She doesn't even respond to his arms enveloping her, needing a moment to calm down because oh boy, was she close to throwing down with a mermaid.

The Harbinger sure enjoys throwing himself into danger, poking the bear probably isn't the best idea. Or in this case, he's poking the jealous peacock who might peck at any moment. ]

The flattery is nice but y'know, I would have appreciated it if you told her to knock it off. Even just a little bit.

[ While yes, she can handle herself, having a tad more support from him would have been nice. Huffing and puffing, her colorful feathers are still a bit ruffled. ]

[Even though she may not be able to see it from behind her, his expression changes from amused to apologetic, because she's absolutely right. Tartaglia gives her a little peck on her cheek in apology, laughing nervously as he attempts to explain himself.]

Sorry, you're right. Honestly, at first I wasn't sure what to do- I guess I never considered I'd have two women fighting over me like that.

[He lets his head drape over her shoulder, trying to look as puppy-like as he can.]

But I definitely sensed the danger coming from you, and I guess...I really wanted to see you take a swing at her, to teach her a lesson. I did warn her, after all...but I should of said something earlier than that. Will you forgive me?

[He looks over to bat his eyelashes once at her. Can you deny this face, Yoimiya?]

[ Truth be told, she's a little ticked off he hardly attempted to defend her. Had the positions been reversed, Yoimiya would have had no qualms telling some flirty merfolk to get lost, that she already has a boyfriend she loves dearly. The peck on the cheek elicits a sigh as she listens to his explanation. She understands that he's never been in a position where women are duking it out for him, so he does deserve some slack there but... ]

For someone who enjoys the thrill of a battle, you sure as heck didn't do much fighting on my behalf. It felt like you left me to deal with her on my own while you just sat back and hoped for a brawl to break out.

[ Being curt is not what she likes to do, especially towards Ajax. Turning around to face him, stares at those puppy dog eyes, her golden irises reflecting the slightest bit of hurt behind them. She's not mad or upset with him, just feeling a little letdown. ]

I forgive you but... not everything needs to be resolved with fists flying. Honestly, I almost punched her, I was very close to tackling her to the ground to throw hands at her. But then I realized doing that could have led to upsetting the other mermaids and we need their help to find the location of the sirens.

[ Downcast, her eyes glance to the ground, debating if she should be raising this question to him. ]

I understand that you prioritize fighting above all else but was watching a brawl that much more important than my respect? You don't have to answer the question but I hope that you at least think about it.

[He almost responds with a "yeah?" at the fact that he wanted a fight to happen. Watching Yoimiya slug her, then getting to come in and fight alongside her if things got hairy, that sounds like a good time to him. But when she turns toward him with the hurt in her eyes, his face falls from looking like a cute puppy dog trying to get out of something he did wrong to real guilt that grips him. He can see it in her eyes that he failed her in this respect, and what she says afterwards solidifies that heavy feeling that leans in hard in his chest.

Ajax bites his lip as she looks down at the ground, wetting his mouth now that he realizes it's gone dry, his jaw setting as he does some rare self-introspection. He hadn't realized he'd let her down, and he shifts uncomfortably as that realization hits him. Sighing at himself, he reaches out to take her hands, sliding his palms into hers as his voice quiets.]

I'm sorry, Yoimiya.

[The sincerity in his voice overshadows his previous apology, which lacked the understanding that he has now, even if he's still got a lot to think about in terms of his own world views.]

I didn't even realize that seeking a fight over everything else might hurt you like that. And I shouldn't push that view on you either. I think...some self-reflection might be in order. The last thing I want to do is hurt you or disrespect you in any way.

[Tartaglia's thumbs run over her knuckles, staring at their hands as he thinks more on it. He just...really doesn't want to do things that might blow this relationship, and by the sinking feeling in his chest, he knows that he cares so much about being a good partner for her.]

Thank you for forgiving me. I love you, Yoimiya.

[He dares to lift his head now, to meet her eyes if she'll even look up at him. If she doesn't, he doesn't blame her- he fucked up and he knows it now.]

[ The genuine sincerity in his voice tells her everything she needs to know, this apology is coming straight from his heart. At least now he finally understands. It's not like she's some damsel in distress in need of help but for her boyfriend to not take up for her in the slightest? To borderline encourage the spat instead of defending their relationship? The whole ordeal hurts her more than she'd like to admit.

I didn't even realize that seeking a fight over everything else might hurt you like that. Taking a deep breath, she closes her watery eyes upon hearing those words. There it is, the soft confirmation that fighting is more important than she is. Deep down inside, she knew that was the case and even came to accept that's how it will always be. Yoimiya kept telling herself that as long as he was happy, she was happy but what happened today was too much even for her. And now, it feels like she's been disrespected by both the mermaid and him. ]

... I love you too, Ajax.

[ From the bottom of her heart, she means it. Yoimiya loves him to the universe and back but right now, she's having a hard time lifting her head to look him in the eye. Sadness eats away at her and judging from his voice, she gets the sense he must be overwhelmed with guilt. And the last thing she wants to do is tear up to make him feel even worse. ]

Thank you, I appreciate that you're willing to do some soul-searching. I get that for you... fighting is more important than me. I'm not asking for much, just for you to realize that there is a time and a place for a fight. What happened was partially my fault too, I shouldn't have gotten so bent out of shape over her. It's just that... truthfully, it hurts me deeply that you were more interested in seeing me pick a fight rather than standing up for me and our relationship.

[ Her gaze flickers to his thumb brushing over her knuckle, wishing the affectionate gesture would bring her the comfort that it normally would. Ajax is a man of his word, she has no doubts he's serious about doing some self-reflection. Although she's not going to force him, she does hope he opens his eyes a little bit. With a heavy heart, she gives his hand a quick squeeze before slipping out of his grasp. For once, the cheerful firecracker is low in spirits as she makes her way to the bed, plopping down to take the ribbons out of her hair to let her strawberry blonde hair down. ]

Edited 2023-10-20 03:06 (UTC)

[It's true, fighting is everything to him. What is life, if there was no combat, no conflict to engage in. It would be empty, mundane, unendurable. This is how he is and how he will always be, but there's something in the way that she phrases it, ...fighting is more important than me. It turns a knife in his chest, one painful enough that he doesn't have the strength to chase after her as her hands leave his own and she goes into the bedroom to let her hair down after a long trip down here. His eyes fall down to the floor, lips thinning in disappointment at himself. He really hadn't considered their relationship at all when he decided not to act. Everything was for the excitement of a fight.

He hadn't meant to make her upset, and yet here they are. It's not fair to her that he's put her second, thinking on how he'd feel if he were in her shoes. He's not sure if he should join her, or give her a moment to herself. Ajax won't let himself be down for too long about his mistake- he'd much rather do what it takes to fix it and make her happy than to feel sorry for himself and sulk about it. Yoimiya's already been taking everything in stride, and he's grateful for the patience she's had with him. Maybe, he's taken that she's seemed fine with his battle obsession for granted, and he wonders if it's been bothering her more than she's let on and he's willfully kept himself ignorant to the truth.

Way to go, he tells himself.

Quietly, he goes to get themselves both a cup of water, giving Yoimiya those few minutes to have to herself for a second before he walks into the bedroom to join her, sitting down slowly next to her as he offers her a cup.]

Mind if I join you?

[His voice is soft and tender, in a way that indicates that she could tell him to leave if she doesn't want him there yet.]

Edited 2023-10-20 16:49 (UTC)

[ When Ajax enters the room, he'll see that in the span of those few minutes, she made herself comfortable by slipping into a kimono sleep gown brought in preparation for this trip. As she's combing her hair, she spots him from the corner of her eye, still not bothering to look up at him in favor of tidying up her appearance.

She had been expecting her boyfriend to show up, knowing there was no way he'd be content to simply leave this unresolved. Battles might be his top priority but he still has room in his heart for her, proving himself time and again by going above and beyond to bring her joy. Placing her comb on the nearby nightstand, she nods her head in gratitude, accepting the cup of water. Although she isn't exactly happy with him, she's not so mad to the point of not wishing to speak with him for the rest of the evening. Scooting over, she brings the cup to her lips to get a sip, patting a spot next to her on the bed for him to join her closer if he wishes. ]

I don't mind.

[ Direct and to the point, her voice is missing the usual enthusiasm and instead, there's a somber quality as she speaks, exhausted from both the long journey and everything that transpired. ]

Edited 2023-10-21 00:05 (UTC)

[Grateful that she's not dismissing him, even though she has every right to as far as he's concerned, he takes that invitation and scoots close to her after she accepts the cup of water.]

Thanks.

[Both his hands come to curl around his own glass, staring down at the still water for a moment as he collects himself. It's always trying to think of how to start being the hardest thing about this.]

Yoimiya...I hope I haven't given you the impression that you or our relationship doesn't matter to me. You mean a great deal to me, so much so that even the deepest sea could not keep me from you no matter how many times it tried to swallow me whole. You're my wonderful, shining light in the darkness, and it pains me to see that I've made that light duller even for a second because of my actions.

[He sighs through his nose, hoping at least he can make it clear to her that he loves her, no matter what. Tartaglia glances over, worry filling his eyes. Making her think that he didn't care would even be worse than putting fighting above her.]

[ Her eyes dart down towards the cup as she listens to him. Truly and honestly, his words are endearing, he always knows just what to say to make her feel special. Battle crazy as he is, Ajax has showered her with immense love. ]

I know. You mean so much to me as well. You've gone out of your way for me countless times and filled my life with love. There are things I need to work on to improve myself to be a better girlfriend. But...

[Unfortunately, saying a few flowery sweet nothings isn't enough to fully mend the wound in her heart. Actions speak louder than words and Yoimiya doesn't believe she's being unreasonable by asking him to be a bit more considerate. ]

It's just that, if my boyfriend can't even do the bare minimum of standing up for our relationship because he'd rather see a brawl, then... can I truly count on you to have my back?

[ As much as she hates being harsh, some tough love is necessary to get him to open his eyes. ]

[Nodding, that's a fair statement from her, and he stops to think of how he wants to put this. He knows the answer, it's really as plain as day, but he doesn't want to say the wrong thing here and make matters worse.]

It's true that the thrill of battle is something I value above everything else. But...I don't want that to be a reason why I lose someone who is priceless to me.

[Because that's the only direction you can go at that point. He'd continue to hurt Yoimiya over and over if he's constantly putting fighting before her.]

I want it to be something we can share together, not something that pushes us apart. That was neither the time or the place for it, and in the future I won't let that happen a second time. I'm sorry. I won't make the same mistake again.

[ Satisfied with that response, Yoimiya relaxes her shoulders, already feeling a little better and less heated than just a few moments ago. There are times when she's explosive like the fireworks she crafts but once again, just like a firework, she's quick to simmer down and forgive. He apologized, promised to not let the same mistake happen twice, it's all water under the bridge as far as she's concerned. ]

Thank you, hearing that means a lot to me. Deeds are more powerful than words but I trust you.

[ If he pays close attention to her expression, he might notice the fire burning behind her golden eyes, a glaring message of: don't you dare pull that stunt again, mister. IN ALL SERIOUSNESS, Tartaglia might be aligned with the Fatui but a liar he is not. This man takes his promises seriously, more than anyone else she's ever met. She faithfully believes he will uphold his word and maybe they can be scary and tell someone to scram together. ]

From the bottom of my heart, I sincerely support your ambitions and I'd never ask you to change as a person. But... I'm grateful you recognized that wasn't the time and a place for a fight.

[ It's a start. ]

[It already sounds like she's less angry, which he's glad for. He'd chosen to speak from the heart, deciding that would be best in a situation like this, and it seems like his words resonated with her. Looking over to her, his own expression is grateful, smiling fondly as his eyes lock with hers-

And oh. That's a scary look. He definitely gets the message that if he does that again he's in hot water. That's something he doesn't need, because he already does enough to get himself into hot water it seems.

Tartaglia's hand reaches over to take her hand, holding it with both of his own.]

Thanks. I'm sorry that this is what it took to recognize that in the first place.

[Silently, he promises that he'll do better to be a better boyfriend to her, even moreso than what he's vowed to her. He doesn't know how, but he'll figure it out- she deserves the best, and he'll make sure she gets it.]

Are...we alright, for now?

[Not that he's expecting her to be chipper or anything after a conversation like that. But he does want to give her a kiss ;;]

[ Upon feeling the warmth of his hand, she peels her eyes away from the cup to glance at his hands clasped over hers. Finally, after what felt like forever, she lifts her head to lock stares with him. Just one look into his eyes tells her everything she needs to know, those deep blue eyes are an ocean of sincerity.

It takes two to make a relationship work and there are aspects of herself that she needs to work on as well but she wholeheartedly believes they can overcome anything together. ]

Yeah, we're all right.

[ Although it certainly is difficult to go back to being her usual chipper self after that heavy conversation, the faintest hint of a smile tugs at the corners of her lips at his "for now". Chaos is practically synonymous with him, after all. ]

For now.

[ Sorry, couldn't help herself with that one. In return, she gives his hand a soft, gentle squeeze, lacing their fingers together. ]

[For what feels like the first time in too long, he chuckles quietly at her answer, letting a placid yet warm smile unfold as her fingers lace with his. Though it may of been subtle, he could see that small smile on her face, taking that as another green light to shower a little more affection on her. Lifting the hand he's cupped between his own, Ajax presses a few light kisses to the back of it, holding it up against his lips as he closes his eyes and nuzzles his head into her palm. He'd like to cherish her and this quiet moment they have together, unwilling to let her go, as if the simple warmth from her hand was something he couldn't live without.

After a few moments, he lifts his head back, sighing through his nose. This might not end up being the fun night he'd imagined before the big day tomorrow, but at least he still has Yoimiya, and they do need to mentally steel themselves for the day ahead.]

Perhaps we should turn in a little early tonight. We've got a big day ahead of us tomorrow.

[He shoots her a worried glance...there is one last thing.]

I'm not being relegated to the couch though, am I?

[Or worse! Sleeping outside!]

[ Just like that, her imperturbable facade cracks, the sweet kisses administered to her hand mend the final wounds in her heart, filling her with a warm love that only he can provide. At long last, her bright smile returns as she melts into his touch, cupping his cheek while he affectionately nuzzles his face into her palm. He might be a battle-crazy psycho but at the end of the day, he's her battle-crazy psycho.

She thoughtfully hums at his question, pretending to consider her options. ]

Hmm... I wonder.

[ Raising a hand to his cheek, she deliberately drags her finger across his jawbone, slowly taking the time to enjoy the feel of his skin beneath her fingertip. The entire time, her half-lidded eyes are locked onto him, deliberately staring at him with that same sensual expression that has the power to drive him crazy. Finally, she stops to gently cup his chin, resting her fingers right below. ]

Do you want to sleep in the same bed with me that badly? Have you truly learned your lesson?

[ To top it off, a smirk curves on her lips, fluttering her lashes against her doe-eyed honey irises, all in an effort to ~~make him beg~~ see how he reacts. Truthfully, the thought of banishing him to the couch hadn't even occurred to her. ]

[Happy that it seems he's managed to assuage any more concerns and lifted her spirits, he smiles into her palm as her hand cups his cheek, kissing her palm tenderly, a small outpour of his love for her. His eyes open to meet hers, instantly entranced by her seductive gaze, her fingertips leaving a trail of electricity across his skin. How unfair, she knows that he's powerless against her when she uses that look against him like this, his mouth drying and jaw hanging slightly agape.

He's getting played, he knows he is. But even with that knowledge, the flutter of her eyes does him in, his eyes widening in return even as chaos dances in them.]

I have, [he says, pleading with her.] Yoimiya, think of how cold the both of us will be sleeping all alone. You might as well be sleeping in the wilds of Snezhnaya, and surely you wouldn't want that, would you...?

[Pressing inwards, he gives her a desperate look, worry lacing his expression even more even as he gets so close to let his lips almost graze her own.]

Let me sleep with you tonight, I can guarantee I'll keep you safe and warm.

[ There's a part of her that thinks it would be funny to remind him that he's from Snezhnaya, so he should be able to handle the cold. However, she's given him enough of a hard time as it is. He took her concerns seriously and learned his lesson, it's only fair for her to give him a treat. His big, pleading blue eyes are too adorable to turn down. How is it possible for someone to be so battle-crazy and cute at the same time...

They're so close, just one small push is all it takes for their lips to connect. The kisses on her palm are sweet but not enough. She closes her half-lidded eyes, looking as if she's about ready to close the gap and reward with a kiss. But... like the little tease that she is, Yoimiya pulls away before allowing him to fully drink in the taste of her lips. ]

All right, since you're going to be so cold without me, who am I to turn you down? Do whatever you gotta do to get ready and come on to bed, big boy.

[ In truth, she wouldn't be able to sleep well without him to keep her warm. A good night's sleep isn't complete without his strong arms wrapped around her. Pulling away, she playfully sticks her tongue out at him, turning her attention to fluff up the pillows in preparation for a good night's rest. With that done, she huddles under the covers, getting nice and cozy while she waits for him to follow suit. ]

[There's a fifty-fifty chance here that he gets that kiss. He knows Yoimiya like the back of his hand by now, she's either going to kiss him or tease him, and as he watches on with the building desire to taste her lips against his own, it seems she chooses the latter. His eyes were beginning to close themselves when she pulls away, the empty space between them lonely, his gaze looking at her like a sad puppy who's only want in life was love.

Tartaglia watches her stick her tongue out at him, feeling extra played now that she's ignoring him to tuck herself into bed. Oh, he won't let her get away with that, devising his own ideas to get back at her before the night is out.]

Don't get too lonely without me.

[It doesn't take him long to get out of his clothes, tossing them on a chair until he's in nothing but his undergarments, slipping into bed with her, giving her a look as he settles in.]

Don't you look comfy.

[His devilish lover, all tucked in and looking nice and comfortable even after being denied a kiss. He can't wait for payback for that one.]

[ Likewise, Yoimiya is all too familiar with Ajax's antics. There's no way he's about to let her get away with denying him a kiss. She's not sure how he's going to pull off his revenge scheme but the uncertainty of it all only adds to the excitement. Snug as a bug, she can't help herself as enjoys the scene of her beloved eye candy stripping himself from his clothes. This is the best view in the entire universe, nothing else will compare.

Once he slips under the covers with her, Yoimiya greets him with an innocent smile as if she didn't just tease him a few seconds ago. ]

It's pretty nice and snug in here. I gotta say, I miss your bed.

[ On the surface, she's feigning obliviousness but her eyes tell a different story, challenging him to do his worst. She'll even be kind enough to give him an opening, rolling over to where her back is facing him. ]

[If there's anything that gives away what a person is thinking, it's the window into their soul through their eyes, and Tartaglia has become well acquainted with hers. He hears the words, but he reads her eyes before she rolls over to let her back face him. What absolute, audacious confidence of her, he thinks. It's either that or she knows she wins either way in the end here, and if she's going to win anyway, he should at least win too.]

Never fear, I'm sure I can think of ways to recreate the feeling of being back home in my bed.

[He'd rise to the challenge she's presented to him, sliding in close to her as he presses his chest to her back. The warmth from her body seeps into his skin, letting his arm and hand drape over her as he also gets comfortable. Tartaglia buries his head into the nape of her neck, brushing his lips across the soft skin there as he settles.

But he's got other plans, not planning on settling for long.]

Not too warm, are you?

[He asks innocently, as his hand brushes downward to graze right under her thong, letting his elemental magic seep into her skin, his riptide mark forming there. It pulses dimly, inactive for the moment, and Childe smiles against his girlfriend's neck.]

I wouldn't want to make it too uncomfortable in an unfamiliar place.

[ One advantage Ajax will always have over her: it's hard to stay mad at him. There are rare times where she feels like blowing up like a volcano at him but each and every time, he does his best to make up for it, always doing everything in his power to put a smile back on her face. Just like now, his lapse of judgment from earlier no longer bothers her, simply happy to still have him in her life, thankful for this precious moment to snuggle together and lay beside him as they drift off to sleep. ]

That's mighty sweet of ya. All I need is your warmth to feel right at home.

[ Another advantage Ajax has: his unpredictability. There's no telling what he has planned but she's looking forward to seeing his attempt to acquire at least one win before the night is over. Yoimiya is more than happy to give him that small taste of victory since either way, she still wins. Although she's on the lookout for his little revenge scheme, his muscular arms draped across her are soothing, further settling her to bed. Satisfied sighs spill out from the delightful sensation of his lips peppering her neck. ]

Mmm... no, it's wonderful. Your arms are always so nice and cozy.

[ She giggles at his "innocent" question, his hand slipping beneath her thong is anything but innocent. In response, she slides a foot up and down his leg, oblivious to the riptide mark taking shape on her skin. ]

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