[present!! thank you, they are going to absolutely love this even if it's just a kite which is why they take it and hold it gently.]
I appreciate the effort anyway. [because it's a Gift.] Your gliders, right? When this is all over maybe we can get you a real one to test out before you go back.
Haha, there's no need for that. It was meant for you. [Presumably when this is all over he'll have his abilities back anyway. Though, that said--] But I wouldn't turn down more gifts from you, either.
[A pointed wiggle of his fingers! His mini-event pwesent...]
Oh so it's a bribe. [they're teasing regardless and also letting their cloak fall to cover their wings so they can hold the kite and also face childe.]
I know it's not much, but I thought it could be a good start for you! You put in the effort so it's only fair you get the loot.
But yeah thanks! It's not what he's here for, but it's a start. He'll take anything, honestly, considering he came here essentially empty-handed.]
It's not one of the elements I'm used to, but I'm sure I'll find a use for it. [Unless I personally lose my braincell and forget about it but we'll see.]
[You know, he'd ask for suggestions just to see what Lust says, but he's getting the feeling the answer would be something very pure and not at all what he has in mind so he will not.]
I'll do my best to live up to your expectations. [If he's to be a pawn a second time, then he'll at least make himself a worthwhile game piece.] Are they all from you, then? Or did your comrades choose what to give their own?
[He knows Lust likes him, but he doesn't think he's special enough to be the only one to have earned a gift.
Also if it's the latter then he hopes Pride gave everyone really shitty presents because that would be hilarious]
It's not really my expectations, you know? You've got your own stuff you're doing and I think you wouldn't let even me stand in your way. [they don't seem to mind, but there's a laugh.]
Couldn't tell you. Have you talked to anyone else who got a prize?
You'd be right, but you knew that. [He's still very much convinced that Lust knows exactly who he is, what he's like, and what he's done.] Would you stand in my way, though?
[To the second, he shakes his head.]
I wanted to speak with you about it first. [Discretion isn't really his style, but he's still a Harbinger; even he doesn't show all his cards to just anyone.]
[they sure did know that. they know a little more about childe than they should, probably, but even knowing what kind of a person he is they aren't as bothered as they could be.]
No. It's not our place to interfere with letting you guys indulge and do what you want to get ahead and take what you came for. We can help you guys indulge, but anything else? No way.
I'm glad you trust me enough to ask me questions though. [:3] Maybe if you keep doing things, you can get other prizes later, too.
[Well those aren't concerning brackets at all!! But also yeah it's fine. The picked the nicest (?) Harbinger.]
I didn't think you would. [And if they did, they'd probably put up a good fight about it, which would still be a win for him. Awful. But no, Lust doesn't strike him as the type, with the buffer of acknowledgment that all of this could be an act.
(He fell for it with Zhongli, after all. He won't be making the same mistake twice.)
Speaking of trust, though... he just hums, picking up his tea again.]
If I'm going to ask anyone, it'll be you. Quite frankly, you're the one who matters most to me in this place. [Because they're right. Childe may be hyperaware of feeling like a pawn in a game, but ultimately, he's used to that, and he'll do it gladly if it means he gets what he wants out of it. No matter what alliances he forms or which people he taps to gather information for him, he's prioritizing his own interests above all else. It's fine if Lust is manipulating him, so long as he gets what he came for.
There's a lull, as he swirls his tea around, debating. He remembers their first conversation, and how Lust behaved. So, a little more quietly--]
I can't say it's trust, exactly. [Because he doesn't trust anyone, at the end of the day. He simply can't afford to. If anything, the fact that he's saying it out loud is a show of trust in its own way. A peek at the cards he's holding to his chest.] But I do enjoy spending time with you. I would do so even if we weren't aligned.
[childe has seen at least half of them now, do they look like someone who could put up a fight? the answer is no, lust is kind of small and petite in stature. nevertheless, they don't really interrupt while he's talking and instead they watch him, a thoughtful hum of reply when he says that they matter the most.
and in a way, it's...nice? they wouldn't even mind if childe didn't trust them, they prefer honesty over everything else. lying to them and pretending to care would really just kind of piss them off. but they can choose to at least believe what he's saying.]
...that means a lot to me. [it's hard to interpret what that means, but their tone is nothing short of grateful and pleased.] I like spending time with the other Avatars a lot, don't get me wrong. But spending time with you is different. So I'll do what I can to help you in this race.
[Look Klee comes up to his kneecaps and could blow up mountains purely on accident okay LOOKS CAN BE DECEIVING. Also Lust has the power of Making Friends which Childe doesn't.
Something that he himself has been utilizing here, mostly in the manner of letting people believe what they want about him. But he's pretty good at reading people, and that's the vibe he's been getting--that Lust would rather him tell an unpleasant truth than a sweet lie, which suits him perfectly well. He prefers honesty too.
He'll reach out to take their hand and squeeze lightly, if they allow it.]
I believe you. [That they'll genuinely do what they can.] You're sure there's nothing else I can do for you, in return?
[Besides indulge, and sit back to let people pick off the weak apparently.]
[they will allow it! they absolutely allow it and let their hand curl around his briefly because it's a gesture they appreciate.]
There isn't really much I can ask for, no. Playing along and indulging and getting ahead are the only things I want from you right now. I don't think that'll change either.
[Childe does not deserve this cute handholding. LUST your BAD DECISIONS
But he'll nod, at that.]
Very well, then. [If it'll get him his wish, then he'll do it; whatever it takes.] Let me know if that changes. [He smiles, nudging their cloak lightly with his elbow.] Pride did insist I be kind to you, after all.
[Just doxxes Pride's squishy feelings all over the place]
You bet! You'll be the first to know if I decide I want something else, how about that? [what an honor. but uh. childe says that and they met get the sense lust is blinking in surprise before there's a laugh.]
Let me guess. They made it sound like they didn't actually care?
Promise! [it's fine. but pinky promise!! they immediately link their finger with his and sort of shake on it. a promise.]
Pride's difficult, but they're easier to talk to if you know how to handle them. They don't like a lot of people and trust even less but I think sometimes it's because trusting people can be really complicated for them. They'd probably be happier doing everything alone, but I'm not gonna let them. They're really nice when you can get them to talk to you. That's what matters to me.
[He almost, almost says "Well, trusting people is for fools", but. Lust reminds him too much of one of his siblings, so he just squeezes their pinky lightly and drops his hand.
Instead--]
Trust is a complicated thing. [Boy does he know that firsthand. Haha!!!] But I like them too, for what it's worth.
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I appreciate the effort anyway. [because it's a Gift.] Your gliders, right? When this is all over maybe we can get you a real one to test out before you go back.
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[A pointed wiggle of his fingers! His mini-event pwesent...]
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I know it's not much, but I thought it could be a good start for you! You put in the effort so it's only fair you get the loot.
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But yeah thanks! It's not what he's here for, but it's a start. He'll take anything, honestly, considering he came here essentially empty-handed.]
It's not one of the elements I'm used to, but I'm sure I'll find a use for it. [Unless I personally lose my braincell and forget about it but we'll see.]
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Plants can be pretty versatile, y'know! If you get a little creative, I bet you can come up with something really good.
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I'll do my best to live up to your expectations. [If he's to be a pawn a second time, then he'll at least make himself a worthwhile game piece.] Are they all from you, then? Or did your comrades choose what to give their own?
[He knows Lust likes him, but he doesn't think he's special enough to be the only one to have earned a gift.
Also if it's the latter then he hopes Pride gave everyone really shitty presents because that would be hilarious]
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It's not really my expectations, you know? You've got your own stuff you're doing and I think you wouldn't let even me stand in your way. [they don't seem to mind, but there's a laugh.]
Couldn't tell you. Have you talked to anyone else who got a prize?
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You'd be right, but you knew that. [He's still very much convinced that Lust knows exactly who he is, what he's like, and what he's done.] Would you stand in my way, though?
[To the second, he shakes his head.]
I wanted to speak with you about it first. [Discretion isn't really his style, but he's still a Harbinger; even he doesn't show all his cards to just anyone.]
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No. It's not our place to interfere with letting you guys indulge and do what you want to get ahead and take what you came for. We can help you guys indulge, but anything else? No way.
I'm glad you trust me enough to ask me questions though. [:3] Maybe if you keep doing things, you can get other prizes later, too.
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I didn't think you would. [And if they did, they'd probably put up a good fight about it, which would still be a win for him. Awful. But no, Lust doesn't strike him as the type, with the buffer of acknowledgment that all of this could be an act.
(He fell for it with Zhongli, after all. He won't be making the same mistake twice.)
Speaking of trust, though... he just hums, picking up his tea again.]
If I'm going to ask anyone, it'll be you. Quite frankly, you're the one who matters most to me in this place. [Because they're right. Childe may be hyperaware of feeling like a pawn in a game, but ultimately, he's used to that, and he'll do it gladly if it means he gets what he wants out of it. No matter what alliances he forms or which people he taps to gather information for him, he's prioritizing his own interests above all else. It's fine if Lust is manipulating him, so long as he gets what he came for.
There's a lull, as he swirls his tea around, debating. He remembers their first conversation, and how Lust behaved. So, a little more quietly--]
I can't say it's trust, exactly. [Because he doesn't trust anyone, at the end of the day. He simply can't afford to. If anything, the fact that he's saying it out loud is a show of trust in its own way. A peek at the cards he's holding to his chest.] But I do enjoy spending time with you. I would do so even if we weren't aligned.
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and in a way, it's...nice? they wouldn't even mind if childe didn't trust them, they prefer honesty over everything else. lying to them and pretending to care would really just kind of piss them off. but they can choose to at least believe what he's saying.]
...that means a lot to me. [it's hard to interpret what that means, but their tone is nothing short of grateful and pleased.] I like spending time with the other Avatars a lot, don't get me wrong. But spending time with you is different. So I'll do what I can to help you in this race.
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Something that he himself has been utilizing here, mostly in the manner of letting people believe what they want about him. But he's pretty good at reading people, and that's the vibe he's been getting--that Lust would rather him tell an unpleasant truth than a sweet lie, which suits him perfectly well. He prefers honesty too.
He'll reach out to take their hand and squeeze lightly, if they allow it.]
I believe you. [That they'll genuinely do what they can.] You're sure there's nothing else I can do for you, in return?
[Besides indulge, and sit back to let people pick off the weak apparently.]
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There isn't really much I can ask for, no. Playing along and indulging and getting ahead are the only things I want from you right now. I don't think that'll change either.
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But he'll nod, at that.]
Very well, then. [If it'll get him his wish, then he'll do it; whatever it takes.] Let me know if that changes. [He smiles, nudging their cloak lightly with his elbow.] Pride did insist I be kind to you, after all.
[Just doxxes Pride's squishy feelings all over the place]
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You bet! You'll be the first to know if I decide I want something else, how about that? [what an honor. but uh. childe says that and they met get the sense lust is blinking in surprise before there's a laugh.]
Let me guess. They made it sound like they didn't actually care?
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Promise? [Pinky finger, extended!! He'll be very upset if you don't follow through, Lust. He kept his!]
Ahaha, exactly right! You really do know them quite well.
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Pride's difficult, but they're easier to talk to if you know how to handle them. They don't like a lot of people and trust even less but I think sometimes it's because trusting people can be really complicated for them. They'd probably be happier doing everything alone, but I'm not gonna let them. They're really nice when you can get them to talk to you. That's what matters to me.
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Instead--]
Trust is a complicated thing. [Boy does he know that firsthand. Haha!!!] But I like them too, for what it's worth.
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I did. [And then gmail lost my notif again and now it's Sunday night so I'm too embarrassed to go backtag orz] I found them refreshing.
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That doesn't surprise me. You're both very intelligent.
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I'll take the compliment, but I have a feeling you could say something nice about everyone here.
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Not everyone! But most people. The other Avatars are fine but some of you are kind of weird.
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[there are so many options to choose from...]