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Tartaglia 🐳 Childe ([personal profile] misfittoys) wrote in [community profile] hydrangeabloom 2025-04-27 05:33 pm (UTC)

[ The more Ajax learns about Zhongli, the less he actually understands.

On the surface, Zhongli was a poised, elegant, and well-off individual. He was learned in the ways that hinted at privilege but kind in those that often resulted from loss and hardship. He was sharp-witted and silver-tongued yet somehow adorably clueless in ways that made Ajax want to scream.

As for their kiss, Ajax had expected one of two things to happen. The first was that perhaps Zhongli was inexperienced — how else was it possible that this man could be available?— and Ajax would have to slowly warm up the man to all the wonderful things he wanted to do to him. (This hypothesis is immediately rejected at the first press of their lips where it is quite obvious that Zhongli is very experienced. Enough that a thrill of excitement shoots its way up Ajax's spine). The second was that Zhongli was indulging the affections and being chased by someone — that someone being Ajax— who loved nothing more than pushing boundaries and seeing what he could get away with. (The other thrill is that Zhongli seems just to be interested in this as he is and oh, how wonderful that is.)

There is something else there, though, underneath all the layers of want and physical attraction. Something not quite holding back, but something that is tempered. Something that is cautious. Something that makes Ajax thinks that perhaps someone has hurt Zhongli before, leaving him wanting but also guarded. Just the thought of it makes his temper and determination flare instinctively.

Zhongli was a man that deserved to be spoiled. And if Ajax was the best man for the job, then well—

Ajax takes Zhongli's hand, eyes never leaving his as he laces their fingers together and pulls the consulatant to his feet.

— Spoiled, he would be.

As for their scandalized audience, Ajax offers them a sheepish grin as he tousles the back of his hair with his free hand. He bends down to pick up the scattered pieces on the marble floor (stubbornly not letting go of Zhongli's hand and also not letting him help) as the board becomes an unorganized pile of chess pieces. He turns back to Zhongli with a grin when he is finished:
]

Chess was imported from Mondstadt, right? Before it started taking off everywhere. Let's go see what strategy games people played in Liyue before that.

[ And so, Ajax deliberately leads Zhongli further into the less crowded parts of the museum, swinging their joins hands together slightly as he makes sure their shoulders are pressed together. As they walk, even though his smile and gait are casual easy things, Ajax's eyes dart quickly through their surroundings, clocking every person and camera that has them in their field of vision. ]

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