hydrangeabloom | (no subject)

[ Yes, it's quite clear that Ajax is not giving this any deeper thought than what it appears on the surface. But Zhongli can not chide him too much for that— he is young, does not seem to have much opportunity to interact with others, and Lady Yae was at the top of the food chain when it came to kitsune youkai. He probably had not even considered the fact that he could negotiate anything before today. ]

Very well. The tailfeather of the Thunderbird.

[ Zhongli knew that tale as he had even on one occasion had the opportunity (or perhaps misfortune) of hearing about the Thunderbird from Ei when Makoto was still the Electro Archon of Inazuma. The creature had become a threat to the residents of Seirei Island and they were discussing whether or not a peaceful resolution could come to pass between them.

History tells the end of that story. It ended the same way as many similar stories did — a resolution not to be found and the Thunderbird slain or sealed by the hands of the Archon.

Why would anyone want a cursed artifact like that in their possession? Surely it contained some of the rage and malice of the fallen foe. Surely it could not be good for anyone who came in contact with it.

Of course, Zhongli says nothing of his internal musings. He does not need (or want) to tip his hand to Yae, and Ajax does not seem interested in the specifics. Very well. It will be up to his discretion then. ]

Then let the contract be sealed, for my words are as solid as stone.

[ Yae openly laughs, not even bothering to hide it daintily behind her hand. "Maaaa, you never change. It would be quite endearing if it wasn't also a bit tragic." ]

[ Ajax is admittedly interested in what Yae means about Zhongli, even as he rolls the words said by his new companion around in his head.

Contract... stone... this feels on the tip of his tongue, and he can't help but intentionally turn to start sifting through memories of Hers in particular to try and see if the face next to him is somewhere in there with her. If not her, has Lady Yae ever informed him —

—eh, he'll do it later. Now isn't a good time to get lost in thoughts. ]

Then, we will head off soon after Zhongli-sensei finishes his tea and bring the item back with us next time~.

Yes, after I finish my tea.

[ To which Zhongli takes a long pointed sip, ignoring Yae for the moment. How rude! He isn't tragic. He's retired.

He turns to Ajax when he's done: ]

Ajax, might you allow myself and the Lady Guuji to catch up on things for a few moments. I shall be ready to go soon.

You may also stay here as well, but I'm afraid our conversation will be dreadfully boring.

Sure, you don't have to tell me twice! [ he definitely doesn't want to deal with sitting through boring conversations. Which means he's more than ready to depart and leave the two of them to themselves for now.

Once he leaves, he is very good about going about keeping himself occupied for the two elders to catch up. ]

[ A couple hours later, Zhongli emerges from the meeting room with Yae, pensive and thoughtful, but he is quickly drawn out of his own head as he looks around for his new fox companion. Ah, perhaps he should not have lingered too long in his reminiscence (but it was so rare that he had a chance to talk to anyone that knew Baal, knew those who lived and breathed before the cataclysm.) Even if Zhongli had to suffer through barbs and teasing about being a cradle robber.

Honestly.

He first heads to the placards where visitors to the shrine may offer their wishes, black calligraphy ink splashed across small wooden boards. Ah, perhaps when he finds Ajax, the two of them might indulge in this most mundane of pastimes.

If he is not there, Zhongli will circle round the rest of the Narukami Shrine. It's a small place. Surely he will find him eventually. ]

[ Ajax can be found not far from the hung wishes, staiing up curiously at the large outreaching branches of the great Sakura Tree. As if mesmerized, the young fox youkai stares up at the pink petals that hold fast despite the high altitude and breeze that continuously encourage them to take flight, wondering if he's seen anything prettier than this. He'd give to take a nap while waiting for Zhongli, but now can't recall if he ever made it before stopping to settle here and watch the Sakura petals dance their way through a short-lived existence.

He'll snap out of it when Zhongli approaches close enough, looking to him belt a smile lights up Ajax's face and he'll wave for good measure. In his hand is one of those wooden ornaments, but it doesn't seem that he's managed to ink anything into the back of it as a wish just yet. Somehow, with Zhongli suddenly there, it doesn't feel like such a thing he has to focus on in the moment, instead putting to go to the adeptus' side. ]

Sensei, you're finished? Did you have a nice talk? [ the fox youkai hopes so considering how long he was with Lady Yae, but one can't be too presumptuous about such things. ]

[ Zhongli reaches up to pluck one such pink petal from Ajax's hair, rolling it between his fingertips before letting it go and take flight on the wind. Ajax looked so much younger like this, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the shrine of his people rather than tucked away in the dark forgotten crumbling ruins of long past. Those nagging questions start tugging at his mind again— why did Ajax live so far away from the others, even considering how his kind had been treated. Surely here, of all places, under the watchful eye of the Guuji, he would be safe.

But, ah, that does not really matter now. Because now Ajax was safe with Zhongli. ]

I did. Thank you for indulging me. I have not seen Lady Yae in over 500 years, so we both had a lot to catch up on.

[ Zhongli leans forward, tapping the wooden plaque held in Ajax's hand. The fact the one side still remains unblemished does not escape his attention. ]

Are you going to make a wish?

[ The smile on Ajax's face and Zhongli being there with him now is interrupted with a momentarily puzzled expression belt he looks to the wooden ornament himself and a soft smile returns. Ah right, he should make a wish like the tradition states. his words are soft and absent minded before he seems to realizing he's trailing off into something h shouldn't or won't take about. "A wish of my very own for me...?"
His short daze is interrupted quite quickly before he glances back to Zhongli from having shifted to the ornament piece. He reaches out with his free hand towards the older man, offering a rather charming grin along with the invitation. ]

Let's make a wish together. How about it? I can't think of any wish at the moment that doesn't involve you there with me, anyway.

[ Zhongli looks puzzled for a moment by the offered hand, not sure what he is supposed to do with it. But considering how physically close the two had been since they have been travelling together, Zhongli reaches forward to take it, pulling Ajax into that comfortable closeness the two of them have shared. It feels strangely natural — to curl his fingers between the spaces of Ajax's.

This is very unlike him. Normally he was friendly, but polite and cordial — appearances were everything to "Zhongli." But here in Inazuma where only a handful of people knew him, it was easier to bend those sort of strict rules that he had set for himself when settling into his mortal persona. There was no reason to keep secrets from Ajax. No need to worry if he might be uncomfortable such some of his adeptus traits accidentally peek through in a moment of distraction. ]

The silver fox has an equally silver tongue.

But you need not make it as grand as a wish if it involves something I can help you achieve. You need only to ask me, Ajax.

Oh? Does that mean Zhongli-sensei doesn't have a need for making wishes like these? [ Ajax cants his head curiously. Even so,
The fox youkai doesn't seem convinced he can just ask Zhongli for whatever wish he might have if it involves the other.

(The wish is silly. It's absurd to even speak outloud and has no true benefit of value to make it reasonable to bring up despite its ridiculousness. How can he truly bring anything like this up in the real world rather than draw a cute idealistic picture on a piece of wood?

(Most of all, though, the question begins to gnaw on him— why is he wanting to wish for this in the first place?) ]

I would not say that. But a wish is a grand thing, is it not? So I might wish for something like your continued health, your overall happiness, or perhaps that we are able to meet again and again for many years despite the distance and other gulfs between us.

But if it is a smaller wish, one that were in your power to grant me— well, would it not come true quicker if I were to just ask you.

[ He leans in a bit closer, smile fond as he looks at the wooden block still clutched in Ajax's hand. ]

What kind of wish do you want to make, Ajax?

Or might I begin with my smaller wish first?

[ 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.