childeishly | 🐳 imeeji; inbox 2.

[He hands him a very colorful bouquet of water lilies. Don't ask how they stay together. It is production magic.]

Can I simply not visit?

No. [ he pretends to take out a little book. ] You need to book at least two months in advance. I'm a very busy fox. I was actually just on my way out. [ but he takes the flowers with a smile. ] Of course you can. I didn't mean it like that.

[He clicks his tongue.]

Goodness. You've grown so popular. You will have to remember us as you rise in the ranks of fame.

[He does hold out his arm.]

Where to? Perhaps I could assist you on your errand. Unless it is a special time between you and yours.

[ he takes his arm and leans into him. ] I was kidding... about everything but the going out. I was going to get some crummy premade chicken soup. My head still kind of hurts from the other night. [ he did way too much drinking. ] Nope, it was just me, myself, and I... so as long as you don't mind coming along I wouldn't mind the company. We can even go to the cabin afterward, and if you're feeling up for hardy comfort food we can share it. It's certainly not good for you, but it IS pretty tasty.

[He laughs and shakes his head.]

You know, I could get you soup or make it for you. In the cabin even! Then you can rest your head. 'Tis what friends do for each other.

I'm not going to make you run out and get me soup. You just got here. [ ...but homemade soup does sound a lot better than the canned stuff. ] Are you sure you don't mind? I doubt you dropped by with the intention of spending your time in front of a stove... [ but despite this he is tugging him toward his room. even if he doesn't get the soup the idea of resting in the cabin with emet is nice. ]

I did have something I wish to tell you, but we can speak of it over a meal.

I do have a soup in mind. I can even tell you the story of it, if you are interested. And you'd probably enjoy it as it is was made with warding off the cold in mind.

[He's tugged and charmed finding his way towards the little cabin that Childe owns.]

[ he does seem to like the idea of all of this, so he'll nod, giving him a smile. ] Alright. It's a date. [ going to drop a kiss on his cheek and to the cabin they go. ]

[ once inside he'll shake any snow off, mostly it's in his tails, and then head for the kitchen. ] Do you want me to help? [ sitting still is hard. ] And what's this story? I imagine the soup's from your home?

I want you to look pretty. Be eye candy as it were. I can take care of the rest.

[He does tug on his tails as he heads for the kitchen. Just because he wants to see the reaction.]

Not my home. But the last kingdom I ruled. Harsh snow. Rugged mountains. They were pushed up there, the Garleans, after losing their land. Not a lick of magic they had to their name hence why they were bullied by the other kingdoms and races. Later I would give them technology, denounce their gods and they would practically worship me.

Two Rejoinings they almost helped me usher forth. Not bad for such a primitive civilization. Ah, but that doesn't tell you at all about the soup, does it?

[ grins. ] Oh~ you think I'm eye can- [ his tails all fluff up simultaneously! and he makes some kind of strange noise, his face going red when he shoots emet a glare that's definitely not intimidating. he goes to take a seat at the table, resting his chin in hand as he leaves emet to get to work. ]

I do remember you telling me about that place. I don't know if you ever told me all that though. Do you consider them primitive because they didn't have magic? And, no, maybe not, but I like hearing about you and the stuff you did back on your star. [ his smile brightens. ]

Does Five not flatter you so? Oh, I bet he's too shy. And Tsukikari is definitely too shy.

[He makes a hearty soup. It isn't anything spectacular. In fact, it looks like rations for soldiers more than anything else.]

I consider them primitive because they are sundered, half formed men through no fault of their own. But before I became the founding father of their nation, I did fight with them on the field. To earn the favor of the troops. To show I could fight on the battlefield. Even after, sometimes I would visit them on missions out to conquer other nations. Sit in their mess halls and listen to theirs stories.

And thus this recipe was born.

He does, although I think I can out-flatter him easily. [ childe laughs at that next comment though. ] What, really, him shy? [ going to laugh a little bit more. ]

Did you really? I would have loved to see you on the battlefield. [ and he would have not only loved to fight beside emet, but he would also have loved to fight emet. fight fight fight. ] I bet they really appreciated that kind of comradery. And those kinds of stories are some of the best. [ don't mind his tails wagging. ]

So what kind of soup is it. [ not like it matters because he's digging in regardless. ]

When it comes to his heart of course he is.

You don't build a kingdom of 'might makes right' without being able to prove yourself on the battlefield. I cheated of course. Not that they could tell.

[Unknown soup. FF14 dishes aren't as descriptive. Just 'Glory Be' soup. Enjoy. Emet tells him exactly what is in it as he sits down to enjoy a bowl with him as well.]

Had I need of another Rejoining I would have taken you on the battlefield without question. But we walk, hopefully, a path of less bloodshed from now until our dreams are realized.

If that's the kind of path you're interested in, then I hope it's the one you find yourself on. [ he wants the path with all of the bloodshed. ] So you said you wanted to tell me something - what is it? [ going to finish off his bowl of soup. ]

[He wraps an arm around his shoulder.]

I'll be taking my leave of this place soon. Though I won't be far off so I do expect to be summoned for updates.

[ his expression drops the very next instant. ]

What?

Please. I wouldn't leave you without a gift.

[ he doesn't want him to leave at all. ]

When are you... going?

That I do not know. But my wish is to give you the ability to travel the stars. Mine and Five's specifically. That way you can come visit.

Is sensei going with you? and... I'm assuming that I'll only be able to go once I graduate, myself. I doubt I can decide I want a vacation from this stupid place to see you, huh?

Luckily until that time you can simply send me a message and I will be here. There are others here I still wish to look after, yourself included, so I will come by time to time.

...at least there's that. [ he's thankful for the visitor's center. ] We'll still have some kind of connection. [ because he's going to miss him. ] You've been here a while, right? I guess it's about time you finally graduated.

[He nods.]

I thought my death would allow me my rest, but it seems my duty still lies before me. A chance I never thought I would get a second for.

[ childe nods, all of this still sinking in. he's feeling so... heavy right now. dozens of emotions just dragging him down. he can't believe he's leaving. he's happy for him, of course, but he also just... doesn't want him to go. yeah, there are a few ways they can still communicate and see each other, but it's not the same. his gaze drops into his lap as the color just drains from his eyes. ] ...you'll get the rest you deserve eventually. Is there anything you'd like to do before you go?

I do hope so. I am tired of all of this. But I made promises and will not go back on keeping them until I am fully in the grave.

[He ruffles his hair though to keep the mood light.]

I simply wish to spend time with you. That is why I am here.

Re: 506

Re: 506

Re: 506

Re: 506

Re: 506

Re: 506

Re: 506

Re: 506

Re: 506

Re: 506

Re: 506

Re: 506

Re: 506

Re: 506

Re: 506

Re: 506

Re: 506

Re: 506

Re: 506

Re: 506

Re: 506

Re: 506

Re: 506

Re: 506

Re: 506