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[ Chili one-shots ]

[ Zhongli's eyes drift closed when Ajax settles against him, preparing them both for a long night's rest. Except as time goes on and Ajax's breathing does not slow (in fact it's the opposite, it seems to increase over time), it's clear that Ajax has no intentions of actually sleeping.

While Zhongli is generally ace by choice and constitution (rocks are not terribly passionate creatures after all), he is not oblivious to the sexual desires of the various creatures of Teyvat. It is not surprising that when finding himself in the presence of another, those desires might rouse within Ajax. The scent of pheromones in the air only confirms Zhongli's suspicions of what he was dealing with, and he immediately shifts into the role of a guardian and a provider.

(Even though he shivers unpleasantly every time Ajax presses his tongue against Zhongli's bare skin. There is no way for the young youkai to know his aversion to all things wet and slimy thanks to the lingering trauma of the Archon war. And these small touches are manageable enough for now.) ]

Ajax.

[ He keeps his voice warm and steady though firm as he reaches up to card a hand through Ajax's hair, scritching behind his ears affectionately. ]

You're a good boy, attractive in appearance and pleasant in personality. I would be willing to play with you, but only after certain rules are established.

[ Stroking at the fine hairs at the nape of his neck, Zhongli attempts to coax Ajax to pull back and look at him directly so they are face to face for this conversation. ]

You are experiencing a heat, yes? Which means your body is given more voice than your mind at the moment. I would like to spend some time to negotiate how far you wish to go and what are your likes and dislikes while not in the throes of passion.

Is that something that you can do for me?

[ he's not good at reading people in bed, so he can't easily distinguish the shivers as from arousal or revulsion, but even Ajax could say with confidence when not on a sexual high things like this can feel just ... unpleasant in general without any trauma added. So it's picked up beyond the thought that Zhongli simply isn't aroused.

Still, Zhongli will get a reprieve, because Ajax really really likes the feeling of his ears being scritched. (And oh does he ever like being told he's good, that someone finds him pleasant and easy on the eyes and—)

Ajax pulls back for Zhongli blinking at him with big (dilated, too) eyes as he speaks, the only hint he's feeling a little bit impatient being the way his ears fall back somewhat submissively in indecision before they seem switch to perking and a fluttering of twitches too quickly to be representation of any real hesitation or uncertainty. His tails, too, are full (and extra soft and prettified thanks to the adeptus and his meticulous work), swaying mostly serene like cattails on the spring breeze until they're interrupted with an inpatient flick here and there.

Still, while the other speaks he does take the time to state into the fascinating golden eyes that are unlike he's ever seen. They're so beautiful he thinks he could wake up every morning to them without feeling an ounce of loss if the sun itself never rose again.

(Is this really what it's like to be in heat and want to go a round with someone? Amazing.)

Once Zhongli finishes, Ajax will lean forward to touch their noses together before finally speaking with a playful and airy chuckle. ] Oya... you really are quite powerful, aren't you, sensei? You can tell which means you smell it, but you don't seem affected at all. Very impressive, even if I am not particularly well-versed in seducing "victims~."

So, I guess we have to do it your way if I can't get you going. [ there's a light playful sigh, and he doesn't say it as if he feels like he failed to do something, just clearly going with the flow of it. He now shifts to let their foreheads touch, looking down at the other with a handsome and confident trace of a smile. ]

Zhongli-sensei is so caring to try and protect me from myself.

Still, I think it's better to ask you those questions. I want to go all the way, and there's nothing I don't like. [ he'll tilt his head to the slide his lips to the other's ear and finish his words with a hungry whisper: ] Especially if it's you~.

[ Ajax doesn't try to reinitiate anything just yet, though, lifting his head back up so he can look at Zhongli again, using one hand to have his finger idly trace random shapes and paths that have no meaning along the other's chest. ] If you are that concerned about such things, tell me how far you'll let me go and what you do and don't like. Don't take too long, though. I want to make it good for you, but that doesn't mean I can keep my senses about me much longer. Feral sex sounds really quite good to me, too.

Edited 2023-12-22 05:43 (UTC)

[ Ah.

Morax and Rex Lapis had been propositioned by many people over the years, mortal and adepti and others alike. And while Ajax seems to still retain most of his mental facilities with being open and willing to bargain with him, it is impossible for someone to be so smitten with someone within two days time (or so thinks the stubborn rock whose realization of feelings usually happened well after there was opportunity to do something about that). That means it is the heat that is doing most of the talking, which is something Zhongli finds much easier to navigate.

He wonders for a moment if his own libido is broken — considering Ajax's comments. While it's true that the pheromones give Zhongli a slight warm buzz and make him more agreeable to the situation, personal feelings always came last. So there was no situation in which he could be driven to action by his emotions, regardless of whatever might be coaxing him to reach some particular conclusion. Rex Lapis had put down treasured friends against the wishes of his heart, so unfortunately the unpolished ability of a young youkai had little hope of overcoming his iron will.

Nor was Zhongli wanting to divulge that he was the former Archon of Liyue. Their power dynamics would be irreversible changed when that information came to light. And for now—

Just for a little while— ]

I find little enjoyment in pain and humiliation though this does not forgo rougher mating if that is the best way to soothe your heat.

Shall we agree to this then?

Submit your pleasure to me, completely and without question. Trust that I will bring you to a satisfying conclusion and towards a well-rested night. Give me a safeword and a signal to use in case you cannot speak to voice any changes of mind in regards to you liking everything.

Do that, and I will happily take care of you for the rest of the evening.

[ Perhaps it's a good sign that when Zhongli sets up his own limitations that Ajax head ends up in a small tilt clearly suggesting this is never something that crosses his mind to do. Perhaps because a kitsune has so many tricks up their sleeve that the very idea of needing things such as safe words or signals to tell the other party what pleases them is a very novel idea. For a moment it looks like Ajax might as the dreaded questions one might be prepared for someone that has been so alone and separated from even other fox youkai ("haha, what's a safe word?" "Why would I need a signal? I'm always going to be able to voice something" or even "I don't need those things at all.")

He doesn't, though. His expression chances ever so slightly, the only indication he is seriously contemplating how much he has to play along to Zhongli's rules to get what he wants out of this. It all feels unnecessary to Ajax— but, maybe it's the only way Zhongli will enjoy himself, too. (and that would be so nice, wouldn't it? That Zhongli wasn't just doing him a favor and got something extremely pleasant from it overall.) Finally, the fox youkai speaks, a good natured smile returning to his features.

(Does this mean if he has a rut he has to ask all these things to Zhongli first, too? Is that how it works? Better yet, why is he even thinking about it being Zhongli automatically when they haven't even done anything yet the first time?) ]

Safe word is "白夜." Gesture is snapping. [ and Ajax will snap his fingers to demonstrate. ]

Is it acceptable?

Yes. Both of those are acceptable.

[ It is good that Ajax did not begin with admitting he did not know why such precautions needed to be put in place. Otherwise, there would have been a lengthy lecture that would have killed the mood even more thoroughly than Zhongli managed to, heat or no heat. ]

Shall we begin then?

[ Zhongli sits up, covers of the futon carefully folded out of the way so they will neither get in the way nor become dirtied with the activities that were about to take place. His movements are unhurried as he carefully undoes his own yukata, slipping the obi from around his waist and folding the material back to its pristine condition as when they had entered their lodgings for the night.

Once completed, he reaches for Ajax's yukata — and begins the undressing process in the same methodological and meticulous manner. If Ajax tries to touch Zhongli or himself during this time, the hands are snatched in a vice grip, a single kiss dragged across all five knuckles before they are placed back on the futon and Zhongli continues his work as if he had not been disturbed at all. ]

[ Of course, Ajax is curious to want to touch Zhongli, blinking owlishly at the stark contrast in how the strength in the group is versus the gentle affection of the kiss across his knuckles. he doesn't try again for the time being but not for lack of wanting to. He agreed to let Zhongli control it, right it? So he's supposed to just let him handle it (but he is so impatient, he needs to touch and be touched, to feel someone else that will squash this needy heat with one far more satisfying— )

He does his best to stay patient for now. How long that will last is anyone's guess. ]

[ Once the both of them are laid bare, Zhongli's strokes his palms all along Ajax's body. Over the curve of his shoulders and down the length of spine, cutting back across his ribs to smooth down his stomach as he gently lays him back down against the futon.

One hand idly strokes down his inner thigh as he leans down to press a kiss just to the tip of the kitsune's noise. ]

Can you close your eyes for me? Relax. Take long deep breaths.

Just because your body is telling you to rush does not mean we must be careless. Your pleasure is a wonderous thing— something that should be treasured and nourished to its full potential.

I would like you to experience all of that.

[ zhongli is so fascinating with his commitment and attentiveness, and they haven't even done anything together, yet. Ajax watches him with awe until he's asked to close his eyes— which he does.

Still he can't help but ask. ]

My pleasure...? Is that okay to think when it's something like being in heat that's causing it...? [ not that he believes Zhongli has nothing to do with it— he has everything to do with it, even. Ajax takes some deep breaths once finished to follow instructions nevertheless ]

[ Zhongli's hands still smooth over Ajax's body, alternating between light and firm touches to see where he might react best to physical stimulation (though he stays away from between the kitsune's thighs for now). To proceed so quickly and directly would hamper what he tentatively had planned for their time together. For while they were both in overall agreement, the finer details of how to proceed were still up in the air, and Zhongli would do his best to tease out Ajax's preferences in whatever methods were available to him. ]

Well I suppose that depends. If you are looking to produce offspring, then that should be the focus. However, in that instance, I do not know if I would be a suitable partner. We both live in separate nation and have our own duties which tie us to our homes. Children deserve the love of both parents if they are both available.

If not for reproduction, then pleasure seems the next most logical conclusion and what I assumed we would aim for moving forward.

A third option is clinically focusing on working your heat through you system as quickly and efficiently as possible. However, if that was your priority, I do believe you would have propositioned me in a very different manner.

[ Selfishly, it had also been a long time since he had touched and brought pleasure to another. Zhongli's own particular nature and brutal high standards would ensure that it would be memorable for the both of them. There was no need to spoil it with efficiency. ]

[ It's really hard to keep from trying to just force his way onto Zhongli's dick, if he's honest. He assumes the only reason he's able to keep from doing so is because his body isn't experiencing a real heat like a normal kitsune would and is some fluke response. Even so, he can't help react to certain things more positively and enthusiastically than others. He shivers at the touches to areas that feel especially good, and squirms when it's areas particularly close to falling between his thighs if Zhongli would give him just a little more.

The mention of offspring throws Ajax for a loop. His flushed features from arousal burn a deep color and hot, shy and embarrassed at the thought of asking such a thing of Zhongli (and as much as he will deny it later, the heat just makes him want to feel good getting fucked thoroughly. If that means being bred or whatever else, he can't say it particularly bothers him, especially if it's Zhongli doing it.) How can he consider something like that?

He catches the other two options less clearly but does ask in a hitched breath a follow-up question to them: ]

... How would I proposition you then...? I do .... want to feel good with you—ah, it's a little. . . difficult to think beyond that, though.

[ Ajax knows better than to think any further. This isn't going to mean anything despite Zhongli being so strangely meticulous and caring about the enjoyment they will both get.

Edited 2023-12-26 03:56 (UTC)

[ Ah. He's being cruel, isn't he? Ajax just wants to find reprieve from his encroaching heat and here was Zhongli, prattling on as he always did. As a good partner, he should first make sure Ajax is comfortable before bogging him down with twenty questions or an analysis of the situation.

(That is what he tells himself anyway, completely refusing to acknowledge the fact that Ajax's own pheromones are slowly ebbing away at his resolve, like the tide washing the beach smooth and clean.)

Logic first. Logic always had to come first. ]

A discussion for another time then.

[ This time a hand does slip in between Ajax's thighs, a soft caress of first his hand and then the silk of his long yukata sleeve brushing along the length of the kitsune's dick all the way from tip to base. But that is just a prelude and a tease to where Zhongli intends to go as deft fingers carefully pry his cheeks apart and circle around his rim just to see how wet Ajax was with his own slick already. If he was already prepared, then Zhongli could begin with offering him pleasure and relief, leaving the rest of Zhongli's questions for later.

Gently, as he continues to rub over the heated sensitive flesh: ]

Then there is no need to think. Your body will tell me if it's ready and if this feels good.

[ Another time? Does that mean—

As soon as his dick is brushed over his mind go blank with hot white light and noise. It's more swollen and tender than he imagined what with not having touched it, but that just means he wants to be fondled even more. When those hands reach his rim after his cheeks are separated, there's a small keen at the ring of flesh being sensitive and all that too. Slick coats his rim and even drips now that his cheeks aren't holding it in place, and although Ajax can feel it leaking out a bit, he's not entirely aware of just how wet he is (nor does he realize that's all from wanting Zhongli more and more rather than simply to be fucked stupid.)

He shudders, a breathless "Zhongli" escaping him before he attempts to squirm forward to feel more of the other's fingers on (and in) him.

The pheromones he gives off, although not so easy for him to control, get stronger the more desperate and sexually frustrated he becomes. ]

[ Zhongli's continue to circle round his rim, coating his fingers as he goes.

Good. Not only would it be somewhat embarrassing to try and find something that could substitute for lubrication from the staff, but Zhongli doubts that the little kitsune would handle any further interruptions well. His own slick should suffice for at least the initial penetration. ]

Yes, Ajax?

[ He maneuvers them so Ajax can settle more comfortably against the sheets, one knee hooked over Zhongli's shoulder to keep him pliant and open as Zhongli works. ]

Be good for me, will you.

[ Once he feels that the youkai is sufficiently prepared, he slips two fingers inside and continues the steady motions now inside of Ajax, eager to coax his names from Ajax's lips a second (and many more) times. He was also not oblivious to how other areas of the fox also cry for attention. Once he's set a pace with one hand, his other moves to circle around Ajax's dick, pumping it in time to his other ministrations. Every time he reaches the tip, he gently swipes his thumb across it using that as a gauge to how close he is.

If Zhongli were to stop to consider his own actions, he would note how easy it is for him to fall into the role of a provider— whether that is safety or companionship or even pleasure like this. He's overall unused to feeling... well, not needed if he were to put it bluntly. His days can be spent however he pleases which is how he was able to travel to Inazuma in the first place. So this small service he could provide, just the attention of a single living being, was doing wonders on keeping the cavernous empty feelings that he knew he would have to face someday from materializing.

Later.

He could deal with such issues later. ]

[ Good? He'll be so good if it means getting more of what Zhongli offers. Any lingering doubts that this feeling is a farce leaves his mind— whether or not it's a real heat doesn't matter: he's feeling it, experiencing it, and craving it for what he is being given as a result. He does the only thing he can right now, lie back in wanton display of his pleasure, not an inch of him ignoring the sensations being given. He's quite sensitive, it seems, and even his tails seem to writhe in the pleasure they experience from Zhongli's hands.

The other is making it all so damn good and it's just his fingers!

Being indulged has Ajax feeling even more consumed by his heat, enough that embarrassment and shyness is starting to evaporate in favor of enjoying himself in more pleasure. (he wants to see Zhongli enjoying himself, too, will the other make sure to do that or does he have to coax and remind him? He wants to be good really really good for the adeptus.)

He refrains from trying to touch the other for the moment, but it's clear that he wants to, and he looks up at Zhongli with a sultry and aroused expression all the while even as he tries to control his breathing and the sounds escaping. ] Ahn... You, too. I want you to feel good, too. Will it ...feel good inside of me for you?

[ Zhongli returns that look with a fond smile, fingers twisting inside Ajax to find that spot that will really make him shudder. He's being a bit of a tease, he knows, when Ajax is trying so hard to seduce him. The adeptus cannot help but find the expression more endearing than anything.

Zhongli's feelings for the youkai already go well past mere physical attraction. He does not believe himself capable of any romantic feelings, but Ajax has proven himself to be a dear friend. A dear friend that he wishes to make feel good and indulge the youkai's seemingly bottomless desire to please Zhongli and feel useful. These were two things that Zhongli would happily grant the other. ]

Of course. You're beautiful and very responsive.

[ Another twist of his fingers. ]

How can it be anything but enjoyable for me?

But I wish to start by taking the edge of. Just a little. So that when I am inside of you we can take our time.

[ He leans down, a tender kiss placed against his brow as he continues to work Ajax over. ]

Would you like that?

[ At some point he might have to seriously think about how well Zhongli resists him and what that means (does he need to up his game or is Zhongli really truly that special?)

(His body shudders, squirming pin those fingers that are maybe a little too good at knowing where to touch for someone who seems to not be a very passionate and carnal individual. Not that Ajax is complaining, but he's well aware he's being teased& mdash;
—but for now all he cares about is getting what he wants whether through tempting his partner or through their own interests in doing such to him. Initially he opens his mouth with a breath to reply, but instead but his first response is one of a half moan of Zhongli's name as those fingers twist inside him again. Ajax's sounds are raw, and despite his writhing and enjoyment it's obvious he is surprised at how that felt good enough that he moaned rather unwillingly. The needy strum of his tails at being told he's beautiful and his body reacts in a way that will surely please the adeptus is embarrassingly obvious that he's enjoying such things along with the others fingers inside of him. The flushed expression of his while he stares adoringly so at the other with large doe eyes that are lust-glazed tells he's really getting into it all and Zhongli's suggestions.

Zhongli wants them to take their time...? Oh. Oh? ]

Haha... Sensei is too kind to me. I would like it... very much.

[ His arms wrap around the other's neck to pull him into a kiss full on the mouth before he can get tio far out of reach. The youkai is all too happy to shift and be extra pliable on the adeptus's fingers still, he just just can't help but want to get a good taste of the other instead of just feel the other's fingers.]

Edited 2024-01-21 03:26 (UTC)

[ Ironically, it means very little outside that Zhongli (being the rock that he is) is both less physically affected but such things as pheromones and aphrodisiacs. This is further stifled by millennia of Zhongli ignoring his own personal wants and desires in favor of what was always best for Liyue. Physical intimacy for the sake of physical intimacy did lose its spark over time. Enough that Zhongli had shelved most of these feelings (except for a few exceptional occassions) once he ascended as an Archon.

Ajax should be proud that he is managing to move this old boulder at all. Affection and physical intimacy does not come easy to him. Indulging a desire that is wholly personal and selfish — was a truly rare feat indeed. ]

I'm being as kind as you deserve, Ajax.

[ Zhongli kisses back, sweetly and a little reserved. He was being very honest when he said he wanted for them to take their time and enjoy each other. Surely when their passions (or maybe just Ajax's impatience) ignited, it would be hard to stop their momentum. So these softer moments should be treasured before they worked themselves up to that point.

And so Zhongli kisses him just enough to leave him breathless, all while his fingers find a steady rhythm that will bring the fox youkai pleasantly over the edge. Not too rough and not meant to be denying him his pleasure. Zhongli was a very particular individual after all. ]

Has no one properly made love to you before?

[ it will all make much more sense to him once he understands Zhongli's constitution (—probably, anyway.)

He doesn't expect the kiss to be so enjoyable. Zhongli's mouth tastes... like something to him that he feels he should know, but he can't put his finger on it. Not that his mind is able to really process such levels of cognition as he's kissed. The sweetness is indeed enough to keep him breathless and overwhelmed with his other ministrations. He really wants it— really wants Zhongli so much that it consumes any attempt at keeping his head above water. The lack of air is just enough that when the adeptus gets him to spill, the orgasm feels much better than he's ever recalled having. It's not particularly hard or intense, but something about it still feels really ... delicious is maybe the word he would use if he had to describe it. He isn't able to moan out Zhongli's name when he climaxes, but it's not from a lack of wanting to. The brief involuntary sound that escapes his throat one of uncontrollable pleasure, and for a few seconds after, Ajax feels like he's sinking into a pool of water and about to float. Breath ragged as he tries to fill his lungs, he is only brought back to the surface of the moment with the soothing sound of Zhongli's voice as he asks the question. If he were not affected by the climax high, he surely would have tried to stumble around such a question. Even he knows that he should be embarrassed talking so openly about things, and that includes if it's only in private to a single person.

Instead, as his clinging starts to loosen some with him getting at least some relief from his heat, he replies with a soft chuckle, gently amused. ]

No. Why would they?

[ there's no self-depreciation in his words. He seems to be pleasantly bemused in a very light-hearted way that such a question would be asked. That's not to say the question is awkward to him, either: no, it's actually somewhat flattering from his point of view because— ]

Do I seem like the kind of person that would have an experience like that?

[ it must be a compliment! And if it's not ... well his brazen kitsune ego will make it one just fine on its own, too.

His hands momentarily wander gently and curiously over Zhongli's upper back and shoulders as if committing every inch to memory. He feels a little less desperate now (is that the result of the other's intention to take the edge off?) but far from satisfied. Ah, how strange to not feel that overwhelming primal instinct so strongly it takes over every other sensibility from the getgo but still able to desire to experience it still! (He must like Zhongli very much.) It can't just be physical attraction, can it? He's never done this with any others that he's come in contact with. Not that any of them were even close to Zhongli in any way, shape, or form, but surely if it was just physical he would have not been particularly picky about who he satisfied his urge with. Considering he doesn't remember any such thing ever crossing his mind nevermind an actual heat manifesting in the presence of others, that seems like a safe conclusion.

(Oh, so he really likes Zhongli.)

Now if only he had the slightest idea of what that statement actually means for them both and individually, especially since he's not silly enough to hope Zhongli likes him in any way like that, too. ]

Edited (typos) 2024-01-22 08:26 (UTC)

[ Zhongli huffs a breath through his nose, somewhere between huffed and pleased at how clingy Ajax is being. ]

There's my good boy.

[ He brushes the sweat-soaked hair away from his forehead, kissing his brow as Ajax loses himself in the sensations. It's nice. This is nice. To be able to take care of another. To take care of Ajax as Ajax had been taking care of him. ]

You did so very well.

[ There's a small knit of concern between his brows that Ajax has not yet had this experience with another. Physical intercourse is certainly not unknown to him with how smoothly he had approached Zhongli. Shameless, but only in so much as he was not embarrassed about expressing his own needs. Surely, there should be others that have wanted to reciprocate the boy's kindness.

But ah, perhaps he was being a bit presumptuous. Ajax could be a little pushy. Maybe he never gave his other partner's a chance to treat him in this way.

Once he's settled, Zhongli sits up a bit. He reaches for Ajax's calves, pressing a kiss to each of his inner ankles before hiking them over his shoulders. Ajax had been clear in what he wanted (and it is what Zhongli wants as well). There was no need to deny him of anything. ]

I would not know. I have never met anyone quite like you, Ajax.

[ Or perhaps he had not had the time to indulge in a such a relationship with another like this. Zhongli had befriended many— mortal and adepti alike. He'd also known dozens of fox youkai in his lifetime. He's met hundreds of eager young men, brash and brilliant in their overconfidence. Hundreds more who looked to him for guidance and stability, something he always strived to provide to those under his care.

But Ajax was different.

Ajax looked at him and saw only Zhongli. Ajax . It feels a bit disingenuous to hide his true identity from him. But does it really matter? Since he cast off that life. Folded it neatly and set it aside never to be worn again.

Why should Zhongli feel guilty for living such a life? ]

[ ah, Zhongli must have well figured out Ajax has a praise kink— which is just fine for the little fox as he lets such things affect him without restraint. There's a small keening noise from the youkai as he slips his hands to cup Zhongli's face affectionately all the while making sure he is quite pliable and makes it easy for the other to get them both into whatever position desired. Nevertheless, Ajax wants to stare up at those beautiful eyes. Here he can pretend that he has time for such intimacy and can easily step away from the outside world to put aside time for things like this. ]

You're so beautiful, Zhongli. Perfect in every way. [ there's a soft laugh despite his neediness still echoing rawly. ] I'm so jealous of the person that will be blessed with loving you and being loved by you in return~. So, just for a few hours, I'm going to pretend that person is me, I hope you won't mind too much.

[ if Zhongli lets him, he'll coax the other forward (not caring at all if that has his legs being pushed back what with them on the others shoulders currently) so Ajax can kiss those pretty lips again. It's a much more controlled and affectionate kiss that isn't driven by frenzied lust and, instead, is a less debased sensual passion. It lacks nothing despite being solely focused between their lips and tongue. ]

Edited 2024-01-26 07:51 (UTC)

[ Ah. Now this. This was something that gives Zhongli more pause, even as he still has Ajax poised in a position meant to further continue their lovemaking. Unfortunately, he will have to wait a little longer as Zhongli presses a kiss to his forehead, his own brow creased, as he says very seriously: ]

I care for you, and unless I am mistaken, you reserve the same fondness for me. There is nothing for you to be jealous of. Each bond a person makes in their life is special and unique. There is no need to compare it to others.

[ It's a dangerous mix — self-loathing mixed with jealousy. Feed into it too much and one validates it like a drug hiding the symptoms instead of the cure. Ignore it, and those unfounded accusations will ring like truths in the person's mind.

Many people had fallen to one of the two ailments. Many more had made poor decisions as a result of them.

Even though Zhongli will not be in Inazuma for long, as Ajax's friend and due to his very godly nature, he cannot leave without at least attempting to change the young youkai's worldview. If he doesn't— is there anyone in Ajax's life who could pick up such a mantle?

Probably not. And isn't that the most lonely feeling of all. ]

[ Ajax smiles affectionately at the other, moving to touch their noses together briefly in response. A very gentle sigh escapes the fox youkai, and his tone is sweet. ]

Oh, sensei, you really... know how to block every intimate advance in the book, don't you~? Don't take me so seriously, its not supposed to concern you like this; it's supposed to be romantic and make you feel special and wanted and passionate about me, you know?

[ he says it so cheerfully, with amusement playing in his expression that it can't even be said he sounds annoyed. He even thinks Zhongli is quite cute in how seriously he takes these things and keeps dodging so successfully as an unintended(?) result. ]

You can relax. You don't have to handle me as if I'm so fragile. I'm not misconstruing anything here, I just want to feel good with you and get you to loosen up some. I feel very blessed to be cared for by you when I care in the same way. There's nothing better than a bond being equal and reciprocated.

[ his tails brush along Zhongli but not in an attempt to arouse him. They are comforting, offering reassurance so the adeptus doesn't feel like he needs to be so concerned or that any of this is required. it's okay, it's okay.

There's a bit of a pout now that forms, though, as he lets his head hit the futon. ]

Still, I'm definitely gonna get a complex if you don't at least start pretending you're a little wooed by me, though~. I was going for 'enthralled,' but I'll take what I can get, I'm really not picky so long c as you like it, too. You can easily do a little acting for the overall fun of tonight, right?

[ Even these complaints are playful, and Ajax is very persistent. A less stubborn individual... of any species, really, probably would have given up by now.

More sincerely now, the pout lessens as he brushes the back of his knuckles along the side of Zhongli's cheek. ]

Thank you for worrying about me. This time with you really is more than perfect for me.

Edited 2024-01-28 15:42 (UTC)

[ Once again, Zhongli blinks down at Ajax with an inscrutable gaze, the gears in his head turning with an almost audible grind. He's unsure of what Ajax is not misconstruing which makes the reassurance flimsy at best. Nor does he understand how feelings of jealousy and thus the accompanying tangle of issues thereafter are special and romantic.

Well, no— that's not quite true. He knows what they mean in literature, in plays and dramas and the retelling of poets. But that is for the benefit of the audience; the gift of entertainment. Those lines of reasoning have no place here where Zhongli is doing his best to cultivate a safe and honest space for Ajax.

Ah, what a bother.

But fortunately, Ajax provides him with a simple and elegant solution to this conundrum. To show that he is properly wooed by Ajax (for Zhongli does not need to act, he is quite charmed). And that is something he can easily do for the fox youkai.

Zhongli's tail wraps around one of the calves thrown over his shoulder, pulled taut to keep Ajax fully exposed in front of Zhongli. One hand presses at the fox's hip and the other the small of his back — all to keep his hips angled in just the way Zhongli likes. (Or what he thinks Ajax might like or think is properly possessive. Zhongli likes Ajax in any and all ways, after all.)

The kisses pressed to Ajax's lips now moved to the side of his throat, a hint of sharp canines and the rumble of a dragon accompanying the now rougher touches. The fluff of his tail thumps against the bare skin of Ajax's leg as he molds the younger into the exact position that he wants.

Yes.

Yes, Zhongli could act like that if that is what Ajax wanted. ]

Ajax.

[ The tone is breathier than before, the concern and tranquility sheered away from something more raw underneath. ]

I do not think you want to see me lose control.

[ It would be hard to describe if Ajax were asked. What does jealousy have to do with romance. Perhaps it's not jealousy he meant, but simple pining for what you can't have. It's simultaneously easy to feel both for the youkai, and easy to see them as too similar from feeling it through others negative memories to understand one without the other.

In truth, stories that entertain are all he has to go by, what represents the ideal, and he doesn't see them as simply entertainment. Surely if so many love such things, there must be something real and worth coveting there, right? In order to work through such things, though, Ajax would have to better explain himself and what he is to Zhongli.

... And that's something that he isn't interested in at all, especially when he just wants Zhongli to like him and like him some more.

To his relief, Zhongli doesn't press (despite Ajax being pretty sure his excuse was seen right though.) In fact, the change in Zhongli's methods are sweet because he so willingly cares to Ajax's request despite the little fox making rather light of this whole thing as it being not very serious in any way.

(It's very serious to him, even if he himself doesn't know it himself yet, though.

But he knows it's serious to Zhongli.)

Oh, but the adeptus caters so wonderfully, how can Ajax not adore him and be envious of the one who wins his heart? Zhongli can't understand because it's he himself, that's all. He would need to find someone that made him feel the same ways, and maybe Zhongli just isn't easily swayed by emotions to fall victim to them easily.

The kitsune can't help the shiver that courses through him as teeth graze his neck, as he hears that sound come from the other, as touches him more concretely, a touch Ajax can burn into his mind as real rather than a fairytale long after the other returns to Liyue. The restraint is so admirable, too— he knows someone who Zhongli will spend so much more time with than the two of them will ever have together will no doubt appreciate it immensely and give it in turn. But Ajax has been so deprived of such things (all things) that he wants to feel the ranges of passion first. If only they had enough time, though, he would happily take it all and give it back in spades.

His tails can't be so distinctively possessive in the same way as the adeptus's, but that doesn't prevent his tails from doing what they can to have the other feel welcomed and encouraged and most certainly desired. Perhaps a heat started this, but thanks to the other easing the neediness before they continued, nothing about the touches from Ajax now, tails or otherwise, suggest this encounter is the result of a biological mechanism. He's attentive, very much focused on what makes the other twitch in any way versus not much at all, even as he struggles to not get lost in Zhongli's own touches.

His breath catches, the sound from it not at all exaggerated. He is clearly smitten and pleased with the other's efforts, enough that he doesn't even attempt to cover it up with anything dramatized in his responses. Instead, one of his tails brushes against the golden shell of the adeptus's antlers, stroking and caressing the very shape they take, the pressure applied depreciate like touching something truly priceless. For the kitsune, they are part of his current bedmate, one he's absolutely infatuated with in every way, so of course every part of him is priceless.

When he replies, his voice is quiet and shared between them, a lilt of amusement strung through the words spoken— ]

You only think such things because you don't realize how gorgeous and incredibly sexy you are. I want to see every side I possibly can of you, whether you're in control or not~.

[ Zhongli pulls back to blink large gold eyes at Ajax for now it was his turned to be confused about the other's words. While many historians and scholars had called Zhongli gorgeous and the even braver one's denoted him as sexy, he cannot recall a single instance where such words were told directly to his face. Intriguing. Another slow blink clearly shows he's not sure what to make of it.

Then the hint of a devious smile tugs at the corner of his lips. ]

Such a greedy little fox.

[ It's said more to himself than anything, even if such a phrase could be easily worked into dirty talk if Zhongli knew how to accomplish such a feat.

But ah, perhaps it does not matter that Zhongli does not dwell on that for his occupied with two very important tasks. One is to turn his head and press an affectionate kiss against the tail brushing against his antlers. They are very sensitive, even to the soft caress of the fox's silky fur.

(Hmmm, is it fair that Ajax has so many extra appendages? It surely prevents him from being held down in the way he seems to want. But that is a thought for another time.) ]

You should really learn to savor that which you devour.

[ The other task, of course, is to brace his weight against Ajax's body, pinning him in all the right places so that he might slip inside his already warm and waiting entrance. Following the proper rules of "possessiveness", he does not prep the other, letting the slick and fluids from their previous intercourse ease the passage. Zhongli presses until hips are flush to Ajax's backside, that smile of his turning up at the corners just a little it more upon completion. ]

Perhaps that is also something I can teach you.