Ajax's heart trills at the realization even as he silently chides himself that perhaps he went a little too far in their little game. Ajax the toy salesman, after all, was only competitive enough to be boyishly charming while Tartaglia was the one who pursued victory as if it was the only taste that could sate his hunger. Tartaglia — who neatly categorized everyone as either ally (reluctant or not), worthy opponent, ignorable weakling, or something to be protected. And while family made up the lion's share of the last category, he had unknowingly carved a place there for charming Mister Zhongli as well. A performance of normalcy even if there was no room for such in the life of a Harbinger. The consultant was a civilian and an unfortunately clueless one who was blind to danger even as it lurked in the shadows around him.
So someone to protect — Zhongli should be, but oh Ajax would be lying to himself if he was not deeply attracted to the fact that Zhongli effortlessly matched (and sometimes outmatched) him in the most thrilling ways. Worthy opponent indeed.
But ah, how to chase that high on Ajax's terms. ]
Then I'll claim that kiss.
[ Fingers detangle from each other as Ajax reaches to cup Zhongli's face in his hands, thumbs brushing over the curve of his cheeks as he leans across the table. The remaining chess pieces on the board scatter under the sudden movement, some threatening to teeter off the table entirely.
(Ajax makes certain to topple both of Zhongli's rooks in the process.) ]
And your hand as we indulge in each other's company for the rest of this museum tour.
[ A smaller but no less important victory. For how much sweeter would this date be if in addition to being serenaded by the soft molten tones of Zhongli's voice as he examined each exhibit, if Ajax was also allowed the warmth of their palms pressed together? Imagine the thrill of pressing against Zhongli's side as he leaned in to more closely inspect the plaque or the display.
Claim— that had been the terms of the agreement. And certainly Ajax planned to stretch his winnings for all they were worth. But on the other side of that coin was the desire to show Zhongli off, or perhaps more accurately, show the world that Zhongli was with him and he was with Zhongli. Even if it was only technically a second (third?) date. ]
And whatever comes after that or during that, well—
[ Ajax's breath ghosts over Zhongli's lips, his own curled in a teasing grin. ]
I like to play things by ear, you know. Keeps you on your toes.
[ The inside of Ajax's sneaker catches the edge of Zhongli's dress shoe again, warmth bubbling up again in Ajax at their little secret of scuffed polish and unfastened garters. And he closes the distance to capture his well-earned first kiss. It errs a tad on the side of eagerness, Ajax already pressing to part the seam of Zhongli's lips, but one cannot doubt the sincerity of his growing infatuation. ]
no subject
Ajax's heart trills at the realization even as he silently chides himself that perhaps he went a little too far in their little game. Ajax the toy salesman, after all, was only competitive enough to be boyishly charming while Tartaglia was the one who pursued victory as if it was the only taste that could sate his hunger. Tartaglia — who neatly categorized everyone as either ally (reluctant or not), worthy opponent, ignorable weakling, or something to be protected. And while family made up the lion's share of the last category, he had unknowingly carved a place there for charming Mister Zhongli as well. A performance of normalcy even if there was no room for such in the life of a Harbinger. The consultant was a civilian and an unfortunately clueless one who was blind to danger even as it lurked in the shadows around him.
So someone to protect — Zhongli should be, but oh Ajax would be lying to himself if he was not deeply attracted to the fact that Zhongli effortlessly matched (and sometimes outmatched) him in the most thrilling ways. Worthy opponent indeed.
But ah, how to chase that high on Ajax's terms. ]
Then I'll claim that kiss.
[ Fingers detangle from each other as Ajax reaches to cup Zhongli's face in his hands, thumbs brushing over the curve of his cheeks as he leans across the table. The remaining chess pieces on the board scatter under the sudden movement, some threatening to teeter off the table entirely.
(Ajax makes certain to topple both of Zhongli's rooks in the process.) ]
And your hand as we indulge in each other's company for the rest of this museum tour.
[ A smaller but no less important victory. For how much sweeter would this date be if in addition to being serenaded by the soft molten tones of Zhongli's voice as he examined each exhibit, if Ajax was also allowed the warmth of their palms pressed together? Imagine the thrill of pressing against Zhongli's side as he leaned in to more closely inspect the plaque or the display.
Claim— that had been the terms of the agreement. And certainly Ajax planned to stretch his winnings for all they were worth. But on the other side of that coin was the desire to show Zhongli off, or perhaps more accurately, show the world that Zhongli was with him and he was with Zhongli. Even if it was only technically a second (third?) date. ]
And whatever comes after that or during that, well—
[ Ajax's breath ghosts over Zhongli's lips, his own curled in a teasing grin. ]
I like to play things by ear, you know. Keeps you on your toes.
[ The inside of Ajax's sneaker catches the edge of Zhongli's dress shoe again, warmth bubbling up again in Ajax at their little secret of scuffed polish and unfastened garters. And he closes the distance to capture his well-earned first kiss. It errs a tad on the side of eagerness, Ajax already pressing to part the seam of Zhongli's lips, but one cannot doubt the sincerity of his growing infatuation. ]