callouses | 𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐍 𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐓

[ from here. ]

I don't need to be taken care of, housekeeper. You can talk to whoever you want.

[ it's not like he's going to get jealous or anything... hmph. ]

I don't know why I bothered asking anyway. I can just go by myself.

[ but he's definitely upset because he didn't think Thoma would sort of "reject" his invitation of going to the festival together. ]

[ Thoma never expected Childe to want to go with him to the point of sounding... disappointed? ]

Ah, don't be like that! Festivals are a lot more fun when you go with someone you care about, and I would love to be the person who shows you around and gives you a good time.

[ please don't be mad. 💦 ]

Let's go together, please? I promise you won't regret it and I'll treat you to all the best foods. And find us the best spots for fireworks.

Let's go together, Childe.

I doubt that you would love to spend the festival with me seeing as you tried to give me reason to not take you.

[ he's gonna stay petty, sorry. ]

But I'm not going to be here for too long and I would rather experience the best of everything the festival has to offer. Anyway, you'll always have other festivals to take whoever you want.

[ just get to the point for the love of Celestia — ]

So, sure. We should go together.

[ who was the one asking who here again? ]

[ so it's like That, huh!! but it's alright. Thoma is Determined to make sure Childe loses that insecurity and has as much fun as possible. ]

You won't regret it! We'll have the best time together. And it's not just because I want you to believe me, but because I also know I'd have the best time with you.

[ and he's ready to prove it. ]

I hope you'll be ready to eat lots, and get blown away by all the intricate masks and art pieces on display! I was also thinking, if you want to fit in more, we can get you fitted in an outfit that's more Inazuman? Unless you're more comfortable in your gear! That's fine, too.♪

Heh, how presumptuous to think that we would have the best time together. I hope you're the type to keep such promises.

[ he is not saying that endearingly, ok?

well... at least Thoma is coming up with some good ideas now, such as dressing Childe like an Inazuman so that he can blend in. ]

Certainly. Just point me to where I can buy them and I'll head on over to get fitted. What colors are you going to be wearing?

[ ~~he asks so that they can match.~~ ]

Thank you for giving me the chance to prove it. ♥

[ it doesn't matter how much Childe teases him or challenges his abilities - Thoma is already envisioning the end of the night, with the fireworks and looking over to see his friend's face and maybe seeing a smile... ]

I was thinking red, but maybe we can go green and blue this time around? To match the color of our eyes, if that's not too corny~ We'll be like the colors of the sea. And let's go together! I'll get us a great deal - the owner is a good friend.

[ plus, Childe's dark red hair in the midst of all the blue will look ever so soft in the festival lights... ]

Did you also want to get a special mask, since you're used to having one that's customized for you?

Is there anyone you aren't friends with?

[ everywhere they go, Thoma seems to be well-liked by the people they come across... whoever he ends up dating is going to have a difficult time not getting jealous. not that Childe would ever worry about such a thing since he's definitely not thinking about what it would be like to date Thoma. ]

Alright, we can go along with your idea since it sounds like you really thought this through. Hm, do the types of masks hold some sort of symbolism?

There are plenty of people who dislike me, if that's what you mean? And many more who feel apathetic towards me, I'm sure! It may just seem like I have many friends, but I suppose it's because I've grown used to using that word loosely... to cover a multitude of relationships.

And before you say anything, you definitely are my friend. But I have to be careful around those who'll be more sensitive. Some people like to use me for connections and I'm alright with that, so long as I know I can depend on them in return! But they also don't want the reminder that that's not exactly what friendship means. Does that make sense?

[ it sure is nice of Childe to think of him in such a way though... ]

They do! Depending on which you get, but the most popular around these parts is probably the kitsune mask. And dare I say, kitsune in general fits you nicely. You're cunning and curious and friendly, but also un-tameable. Doesn't that sound like you?♪

[ it confuses Childe to hear that plenty of people dislike Thoma. surely he's exaggerating... although it makes some sense that those who dislike the housekeeper are threatened by his closeness to the Kamisato family, therefore envious of his social position more than anything. ]

You do seem like the type who would call someone a friend upon your first meeting. And I wasn't about to ask such a question... but thank you for clarifying.

[ although he was wondering about it to himself. ]

I do like making friends wherever I go.

[ mostly people he can spar with. ]

How charming. Then I should get one of those kitsune masks for myself. So what will you be wearing to the festival?

I understand... it makes me seem rather facetious, doesn't it? It's one of the insecurities I have, trying to be on the perfect balance between too much and too little.

[ Thoma's not about to make any excuses for Childe when he has a good idea of what he's actually capable of, but being eager to make friends is one of characteristics that he genuinely appreciates. it's not something a lot of people have, even if they believe they do. ]

Let me buy it for you! It's the least I can do when you're my guest, and it can be a souvenir that will always remind you of me.♪ Hm... for myself... maybe an oni mask? Or tengu? I don't know if there are any that fit me as perfectly. [ 🥺 ] Oh! What about a hyottoko?

I cannot imagine you ever giving too little of yourself. Perhaps an instance of that sort of situation would only be considered as such in your mind.

[ to say that Childe is surprised by Thoma offering to pay for him would be... very accurate. Childe is quite known for having a lot of money due to fulfilling many of his Tsaritsa's assignments. and the wealth pretty much comes with being a Harbinger. so no one really offers to pay things for him — which is silly to think about because surely this little mask shouldn't be too expensive, and yet Childe still finds himself feeling touched by the gesture.

or it could just be Thoma's ploy in getting close to Childe so that he can gain information about the Tsaritsa and her plans. so unfortunately, Childe will have to remain careful...

... or maybe Thoma just really wants Childe to be reminded of him whenever he sees that mask...?

ugh. he needs to stop thinking about this. ]

Thank you, Thoma. That's very kind of you. I'll be sure to repay your kindness by being good company during the festival.

A hyottoko? Is that the one with the funny face? What could possibly be the meaning behind that mask?

[ Thoma's glad that Childe can't see how his compliment (if it could be called that?) catches him off guard. he certainly expected the Harbinger to be observant, as they are agents of the Tsaritsa, but there's something about the way Childe says it that makes it sound like a gentle chiding to be kinder to himself. ]

No repayment necessary! I'm looking forward to spending time with you as it is, and seeing the look on your face as you taste everything Inazuma has to offer.

Yes, it's the one with the funny face! So, there's a legend that a boy with a funny face was born with a golden belly button, so there are some regions where if someone passes away, they use that mask to bring good fortune to the household. I like the idea that something comical on the surface can still have well-meaning intentions underneath it... pure goodness, if you will?

Perhaps because many people may see me the same way. Strange, and unusual, but once they get to know me, they may see me as someone who's actually good. Maybe a touch too on the nose, but we can't all be very cute foxes, can we?♪

Do you take pleasure in watching others eat? I'll be sure to put on a good show for you, then.

[ he's just teasing... mostly. and if his words sounded slightly dirty, well, that is definitely intentional. ]

A golden belly button? Did it do anything for him and his family?

Hmm. But you don't look strange or unusual, so I don't think that mask really fits you. Perhaps you should just match masks with me instead. You might not be a fox but you're certainly cute.

[ Childe might be teasing, but, ]

I do! Especially when it's my food that they're eating. But Inazuman fare in general is quite tasty and as someone originally from Mondstadt, I'd daresay it's one of the best in Teyvat.

[ if Thoma slightly choked at Childe's words, then ... no one needs to know. ]

I'm not sure... made money for them, maybe? It'd be quite funny if you could get mora from your own belly button.

Am I really?♪ I'm starting to think you really like me, master Harbinger. And not just because you want to take me to bed. Who knows? You might even get lucky after the festival.

Edited (dw about it) 2022-05-24 21:05 (UTC)

It might just be me thinking in a gruesome manner but wouldn't they have to cut off his belly button in order to exchange the gold for mora? Or... perhaps he simply gave luck to his village for being born.

[ lots to think about with this hyottoko folklore. ]

The way you bring it up sounds like you're the one who is more excited about the prospect of bedding me. It must be your silly pride that's holding you back, is it not?

[ don't the people of Schneznaya know what it's like to have fairy tales and folk tales!? or are theirs always this intense... ]

Or um.
Maybe the belly button magically brought good fortune to his household every day, just by the virtue of existing! I imagine a belly button cut off would eventually shrivel up and be worthless without who it's attached to.

[ anyway, Childe is a liar, liar, pants on fire - ]

Hm. Not just my pride if you have to know. I can't bed just anyone, and we haven't even kissed yet. I don't know about you but I prefer to have a proper buildup to that sort of thing. Plus, tension can be fun if you know how to play it~

I suppose that would make the gold of a belly button useless if it shrivels up once it is detached from the body. I wonder if they were able to pass it down.

[ good thing Childe is a hydro user then. :) ]

I'm sure you're aware that I'm not just anyone so you can't use that sort of excuse on me. And kissing is for lovers, which we are not... But I can agree that a buildup is important. You would know if you had just given in.

[ wait... ]

You don't plan to kiss me when we go to bed together?

[ 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺 x100 ]

And there's no way to change your mind?

[ he can absolutely hear Thoma pouting somehow... but Childe isn't going to fall for it!! not yet, not this soon anyway. thankfully he can't actually see the housekeeper, so Childe can hold a bit of resistance from giving in. ]

You won't know what I would do unless we go to bed together.

Nevertheless. This is a silly topic to have when you aren't even keen on sleeping with me.

[ let's change the topic now before Childe ends up saying something he'll regret. ]

I'll meet you tomorrow for the festival.

[ sad tail thumps on the floor - ]

Yeah, I'll meet you tomorrow!
But just so you know... I am keen.

[ he's just scared, you know!! it's not every day he has to contemplate about sleeping with a Harbinger and what kind of consequences that might bring. ]

Have a good night. ♡

𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐍 𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐓

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