[There's a certain charm to Ajax's confidence, a playful energy that draws Zhongli in like a moth to a flame. He can't help but admire the way Ajax carries himself, the easy grace with which he moves through the world. As though such a simple thing carried glory with itself and Ajax stands there as the only one in awe, unapologetic.]
I wouldn't dream of forgetting you either, Ajax, [Zhongli replies softly as he meets Ajax's expectant gaze. With practiced ease, he takes the dragon earring and gently places it on Ajax's ear, his fingers lingering for a moment longer than necessary as he steps just a fraction closer.]
There, [he says softly, his breath ghosting over Ajax's skin as he steps back, admiring the way the jade contrasts against the copper of Ajax's hair. He looks at the earring, fingers tracing and making it dangle from a very boyish lobe. Zhongli smiles, and it's not without its fondness as he admires it and its wearer.] Perfect.
[As Ajax cheerfully addresses Bolai, Zhongli can't help but feel a twinge of guilt at the thought of Ajax paying for both of their earrings.] Ah, I did forget my wallet, considering the particularities of our dinner. So I appreciate it very much. [What a generous offer, one that Zhongli finds himself unable to refuse despite his better judgment. With a bashful smile, he accepts the gift, his eyes casting low as he removes his own earring for Ajax to place the new one instead.
Bolai watches the exchange with a mix of surprise and awe. Here stands Rex Lapis, the well-respected and feared magnate of Liyue's most powerful family, cavorting with Tartaglia, the Vanguard of the Shnezhnayan equivalent. It's a sight that would have been unthinkable not too long ago—or recently. Bolai prides himself in knowing and navigating through the shifting alliances and unspoken tensions that simmer beneath the surface of Liyue's criminal underworld, but he had never thought this would happen right before his stall, before himself.
Rex and Tartaglia stand together in the heart of the night market, surrounded by the sights and sounds of Liyue Harbor, and it feels ritualistic, like a bond forged in the fires of adversity and strengthened by the trials of time has been shaped this evening. Like heralds of doom, or the end of Bolai's world as he knows it.
He's sure this is either a Golden opportunity or Karma would befall him for two thousand years.
Zhongli, meanwhile, tucks a lock of his dark hair behind his ear, and offers it with a tilt of his head as he awaits Ajax to do the same with the counterpart of the pair. ]
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I wouldn't dream of forgetting you either, Ajax, [Zhongli replies softly as he meets Ajax's expectant gaze. With practiced ease, he takes the dragon earring and gently places it on Ajax's ear, his fingers lingering for a moment longer than necessary as he steps just a fraction closer.]
There, [he says softly, his breath ghosting over Ajax's skin as he steps back, admiring the way the jade contrasts against the copper of Ajax's hair. He looks at the earring, fingers tracing and making it dangle from a very boyish lobe. Zhongli smiles, and it's not without its fondness as he admires it and its wearer.] Perfect.
[As Ajax cheerfully addresses Bolai, Zhongli can't help but feel a twinge of guilt at the thought of Ajax paying for both of their earrings.] Ah, I did forget my wallet, considering the particularities of our dinner. So I appreciate it very much. [What a generous offer, one that Zhongli finds himself unable to refuse despite his better judgment. With a bashful smile, he accepts the gift, his eyes casting low as he removes his own earring for Ajax to place the new one instead.
Bolai watches the exchange with a mix of surprise and awe. Here stands Rex Lapis, the well-respected and feared magnate of Liyue's most powerful family, cavorting with Tartaglia, the Vanguard of the Shnezhnayan equivalent. It's a sight that would have been unthinkable not too long ago—or recently. Bolai prides himself in knowing and navigating through the shifting alliances and unspoken tensions that simmer beneath the surface of Liyue's criminal underworld, but he had never thought this would happen right before his stall, before himself.
Rex and Tartaglia stand together in the heart of the night market, surrounded by the sights and sounds of Liyue Harbor, and it feels ritualistic, like a bond forged in the fires of adversity and strengthened by the trials of time has been shaped this evening. Like heralds of doom, or the end of Bolai's world as he knows it.
He's sure this is either a Golden opportunity or Karma would befall him for two thousand years.
Zhongli, meanwhile, tucks a lock of his dark hair behind his ear, and offers it with a tilt of his head as he awaits Ajax to do the same with the counterpart of the pair. ]