smdh | [closed] with kia

Ah, right. [ toy seller. Primrose's lips twitch in thinly-veiled amusement and she leans forward, ponytail draping down her front with the sway of her movement. ]

I will make no promises as to the duration of my stay. I'm not entirely certain your parents expected another body. [ and one who would stay so long? It seems presumptuous of her, and she's also not sure how well she'll handle children. Tressa was young, true, but also 18. ]

But I will keep your actual identity to myself. And I will not be mentioning space stations or how intimately I've come to know you, under certain circumstances.

They don't, but it's no trouble. Cleo usually brings her wife, but she couldn't make it this time. [I will sprinkle some lesbians into this family, as a treat.

But Childe laughs as the carriage rounds a corner, the treeline outside slowly starting to give way.]

Yes, they don't need to know about any of that. [PLEASE DON'T TELL HIS PARENTS ABOUT THE FURBY FUCK STATION. HE WOULD DIE.] It would be easiest to tell them you're from Sumeru, I think--Teucer won't know any better, and the others won't question it. [They'll just make inaccurate assumptions that she's Fatui, probably, but that's fine. It's safer than the truth.] I'll follow your lead on the rest.

[On whatever else she decides to share about who she is, if anything. Childe doesn't particularly like lying to his family, but he won't contradict her if she wants to craft a new identity for them. He's not that much of a hypocrite.]

Sumeru.

[ He'd mentioned the place before, and if she's seen (and lived in) one desert, she's seen (and lived in) them all. So she can probably make that work, nodding pensively as she formulates the scenario in her head.

Also, lesbians! Good for them. ]

You're going to follow me in a dance you don't know, one whose steps I'm still forming? Very reckless of you.

[ It's not chiding or judging, just teasing-- lightly so. Of course he would. When he's not leading his own impulsive charge, of course. ]

[LOOK... yes. He rests his elbow on his leg and props his chin in his hand, offering her a shameless grin to match her own playfulness.]

I don't know what you mean. Isn't a wise for a student to follow a master of their craft?

[This coming from the same man who wanted to do a dance-off on a street corner. But hey, at least he acknowledged he'd lose.]

Besides, I think we naturally dance quite well together.

[ Shameless indeed, and Primrose is still far too accustomed to disguising any more genuine displays of amusement as crooked smiles beneath the delicate shield of her fingers over her mouth. He doesn't need encouragement or to realize she finds it oddly endearing. ]

I don't think you've danced with me properly enough for that, though I will admit you can follow my cues rather nicely.

[ But an actual dance... how would he fare, she wonders. ]

[He absolutely does not need encouragement, she is correct. But he's paying too much attention to her to really miss the sparkle in her eyes, and his grin widens, because of course it does. He is his own source of encouragement. Terrible.]

You flatter me! A peculiar little comrade of mine gave me a ringing endorsement recently, you know.

[That is not what happened]

Oh, did they? Pray, do tell.

[ In the tone of voice that suggests that Primrose really does not think it was a ringing endorsement but is curious enough to humor him, as poor an idea as that usually is. ]

[WOW WHAT'S THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN... he didn't even jump onstage last time she came to visit!!!]

They wanted to celebrate after a grueling excursion through beast-filled dungeon! We had a very talented young musician with us, you see, and my other companions could think of no one better to accompany her than me. Unfortunately, I had to decline, but the request alone was quite high praise.

[What actually happened was that Xinyan rocked out after they figured out the last pieces of the Onmyouji puzzle and Paimon went "hey can't Tartaglia dance--wait where'd he go" because Childe slipped off to investigate for Scaramouche clues while they were distracted

But hey it's close enough!]

Oh, you declined?

[ She tilts her head at him. This doesn't seem to be the truth of the matter, not entirely, but all the same... it's got enough of a sheen of truth to it, from what she can tell. ]

That's surprising. I thought you enjoyed giving a good performance of your own. Does that I mean I should similarly expect a refusal if I were to make an offer in front of your family for a dance?

I do enjoy it! But it was poor timing--duty called, and I am more responsible than you might think.

[It's the truth, and probably one of the more surprising things about him, really. As much as he throws himself into the things he loves with fervor, be it fighting or performance, he's not nearly as reckless as most people expect him to be.

He grins at her, then.]

But that shouldn't be a problem this time, so we can dance to your heart's content. [A wink! But brightening up, immediately after--] And don't be surprised if Tonia asks you for lessons, or if Anthon concocts some elaborate tale about how you're a magical runaway princess.

[local man distracts himself from flirting with pretty girl because he can't shut up about his siblings]

[ pretty girl is amused by local man's one-track mind over his family. ]

Though I would be inclined to believe she could find a more suitable dance instructor with a more proper background, I've certainly taught more hopeless students. To the best of my ability, at the very least. [ Cyrus should just maybe never dance. Like. Ever. ]

And I'm certainly not a magical runaway princess, but I'll let them believe what they'd like. [ A minor concession, but rather major for her. Which means she isn't going to linger on it at all. ] Which is not an excuse for you to spin additional tales about me.

[It is arguably his cutest quality, to be fair.]

Ahaha, don't worry! She's incredibly smart, she'll be an excellent student. Much better than I've ever been.

[Of course he would say that, his bias... but at least it's probably true in this case. Also this is my headcanon until proven otherwise.

For the rest, he winks at her, mischievous--but!]

Don't worry! I said I'd follow your lead, didn't I? [Sure but how effective will that even be against children he spoils rotten... only time will tell.

But they're clearly approaching the village proper, now; as they talk, the natural landscape further gives way to small, rustic buildings, the scent of the ocean slipping into the carriage. The path they're on seems to have shifted into a proper road, if only just. It's not long before people are visible, too, all of them bundled up in simple clothing as they run errands or man their stalls. Even from the carriage window, Primrose will be able to tell that this is little more than a small fishing village, quietly forgotten by the seaside.]

I just so happen to believe your biases may lead you in another direction, afore too long.

[ She says it lightly though; she's not going to be affronted if such a future comes to pass, and her teasing soon turns to curiosity as she peers at these new surroundings from the window. A bit like Tressa's seaside home, if much colder; there, the sand had glittered like gold in the ever-present sun, earning the town its name.

She doesn't state an opinion just yet, but it's clear her attention rests entirely on the village now. ]

Hey now...

[He says that, but he's laughing... at least he's self-aware.

He seems mostly content to let her observe, after that; he'll chat or answer questions if she seems to want him to, but otherwise, he leaves her to her observations.

She'll probably recognize the now-familiar Fatui uniform here and there, but the number of people wearing it is far smaller than it was in the city. Similarly, almost no one wears a Vision like the one resting in its usual place at Childe's hip--this is a village that's almost painfully civilian.

Notably, perhaps, almost every adult seems to avoid looking in their direction as they pass.

The main road, if it can be called that, is short--it's not long before they're past every scrap of commerce and back to scattered houses. They turn down a side path, then, back onto a dirt road with nothing but snow and trees to see--it only takes a few more minutes before the carriage slides to stop. It's hard to see the house from the window, but she'll at least be able to spot part of a fence, and the hint of a few massive objects beyond it.]

We're here! Ah, but, before we go in--[Uncharacteristically, he hesitates, like he's trying to figure out what he wants to say.]--my parents... they won't be rude, but please forgive them if they're a little wary, at first. They're likely going to assume you're... well, you are dangerous, but in a different way than they'll be imagining. I'll speak to them in private when I get a chance.

[To reassure his parents that she is not a secret high-ranking agent come to scoop up more of their children, or something equally foreboding.]

[ Ah. So his parents don't quite approve of the Fatui, it seems. And the people in the village seemed wary of the carriage, too. There's a story to be told there, but Primrose doesn't ask for it. She can figure things out on her own and even if his parents are cautious of her, will that trouble her?

... It does that she has to think about that for longer than one whole second, but it would just be... inconvenient if they treated her with wariness, she thinks. It ought to be fine. People were cautious of dancers just for their nature. This is nothing new. ]

My feelings shall not be harmed by caution. I'll do my utmost to prove I mean them and their family no harm.

[ And she does mean that. ]

[If she does seem inclined to ask, perhaps he'll tell her--but she doesn't, and he doesn't offer it unprompted. Instead, he waits to hear her response, and smiles to hear it; it's not a terribly noticeable shift, but he seems to relax a little.]

Don't worry, they'll be charmed in no time. [Confidently!!! He winks at her as he opens the carriage door, hopping out and offering his hand once again, even though he doesn't expect her to take it this time either.] Brace yourself.

[For a slippery path? For the shocking sight of the literally enormous war machines littering the yard like playthings? Sure, those too. But what he'd meant makes itself apparent at the loud bang of a door slamming open, immediately followed by the delighted shrieks and pounding footsteps of three young children making an immediate beeline for the carriage.

Even from where they are, Prim will likely hear a loud commotion inside the small, weathered house up ahead--this is clearly not going to be a quiet and peaceful affair.]

[ She does take his hand this time, maybe to keep him second-guessing. More likely because it does look very slick on the ground and she has no wish to pridefully step down and immediately slip and crash onto her rear. But once she's safely down and she can see the path ahead and the lifeless but no less daunting figures of what appear to be man-made monsters, she releases his hand.

Of course, then the door flies open and she very nearly snatches it again, taking his advice a tad belatedly and sliding a foot back to brace herself. This children are moving with no fear and plenty of enthusiasm and she knows their target is Childe, but. Still. Best to be prepared. ]

[She's right on both counts. Their target is Childe--that much is instantly obvious by their calls of brother! Big brother!, followed by an adult call of Close the door! Tsk, these kids-- that goes unheeded. But she's also entirely correct that they run with all the self-control of young kids, which is to say, zero.

Fortunately, Childe's clearly used to this--he crouches down and stretches out his arms to try and redirect their wild trajectory towards himself, sparing her from getting bruised or knocked down. His laughter is loud and bright, and while the friendliness and joy he's shown around her has always been completely truthful, there's undeniably something much warmer about his demeanor as he scoops one little boy under each arm, the girl clambering over his head to cling to his neck, dangling from his back as he stands up again.]

Ahaha, looks like I've caught three little rabbits! I wonder if my dear friend here would like a little Snezhnayan pet as a souvenir?

[Predictably, immediately, all three of them start laughing and shouting over each other; over the cacophony, he winks at her.]

Alright, alright--hey, princess, that's my hair--

[It's Teucer who wiggles out of Childe's hold first, running up to Primrose with big, bright, fearless eyes.

"Are you a traveler too? Like my brother's friend?"]

[ Childe looks like a tree full of overexcited squirrels, each one squeaking and climbing and chattering and making themselves right at home. It's almost a little too much joyous enthusiasm all at once, like an entire group of Tressas. It could very easily be overwhelming, but the way Childe laughs helps ground her, even as it surprises her at the same time. There's a kind of warmth and light to him now, and she'd wonder at it, but... well, it's simple enough, she thinks. This is love.

She merely watches for now, expression softening, until she blinks and Teucer is right there. Hilariously, she looks a bit blindsided, like she wasn't quite prepared for the enthusiasm to be turned in her direction so swiftly, but after a pause, she curtsies and uses that to transition into crouching in front of him. ]

A traveler, yes, but also a dancer. [ His friend, hm? ] My name is Primrose. Your brother has told me much about all of you.

[It absolutely could be overwhelming--and for all that he was a gracious and attentive host last time she visited, it's probably immediately obvious where his attention is going to be this time around. The only indication he even notices Teucer talking to her is a quick glance in their direction; otherwise he's absolutely distracted with shifting to prop the other two on each hip, laughing as they talk over each other in their hurry to tell him a thousand things at once.

Teucer, meanwhile, does the Genshin Jumping Child thing. Y'know. The this.

"A dancer? Wow! Big brother can dance too. But sister Cleo always tells him to stop. I don't have any dancing toys. But big brother got me a new one for my birthday! And I'm big enough to pick it up and carry it around, so I got to take it to school yesterday!"

Thanks Teucer. This is definitely more important to talk about than finding out anything about the stranger at your house.]

[ Childe. Childe, you're useless. Childe, how dare you leave her with this small person who is happily talking a mile a minute as though she is suddenly his new best friend. She's out of her element here? She can't fight a kid! She can't seduce a kid!! Help.

Primrose just honestly does her utmost to look like she's not half-panicking on the inside, merely solemnly nodding as Teucer talks. ]

I see. That was very kind of him to get you one you could carry along with you and show to your friends.

[ HELP. ]

[Look. Look!!! He never claimed to not be useless, that's his only defense.

Fortunately, they're saved by more voices calling from inside the house--a woman steps out, then, and wow, this whole family is so obviously related, aren't they. Look at all these pale redheads with blue eyes. Incredible. She holds out her arms as she approaches, and Childe shifts to pass Anthon over to her without needing to be told.

"Ajax, mother needs you in the--oh, hello." She greets Primrose with polite curiosity, though she's obviously very surprised.]

Ah, Cleo, everyone--this is my good friend Primrose. She'll be staying with us for a little while. [Teucer cheers, because apparently he's already decided he likes Primrose! Wow!] Teucer, will you go tell everyone else I'll be in shortly? ["But brother--"] Don't worry, I brought plenty of presents for later! We'll go through them together, okay?

[Teucer hesitates a little longer, but then he nods, scampering back indoors! Tonia and Anthon are both peering curiously at Primrose, now, but at least they seem happy to be held by their siblings; Childe grins sheepishly at Prim.]

I did try to warn you.

So you did. I believe some things must be experienced to truly understand, however.

[ She already feels tired, but no. No. She refuses to let it show, especially in front of his very enthusiastic family. It's honestly kind of amazing that all of these siblings look so much alike, now that she's seeing so many of them before her now.

So she moves to her feet as Teucer scampers off, if only to arrange herself in a graceful dancer's bow, head inclined slightly. ]

It truly is a pleasure to meet the family Ajax speaks so proudly about. Pray forgive the discourtesy of intruding upon your home unexpectedly.

[Cleo curtsies back, looking surprised but not unpleasantly so.

"It's lovely to meet you as well, but are you sure you're not lost? You're really here with him?"]

What's that supposed to mean? ["Well, you don't have any friends..."] Hey!

[SIBLING BULLYING. But while his smile isn't quite as warm and joyful as it was with just the younger children, Childe's laughter doesn't seem forced or uncomfortable.

Tonia, apparently gathering her courage, hops down from Childe's arms and tries her best to mimic Primrose's bow. She's a little wobbly, but she's got the spirit.

"It's nice to meet you, Miss Primrose. I'm Tonia." Childe winks at Primrose before he swoops forward to scoop his sister up again, twirling her around as she squeals in startled delight.]

That's right! Princess Tonia and her loyal knight, at the service of our honored guest.

[Cleo rolls her eyes, clearly very used to these antics. Ignoring both of them, she holds out her free hand to Primrose. Anthon has apparently decided he's bored of all of this because he's just trying to catch snowflakes over his sister's shoulder.

"Let's get you inside, then, and get you something warm to drink. Are you hungry?"]

[ It's funny how such a big family could remind her of her own, much smaller one-- Primrose had never had siblings, her mother passed not long after she had been born, and her father had never really doted on her, but the affection and the cheerful ease of conversation are both poignant and a little painful.

But it's endearing-- seeing Tonia wobble into a greeting of her own and inclining her head in acknowledgment of her most earnest efforts, breathing out quietly and subtly to ease away what she will refuse to deem nerves.

When Cleo holds out her hand, she steps forward with only a brief glance to Childe. Well, if she's met this many already, she's committed now. ]

I thank you for your kindness. A drink should be fine until your family is ready to eat. If the Princess Tonia might join me, of course?

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