I Keep my Special Boys in the Cave [Genshin Childe/Bennett/Heizou]

[cynnabnnuy]

"It's not my first." Stating it with a condescending smile, Heizou rolled his eyes, refusing Childe the gratification of responding to his little quip. Instead, he simply scoffed at the following comment and shook his head, arms remaining across his chest as his brow arched. "You discovered me due to a fragrance I'm assuredly not wearing. I find it hard to believe that was anything more than a coincidental guess based on the current topography and the lack of adequate hiding spots. Although, I do applaud your deductive reasoning."

Letting one hand settle on his hip while the other arm dropped along his side, the boy scanned the Harbinger in turn. His expression was unchanging. hawk-like observance remaining on the man before him as he took note of the reciprocated appraisal. "Is that so? I suppose the messes your former ally made must be quite a troublesome task to manage. I can only hope that's your sole intention in stepping foot on Inazuman soil after the mess the Fatui have caused." His lips pulled into a coy yet cold smile, one not reflected in his eyes as he watched the man's movements.

Not yet answering the question, the young Doushin kept an eye on the perceived intruder and remained still, his breathing kept slow and even as he waited. "As for what you can do for me, I'm sure there are plenty of things. However, the most preferable would be to refrain from causing more harm than the Fatui already has. I'm sure that must be quite the task for someone of your standing, though, so I'm merely keeping an eye on things, I suppose. After all, I'd hate to be the one who allowed someone to bring further disaster to an already tumultuous nation." While not expecting to be on the same page as the other in the slightest,

[CRYBABY]

Childe watched as the detective remained on the defensive, clearly doing the most to hide any inclination of fear in the presence of the 11th Fatui Harbinger; cute. “Oh? Must be your natural, sweet scent I picked up then,” he shrugged, flashing a pretty smile that disappeared as quickly as it came, turning into a stern expression.

La Signora had really made a mess, that was apparent, considering Childe was now being harassed by some kid claiming to be a detective. Even after death the bitch was making the man’s life difficult, but this was nothing that he couldn’t handle. He was regarded highly for his charisma and influence by the Tsaritsa herself, making the task of mending broken bridges a simple one for the youngest member of the Fatui Harbinger’s. “Your distaste for the Fatui is clear, but I promise you I’m not a bad guy. I am simply here on business, invited by Kujou Kamaji himself. Do you intend to be the one to tell the Tenryou Commission that their invited guest will not be arriving?”

“The people of Inazuma must sleep soundly at night knowing there is someone as determined and strong as you to keep them safe,” the man grinned, winking at the detective. “Feel free to follow me, if you wish, see for yourself how boring my affairs can be.” With that, the man turned and began walking away, ignoring any complaint from the younger.

Childe continued on to Inazuma City, meeting with Kujou Sara at the gate who regrettably escorted the Harbinger to the Tenryou Commission estate, leaving the nagging detective behind. A few hours passed before Childe was released from the confinement of the estate. As he walked out, stretching his arms above his head revealing a bit more of his already exposed abdomen, he looked around expecting to see Heizou waiting for him. It was funny to think that someone so young had wasted an entire day following him around and possibly sitting outside the Tenryou Commission in fear that he’d miss Childe leaving once the meeting was over. He had to admit though that the kid’s persistence was attractive, it was akin to Bennett’s determination, a trait Tartaglia was very fond of in the ash-blond boy that he was beginning to miss.

Bennett.

A faint ache spread through his chest at the thought of his companion, leaving him curious as to what the boy was up to since they had departed. Childe was almost certain he had eaten before making his way to the Yashiro Estate. Fighting some treasure hoarders along the way no doubt, possibly even tripping over his own feet and cursing himself before jumping right back up to chase a Bake-Danuki. The boy was predictable… or Childe was just really good at reading him, either way it left the Fatuus with a warm feeling in the pit of his stomach knowing that he could predict Bennett’s action’s fairly easily.

The wind blew a familiar sweet scent beneath his nose as he reached the city limit revealing Heizou sitting impatiently on a fence post. “You waited all this time for me? How touching. At this rate you might as well join me and my companion for dinner,” Sharp blue eyes met with green and before the other could object, Childe had lifted him over his shoulder like a sack, carrying the angry teen to their housing accommodations just a few paces outside the city where he expected Bennett to be waiting.. Or at the very lease arriving shortly after them.

[DirtyDeku]

Childe was totally right, but it's not like anybody who had a concept of bad luck couldn't name something that might happen. Tripping? Getting diarrhea (why does he mention that in canon...)? Getting pants'd by a Hilichurl? All things that have happened, and were frankly just part of his every day life. Traveling with Childe had sort of made it better, having somebody to help him up or finish off an enemy while he was down, but it didn't really effect the frequency of some dumb shit happening. It was a curse and, very very rarely, a blessing. When they were both crabby and five seconds from tearing eachother's throats out, a well-timed trip could make them abandon their harsh feelings and just laugh at how shitty life could treat them.

He'd managed to snag quite a few artifacts and extra Mora whilst chasing Bake-Danuki and opening chests here and there, and when he was out of requests, he went about collecting ingredients. Berries, lavender melons, an onikabuto-- just barely escaping a scary oni's path in time. Bennett is not looking to get beaten with a club! He takes his onikabuto and hurries back into the city, where he wanders around aimlessly for a little while. Speaks to the merchants from Mondstadt, Sumeru, and Liyue, buys a couple of things to take back home with him. Fischl would probably like a pouch of sakura petals, Razor might like a new type of fruit to try, Mika and Noelle would probably like some artifacts...

He sheepishly buys a Sango pearl as well, rubbing it between his palms the entire walk to their accommodation. Childe wasn't really a material person, would rather just have every second of Bennett's attention and every ounce of his affection. But... Bennett liked giving gifts to people, even if they weren't particularly useful. A moment of somebody's happiness was more than worth it to him, and if people were anything like him, they would cherish his little gifts much more than they actively spoke about. Something about a nice thing done for others coming back around to help him, maybe.

He's sat watching a sakura bloom float and swirl through the air at their accommodation when Childe arrives, shaking himself out of his trance and looking up at the other-- and... somebody else? At least this other person was very well and alive, which is a relief but still a bit concerning. He gets up to his feet awkwardly, rubbing the pearl between his palms again in a nervous manner. Probably best to save giving it to Childe until after he figures out what's going on. "Who... Um, I thought you weren't going to be, uh, dispatching anybody this time?"

[cynnabnnuy]

That statement made his expression twist in visceral disgust, the thought repulsive as it settled under his skin in the form of a nagging itch. His mouth remained shut, though, his eyes narrowed on Tartaglia as he observed him silently for the moment. Remaining pleasant with the detective was proving harder than he expected, but he hummed at the questioning. "I suppose if you're making your way to visit the Tenryou Commission, it'd be fitting to have their best detective follow you and ensure you arrive safely and without harm, then."

Voice taking on a more... friendly tone, Heizou forced a smile at the wink and nodded. "Your flattery is quite kind, you have my appreciation for that, although I must say I cause more unrest within criminals than anything else."

Giving another curt nod at the invitation, he followed the man without further discussion. He was clearly intent on at least assuring himself the man wouldn't cause any problems just yet if his consistent presence said anything. And, upon following the man to the estate with his... 'boss', he entertained himself with a... pleasant discussion with Madarame Hyakubei. Seems the ashen blonde had swung by previously, interesting. Had they been maybe fifteen minutes faster, they would've seen him. In another world, he might have been frustrated with Kujou Sara, but in this one, he simply made himself useful while waiting on the meeting to let out.

As if to spite him personally, it took hours, and he pulled himself from the estate just enough to not cause unease between the clans. He didn't go far, though, instead making himself at home on a fence as he waited. An idea that was possibly his worst, but nevertheless, he perked up at the site of Tartaglia walking closer to him with an expression he could only describe as predatory. "I'm no-" Words cut off at the man tossing him over his shoulder as he let out a sound of protest and squirmed in the hold for a few moments before relenting and huffing softly. "I suppose it makes sense you'd be the sort who can't take no for an answer." Grumbling a bit in turn, he sighed and relaxed against him just a hair, elbow on the other's back as he perched his chin on his palm. He couldn't really care, he was going to follow the man anyway, he just hoped no one saw them..

However, when brought back with the man, and meeting up with his companion, Heizou looked over at the boy as his brow arched. "I'm simply a dinner guest for the night, I suppose, your... acquaintance here wouldn't dispatch me quite so shortly after meeting with my superiors." Flashing Bennett a far kinder smile than Childe ever got, he lifted his free hand in a small wave, waiting semi-patiently to be placed on his legs again. "Such a pleasure to meet you, though, Detective Shikanoin Heizou, at your service."

[CRYBABY]

Detective for the Tenryou Commission? This kid might prove to be more useful than Childe initially thought. He’d keep that little bit of information in his pocket for later, now he’d graciously accept the escort even if it was a rather quiet walk.

With the other squirming in his grasp, Childe could feel his pants tighten just a little. He was a weapon of war after all, a fine-tuned predator, and nothing excited him more than a fight especially when it came from such small, weak prey. “Someone of my status tends to get what they want, you of all people should be familiar with that, best detective of the Tenryou Commission,” a hint of subtle mockery in his tone.


Heizou’s protest didn’t last long much to the Harbinger’s disappointment. Ah, well, not everyone could be as perfect as his little adventurer, he reminded himself. Childe’s typical deadpan eyes lit up slightly as he arrived to see Bennett waiting for him just as he was instructed. What a good boy, Childe would be sure to reward him later. The man allowed for Heizou to introduce himself, placing the detective on his feet, but before allowing Bennett a chance to process what was being said, the Fatuus locked a hand behind the ash-blond’s neck, rubbing his thumb over a prominent artery and pressing their lips together in a drawn out kiss.

“Don’t you worry, he is simply here to have dinner with us. The detective was so kind as to ensure I arrived safely in Inazuma City earlier today. I'd like to thank him properly, is all.”

With that, Tartaglia was opening the door to their rented house, motioning for the boys to enter ahead of him.

[DirtyDeku]

Oh, thank Barbatos. Bennett tolerated Childe's bullshit, a lot more than he should, but there were times where things went too far and he wasn't sure what exactly to do. He was good with a sword but he wasn't good enough to... Ahem, deal with somebody. He'd managed to talk Childe into letting at least one person go with a looming threat rather than death, and could probably do it again, but there would come a time where he just wouldn't have much else to say. What the Tsaritsa wanted, the Tsaritsa got-- No matter what a kid from Mondstadt said. If he were older, maybe in a position like Childe, he might understand but... he'd probably wish that he didn't.

Shikanoin Heizo? Detective? This is the second person he's felt questionable around, and he's vaguely reminded of the business Childe had brought him along back in Liyue not too long ago. Something about foreign merchants all gathering on a boat just off-shore, the Pearl Galley or whatever. Whatever they'd been doing out there was definitely not just trading merchandise. Or... it was trading merchandise, he guessed. Some of the other guests present also looked around his age, serving drinks or occupying the laps of wealthy men and women. Scary... perhaps he's a bit of a hypocrite in that way of thinking though.

He's about to spout a handful of questions when Childe kisses him, and he completely forgets them in that very moment. Okay, so Heizo knew...? Or Childe was trying to make it clear what was going on between them? It didn't really look like Childe was being pursued by Heizo in a romantic sense, considering he was carried and didn't follow Childe of his own accord. The Harbinger was flirtatious, sure, but Bennett didn't know him as somebody who really viewed anybody except his and the Tsaritsa's attention worth seeking. He's stumped, but Childe's thumb on his throat is a demented sort of comfort and he doesn't see a point in pulling away if the other has decided a public display of affection was fine.

When their lips do part, though, he's flushed in the face and averts his gaze from both of them to kickstart his brain again. Should he even address that or...? He hadn't been processing anything outside of Childe so Heizo could have said something, or made a sound, and he didn't want to ask him to repeat himself. He glances in Heizo's direction once he's regained enough braincells. "I-I'm Bennett! I have really bad luck, so I've been traveling with T-- Uh, Childe, for a while."

Smooth.

"Dinner isn't one of those code words or whatever, right?" He asks, but obeys and enters the house. He's already put everything that wasn't needed for zoning out outside-- supplies, what he collected in his time alone, the pouch of Mora he'd been given earlier-- inside, so he fumbles his shoes off and settles down at a low table. Then, holding his open palms out, he presents the Sango pearl to Childe. "For you. I think they're found on Watatsumi Island, growing on coral? Kind of like the loaches in Liyue, except they can't run away from you and they're, like, way bigger!"

[cynnabnnuy]

Scoffing at the response, he rolled his eyes at the mockery and stilled. While usually, he'd fight, there was certainly... something about being handled like this, and he was absolutely not going to give Tartaglia the satisfaction of a fight he so clearly wanted. So, as he stilled and waited silently, he huffed as the man finally placed him down, dusting himself off before freezing at the sight before him.

The man was keeping the younger boy locked in a kiss that made his chest tighten with a feeling he knew he should hate. His eyes widened, lips parting to speak words that never came before shutting firmly as the two parted. That shouldn't have been appealing. It shouldn't be desirable... But, it was, and that left the teen in turmoil as his brow knit briefly before a more nervous smile was directed at Bennett.

He shouldn't be here. He Should Not Be Here. Yet the moment the door was opened for him and the other, he knew damn well there was no way he'd be coming out of this evening unscathed.

His head nodded in affirmation, humming quietly as he cautiously followed the blonde inside after squinting at Childe. "Bennett, gotcha." How was he supposed to respond after what just happened? Should he even bother? The point was clear enough, sort of, but... he was still being directed inside, which left uncertainty pooling in his stomach as he cautiously left his sandals neatly beside the door. Stepping deeper into the space, however, he remained vigilant as he observed the two, eyes still scanning as he looked at the pearl Bennett presented the man.
Just how deeply tangled up was this kid?

Concern settling as a prickly tension in the back of his skull, Heizou moved to the table but remained standing, not wanting to settle before the Harbinger had seated himself. His brow arched, noting the other's excitement before he chuckled softly. "We happen to have a few spots for seeing loaches as well. If you ever get the chance, I highly recommend visiting Watatsumi Island if they're of interest to you. Or if not, the island is quite lovely, and I'm certain you'd be more than able to find plenty of other things that catch your eye." Offering the suggestion carefully, one hand settled on his hip as he spoke, his smile a bit less... uncontrolled now. "The Sangonomiya Shrine is a lovely view as well, I'd be more than happy to show you before you return to your homelands."

[CRYBABY]

Bennett wasn’t the only one relieved that they weren’t about to kill Heizou, Tartaglia had this outfit dry cleaned right before they left Liyue and he wasn’t up for washing blood out of his clothes after such a long day.

Pleased with how his act of dominance was received by the two, Childe chuckled softly at Bennett’s comment regarding a code name for dinner before following the two inside and closing the door behind him. Affection was far from a foreign concept between the Fatuus and adventurer but rarely was it shown so openly. Their first time together occurred in a fury of hot touches and uncontrollable marking after a particularly heated fight between them. Bennett’s luck was never great, but at that moment in time it was testing his resolve to the point the boy was picking a fight with Childe near daily; something he did to release unwanted frustration. Tartaglia was always happy to oblige, in fact he looked forward to the days their bickering escalated to that point, but that day his own resolve was tested beyond its limits as well. Hovering over Bennet, one arm pinning both of his above his head, and a knee delicately placed between the boy’s legs was just too much for Childe to bear, suddenly he was struck with a wave of poorly suppressed desire, want, need, an itching possession that he was unable to scratch. Tartaglia’s demon had broken the seal and was in the driver’s seat. All of his previous attempts at controlling his carnal urges were thwarted. For a split second as Childe watched Bennett sleep against him, his body covered in cuts, bites, bruises, and various fluids, fear rose in his chest, a feeling the Harbinger hadn’t experienced since his time as Ajax. Would Bennett stay once he awoke with the realization of what happened? Or would Childe be subjected to keeping him around by alternative means? Fear is a foolish emotion, he thought before dozing off to sleep, arms wrapped around his newly claimed toy.

Ever since that day, the relationship between the two had changed for, what Childe would say, the better. They spent nearly every night exploring each other’s likes, dislikes–though it was clear that Bennett hadn’t much choice in this matter–to find exactly what worked for them… worked for Childe. Bennett was to learn quickly that he would take what Tartaglia gave him with stride and a thank you.

Back to the present, he noted how Heizou discarded his shoes by the entryway, a Inazuman custom the Harbinger was familiar with so he followed, leaving his boots by the door. As he joined the two at the table, he was presented unexpectedly with a gift from the adventurer. “You know how I feel about gifts,” he spoke, but there was a softness in his voice, as he took the beautiful Sango Pearl from the young boy’s palms and examined it closely, listening to the detective chat genuinely about Watatsumi Island.

After some time he spoke again directing his attention to Bennett, “you were very good today, following directions and even bringing me this beautiful trinket,” his eyes unwavering as he smiled at the boy, “come sit on my lap, I think you deserve a reward.” The soft tone in his voice was replaced with a darkness that could only be described as predatory. Waiting for his companion to comply with the request–no, the demand–Childe turned to Heizou, “I don’t have much to do tomorrow, we’d love a tour of Watatsumi Island and the Sangonomiya Shrine if you’d be so kind.”

[DirtyDeku]

Gift accepted! Take 'em home, boys. Not really though, quite the opposite in fact. Heizo begins to tell him about Watatsumi Island and his attention bounces back and forth between the two of them, both intrigued and a bit worried that he'd spent Mora on a gift that Childe didn't really want. He'd ended up collecting about the same amount of Mora that he'd spent on it during his post-lunch adventure! He'd probably end up keeping it in a pouch with the Mora Childe gave him every time they set out on an adventure, or it'd end up somewhere a little more... unconventional. He wouldn't put it past the Harbinger, just as he didn't put it past him to flaunt their relationship openly to anybody he felt needed to know. It went without saying that somebody willing to be seen with somebody his age wasn't above violence or escalating to a point that any other person wouldn't dare to.

"There's loaches here, too? I guess that makes sense, Liyue is surrounded by water as well..." He purses his lips thoughtfully, head tilted to the side. There wasn't really anything he could think of that needed loach pearls in the first place, but chasing them and finding a pearl when they burrowed under the mud was still pretty fun! He most certainly did not use them like stress balls. "I noticed a lot of shrines earlier, too. Is the one on Watatsumi Island like the ones here, or? Bigger, smaller, more extravagant?"

"You think so?" Bennett sways side to side at Childe's praise a couple of times before moving to his hands and knees, crawling closer and then settling himself on the Harbinger's lap. Even though his tone was predatory and particularly dark, Bennett tips his head back and pecks Childe on the chin before returning to conversation with Heizo. Scary dog privilege, or something. Except Bennett is probably the dog in their relationship, or at least some other particularly small animal. Bunny? It did sound a lot like Benny... "I'd like to see the other islands, too. There's five, right? Err... at least, five main islands with smaller ones somewhat grouped together?"

[cynnabnnuy]

Seating himself once Childe sat at the lowered table, he quieted as Childe spoke, sitting across from the two as his ankles hooked together. Even he couldn't help the flush that spread across his cheeks at the other mentioned lap sitting and rewards in the same sentence, though. His features tinged, his lips pursed as he remained still. What sort of reward did he intend to give Bennett when he was right there? He felt his breath stop, his hands set on his thighs as his fingers gripped at the fabric of his pants while he paused at Childe's statement.

The offer very clearly wasn't for him, but mmh... He'd work on it. "The one on Watatsumi is far more extravagant. The island itself is vastly more scenic overall. As for the other islands, you're right. There's Narukami, which we're currently on, then Kannazuka, Seirai, Yashiori, Watatsumi, and Tsurumi. The latter of which can become a bit tricky to deal with, but from what I've heard, the traveler has been there and, well, I'm sure you both know their legacy of fixing every minute issue they find themself coming across." Joking lightly, he chuckled softly, pushing down any unsavory thoughts in favor of focusing on telling Bennett about the islands rather than whatever Childe was doing.

"If you'd like, I can bring you to each with my Waverider to make sure another Ferrier doesn't try taking advantage of you, Bennett. The locals aren't all that friendly, and I'd hate for them to overcharge you for something as simple as transporting you to the other islands..." Speaking warmly, he smiled at the boy and kept his hands below the table, clenching his pants to keep his mind away from the Harbinger behind the other.