hydrangeabloom | (no subject)

[ Ajax considers Zhongli's words and their supposed implications long and hard—or, at least, as much as he can in the reality of the situation. He glances down shyly now at seeing that fond smile (something strange and giddy and heart-racing all at once and he doesnt know or understand any of it,) while also feeling a something knowing in his chest that he doesn't like. He understands what has caused it& mdash; Zhongli confirming that them being able to see each other again any more than hoping once at a time until that is fulfilled only to need to hope for it again the next time when the other departs.

(It shouldn't upset him because he knew this already — and he knows his time will not be long like other youkai. The part that upsets him the most is that he won't even be able to say he's going to a great place where he can wait for someone like Zhongli. He will never be able to be a real celestial fox that can wait for someone or visit them elsewhere in far away places. It feels... such a shame. )

By now the blush has mostly faded, and he stares at the at the wooden plaque helplessly. He wants to make a wish they can see each other for a long time after Zhongli leaves, but is that a cruel thing to ask Zhongli participate in when he knows for a fact even if the adeptus can make that wish come true eventually, Ajax simply can't?

Closing his eyes, his grip tightens for a moment on the edges of the small ornament before he relaxes his stressed joints. ]

I... want to be able to spend as much time as possible with you for the remainder of your stay. As for the bigger wish... shouldn't we think of one together? I can make my own wish alone but I hope before you leave you'll want to make a big wish just like mine, too. So, I should maybe hold onto it until that time comes.

[ He offers a nice smile, something kind and attractive, but it feels odd. It's not something that screams fake so much as that he wants the smile he's giving to be reassuring and genuine that he's confident no matter the situation or response but it's finding that more difficult than he anticipated.

(More difficult, more complicated, more unrealistic and these strange feelings all bottle up into something unfamiliar and unsettling. One of the saving graces had always been he didn't feel attacked to anyone or anything for their absence or his lack of ability to offer them anything they deserve. So why now? It's it just because the old adeptus is paying attention and being kind that he's running away with the situation?

Probably. ] For now, if I can spend the most time with you on your stay and it isn't a bother to you, I would like that very much, I think.

Hold onto it...

[ One hands lift up to carefully run a finger along the beveled wooden edge of the plaque. In it's current state, the possibilities were endless of what Ajax could ask. Of what they could ask. Ah, but that first brush stroke was always the most important. Once ink has been spilt, it can never return to that pristine blank slate again. So perhaps, yes, perhaps they should wait. ]

Yes. I do like that sound of that.

[ Ajax's lingering self doubt does not escape Zhongli. "If it isn't a bother." Zhongli was in fact quite the opposite of bothered, breathing in the air and seeing the sights with a new outlook as if this was his first time to the land of the electro Archon.

But some things cannot be forced with a rough hand or strict word. Some things bloom the most beautiful when nourished slowly and carefully - the end result much more permanent than the former method. Actions would prove Ajax wrong over time, and if anyone had the patience to match that of an young brash fox youkai then well, Zhongli was a prime candidate for succeeding. ]

Perhaps upon our victorious return to this shrine with the required artifact in our possession— yes, then we might be able to make a suitable larger wish together.

[ Zhongli smiles warmly in return, the simple act of looking forward to sharing an experience one (even one as small as this) quenching a thirst that he was not even aware of. Knowledgeable. Cordial. Polite — such flattery was oft used to describe the consultant of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. But on those days where he order a single glass of wine as he listened to beautifully delivered poetry and took his usual seat near the back of the stage of one of Yun Jin's performances—

There had been something missing then. A tug, an itch, an unsettled feeling that would not leave him. Or rather had not.

Not until he had come to Inazuma. ]

I would like that very much.

[ ah, those words make his heart flutter in surprise as much as elation. He looks momentarily surprised before seeming to catch himself and offering a light laugh with a stressed smile. He's happy, he really is, but it's hard to wrap his mind around it enough to give someone truly genuine. Still, it isn't fake. It's just clear it's a lot more effort to make that smile than it should be. ]

Really! Then— [ he moves to Zhongli to take his hand even as the other goes to tuck the blank wooden ornament away for safe keeping. He'll offer to drag Zhongli along towards the exit, his invisible tails still somehow giving off a feeling to Zhongli they are wagging in excitement unseen. ]

—We should get started right away, Sensei!

[ By all means, they should start out on their quest to retrieve the artifact that the Guuji Yae requested of them. However, as they leave the Narukami Shrine Zhongli does not lead the pair to the areas well known to be part of the Thunderbird's domain.

Far from it.

Instead he leads them toward the Chinjuu Forest where the two might banter with the young tanuki as they play their pranks upon each other. The day is spent with meandering long walks and strolls along the beach. It's spent tussling with the boars and other creatures that wander aggressively into the shrines dotted here and there. On one occasion, it's sabotaging a Fatui camp, forcing the regiment to flee back into the more open and tamed parts of Inazuma.

As the sun dips down low across the horizon, turning the trees and ground and sky even more purple than it already it, Zhongli turns to Ajax perhaps a bit sheepishly — nervous about their next destination. ]

I know that you do not like to approach the human settlements in caution of exposing yourself as a youkai. But if you would be willing, I would like to take you to a small estate not far from here for the night. It has a wonderful view of the Inazuma and perhaps some human wonders that you might have not the chance to experience.

[ Ajax listens, blue eyes intrigued by the explanation and that Zhongli is interested in heading to next. Once the other is finished, Ajax's face will light up with a happy smile: Zhongli wants to take him to see such interesting things! He's over the moon to know that Zhongli really seems to like spending time with him. That makes things so much better to not have to feel cautious because behavior doesn't seem to match words or something complicated like it. ]

Sounds great, lead the way! I'm very curious about these human wonders, especially if you seem to enjoy them enough to take me there for.

[ Zhongli offers a hand to Ajax then— preposterous really considering how much time they had spent in the last 48 hours with their fingers laced with one another. ]

Then allow me to protect you from that which might startle you. We do not have to be in the presence of humans for long. Just long enough to complete a business transaction.

[ Aka speak long enough with the innkeeper and shopkeepers to purchase their wares for the night. Though if Ajax has not spent much time around humans, perhaps even this process would be mysterious to him. ]

Oh, I accept~. [ Ajax reaches without hesitation to take his hand. Somehow he doesn't feel apprehensive at all that he might somehow get startled still despite Zhongli's offer. ]

So we're buying stuff? Anything neat?

Hmmm?

[ Zhongli cants his head as he fingers curl around Ajax's hand, a comfortable weight in his own palm. ]

Yes, we are buying some things. Food and a place to stay the night to begin with. But if there were other human experiences you wished to try, I'm certain that those can be arranged as well.

I'm afraid my knowledge of trends in Inazuma may unfortunately be dated by hundreds of years, though...

Food? You mean like Abura-age? [ the's a very focused expressing on the fox youkai's expression that has everything to do with thinking about fried tofu and nothing about the here and now of the moment.

Still, he somehow isn't distracted enough not come back to the present and Zhongli, asking a bit excitedly. ] We're gonna stay in human losing tonight?

[ Oh, how neat— he's pretty sure he never had gotten to try that kind of thing! ] I'm not sure what else there is , but these both sound worthwhile.

[ Zhongli chuckles, turning their direction northeast as the setting sun lights them from behind. ]

Well, I suppose it's only expected that you wouldn't know what else there is. So perhaps a more fair proposal is that if you see something interesting you will let me know, hmmm?

[ It doesn't take long for them to arrive near the cluster of houses near the Kamisato estate. And while they are not qualified to approach the estate itself, the leader of one of the three branches of Inazuma hosts many dignitaries and their entourage here at their estate. Which means there are rooms available for travelers such as Zhongli and Ajax to also take advantage of.

Zhongli is able to secure one such unused lodging for the night, modest in furnishings but more than comfortable to fit the two of them. He lets Ajax explore the tatami room as he goes to the cupboards to see the state of the futons as well as the other amenities. ]

[ Ajax is fascinated and immediately sets about investigating the most insignificant of things, taking extreme curiosity as to how and what humans might integrate into their basic (or not so basic) needs while lodging for the night. Trying to imagine what made humans decide to use this or that, to add unnecessarily extravagance to an a acknowledged utility, and similar such curiosities entertain and preoccupy the young Ninetails to the point Zhongli will be well finished with what he intends before Ajax ever shows a waning interest in what's in the room.

However, the excitement calms despite him being no less curious as he finds certain personal care items neatly set out at one point. A mirror and a comb that allows one to very precisely part and style their hair, perhaps with or without ornaments or other accessories at the visitors' own preferences and desires.

He peeks into the mirror as he leans forward a little a to see his reflection in it, tilting his head to one side. These items ... he has no use for them, but for some reason there is a tug in his chest that these were somehow something important at one point. It must be Lady Saiguu's memories of certain emotions breaking through the filth to affect him. He doesn't understand fully the feeling, the connection, or the instance of her memories that the stuff is these items could specifically invoke this, but he also doesn't understand how to ask his traveler companion for some possible explanation he hasn't considered.

(It is a rather skillfully and intricately created mirror and comb, but beyond that and their lack of utility, especially to a youkai that doesn't even hang around with other youkai, nevermind humans, there's nothing he can deduce from the items to make not sense of the feelings.

At the same time, he finds it extremely difficult to leave it alone as simply being a human item that really isn't anything more than their preferred ways to perfect their appearance. Something is nagging at him to not leave the significance of a mirror and comb alone, but he can't put his finger on what it is, how it is, or why it is. ) ]

[ There is the rustle of fabric behind Ajax as Zhongli lays the futons out across the floor, each fold carefully measured and pillow properly placed for maximum comfort as he drapes the two side by side. He also fetches out two sets of yukata to wear for night clothes - one a deep navy blue with bright red and yellow gold fish swimming across the fabric and the other a dark purple that fades to gold in an ombre mimicking the sunset.

He finally turns his attention to Ajax as he's staring at himself in the mirror, confused about what was catching the other off guard. It is true he may have never seen a human mirror if he didn't interact much with mortal civilization, but the concept of seeing one's own reflection should not be so novel. After all, Inazuma was surrounded by enough water on all sides it was more likely you were being reflected somewhere rather than not. ]

Ajax.

[ Zhongli calls softly, patting a spot on the futon next to him and then smoothing away the freshly made wrinkles. ]

Did something catch your eye?

[ It's almost strangely obedient how Ajax immediately goes to the spot on the futon next to Zhongli, immediately scooting to be able to brush against him and lean a tiny bit against him. ]

I was just looking at the mirror and comb set, it's pretty. I don't think I've seen one carved that delicately before.

[ He doesn't let the thoughts stay, sighing with the relief of being able to finally relax. ] I feel a little hot, though. [ Despite saying so, he presses a little more against Zhongli with a soft whine. ] does it feel warmer to you, too, sensei?

&Mdash;Eh, either way, I'm glad we can be here together, it feels really satisfying! It's quiet and nice and just the two of us.

[ Very satisfying, actually. Like he just wants to be all over Zhongli in his gratitude despite feeling suddenly very warm. ]

[ Zhongli accepts Ajax's weight easily, shifting slightly to try and accommodate him the more that he snuggles up against him. ]

I do not feel unnecessarily warm, no.

[ Slipping out of his gloves, the adepti brings a hand up to Ajax's forehead and leans in to get a good look at his face as if he knew more than the very basics arts of healing. He doesn't sense anything wrong with Ajax, but youkai physiology is also not a forte of his. ]

Do you feel unwell? You did almost get zapped by that tree earlier today.

[ One hand reaches out to gently pat one of his tails (visible or not) as he eyes the comb near the mirror where Ajax was just a few moments ago. ]

Perhaps you should lay down and rest. Allow me to help you get ready for bed.

Ah—Aha, no, it's okay! I'm sure I'm fine! I almost never get sick so if you don't feel anything I must just be imagining things.

[ He admits Zhongli's hand on his forehead feels so soothing, though, and the sensation of one of his tails being patted feels really desirable, enough he wants them touched more. the youkai looks a bit perplexed and not sure what it means, but he'll respond to the suggestion again. ]

Is Sensei going to rest, too? If not, I really think I'm okay.

[ Even so, Ajax will shift to start playing with his robes, tugging at his kimono as he glances down with a small huff. ]

[ Zhongli watches Ajax pull on the collar of his kimono, keeping his face as neutral as possible. If he had never spent time with others, it's no surprise that he would become sick soon after mingling with so many. But Zhongli can also understand his embarrassment over it, considering his nature to not get in the way of others.

Yes, Zhongli thinks he sees a way around this. ]

Hmmm? Oh yes, I was going to rest in the sense that I was not planning to go out for the reminder of the day.

But I was also wondering if you would be interesting in experiencing some of the luxuries available at an inn? Normally, an attendant would take care of such matters but as that might cause complications if you wish to keep your nature as a youkai hidden— I believe I know enough to serve in their stead.

[ does that mean he could let his tails be visible and stuff without concern, Ajax wonders? Surely that would help make him feel less strained or whatever is making him feel a high temperature and restlessness.

Zhongli not planning to go out is a nice thought, too (because he can still stay closer to Zhongli without being in the way in that case,) and he can't help but perk a little at the mention of available luxuries that they had access to that could be enjoyed ... together, he supposes? ]

But, if you are doing things that an attendant would do, that means you can't also join in the luxury, doesn't it?

[ That brings a small smile to Zhongli's face. He had guessed that Ajax might bring up something like this, much too selfless to allow him to enjoy something just for the sake of enjoying it. But this, too, Zhongli was prepared for. ]

Well then, how about I offer a trade? If you like the service and wish to perform it on me as well after you experience it, I would be delighted to experience that with you.

[ Oh, well then; Zhongli is very good at navigating this youkai and his tendencies, isn't he.

Ajax smiles now, quite happy with this idea. ]

Oh, yes, I would like that very much.

[ Zhongli reaches over to straighten the yukata where Ajax has fussed over it, smoothing the fabric over his shoulders and once again pressing a hand to his forehead to check for a fever. He is slightly flushed but doesn't seem to be uncomfortable outside of that for now. Well— Zhongli could keep an eye on that. ]

Then please feel free to drop your illusion and make yourself comfortable while I collect some things.

[ That being said, Zhongli rises from the futon so he can gather the normal inn amenities that are lying around— the comb, a small hand held mirrors, various soups and scents. They were not as nice as those that could be found with the heart of Inazuma City, but would still suffice as a good experience.

He comes back to sit at the edge of the futon, exhaling through his nose as he lets his own antlers and tail appear upon his mortal form. Carefully he curls his tail around his own waist so it will not get in his way as he lines up the collected items one by one, picking up the comb first to start. ]

Shall we?

[ Ajax's expressions seem to become a little more playful upon seeing let his adepti features come through. With the youkai's illusion dropped, his ears and tail assist in demonstrating his mood and behaviour far easier.

Without a word he scoots close again in response to the question about his readiness to begin, tails swaying excitedly. It's only once he's in what he feels is a good position that he speaks up. ]

Okay~. I'm ready now.

Thank you.

[ Zhongli shifts so that he is sitting behind Childe, hands gently stopping him from moving if he tries to move from his position or turn around. He needs him right here after all if he wants to begin.

Zhongli leans over to pick up a particular bottle of oil and the comb, carefully brushing out the teeth to make sure it's clean as possible. And then he lifts up one of the bushy fox tails on display and begins to painstakingly comb it. Slow and steady, so that all along the length is soft and free of loose fur. If the comb catches on a snarl, he is careful to gently pull it loose with the comb and his fingers, never once tugging harshly on such a sensitive appendage.

All the while, Zhongli hums a quiet tune under his breath. Something foreign and ancient— something from a Liyue of long ago that time and mortal memory has forgotten. ]

[ Zhongli brushing his tails gives him so much to think about. About how he's never brushed them before (he keeps them very clean, but he spends painstaking hours in fox form to do it) and how attentive the old adeptus is to just one tail (and he's still got eight more if he's going that way.)

It's soothing, actually, especially hearing the gentle hum of the other's voice. Ajax really likes everything about it— he really likes everything about Zhongli. Everything is so calming and feels like he can let loose and be at ease, but he soon starts to realize that what he's been bottling up isn't all going to contribute to relaxing when he lets his guard down.

By the time Zhongli makes it to the third tail, Ajax thinks he might die from the feeling it rakes into him with every stroke. It feels as good as it does maddening, sand he's feeling the urge to move, to pounce and take advantage—

— he thinks he understands the "illness" he's feeling, but that knowledge doesn't make it any better to him. He's still only guessing and he isn't quite sure, which makes it even worse to involve anyone else in it especially Zhongli.

Besides, how can he possibly be suffering from a heat cycle, he's not even really a—

...

...Ah... ah ha.

...Well, if he's careful, there's nothing wrong with it, right...?

Surely an adeptus as old as Zhongli will recognize a kitsune trying to seduce him and get something out of him. He can make the proper judgement call at that time. That absolves Ajax of needing to feel guilty on any outcome.

He is very good through the brushing of every tail and with each one so memory cared for, they sway in an unusual gentle motion now, almost as if in trance, and surely if Zhongli pays attention to their movements enough they will feel rather hypnotic themselves, too. Ajax's voice is calm as he addresses his companion again, his expression clearly being one of interest and admiration. ]

Oh, Zhongli-sensei, that felt really good, but I also feel really cold all of a sudden...

[ He doesn't. But he's convinced the only way to ease this feverish temperature is to get as close and as intimate as possible as he can with Zhongli. It's happening because of Zhongli, so he doesn't really have a choice, even if he did have other options. There's nothing wrong with it anyway, he will be more than happy to return the favor of tail brushing once he has the adeptus spent. he'll make sure it's very enjoyable for Zhongli every step of the way.

Otherwise he's welcome to stop it. ]

[ Zhongli puts aside the comb, gently stroking all nine tails once they have been groomed to his very particular standards. It's not that Ajax was not taking good of his tails— they obviously had been well cared for. It is just in Zhongli's nature to want to nurture that which he considers his. Even if it has been such a short time that the two of them have spent together, he does consider Ajax a dear friend. One that he will carry with him and treasure in his memories for the rest of his very long life.

Ajax's words pull him out of his focused concentration and his own meandering thoughts, a small frown tugging on Zhongli's lips.

Ah, that was not proper of him. Ajax had already said he was feeling unwell and Zhongli has taken up so much of his time when he should be resting. Chills and a fever must means that whatever ails him is starting to course through his system. And since Zhongli rarely gets ill himself—

He pulls Ajax into his lap and wraps his arm and kimono around the young kitsune. Zhongli's own body was not necessarily the greatest source of warmth. Since he had been out in the sun all day, there is a chance he might retain some of that heat like a sun bleached rock, but most of the time his temperature ran much cooler than what other living beings were used to. Hopefully Ajax would find it comforting regardless. ]

Are you feeling worse?

If so, I must really recommend that we get you to bed so that you may rest for the night.

[ he didn't expect Zhongli to pull him closer and even into his lap, but he certainly isn't complaining. Regardless of Zhongli's actual body temperature, it feels perfect to Ajax. So much that he surprises himself by shifting comfortably against the other while in his lap.

(It feels like a perfect fit to him...?!)

So the young fox will nuzzle at the crook of Zhongli's neck, both to hide the flush to his cheeks as well as indulge in the other's scent. He likes them smell of the adeptus, which he assumes means there's just even further reason to make sure it's Zhongli he focuses on for dealing with his "illness." ]

I want to stay with you. I like this. Are you coming to bed with me if I agree?