gacharolls | >> 010

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>> 010 | oh, worm

[ 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.

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[ 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?

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. ]

[ 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...

[ 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?

[ 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. ]

Mm... indeed. However, it would be the same situation reversed, then, would it not? You would not be able to kill me and leave him alive or the same complication would occur. I wonder if you had thought that far ahead? I did you a favor. Now you only need to kill one of us. [ It takes one asshole to know another, but Rex has had a long time to practice. ]

Still, even if you could kill me... it would change nothing. My family will never fall into chaos no matter who you manage to kill.

[ he's not wrong. Rex Lapis having a twin had not been in his notes, which was really testament to how guarded of a secret it was if not even the Fatui intelligence agents hadn't managed to catch wind of Zhongli. the other man even existing had thrown a wrench into his plans and, by all rights he should be glad he wouldn't have to worry about Zhongli popping up afterwards. ]

I'm sure he wouldn't have minded coming with me to Snezhnaya. [ which sounds stupid when he says it aloud, of course the other man would have minded. it wasn't like he could just pack up his things and leave, and how would Childe be able to explain away the fact that he was shacking up with someone who was a lookalike of Rex Lapis? ]

If that's the case, the easiest solution would be to just kill everyone, wouldn't it? It almost sounds like you're challenging me.

[ it sounds stupid, yes, but it seems to catch the family leader off guard. For a moment his eyes widen a bit as well as soften in their disbelief even as he clutches the whale plush a little bit closer. Why would he even say something like that...? It makes no sense why he would put himself in such a predicament for Zhongli.

Of course, he is very glad for Childe speaking further and ultimately switching the focus of their conversation so he can recover and focus his mind elsewhere, as well.

A soft sigh escapes Rex, seeming put out as he closes his eyes a moment. ] I do not understand. You know you cannot defeat me, nevermind kill me, and subsequently will be unable to kill very many others here before I stop you. I am offering you a chance to leave as a free man, and yet you only seem interested in giving reasons for you to be locked up further.

The Tsaritsa will not fault you as a failure, either. She knows well enough Rex Lapis is a title not a name. Someone will always hold it. I still question why she sent you in the first place beyond testing my patience.

Edited 2022-01-06 05:18 (UTC)

[ it's almost offensive, that Rex Lapis suggests he go crawling back to Snezhnaya with the report of a failed mission. there's a reason why he is the youngest in Her Majesty's employ, a reason why his name is well-known in Snezhnaya despite that he's got half the years of many of the most renowned assassins and soldiers in her army.

he does not run, nor does he give up. he completes a mission to the fullest despite how many times he has to throw himself against his objective before it caves. ]

So long as I have a chance to face you in battle, no matter the odds, there will always be a chance for my victory.

[ it's probably that mindset more than anything the reason for his being sent here, halfway across the world to a nation that's much too hot, to face off against a man who's terrifyingly strong. but he's still a man. ]

Even if you let me go, I will fulfill my mission. You will die, even moreso if you refuse to kill me yourself.

... Very well. Shall we go a round now? Let us see what a human of your caliber can do where others have failed.

[ there's no point delaying the start of this insanity if Childe is so hellbent on pursuing it. Rex sets aside the whale plush with care before getting up from his chair to stand. ]

[ as Rex rises to a stand, Childe finds himself hopping back a step or two, stance immediately defensive. mush as it would make sense to gun the man down right here and now, he can't help but wonder how the man would fare in hand-to-hand combat and adopts an appropriate stance. the gun is left where he'd tucked it away and his fists raise to guard his face, leg sweeping behind him as he adjusts his circle of gravity. ]

If you're giving me a fair fight, I won't turn it down. [ emphasis on the "fair" part; he'd like to leave here sober. ]

[ maybe if he didn't want to get drugged and wanted a fair fight he shouldn't go around shooting people in the head when they refuse to engage. Just a thought.

Rex Lapis will step from around his desk completely to face him (although, honestly, it takes a good deal of effort and focus to do so straight. Still, he isn't about to let Childe catch wind of that easily. )

For the moment, Rex doesn't bother to assume a fighting stance, but his eyes are alert and he isn't dismissing the Snezhnayan. ] If you wish for a 'fair' fight, I will do my best to accommodate, but I remind you that you are only human. [ and I am not. ]

[ as the man moves Childe can't help but feel his gaze drawn to the little whale plush left behind. he thinks of how Zhongli's gaze had practically beamed when he'd seen it, and something in his chest clenches with a feeling he can't quite put a name to. ]

You say that as if you yourself aren't. [ but even hearing the words makes him doubt it. there's something different about Rex, something both frightening and beautiful all at the same time. it's a primal, raw hunger, the kind that attracts and terrifies in equal measure, and his feelings towards it are confusing at best. the most he can liken it to is the unwavering respect he has for the Tsaritsa and his innate desire to serve her and help her dream come to fruition. ]

Why don't we sweeten the deal a little? If I win, I'll kill you. If I lose... [ he trails off, prompting the other to chime in. ]

[ Rex stares for a moment at the response given to being human. Honestly, this little boy's mind works to protect him from facing impossible solutions, at least as far as he is concerned. He says nothing, seeing no point to.

Nevertheless, the media boss seems to consider the offer. There are a great many things that could be asked for, but he highly doubts that the other will agree to any of them.

What to ask for then? ]

I believe the only thing worth wagering for is your loyalty, which you will not give. Therefore, I would like a companion for... that. [ he points over to the whale plush. ]

[ in all honesty, he'd expected Rex Lapis to demand his loyalty. if he'd left him alive despite the attempt made on his life, then obviously he'd seen value in Childe's continued existence. there was no other reason why he could think the man would turn a blind eye to it aside from wanting to recruit him to join his own organization, something that was both flattering and offensive in equal measure. flattering because Rex Lapis recognized his strength and power, offensive because how could he think that Childe would switch loyalties so easily?

not that the man had voiced it, but he would have basically suggested it if he'd asked.

the surprise at his request registers easily on Childe's face and for a moment he's just as lost as if Rex had asked him to be a companion to himself instead. his gaze follows where he's pointing to the whale plush and just.. stares at it. then stares at the man, then back to the whale. ]

... are you serious?

Is this also, like asking for your loyalty, unacceptable?

[ he blinks once before turning to look at the whale plush. There's a hint of affection towards it that flickers in his eyes—apparently the head of the family is swayed by cute things. ]

It looks... unhappy by itself. [ It doesn't really have any expression but apparently Rex thinks it does. ] I cannot dote on it all the time. I am quite busy.

[ it's hard to understand what is stranger: his behavior over the plush and his request, or the fact he seems almost overly accommodating to give Childe something agreeable to his senses ... even if his terms of victory are toting murder in them. ]

[ if he didn't think that Rex Lapis was crazy before, this definitely worked to sway his opinion. why would he ask -- why. ]

It's not like it's alive, you know. And - I got that for Zhongli, not you. If you're going to stand there and tell me you don't have thirty thousand mora to shell out for another plushie I'm going to stand here and call you a liar.

[ by extension Zhongli should have had enough to procure the plushie for himself, too, but now that Childe thought about it he had basically spoiled the other man with the gift. he couldn't even think about compensation at this point. ]

What am I even supposed to get it? Another whale? A shark, maybe?

[ so rude. ] I see. I would expect a suitable mate for it, whatever you were to choose.

[ he shakes his head. Childe sure had a lot of complaints for this wager exchange. ] I will reimburse you, then. [ a pause. ] For both.

[ that... makes him feel some kinda way. he'd bought the whale initially for a deal with Zhongli, and while the man hadn't reimbursed him for it he'd grown to think of it as a gift. to get paid for something given sat weird with him. it probably didn't help that he still thought Zhongli was puttering around somewhere, because it wouldn't make sense for a mafia head to kill off his twin - unless he thought that Zhongli might double cross him later on down the line.

but from the little he knew of the other man, the chances of that happening seemed pretty slim.

.... unless he had wanted to run off to Snezhnaya with him, and Rex Lapis had killed him for even suggesting it. ]

... I meant that as a gift for your brother. If you truly want to reimburse me, give me Zhongli instead.

[ What a strange turn of events this is. Rex's expression hardens, perhaps suspiciously.

with good reason, of course, unbeknownst to Childe. ]

It seems you have a great many wants from me, far more than I of you. She must spoil you so.

Now, what do you plan to do if I were to give you "Zhongli?"

Not kill him, for one.

[ is he getting distracted from their supposed fight? perhaps. he's seemingly forgotten that they were negotiating Rex Lapis's prize should he win their bout, and not adding onto Childe's own. ]

Does it matter? If he's mine, he's mine, and you don't have to worry about him anymore.

[ he stares at Childe in silence for what seems like an eternity before closing his eyes a moment to further consider. ]

You have a conflict of interests with your wants. It is impossible to both kill me and have Zhongli. You must choose one.

[ at first he's a little confused, but then it dawns on him that Zhongli probably already has his fate laid out before him. if Rex Lapis died, Zhongli would have to assume his position. keeping it in the family or something.

if Childe took Zhongli back with him to Snezhnaya... then what? he really isn't thinking this through.

all this for some grade-A ass. ]

I knew you were lying to me. [ is what he eventually settles with, with the barest intimation of a smile. ] I won't go home to the Tsaritsa without fulfilling my mission, however. So we're at something of a stalemate.

The rest of the world sees us as one person, not two. It would serve you well to start doing the same.

Then you have chosen. It is of no matter on the stalemate. You may continue to try until you die of old age to fulfill your mission, if you so desire. It makes little difference to me so long as I am not otherwise occupied. Do not get in my way.

Edited (screams) 2022-01-08 05:52 (UTC)

[ but you're not the same person, is what he wants to say. Zhongli was leagues cuter than Rex Lapis, which was surprising given the nature of their relationship. it was the truth, though. ]

Maybe the people in Liyue do, but not in Snezhnaya. And in Snezhnaya I was ordered to kill Rex Lapis, not Zhongli.

[ that's as much an invitation as any, he knows, as well as an insult. he feels a muscle in his jaw clench and his fists curl tighter where they're braced before his face.

the man is slender, but he can see traces of muscles here and there. it would be wise not to underestimate him. ]

Don't worry. I'll make this quick. [ is all he says, and then he lunges, pulling his hand back in a wide, sweeping arc - before suddenly feinting to the side and dropping down, bracing his upper torso against the floor and kicking up. ]

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