GAY AS HELL - who-tf-are-you

Automated Message BOT 7/16/2022 8:28 AM

boo

Considering his luck with roommates, Ajax was fully expecting for his superiors to not even bother to assign him a new one. Approximately a week had passed since the... untimely... death of the last guy he shared a tent with, and his things hadn't even been sent back to his family. He'd received zero word about a new one, and he was just left to sit in a room with a dead man's things. It wasn't all too bad, but it was weird.

His last roommate had to be moved after picking one too many fights with Ajax, which he would absolutely say wasn't /his/ fault -- how was he supposed to know the dude was sensitive about his sword skills, and the one before that had to go home after losing an arm... and before /that/ it had been some homesick recruit that cried every night and then disappeared, and before /that/ one- well, you get the gist.

So, really, he was expecting nothing new.

Which is why when a deep cut on his side during training sent him right back to his tent for his medkit, he was a little more than surprised to see that the entrance looked just a bit different. Footprints that weren't his own hovered in the snow around the camp, and he paused to observe them. Despite the still bleeding wound on his side (yes, he'd pressed an old rag to it to try and quell the bleeding), he approached cautiously, slowly pushing open the entrance and stepping into what should be /his/ tent.

It was pathetically easy to walk into this training camp. No one had even questioned him. He had just walked up to one of the guards and asked where an open room was before being directed over here with a pat to the back. 

Diluc was currently going through the belongings of the recruit he had killed. He knew that because of the photo on the bedside table. Fatui scum. He held no pity to any of them. They all deserved to burn. 

He paused as the tent flap opened and he glanced over at whoever it was.

So. I suppose you're my tentmate? Pleasure to meet you.

He shoved down a wince as he pressed the rag a little more harshly into his side, buying himself just a little more time as his eyes scanned over the guy in front of him. He'd never seen him before, not that that was surprising -- he didn't know half of the people in the Fatui, but what caught his eye was the fact that this new guy seemed to be going through his old roommate's stuff.

His own side of the tent was pretty bare. He didn't keep many personal things in here. He kept his work and his home life separate. He didn't want to drag his family into this too.

He stayed at the entrance, cautiously scanning over the guy in here. Had he missed a memo? No... He'd figure it out. ...Yeah. Name?

He kept his voice curt, stepping into the tent and going over to his things, gritting his teeth together to keep any pain down.

So he was injured? If they had met outside the camp, diluc would be trying to kill him right now. Red. And you? Do you need some help. I'm quite efficient in medical training. I could patch you up.

His own tone was polite but stiff. One you'd use to talk to a colleague you weren't exactly close too. 

Regardless if Diluc was gonna be staying out here for a while. It be best to get along with this one. Until he had gathered the intel he wanted of course

Walking over to his little cot, he sat down, tugging his legs up onto the bed and sitting cross legged as he used his free hand to dig through a little bag to pull out a medkit. He set that aside, reaching behind his head to tug off his shirt and let the rag fall to the side as well.

Nope. Touch me, and you die~ Recruit Eleven oh-one twenty-four. His /actual/ name was reserved for those he was closer to. He didn't trust this guy at all.

He grabbed something out of the kit, wiping down the rather deep cut on his side and trying to get rid of at least some of the blood before he grabbed something else, putting the needle between his teeth to hold it as he looked for thread.

That's rather dramatic.

He commented dryly as he sat down on his newly acquired cot. Eyeing the guy before shrugging and laying down. Holding back at scoff at the the so called name

What a mouthful. I think I'll just call you Childe instead.

the Pyro delusion he carried burned against his skin. Always just a bit too hot to be the same comfortable warmth of the vision he abandoned

He glanced up, shooting him a confused look at the nickname. Childe? He scoffed, rolling his eyes and going back to his little box.

I'm not a fuckin' kid, you know. Like 'Red' is any better of a name.

He threaded the needle, shoving a little bit of bandage into his mouth to bite down /hard/ on as he started to roughly stitch up the wound.

His own vision was hidden in his pocket, so as far as anyone was concerned, he looked like some shitty little recruit who'd just been given his sword. He spit out the bandages as he finished up, wiping up any excess blood and putting some more bandaging and gauze over top.

When'd you get here? They didn't clear out the old dude's stuff.

Sure. If you say so

He was tempted to lay down and just go to sleep. It had been a long journey. Not that this place felt safe or familiar enough to sleep in. 

He'd have to just suck it up

Just arrived a free hours ago. I guess this was the only one with an opening so they sent me here.

He tugged his shirt back on, haphazardly shoving everything else back into a little bag before it was pushed back behind his bed. It didn't need to be neat, he just needed to have it around.

Uh huh... There had to be other openings. Right? He cautiously scanned over him, sizing him up. So they've shown you around? Good. Flop! Back on his cot he goes, hands behind his head. Same as any other camp on scheduling too~

They did. So don't worry, no ones expecting you to play host.

they had been a little too eager showing him around. Excited for his opinion on things. So having a delusion was a big deal. Which begged the question of... how did his father end up with one?

I guess. This camps a bit on the smaller side. I suppose from the harsh weather conditions.

mm- is it? thought it was one of the bigger ones~

He's playing dumb, just a bit. He wanted to see the reaction he got, just to see what he knew. Most of the camps in Snezhnaya tended to be smaller, but that was because they had the people and could afford to spread them around a bit.

Weather's nicer than some parts of the region, so I don't mind it. Good break. Well, that one was true.

Well. It's not. You should see the ones in liyue... they're planning on opening a bank over there. It's gonna be... something to keep an eye on. every year the fatui just got more and more influence on other nations. It was disgusting. I wouldn't know. The cold doenst effect me. So it all feels the same to me

He closed his eyes. Well, kinda. He closed them lightly, focusing as much as he could on listening to him as he moved around.

hm. really? His tone was pretty flat. So it seemed like he knew a good amount. Not a super new recruit, sure, but why was he here? Shame, really. Must suck~ The snow's always nice. When do they shove you into training drills?

I don't have to attend. I'm just here to observe for awhile. he laid back against his own bed. Staring up at the ceiling. His stupid mask still on his face. Wonderful How new are you anyway. Still fresh since you just give out your number and not any sort of codename.

Observe, huh? That meant he was either really high up oooor... really new. He seemed to be the former, but he could never be sure.

Two years. Just don't give my actual name out to anyone. Don't really get an official codename until I rise in ranks, aaand I don't see the point in making one up~

Two years huh... well you have one now. I think Childe works just fine.

he hoped the guy got stuck with that name. Diluc was petty enough to bring it up to an officer to make sure it became official somehow

How old are you. You look too young to be here. But its hard to tell with the mask. Recruits just keep getting younger and younger

Don't think that matters all too much.

He shrugged it off, more than willing to just avoid the question. This guy had no real reason to know, did he? They were tentmates. He didn't have to do more than get along with him.

What about you, if you're so keen on asking~?

Old enough to kill.

He'd take that as this guy being on the younger side. Why else wouldn't he say? Younger than 18 he bet. Figures they wouldn't be against child soliders.

Thats all that matters in the end doesn't it. So how'd you get injured

And so they were likely similar enough. He almost wondered who'd break first. Still, he had to give information to get it so... maybe he'd break on purpose.

Nosey, aren't ya~? Tell you what. Answer my question first, and I'll answer yours. An eye for an eye. Who sent you here to observe? And what are you observing? He kept his eyes closed, looking plenty relaxed.

Can't tell you the first one. Nice try though. Also Can't really tell you the second one. Why don't you try getting promoted and maybe I'll let you know. or never considering the answers were himself and to learn fatui tactics. I'm not here for anything good. Thats all I can say

Can't blame a guy for trying~ Tch. Give trust to get trust, he supposed. He shifted in his cot, peeking out a bit to look over at him. Nothing good sounds like the Fatui motto~ I'm 16, if you care any about that still.

16 huh... Diluc almost felt bad for the guy. Way too young to be here If you have to know. I'm 18. Looks like we both are pretty damned in the end. How lovely

That's about the usual for new recruits~ Most of this camp iiis twenty? Somewhere around there.

So naturally, he was the odd one out. He'd grown used to it, given that he joined when he was only fourteen,  but it was still pretty isolating.

Some of the other camps have just new recruits, this one's for those who've been here longer, obviously.

So why did you join at 14. What event occurred that allowed you to join so young. Not that dilucs age made it seem much better. Since he came off as high ranking. Maybe thats why they paired us together. Keeping the youngest in the same place.

Oh, just how most people join~ Needed some cash, lied about my age. Now they can't get rid of me.

An easy lie, and he didn't care if it was blatantly false. This guy was a hypocrite. He seemed to have joined just as young. Not that Ajax was /low/ ranking, but they were hesitant to put a 16 year old in power.

At 14? sure. if you say so. Its fine you're entitled to your own secrets. Im not here for you anyway.

He rolled over so his back was facing him. He could probably ask for this kids file and it be given to him without question

The implication that the files are well kept or totally accurate is funny. uh-huh~ observation, you said?

He takes off his mask, setting it aside as he settles into bed. Luckily, evening training should wrap up soon anyway, so he could get some rest.

what? someone in the camp getting promoted or some shit~?

Maybe. I guess you'll have to wait and find out. Won't you?

As if diluc had any kind of plans. He'd have to make someone up. Someone getting promoted sounded good. Even though the real reason he was here was to learn everything he could about the camp system

He shrugged, letting his breathing even out and slow down. He didn't want to fall asleep yet, but with his injury and everything going on, he feared it may happen before he felt totally safe here.

sure, whatever. you're not training, but i'll be up right at dawn. if i wake you up, oh well~

Thats no issue. I'm generally awake by then anyway.

he quietly rolled over to look at the guy. His mask was off... he looked so awfully young. The fatui really were monsters if they thought this was okay

he laughed, shaking his head. yeah. he'd have to try harder to bother this guy. oh well, he'd find some way course you are, red~ sleep well. not that he meant it, but he was already drifting off and he was exhausted anyway, soo. gnight!!

Right. Sleep well then childe. Diluc didn't feel like sleeping. But he also didn't want to leave the tent and deal with others. So sleep it was then

snz! he's pretty still in his sleep, and his breathing is surprisingly quiet. he doesn't move, or really make a sound, having trained himself for years. he wakes up right when he said he would, rubbing the sleep from his eyes as he slowly moves to stand up.

Diluc is already awake and outside of the tent, messing with his clothes. It looks like one of the officers is talking to him about something but he doesn't seem to interested in whatever it is

Wonderful. Mask, clothes, new bandages -- /fuck/ that hurt. Maybe he shouldn't have picked a fight with someone bigger than him. He let out a low groan, nearly falling against the bed. He leaned against it, taking a few slow deep breaths to steady himself.

walk it off, 's what 'm supposed to do.. walk it off.

Hearing movement from inside. He dismisses the officer to peek inside the tent, looking over at Childe.Awake? I hope your injury isn't going to get in the way of todays training

His gaze flickers up quickly, and as soon as eyes are on him he straightens up, swallowing down any lingering pain. He offered the guy a cocky grin, shrugging as he stepped out.

nah~ healed up juust fine. i'll be good- He would not be, but he'd deal with it. He gave him a mock salute, starting to walk off.

Good. Id hate too see you make a bad impression right as reports are beginning.

he eyed the boy warily. Glancing at the clip board he'd been given. What the fuck was he supposed to do with this. He didn't know anything about the training sessions. God. If this wasn't such a good cover he'd just destroy this camp and move to a different one

As soon as he was out of sight, he let that grin slip down into a scowl. This wound was already causing him grief, and he knew that the longer he dealt with it the more annoying it'd get. He forced himself to suck it up, not wanting yo appear weak. Off to training shit he goes!

Acting like he knew what he was doing was what did best. So he headed down to the training grounds as well. Might as well make use of Childe. The officer this morning seemed to think Diluc was here for him anyway.

Despite the injury, Childe seemed to be doing rather well. It was certainly a step down from how he normally trained, and he was sure that those around him could *tell*, but he still bested just about everyone he was put up against. When he finally got a break, he went off to the side, sitting on the ground and hissing as he pressed a hand to his side. Fresh blood seemed to be coming from the wound, and he knew the stitches had probably torn throughout training.

he approached Childe and eyed the blood warily. This place was too harsh. They wouldn't care if he was hurt. Would they. you need to get better at stitching. I can burn it shut. So you don't bleed all over the place

Childe clenched his teeth together, shooting a glare at the voice. He did pause once he realized that it was just Red. He let out a hissed breath through his teeth, nodding quickly.

my stitching is fine. just went a little too hard on it.

he yanked up his shirt, unwinding the bandages and tossing them aside. the wound looked.. bad to say the least. most of the stitches had held! but the ones that didnt showed a deep deep cut.

cauterize it. do it. i've gotta go right back into another spar soon.

He had not expected him to actually agree to something like that. The wound looked... burning it probably wasn't the best idea. But it was better than showing any sign of weakness.

Pausing he took his glove off. Pressing his plam against his skin so at least it wouldn't look like hand print. His delusion flared up and his hand ran hot. Childes skin burned under his touch and he was quick to pull his hand away as soon as possible

I admire your dedication.

Ajax bit the inside of his cheek to keep himself quiet, and he hissed as he tasted iron. As soon as the hand pulled away, he yanked his shirt down and pushed himself to his feet. He could deal with the pain of that later. It was easier than blood.

's what i gotta do to prove my worth~ hard when you're the youngest around.

He gave him a mock salute with two fingers and a cocky grin, diving right back into sparring with... seemingly no weapon, vision still hidden.

Maybe a tad concerned for the wellbeing of this teenaged solider, Diluc kept a keen eye on him. That had to be painful and yet he was going right back to training? Had he not already proven his worth enough as is?

As expected, someone was already waiting for him, sword in hand. No fear, he dove in for the first strike, reaching behind him. A shortsword seemed to grow from his palm, fitting perfectly in his hand, sharp edged hydro sliced forward catching his opponents hip and causing him to stumble back. From there it was pretty typical. The sword seemed to waver towards the end of the match, but one final strike had the other recruit tapping out and he let the hydro dissolve back into the air as he stood, breathing heavily. He glanced around, waiting for anyone else to step forward.

an officer was looking at him. Likely trying to gauge his reactions to that display. Weapons made completely out of water.. a hydro vision then? Fascinating. Handing off the clipboard. He in fact stepped forward. Adjusting the straps on his gloves. He unhooked his claymore and it burst into flames.

lets see if being hydro gives you any sort of advantage. Ey Childe?

Oh. A vision... delusion holder. Huh. Those were much more rare in the fatui, as many recruits didn't get them until they were a high enough rank. Really, his vision singled him out here. He was already out of breath, but forced himself to shove that down. He darted off to the side, grabbing his proper sword. He tossed it in the air, snatching it right by the handle again as he faced Diluc, He rolled his head, cracking his neck a bit. His sword came up, poised to defend, the metal rippling with his vision.

i won't back down from a good fight, Red~ do your worst. yeah he's. gonna go for the first hit. immediately trying to disarm him and catch him off guard.

The clash of elements made a sillzing sound as Diluc blocked his attack only using one hand to hold his claymore. He made a move to try and kick childes legs out from underneath him before swinging his weapon at Childe

I always do. Its impressive that you fight so well even when injuried.

 the block was expected, but he was nearly caught off guard by the kick. he managed to avoid that, taking a few steps out of range. he just Barely missed with the claymore, and he made a note to keep a closer eye on it. he was light on his feet, using his frame to his advantage. he was quick to dart around him, trying to catch him off guard from behind and get his sword to his neck. he was supposedly faster with the sword than the claymore. sooo, we'll see.

glad you think so~ only way to rise above here, you know.

He allowed Childe to move in close before jamming up the handle of his claymore to knock painfully against the arm holding the sword. black chains burst out from his delusion and wrapped around the sword, melting into the metal

Do you really think you have what it takes?

Childe let out a hiss of pain as the handle jams against his forearm. The sword tumbles from his grip, but soon enough he tries to get right back to it. He doesn't have the energy for a full sword, but does manage a dagger, trying to yank his arm back to slice at anything within reach. Best case? His wrist with the claymore.

'course I do~ 'm not some kid.

Diluc barely manages to move away in time to dodge it. He lets the flames on his claymore die down to try and strike at him with the blunt side. Hoping to knock him down.

Never said you were. Certainly don't fight like one

Unluckily for him, with his injury, he barely manages to raise the hydro blade to block it, the weapon bursting and sinking away as he's knocked off his feet. He winces, quick to push himself back up despite the pain. Too many fights today. No way in hell could he win this. He had no weapon, so he'd just be playing cat and mouse for now.

glad you can see that~

striking fast with a claymore was difficult so he switched to his chains. If he could get them wrapped around him, making sure they weren't burning hot of course. He could forcibly keep him down

I can see that and more. You should surrender.

Childe tried to get out of the way of the chains as they came after him, but one found its way around his dominant wrist. He tried to yank out of its grip, shaking his head. His non dominant hand curled into an odd fist, and he tried to summon a weapon. It was a little wavery, but he managed an oddly shaped knife, and tried to use the leverage of the chain to pull himself closer and slash at him.

i don't surrender. knock me out, or force me out of the ring yourself~

So be it.

oh he got pulled closer alright. Diluc grabbed his wrist before the knife could touch him. Picking Childe up by his shirt, he threw him as far as he could manage. He needed him awake so knocking him out wasn't an option

nice try~

he winced as he hit the ground, a soft hiss leaving him. ugh. that'd bruise for sure in the morning. he'd gone pretty far! but he wasn't totally out of the ring. he was quick back on his feet. first weapon that came to his mind -- a bow -- materialized in his hand. screw it. the bow itself dissolved, and he was left with an arrow made of water in his hand. he tossed it, making an effort to distract him as he tried to get closer again, taking a few steps back in.

What a pain in his ass. Alright. He caught the arrow and it fizzled out in his hand. He did a round house kick straight towards Childe chest. So annoyingly stubborn

well, it seemed getting closer was his mistake. the breath was knocked out of him as his boot hit his chest, and he managed to catch himself on his knees, one hand coming up to his chest to try and catch his breath. he sucked in a sharp breath, glaring up at him. he still wasn't going to give in.  another quick weapon, a throwing knife, launched at Red to give himself some time as he made his way back to his feet. he was growing more tired by the second, and he *knew* he could pull out his abyssal stuff, but he wasn't sure he wanted to... not yet.

he batted it away with a chain I truly admire your dedication. You'll make a good leader one day, Childe. But learning when to surrender and regroup with a new plan is also important.

he had been trying to avoid seriously hurting him. Only because he would have to the one sharing a tent with him later and added tension was not needed.

Lowering the head on his chain, the reached to wrap themselves around childe, subtly avoiding the burn he had left on there earlier. It wasn't a kindness. Okay it was, just because Diluc knew actually were the wound was didn't mean everyone else needed to know too. But he'd plop his ass out of the circle if he needed too

he was still trying to catch himself, and he blinked away the black spots dancing in his vision. alright. who had even /let/ this guy spar him? something about it felt unfair, but hey, it was the Fatui.

yeah, yeah. good thing this is just training. i know when to give up.

he tried to swat the chains away from him, shooting Diluc a glare aaaand maybe another arrow towards the shoulder, he was just hoping to catch him off guard.

Really?

the arrow fizzles out before it touches him. He rolled his eyes. He had wanted to talk to childe after this. But clearly that was gonna have to wait. He threw his claymore at him as a distraction before dashing forward to punch his stupid lights out. He deserved it at this point

well it worked! he managed to evade the claymore (luckily) but the punch was something he hadn't expected. his vision faltered and he stumbled a bit, knees giving out as he collapsed. really, being knocked out was the best option. if Red /hadn't/ knocked him out, the other officers would likely put him into yet another sparring match. one of the other recruits came to pull Childe out of the ring, half propping him up against a chair.

finally. He felt bad but it was for the best. Picking up his claymore, he put it away before fixing his gloves and walking back over to one of the officers. They ever so kindly handed him his clipboard back and started muttering excitedly to him. Apparently Childe was someone alot of people had their eyes on. Archons help him. Was he really going to be responsible for promoting a 16 year old in the fatui?? What a joke. His apologies to Childe. Pretending to need time to access what he saw, he excused himself to head back to his tent

Childe didn't come to for a good bit, and when he did? he was somewhere between pissed off and annoyed. he groaned, rubbing his cheek and feeling the growing bruise on there. that coupled with his other injuries would be a little more than annoying. it seemed that they were slowly being allowed to filter out for a break, and he jumped on the opportunity. he was caught by one of the guards before he could get up, and told that because of his injuries he could take the rest of the day off if he felt like it. he said he'd think about it before he pushed himself to his feet, holding his head, before he turned and headed back to the tent.

he slipped in, groaning as he collapsed back on his cot. he was exhausted and bruised up from everything today, and sleep honestly felt like the best option. still, he kept himself together.

good one out there, Red~

Sitting quietly on his cot, he was scribbling down anything that came to mind just so he could avoid going back out there

Thank you. The fight was hardly fair. We can spar again once you are injured and not already tired out. Your vision will be useful to test out my own weaknessess.

he adjusted himself, biting back a wince. he swore that wound would have reopened right away had it not been burnt shut. he tugged up his shirt a bit, lips twisting into a scowl as he traced a finger over the injuries.

yeah, yeah. you did a number on me. mind if i steal your pyro for another cut?

Another one? Do you not have a medic on hand? Hydro is good for healing as well. still if this guy wanted to be burned. So be it. He got off his cot and walked over to Childe

he dropped his shirt, reaching up to tug it off from the back of his neck. he turned, showcasing a nasty slash on his shoulder blade.

it's clean. medic keeps a log of medical assistance for the higher ups. we're encouraged to patch ourselves up cause we 'won't always have a medic in the field'. i don't heal. salt water, not freshwater

Of course you don't. Do not get used to this, I am not going to encourage such self punishment. he takes his glove off for this, trailing a finger against the cut, the smell of burnt flesh was as unpleasant as ever

well, now that they were alone he actually reacted. he let out a low hiss of pain, forcing himself to shut up by biting the inside of his cheek again.

gross- thanks. he slumped a bit, elbows on his knees and head in his hands as he pulled himself together. didn't need that shit opening up during training tomorrow. ooor this evening.

he was quick to pull away and put his glove back on. Did the fatui enjoying pushing themselves to death or was this man just an idiot? It was feeling like the former

You should rest. A human body can only be pushed so far. In the end its up to you. Just don't whine in here later if you end up wounded once more

forcing himself to sit back up, he laced his fingers together, stretching out his arms and cracking his elbows. uh huh. maybe~ he rolled his shoulders back, letting himself flop right back into his wrinkled sheets, hands lacing behind his head. technically, 've got the rest of the day off, but 'm hopin' to go to a better camp, so i've been takin' every opportunity to show off. can't stay a shitty little foot soldier forever~

Really? So your goal is to work yourself into an early grave to get promoted? Someone's a genius. he scoffed and moved over to his side of the tent I'm sure you can move up even if you rest for one day

The Fatui don't take well to slacking off, you know~ He hummed, closing his eyes (mostly) and letting himself relax a little bit. If I slack off, they chalk it up to my age and I don't get promoted. Easy enough, right? I have to prove myself every minute of every day because I'm young.

Great you can prove yourself in the grave next. As that is where you're heading. whatever he didnt care. Fatui was fauti. One working itself to death hardly mattered to him

I avoided it earlier, but I'm sixteen, Red. He hummed, shrugging. If I don't prove it, I get shoved to the bottom~

Really now? And how old do you think I am.

18~ You said as much.

See. You are just looking for reasons to die. Maybe you hate yourself

Do I? I adore myself. Why wouldn't I? I'm the most talented person on this goddamn camp.

he lets out a scoff. Sure. he sits down on his bed Rest.

Yeah, yeah.

He relaxes a little further into his pillows, closing his eyes. Thank every Archon that exists that he was a light sleeper.

Night, Red~

Night

Maybe because the guy is young that diluc actually stays in the tent reading to ensure no one comes to bother him while he recovers

Childe drifts off easily enough, properly waking up late into the evening, just before dinner. He looked confused and dazed, rubbing his eyes.

Hm... How long did I sleep...?

Five hours or so. he flips through his notes. He had heard people come close to the tent but no one had dared come inside You should go eat. You'll recover faster