hydrangeabloom | Mafia AU

[ It really never gets old— seeing Zhongli smile and the flush of pink cross his skin. Ajax couldn't even claim it as a distraction tactic as Zhongli still moved his chess piece with the grace of a man who could very well kick his ass a second time.

But at least he'd have to fight for it! ]

Less of a penalty and more of a responsibility. They get to decide how much of this—

[ Ajax points to himself and then Zhongli before jumping one of his knights in front of the line of pawns. ]

—to escalate. Haha, though I already know where I'd kiss you~

[ Ajax winks. Salaciously. ]

Oh— maybe that should have been the winner's prize instead.

[Zhongli's composure falters for a moment at Ajax’s unabashed boldness. The blatant flirtation catches him off guard, and he feels the heat rise in his cheeks, his fingers curling mid-motion. Clearing his throat, he tries to steady himself, a rueful smile playing on his lips as he meets Ajax's playful gaze.]

You're trying to distract me, [he says, his voice tinged with amusement nonetheless. He makes his next move, advancing another pawn. Steady. Unrelenting.

He looks up from the board, his eyes locking with Ajax’s, something glimmering in the gold.]

If that's your strategy, [he starts, his tone low to not disturb the environment of the museum,] then I wonder if you know where I'd like to be kissed.

[ With not an ounce of shame: ]

I am 100% absolutely trying to distract you.

[ The other knight leaps the line of pawns, both now leading the charge. ]

But now you've turned the tables on me again.

[ He drops his tone equally low, tilting his head just slightly so that he might look at Zhongli through slightly lowered lashes. ]

I want to know. Of course, I do. Is that where this is headed? Haha! But asking is not nearly as fun as finding out for myself.

And I don't know if I want to deny myself that.

[Ajax’s unabashed flirtation is met with a mix of intrigue and curiosity. The openness of his intentions is disarming. Perhaps the man across from him too, seeks a release, a distraction from the tensions that have been mounting during their weeks. The thought is strangely comforting, and Zhongli finds himself more receptive to his advances than he would have ever expected.

For anyone else, he would have set a boundary as tall and impenetrable as the skyscrapers he once ruled over. But with Ajax, he finds himself indulging in this playful little dance of theirs, allowing the younger man's exuberance to draw him in.]

Tut tut, [Zhongli chides softly, though there's no real reprimand in his voice. He finds Ajax amusing and even endearing, even as he makes his next move. His bishop glides across the board, sneaking past the two pieces he had advanced.] You’re quite the handful.

[He meets Ajax’s gaze again, his eyes warm with a mix of challenge and something softer.]

But I must admit, you make this game far more interesting than I anticipated.

[ Ajax watches the bishop slide across the board behind his scouting knights and directly in front of his line of pawns. He could take it. It's right there. Oh, but this feels like a trap. This is definitely a feint and one that Ajax will regret if he doesn't handle it accordingly.

But a part of him wants to see Zhongli's trap unfold— watch this beautifully intelligent man weave his tangled web and then snatch victory right out of his clutches. He wants to watch the shock on Zhongli's face melt into something soft and proud as he tells Ajax how clever he is—

(Argh. When did his fantasies become like this??? He blames Zhongli. Yes, yes this is absolutely 100% Zhongli's fault—)

And Ajax takes the bishop with a flourish with one of his pawns. Let the dominoes fall where they will! ]

Of course I am! That's what you like about me.

I'm here to challenge you to play like you never had before. If you want something more traditional, then I'd just watch as you had a re-match against your memories.

[Eyes narrowing slightly as he watches Ajax take the bishop with a pawn, a move that was expected, Zhongli still manages to find this somewhat delightful. The playful banter between them is a game within a game. Ajax’s boldness, his willingness to step into a potential trap, with the same steadfastness that he'd harness to try and get out of it, adds some warmth to Zhongli's chest.

For the first time in some days, Zhongli's shoulders lower, relaxing.]

You’re not wrong, [Zhongli admits, a soft smile tugging at his lips.] While I do lean more often towards caution, there's something refreshing to your unrelenting boldness.

[He makes his next move with the same measured grace, a knight shifting into position with a clear intent to protect his remaining pieces while setting up the next stage of his strategy. His gaze never leaves Ajax's, the warmth in his eyes deepening.]

But don’t think I’ll go easy on you just because of that. I intend to make you earn every victory, no matter how small.

[ For a few moments, Ajax gets lost in the warmth of Zhongli's expression, fingers fidgeting with his pieces as he can feel his cheeks warm from the prolonged staring. It's almost when he almost rolls one piece right off the board that he catches himself with a (slightly embarrassed) laugh: ]

Oh, Mister Zhongli! I'd be insulted if you went easy on me. That means you don't think I'm a worthy opponent. And I'm here to prove that I am the most worthy! The most challenging opponent that you have ever faced.

[ Ajax immediately goes on the offensive. With the pawn having taken Zhongli's bishop, that leaves one of his own bishops free to dash across the board, an alluring target with just one catch— if Zhongli takes the bishop then one of Ajax's knights will take whatever piece delivers the finishing blow.

His face is lowered, studying the board with a furrowed brow as if he is trying to divine Zhongli's next move by sheer force alone. And then oh so casually as if he was asking about the weather: ]

You seem a little hmmm— tense today. Rough week at the office? Or maybe—

[ He looks up with a scandalous gasp. ]

You were nervous about our second date!

[His fingers hover over the board, considering the pieces as he contemplates his next move. A smile touches his lips as he senses Ajax’s intent—a trap for a trap.

He glances up at the teasing tone, meeting his eyes with a calm yet mischievous glint.]

I suppose one could say that. The past week has been... quite eventful.

[His voice is smooth, revealing nothing of the actual chaos that has unfolded, as he's well-practiced in maintaining calm, in keeping his true thoughts and feelings concealed behind a mask of serenity. But here, with Ajax, the mask feels less necessary, more like an old habit than a necessity. So he does allow fatigue to slip into his voice, with a sigh.

Zhongli leans back slightly, feigning contemplation, the smirk growing as he continues, his voice lowering just a touch, almost conspiratorially.] But maybe I was nervous. Anticipating this, perhaps. Why wouldn't I?

[ Ajax isn't sure what he was expecting Zhongli's answer to be. Maybe he had no expectations at all since the two of them were still dabbling at the edges of getting to know each other and feeling each other out in terms of push and pull. But the sigh is enough to motivate him into Ajax (actually did he really need any motivation at all) as he reaches his hand across the table, palm up in invitation. ]

Give me your hand.

I'll show you there is nothing to be nervous about.

[ The smile he provides in return is meant to be playful and reassuring even as he boasts: ]

Though I can understand why you might be! I'm quite the catch after all.

[The younger man's playful demeanor has a way of disarming him, chipping away at his carefully crafted composure. For a moment, Zhongli hesitates, his fingers stilling over the chessboard. But then, curiosity—and perhaps something more—compels him to reach across the table, his hand resting gently in Ajax’s open palm.

His smile softens, the tension of the past week momentarily easing in the face of his effortless charm.]

I see... [Zhongli murmurs, his tone warm, laced with amusement.] Quite the catch, indeed.

[The steady warmth of Ajax’s hand is grounding, makes this moment feel more real, more personal. It’s a connection he didn’t realize he needed, perhaps. Would often tell himself such. While coaxing others into relying on each other.

Ah, he's a hypocrite, is he?]

And here I was, thinking it was you who might be a little nervous. [His voice is teasing now, his golden eyes glinting, even if with an underlying sincerity in his gaze.]

[ A faux affronted gasp: ]

Me? Nervous? About what? That I might do something embarrassing in front of this mysterious handsome and intelligent person who I am trying so very hard to impress. Haha, nothing to be nervous about at all!

[ Ajax clasps Zhongli's hand in both of his, turning it to also face palm up as he hunches over across the chess board to peer down at it with a thoughtful hum. ]

But let's see— let's see—

[ He trails a finger across the length of Zhongli's open palm. ]

Oh look here. A strong long life line. That's good!

[ If Zhongli knows anything about palm reading (or even anything about Ajax), that isn't where the lifeline is supposed to be, but it's also the longest line on Zhongli's palm. So for Ajax's intents and purposes, it might as well be as his finger moves to skim over an adjacent line. ]

And the second longest one— oh, that's your work line. It's pretty consistently deep. Are you sure you don't need a vacation? Or maybe a little relaxation.

[ Ajax tilts his head up just enough to give a salacious wink before turning his attention back to Zhongli's palm. ]

Hmmm. And now where is it? Where is it... Ah!

[ His smile widens, a telltale sign that he is teasing. ]

Your love line. It starts late, but looks to be unbroken after that. Lucky you!

[Zhongli's golden eyes gleam with amusement as Ajax traces lines across his palm, the warmth of his touch bringing an unexpected comfort. Though he knows the true lines of palm reading from countless encounters with fortune-tellers within the underworld, who often used the craft as a cover for their operations, he finds himself captivated by the way Ajax weaves his own playful interpretation, with 'ah's and 'ooh's and thoughtful nods.

His eyebrows arch in surprise at the mention of the "work line", causing him to chuckle softly.] A vacation? [He hums thoughtfully, leaning in slightly as his smile widens.] Perhaps I do need it. Do you have any suggestions?

[Zhongli lowers his voice, his smile becoming a touch more flirtatious.] Starting late… quite curious. Does the line say if I should wait longer or if it's already started?

[ Ajax almost almost drops Zhongli hand as his instinct is to put his own hand to his face to hide the red flush that certainly is creeping across his cheeks and up his ears. Oh, casual Zhongli was already enough to make the butterflies in his stomach flutter about to distraction. So flirtatious Zhongli was like unleashing a tornado. How was anyone allowed to be that handsome and have a voice that drop kicked his mind straight in the gutter?

(How was this man still even on the market?)

Ajax clears his throat, thumb now tracing along one of those lines along his palm absently. ]

Mister Zhongli~ I can't give away all my secrets or the mysteries of the universe all in one go. That would be irresponsible.

But worry not. I can answer both of those questions for the low low price of a third date. How does that sound?

[The sight of Ajax's flushed cheeks and the sudden shift in his demeanor is akin to witnessing amber catching the last rays of sunset in Zhongli’s chest. There's something undeniably charming about Ajax's transparency—the way his emotions play so freely on his face. It’s disarming, and though he’s well-versed in the art of calculated conversation, the sincerity pulls him in further, making him want to continue. So he hums softly, the amusement never leaving his eyes as Ajax traces absent patterns on his palm. He leans in just a touch closer, though they do have a table between them.]

A third date, you say? [He tilts his head as he studies the younger man.] I have a feeling that time spent with you should be very highly valued, but it's one price I'm very willing to meet.

I must admit, though, I’m rather intrigued by these secrets of yours. [He smiles, his tone soft but laced with curiosity.] I look forward to unravelling them.

[His free hand moves to rest on top of Ajax's, a not-so subtle gesture of reciprocation, but one that he is at ease with doing. No masks, no walls—just two people, enjoying each other's company.]

But for now, [he continues, the playfulness returning as he glances back at the chessboard, though he hasn't let go of Ajax's hand. Perhaps this was exactly what he needed after this hellish week?] I believe it's still your move, isn’t it?

[ Greedy greedy Ajax moves to lace their fingers together as soon as Zhongli's hand lies atop of his. Looks like that belongs to him for the rest of the match. ]

Mr. Zhongli~

[ He drawls out the name in a petulant whine. ]

How am I supposed to concentrate on the game when I just want to kiss you? Flirty Mr. Zhongli is so handsome. Wait—! No! That means that I'm the loser. Ugh.

[ He swiftly moves one of his pieces across the board without looking. From a cursory glance, it looks like a hasty unthought move but for someone as calculating as Zhongli, he should recognize it as a very strategic push into enemy territory among numerous of Ajax's pieces. One that will leave the match finished in a handful of rounds (by way of knighting one of Ajax's pawns) if the threat proceeds according to plan. ]

[A whirlwind of playful need mixed with competitive spirit, the two collide in a way that sends a ripple of amusement through him. The younger man's open expression, unfiltered desires, the way he communicates so plainly with no hesitation or coyness; all bring about a certain kind of whiplash that Zhongli is still getting used to.

Zhongli watches as Ajax moves his piece across the board without a second glance, the action seemingly rushed, hasty—but upon further inspection, it's clear that it's part of a well-calculated plan. He takes in the positioning, the strategy behind it, and the subtle brilliance that shines through the playful exterior.

How interesting.

Zhongli's golden eyes flicker with intrigue. He makes his next move, a more defensive one, aligning his pieces in a way that invites Ajax’s advance—come catch me, his position seems to say.]

Well, then, I can't help but wonder... should we continue this game?

[His hand remains intertwined with Ajax’s, his thumb tracing slow, thoughtful circles along the younger man's skin, his gaze lowering to count the freckles on his cheeks, on his nose, and then the line of his lips.] After all, it’s only a game. And it seems to me that our wills are already quite evenly tied.

[ Ajax's eyes dim two shades darker at the question, something within him roiling at the mention of quitting. Forfeiture was a loss in his book, and Tartaglia had not backed down from anything in his life. Not even when he was a scrawny nobody brought in kicking and biting to the Tsaritsa's chambers upon their first meeting. ]

Only a game?

[ Red creeps along Ajax's cheeks at Zhongli's wandering gaze (for who resist the charm of this man), his own eyes tracking the slow repetitive motion of Zhongli's thumb pressed against his skin. He blinks slowly— once, twice — before lifting his other hand to advance another piece across the board. It's almost violent in its aggressiveness, but aimed pure and true like a knife thudding a bullseye.

Lead the way, Ajax seems to reply even as he knows there is a trap lying in wait. Or perhaps because he knows there is a trap, but the prize is worth that risk.

Ajax runs his tongue along the back of his teeth as if that could unstick the words he means to say. ]

Mister Zhongli~ Mama didn't raise a quitter, especially with a wager on the line. And I know you see my strategy. You know it's an all or nothing gamble that I win in two turns or lose it all.

So I really just have to know—

If you can stop me when you see it coming. You'll indulge me in that, won't you? To see who wins this battle of wills.

[Oh, there's something in him, something that resonates with an unyielding spirit, like a warrior’s refusal to back down.

Zhongli watches the aggressive move Ajax makes, the piece slamming into position with the force of someone determined to seize victory no matter the cost. A victory, or nothing at all. There's no mistaking the precision behind the move, the calculated risk, and the thrill of the chase that Ajax seems to thrive on. And yet, even in the face of that, Zhongli can't help but smile.

How fascinating.

His golden eyes flick up, meeting Ajax's darkened gaze, the younger man's intensity met with an unshakable calm. To think that a mere toy salesman would be this intense; is it because his work and his life provide him with little instances to truly let loose? Or…]

Ah, but quitting wasn’t what I had in mind. [His thumb continues its slow, deliberate circles on Ajax's skin, the touch grounding them both amidst the rising tension.] Merely a negotiation. I suppose we could call it a contract.

[He tips his head an increment, like he's considering something to be honored, one ritual to better demonstrate one's respect.] I won't deny you the thrill of this battle of wills. But I do wonder—what will that mean for you if I stop you?

[He is still teasing, laying out a test of sorts.]

Is it truly a loss, if you win something you wish for regardless?

[ Ajax tilts his head in the opposite direction, mirroring Zhongli as he rests his chin against his palm. His fingers curl tighter around Zhongli where he can, part restless and part to latch onto this enchanting individual. ]

It can't be a true loss, because it's you, Mister Zhongli. Even if there is no prize at the end except for the joy that blooms across your face at an enjoyable match, it's still worthwhile to me.

[ But then he laughs, eyes crinkling as they lose some of their intensity. ]

Though I must admit I wanted to create a win/win situation for the both of us no matter the outcome. That's just good manners when you're getting to know someone.

But if you want to suggest a negotiation—

[ His gaze lowers to their joined hands and then up to Zhongli's lips, an internal conflict on how bold he could or should be. Or perhaps fantasizing about a prize that he's not sure he wants to jeopardize.

But given a new potentially more thrilling option, there is really only one path for him to take. ]

I'm listening.

[The lightness of Ajax's laugh fills the air between them, dissipating the tension in a way that feels both natural and disarming. It's… strangely familiar. He's seen so many people able to weave this kind of mental maneuver, of meaning business, sometimes dangerous business, and they laugh it off to dissipate the threat. It's oddly strange to see such passionate claims coming from Ajax, when he's but someone who works with toys.

Perhaps he's being too nostalgic. How Ajax can be both fiercely determined and so unguardedly open at the same time is something he finds endlessly captivating.

But there is something else that lingers beneath that openness. Maybe even a hesitancy—an unspoken hope that lingers in the way Ajax’s gaze lowers to their joined hands, then to his lips, as if caught between a want and a fear of reaching too far too quickly.

What is he afraid of?]

A win/win situation... [He muses, lowering his gaze to the pieces, his free hand tapping onto one of them, mindlessly tipping it just a fraction, as though weighing the scales of their conversation.] That does sound appealing. But I think there's an opportunity here for something even more... rewarding.

[His thumb still traces slow, steady circles on the back of Ajax’s hand. There’s a pause, and then Zhongli looks up, his voice still a soft murmur, the kind that almost seems to wrap around them, as if sealing them off from the rest of the world.]

How about this: if you win, you can claim your prize—whatever you wish for. But if I win, I get to choose where this evening takes us.

[Zhongli’s smile deepens, warm and knowing, as his fingers tighten ever so slightly around Ajax’s hand.

His fingers move the piece to an extremely dangerous place for the both of them.] I’m certain you’ll find that quite a compelling contract. It’s not often that I offer such terms.

[ For perhaps the first time, Ajax truly blue screens. His eyes widen in shock as if he can't believe what he's hearing— because he doesn't. That sweet inviting tone of Zhongli's voice is something he only fantasized about in the privacy of his bed — not here and definitely not saying these things. ]

Whatever I—

[ And then Zhongli lays out the reward for his own win, and Ajax can feel the flush all the way up to the tips of his ears.

Oh.

Oh.

Normally, Ajax would recoil from such an offer, willful creature that he is. He always liked to have at least one hand on the driver's wheel even if the Tsaritsa sat next to him, calmly delivering order after order in a tone that conveyed the price of disobedience. The thought of allowing Zhongli to decide everything sends a unique and chilling thrill up his spine. The thought of Zhongli (Ajax's hand in his) smiling that too handsome smile and tugging him to an evening of his own design...

Ajax's fingers twitch in Zhongli's grip. His blush does not fade. ]

Okay.

[ Ajax's voice is embarrassingly small even to his own ears, but soon that boyish grin spreads across his face, thawing the ice of vigilance and mistrust. He was Ajax now — the toy seller. Ajax— a simple boy on a simple date with a man who he had a not-so-simple crush on. This was still a win-win— would still be his win. And he'd be a complete fool to let this opportunity pass him by. ]

You have a deal, Mr. Zhongli.

[ And he taps the consultant's most recently moved piece with a forefinger just to let him know he understand the stakes. Just to let him know he knew exactly what Zhongli was doing and was infatuated with him even moreso because of it.

Ajax's knight sweeps across the board to land side-by-side, so close and yet unable to attack or defend against each other. It's a deviation from Ajax's previous scheme but equally (if not moreso) risky. Can Zhongli defend his king when his knight has so thoroughly and brazenly infiltrated his ranks? ]

Check.

[ But not quite yet mate. ]

[Perhaps he shouldn't delight himself in the flush that spreads across Ajax’s face, the wide-eyed shock that briefly freezes him in place, his lips parted so captivatingly. Zhongli feels the delicate balance between them tip, the tension of their playful back-and-forth shifting into something far more profound, having the slide both down the incline into a depth that even he hadn't really expected that day. He wonders, as his smile deepens, if the tension of the week has gotten to him, and he now craves and thrills at seeing Ajax flustered, even if just for a fleeting moment.

He is incredibly distracting, he thinks as he curls his fingers and turns their hands, fingertips tracing over the same lines that Ajax pretended to read on his own. What was it again? Ah, there's a scar where his lifeline is, and a turbulent beginning to his heart's, only for it to settle into something so deep and steady. He wonders if Ajax has read his own palm before.

Okay, he says. A single, soft word, so unlike the boldness Ajax typically radiates. He feels it settle there, like a steady flame, flickering yet unwavering. How endearing.

Zhongli’s golden eyes flicker with interest as he studies the board. Ajax has made a daring move, one that leaves his pieces in a precarious position. A risk, certainly, but one worth taking for someone like him. Zhongli lets the silence stretch, his eyes lifting to meet Ajax's once more. There's a glint of something mischievous in them.]

How bold. However, a knight alone cannot win such a battle.

[Zhongli moves a piece—a defensive play, positioning his queen to protect the king, but also creating a delicate trap of his own, surrounded by all kinds of attacking pieces, even the remaining pawns. It's tempting - take the queen and the king all at once. It's subtle, but it gives Ajax the opportunity to press forward. Should he take it, however, the board will tilt once again, but in Zhongli’s favor. One would call it the sweetness of a venus flytrap.]

[ So focused is Ajax on the board that he pays little attention to his hand being turned so deftly (and oh so so gently) in Zhongli's. His eyes dart from piece to piece, eyes furrowed in concentration until his hand spasms in Zhongli's grasp. The scar on his hand is old, formed back when he was fourteen and newly admitted to the Fatui — never fully healing because he had not known enough about the life he leads now to tend to it correctly. As a result, the tissue itself is tender and Zhongli's touch is almost ticklish as he traces down the line of it. ]

No fair.

[ Ajax complains as if he had not done the same to Zhongli not moments before. But still he lets his hand remain, indulging in Zhongli's wandering touch. It was a distraction — the good kind that provided that wonderful rush, like standing on the precipice of a 10-foot drop. Uncertain, yet soothing.

A knight alone cannot win such a battle.

Ajax's tongue runs against the back of his teeth, eyes set squarely upon that trap and understanding fully the outcome of a frontal assault. The queen he could handle but the knight would be long slain before it reached the king, leaving the rest of his pieces at a severe disadvantage. A glorious fight but ultimately a loss. He would never do that to Her. No matter how much he loved the thrill of the hunt and the adrenaline rush of battle, Tartaglia did not march into battles that were unwinnable.

He manipulated them until they became achievable.

The knight moves again, this time to slay (not a pawn for they were no longer worth his time), a bishop off to the side of the queen and king. Too far for any one piece to reach the knight in a single movement, but threatening enough to put Zhongli on his back foot with one less major piece in play.

That look of concentration forms into a wicked grin, losing its playfulness for just one beat. A second. Too long for someone of Zhongli's astute observation skills: ]

Who says they can't?

[Ajax’s knight lunges, taking his bishop—a daring strike, one that reveals Ajax’s willingness to manipulate the board to his favor at all costs. But in doing so, the knight is now a solitary figure, bold and reckless, drawn far from its comrades. A smirk tugs at Zhongli’s lips—such audacity demands a response.

His fingers move with deliberate grace, reaching for an unassuming pawn. The movement is slow, almost teasing, as he places it in a position that shifts the dynamic of the game entirely. The pawn cuts through the heart of Ajax’s formation, its path carving a line that threatens the rest of the pieces left unprotected behind the knight, a knight of his own set up to attack the knight if it were to go back. It is not a defensive move—this time, it's offensive. A counterstrike. Followed through by the smallest of the pieces, no strong knight, no cunning queen, but a line of the pawns still remaining poised to strike back.]

A knight can be formidable, [Zhongli murmurs, his gaze flicking up to meet Ajax’s with an amused glint, watching how there's some sort of hunger there in the edge of his lips.

Zhongli's foot find Ajax's underneath the table,] but it is still only one piece. Boldness must always be tempered with strategy, lest it leave the rest of the field vulnerable.

[A good player will notice that at the back, a single steady rook somehow looms over the whole board, unmoving still, but its placement commanding, a line of attack ready to intervene if necessary, but still remaining tucked into the corner of the board. Ajax’s knight, though victorious in its previous move, is now stranded, unable to aid in defending the rest of the forces left exposed. Zhongli rests his chin on his wrist, his posture relaxed yet his eyes keenly watching Ajax’s reaction.]

Well? [Behind the measured calm, there’s a flicker of warmth—Zhongli’s delight in this exchange, in the thrill of matching wits with someone who embraces the game with such passion.

Ah, it truly has been a while.]

[ Oh Zhongli. Mister Zhongli. Ajax could burst into flames right now for how each motion, each breath, each word makes the man across from him more attractive. And he'd be thankful for it, too. Like the gravity of the sun, how is he supposed to even escape?

(Not that he wants that. Oh no no. Finally, Ajax has found something precious. Something that makes him feel as alive as those nearly impossible missions the Tsaritsa stacks on her youngest to keep his interest piqued. Why would he ever want such a feeling to end?) ]

It's only one piece.

[ Ajax's eyes flicker over to the line of pawns poised and ready to lay waste to his main troop. Zhongli's careful and meticulous positioning has seen to that. The most logical next step would be to abandon the knight in favor of bolstering the rest of his troops and ensuring the protection of his king and queen. An overextended soldier is not worth paying mind to, after all. They all know the price of being set upon the field. Glory or death.

But Ajax has never been the logical player. The thrill of a risky move has and will guide his hand more than any a clear and straightforwardly boring path to his objective.

His sneaker scuffs against the pristine polish of Zhongli's leather dress shoe, childish but also eager to leave his mark (however small) upon the other. ]

Mmmm. But where does being predictable get you? Nowhere fast if your opponent knows where you're going to be three moves from now. Might as well not act at all in that case. At least it'd be a surprise!

But ah— is strategy the only factor in what piece to play? In what move to choose? Will Mr. Zhongli let a favored piece be sacrificed if that means he gets one step closer to the end game.

[ The knight moves again — two spaces up and one across, the rook in the corner sighted at the end of his lance. A rook can only go straight in any direction. It poses no threat to the flexibility and unpredictability of the knight.

So given the choice between regrouping or recklessness, Ajax had once again pulled out a surprising third option— go for the head of the snake instead of the crown that sits pretty up top as a distraction. And then let Zhongli decide what was most important— Victory above all else? Or some other unknown answer. ]

Let's find out.

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