vapour | LL PT. 2

...

[ the only sound that comes from his direction is the audible clink of ice shifting in his drink again the glass. ]

So...it could have been anyone?

Does that idea bother you? It works just fine for you two being friends, doesn't it? Lucky to have each other, even if had the dice rolled differently you two could have replaced one another so easily.

...Unless what makes Sam so important to you really is that unique? [ Childe's tone drips with the unspoken 'such a shame' if that were the case. ]

Of course the idea bothers me.

Isn't it better for you, though?

Better for me…? In what way is it better for either of us? Especially for him…

[Leans back against the arm of the couch, swirling his glass before taking a sip]

What if someone awful had been nice to him first?

[ a gentle snort. ]

Well, we wouldn't be having this conversation for one, no? Seems better for you, already.

Hmm... depends on how long and how nice. You two first met, but he wasn't very willing for your company for a day or two, right? Didn't you two get into a little spiff over information exchange, even the first day or two? I was so sure you would have messed that up, but you managed a save. Just barely, but you did.

[Pauses in the middle of another sip, glancing over]

What sort of person would you have picked?

What do you mean?

[Snorts, bringing his legs up onto the couch, carefully shifting to tuck them under him without spilling his drink]

I mean had your and his places been swapped…who would you have fallen for?

[ ... ]

On this boat?

Sure, let’s start there.

[Leans over a little to check if his drink needs a refresh]

[ Childe makes a bit of a face for moment before considering, and his drink is a little about 70% percent empty, so yes. ]

...I don't think anyone on this boat could give me what I would want and need in order for me to actively choose to fall for them. If I have to pick someone and be miserable about it not being someone who feels the same way, then I guess you are the choice for it that I would make.

Edited 2026-01-08 04:47 (UTC)

[Downs the rest of his drink before reaching through a portal to grab them both a fresh one]

What about off the boat then?

Still you if I have to pick. I know more individuals on the boat than I do on land.

[ Childe finished the rest of his own drink now so that he can take the next one that Jewel has so kindly acquired. ]