hydrangeabloom | (no subject)

[ Zhongli chuckles under his breath, not because he does not believe in the sincerity of Childe's statement. The truth is there in those beautiful fathomless eyes of his.

But it is silly, really, that he thinks Zhongli would want to wait. That he would want to waste even more time when the object of his affections was right in front of him and just as eager to move past their rocky past (for surely there was something else there, something that Childe wasn't or couldn't tell him).

The time for waiting and patience had long since past. ]

Why do we have to wait at all? Have we not already let too many years pass us by, waiting for something anything to change our situation?

[ Zhongli leans forward to place a kiss softly on Childe's lips since he had been so gracious as to close the space between them. ]

I will not interfere with your work, knowing how it is important to you. But let me be the person who welcomes you home, Childe.

Nothing would make me happier.

[ It feels like a dream, but it's a dream Childe won't shy away from. If he wants it to be reality, then the only thing to do is indulge. There's something sweet hearing such words from Zhongli, so much that it smoothes over everything from their past like soothing oils streamed over tired flesh.

His work...? Well, no matter how important it is to him, it can wait. He returns the gentle kiss before brushing his lips across the other's delicate cheek to murmur hotly against Zhongli's ear. ]

There's no one else I would rather having to do such a thing than you. Tonight, I'll make sure you feel the truth of my statement to the point you'll almost forget that we were ever apart to begin with.

[ he pulls back now enough to be able to look at Zhongli again and offer a smile. ]

Sounds good, right? [ he'd not even wait, but ... well, he doesn't trust his sister not to take up being a voyeur if given the opportunity. Especially since she knows better than anyone how long and how much he has pined for the other man despite never having been able to let himself go back to try and resolve things. ]

It sounds lovely.

[ More than Zhongli could have hoped for. More than he could have even imagined. His heart swells fuller than he's ever felt before, and he feels... alive. Yes, Zhongli feels very alive in this moment.

But.

About Tonia... ]

But it is not often that your sister visits, yes? I do not want my greediness to distract you from her visit. And it would be a shame not to properly spend time with her after you have told me so much about her.

[ Little does Zhongli know how much the reverse was also true. ]

Don't worry, she will be fine. We'll be spending plenty of time with her, too.

[ it's just lucky for Childe Tonia would be really mad if he neglected his time with Zhongli to over-cater to her. in fact, she's probably be the most disappointed of all of them and that's saying something. ]

I see.

[ Zhongli's eyes flicker back to the door that Tonia had disappeared behind, wheels slowly turning as the seconds ticked by. He clears an embarrassed sound from his throat, realizing that if things had continued as they were progressing perhaps the two of them might have very well made love on top of Childe's work couch which he used to entertain foreign dignitaries, all levels of Fatui rank and the current location of his sister's discarded clothing.

How scandalous.

Zhongli dips forward to place a kiss upon Childe's warm smile, chaste and adoring.

Tonight. Childe had said tonight. Zhongli could be patient until tonight. He had already been patient thus far. ]

Is she like you and will finish cooking dinner before either of us realize that we've left her alone to do such a task in our stead?

[ For how many times had Childe cooked and cleaned around Zhongli's particular habits so efficiently that Zhongli had not even known what Childe was doing until he had finished. ]

Well— not in this case. She doesn't know what you like to eat so she wouldn't take the risk—

[ Childe pauses, suddenly looking confused like he's thought of something. She doesn't know, does she? Did he ever tell her about Zhongli's particulars with food?

After a pause he will get up suddenly moving around the couch to head through the door. ]

Hey, Tonia—!! You're not doing anything behind my back are you—

[ the girl's voice comes from the distance clearly not wanting her brother to be bothering asking something like this.

"Nothing! Go back to your date. So what if I wanna cook for it? Your priorities are still really bad, Ajax!"

If Zhongli isn't following he'll hear Childe just keep going with his voice getting more distant as he goes to locate her. ]

What? Stop it there's no date, this is supposed to be group effort dinner. You aren't allowed to cook for me as a guest, this is my place.

[ "It's your place but my kitchen now. Go be a good boyfriend host. I'll be so mad if you screw this up before I even finish, you know. I haven't made this stuff before, so you need to give me some time okay?" ]

H-hey?! [ he's not .. messing up right ?! ]

[ Zhongli follows but at a distance, giving the two siblings their space. At first, it is more of an issue of politeness that he wishes to help out in the kitchen if Childe himself plans to get involved. This home has become his over the past few months (such a thought fanning a warmth deep within Zhongli of belonging), and then curiosity to experience the Harbinger as he was among his beloved family.

Regret bubbles up as soon as Tonia refers to Chile by a name that he has not heard before. Ajax. Ah... The name given to him by his parents no doubt. Childe had always been a title, this Zhongli knew even though he favored it over the name given to him by the Tsarista. Such a name was for work matters, and he did not like using something so impersonal when Zhongli's presence had nothing to do with either Wangsheng or the Fatui.

But it feels forbidden to find out in such a way. Like it wasn't meant for his ears. And so that piece of knowledge is quickly buried (and hopefully forgotten, would it not be a blessing if he could forget something that he wished to) as Zhongli also enters the kitchen. ]

Lady Tonia. I fear that the both of us would feel like incapable hosts if we let the guest do all the hosting. If not the cooking, perhaps there are other tasks that we might be able to assist with in the meantime.

[ Tonia glances up at Zhongli curiously before offering a smile. "Ah, well, Mr. Zhongli, let's make a deal."

She sets her offer on the table. The dish will take some time, and it probably best they finish it since she has little experience with Liyue cuisine but she can put all the prep work together. So she suggests they go off and relax for the next hour and a half and then they can swap.

Childe is quiet as he listens to her proposal. He realizes he has nothing to add, so he lets Zhongli speak although he will convince Zhongli that it's a good enough split of the responsibilities and they should let her have the full kitchen to herself. He will even take Zhongli's hand and lead him off, but instead of heading back to work he pulls Zhongli into his bedroom and shuts the door behind them before shoving his companion up against it to kiss him on the mouth passionately. Fingers move greedily over the adeptus's body as he nips at those lips he's captured. Only once he needs to pull back to breathe does he offer a hint of what's going through his mind (not that it was that much of a mystery to guess from his actions in the first place), his voice playful against the other's but completely serious in their offer. ]

An hour and a half is more than enough time to give you a sneak peak of what's after dinner. [ in all honestly, Childe has very little appetite for anything other than Zhongli now, no matter how delicious dinner has the potential to be. ]

Zhongli. Just Zhongli.

[ All his other names were gone and buried, were they not? Not that those names had much power or reverence here in the Land of Eternity. ]

As I am the one inconveniencing you, perhaps I should ask whether or not your are available? Certainly you did not have tour guiding a stranger across the lands as part of your plans today?

[ Though Zhongli certainly won't complain if they can start immediately. Suddenly this trip is looking so much more exciting with the added prospect of travelling in the company of another. ]

[ Zhongli's mouth twists in a complicated expression as Tonia explains her proposal. It is even and it is fair, and yet he wants to protest it for the sake of protesting due to an unfamiliar feeling bubbling up in his stomach. Thankfully, Childe pulls him away and leads him out of the kitchen before he can do so.

The place they end up is also surprising, but what about this evening hasn't been different from the norm.

Zhongli lets out a startled sound when his back hits the door, clearly surprised at Childe's forwardness (they were going to eat soon and wasn't this probably going to get potentially messy), but it is clearly not unwelcome. Not when Zhongli angles his head just so to meet the kiss, tongue slipping into Childe's mouth. Not when arms wrap around his neck to pull him closer and invite him to touch him more.

(But during this time, there is a strange pause where Zhongli's eyes go glassy and unfocused. Zhongli cannot recall ever being intimate with another person, but Morax certainly has enough experience that his body knows how to respond even without those memories. Hands smooth down the expanse of Childe's back with practiced ease. A kiss is pressed firmly against his jaw and the haziness recedes from Zhongli's expression.) ]

But would it not be terribly rude to ruin your appetite before the meal?

[ Fingers fiddle with the claps and buttons on Childe's next layer of clothing as contrary to his words, Zhongli attempt to undo them. His voice is steady as always though the rising flush in his cheeks and the slight tremor in his fingers bely that overwhelming confidence. ]

Unless you can manage to fit in a whole proper course.

Mr... I mean, just... Zhongli... [ Ajax nods. ] I didn't... but I am pretty free for the near future. I have some places to stop by throughout Inazuma, anyway, so as long as you don't mind those small stops I can take you across the country!

[ it would be a lot less lively to have someone going around with him as he checks the seals and observed how the tree is managing, right? It can't be any worse, that much he is sure. ]

[ Childe senses those small barely there uncertainties present in the other's body language, but all he can do is find them adorable and endearing. He knows that any nervousness is Zhongli unable to remember anything of this type rather than truly his first encounter (someone such ass Morax... to assume he didn't have any experience would be absurd) ... but there's something about it that makes Childe's chest feel warm all the same.

As if to emphasize his next point, he runs his tongue down the length of Zhongli's neck (as much as he can with that collar in place, antsy, which he will make sure to get rid of first as he begins to do immediately.) ]

You think I could ever get enough of you that I would not have room for more? Don't forget... my hunger has been left to fester for years. The only way you'll ruin my appetite is that I lose a taste for everything else except for you.

[ —and concerning that ... it's already too late. ]

Besides... [ As soon as he's loosened the tie and collar enough he'll start to lick and kiss at the newly exposed skin before pausing with a smile carved onto his features that presses easily against Zhongli's flesh. His hands shift to start working the buttons and layers loose on his lover next. ]

Even children know the rules: If I can't eat the full meal, how will I get to my dessert? I want that dessert more than anything.

[ More than anything...

Zhongli's entire body spasms as his breath hitches, fingertips digging into the thick material of Childe's coat. A good portion of that is due to the attention that Childe is physically paying attention to him (the warmth of his mouth and tongue on places that are not even usually exposed) but Childe's words and the unbridled exposure of his desire is what truly overwhelms him. Zhongli can feel the heated flush to his cheeks and spreading to the rest of his body. Uncontrollable and exposed as Childe's slowly strips layer after layer of clothing off him.

That same heat and desire burn within Zhongli as well in addition to the need to reciprocate. But unlike every other aspect of his life were he was either knowledgeable or had a particular way of doing things, he finds himself lost in the spontaneity and ambiguity of whatever was happening between him and Childe. He wanted it. Oh Archons, he also wanted it more than anything. But he had never been so unsure on how to proceed before. ]

Childe... I have not—

I have never...

[ Ah, it's so hard to concentrate over the rush of heat overtaking him and the feel of Childe pressed against him. Whatever pride and attempts at remaining composed through all of this begin to slowly melt away. ]

But I want you. I want you so dearly.

[ Ah, so the kitsune did have duties that he needed to attend to. In that case: ]

Then perhaps it would be simplest to travel the country in the order of the stops that you need to make. I would not wish to inconvenience you and there is no urgency to any of my requests.

Would you like to---

[ The word contract almost tumbles out of Zhongli's mouth but he keeps the request at bay. Habits were hard to break. And really, contracts had no place in budding friendships or so he had been chastised before. ]

Is that agreeable to you?

[ Ajax nods with a smile seeming okay with this. Now that he's finished his meal, though, and they seem to have come to a decision, he'll get to his feet. His smile is quite endearing and his words reassuring. ]

Then, it's settled, yeah? Shall we meet here again tomorrow? I have to do something before we leave, I just remembered, and so I should also give you time to prepare if necessary~! Thank you for the meal, it was really kind of you, Mr. Zhongli. I'm happy to have shared this time with you today.

[ Zhongli smiles warmly in return and bids farewell to the fox, ah - he never did ask for the young youkai's name. But perhaps that was for the best since some were rather overprotective of them.

Back in human guise and in the heart of Inazuma City, Zhongli wanders the markets in preparation for the upcoming trip. He gathers all the necessary supplies for a long journey through the wilderness, splurging only on two items - two bentos to be enjoyed on their first day travelling together and a woven scarf of red and silver that was pleasant and warm to the touch. Certainly a fox of Inazuma would not need such accessories to fend of the cold, but on the third time of passing while passing that particular stall, Zhongli caved into the impulse purchase.

Supplies acquired, he arrives back at their meeting location right before dawn's light, finding a vantage point to watch the sunrise. Every country was breathtaking in beauty in its own unique way. While Liyue's dawn was bathed in golds and oranges, Inazuma's tended to lighten the sky in red and purples. It was be a shame to miss such a beautiful sight.

And thus, Zhongli waited for his new travelling companion to appear. ]

[ Ajax arrives not long after sunrise, his mask pushed up to one side as he smiles briefly in greeting. The only difference about him is that his nine tails are down to three, alright sometime such as Zhongli will be able to sense that they are being concerned rather than actually having disappeared.]

Good morning! I hope you enjoyed the view while waiting. The weather looks pretty good today... I'm glad that outlander cleared the shogun's weather for us. It was getting really tiresome trying to avoid being struck by lighting when outside the forest... this trip would be much less fun otherwise.

[ A short chuckle escapes his throat, playful and aroused but reassuring and sincere. ]

Relax. You don't need to know your to do anything else here other than indulge in enjoying yourself. ... And if you don't like how something feels, that you speak up. I'll take care of the rest.

[ Childe is true to his word. He doesn't strip Zhongli completely bare, but he does enough to be able to get his hands running over rarely exposed skin, exploring as much as caressing the other to map his body through touch. Eventually he'll grab the other to lift him up against the door encouraging Zhongli to wrap his legs around Childe's waist as the harbinger continues to shift between kissing and nipping at shots where the flesh is particularly thin and returning to kissing him in order to explore the other's mouth once again with his tongue. He doesn't take time to purposely tease beyond the fact that he's still stroking and touching Zhongli all over while leaving any areas that directly have to do with sex untouched. He will get to them soon enough, and he plans to spoil Zhongli there the same way he's currently doing to every other part of the adeptus in his arms. Afterall, Zhongli is deserving of such body worship in Childe's eyes. ]

Inazuma is lovely. I am pleased to hear that the weather will hold today.

[ Zhongli suspects he knows what Outlander that Ajax is talking about but brings no attention to that topic. The Traveler had a long uphill battle in front of them, but they were as tenacious as they were brave. Surely they would overcome every obstacle.

Zhongli is relaxed in the same form that he was in yesterday, two golden antlers perched atop his head and long bronze tail with a cloud-like fluff of gold at the end curled around his ankles. It would be for the best for others to think that they were simply two youkai travelling together and not notice that perhaps one of said youkai did not hail from Inazuma. It was also probably for the best that Ajax appear as a simpler fox than what he was at his full might. Surely a nine-tails would attract their own kind of unwanted attention.

He rises when Ajax approaches, unraveling the scarf that was nestled in his lap to drape across the fox's shoulders. ]

A gift of gratitude for my travel guide. I hope you find it pleasing. I would prefer to have given you something from Liyue, but our chance meeting has turned much more beneficial than I had been previously anticipating.

[ Ajax's eyes widened at the presentation of the scarf , glancing to his shoulders belt looking back at Zhongli in bewilderment. ] For me...?

[ There's a momentary blush that tinges Ajax's face, as if he's never received a gift belt in his life before he seems to almost realize he's being awkward and huffs in his flustered state. ] —I mean...!

Of course it's pleasing, how could it not be as a gift from a new friend? Thank you... [ his momentary bravado seems to sink back a bit, and his ears twitch as they tilt back ever so slightly in a shy gesture as he covers his mouth and glances down at the scarf some more. ] ... for thinking of me.

[ This has never happened before... So it will take some time for him to get used to but by no means will be appear ungrateful. Even if the gift was not personally appealing, it's hard for a fox to not be in awe of something "shiny" in its color and overall appearance. But this is far more than that, a gift— a gift from a first friend. He really does seem quite happy with it even in his fumbling attempts to not be seen as overreacting to a small gesture of good will and gratitude. ]

Maybe next time... you can show me a gift from Liyue. [ a fox will never say to more shiny gifts! Even if it's a fox that's never had one offered to them before. Besides, who wouldn't be curious after such a nice gift like this what would have come from Liyue? He can't help but be curious about it.

After another moment, he'll ask curiously: ]

Do I look good...?

[ he is a wee tiny bit of a vain little fox when he's given the chance. ]

[ Endearing. His new companion is simply endearing.

For a moment, Zhongli is reminded of Azhdaha freshly brought to the surface and how he looked around at everything with wide eyes and wonder. This fox had probably not had many interactions with anyone outside of his fellow youkai, so it warmed Zhongli that he could help broaden this young one's horizons. The world was a vast and wonderful place after all, and all of its beauty should be remembered in the hearts of many.

Zhongli reaches out again, adjusting the scarf minutely many times over as he tugs it there to make it more even or smooths it there so it does not drape over one of Ajax's tails. Extremely fussy despite the calm expression on his face, he rests one hand to his chin until he is finally pleased with the results. ]

It looks excellent on you. Your face and posture is quite youthful in contrast to the more traditional style of clothing you wear. I had hoped that this scarf could help add a more modern look and I do believe it manages that quite nicely.

[ His smile only broadens at the not so shy ask for something from Zhongli's homeland. Who wouldn't be thrilled to share their culture with one who was so interested? ]

Yes. I find myself with a bit more free time these days then is my normal fare. I would be happy to come again in the future better prepared if you would have me as your guest once more.

[ his tails wag a bit enthusiastically like a kit might around their mother when excited or wanting attention, and Ajax still doesn't seem very good at controlling their emotional indicators even though he is only technically showing off three (or maybe he doesn't care so much that it's obvious... or maybe even he just doesn't know any better about keeping his emotions not in display all the time.) Apparently, Zhongli's praise and being fussed over is very well received by the youkai, and his smile certainly doesn't try to hide that fact, either. ]

Is this what they call being "in fashion," then, Mr. Zhongli? [ What an exciting concept! He wouldn't blend in in a modern place with humans, he's sure, but he can pretend out here, can't he? That's pretty great to someone like him!

His eyes grow big at hearing the other being willing to bring him a gift from Liyue, then, not for the gift so much as— ] Oya? You'll come visit me again, you mean? That would be amazing. I haven't had anyone visit me after meeting them in a long time now.

[ It's true that Zhongli is an adeptus, so it is not quite such a long journey as it would be traditionally, but that still means a lot considering the other would go out of his way to come visit when he doesn't need to. It's something to be happy about without a doubt. ]

Edited 2023-08-19 20:22 (UTC)

[ Zhongli makes no comment on how obvious Ajax is being about how pleased he is. Why draw attention to such a thing? If he is doing it on purpose, it is for Zhongli's benefit in his desire to be appreciative. If it is not, then surely calling it out will only embarrass the young youkai.

(Not had anyone visit in a long time, though. Ah, he would definitely have to return to visit his new nine-tailed friend. Perhaps it was less chance than Zhongli thought to have run into Ajax in the first place.) ]

Of course, I would come visit you again. Alternatively, if the shogun ever sees fit to end her isolation period, I would welcome you to visit Liyue Harbor. There are many places and experiences that I would happily treat you to.

[ Not that Raiden's policies have hindered Zhongli much (or at all) if him strolling the countryside with no papers is any indication. Perhaps Yae Miko is taking pity on the old man and letting him wander freely. Zhongli does not question such things just like he doesn't question how there has always been someone to pay for his expenses this entire trip.

He gently pats Ajax on the shoulder, smoothing the fabric of the scarf one last time. ]

Well, then. Shall we?

[ Ajax looks surprised at the idea of going to Liyue. Could he even do that? Would it would be possible?

He's pretty sure the answer is... no.

Still, it seems unfair to give emotional whiplash to the adeptus so soon, so he just smiles and nods. Yes, he would love to go visit Zhongli and his homeland.

When Zhongli suggests they get started, Childe will move to go forward and reach for Zhongli's hand in the process to tug him along into a walk in a certain direction. ]

Then, here we go!

[ Ajax will take him as promised; sometimes he speeds things up here or there once they have had their fill of the scenery or whatnot but he's good about taking the most scenic routes possible for a grand tour where they are able to enter and charter and appreciate their adventure.

That's why, overall, it's been really fun, Ajax thinks, even as they make their way to the next destination. It's not exactly scenic here in a positive light, as the abandoned shrine they approach seems to give off its despair to the entire area surrounding it, including the tenants of a small village or settlement nearby. Even as Ajax has been full of energy and smiles the entire time, approaching here seems to mellow him out dramatically whether out of caution or something else. His chatter dies down and there seems to be very little the supposed type guide can offer about their newest destination.

In a way, the youkai thinks it's unnecessary. If Zhongli visited 500 years ago then he probably saw this place when it was a much happier sight of gathering. Now the entire area holds a negativity to it that Zhongli might just think to question if this is the energy that Ajax mentioned on their first meeting. ]

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