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...is that so, well, maybe I should save this for later then. [ he looks aside, moving a few things around on the table, grabbing a plate and starting to put one together for him and scaramouche to share. ]

What? Is your surprise something that's going to make me cry? You're being all suspicious.

I was going to wait, but did you want it now?

Mm ...

[ he's crossing his arms at his chest, looking Childe over, like he's trying to guess what he's got in store ]

I want it now.

[ childe moves off the pillows to, instead, kneel in the sand alongside scaramouche, reaching into a hidden pocket for a small velvet case. ] I love you Kunikuzushi, and this [ he offers up the little case, containing this. ] ring symbolizes our bond, two fates interlaced to forge something much stronger, one that'll last through the tides of time. And while you plan on traveling I want you to take a piece of me with you...

Edited 2022-09-01 19:28 (UTC)

[ he really shouldn't be surprised at a ring, not after everything they told each other lately, not after everything they've been through. It seems forever since they started being a thing, since Childe first told him he loved him, and he was forced to believe him.

He shouldn't be surprised, but he is, and he's entirely speechless as he reaches for the case, looks at it and takes the ring out to examine it.

His eyes were already hearts, but the shine a bright red as he reads the inscription ]

[ childe smiles, leaning across to drop a kiss on his forehead. ] ...no tears? [ brings a hand to the back of his neck, playing with the tufts of hair there. ] I guess I needed to work on my little speech a bit more, ...but, in any case, I love you, and by carrying this and wearing it, I hope you'll never forget.

[ no tears ... for now. But his eyes are a little misty, so maybe he's getting closer ]

You stupid jackass ... as if there's any risk I'm going to forget.

[ he hands the ring back to Childe, but then he holds his hand out, expectant ]

Well, what about you? Are you going to forget I love you? ... or me?

[ he takes his hand, giving it a kiss, and then he slides the ring onto his finger. ] How could I forget how much you bully me? The scars you’ve given me will see me until the end of time. [ gives him a cheeky grin. ] But in all seriousness, no, I’ll never forget. [ cups his face, taking a proper kiss this time. ]

[ he kisses him back, soft and gentle, and then he wraps his arms around him, keeping him close like that ]

Forever and always. I like the sound of that.

[ tugs him into his lap, holding him securely - possessively. ] Good. You're incredibly important to me, Kunikuzushi... and I never ever want you to forget.

I won't.

[ he leaves a soft kiss to his lips, then to his jaw, and again to his cheek - the corner of his eyes ]

Ah, but I wonder ... maybe I should pick up a new name after all.

…you could transition to Tsukiakari, but do you really want to cut all the precious ties you had? Not everything you experienced was terrible. [ drags his thumb under his eye, giving him another kiss. ] Kunikuzushi…

But whatever you decide I’ll support you.

Ah, that reminds me. When we’re alone… call me Ajax.

I chose the name as revenge for my creator. It was a sign to her and a warning. "Kunikuzushi" is the name of a type of character in Kabuki, the villain who brings destruction.

When you call my name, I want it to be something sweeter.

[ but then Childe tells him his actual name - a first. He never expected him to share it - after all, as Harbingers they are supposed to discard it ]

...Your real name?

…and do you know what follows disaster and destruction, …life and a new beginning. [ kisses him. ] But funny you should say that, because I’m drawn to the chaos that emanates from such destruction. Perhaps that’s why I’m so terribly attracted to you. [ a chuckle, he’s half kidding. ]

Yes, it’s my real name.

I don’t know how I feel about names anymore. My own is still special, as it’s the one my family gave to me, but… [ the story and everything else that’s happened… ] Ajax is an incredible Hero from legend - strong, brave, courageous - everything I aspired to be as a kid. [ everything he… hadn’t been. ] My father would tell me stories of him and I would hang off every word. I wanted to be just like him - the best.

I never did find out how those stories ended… as a kid, and that was certainly a good thing.

He kills himself, goes mad, and stabs himself.

Your ending is going to be very different. I would stab you myself if you tried that shit.

[ kissing his cheek again ]

But we can pick a new name for you too if you don't like Ajax anymore.

I like my name. I don't want to change it. And I don't think you should change yours, but, as I said, if you'd like a fresh start, then I support you 100%. [ squeezes him tightly. ]

Ah, so you like Kunikuzushi, mm...

Well, I'll think about it. But for a name, I still want something only you can use. Something special.

I like everything about you. I fell in love with you, as you are, flaws and all.

... Mm. Maybe I should steal your name for myself.

[ he kisses him again, but then reaches for some of the food Childe prepared for him ]

I love you too, Ajax.

...don't joke about something like that. [ pinches him. ]

Let me feed you. [ he's already prepared them a plate, so moves it in front of them, grabbing a pair of chopsticks, which he's still pretty shit at, but it's whatever. ]

Do you still want me to call you Kunikuzushi, or would you prefer I call you Scaramouche in the meantime?

[ give him a moment because he's focusing on his shitty chopstick holding technique. And of course he's chuckling at it, reaching over for his hand shortly after, trying to fix his grip ]

Scaramouche doesn't sound right either. mmm... Maybe for now, you can use "Akari". Though it won't be unique to you.

[ chuckles, face coloring pink, since he's still kind of embarrassed that he hasn't been able to master these damn things. ]

Who else calls you Akari?

[ he finds it very charming, and he's taking the chance to lean in very close ]

You have to hold it like this. Pay attention, Ajax...

As for that question, a cute boy in SensitIV. He's a doctor.

I am paying attention, Kuni. [ blows a raspberry against his cheek. ]

Cute boy? [ crinkles his nose. ] If you tell me you're talking about Venti I'm breaking up with you.

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