>> 010 | oh, worm

[acutabove]

[ It's been a few days since he'd arrived in Liyue proper and the jet lag was only now just starting to wear off. A few days and he'd managed to become familiar enough with the terrain to be able to map out any viable escape routes, discover that he does not have much of a spice tolerance and that also, the man known as "Rex Lapis" was much more of a common face in the streets than he'd imagined him to be.

At first he'd thought he might have been mistaken, that the intel he'd received was wrong in some way. With nothing but a brief description (height, weight, hair color, eye color - and really, couldn't they have come up with a better term than "cor lapis gold"?) and a semi-blurry photograph taken from the side, Childe imagined he would have to scour Liyue for at least a good week or two before he found his target. The people of this fair city didn't seem to want to deviate from their traditional norms and they all seemed to dress the same way, too, making it hard to pick any one apart in a sea of browns and blacks and golds with the occasional vibrant but respectful color thrown into the mix.

Finding "Rex Lapis" would be a chore in itself, never mind going along with the Tsaritsa-sanctioned mission he had been assigned to kill the man. He wouldn't be surprised if he didn't see Snezhnayan shores for a month or two. The harbor city wasn't exactly small, after all, and from what he could see of the photograph the man looked like every other Liyuen walking about.

Imagine his surprise when said man was spotted immediately, perusing the market at his leisure and appraising each individual valuable when it was showcased to him by a hungry-looking merchant. Childe didn't have much of an eye for antiques so they all looked the same to him; nondescript and useless, no real worth in them aside from what they could be melted into. Rex Lapis seemed to have taken fault with literally every item shown to him for over an hour, and in the end had left the stall empty-handed with a fuming, exasperated worker glaring after him.

The man's schedule was easy enough to pick apart after that. Childe had spent the entirety of the first day tailing him and working out his walking path, following him at a leisurely distance and acting every bit like an enamored tourist so taken with Liyue's sights and sounds that lingering in any one place didn't seem too out of the ordinary. Rex would go from one building to another, hitting up all the merchant stalls in-between, always alone, never once breaking his poised, methodical stride. The fact that no one else seemed to be wary or suspicious of him - which, shouldn't they be, given he was effectively the ruling head of his "family"? - Childe was starting to wonder if maybe his intel had been incorrect.

By the third day he'd set up something of a base of operations in one of the buildings that he'd seen Rex meander in and out of. It was a modestly large hotel, boasting the sort of Liyuen-style decoration that a connoisseur of the East would lose themselves in. The architecture and paintings within were distinctly in the same style as the rest of the city, immortalizing Liyue's cultural arts with every brush stroke, ever swath of paint. The people at the lobby were certainly cordial enough and, despite the backwater-country vibes the interior gave off, it was clear they were relatively up to date and rather technologically savvy, the staff able to reserve him a room for a few weeks in a matter of moments after a few swipes on their touchpads.

It might have seemed foolish to book a room in the same building that he planned to trail and potentially murder Rex Lapis in, but Childe had confidence in spades. He knew the best ways to escape the country and, barring that, it wasn't as though there weren't Fatui already infiltrating the city. The element of danger was what made it most exciting, after all.

A few days turned into a little under a week, and then a little over a week, and eventually the time came for Childe to make his move. As much as he had no issues with killing an innocent man, if word that he did got to Rex Lapis himself it wouldn't make finding him any easier. He was pretty sure the man he'd been tailing had to have been him. He looked like the one in the photograph, after all... but then, also, he wasn't entirely sure. He certainly didn't look like the mean-mugging head of a mafia family.

So Childe decides that it would be best to give him a little test of sorts.

It's around seven at night, when the lights of the city have started to flicker to light. The people on the streets are making their way home after a long day's work, threading around each other and making idle chatter in the form of greetings and farewells. Nothing more than that, since everyone has somewhere they need to be.

Childe's target is among them, his height and distinct strides making him stick out like a sore thumb. The man navigates through the crowds easily, smoothly, and were Childe not as good as he was at general reconnaissance work - thanks to his training when he was a grunt in the Fatui - he probably would have lost him minutes ago. Admittedly, there is something about this man that just screams of a higher plane of existence, he thinks, but it's not something he can actually place his finger on.

His chance to strike comes when the man takes a sudden turn into a darkened alley - a usual for him, Childe had learned, but only on certain days. He waits a few moments outside the entrance before stepping in after him, and their footsteps echo hollowly on the high walls around them as the other continues to walk, purposefully, like he hadn't just heard Childe coming in after him.

Yeah, there was no way this was Rex Lapis. Childe reasons this to himself even as he's pulling his Tokarev out from its holster at his side. He fits the silencer into the weapon with a click that seems to ring throughout the area, and he's quick to lift it up and point it at the man in front of him once they've reached a far enough distance from the streets. ]

You're a brave man, you know.

[ He's taken care to dress casually, forgoing his usual suit and vest in favor of slim-fitting jeans and a hoodie. To anyone else he would probably look like a kid attempting a robbery; to Rex, he's not quite sure. Even Childe knows from his reputation among the lower recruits that he's something of a sight on the battlefield. There's particular rumors swirling about his eyes and their hue directly correlating to all the murders he's committed.

Childe's arm never wavers, and his gaze fixates on the man's back as he speaks again, a little louder. ]

Empty your pockets.

Comments

[fortify]

[ The toils of the neverending work required to run a criminal syndicate empire are ever wearing even on the most notorious of clan heads. For Rex Lapis, his greatest asset has been successfully keeping himself mostly a mystery to both his own clan and others, with the exception of a select few, of course. That is how he operates best, posing as an almost phantom while still managing to have them all never doubt his presence, his authority, his power—even if they would never be able to tell him from any other clan member.

Of course, many have their speculations (like this one behind him, he supposes.) It is rumored that Rex Lapis hides in the open rather than within guarded golden walls. That doesn't exactly help anyone, such as an assassin, in their endeavors, of course.

The way he turns around to face the other, a look of slight surprise in his golden eyes (and they seem to glow just the slightest bit in these shadows making the underbelly of this alleyway, don't they?), is not one of a person in fear of their life (the fact he turns around so easily at all without making sure he's allowed, perhaps, says all that's needed to know—he is very confident or very clueless.) To say he thinks it a joke, however... perhaps not so much as it becomes clear he notices the weapon.

Still, at best, he gives Childe a slight tilting of his head in a strangely innocent way—as if he doesn't fully comprehend what is happening. That's not possible, is it? ]

My pockets? Oh, my. I am afraid if that is what you are seeking you have sadly chosen a bad target. [ he pats his pockets down in display, and sure enough they are terribly flat... it doesn't seem as if he has anything on him in how slim his coat is and the form-fitted cut of the rest of his attire. (Is he even carrying a weapon?)

Strangely, he sounds almost apologetic that he can't provide this... mm, would-be thief with any type of gain from this stunt. ]

Are you quite positive that is why you are here in this alleyway with me this evening?

[acutabove]

[ There's absolutely no way this man is who he's looking for. He can't be.

Days of shadowing a no-name stranger and he has absolutely nothing to show for it. It's almost exasperating, in a way (and in a way feels like elder abuse? but he can't quite put his finger on it), and he makes a mental note to thoroughly thrash whoever provided the intel at his earliest convenience. Maybe once he finally gets back to Snezhnaya he won't be so embittered, but for now he's a little more salty than reasonably expected.

It all feels like a giant waste of time, time he could have spent on actually finding Rex Lapis.

This man is no threat. Childe doesn't need much more reason to lower and eventually holster his gun.

... though, admittedly his reaction is surprising. It's not the first response he would have expected from someone on the other end of a gun. How very interesting.

And what kind of person goes around without a wallet? Maybe there's more to this than he thought. ]

Why else do you think I'd be in here with you tonight? [ Subterfuge has never been his forte, and there's a part of him still that wants to thrash the stranger in front of him for all the trouble he's gone through. He's mindful of the sounds of life going on beyond the entrance of their little alleyway, however, and he keeps an ear out for the sound of any approaching footsteps or shouting voices. It's dark enough that one probably wouldn't notice a pair this deep in unless they were actively being looked for.

He remembers the way the man's eyes had almost flashed like gold in the light, and his frown deepens. ]

I'm looking for Rex Lapis. Are you him?

[fortify]

[ The man before Childe looks perplexed before parroting back the name offered to him, as if it's some new up and coming brand or pop star that an elderly person could never possibly be familiar with (after all, if it looks like and sounds like elderly abuse... ) ] ...Rex Lapis?

[ Zhongli very purposely looks exactly to where Childe holstered his gun now, brow creasing in studious thought as if this is the world's greatest mystery. ]

I see, so you wish to rob this 'Rex Lapis?'

[ Now comes the slightest smile, before he quietly speaks further. ] We both know the answer to that, already, I imagine. Am I Rex Lapis? It does sound rather glamorous.

[ Still, he makes no threatening moves or hints of being concerned or otherwise on the lookout in any manner, so perhaps he is assuming that this smart young man knows an innocent old one when he sees one (even one as young-looking as Zhongli is.) As for the question as to what else he may have been expecting— ]

You see, I am expecting the arrival of a 'gift' from a longtime and dear friend of mine this evening. I had been sure this was the correct meeting place when you followed me in here, alas... [ He half-sighs before pulling out a cell phone from his pocket, staring intently at its screen as he has to swipe more than once to unlock his phone (no password??) before it reveals a very clear fullscreen of a google 'maps' application. ] Ah, perhaps I indeed misread the directions in my excitement over the thought of a gift from her ...did I really recall the wrong street?

... Might you be familiar with this town or are you simply a tourist? [ Zhongli is suddenly staring back up at Childe extremely almost expectantly, his gaze communicating something along the lines of I am very lost and you are a very young lad who can certainly lead my very old-aged self to the correct destination. ]

[acutabove]

... Right.

[ He isn't so daft to notice that he hasn't been given a confirmation or a denial, and while he's unsure if the man in front of him is playing some kind of game with him, there's not much else he can do to ignore facts. The stranger doesn't seem to have a weapon on him, not even any sort of identification - and besides that, he'd been alone. He couldn't imagine the figurehead of a well-established crime syndicate being that stupid.

In all honesty he should probably just leave the matter at that and be done with it. Maybe caution the - older? - man about going down dark alleyways unarmed, though given that he hadn't been carrying a wallet in the first place perhaps it was unwarranted. Perhaps someone with more impatience might have attacked him anyway, but Childe was not that person; even if his mind was still lingering on the utterly calm, placid way the man had stared down the barrel of a gun.

It's a little unusual, even for someone as scatterbrained as this person seemed to bed. It's no surprise that he doesn't lower his guard, crossing his arms over his chest as he steps over to examine the phone that's being held out to him. Doing so ensures he's able to reach his weapon if the situation suddenly changes.

The alley is dark enough that the brightness of the screen makes him squint a little so it takes a bit of staring before he's able to figure out what he's looking at. Where... exactly is he trying to go? ]

I've only been here a few days, but if it's this city specifically I might be able to help out.

[ This is an odd turn of events, even for Childe. He has half a mind not to help him, but there's still that nagging feeling in the back of his mind that there's something off about him. He's not going to leave until he figures it out. ]

What's the address?

[fortify]

[ So that is how this is going to be. Zhongli considers in silence a moment his next move. What shall he do with this child... assassin, he imagines, rather than thief?

Rope him into spending time with him for several hours, see if perhaps he can get to let his guard down and seduce him? A pleasant experience for Zhongli, but perhaps unfair to the other himself. Afterall, he is going to be very unamused when things fall into place.

Tell him that he is indeed Rex Lapis? Would he even believe him, he has to wonder? Give him a chance to play out his little mission? Or should he trust the other to be ruthless enough to turn on him with that gun the moment he makes it obvious without words just who he is?

Most importantly, should he let him live? Simply let him go about his business in frustration? Surely they will meet again if he is indeed determined to assassinate the head of the family.

Ultimately, Zhongli decides to make it just a little more interesting than any one option seems capable of.

The phone map shows a street not far away that's perhaps familiar enough to Childe: this is another alleyway that he has followed this man to on certain days before usually seeing him leave just as empty-handed as he came. Funny, why would he need directions to a place he's gone to several times this week already? As if to entice the other further along with this suspicion or to distract him from it, Zhongli finally speaks up while letting the phone screen dim. His eyes have been looking at Childe under the blue light since he approached close enough. So, this boy is indeed a Snezhnayan, albeit quite young. The way he holds himself with suspicion while still succumbing to his softer side is absolutely adorable. ] ... How kind of you. I apologize for feigning ignorance to your question. I can only imagine you mean the Rex Lapis, the head of the Liyuen syndicate? If you wish for a meeting with him, I may be able to arrange that.

[ He produces a small talisman token with the symbol of Rex Lapis engraved quite clearly. ] My name is Zhongli. I am a funeral parlor consultant and, as one might imagine, the Family has plenty of opportunity for those in my line of work. The Wangsheng Funeral Parlor and the clan of Rex Lapis go back quite aways. The Director of the parlor also loves her line of work as much as she loves the coin, therefore... we do business somewhat regularly. I received this as a gift in exchange for my services at one time to the Family. I have no use for audiences with someone such as that. [ He offers the talisman token to Childe as if in good faith that he won't take off on him. Examining the talisman reveals it is made of a very special type of jade only found in Liyue, and the precision-cut along with its weight matches any intel he would have received on such tokens existing. It's almost too expensive and heavy not to be authentic, especially with the subtle mineral glow that lines the edges of the engraving in an almost glitter dusting. ]

Should you accept it, what you do with your invitation is of no concern of mine. However, I would like something in return. I imagine it will be very easy for someone such as yourself. Please, come along, the item I desire in exchange is right down the street.

[ He leaves without even letting Childe make a decision (he's... quite fast to somehow have gotten by Childe so suddenly, isn't he?), so the other best follow him. True to his claim, the item in question is not far. However, the shop is... interesting to say the least. It's a toy shop, and Zhongli is staring up fondly at a rather large and adorable whale plush that seems to be exclusively made as one of a kind. The detailing and care is over the top, and as such, it carries a price tag that isn't exactly friendly to anyone that isn't working a well paid job (it's about 30,000 mora.)

Zhongli will glance back to Childe with an adorable and hopeful smile before pointing to the whale plush. Can Childe say no to this pretty face that also is offering him something that appears authentic and capable of leading him into a one-on-one audience with the underground king of Liyue? What will he choose? ]

[acutabove]

[ A flash of recognition crosses his features when he's able to discern what he's staring at. Childe has always been rather poor at hiding his emotions, wearing them like an open book no matter his circumstances. It was a by-product of rushing into things headlong, chasing after the thrill of the battle more than anything. Any prospect of victory was just an added bonus.

That's besides the point, however. If he's is heading to the alleyway now, then that gave Childe a prime opportunity to see just what it was that kept drawing the stranger down there.

Even without the sudden revelation that this man knew just who Childe was talking about - which earned him a quick flinch backward, fingers curling readily on the hilt of his weapon - there was no way Childe was going to let him out of his sight so readily. It was obvious that even if he wasn't Rex Lapis, this Zhongli character had ties to him. Important ones, if the talisman he suddenly offered out was to be believed.

That didn't keep Childe from accepting and pocketing it after giving it a quick once-over in the light. ]

My name is Tartaglia. But most people call me Childe. [ In most circumstances it would be a bold move to give his name to someone with close ties to the person he was contracted to kill. Perhaps that was what separated Childe from the others; he had boldness in spades.

After Zhongli finished deliberating and laying out the very loose terms of what was essentially a bargain of sorts - even though Childe was pretty sure the man had no need or desire to bargain for his life, given the backing of the Family - he's already off, and the Snezhnayan has to scramble to keep up with him. Zhongli's legs are long, his stride sure, and while initially Childe has a bit of difficulty trying to match pace with him he falls into something of an easy rhythm. They're roughly the same height, he thinks, but it still feels like the man is taller in some respects. Perhaps it's the way he's holding himself, confident and charismatic, perfectly in his element despite his outward portrayal of a forgetful old man that didn't even know how to use a GPS correctly.

He supposed if one knew their fair share of funeral ... practices and was aligned with a criminal syndicate, one didn't need to be smart in other respects.

... he supposes that also explains away how fast he is. Maybe he's good at slipping away before things get too messy?

They emerge out in front of what looks like... a toy store, and Childe can feel his excitement peak. He wasn't sure how Liyue underground worked, but he can only imagine that this is a front of sorts for more nefarious activity. Maybe it's a gambling den. Perhaps they're selling poached animal parts. A secret drug manufacturing laboratory, even? It made sense, if maybe this Zhongli was also a courier of sorts, ferreting different packages between locations.

It was all starting to come together, he thought.

And then Zhongli points to a large, overstuffed whale plushie. From here it looks so big that even someone as tall as the funeral parlor consultant would have to tote it around in both arms.

He's trying not to let the confusion show on his face, he really is. But he has so many questions. ]

Uhm...

[ Zhongli really is playing up the old man schtick, isn't he. ]

I hope you don't mind my asking, but... just how old are you, again?

[ Because if he has a generalized age, then maybe Childe would be able to resist him just that much more. It's not as if the man is unattractive, and if this were another type of situation where he wasn't out to kill his boss, then sure, maybe he'd play around a little. He'd be lying if he said he wasn't wondering what that absentminded expression would shift into under an assault of pleasure, if the man was quick and slippery enough that he could escape Childe pushing his legs to his chest as he -

Ah. He should probably nip that thought in the bud right now. He didn't need any distractions if he wanted to get back to Snezhnaya sooner. ]

Do you seriously expect me to shell out -- [ And here he cranes his head to peer at the price tag. ] -- thirty thousand mora? Really? For a stuffed animal?

[fortify]

[ Tartaglia. Her eleventh, then. Zhongli kindly accepts the name, letting the Childe alias roll off his tongue smoothly as he repeats it with no further intention than to simply hear it.

It is indeed very amusing to watch Childe's colorful expressions (it's... pleasant, even), right down to the few where he can't tell what the other's exactly thinking when asked for his age and then as he seems to become a bit more excitable concerning the price tag of this cute whale that Zhongli is not leaving this place without. So, for starters, if Childe wants anything more useful out of this old man, he's going to have to come to the bleak realization that he has to pay up in some manner eventually.

For now, however, Zhongli watches him with innocent interest, assessing his expressions to see if a different assumption on his feelings can be made from them than the one exclaimed. He looks back to the whale now... before turning an almost blank puppy stare of disappointment back towards the younger man, as if seeming to realize suddenly that he's not going to get what he wants. Cue an almost childlike confusion of wishful thinking—ah, how did he mess this up—before a small nod and a very gentle voice contain his reply. ] ... Yes, I would like that very much.

[ The consultant seems to recover relatively quickly, however, looking away from Childe back up to the whale wistfully once more. ] I see. The talisman is not worth this price tag to you. [ He seems as if he's going to to be asking for it back now since there's no deal to be had here, but instead Zhongli takes the opportunity to press a bit into Childe's personal space, somewhat cornering him between the wall and the service counter before leaning in to speak with him on a very intimate level, amber eyes bright and interested for an answer. ] What else may I offer you, then, to make the price more palatable?

[ This parlor consultant really wants that whale, it seems. As if remembering something, Zhongli's eyes flicker a moment before pulling back a bit but only so he can blatantly look the other up and down physically, as if considering the man's own worth on a scale of... meat-assessment worthiness value.

In reality, of course, there is nothing to complain about (Tartaglia is quite handsome— certainly his type, he would say if he had such a thing as a "type") beyond Zhongli having practically zero sex-drive, but even then he imagines he could for the right individual even if there's nothing else to be gained from it. He does want the whale quite badly... is he willing to attempt to whore himself out for it on a young man who wishes to meet with Rex Lapis if that was an option?

.... The answer is more than likely yes, but Zhongli doesn't particularly sense the other is looking at him sexually in any manner (although he's not exactly one to judge such things, admittedly, nevertheless, he's quite sure—!), and so the momentary strange tension in the air, along with any thoughts, crumbles away to nothing as Zhongli averts his gaze almost shyly again while now placating himself with a light smile to save face. It would be unbecoming to look terribly disappointed in someone one has just met. ] I am at least a decade your senior, I imagine. Perhaps a little old for your taste, I am afraid. ...A pity. [ Obviously there is no other reason one would ask that sort of thing... at least, not in the underground.

Zhongli moves away from crowding Childe to return to giving him personal space and ultimately so he himself may go to back to moon-eying the whale plush. ] Please do name your price, Childe. I will take it under careful advisement and consideration, so long as it's within my power to do so.

[ Afterall, he certainly did not trade him that talisman on fear of his life, and he doesn't feel that Childe is simply going to give it back, either, considering he already pocketed it. They will have to hash the details out here. ]

[acutabove]

[ Normally, Childe wouldn't have batted an eye at the exorbitant cost of such a thing, but it wasn't like he'd grown up with a silver spoon in his mouth. Although he'd joined the Fatui crime syndicate at a young age, he still knew to save and mora pinch where he could - which greatly contradicted the careless way he tended to throw what money he had around when the mood called for it - so shelling out thirty thousand for a whale was a little... much.

But, if it allowed him the chance to get an audience with Rex Lapis, then he had no other choice. For whatever reason, Zhongli really, really wanted that stuffed whale.

It probably helped that he wasn't being overly pushy about it. Sure, the remark about the talisman and its worth could be seen as such, but it didn't come off that way to Childe. He's just about to pull out his wallet with a sigh, hand going to his back pocket - and then suddenly Zhongli is close, too close, encroaching upon his personal space and causing the Harbinger to stiffen on reflex.

This close he can see the way Zhongli's eyes shine in the darkness, trace every individual eyelash cresting that beautiful golden gaze of his. He can see the red rimming his eyes - eyeliner? eyeshadow? he can never tell the difference - and he thinks, for a moment, that he might have actually died and gone to heaven, because there was no way this impossibly beautiful, attractive stranger was propositioning him for a stuffed animal. No way, and yet his mouth is still going dry at the prospect of what Zhongli's offering, heat diffusing into a flush on his cheeks.

What else might he offer him, indeed. Childe can think of a few things. ]

You're... [ He begins, realizes how his voice cracks a little, swallows, and then tries again. ] You're only as old as you feel... right?

[ Which is neither an acceptance or refusal of Zhongli's previous proposition. He has to at least make some headway in his mission before he thinks about having a little fun.

Zhongli would still be there when he was done. Maybe. ]

As long as you can get me an audience with Rex Lapis, then... that's fine. [ A beat; he bites his tongue, then tries to laugh it off, trying to look nonchalant as he pulls out his credit card and makes a mental note to see if he can't get reimbursed for the purchase later. It's technically a business expense.

Fuck it. Maybe a little fun, as a treat. ]

But I wouldn't be opposed if you decide you want to sweeten the deal a little.

[fortify]

[ Oh, how adorable. That blush looks very nice on Childe's pale skin doesn't it! In truth, he is surprised the other is willing to pay without the confirmation of something extra. However, it seals any doubt for assessing how important it is to Childe that he meet Rex Lapis that he is willing not to question further for anything else.

Perhaps that he doesn't ask for more gets him further than he could possibly have imagined. ] I can guarantee your audience, yes. [ A short pause occurs before Zhongli gives a knowing and very attractive smile pressing a finger to the other's lips now once he is finished paying for the whale. ] ...As sweet as you have tolerance for, then, Childe.

[ It seems to be a promise before he finally drops his finger and glances to the shop keeper who has gone and now returned with the whale from its shelf. With the transaction having gone through, they present it to Childe now that the transaction has gone through.

Zhongli is patient, he will let Childe decide when to let him have it, even. But, yes he does really want this stuffed animal, it seems. Still, as if looking to further set the deal in stone— so there are no doubts—he will thread his arms around one of the other's like a significant other clinging fondly to their partner before giving a gentle tug to have Childe pay attention to him rather than the shop or the whale a moment longer. ]

Now, shall I wine and dine you, first, as is proper? Or were you looking to skip such pleasantries...?

[ Sounds like it's a date. Perhaps it is. Zhongli might even pay. ]

[acutabove]

[ Oh - oh. He knows what he's doing, doesn't he? Or... perhaps it's been longer than Childe had thought, and his body was just now starting to go wild at the prospect of taking this very attractive stranger to bed.

Once the sale is completed, and the whale is unceremoniously dumped in his hands - and it is a large whale, enough that if Childe were to hold it a certain way he probably wouldn't be able to see - he turns to Zhongli just in time to have the man thread their arms together like a clingy girlfriend. It's not like he particularly minded since this close he could feel how warm and firm the consultant was. A lot more muscular than one would expect a funeral parlor consultant to be, but maybe he gained muscle mass hefting coffins around or something.

They're roughly the same height, too, which is interesting (though he imagines Zhongli is perhaps an inch or two taller than him, but surely it's his shoes) and Childe lets his attention fixate on the man next to him without much of a fuss. ]

I... suppose that depends on what kind of payback you had in mind.

[ Zhongli is proving to be a dangerous distraction by himself without even trying. Childe has to fight hard to remember his mission. ]

How soon can you get me an audience with Rex Lapis?

[fortify]

[ Zhongli presses his head just a small bit against the other's shoulder to glance up at him sweetly at that first question (and yes the consultant is a just little taller as close as they may be even if Childe's hair gives him a taller hit box in game). Zhongli is very aware of how to play this game, it seems. He hums a bit at Childe's desire for some clarification on the types of payback, maybe even giving some momentary bedroom eyes Childe's way (only for a second or two, though, so he has to be looking) before he suddenly lifts his head back up, as if it had never been making acquaintance so cutely with Childe's shoulder just seconds ago with the question pertaining to Rex Lapis is asked. ]

Oh? Oh, yes, that is why you are here, of course. Tonight. [ he says matter of factly without much hesitance. ] Is it acceptable?

[acutabove]

[ Considering he hasn't been able to take his eyes off of Zhongli for a second - not necessarily because of the physical attraction he felt towards him, but also because he didn't want this man slipping away the moment Childe's head was turned - there's no mistaking the bedroom eyes he shoots him and it's enough to make his pulse quicken a little in anticipation.

Remember your mission, Childe. Remember what you're here to do. It wouldn't do to get distracted now, not when he was so close. ]

Tonight? [ That surely meant they wouldn't have a whole lot of time for other activities. But that's fine, isn't it? ]

Ah... yeah, that's fine with me. Lead the way.

[fortify]

[ there is the slightest look of disappointment that flickers in Zhongli's eyes, but he nods as he goes to gently bring the other along now.

The walk is about twenty minutes, and that alleyway on the map from before seems to be part of the shortcut there (although Zhongli does look somewhat confused for a moment standing there and seeing no one else around when they enter) before brushing it off and continuing to lead Childe along.

Their ultimate destination is the docks, and into one of the many warehouse buildings. It's here that Zhongli lets go of Childe to stride forward across a part of strangely empty floorspace ahead of him before two individuals greet him suddenly from the shadows. It's in Childe's best interests to stay back, it seems, judging by the stay of Zhongli's hand in a wait position before the short conversation that is in Liyuen finishes, and Zhongli motions for Childe to now come along.

The two suits look seriously perplexed here, but it's uncertain if that's because of Childe or because of that large whale he's carrying. Zhongli returns to meet him halfway, gently gesturing for him to hand the whale over, in which case Zhongli will search it for a small compartment where there are three small vials of a strange viscous-looking liquid of varying colors, each one seemingly corroded to various degrees, and places them in the other's hands. He then pulls out a small jar of what seems to be unlit incense of some kind. ]

This is as far as I take you. I have a drop-off meeting with Rex Lapis in 38 minutes... that will now be your meeting. I would appreciate if you do anything rash like pull a gun on him, you insist to him that I did not let you have this opportunity in exchange for any... ah, frivolities. [ like unnecessary expensive secret transporting of goods such as in an adorable handmade whale plush or antiques or ... sex, you know. ] He will be very displeased with me. My offer is also still open, should you be around after your meeting with him. Call me any time. [ offers him a business card from the funeral parlor. ]

... And do make sure to have the talisman out and on you visibly at all times until you leave. It is your only source of parley in his presence... especially, if you give him reason to want to kill you.

[ Zhongli looks and sounds as if this is an entire headache in the making, but he is filling his end of the bargain here and doing it well, okay. Nevermind that all these things fall in to place all a little too conveniently for Childe to take part in and advantage of to be unsuspicious. Maybe the whole thing is meant to be especially suspicious, though? ]

He is expecting the three vials and the incense. So long as you are polite and handle the exchange professionally, there should be no complications, I would hope.

[ He smiles to Childe now as if seeing him off on a trip. ] They will escort you the rest of way. Be well.


[ So they had a whole lot of time for nothing, apparently. The offer is still open it seems for when Childe is finished, however, at least? ]

&ˡᵉᵗ'ˢ ᵐᵃᵏᵉ ᵇᵉˡⁱᵉᵛᵉ ᵗʰⁱˢ ⁱˢ ᵒᵘʳ ᶠⁱʳˢᵗ ᵗⁱᵐᵉ

[fortify]

[ When Childe wakes the next morning, he is alone despite Zhongli having most certainly fallen asleep before him after their seemingly endless coupling. Without another around, Childe will only be able to sense how incredibly quiet this entire place he's in seems to be despite Liyue being an incredibly bustling city.

He'll find clothes in his size of various choices in the wardrobe of the room should he check it as well as his soaked clothing from last night already clean and neatly folded should he rather put it back on (although his gun is still missing.)

There's also breakfast of the cold variety waiting for him inside the room, perhaps Zhongli has left it for him? There isn't much else to do once that's eeaten, though, besides get dressed and lounge around in the room, so he will more than likely find it appropriate to take the time to explore (which he can since the door is unlocked.)

It seems that the entire place is empty, just like his room, save for himself as Childe wanders the rooms and halls. It would make sense, of course, as a captive if it didn't seem like he was somewhere that a captive wouldn't be too begin with. What makes even less sense (for one who attempted an assassination no less) is that he will find he is able to access the room where he met Rex Lapis without trouble — and there is someone at the desk Rex had been standing in front of. It isn't hard to see who it is as there are no tricks of the light and the sun is bright through the large windows that most certainly were covered last time, and the individual seems to have fallen asleep.

The Mafia boss looks uncannily vulnerable as he sits there with one fist supporting his head as his elbow rests on the desk, allowing him an awkward but not entirely uncomfortable position to doze. The only difference, perhaps, between Rex Lapis and Zhongli is that Rex Lapis seems more ethereal in appearance. Zhongli is unnaturally perfect, too perfect too be human, arguably, but somehow not incredibly difficult to accept. He acts like a human and feels like one, even if his appearance begs to differ. Nothing about Rex Lapis feels human despite them looking identical. In fact, there are no normal human signs on that face suggestive of his situation. There are no wrinkles from stress and worry, no dark circles or bags from overwork and exhaustion. Even his breathing is unnaturally low to the point its barely recognizable. He looks as if he's a statue or even a finely crafted doll.

That is, at least, until his eyes open rather unexpectedly to directly stare at the Harbinger. They glow far more than Zhongli's do, and the pattern reflected in his eyes is beautiful but also not very human (but, at least it isn't very beastlike, either). Did Zhongli have that pattern? He did, actually, albeit very faintly. This one is unmistakable.

Truly, everything about the Mafia boss is beauty and grace from another plane of existence. he hits all the pleasing senses of a human, leaves one to be in awe, but there's is something off-turning about him. He lacks Zhongli's adorable cluelessness (or so it seems), and while Zhongli is inviting and pleasing on the eyes, somehow Rex Lapis is the opposite. There's certainly temptation to avoid his gaze, to look away from him entirely as if looking at him so plainly is painful and downright overwhelming. They're identical, but ... Rex Lapis feels more unforgiving, as if looking at him is not a right anyone has.

In theory, that isn't far from the truth. The archons are not meant for human eyes. That isn't to say some don't find them incredibly alluring, regardless. And this uneasy feeling when looking at Rex as if it's not allowed? It most likely is a tempered ability rather than an initial condition. That or human nature in the form of pursuing the forbidden is in full force with all of his victims. Perhaps both.

...And yet, despite staring straight at Childe, those eyes eventually close once more, like an altered guard dog that has decided it is not necessary to act (of hasn't really seen anything despite seeming to be suddenly joked from its slumber). Once Rex Lapis has closed his eyes, that feeling of it being wrongful to be in his presence dissipates rather easily.

In fact, it might as well be Zhongli, especially when one notices that the plush whale is in his lap, his unoccupied arm resting on it. The man himself is in black this time with a white vest jacket. There is no suit jacket to be found. Although there are papers and documentation in the desk, Childe's gun lies on the top of them as if it has been the subject of the Mafia boss's attention before he has drifted to sleep. He could even try to take it if he really wanted to since if he approaches it doesn't seem like the other responds.

Of course, it could be a trap. It's probably a trap. ]

[acutabove]

[ If Rex Lapis had expected Childe to shy away and cower out of fear of what could potentially be a trap, he had another thing coming.

When he awakens it's with the sort of bone-deep satisfaction that usually comes with a good bout of exercise, but he can still feel the echoes of Zhongli's hands on his body enough to ascertain that it's his mad coupling with the man that makes him feel this way. Warmth stirs in his chest, a heady, affectionate fondness that falters only when he sees that he is alone in the bed, and with a groan and a swing of his legs over the edge of the mattress he's up and ready to start his day.

First thing's first; his weapons. It's unsurprising that they are nowhere to be found, but he can appreciate that his clothes have been freshly cleaned and laundered and put out for him to use. He forgoes that in favor of pawing through the wardrobe, bringing the sleeve of each discovered shirt up to his nose so he can get a good whiff and try and determine just whose clothing this might be.

While before he might have side-eyed the meal set out before him, Zhongli's words from earlier and the truth that Rex Lapis had let him live instead of killing him on the spot do a good enough job at convincing him that he's relatively safe, for now. Imprisoned, but safe.

Once he's partaken of the meal he picks out a few clothes that aren't his own and slip into them, finding that they fit pretty decently if not a little snug in some places. There's plenty of room in the ass area, which makes him wonder if he hasn't been tricked into wearing women's clothes. Either way, he leaves his clothes behind as he sets out to explore his new surroundings and see if he can't find a way out for himself.

When he comes across the same room where he'd first encountered Rex Lapis he's quick to duck behind a corner when he spots the lone figure sitting at the desk, his heart thudding in his chest. He is unarmed but he is not dangerous; he's honed his body across countless fighting styles, both with and without a weapon. If need be he could probably take down whoever it was with brute force alone, and it's with this thought in mind that he peeks his head around the door to peer at the occupant in the room.

Perhaps it's because he'd spent a majority of last night fucking Zhongli into the mattress, but the moment he sees those same familiar features his body responds accordingly, already raring to go and eager for another round with his newest lover. It takes a moment of staring into bright golden eyes, of telling himself that this is not Zhongli, that it's his brother instead before he's able to will his body enough to calm down, and by that point he's caught sight of Rex Lapis closing his eyes and looking away.

Childe has never been one to shy away out of fear, barreling past all the barricades that keep him from doing exactly what he wants so he can do it anyway. He'd kissed Zhongli without any thought given to the potential ramifications of such an action, slept with him knowing full well that he was sent here to do away with his brother.

If anything, the way Rex Lapis looks away from him, as though he isn't even worth thinking about is infuriating enough to get him to act.

So Childe meets him in kind. He gives up the cover of the corner, turning to stride through the door and march himself right up next to the desk. If Rex Lapis had no intention of killing him, then there was no reason for him to be wary, right?

The smart thing to do would be to try and be sneaky, to grab his gun before the other would wake up. But he's a little offended. ]

Hey. [ He says, sharp enough to wake the dead. ] That's mine. I'll be taking that back now.

[ And he snatches for his gun. ]

[fortify]

[ That voice can be terribly obnoxious when it wishes, apparently. It pierces Rex Lapis's muddied mind, the sticky heaviness of slumber losing its hold on him.

Although Childe will succeed in grabbing the gun, he won't have the chance to pull back with it as his wrist will be snatched to prevent him from going anywhere.

The Mafia boss doesn't look to Childe, though, despite it clear those eyes have now opened even if still a bit lazily. Instead, he favors keeping his attention on the gun (in truth, it has nothing to do with ignoring the hitman and everything to do with the gun being closer to eye level,) before his mouth finally works. Unlike his company, Rex's words are soft, curious as if he can not understand what the sudden commotion and otherwise fuss being made here is all about. ]

... You cannot be trusted with such a thing. Until that changes, it no longer serves you. I ask that you put it down, Harbinger.

[acutabove]

[ Despite the fact that he should be, reasonably so, scared out of his wits when Rex Lapis grabs at his hand (because he remembered how the drugs had affected him, had remembered all the hallucinations and the imagined monsters coming to gore him to pieces) his first reaction isn't to be afraid.

It's to be annoyed. ]

You ask that I put it down, but that doesn't sound like asking to me, Rex.

[ The man's grip is firm, ironclad; it makes Childe feel as though he's bound in a shackle. ]

It is mine. Whether or not you can trust me doesn't change that fact.

[fortify]

You misunderstand your situation. You lost. Everything that belonged to you is now in my possession, including your life.

[ His voice is smooth without malice or even much satisfaction in what can only normally be considered gloating from anyone else's mouth. From Rex Lapis, it simply sounds like he is stating simple fact, and it has little sway on how he feels. ]

...Until I grow tired of that, as well. [ he drags Childe closer by the hold on his wrist, slowly letting his gaze trail along from the gun to the Harbinger's arm and up to his shoulders and finally Rex comes to look up at him. Rex Lapis' eyes are haunting, but for the moment they hold little if any cruelty. There is a coldness there despite the warm color, though, a warrior's presence that is on guard and had built a firm wall to keep the outside world at bay. ] The gun stays. You may go as soon as you accept that.

[ meaning he will let Childe go as soon as he gives up on taking the gun. Otherwise they may both be there for some time. The Mafia boss does not seem to have much to hurry with today, either, unlike their last meeting. There is another pause before he cants his head slightly as he starts at the other. ]

You seem to have recovered well.

[acutabove]

I never agreed to that. You're the one that didn't want to kill me.

[ which was certainly surprising enough and something he was still trying to figure out. the most he could ascertain was that maybe Rex Lapis was keeping him around to use more of that weird drug on him, like an experimental test subject of sorts.

admittedly, seeing the expression on the other's face does instill a sort of begrudging respect for the other man. the cold, unyielding expression left absolutely no room for question, and Childe knew that he was in the presence of a man who did not expect his orders to disobey. it was the aura of one that had earned every ounce of respect he was given and did not squander or make himself appear less than deserving of it.

it's a stark difference from the warmth and the friendliness that Zhongli exhibited. he almost misses it.

the pull takes him off guard and he stumbles a few steps, his grip on his own weapon tightening in retaliation. his clothing choices have all been, surprisingly enough, things that tended more along the Liyuen style; perhaps he'd intended to make his escape via blending in with the help. the traditional high-collar neckline does a good enough job covering the marks Zhongli had left on him, the bottom loose and flowing not unlike a tunic. ]

If the gun stays, I stay. It was a gift from Her Majesty. I don't intend to leave here without it.

[ perhaps the only saving grace is that he hasn't turned to aim it at Rex Lapis, especially since he didn't know if it was still loaded. at the remark on his health he actually huffs out a laugh, ghost of a smile playing across his lips. ]

You can thank your brother for that. He took real good care of me.

[fortify]

Are you expecting a say in what happens to you after what you did?

[ He asks quizzically, as if this is a new concept he's never even considered before.

Rex's eyes wander, taking interest in the choice of clothing. At the mention of the gun being a gift, there is a significant pause. His expression flickers at that comment about Zhongli, noting that barely there smile before his grip suddenly ceases, allowing Childe his freedom along with the gun. ]

I see. I sincerely hope you enjoyed yourself, then. You will not be getting another opportunity to be around him. [ Rex Lapis shifts to wrap both his arms around the whale plush now that he longer has the gun to hoard, but turns his eyes to the papers at his desk. ] You have your gift from the Tsaritsa. The next ship to Snezhnaya leaves this afternoon. Shall I see that you board it?

[acutabove]

[ it almost, almost sounds like he's being lectured, which wouldn't be completely unexpected given that he had tried to kill the man earlier. it's less so than the fact that Rex Lapis actually lets go of the gun, allowing Childe to take it - and take it he does, tucking it quickly into the hem of his pants before backing up to give them some space - before the other goes to curl his arms around the whale plush.

it's a strange image, and one Childe can't keep from comparing to how Zhongli had looked clutching it. there's no mistaking that it's the same toy. ]

I won't be getting another opportunity to... [ he trails off, gaze flicking from the plush to the mafia boss and then back again. a frown creases his brows. he can't go back to Snezhnaya without fulfilling his mission. but, more importantly... ]

Where is he?

[fortify]

Dead. [ Rex Lapis replies, staring at the documents on his desk. ] It's convenient for you, isn't it? You can return without a mission failure looming over your head now and your Tsaritsa will be very happy to welcome you back home.

[ It doesn't seem as if Rex Lapis has any feelings on the matter one way or another. ]

[acutabove]

[ dead, Rex Lapis says, and Childe feels it like a punch to the gut. he hadn't known the guy all too long, but... it wasn't as if he hated him. Zhongli was cute, and adorable, and extremely fuckable, and even if he'd fulfilled his mission he wouldn't have minded sticking around Liyue a few more days just to ...

to what, really? more sex, obviously, but they both knew what kind of world they came from.

given Zhongli's importance to Rex, he's half-inclined not to believe him. but he'd had a sample of how ruthless the other man could be, so maybe... ]

You'll understand when I say I don't believe you. [ he says, his gaze fixating on the whale plushie in Rex Lapis's arms. ] If you don't like the idea of me fucking your brother, you can just say so, you know. I mean, it's not going to change anything since it already happened, but if it makes you feel better...

[fortify]

[ There is a small cant to Rex's head before he can't help but smirk a little and nod. A quiet hum escapes his throat before he responds: ] Whom you choose to sleep with is not of my business and affairs.

Did you need proof to bring to your Tsaritsa or are you simply actually that bothered by that someone being gone?

[acutabove]

[ ah. Rex really is the asshole that he pegged him for. it's nice to know that his instincts aren't wrong in that regard, at least. ]

Proof? Like what, his head or something? How am I going to look if I bring that and then a week later it gets out that you're still alive and well? That your family hasn't fallen into chaos? No, thanks.

[ it's a strangely civil conversation to have with someone he intends on killing. notably, he's left the other question unanswered. ]