>> 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? ]

[acutabove]

[ It's certainly a discreet affair, he thinks, and while normally he would be on his guard at the prospect of being ambushed it seemed like Zhongli had this handled. He almost did wish that he would get jumped, but perhaps it was better that it stayed relatively calm and peaceful for now.

Admittedly, hearing him speak in Liyue is reward enough, and he commits every syllable to memory as the foreign language rolls of Zhongli's tongue, trying and failing to not let the interest show on his face. It wasn't like he could understand it or anything, but if the man wanted to make a recording of him speaking Liyue for hours on end Childe would be the first in line to get a copy.

The vials are placed into his hands and Childe has a moment of realization. So that's why the price tag was so steep. He feels mildly better but he's still gonna try and write it off as a business ex-- fuck, he didn't get a receipt. Okay, after maybe he can find his way back to the merchant and get a receipt.

Once Zhongli is done explaining it and he smiles at him, adorable as always, Childe finds himself unsure of what to do with everything that had been handed off to him. The business card is put away, the vials tucked into the same pocket as the talisman where they clink loudly as they settle within, and then he's left to look at Zhongli with the jar of incense in his hands.

There's a number of questions simmering in his mind about the whole thing. He should probably ask them aloud - but instead, he lets his free hand curl into the front of Zhongli's shirt because yeah, he's just gonna go for it, and abruptly draws the man in to a quick kiss. It's a little more eager than a peck, but not as sordid as shoving his tongue down his throat, and before he pulls away he licks along Zhongli's upper lip with relish, deep blue eyes dancing mischievously. ]

For good luck.

[fortify]

[ Good... Luck...?

Zhongli certainly wasn't expecting this, and while his eyes narrow when he's kissed (what does he do, what... what is this—?), any potential displeasure is gone in favor of pure shock and embarrassment because what...no, what just happened?! Why does he feel like he was just knocked in the head with something hard and now he's dizzy but in a pleasant sort of way? Is the Harbinger actually wearing some kind of hallucinatory—

The consultant's face is bright red and somehow he can't even look away from this person now... except when he hears the sudden awkward sound of maybe a strange squeal, and his head snaps with an almost murderous intent towards the two suits who definitely just witnessed that and look as flustered as the man who received the kiss does. To them, Childe is officially the ballsiest individual now known to man now, and they know they shouldn't gossip, and they're getting the glare that they better not gossip, but even their overlord knows it's too late for silence. Even killing them wouldn't do any good at this point. Somehow.

Completely beside himself, Zhongli buries his face against the whale shyly (and he's trying so hard to calm down and save face this has never happened ever nevermind in front of subordinates, what the hell did Tartaglia do to him it's just a stupid kiss— ) before he speaks quietly. ] Y-yes... good luck, Childe... and ... come later for the rest properly, if it pleases you. [ ...Wait, no, that wasn't what he wanted to say, what did he want to say? Why did he add that last part? How could Childe do this to him!! He's so flustered, he's never been flustered like this in his entire six thousand plus years of existence, he's sure so how did a mortal child he's just met manage to... it's... this... it's just not right. ]

[acutabove]

[ Oh no, he's embarrassed. It just might actually be the cutest thing he's ever seen so far.

If it pleases him. He can't help himself - he laughs a little at that, leaning in just enough so his lips brush the shell of Zhongli's reddened ear.

Maybe he's a lot thirstier than he thought. It hadn't been that long, had it? It might also have something to do with the fact that he had just shelled out thirty-thousand mora for a drug-stuffed whale, so a little recompense was in order. Not that he would have minded either way, since he imagined meeting Rex Lapis was payment enough. ]

I'm sure you'll get a first hand demonstration of what pleases me, later. [ It's spoken softly enough that only Zhongli can hear which is perhaps the only saving grace of this whole situation, and then Childe is leaning away and turning to face the suited men with a bit of a spring in his step. ]

You're the ones that are gonna make me to meet him, right? I'm ready whenever you are.

[ As though he hadn't just smooched another man right in front of their eyes. ]

[fortify]

[ Zhongli can't help the small shiver that goes through along his spine at the whisper that sounds a lot more like a promise than a suggestion, especially feeling the brush of his lips along his ear.

He's never been so grateful to meet a man out to kill Rex Lapis because if it was any other sort of thing right now, he's not sure he would be able to put this meeting into proper play.

With Childe approaching them, the two suits look at each other and then bow respectfully to him before turning to lead him along. Beyond the area where they leave Zhongli, there is another open stretch of floor, albeit much smaller and stacked about is various cargo to better blend in. There is a door on the floor that leads to a narrow passageway beneath the building. While the steps down are rather primitive, the "tunnel" that Childe finds himself in is ... very much not. The walls, the ceiling, the floor: all are in marble, gold, and jade, quite extravagent and full of a long standing culture and tradition in Liyue that suggests that perhaps these were not always considered the underbelly of the city.

The halls are wide and pristinely cared for and well lit despite being mostly deserted save for a few apparent servants here and there. The walk in the underground passageway is calm but a bit of a ways before things seem to start changing— they must be underwater by now or have reclimbed from the harbor up towards the inner city. The first sight of ascending stairs comes eventually, and Childe is led up them where things become more populated. There are others that seem to be of the same manner as the two men leading him as well as more servants. Some ignore the new stranger, but most seem to have time enough to spare a curious or otherwise suspicious glance. It's not every day they have an unannounced member of another clan as a "guest," but not a single individual seems to question it.

Childe is led through the lavish mansion up another two flights of stairs before arriving on a floor that is now equally quiet to the tunnels that brought him here (the other floors, comparatively, were almost like that of an extravagent hotel— and in fact if he looked around enough he would have noticed that this building is somehow adjacent and branched to the hotel he himself is staying at... even if it's not quite clear how to cross between the buildings in any way should one wish to.)

The two men stop at large double doors to what can only be either someone's office or their living quarters... or perhaps both, in a sense, which may be the proper interpretation when the doors are opened to let the Harbinger enter. The suited individuals let Childe in and for him to proceed, but they do not follow. The corridor is dimly lit but far well enough to navigate from the lighting on the floor that guides the visitor to a large open floor where a large desk is situated on a semi-raised platform. One could argue a throne world be more suited for the architecture, but a grand desk it is instead.

Of course, there is someone waiting in front of the desk, as well, rather than sitting. The lighting does not give away who it might be, but it doesn't have to: Childe will immediately see and understand that 'cor lapis gold' description from his intel right away now with the eyes that seem to somehow stare right into his own despite him also being covered in the shadows and obscured from the Mafia leader beyond that he has arrived.

Rex Lapis is known to keep the privacy of his business partners and acquaintances alike in fair confidence when transactions are taking place. Perhaps for the safety of both. Perhaps for atmosphere. Perhaps for no reason at all.

There is silence initially, as if the 'king' is indeed assessing what has been brought before him—and who. For better or for worse, it's just the two of them—or, at least it certainly feels that way. So far there's been no sense of being watched or a sensation that this part of the mansion is somehow occupied. While Childe shouldn't be careless, it's safe to say his instincts and training are telling him that there are really only two people here alone. ]

[acutabove]

[ As Childe walks he wonders just how much time and money had gone into designing this underground rat tunnel. The Liyuen mafia head is quite cautious, he thinks, to have created something that stretched on for this long unhindered, travelling a fair distance beneath the city. He can't help but be taken by all the decorations and the composition of the hallways, floors and ceilings, but he never once unfolds his arms - even with the jar of incense in his hands - as he walks so he's within reaching distance of his weapon at all times.

To some, this could probably be seen as walking into the lion's den. Childe can only hope he would have the pleasure; it's been some time since he's jumped into a trap, and even if he'd had any idea that this would be a trap he still wouldn't hesitate following the suited men after. Zhongli's warning about pulling a gun on Rex Lapis doesn't go unheeded but that didn't necessarily mean Childe was going to listen to him. The Harbinger was the last person to be expected to refrain from charging headlong into danger. That was just how he was.

Through the lavish floors of the mansion and then up another set of stairs... the walk seems to finally be coming to an end, and when they stop in front of a set of large double doors Childe braces himself for the worst. Would the suits finally try and off him? They're big and quick, but he will always have the advantage. He's been in this business since he was a teenager, there were few out there who had faced him in battle and lived to tell the tale.

But instead of the fight he'd been expecting, they instead open the door for him. Childe takes a moment to survey the room - taking particular note of how much space the desk takes up - and steps inside. The doors shut behind him and he is alone with only one? other person in the room for company. He can see the glow of golden eyes and the sight takes his breath away, a mixture of anticipation and relief churning in his chest.

At last. This has to have been him.

Remembering Zhongli's words he fumbles for the talisman and holds it up to let the light hit it just right, then drops his hand and takes a step forward.

He doesn't feel eyes on him aside from the man in front of him, so it's safe to say they're alone. Good - that'll just make it easier. The path taken here wasn't terribly twisted, so he imagines he can find his way out easily enough even if he happens to be fighting for his life the whole time. ]

Rex Lapis. [ He begins, and even if the other can't see it, he smiles. ] I've been looking a long time for you.

[fortify]

[ The man at the desk seems to acknowledge the talisman, judging from the slight shift in the direction those eyes wander. It's only for a moment before they are right back on the other.

So, indeed, this is him. The voice only confirms that Childe had indeed decided to see this through rather than change his mind halfway. How unfortunate, he had his phone the entire time waiting to see if a text would indeed arrive from the Harbinger changing his mind in the process. It wouldn't have been the first time such a thing had happened, afterall. He does relatively similar an opportunity for most that make an attempt on his life, albeit never has he offered an alternative to them. Perhaps Childe should be commended for resisting? He wouldn't know, sadly, since it's the first time he himself allowed such a thing. He is glad for the darkness, not to conceal his identity, but to make sure to hide his face in case some ounce of fluster remains from earlier. It wouldn't do to be busy preoccupied with thoughts of another's lips when the same individual is present and would much rather see a bullet through your head.

... That does kill the flutter sensation with a certain amount of morbidity, does it not? No matter. Opportunities are constantly lost, what is one more?

This is a Fatui Harbinger, and it can't be expected that he would turn away so easily. Rex considers how to respond, if at all, before speaking. His voice, of course, will sound familiar, albeit it colder, more neutrally uniform (pleasant, but a little too mechanical unlike the smoothness of honey Zhongli's possessed), devoid of any friendliness, and certainly sharper with even a bit of haughtiness tinging his words. ]

...So you have. Speak quickly, if you must at all, your reasoning for this audience. I am a busy man.

[acutabove]

[ The moment "Rex" speaks, Childe feels his entire body stiffen with the familiarity of it all. Despite the methods he might go to disguise it, there's no mistaking that it's... certainly a timbre he has heard before.

The previous situations flash through his head. Zhongli not flinching when staring down the barrel of a gun. The way such a slim, weak looking slip of a man was held in such high regard to the family. The way the suited men had treated him with respect. The golden hue of his eyes.

Yes, he understood now.

Zhongli was Rex's brother.

... which made it really awkward if they were ever going to hook up, truth be told. Nothing was more romantic than messing around with the guy who killed your brother. ]

Well - first of all, I suppose I should be giving you these.

[ And if he is allowed, he will step closer, the vials and incense held in both hands. ]

[fortify]

[ Polite enough, he supposes. Rex allows him to approach, gloved hands reaching to take the vials and the incense. If nothing else... at least Childe completed the transaction as requested.

He would like to compliment him, even, however... he refrains from doing so and, instead, deliberately turns to one side to set the incense down on his desk as well as two of three vials.

Rex Lapis is still waiting for an answer. ]

[acutabove]

You were probably expecting your brother, so sorry about that, first of all.

[ Childe thinks back to the path he'd taken to get here. He thinks of the double doors, the men standing on either side of them, where they might have been able to hide any potential weapons or the like.

It would be easy to kill Rex Lapis and then make his escape. Easy, he thinks, and yet... ]

I suppose there's no beating around the bush. I'm here to assassinate you, per the orders of Her Majesty the Tsaritsa.

[fortify]

[ Rex Lapis stiffens, but it has nothing to do with the mention of an assassination attempt and everything to do with mention of his brother. Rex snaps his head to look straight at Childe because oh what the ever living— ] —Yes, well, my brother... I daresay we see enough of each other every day.

[ You know... in the mirror. For fuck's sakes, is this her idea of a joke? He's going to send her something vile in return for this. ] If that is what you are here for, then get on with it.

[ he continues to speak, now muttering under his breath further as he goes back to the incense and the vial, although he picks up a different one as he had dropped the first one at such revelations. ]

Yes, perhaps having my brains blown out will be a way to clear my head.

[ Clear it of this handsome but apparently very stupid dense assassin that can't put two and two together— who's the old man here, anyway?! ]

[acutabove]

[ it’s so obvious that they’re brothers. Who reacts to the arrival of an assassin that way??? Childe normally wouldn’t complain, given it meant he could return home faster, but… he expected a little fight. ]

Wh… what do you mean, “get on with it”? Are you underestimating me?

[ He probably thinks he can’t do it. Well, that’s fine, he’ll show him…!

His fingers curl around the hilt of his pistol and he pulls it free, aiming at where he’d seen golden eyes in the shadows. Clearing his throat, he tries again. ]

I’m number eleven of the Fatui Harbingers. A pleasure.

I can only hope that you’ll give me a good fight.

[fortify]

[ Rex Lapis is silent a moment. A good fight? What a strange assassin. He halts in dumping the liquid into the incense, recapping it and setting it down with the others even as he shifts to face the gun and its owner. ] I see.

[ If allowed, Rex will now reach out to gently touch beneath the other's chin assessing curiously despite the gun to his head as if it's not even there. ]

And what is it that you are offering me in return should you lose, boy? Your own desire upon victory is already quite clear.