[They may not be as smooth, but they do cause a swell of warmth in Zhongli's chest, his heart skipping a beat at his words' unexpected tenderness and utter earnestness. He watches Ajax's fingers interlace with his own, the touch sending a pleasant shiver down his spine. It's a bold move, but he finds himself welcoming the gesture with a sense of anticipation, his own thumb finding a patch of skin to stroke back. This man, with his brash confidence and genuine charm, has managed to stir something within Zhongli that he hadn't realized was there.]
You're too kind, Ajax, [he replies with a gentle smile, his gaze lingering on Ajax's face for a moment longer than necessary.] But I wouldn't have it any other way.
[He makes to move his leading hand to the waiter, realizes it's the one intertwined with his guest's, and stops in his tracks with a squeeze of his fingers. He uses the other hand instead to turn his attention to the waiter, announcing their decision to indulge in dessert. He will not let go of that hand until the dish is slipped in front of them, and only after he explains how it makes a delicate concoction of sweetened lotus seeds and osmanthus petals, served with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of crushed pistachios. Zhongli can't help but steal glances at Ajax even as they eat, a smile as he takes the first bite.
Ah, he had thought that a small crush would have been for his younger, more impetuous years. How dangerous.
When they do leave the restaurant, the cool night air feels crisp against their warmed skin.
(And if the bill wasn't even shown at the table, strange as that is, no one complained. If Ajax protested he would be only met with surprised arched eyebrows as if no one knew what he'd be talking about.)] I hope you enjoyed dinner. It meant a lot to me to share this meal with you.
no subject
You're too kind, Ajax, [he replies with a gentle smile, his gaze lingering on Ajax's face for a moment longer than necessary.] But I wouldn't have it any other way.
[He makes to move his leading hand to the waiter, realizes it's the one intertwined with his guest's, and stops in his tracks with a squeeze of his fingers. He uses the other hand instead to turn his attention to the waiter, announcing their decision to indulge in dessert. He will not let go of that hand until the dish is slipped in front of them, and only after he explains how it makes a delicate concoction of sweetened lotus seeds and osmanthus petals, served with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of crushed pistachios. Zhongli can't help but steal glances at Ajax even as they eat, a smile as he takes the first bite.
Ah, he had thought that a small crush would have been for his younger, more impetuous years. How dangerous.
When they do leave the restaurant, the cool night air feels crisp against their warmed skin.
(And if the bill wasn't even shown at the table, strange as that is, no one complained. If Ajax protested he would be only met with surprised arched eyebrows as if no one knew what he'd be talking about.)] I hope you enjoyed dinner. It meant a lot to me to share this meal with you.