hydrangeabloom | Mafia AU

[How interesting. It's as though he's not just showing off the prowess of the queen, but her army's as well. Their loyalty, undying and eternal, quick to react at the slightest provocation.

Zhongli can't help but feel oh so amused by it, along with the story he tells about his sister. Ah, that must have been the older child he's seen with Ajax as they go pick up the little one. It warmed his heart, to see the younger sibling skip, open, bright smile, eyes and arms as he embraced the both of them, their different shades of light-colored hair bundling up together into shades that reminded him of the late fall his opponent had mentioned.

And how in her small hands, she'd always give something new to the youngest.]

Well, if there's one thing the fortune teller and I do not have in common is that I, for one, don't claim to know all about you or your siblings. I will say that I've seen you walk past, towards the school nearby, however. That's as much as I know.

[He tilts his head towards Narwhal, who is pleased as punch with his little nose tilted upwards and closed eyes as he gets scritches just under his chin.] Your companion here had first called my attention, not because of any misdemeanor, but because I also have a companion of mine that I don't usually bring to this place, and perhaps I should.

[His gloved fingers nudge another pawn forward. Noncommital, or so it seems.] As for an actual guess, I'd say you work as a manager in a company, but I'm not sure in which industry. Perhaps entertainment, or even something related to children—toys, perhaps.

[ "I've seen you walk past, towards the school nearby."

"Your companion here had first called my attention."

"A manager in a company. Perhaps entertainment. Something related to children—toys."

Something uneasy settles in the pit of Ajax's stomach like he's being watched, like he's being studied, like someone is figuring out where the soft chinks of his armor is so that they might strike. It's a gut feeling, a familiar feeling, one that usually saves his skin in the adrenaline of a mission. One that he trusts more than anything. The last time he had ignored it, it had been weeks for him in the hospital and the rookie with him not coming home at all. The scar running across his ribs throbs even at the thought of it.

The knight moves once more, this time in front of the queen to take the brunt of the assault while still allowing the queen to freely cause havoc. Childe's smile is still perfectly in place, perfectly friendly, the smile of an ordinary man doing ordinary things on this ordinary day.

(Don't you dare underestimate me.) ]

[ (Archons, get a grip, Ajax. Any idiot could figure that out with the most basic of basic Internet searches even if this guy seems to prefer analog media. What are you getting so bent out of shape for?

Not everyone is out to get you. How many years had your family lived in Liyue now and still the only drinks shared were ones with co-workers.

But still. But still—) ]

[ But nothing.

Ah, but the chess move is made so that can't exactly be undone. Hmmm. Quite the overreaction to the movement of a single pawn. Unreasonable even. But then he always was a theater kid.

Ajax's eyes go comically wide as he looks at Zhongli, then to his left, then to his right, then down to the messenger bag thrown over his shoulder as if it had betrayed him. Oh well maybe it had. It did have the logo of his cover gig for appearances sake.

Gasping: ]

How'd you know? No way. No way that was a lucky guess!

[Zhongli gazes at the chessboard, his fingers idly tracing the smooth surface as a contemplative expression graces his features. He feels a subtle pang of guilt for his candid admission about noticing Ajax's walks and the attention Narwhal had drawn. The usually composed consultant glances down bashfully at the chess pieces, a rare moment of self-consciousness.]

Forgive my forwardness,[Zhongli confesses with a soft chuckle, his tone carrying an apologetic note.] I might have been a tad carried away in expressing how your presence and your companion captured my attention. It's not my intention to intrude.

[As if to shift the focus away from the revelation, Zhongli calmly moves a pawn to capture another, the pieces sliding across the board effortlessly. The lashing out of the knight seems to go unnoticed, or perhaps deliberately ignored.]

And regarding the deduction about your occupation, [he continues, his voice sincere,] I have observed your frequent visits with new toys, all of the same make, almost every week. It wasn't much of a leap to consider a connection to the industry.

[Zhongli raises his eyes to meet Ajax's, his expression gentle.] Forgive me if it feels like I've breached a quiet, private moment of family. It wasn't my intention, Ajax.

[ Ajax is already holding up his hands in surrender before Zhongli even gets halfway through his apology, shaking his head as he tries not to let his embarrassment color his cheeks too much. Sloppy sloppy, Ajax — if this civilian could see right through him and notice his discomfort. This better never get back to his colleagues or he's never going to hear the end of how he's not good enough to be part of their little hitmen squad. As if. Childe was going to be the best. The strongest one day.

He'll show them. He'll show them all one day. ]

No no. You're not being forward at all, xiansh— Okay, actually you are. But I like it. Really.

Ahhhh, I'm so embarrassed.

Here I was— trying to work up the nerve to talk to this hot guy I saw everyday on the way to drop my siblings off at school only to find out he's already taken notice of me. I'd be so flattered if I wasn't absolutely mortified right now.

[ Ajax brings one hand to the back of his head, nervously ruffling up his own hair as he looks anywhere but Zhongli's eyes. Exaggeration is easy and well-practiced, especially when well—

Zhongli was hot. That was an objective fact! Who wouldn't want to be noticed by him? And yanno, Ajax wasn't exactly sure what he was fishing for when he sat down here today (more on a whim than anything), but like hell he's going to let go of the reel now.

Ajax's voice rises pitch in almost whine: ]

How am I supposed to pull off cool and mysterious now?

[Finding himself charmed by Ajax's candid response, his apology is met with an amused smile from his usually composed self. As the younger man playfully admits to his embarrassment, Zhongli detects a hint of genuine flattery beneath the exaggeration. The way Ajax nervously ruffles his hair and avoids meeting Zhongli's eyes is endearing, and it's clear that the unexpected revelation has stirred something in him.

How strange, it's not often he's so easily endeared.]

You need not worry, Ajax, [Zhongli replies, his voice gentle, with a warm smile playing on his lips as he gives his chess opponent some proverbial room by casting his gaze onto the board between them, looking at the pieces.] Cool and mysterious may have their allure, but I much prefer authenticity and determination.

[He could do a switch of the king with the rook, and see what his opponent would do.] It's been a while since someone has called me attractive, let alone, ah… 'hot,' [Zhongli admits, his gaze thoughtful, though thoroughly amused.] Your honesty is refreshing. I find it intriguing that you chose to approach me not out of a shared interest in chess but out of curiosity about the person playing.

[He had stopped petting Narwhal, who decides to take things into its own paws, raise on his hind legs to gently place the front paws on Zhongli's thighs and nudge his snoot into a gloved hand. 'One more attention, please.' Zhongli coos gently, happily granting him more attention and more pets.] I believe I owe you an answer. I work at a mortuary. So to guess and wonder who people are, despite their end, comes with the job.

[ Narwhal, you filthy trailer. What he wouldn't give to be a dog so he could rest between the other man's thighs... ]

Oh really? I mean, great. I can be very authentic. Yep. And very determined. Yessiree.

[ Well, at least his quick recovery seemed to at least distract Zhongli. He even got a little bit of a smile out of him. Score! Ah, this man was even more beautiful when he smiled which just means Ajax was going to make it a personal goal (and game) of his to try and coax more out of him. ]

I mean I like chess just fine, but it was intriguing, yanno. How you came here everyday and seemed to enjoy yourself even if there was no one to play against. Aha, I'm sure my family would be relieved if I could find such ways to keep my own attention focused.

[ Ajax gives a small noise of surprise as he watches his traitorous pet get the pets and scritches that he idly wonders if he is shameless enough to ask for. Works at a mortuary, huh? Plays chess against no one...

For as much as he respected Zhongli for his ability to keep himself occupied, both things sounded lonely. Really lonely. ]

So you work at a funeral parlor? Can't say I ever met one of those before though it explains the eye for detail considering how involved the funeral ceremonies are here in Liyue.

[ There's a long low whistle at that as Ajax starts tapping the edge of the chessboard with his forefinger. ]

What made you pick that profession?

[He does catch a sort of frown towards the dog, Zhongli tapping it into something like being too friendly or needy from strangers. Many owners dislike the shamelessness of their companions by fear of bothering them too much with useless things, but Zhongli's own is unruly, a bit more independent. He loves Azdaha very much and raised him after finding him lost and injured to his eyes, but if he were to pet him, it would be under his own terms, and not so much when Zhongli felt like showing him affection. It's refreshing. Ajax brought a welcome approach to things.]

You're very sweet, [he murmurs to the puppy, smiles down at Narwhal, appreciative. Hoping that the compliments will ease Ajax's worries about the possibility of him being bothered by something so charmingly demanding.] Hm-hm. Yes. Very good.

[Moving his hand to make the switch between his king and his rook, freeing it from many of the constraining pieces surrounding it, he looks up to the lively man in front of him.] Do you usually have trouble concentrating, Ajax? Your energy is quite remarkable. I can imagine it leads to some interesting challenges.

[Chess could be a useful exercise if that were the case. It's such a problem what with the way you are flooded with information and messages across every place. Which, really, takes him to the actual answer to the question Ajax asks.]

I manage the logistics, particularly for those without an obvious next of kin or whose identities and circumstances are uncertain. [Zhongli's gaze turns contemplative.] My choice of profession is perhaps an odd one, but it stems from having a good memory. I find it fulfilling to ensure that those who may otherwise be forgotten have a dignified farewell, a small but lasting legacy.

[Zhongli becomes aware of the intimate details he's shared. Yet, he doesn't feel the usual guardedness that accompanies discussions about his work. Of course, his work extends beyond the parlor, and slips into the intricacies of the family's goals. It's about shaping narratives, ensuring that the right stories are told. Perhaps it's the genuine curiosity in Ajax's eyes or the ease with which they've fallen into this unusual ease that allows him to admit everything else.

But enough about that.]

What about you, Ajax? What led you to your line of work? Your siblings?

[ Ajax is ready and prepared to glare at his own beloved canine companion as he gets more pets and now praise on top of everything. Unfair! Ajax also refuses to think about how warm his cheeks and the tip of his ears would get if Zhongli were to call him a good boy. Nope. No. Not going there!

Luckily(?), Zhongli's explanation of his job is a complete tonal shift, one that moves Ajax in a way that he was not prepared for.

Actually— he really wasn't prepared for any of Zhongli when he chose to sit down here today. Each new mannerism, each philosophy, each new peek into the other man's life just made him want to pry him open just a liiiiitle bit more to see what made him tick. How does someone like Zhongli exist in the world today, anyway? ]

Xiansheng must be very kind to take care of those that the rest of the world has forgotten.

[ Pure. Too pure, really. Ajax once again remembers the young recruit who had not come home that day— a rowdy kid pulled off the streets rough around the edges, but with a potential that was snuffed out before it could manifest into anything. Ahhhhh, could this even be called remembering, when Ajax could not even recall the kid's name. Did he have a family? Did anyone miss him after he was gone? ... Was it this kind-hearted mortician that had seen him off to whatever realm lied beyond?

Ajax pauses for a moment, eyes on the chessboard as if he were concentrating on his next move, but he is not.

Is this okay? To mingle with someone who obviously lived in the world of the light where Tartaglia enjoyed the cool comfort of the shadows. Not that Ajax is going to stop now that Zhongli has opened the door a crack for him. No, Ajax was the type of person who took a mile when given an inch.

Maybe if he was a better person, but that was a dream that had shattered many years ago.

He moves the queen to shield a pawn. ]

[Zhongli listens to Ajax's simple praise, the genuine kindness in the younger man's words, an acknowledgement of a facet of his work that often remains in the background and unnoticed by many, sending subtle warmth within him. He inclines his head slightly at the words, a faint smile playing on his lips.] It is not entirely selfless. My skill set and the nature of my work do afford me certain… personal gains. Everyone has their reasons, and mine are no exception.

[Perhaps the conversation delves too deeply into realms he's not accustomed to sharing. Or perhaps it's something else. Zhongli contemplates this as he makes a seemingly foolish move, allowing his queen to move away from the protective guard of her knight.]

Your move, [he says, his eyes locking onto Ajax's. The subtle challenge lingers in the air as he moves his bishop, a direct threat to the queen herself, a calculated risk that might shift the balance of the game.

Ajax's focus seems momentarily diverted, contemplating his move, and Zhongli, seizing the opportunity, gently instructs Narwhal.] Go on, Narwhal. Meet your owner, he might need your attention too.

[The little dog obediently trots over to Ajax, his tail wagging, and nudges his hand with his snoot, almost as if he's been assigned the noble duty of comforting his owner. Zhongli watches the interaction, a faint smile on his lips. The air is laden with unspoken sentiment, and he wonders if Ajax has recently lost someone. The answer may lie in the quiet shadows that linger behind those lively eyes.]

Oh, now you come over because Xiansheng asks you to? I see how it is!

[ Ajax chides in mock admonition as he scritches behind Narwhal's ears just the way he likes it. The furious tail wagging that follows after is proof enough of that. Though Narwhal, like his owner, is an opportunist so will make the rounds between the two of the them once Ajax has settled to get the maximum amount of attention.

This similarity is only further highlighted when Ajax's knight chases after Zhongli's queen, falling for the bait as easily as Narwhal would chase after any ball thrown in his path. Instant gratification is a powerful motivator. ]

And I don't need attention! It was a honest and sincere compliment.

One worthy of saying that I hope to end up in your capable hands one day, but there's no way to say that without being either morbid or creepy. Or both.

[ Ajax pouts, but only for a moment before he brightens up again. ]

Oh!

[ He snaps his fingers. ]

I know how to turn this around. Can I borrow your newspaper?

[The little dog seems to revel in the attention Ajax provides, and Zhongli's smile deepens at the exchange. He sees a reflection of his own companion in Narwhal—both creatures adept at seeking out affection and warmth wherever they want it. Their very simple ways toward happiness truly place everything else into perspective.

Ajax's knight makes a bold move, chasing after Zhongli's queen, falling for the bait just as easily as Narwhal would chase after a thrown toy. It's a trait Zhongli finds intriguing and fitting for the energetic man across the chessboard. And so the bishop takes the knight. Ah, what a shame.]

Your compliment was indeed honest and sincere. I appreciate it, [Zhongli responds with a gentle chuckle, his eyes glinting at Ajax's protest against needing attention. The mention of ending up in his capable hands draws an enigmatic smile from Zhongli. While he's one to never consider his an ungrateful job, he finds it refreshing to see it appreciated as such. He wonders if Ajax would ever feel the same regarding other less suitable roles.

Ajax's sudden change of topic sparks Zhongli's curiosity. He tilts his head slightly, a curious expression replacing the playful glint in his eyes.]

Of course, [he replies, reaching for the newspaper and offering it to Ajax.] What do you have in mind?

[ Ajax's expressions falls slightly as Zhongli takes the knight as if he somehow expected a different outcome to an extremely obvious play. Oh well, he is now distracted by grabbing the newspaper from Zhongli's hands so that his next move is equally sloppy and not well thought out— the queen flings herself across the board to take the bishop.

...Okay, it might be a little petty, too.

But no matter, Ajax is too busy flipping pages in the newspaper and scribbling something down hastily while not letting Zhongli even get one look at where or what he is writing. He folds the paper tightly into fourths when he is done (hope Zhongli wasn't actually planning on reading that) and sets it back on the other man's side of the table with a mischievous grin and confident nod of a job well done. ]

No peeking until after I leave, okay?

[ Later, in the privacy of his company, Zhongli will find that Ajax has scribbled a quick doodle next to the obituary section. It's a comical sketch of Narwhal holding an old school phone (does the man even have a cell phone) with the words Call me! and Ajax's cell number underlined three times and with three exclamation points. ]

It's a surprise for later.

[Ajax's expression subtly changing into disappointment and the bold move to snatch the bishop makes Zhongli lean his chin on the heel of his palm, interested. Spirited competitiveness, he'd call it, though he'd also wonder how much of it is actual recklessness or confidence. Is Ajax that skilled a chess player? Or just someone who's enthusiastic for matches like these? It's endearing to witness, nonetheless.

In the tranquil setting of the park, Zhongli's gaze nudges a pawn into movement, a slow push on a gloved finger, making it stealthily advance past the line of Ajax's offense, hinting a threat towards the king at the back. He wonders about the moves Ajax has in mind, if at all or if he's playing by ear (he's seen wonderful responses coming from ad-libs, after all). Yet, he is busy jotting something down, keeping it concealed from Zhongli's eyes, and he can't help but be curious at that boyish grin.]

I'm intrigued, [He arches his eyebrows with a thoughtful gaze. There's a certain charm in the mystery, but Zhongli does comply with his promises.] Very well, [he concedes, his tone filled with playful agreement, tucking the newspaper onto a side where an empty thermos sits, to make it not fly away with the breeze.] I promise not to peek.

[Which reminds him.] Perhaps next time we can do this while I still have some tea with me. I'll make sure to brew some for you.

Next time?

[ It is Narwhal's tail that is wagging, but if Ajax were also a canine companion, he would be doing the same. There's a giddy excitement in the way he moves his queen out of immediate harm's way (so perhaps not completely reckless) unbothered by Zhongli's slow and steady advance. Ajax would always lose a game of attrition so there is no need to defend for it. That just means his next offensive would have to be grander still to overcome Zhongli's meticulous planning.

Still the grin on his face is more due to the prospect of getting to meet Zhongli-xiansheng a second time. Ajax's dedication to his work and his family alone made finding time for other commitments rather difficult. Never mind his whirlwind of a personality that demanded all of the other person's attention one moment and then disappearing for days on end without word the next.

Perhaps if he can reign that in for this one person, maybe he could enjoy the facade of a normal life— even for a few scant hours. ]

Ah, I bet xiansheng makes a perfect cup of tea. I can't wait to try it.

But then I need to bring something for you, too! What does xiansheng like?

[Ah, how novel, he chuckles, appreciating the enthusiasm Ajax brings to the idea of a new encounter. It's been quite a while that someone has been this enthusiastic about seeing him again.]

A box of shortbread cookies would be a delightful addition, [he muses, his gaze thoughtful as he nudges the pawn yet again.] There's a charming bakery not far from here, tucked away on a quaint street called Sunlit Lane. They craft the most exquisite shortbread cookies, with a perfect balance of sweetness and buttery richness. If you do insist on bringing something, that would be a splendid choice to go with my tea.

[Zhongli leans back, still maintaining his attention on the chessboard. The pieces are now poised in a delicate dance, and he wonders how Ajax will respond to his next move. The subtle breeze rustles the leaves overhead, creating a serene ambiance in the park, and Zhongli finds himself genuinely looking forward to the next chess match and the shared moments that come with it.] Of course, I'd just be happy with playing a game with you again.

[ If Ajax feels a little bit warm at the compliment, it has to be due to the Liyue heat and humidity. Even years since moving here, that was the one thing he couldn't get used to after growing up on the frozen lakes and snowy plains of Snezhaya. Yep. That has to be it. That definitely has to be it. ]

Of course you do~ I'm a gracious victor and accept, no —encourage all challengers to come take their title back. All the more fun for me!

[ Says the man down multiple named pieces on the board and with his queen gallivanting off in enemy territory. But how is supposed to concentrate on chess when he now has a mission^TM to accomplish.

Shortbread cookies. Shortbread cookies. There was no way that Ajax was not going to be stopping by that bakery after this and testing out these cookies for himself. What would be the more feasible option in the long run, he wonders. Always having said cookies on hand in case he ran into Zhongli-xiansheng (Teucer would love that for sure if he got to treat himself to all the "leftovers"), or attempting to bake an even better shortbread cookie than those who have been honing the craft for years.

Decisions. Decisions. ]

Haha, I'll be sure to bring some next time then. I was not expecting xiansheng to have that kind of a sweet tooth. There's a phrase for that from Inazuma, I think. Wait, wait— it'll come to me.

[ He snaps his fingers ]

That's it!

Gap moe.

[Zhongli realizes he's been chuckling behind his gloved fingers quite a lot when he finds that the leather on his forefinger's knuckle is warmer than it used to be when he plays. Canting his head low, he sees no reason to stop smiling, instead embracing the moment, especially when Narwhal comes back for yet again more pets, nudging his little nose under Zhongli's palm and tilting his head into the touch.

It's been a moment since he's had fun like this. How delightful.

Arching his eyebrows, admiring Ajax's confident claim that he may still win, grants him to nod. I see. I look forward to our rematch, then.

His eyebrows do stay up when he hears the Inazuman expression.] I see. Well. Shortbread cookies, when made just right, possess a subtle sweetness that complements the robustness of the tea I usually brew. The richness of the butter enhances the tea's warm florals, while the crumbly texture allows the flavors to intermingle effortlessly on the palate. It elevates both experiences.

[Ah, this perhaps is the first time he rants about something, so, much in a manner of explaining and not excusing himself, he looks down at the puppy and boops its snout.] I am quite particular about a few things. [Zhongli tilts his head slightly, observing Ajax with genuine curiosity.] Do I strike you as someone who doesn't appreciate sweets?

[ Ajax listens to Zhongli's entire explanation, one hand cupped under his chin as if he is absolutely riveted to hear about the nuances of the perfect shortbread cookies (that's because he is). How does such a pure person even exist in today's modern age? ]

Not at all. Though I wouldn't be surprised if you told me you didn't add sweetener to your tea.

I was just thinking you'd be the kind of guy who likes—

[ Ajax puts a finger to his chin as he tries to think of some the names of the food at the local bakery next to his house. While it's true that he had enough handle of the Liyue language to blend in enough outside of a slight rural Snezhnayan accent, the finer points of the culture were still things that he was getting used to. And that included some of the local specialties. ]

Mooncakes with salted egg custard and lotus paste. Yanno, something refined and cultural that has been passed down from generation to generation. Shortbread cookies is just so cute in comparison.

It's almost like you're letting me in on a secret guilty pleasure.

[Zhongli finds himself utterly delighted by Ajax's knowledge of traditional delicacies. It's a rare moment of being seen, truly seen, by someone so sharp and earnest despite his role in other moments. He hadn't expected someone to grasp the cultural nuances and appreciate them, especially not so soon in their acquaintance.

Warmth evident in his eyes as he listens to Ajax's musings, and Zhongli can't help but appreciate the sentiment behind the choice of a delicacy such as Mooncakes with lotus paste.]

You have a keen understanding of local cuisine. I'm impressed. [Zhongli remarks.] Mooncakes are indeed a wonderful choice, albeit I would rather prefer them after a full meal.

[The mention of shortbread cookies being "cute" in comparison elicits a soft chuckle, his eyes cast low in something that could be mistaken as bashfulness. He hadn't thought of them in such terms, he's surprised. Cute is not usually something associated with a dragon lord of a family.

As the chessboard sits patiently, waiting for the next move, Zhongli's curiosity sparks another question.] Do you have a sweet tooth, Ajax? Is there a particular dish or treat that holds a special place in your culinary preferences?

[ Oh right! The game, the game. Ajax's eyes flicker over to the advancing pawn, giving it just the briefest of glances. It could cross the threshold and become much more powerful, but as it was— it just wasn't worth his time. And how much more fun would it be if Zhongli had two queens on the board for Ajax to battle? No time to waste on the weak until they were strong. So instead Ajax (after ensuring the queen is safe this round) moves forward a pawn of his own on the opposite side of the board. ]

Sweet tooth? Maybe! Mama always called me the human garbage disposal because I'd eat anything in front of me. So if you count sweets in that, then yeah. The real sweet lover is my littlest brother. His teeth are all gonna fall out by the time he reaches secondary school at this rate. And he's terrible at eating his vegetables.

[ Says Ajax the enabling older brother who puts in double the amount of sugar in Teucer's blini if he even gets a hint of begging puppy dog eyes.

Underneath the table, Narwhal chuffs in agreement, finally settling down directly on top of Zhongli's shoes and curled slightly around his ankles. ]

[Zhongli's expression remains warm and attentive, a younger brother with a penchant for sweets, brings a gentle smile to Zhongli's lips. It's a scene he can appreciate, a familial bond, and Ajax's admission about his mother prompts him to laugh.]

Ah, the indulgence in sweets is a common vice, [Zhongli muses with a twinkle in his eyes.] It's not uncommon for younger siblings to have a penchant for sugary treats.

[Zhongli contemplates Ajax's move on the chessboard, recognizing the lack of strategy in choosing to advance a pawn. With Narwhal settled comfortably under the table, Zhongli feels a certain warmth radiating from the small dog, it elicits a fond smile. It seems the puppy has chosen to make himself at home, and Zhongli appreciates the companionship.]

And it seems as though you're a very indulging brother, Ajax. [He nudges yet again the pawn.]

[ Ajax looks all around as if someone is going to jump out of the bushes to ambush him and places a finger to his lips. ]

Shhhhh. Shhhhhhhh.

You can't just go around saying that. I have a reputation to maintain. And if Teucer ever finds out that I'm weak to his puppy dog eyes, I'm a goner. Rest in peace, dear Ajax, we barely knew ye!

[ He ends his exclamation with a dramatic slumping over the chess table, careful to do it on his side so that he doesn't actually disturb any of the pieces. Which means he is right now about eye level with Zhongli's freshly moved pawn.

Oh? Is it a race now? A race to see who can get the second queen on the field. (No, it is not a race. Nor is that how any sane person would play chess. And yet. A n d yet—) Not even bothering to sit up straight, Ajax moves his pawn one more step forward as if it wasn't already predestined that Zhongli would reach the other end of the board before he did. ]

You have any siblings, Xiansheng? If I had to guess, you definitely have an older brother or only child vibe.

no subject

1/3

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

1/2

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject