♛ A knife in my heart couldn't slow me down ♛

[devouringdeep]

Who: Childe (and the rest of you wildlings)
When: All of October
What: An open Catch-all for the Bastard (bc I feel he's gonna need it this month)
Warnings: Mild self harm (as in, "exclusively just to trigger the dimension shift" kind of mild), brief mentions of gore, suicide mention

Comments

10/10 | 10PM | Crimes with Jason

[devouringdeep]

[The idea of going home had increasingly instilled itself at the forefront of his mind, his impatience and excitement only growing the closer the eleventh got. It had gotten to the point where now - mere hours away - Childe couldn't sleep. He'd even tried to go to bed early, though after roughly an hour of nonstop tossing and turning he'd decided that there would be no powering through. He might as well get up and get out, so that at the very least he wouldn't continue to disturb Yuzu.

A night walk would help. A night run would be even better. There was no better cure for nerves than sore muscles, after all.

He had just stepped outside the dorms, hands in his pockets as he let his eyes drift upwards to watch the sky. It was only his upwards gaze that caused him to spot a shape on the roof, which in turn caused him to simply freeze and stare. Eyes narrowed, weighing his options.

He should probably go investigate, unfortunately. He wouldn't want to be incriminated in something he hadn't done just because he had ended up a witness, especially not after the appearance of nine bodies just days prior. Childe sighed, Vision on his hip glowing faintly as he called upon its power. Moments later, his form morphed into a condensed ball of water, which then proceeded to defy gravity and arc upwards into the air.

Boots touched down on the roof several yards away from the figure he'd seen from down below, solid once again as a flash of recognition flooded through him. One that came equipped with an amused smirk.]

Oh. Sorry, am I intruding on some mandated brooding time?

[redoutlaw]

[Jason had taken a shine to sitting on the rooftop when he needed to think or just when he wanted to be alone. He could pretty much fool himself into thinking that he was still in Gotham like this. This place was weird enough to be In Gotham to be fair, and while the silence definitely broke the illusion it was still Fine.

Why would anyone even want to be back in Gotham? Of all places to want to go back to?

What he hadn’t expected was Childe to materialize out of thin air — or, better said, a ball of water. He raised a brow, looking him over before snorting.]

Nah, I’m actually five minutes over.

[devouringdeep]

[The reply earned a roll of his eyes, and Childe was moving closer to cross the distance and sit beside Jason. Still enough room to react if an attack came his way, as he wasn’t exactly all that trusting of the guy just yet, but enough that they would be able to have a comfortable conversation without having to shout across the roof at each other.]

I’d be careful if I were you. It’s the little things like that they get you for breaking regs over. [His head turns to watch the darkened landscape below, drumming his fingers against the rooftop. Clearly agitated and worked up, although it’s entirely still over the trip to Morepesok and has nothing to do with Jason’s presence.] How’ve things been treatin’ ya, Stripes? Starting to get the hang of things?

[redoutlaw]

I was never one to follow the rules.

[Lair, you were a straight A student once upon a time, theatre boy.]

More or less. Been getting to know some people, and my way around this place. Noah mentioned something about a Void, so I’ve been curious about that.

[Jason propped his knee up so he could rest his arm and head on it. He watched Childe for a couple of seconds, taking in just how wound up he was.]

What’s got you wound up so tight?

[devouringdeep]

Me neither.

[Also a lie. He used to be a very good and obedient child before the Abyss.

He visibly perks up a bit at the mention of both Noah and the Void, and would have fixated on that talking point if Jason hadn’t turned the conversation focus onto him. Childe glances sideways at the other man through the corners of his eyes, fingers pausing for just a moment before they resume their drumming. His mouth twitches upwards in amusement, and he’s letting out a soft hum.]

That obvious, mm? [He lets out a chuckle, one that’s quiet enough to be barely more than a breath.] Exchange program happens tomorrow. Which means that for the next foreseeable future I get to be home again. Mostly it’s just anticipation.

10/11 | Early Morning | Noah Lovemail

[devouringdeep]

[It's early in the morning and before classes have even begun that Childe makes his way over to Noah's locker. It's a familiar journey, considering that the two have relatively close-ish ones. He's dressed out of the usual uniform, red scarf and gray outfit to signify that he is not in fact planning on going to his own homeroom.

Today's the big day, after all.

He raps his knuckles on the closed locker beside Noah's own, hoping to possibly jumpscare the boy simply because he thinks it would be funny. He's got a construction paper wrapped object tucked neatly against his side with the inside of his right wrist, a bright smile on his face.]

Mornin', kiddo. How'd you sleep? [He himself looks a bit tired. In all fairness, he didn't sleep at all the night prior.]

NOT HIS LOVEMAIL

[silentabyss]

[Noah's in his uniform because he's trying to go to class lately even though it fucking sucks and he'd rather not and he kinda wants to die, but anyway, that's not the point. People disappearing on the exchange are getting quizzes when they get back.

As for the jumpscare, it doesn't work, and among other things Noah looks exhausted. Probably because—]

I didn't.

[This is the boy who walks himself to the point of exhaustion to force himself to collapse so that he can sleep dreamlessly, after all. It's hard to walk yourself to the point of exhaustion when a certain Nene won't let you. Mostly Noah just stays up all night staring at the ceiling.]

HE DESERVES IT OK

[devouringdeep]

[The response gives him pause, and he tilts his head a bit to the side as he regards Noah before he's reaching out to give the boy a signature hair ruffle. Not too violently, as he doesn't want to permanently fuck up any styling Noah has done to it. Which is probably not very much, but still.]

Me neither. How you holdin' up?

[silentabyss]

[There's no styling, because Noah has never heard of a hairbrush in his life, and normally his hair — which is getting a little too long on account of he hasn't cut it in several months — gets put up in a half-ponytail at the back of his head to keep it out of the way, but that's not the case today. Unless Childe is assuming that the black tips and roots are styling, which he might be, because it's not like Noah goes out of the way to broach the topic of "hey what's up my hair is changing colours, again".]

...I'm fine, I guess. I don't sleep just in general. [Time to play hot potato with his problems!] What about you? You leave today, right? Are you... are you nervous?

[devouringdeep]

[There's a slight upward quirk of his brow, but he lets Noah brush things off without calling him out on it. Mostly because he's made the mental note to ask about herbal sleep aide recipes while back in Morepesok. It wouldn't be too hard to memorize, surely, and he can broach the topic with Nene on his return to ask if she might be able to grow the necessary ingredients in her gardens.

They're teaming up on you, Noah. Watch out.]

Oh, a bit. Restless, mostly. I'm looking forward to seeing the little ones again, and perhaps getting some work done. [He leaves out the tidbit that "work" would probably mean whipping the troops of Liyue back into shape, time allowing. Or carrying out the Tsaritsa's decrees. He brightens, straightening up a bit and untucking the paper wrapping from under his arm and holding it out for Noah to take.]

I also wanted to give this to you before I left, just in case you miss me while I'm gone. [He's coated it in like a metric ton of scotch tape, folded up to mostly resemble one of those bubble envelope things. It's about 12"x8", thick, lumpy, and a bit heavy. It's also blue.]

10/18 | All Day | Open

[devouringdeep]

[The first school day after the return from the exchange program, Childe is noticeably absent from his classes. It's apparent that he's arrived back to Yogen, as his bunk has been clearly slept in from the night prior, and the observant may have seen him around the grounds a few times since. He's not actively going about hiding himself, or being secretive.

He's simply skipped school.

Those that go looking for him would have a relatively simple time discovering where he's holed up; early morning hours find him seated in the pool house, where he remains until the afternoon. Sleeves rolled up to his elbows, notably wearing his own personal gray attire as opposed to the usual Yogen uniform. The usual bandages he utilizes to hide his tallies are gone for the moment, although he's got his arms folded across his lap in such a way that the marks are not easily visible, regardless. His legs dangle over the rim of the pool, occasionally splashing water droplets up onto the concrete when he gives them a few lazy kicks. Seated on the deep end, peering past his knees into the bottomless maw below.

Noon finds him over by the track field, laying on his back in the spongy grass beyond the track itself. Bandages securely wrapped around his forearm once more, his arms are tucked beneath his head as he lets his eyes drift across the clouds above. His posture could be mistaken as relaxed from afar, though drawing closer reveals the impassivity on his face, and the hardness in his eyes.

Clearly pensive. But not at all serene.

Later still, if one is still searching for him around sunset, he has parked himself up on the roof, where he will remain until midnight strikes and drives him back into the dorms. In his hand he has one of his hydro constructs, shaped into dagger form. He flips it almost compulsively between his palms, spinning and tossing it back and forth. Occasionally, it disperses into a light sprinkle of mist, only to be re-summoned mere minutes later so that he can continue to fidget with it.]

i want him AT SUNSET

[commences]

( the rooftop is no longer a secret place, ever since they gained access, anyone has been able to meander their way up to the very top. it has all sorts of uses though, but today, komaeda's curious on whether if he takes one jump will it be his final one — he can only do this alone, there's too many people that... watch after him, and he's always been the type to test his luck. death has betrayed him far too many times, and it's a plan that he has seated in the back of his mind until the moment he comes up top to see a familiar person in his midst. )

Chakkun! Is this where you've been hiding for... a week or two? Maybe three...

( he doesn't know, he hasn't kept count, but despite them not being as close, komaeda speaks as if they've been the best of friends ever since the meeting and game of hangman. part of him wonders if he should keep a game on hand for someone so competitive, but something comes to mind as he walks closer. )

I was starting to think you were avoiding taking me out to dinner.

( his eyes fall upon the dagger that disappears, and reappears, eyes blinking with interest. )

the romantic atmosphere of sunset... iconic

[devouringdeep]

[He doesn't outwardly respond right away, tilting his head just a bit to acknowledge Komaeda's presence. Childe holds the dagger up, turning it over to inspect the edge, and then lets it rain away once more.]

I'd never avoid you, Kochan. [While not exactly deadpan or monotone, his voice is detached enough to be notable, like he's not quite bothered to put that veneer of charm back on just yet. He turns then, just enough to shoot the other a glance over his shoulder.] Not intentionally, at least. I only returned yesterday, so I'm still... Getting my bearings.

two bros chillin on the rooftop five ft apart bc theyre not g

[commences]

You must have left on the exchange, hm... everyone seems a little disheartened every since coming back.

( komaeda crosses his legs as he sits down on the edge of the rooftop so that his legs dangle, and he looks down at the top wondering what the splat would sound like. too bad all he hears is their voices. he has to listen considering the other's voice is off, and that's all komaeda has to go off is his observation of how to read people. )

Crona-san told me how horrible it was for them, especially with a just as pathetic companion... what is it for you, did you take along someone unbearable?

( he settles his hands in his lap, looking towards the other curiously now since the blade is gone. )

you cant sit directly beside your future bdsm dom w/o askin anyway its illegal or smthn

[devouringdeep]

[There's the slightest hint of a smile that plays across his lips, and he's humming out a no in response.]

Didn't take anyone along, actually. Just me on my lonesome.

[Probably a good thing, if he was being honest. He's got such a good reputation here in Yogen so far, and he would have hated to ruin it by involving a witness. Resting his chin on his closed fist, idly watches Komaeda out of the corner of his eyes.] You didn't sign up? I'd have thought that you would have enjoyed some time away to enjoy a change of scenery. [The dagger is slowly reforming in his palm once more, mostly so he can properly watch Komaeda's reaction this time.]

[mermaidcursed]

( nene doesn't go near the track- not deliberately, anyways. but childe is over there and he hasn't been seen in some time now, even with the exchange program. if it wasn't nene, maybe his posture would fool an onlooker- but it's her, so it doesn't.

one thing this school's done for her is really hone her emotional insight, truly.

so, uneasy, and carrying a bottle from the vending machine, nene tiptaps across the track to the grassy center, and stands over childe for a moment, blinking those red doe-eyes at him slowly... before pressing the bottom of the bottle of juice against his forehead, as a childish distraction. he can't get caught up in his thoughts if he's being pestered now, can he? )

[devouringdeep]

[He hadn't expected to have company around now, especially not when the others gave the track field such a wide berth. The moment Nene's face obscures his view of the sky, a look of genuine surprise flashes across his eyes. Blinking up at her, brow arching just the slightest bit as he watches the bottle slowly descend upon him.

He stays perfectly still, not wanting to knock it over, or anything of the sort. It's almost enough to crack a smile out of him, though not quite.]

Hi.

[mermaidcursed]

Hi. ... You seem... ( a lot of things. ) Tired. ... I take it the exchange wasn't great for you, either?

( nene leaves the bottle there, but she thinks it'll probably slide off to the side eventually. instead, she sits down beside him and tucks her arms under her legs. )

[devouringdeep]

[His eyes cross a bit to carefully consider the juice now seemingly permanent upon his brow, remaining as carefully still as he possibly can. He clocks it as a challenge of some sort, one he intends on winning. Which means remaining a table for as long as he is still able to do so.]

Either, huh? I take it a lot of people returned unsatisfied then?

hyung.......

[silentabyss]

[Noah appears on the roof that evening, just happening across Childe while he's poking around as he normally does. And, because Noah has been waiting for Childe to get back quite eagerly, the tippy tap of running feet can be heard long before Noah comes to rest at Childe's side.]

Welcome back. Did you get to celebrate Krsnik Noc?

[Noah knows that it's a summer solstice thing, he was told that, and assuming time lines up appropriately, there's no way that would've happened... so if Childe says yes Noah will know to beat the doppelganger to death.

Anyway, perhaps more pressing,]

...is that a water dagger?

he's coping I swear

[devouringdeep]

[The pitter-patter of running Noahs causes him to stiffen up just a bit, although once he registers who it is his posture relaxes once more. Childe tears his eyes away from the grounds below, turning slowly to regard the boy.

He'd smile if he felt capable. As it stands, nothing comes of the attempt.]

Didn't quite stay long enough to participate, no. [He registers the inquiry as an attempt on Noah's part to confirm his identity, so after a moment's pause he adds more onto the end of the statement.] I didn't spend much of my time in Morepesok, so even if I had been there long enough I doubt that I would have been able to, anyway.

[The dagger is tossed up high, rotating a few times in midair before he's catching it again.]

Sure is.

is he????

[silentabyss]

[Childe is clear. Listen, when you disappear for a week, Noah has to double-check. Anything can happen in a week. Fuck it, anything can happen in a day around here.

If Childe is upset, distracted, or otherwise, Noah doesn't seem to register it, too distracted is he by the tricks. There's also the small fact that Noah isn't great at registering other people's emotions unless they're super obvious — he spent fifteen years of his life around approximately zero people unless they were experimenting on him, so.]

Did you have fun, at least?

Pool Time w/ Da Bois

[redoutlaw]

[He hadn't exactly been looking for Childe, but he couldn't deny the pleasant surprise of finding him here. He had been mostly exploring the school, something he had become more of a habit in the early morning hours now. He'd seen Childe now and then since the exchange program, and he's spoken to Lucifer about his experience so he could only imagine the look on Childe's face meant that he met a familiar fate.

He's not wearing the uniform, instead, he wore a hoodie on and some sweats. He makes his way over to Childe, dropping down beside him and peering over the edge of the pool to the darkness below.]

Heard there was a pool monster in here or somethin'.

[He glances over at Childe now. It was a shitty attempt at getting a smile out of Childe, and considering who he was it was not only a shitty attempt but a dumb one.]

Been wonderin' where you've been.

[devouringdeep]

Supposedly. I've never seen it myself.

[His head tilts in Jason's direction to acknowledge his presence, though he doesn't take his eyes off of the pool below. He's already putting himself in danger, after all. Might as well not make it ridiculously easy for this thing to eat him because he wasn't paying attention.

Regardless, his words are monotone and dry. A bit detached.]

Well. You've found me. We seem fairly adept and bumping into each other recently.

[redoutlaw]

Yeah, that's a bit of an understatement.

[Eesh, definitely the same thing happened to him.

Things had gotten pretty bad if the usually bright Childe looked more like Bruce.]

Guessin' things didn't go so well?

[Should he even be bringing it up? What if he just pushed Chidle into the pool and called it a day? That way he didn't have to try and comfort him. God knows he probably didn't want it, and Jason couldn't do it to save his life.]