[Going from incredibly rich to straight broke is a change that Childe is still dealing with. As is not having all the services of the Fatui at his fingertips, for whatever reason he'd use them for. In this particular case, he needs some medical attention, though nothing needs to be attended to immediately or is terribly pressing. But, taking care of oneself is important if he wants to get back into fights as soon as possible, so there's a few raps at Aether's door as the Harbinger waits patiently for him to answer it.]
Ah, comrade, it's good to see you!
[Is what he'll say once the door opens and he's greeted, a smile on his face.]
[It's a quiet day and Aether isn't exactly expecting anyone to visit, so it surprises him when he hears someone at the door. The traveler quickly opens up and peers curiosity, his eyes widening at what he sees.]
Childe? What happened?
[His gaze quickly narrows.]
Who did you get in a fight with this time?
[He's judging!
Without asking about what exactly the favour is supposed to be, Aether catches the Harbinger's hand and almost drags him inside, before leading him to the couch and gesturing for him to sit down. He's going to go grab some bandages now!]
[Childe only manages to get out a nervous laugh as Aether grabs his hand and takes him inside. It's like he knew what he was already here for, and he hasn't even hardly said anything yet. He takes a seat on the couch and gives the room a look over while he waits for Aether to come back with the bandages.
He wonders what it was that gave it completely away. He was sure he'd hid all the bandages under his clothes, but Aether knows him pretty well at this point so he wouldn't be surprised if he sort of read his mind...
When Aether returns, Childe only smiles- of course he got in a fight, and of course he's injured.]
You know, it's getting a little scary how you can read a situation this easily. Don't worry, I didn't get injured too terribly. It was only a friendly spar.
[As Aether comes back, he takes a chair then sets it down so he could seat right in front of Childe. His expression is unimpressed.]
Usually, you don't care about buttoning your jacket... Also there's bandage peeking from under your clothes.
[Sorry Childe, you didn't do a really good job at hiding it. That said, Aether is hardly surprised by any of this. He assumes the Harbinger is always fighting someone, always seeking new challenges even when things are quiet and slow.]
I'm glad you're making friends, though... [He did say it was a friendly spar.] Still, is that other person okay? Do you need bandages to patch them up? Or do you need your bandages to be changed?
[Since Childe pretty much confirmed to him that it's the medical supplies he's after, Aether tries to guess further.]
[Childe smiles meekly back at Aether- he's right, he doesn't button up his jacket, it's uncomfortable and he'd prefer to have airflow while he fights- and he looks down. Oh, part of his bandages are poking above his red shirt on his chest, and he notices that the bandages around his midsection are revealed now that he's sitting down, the small window getting pushed up due to his position. Busted.]
No, he's quite alright. My injuries are more due to the burden of the Foul Legacy Transformation, but I'm hardly in the same state as last time.
[Oh...after saying that, he prepares himself for another glare. Aether knows how much stress that puts on his body.]
...So I just need a little help reapplying new bandages, is all. I hope you don't mind. I'll make sure I return the favor. After all, one should never go unrewarded when assisting the Fatui.
[Aether can barely believe his own ears. What is Childe even thinking!]
You do realize that even though it's a dreamworld, you're still pushing it?
[His tone is scolding, but then what can he do? Childe is going too far, even though he knows the damage that the transformation is causing him. Aether shakes his head, hand on his forehead.]
...I'll help you, but only if you promise me that you won't use your Foul Legacy transformation recklessly like this again.
[He doesn't see the issue with this. He didn't use it because he wanted to show off, he used it because he truly thought it was needed just to be able to fight his opponent. Though Aether's right, he had pushed it. And he's not even telling him how many times he's already had to use it while he's been here.]
Come now! Aether, you know I can't promise you that.
[He gives his friend the look- he knows the one- his eyes wide, almost begging for him to reconsider.]
For as long as there are battles that exist to test my limits, I will use the transformation to become stronger still. Believe me when I say that I didn't use it lightly. This world contains an unbelievable number of individuals that posses a strength that I could only imagine in my wildest dreams!
[Childe sounds like he's gotten the keys to the candy store and he's frolicking about in it. Reverein has everything he could of asked for.]
[Aether can't say that he likes it. In fact he does not like it at all, because Childe is saying that he will continue to push himself over and over again... and who knows how that will end. That hunger for battles is definitely not good for his health!
Eventually, Aether lets an exasperated sigh, before massaging his temple.]
At least try to restrain yourself. I'm sure that will be a bigger challenge to you, right?
[If Childe can't promise him anything, then what else can he do? He's still worried, but at the same time he starts questioning himself why he even worries so much.
This guy wouldn't fall even when struck with Raiden's Musou no Hitotachi.]
[He sits back on the couch, his arms folding across his chest. That reverse psychology isn't going to work on him, he'll take fights just about wherever and whenever he can get them.]
I'm touched that you're so concerned for me. [He's starting to see a theme here, in regards to that.] But don't worry, I'll be just fine. You can scold me if I come dragging myself to your doorstep from my injuries.
[He says that with pride and a level of cockiness that probably shouldn't be accepted, if Childe hasn't repeatedly put his money where his mouth is.]
By the way traveler, I'm impressed. You've managed to make your apartment here just as cozy as you'd made your teapot. Perhaps when we're done here, you'll show me around?
[Scold... Aether sighs again. He can see that he won't win this one.]
Okay, fine.
[Still very much frowning to show that he's not happy about this outcome, Aether takes the bandage and waits. He isn't sure if Childe needs help undressing and he wonders how badly he got hurt anyway. Maybe he'll need some scolding right away.
The Harbinger changes the subject though.]
Hm? If you want to, then sure. It really isn't that impressive and it took me some time to set everything. [He takes a glance around. The house looks much more comfortable now than it did months ago.] Nobody stays here with me so...
[It gets lonely and at first making the place look cozy was far on his priorities list.]
[Childe begins to take his jacket, harness and undershirt off, revealing the bandages that wrap around his torso. It is indeed, not nearly as bad as when he fought Aether in the Golden House, but he also didn't push himself to the edge of exhaustion this time either. Whatever pain he feels now doesn't show on his face, nor does he move as if he's debilitated either.]
You live alone? Huh...I suppose when you live in a city such as this, there's no need to have visitors hide away with you in a conjured, adeptal realm for a time.
[He begins to peel away the old bandages, revealing a few deep grazes that go across his back and some marks and briusing on his chest that show blows he'd taken directly, probably before he transformed and gained his armor.]
But I guess that means if I decide to drop by often, no one will be around take issue.
[And no one to argue against getting Aether to spar with him except Aether himself! Perfect.]
[There's just a tiny bit of blush on Aether's face as he watches Childe undress. A moment later, the traveler averts his gaze, deciding that it's not exactly polite to be staring like this. Once the clothing is gone and Childe begins to remove his bandages, this is when Aether shifts his gaze back to him, frowns and moves closer, trying to help peel the old bandages away. He's gentle, especially when he notes all the marks and bruising on the other's skin.
The Harbinger's voice is what makes him look up.]
Hm? Ah... yeah, I live alone. Everybody else made themselves comfortable in their own homes, so it's fine. [His attention goes back to the bandages.] It feels quiet without Paimon around... so I guess if you want to drop by and stay I have nothing against.
[A very indirect way to admitting that he's lonely here, but he doesn't want to be that honest with Childe.]
Just don't expect me to accept all your challenges.
[He'll take that blanket invitation to come over. Sounds like to him that Aether would appreciate the company, and he's more than willing to provide it. Childe sits still while Aether helps him wrap new bandages on, glad for the fresh new dressings.]
Well, I won't be challenging you seriously until these wounds heal, haha. But, if you don't mind, we could make the most of the rest of the day while I'm here. You know, past getting the house tour.
[Childe taps his bottom lip with a finger. He could think of a few things they could do. And, he finds himself hoping he'll say yes. Somehow, the Harbinger feels more at home here than he does even in his small, empty apartment; and he's already formulating more reasons to come bug Aether.]
Edited (i forgot to pick an icon omg) 2022-11-20 02:02 (UTC)
At least you understand that those wounds need to heal first.
[Aether huffs slightly as he continues to wrap the bandages over the other's torso, his treatment still very gentle and careful despite his words. Then he thinks more about it. Childe will need to change the dressing regularly for a bit and it'll be difficult for him to do it alone.]
Actually... why don't you stay here until your injuries heal? This way I can at least make sure that you won't overexert yourself or something.
[Among other things.]
As for other things we could do... [He thinks about it for a moment.]
I have a chess board, so we could play that if you like. [He needs some more practice to play with Diluc!] Or... we could do chopstick holding lessons. [He grins.]
[The Harbinger's face brightens; staying here for a bit sounds a lot better than staying in his apartment alone. He's done that plenty as it is already, between traveling to different nations with a new mission and dealing with Fatui issues.]
That's a splendid idea, comrade. I don't want to impose, but since it's your idea...I'll take you up on the offer.
[He laughs, thinking of all the fun they'd have...and the battle that lies ahead once he recovers. Aether's not getting out of that! Chess will be fine in the meantime he supposes...]
And even though I know you're teasing me a little bit about my inability to use a pair of chopsticks, I wouldn't mind the lessons. Mr. Zhongli still wants me to learn, and he's even willing to make sure I have a pair to practice still with. I've got a feeling I'm not going to be able to escape that fate, haha.
[Omg so many rules! He sighs, fine, they're not unreasonable but still...]
I would be in your debt if you could. I can get them to rest in my hand, but the food always twists itself out of my chopsticks, no matter how many times I try.
[That's the reality of it, and that's going to earn another sigh out of the Harbinger. Really, he doesn't understand himself why he finds it so difficult considering.]
And don't get me started on rice...I always cut it in half on accident, even if the rice is quite sticky. Maybe I'm using too much pressure...
[Aether doesn't think he's being unreasonable either. He just wants to make sure his house is a welcoming place, just like it was back in the teapot.
Soon he finishes with the new dressing for the wounds, then gently takes Childe's wrists and looks him over for any more injuries. He wants to make sure the other is good to go!... Or rather, to rest, because he is not going anywhere.]
Hmm... that may be actually the case. I'll show you how to hold them later and we can try together.
[Maybe if they do that, it'll be easier for Childe to learn.]
Though, it does make me wonder... The last time I saw you in Teyvat, you were in Inazuma and they also use chopsticks there.
[Poor Childe, even outside Liyue it's not easy for him.]
[Childe lets Aether do with him as he pleases to make sure that he doesn't have any hidden injuries that maybe he didn't even know about, watching him look over the rest of him just in case. He's glad to see that Aether seems used to this kind of thing, because even if he tries to prevent himself from getting hurt, surely this will happen again...]
I'm doubtful that my future self knew how to use them either...
[The Harbinger laughs nervously, knowing full well that there's no way he had enough time between Liyue, going back home and going to Inazuma to practice using chopsticks. If anything, the chopsticks he was gifted from Mr. Zhongli probably got left in its case in his kitchen with nothing to use them on.
Maybe he should learn to make some Liyuean and Inazuman cuisine. Teach him!]
You're a good cook too, aren't you Aether? In your travels, did you learn to make food from Liyue and Inazuma?
[Aether would prefer that treating Childe's injuries wasn't an often occurrence, but he knows the Harbinger won't stop seeking new challenges. Maybe Aether should stock up on bandages...
After a moment he lets go of Childe and sits back in his chair. Then the topic of cooking makes him blink, before he smiles.]
I know quite a few actually. Do you want me to cook some for you so you can practice with chopsticks?
[That doesn't sound like a bad idea and it's been a while since the last time Aether cooked for anyone either. He'll be happy to do it.]
[He taps his finger against his bottom lip. He doesn't want to just eat the delicious food from those regions. He definitely wants to make it himself too.]
I'd like to be able to cook some of it as well. I don't know many recipes outside of Snezhnayan ones, and I think it would be a delightful activity for us while I recover. You'll teach me, yes? And after that, we can have a little cook-off to see who's dishes are the most delectable.
Oh, I'm sure I can procure a judge or two for our little competition.
[He rattles off a few people, standing from the couch to let Aether give him the tour of his apartment. He thinks he's going to like it here for a while...and after he recovers, he'll make sure he's here more often.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
action; sometime nebulously earlier in the month
Ah, comrade, it's good to see you!
[Is what he'll say once the door opens and he's greeted, a smile on his face.]
I hate to impose, but...I need a favor.
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Childe? What happened?
[His gaze quickly narrows.]
Who did you get in a fight with this time?
[He's judging!
Without asking about what exactly the favour is supposed to be, Aether catches the Harbinger's hand and almost drags him inside, before leading him to the couch and gesturing for him to sit down. He's going to go grab some bandages now!]
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He wonders what it was that gave it completely away. He was sure he'd hid all the bandages under his clothes, but Aether knows him pretty well at this point so he wouldn't be surprised if he sort of read his mind...
When Aether returns, Childe only smiles- of course he got in a fight, and of course he's injured.]
You know, it's getting a little scary how you can read a situation this easily. Don't worry, I didn't get injured too terribly. It was only a friendly spar.
[A spar that forced a transformation out of him.]
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Usually, you don't care about buttoning your jacket... Also there's bandage peeking from under your clothes.
[Sorry Childe, you didn't do a really good job at hiding it. That said, Aether is hardly surprised by any of this. He assumes the Harbinger is always fighting someone, always seeking new challenges even when things are quiet and slow.]
I'm glad you're making friends, though... [He did say it was a friendly spar.] Still, is that other person okay? Do you need bandages to patch them up? Or do you need your bandages to be changed?
[Since Childe pretty much confirmed to him that it's the medical supplies he's after, Aether tries to guess further.]
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No, he's quite alright. My injuries are more due to the burden of the Foul Legacy Transformation, but I'm hardly in the same state as last time.
[Oh...after saying that, he prepares himself for another glare. Aether knows how much stress that puts on his body.]
...So I just need a little help reapplying new bandages, is all. I hope you don't mind. I'll make sure I return the favor. After all, one should never go unrewarded when assisting the Fatui.
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[Aether can barely believe his own ears. What is Childe even thinking!]
You do realize that even though it's a dreamworld, you're still pushing it?
[His tone is scolding, but then what can he do? Childe is going too far, even though he knows the damage that the transformation is causing him. Aether shakes his head, hand on his forehead.]
...I'll help you, but only if you promise me that you won't use your Foul Legacy transformation recklessly like this again.
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Come now! Aether, you know I can't promise you that.
[He gives his friend the look- he knows the one- his eyes wide, almost begging for him to reconsider.]
For as long as there are battles that exist to test my limits, I will use the transformation to become stronger still. Believe me when I say that I didn't use it lightly. This world contains an unbelievable number of individuals that posses a strength that I could only imagine in my wildest dreams!
[Childe sounds like he's gotten the keys to the candy store and he's frolicking about in it. Reverein has everything he could of asked for.]
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Eventually, Aether lets an exasperated sigh, before massaging his temple.]
At least try to restrain yourself. I'm sure that will be a bigger challenge to you, right?
[If Childe can't promise him anything, then what else can he do? He's still worried, but at the same time he starts questioning himself why he even worries so much.
This guy wouldn't fall even when struck with Raiden's Musou no Hitotachi.]
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I'm touched that you're so concerned for me. [He's starting to see a theme here, in regards to that.] But don't worry, I'll be just fine. You can scold me if I come dragging myself to your doorstep from my injuries.
[He says that with pride and a level of cockiness that probably shouldn't be accepted, if Childe hasn't repeatedly put his money where his mouth is.]
By the way traveler, I'm impressed. You've managed to make your apartment here just as cozy as you'd made your teapot. Perhaps when we're done here, you'll show me around?
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Okay, fine.
[Still very much frowning to show that he's not happy about this outcome, Aether takes the bandage and waits. He isn't sure if Childe needs help undressing and he wonders how badly he got hurt anyway. Maybe he'll need some scolding right away.
The Harbinger changes the subject though.]
Hm? If you want to, then sure. It really isn't that impressive and it took me some time to set everything. [He takes a glance around. The house looks much more comfortable now than it did months ago.] Nobody stays here with me so...
[It gets lonely and at first making the place look cozy was far on his priorities list.]
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You live alone? Huh...I suppose when you live in a city such as this, there's no need to have visitors hide away with you in a conjured, adeptal realm for a time.
[He begins to peel away the old bandages, revealing a few deep grazes that go across his back and some marks and briusing on his chest that show blows he'd taken directly, probably before he transformed and gained his armor.]
But I guess that means if I decide to drop by often, no one will be around take issue.
[And no one to argue against getting Aether to spar with him except Aether himself! Perfect.]
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The Harbinger's voice is what makes him look up.]
Hm? Ah... yeah, I live alone. Everybody else made themselves comfortable in their own homes, so it's fine. [His attention goes back to the bandages.] It feels quiet without Paimon around... so I guess if you want to drop by and stay I have nothing against.
[A very indirect way to admitting that he's lonely here, but he doesn't want to be that honest with Childe.]
Just don't expect me to accept all your challenges.
[He knows exactly what the other wants!!]
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Well, I won't be challenging you seriously until these wounds heal, haha. But, if you don't mind, we could make the most of the rest of the day while I'm here. You know, past getting the house tour.
[Childe taps his bottom lip with a finger. He could think of a few things they could do. And, he finds himself hoping he'll say yes. Somehow, the Harbinger feels more at home here than he does even in his small, empty apartment; and he's already formulating more reasons to come bug Aether.]
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[Aether huffs slightly as he continues to wrap the bandages over the other's torso, his treatment still very gentle and careful despite his words. Then he thinks more about it. Childe will need to change the dressing regularly for a bit and it'll be difficult for him to do it alone.]
Actually... why don't you stay here until your injuries heal? This way I can at least make sure that you won't overexert yourself or something.
[Among other things.]
As for other things we could do... [He thinks about it for a moment.]
I have a chess board, so we could play that if you like. [He needs some more practice to play with Diluc!] Or... we could do chopstick holding lessons. [He grins.]
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That's a splendid idea, comrade. I don't want to impose, but since it's your idea...I'll take you up on the offer.
[He laughs, thinking of all the fun they'd have...and the battle that lies ahead once he recovers. Aether's not getting out of that! Chess will be fine in the meantime he supposes...]
And even though I know you're teasing me a little bit about my inability to use a pair of chopsticks, I wouldn't mind the lessons. Mr. Zhongli still wants me to learn, and he's even willing to make sure I have a pair to practice still with. I've got a feeling I'm not going to be able to escape that fate, haha.
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Just don't think I'll be sparring you every day or something. Even if you recover. And no fighting in the house.
[There are some rules here! Aether would like his living space to be relatively peaceful. As for chopsticks...]
Considering how skilled you are with things, I'm actually surprised chopsticks give you trouble... But maybe I can think of something.
[Maybe he should ask around if there's some easier method to learn how to use chopsticks.]
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I would be in your debt if you could. I can get them to rest in my hand, but the food always twists itself out of my chopsticks, no matter how many times I try.
[That's the reality of it, and that's going to earn another sigh out of the Harbinger. Really, he doesn't understand himself why he finds it so difficult considering.]
And don't get me started on rice...I always cut it in half on accident, even if the rice is quite sticky. Maybe I'm using too much pressure...
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Soon he finishes with the new dressing for the wounds, then gently takes Childe's wrists and looks him over for any more injuries. He wants to make sure the other is good to go!... Or rather, to rest, because he is not going anywhere.]
Hmm... that may be actually the case. I'll show you how to hold them later and we can try together.
[Maybe if they do that, it'll be easier for Childe to learn.]
Though, it does make me wonder... The last time I saw you in Teyvat, you were in Inazuma and they also use chopsticks there.
[Poor Childe, even outside Liyue it's not easy for him.]
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I'm doubtful that my future self knew how to use them either...
[The Harbinger laughs nervously, knowing full well that there's no way he had enough time between Liyue, going back home and going to Inazuma to practice using chopsticks. If anything, the chopsticks he was gifted from Mr. Zhongli probably got left in its case in his kitchen with nothing to use them on.
Maybe he should learn to make some Liyuean and Inazuman cuisine. Teach him!]
You're a good cook too, aren't you Aether? In your travels, did you learn to make food from Liyue and Inazuma?
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After a moment he lets go of Childe and sits back in his chair. Then the topic of cooking makes him blink, before he smiles.]
I know quite a few actually. Do you want me to cook some for you so you can practice with chopsticks?
[That doesn't sound like a bad idea and it's been a while since the last time Aether cooked for anyone either. He'll be happy to do it.]
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[He taps his finger against his bottom lip. He doesn't want to just eat the delicious food from those regions. He definitely wants to make it himself too.]
I'd like to be able to cook some of it as well. I don't know many recipes outside of Snezhnayan ones, and I think it would be a delightful activity for us while I recover. You'll teach me, yes? And after that, we can have a little cook-off to see who's dishes are the most delectable.
[Because cooking is a form of battle too!]
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I can teach you, that's not a problem at all. But you have to teach me your Snezhnayan recipes in return.
[He grins a little.]
As for a cook-off... we'd need a judge for that.
[It wouldn't be fair if it's just the two of them.]
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[He rattles off a few people, standing from the couch to let Aether give him the tour of his apartment. He thinks he's going to like it here for a while...and after he recovers, he'll make sure he's here more often.]