Every plan will always have a weakness, no matter how small such a flaw may be.
[ She, too, had a very small group of people she had come to care for there. Though, she tells herself, she had chosen to let those attachments remain where she had left them. Yuri and his future with Luca, Harrow and Vira supporting each other, Gu Yun and Molly.
Childe, much as she's loath to admit it, is still so much of a mystery to her that she is even more reluctant to delve into. She's not Cyrus; the prospect of knowledge, of knowing what others may not, is not something that drives her. Why had he invited her? Why had she accepted? What does he expect, going forward? Does he expect anything?
Is she ever going to be able to trust that someone won't want something from her or that she isn't being lured into a trap?
The bubble gently pops against her cheek and she gives him a side glance, looking for all the world as though she wasn't poised to react and treat that as a threat, if need be. Old habits die hard, if at all. ]
You may have forsaken your opportunity to rid me of my life, but I should very much like to try a new dance with you, given our abilities have returned. At a later juncture, of course.
[Was it small? There's a bit of a distant look in his eyes--thinking back over the damage he caused, the relationships he sacrificed in favor of, not only pursuit of his goal, but the desire to protect someone who had done so much to protect him. How differently things would've gone, if Iris hadn't saved him--or, well, given him the power to save himself, if only for a little while.
Let them believe it, he'd said, it's close enough to the truth. It's a choice he stands by, even now. Accepting their ire was no hardship for him, compared to the effect it would've had on her. He'd tried not to treat her maturely, but in the end, she'd reminded him too much of a sibling.
A small flaw, indeed.
Her words draw him out of his thoughts, though, and he grins brightly, immediately.]
I'd be delighted! I know all the best spots for a good spar, it'll be fun. [OF COURSE HE DOES. And he doesn't miss the implication, either--of a second visit, or for this one to be an extended stay. Either option is fine with him.]
But for now-- [INTO THE KITCHEN. It's surprisingly rustic, compared to the rest of the house; hints of advanced technology can be seen in some of the appliances, but a wood-fire stove crackles merrily in the corner, and some perfectly plain kitchen utensils sit neatly atop a regular cutting board.] --you can put your coat wherever you'd like, and have a seat.
[He's not going to make her help him cook their food, but as much as he likes her, he doesn't really want her wandering freely around his house either, so. Hopefully she doesn't mind hanging out for a little bit.]
[ It's valid, she would have gone exploring otherwise. But Primrose, after a curious glance around the kitchen, shrugs out of her coat and places it on the back of the chair. She seats herself shortly after.
Sure, he can cook. She won't fuss. ]
By your will, then. I'm willing to cross blades with you at any time.
[They can do a tour later, maybe... as long as it's supervised, it's fine.]
The same goes for you.
[She can hit him up for sparring any time and he will not say no.
But for now, cooking! He moves about the kitchen with ease, clearly just as comfortable as he was at the market. He's making A Prize Catch because of course he is.]
How do you take your tea? Or would you care for something stronger?
[While he gets everything into the pot on the stove and washes his hands! After that, he pokes his head out of the doorway, calling down the hall in Snezhnayan--there's a response from someone, presumably whoever is fetching their drinks, before he moves back and comes to sit beside her at the table.]
I did, yes! For my family, and myself, though I don't often have time anymore. [A smile--it doesn't reach his eyes, but it doesn't seem disingenuous, either.] This is something of a rare treat for me, as well.
[That she asked to let him cook for her; he would've been happy enough at a restaurant, but he enjoys this more.]
I'll await your honest review! [He grins at her, and--makes a small, aborted motion, like he'd intended to reach for her hand, and stopped.] If you don't like it, I can always make something simpler.
[But his smile turns warmer then, and he shakes his head slightly.]
[ Interesting, to think he was restraining himself in some fashion. Or maybe it was just her imagination, that it had seemed as though he was reaching out.
The honesty, though, has her studying him, her expression unreadable for a few seconds. He's been nothing but welcoming ever since she arrived here and she can't detect any deceit in his tone or the curve of his smile, for as lightless as his eyes have been. ]
I will admit, I was surprised you thought to contact me. I really did think you might have preferred to leave all of that behind you. [ All of the people, too. Just as Primrose had decided. ]
I won't pretend I'm different person than the man I was at the station. [That's not his way.] But specific circumstances require specific behaviors. And I don't forget so easily.
[Forming attachments had been a poor idea at the time, yes--what was the point, when they all had goals they so deeply desired? When the closer you got to someone, the more likely it was that they'd die, or try to kill you? So fresh from Zhongli's betrayal, and walking into such an obvious trap... no. He'd tried very hard not to get attached.
But... well. Things were different, by the end of it. And after it was all over... what was stopping him from acknowledging that he'd grown to care after all?]
My goals lie ahead of me, but that doesn't mean I no longer care for anything I've left behind.
[ She would like to tell him that it makes him a better person than her-- the ability to still care, after continuing on his path towards his goals. When Primrose herself had left without a word to anyone, merely the faintest of smiles offered carefully over her shoulder as she'd walked away.
Molly had asked her to be happy. Even now, with Simeon dead at no one's hands but her own, with her finally visiting her father's grave, Primrose doesn't know what happiness feels like. But she does know that, much in the way she'd felt something like grief as she'd stood over the corpse of the man she had once loved, as she gracefully lowered herself to her knees and pressed her fingers to a cold stone and whispered her truth to her father...
As she had stared at Yuri when he had accepted her secret, as she had danced with Molly, unceremoniously shoved Vira and Harrow into a bathtub to scrub the grime and blood off of them, stood on the beach with Gu Yun, pressed her palm to Childe's through the bars and silently seethed that she couldn't bring herself to hate him even then--
No. She hadn't been able to stop caring, either. The proof is right here, in sitting beside him, in the very fact that she's here with him at all. She should have thrown the device away.
But here she is, and Primrose sighs quietly. ]
To know your goals so strongly and still wish to strengthen your bonds... I could be envious.
I just don't see much point in limits, that's all.
[Why choose between two things when you can have both, instead? If there's enough of both to have, of course. Greed was a secondary sin of his for a reason.
But truthfully--it's a little new to him too. He knows less about friendship than he'd like to claim, to say nothing of any deeper feelings. And it's easy to talk of the Fatui, of Snezhnayans, being hated on the whole, but to speak of his own experiences, of what he lacks... well. That's a little less his style.
Instead, he glances towards the stove, keeping an eye on the pot.]
[He isn't ashamed of his own ambition--nor does he see it as a distant dream, if his tone is anything to go by.]
My wish was for the power to do so. I am always seeking new strength, and I'll take it in any form. [It's why he'd agreed, despite his distrust. But it's also why he hadn't minded the thought of losing his wish--if he failed to gain extra power at the station, he would simply continue to seek it back at home.]
But an empty world has no meaning. And I would not be who I am without those who've shaped me in the past.
[ Primrose doesn't look too surprised. Childe was committed to whatever his wish was, and she'd learned fairly quickly that there was far more to him than a playful demeanor and a cheerful smile that didn't tend to reach his eyes.
So she gazes at him, expression considering. There's no judgment present in her gaze. ]
Why do you wish to conquer the world? To prove your strength?
That's part of it, yes. [Not prove, exactly--but it's close enough.] I have no interest in the weak. If I am to die here, I won't accept it at the hands of anyone who isn't strong enough to defeat me.
[And where better to find strong opponents, than to look upward?]
I support Her Majesty's cause, as well. I serve her by choice, and for now, my strength is hers.
[Her response makes him laugh, bright and honest--there's a light knock on the door, then, and he gets to his feet, moving to answer it and get their booze.
He thanks whoever's at the door, moving to fetch them glasses and check on the food before he pours for them. When he brings her her drink, she'll probably recognize the smell of red wine and cinnamon.]
It's a little more complicated than ambition, in Her Majesty's case. But I'll admit I'm not fond of the machinations of gods, and I can't claim to know her thoughts perfectly. [But Prim isn't wrong, either. He definitely wouldn't have devoted himself to her if he didn't trust her to use him well.]
All the same, a powerful goal. [ No wishes for true love, no wishes for a peaceful existence. She really did expect that much, even as she shakes her head, accepts the glass from him to take an appreciative sniff. ]
I seem to have entwined myself with a rather dangerous man.
[ She says. As though this is a new fact she has only just discovered. However, she also holds up her glass. ]
[And he echoes her toast with a smile--he takes a sip of his drink, then puts it on the table beside her.]
It's just about ready.
[THEIR FOOD. She can probably drink on an empty stomach, but still, it's good timing. He fetches them bowls and dishes up their meal, setting it before her; unsurprisingly, there's no fancy etiquette or fifteen spoons or anything, just a meal. A MEAL THAT... SURE IS A SEAFOOD DISH. Wow. It's up to you if she likes it or not]
[ She's not from a seaside town like Tressa is, but she can certainly appreciate good cooking-- and once she tries a spoonful, she brightens, just a bit. Rather, it's as if her countenance softens slightly, though she pauses to sip from her glass before she speaks. ]
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[ She, too, had a very small group of people she had come to care for there. Though, she tells herself, she had chosen to let those attachments remain where she had left them. Yuri and his future with Luca, Harrow and Vira supporting each other, Gu Yun and Molly.
Childe, much as she's loath to admit it, is still so much of a mystery to her that she is even more reluctant to delve into. She's not Cyrus; the prospect of knowledge, of knowing what others may not, is not something that drives her. Why had he invited her? Why had she accepted? What does he expect, going forward? Does he expect anything?
Is she ever going to be able to trust that someone won't want something from her or that she isn't being lured into a trap?
The bubble gently pops against her cheek and she gives him a side glance, looking for all the world as though she wasn't poised to react and treat that as a threat, if need be. Old habits die hard, if at all. ]
You may have forsaken your opportunity to rid me of my life, but I should very much like to try a new dance with you, given our abilities have returned. At a later juncture, of course.
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Let them believe it, he'd said, it's close enough to the truth. It's a choice he stands by, even now. Accepting their ire was no hardship for him, compared to the effect it would've had on her. He'd tried not to treat her maturely, but in the end, she'd reminded him too much of a sibling.
A small flaw, indeed.
Her words draw him out of his thoughts, though, and he grins brightly, immediately.]
I'd be delighted! I know all the best spots for a good spar, it'll be fun. [OF COURSE HE DOES. And he doesn't miss the implication, either--of a second visit, or for this one to be an extended stay. Either option is fine with him.]
But for now-- [INTO THE KITCHEN. It's surprisingly rustic, compared to the rest of the house; hints of advanced technology can be seen in some of the appliances, but a wood-fire stove crackles merrily in the corner, and some perfectly plain kitchen utensils sit neatly atop a regular cutting board.] --you can put your coat wherever you'd like, and have a seat.
[He's not going to make her help him cook their food, but as much as he likes her, he doesn't really want her wandering freely around his house either, so. Hopefully she doesn't mind hanging out for a little bit.]
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Sure, he can cook. She won't fuss. ]
By your will, then. I'm willing to cross blades with you at any time.
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The same goes for you.
[She can hit him up for sparring any time and he will not say no.
But for now, cooking! He moves about the kitchen with ease, clearly just as comfortable as he was at the market. He's making A Prize Catch because of course he is.]
How do you take your tea? Or would you care for something stronger?
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Also she's watching him with clear curiosity in her gaze. She had no idea he could even cook or look so comfortable with it in the first place. ]
Did you cook for your family?
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[While he gets everything into the pot on the stove and washes his hands! After that, he pokes his head out of the doorway, calling down the hall in Snezhnayan--there's a response from someone, presumably whoever is fetching their drinks, before he moves back and comes to sit beside her at the table.]
I did, yes! For my family, and myself, though I don't often have time anymore. [A smile--it doesn't reach his eyes, but it doesn't seem disingenuous, either.] This is something of a rare treat for me, as well.
[That she asked to let him cook for her; he would've been happy enough at a restaurant, but he enjoys this more.]
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You don't look as though you've lost your touch, though my tongue will have to be the true judge of that.
I can't say I've had the time to cook, either... so I suppose I can understand that much, at least.
I thank you, though, for taking the time to cook for me this time.
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[But his smile turns warmer then, and he shakes his head slightly.]
It's my pleasure. I'm glad you came.
[Simple, honest.]
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The honesty, though, has her studying him, her expression unreadable for a few seconds. He's been nothing but welcoming ever since she arrived here and she can't detect any deceit in his tone or the curve of his smile, for as lightless as his eyes have been. ]
I will admit, I was surprised you thought to contact me. I really did think you might have preferred to leave all of that behind you. [ All of the people, too. Just as Primrose had decided. ]
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[Forming attachments had been a poor idea at the time, yes--what was the point, when they all had goals they so deeply desired? When the closer you got to someone, the more likely it was that they'd die, or try to kill you? So fresh from Zhongli's betrayal, and walking into such an obvious trap... no. He'd tried very hard not to get attached.
But... well. Things were different, by the end of it. And after it was all over... what was stopping him from acknowledging that he'd grown to care after all?]
My goals lie ahead of me, but that doesn't mean I no longer care for anything I've left behind.
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Molly had asked her to be happy. Even now, with Simeon dead at no one's hands but her own, with her finally visiting her father's grave, Primrose doesn't know what happiness feels like. But she does know that, much in the way she'd felt something like grief as she'd stood over the corpse of the man she had once loved, as she gracefully lowered herself to her knees and pressed her fingers to a cold stone and whispered her truth to her father...
As she had stared at Yuri when he had accepted her secret, as she had danced with Molly, unceremoniously shoved Vira and Harrow into a bathtub to scrub the grime and blood off of them, stood on the beach with Gu Yun, pressed her palm to Childe's through the bars and silently seethed that she couldn't bring herself to hate him even then--
No. She hadn't been able to stop caring, either. The proof is right here, in sitting beside him, in the very fact that she's here with him at all. She should have thrown the device away.
But here she is, and Primrose sighs quietly. ]
To know your goals so strongly and still wish to strengthen your bonds... I could be envious.
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[Why choose between two things when you can have both, instead? If there's enough of both to have, of course. Greed was a secondary sin of his for a reason.
But truthfully--it's a little new to him too. He knows less about friendship than he'd like to claim, to say nothing of any deeper feelings. And it's easy to talk of the Fatui, of Snezhnayans, being hated on the whole, but to speak of his own experiences, of what he lacks... well. That's a little less his style.
Instead, he glances towards the stove, keeping an eye on the pot.]
I never told you my wish, did I?
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[ It wouldn't have changed anything, given her an advantage or a disadvantage. She hadn't bothered to be inquisitive, not in that regard. ]
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One day, I will conquer this world.
[He isn't ashamed of his own ambition--nor does he see it as a distant dream, if his tone is anything to go by.]
My wish was for the power to do so. I am always seeking new strength, and I'll take it in any form. [It's why he'd agreed, despite his distrust. But it's also why he hadn't minded the thought of losing his wish--if he failed to gain extra power at the station, he would simply continue to seek it back at home.]
But an empty world has no meaning. And I would not be who I am without those who've shaped me in the past.
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So she gazes at him, expression considering. There's no judgment present in her gaze. ]
Why do you wish to conquer the world? To prove your strength?
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[And where better to find strong opponents, than to look upward?]
I support Her Majesty's cause, as well. I serve her by choice, and for now, my strength is hers.
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[ Hm. ]
I presume serving her leads you closer to your goal. Does she also seek dominion of the world?
[ Listen, this was not pillow talk back at the station. ]
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Her goal is to topple the heavens.
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[ She just sort of. Pinches the bridge of her nose. ]
You never do anything in half-measures. I should have known someone you would willingly dedicate yourself to would be the same.
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He thanks whoever's at the door, moving to fetch them glasses and check on the food before he pours for them. When he brings her her drink, she'll probably recognize the smell of red wine and cinnamon.]
It's a little more complicated than ambition, in Her Majesty's case. But I'll admit I'm not fond of the machinations of gods, and I can't claim to know her thoughts perfectly. [But Prim isn't wrong, either. He definitely wouldn't have devoted himself to her if he didn't trust her to use him well.]
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I seem to have entwined myself with a rather dangerous man.
[ She says. As though this is a new fact she has only just discovered. However, she also holds up her glass. ]
Shall I toast to that?
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[But her words make him grin, and he holds out his glass as well.]
You already knew that, [And she's perfectly dangerous herself] but I won't say no to a toast.
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[ More to protect. More to fight for.
But she clinks her glass against his, one eyebrow playfully lifted. ]
To dangerous reunions.
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[And he echoes her toast with a smile--he takes a sip of his drink, then puts it on the table beside her.]
It's just about ready.
[THEIR FOOD. She can probably drink on an empty stomach, but still, it's good timing. He fetches them bowls and dishes up their meal, setting it before her; unsurprisingly, there's no fancy etiquette or fifteen spoons or anything, just a meal. A MEAL THAT... SURE IS A SEAFOOD DISH. Wow. It's up to you if she likes it or not]
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What a comforting flavor...
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crawls back here after mg
TAKES A WEEK
AT LEAST IT WASN'T TWO MONTHS
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