Mafia AU

[misfittoys]

[ A tale of two people leading double-lives and the inevitable misunderstandings that follow ]

Comments

[arcaico]

[As Ajax carefully places the earring on Zhongli's ear, he feels a flush of warmth spread across his nape. It's been a long time since he's received a gift so eagerly, and he finds himself bashful under Ajax's enthusiastic gaze. The weight of the earring feels different on his lobe, unfamiliar yet comforting in its presence. He glances at a nearby mirror to see how it looks on him, but he's so quickly distracted by his companion's bright smile that he doesn't even notice the card that Ajax flashes so exuberantly.]

Thank you, Ajax, [he murmurs, proper manners and grace at being offered something with so much meaning behind it, no matter the spontaneity of the moment. He offers Bolai a polite nod.]

Thank you for your assistance, Master Bolai. I wish you a good evening. [The shopkeeper's stiff demeanor is not lost on him. He knows the man is likely shivering to the bone with the realization of who he's dealing with, but Zhongli is not one to flaunt his status. He prefers to keep a low profile, to let his actions speak for themselves. He almost feels guilty.

Even if Bolai himself is counting every recent transaction he made and if it ever not benefited the dragon of Liyue.

With his attention back to Ajax as they make their way through the night market, Zhongli allows himself to truly feel the comforting warmth of the younger man tucked up against his side again, drawn to it more than he should care to admit. He's not used to being treated with such enthusiasm, to being wanted in such a way. He wonders, his thoughts drifting to the younger man in a way that he finds both exhilarating and terrifying if he enjoys this because he likes the attention or because he genuinely enjoys Ajax's company. But then he catches sight of Ajax's profile, the copper strands of his hair catching the warmth of the streetlights, the way that his eyes seem to glimmer, a contrast to how they usually look like darkened depths, as though borrowing from the life of Liyue itself. Zhongli is not accustomed to, the sensation of being wanted, of being cherished. And yet, as he looks down at Ajax's smiling face, he realizes that he could grow used to it, even if it feels like a selfish indulgence.

No, he's not enjoying this because he likes the attention. He's enjoying it because he likes Ajax—likes the way he fits into the fabric of Liyue, the way he moves with such effortless grace despite his outsider status. There's something undeniably magnetic, something that leaves him wanting more.

So he takes him with a smile to an antique shop, and a traditional toymaker stall allowing the craftsperson to talk shop instead of Zhongli, giving him tips on how to select the proper jade, despite the shopkeeper trying to swindle them. He then tugs Ajax closer, so they can walk along the harbor and the piers, listening to the sailors and the workers as they either prepare to stay the night or an early departure the next morning.]

I hope I am not stealing too much of your time, [Zhongli says after a while when the hullabaloo is muted by the distance.] I wouldn't want you to feel obligated to spend so long away from your family.

[misfittoys]

[ The rest of the evening is spent in a whirlwind of stalls and booths and lengthy explanations with Ajax hanging on Zhongli's every word. He is perhaps most animated at the toymaker's, absorbing with rapt fascination the centuries old hand-made traditions that have been kept for the simple kites and dolls when mass-produced machinery created the lion's share of the modern market. And even if he did get swindled a bit when Zhongli wasn't looking, Ajax does purchase a bit of jade at well above market value — a plan for later spinning in his head as he tucks it away before the older man can notice.

As they drift along the pier, Ajax catches Zhongli giving him a look more than once though he's not sure exactly what the other is thinking about and can't stare for too long lest he be considered rude.

Has he done something off-putting? Fumbled important Liyuen culture? Have something on his face from one of the sweets he had purchased for the two of them to share (even though Childe's belly was so full from everything he had eaten today).

Ajax is so absorbed in investigating his own behavior under a microscope that the hesitance and doubt in Zhongli's voice catches him completely off guard. And oh, that won't do. That won't do at all! Good thing Ajax was a confidence booster extraordinaire — both for himself and others when the need arose. ]

Now now. Mister Zhongli.

[ Ajax's hands go to smooth the already impeccably starched and flat collar of his coat. The smile that has been there all night still beams up at him even though it is tinged with the promise of a person who is definitely going to have a little fun at someone else's expense. ]

I'm having a great time. One that I'm sure my sweet princess of a little sister will tease me for when I slip back home at this hour. But—! I wouldn't trade it for the world, and I certainly will not have you returning home thinking that you were demanding or a bother when that couldn't be further from the truth.

You're quite the catch, don't you know? Handsome. Well-connected. A perfect gentleman.

[ His hands slide lower down Zhongli's chest and down those abs that were almost making him jealous. Maybe the consultant could give him some tips on this subject, too, later. ]

And ripped! Though why are you hiding that under all these layers of clothes? —No, actually, that's for the best! It makes me feel special to know that I might be one of the few who knows that little secret.

[arcaico]

[When Ajax suddenly smooths his collar and beams up at him, Zhongli feels his heart skip a beat. The younger man's touch, the confident yet playful tone of his voice, it's all so...bold. Unaccustomed to such overt affection, Zhongli finds himself feeling shy, a soft flush creeping up his neck and bowing his head. Which is a mistake, as he watches those long fingers slide lower down his chest, brushing against his abdomen. The touch is electric, sending shivers down his spine. Being touched so freely, so eagerly, it takes everything in him to maintain his composure.

Zhongli clears his throat softly, a bashful smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he meets Ajax's gaze.]

You flatter me, Ajax. [His voice is soft, a nervous chuckle preceding a touch of playfulness in his tone despite the shyness that lingers in his eyes.] I'm not accustomed to such bold compliments. But I must admit, it's...refreshing.

After all, you're quite the charmer yourself, [Zhongli continues, his voice softening as he reaches up to gently brush a strand of hair from Ajax's forehead.] Handsome, daring, and full of life. [He gently places a hand over Ajax's, his touch light yet steady, a silent acknowledgment that it's not something he's rejecting.]

I'm glad to hear you're having a great time. I am as well. [His gaze softens, his smile growing warmer.] And as for my layers of clothes, well, perhaps it's a good thing I have you to see through them.

[The words come out more flirtatious than he intended, but Zhongli doesn't mind. It's a new feeling, this ease and warmth, and he finds himself enjoying it more than he expected. He doesn't want Ajax to recoil, doesn't want to lose this newfound connection. Instead, he wants to nurture it, to see where it leads.]

Shall we continue our walk? [He suggests, his voice gentle as he looks out over the harbor.]

[misfittoys]

[ Oh. Oh. Ajax has certainly caught himself the most adorable man in all of Liyue. The flush of red creeping up his neck (Childe's favorite color!) is quite nice to see not only because Mister Zhongli is very much worthy of such praise but there's a non-trivial amount of satisfaction for Childe in making him blush. There's also quite the little cocky self-assured smile as Childe watches Zhongli's eyes follow the lazy path of his fingers.

(That's right. That's it. All eyes on me~)

Ajax doesn't even pause for a moment as he continues to shamelessly flirt with someone who so shamelessly reciprocated: ]

Well, shame on them— [ Whoever they are ] and all the more for me if no one in this city has tried to flatter you properly. They really dropped the ball on that one. But finders keepers! Because you know, I'd like to see through your clothes any—

[ Wait— wha—

Did Zhongli just imply—? Nah. No, he didn't. It would be unfair for someone so devastatingly handsome to be able to turn the tables on Ajax with such a pleasant and polite tone of voice all while saying that.

Goodness gracious! Mr. Zhongli!

Ajax thoughts are dizzying as Zhongli teases him, reeling him in closer and closer: "Look, we can't go back to my place 'cuz I have little ones at the house and thin walls and you are very very very attractive. So what about your place, hmmm? Take me home. Pretty please take me home."

Bold as he may be though, Ajax is not bold enough to invite himself over that shamelessly on a first date. If the clinging off Zhongli's arm intensified, however— that was just the natural response. What else was a boy with a blooming crush to do? ]

I'd follow you anywhere.

[ Ugh. No, wait. That sounds needy and desperate. Not cool, Ajax. Recover. Recover. ]

I mean— Until morning anyway. Haha~ Then I have to dash away dramatically at dawn's first light until fate grants us its blessing that we may meet again. Or, yanno, until I text you next— whichever comes first.

[arcaico]

[Zhongli's heart skips a beat at Ajax's playful yet sincere words, the younger man's thrilling and endearing boldness. He feels a flush of warmth as Ajax clings a bit tighter to his arm. His own shyness feels like a relic of a bygone era, an old habit that he finds himself gently shedding in Ajax's presence. The warmth of Ajax's touch and the sincerity in his eyes make Zhongli feel seen in a way he hasn't in a long time.]

Well, perhaps next time, I'll be the one to text you first, [Zhongli says with a soft chuckle, his gaze meeting Ajax's with a playful glint.] Or maybe we could do something different. Once you've seen to your little ones, I would love for you to meet my dog. He's quite grumpy but friendly. He could use a friend. Maybe Narwhal would enjoy having a companion?

[In the meantime, he continues to guide Ajax through the hidden treasures of the harbor, showing him the nooks and crannies that only a local would know. They explore night salesmen's stalls selling trinkets and decadent snacks, challenging the younger man to try the spicy options, but readily knowing how to douse the heat with a special kind of drink or tea. The air filled with the mingling scents of food and the soft hum of the sound around them is not enough to subdue their conversations.

As they wander, the sky begins to lighten from the deep black of night to a gentle reddish blue, signaling the approaching dawn. The world feels quieter, more intimate as if it belongs only to them in this fleeting moment.

Finally, as they reach a small, secluded spot overlooking the harbor, Zhongli turns to Ajax, his heart full of gratitude and warmth. He squeezes Ajax's hand gently.]

Until next time, [Zhongli murmurs, his voice soft and earnest.] Thank you for a wonderful evening, Ajax. And for your generosity and enthusiasm in indulging someone like myself.

[He meets his gaze, his eyes reflecting the soft glow of the approaching dawn, filled with a depth of emotion that words alone cannot capture.]

I look forward to our next meeting.

[misfittoys]

[ Ajax looks positively giddy with the thought that Zhongli might text him first. Maybe he should be a polite boy and be patient so he can roll around in the serotonin hit that is sure to come with Zhongli's name appearing on his locked screen. What a pleasant surprise that would be! ]

I'd love to meet your dog. Narwhal already adores you, the little traitor, and probably needs friends his own uh... haha, species?

[ The rest of the night is an enjoyable blur of activities— Ajax vividly remembers bragging about how he could handle his spice before Zhongli soothed his sore ego with specialty drink after specialty drink. Oh, he'd have to train himself to handle it. Maybe it was like building any other muscle by exposing yourself to harsher and harsher spices until one day he'd be able to down even the spiciest of Liyue food with a smile. How impressed would Mr. Zhongli be then!

Ah, but all good things come to an end, and Ajax feels Zhongli squeeze his hand and bid him a soft and tender farewell that makes his heart clench. For a moment, he stands there transfixed, the warmth of their touch warming his heart as he leans in and—



Rests his forehead against Zhongli's with a soft smile of his own. ]

Me, too, Mister Zhongli. Don't be a stranger, okay?

[ He can feel the heat rising in his cheeks and his impulses screaming at him as he uncharacteristically denies them to ensure a proper first date farewell for his very handsome and very proper first date. ]

I'm sure we'll be in touch.