[ Zhongli gives a small huff as he straightens his shoulders, forcing Childe into an upright position if he doesn't want his neck to be at a very uncomfortable angle. After a moment of waiting where Tartaglia seems unusually hesitant, he straightens his lapels and opens the door to step out of the car.
Should he be considered this is a trap or a trick? Perhaps.
But also Tartaglia would be a fool if he thought that Zhongli would arrive here without his own agents confirming the safety of the area before their arrival. (The business correspondence on his phone wasn't just for show after all.) So instead he instead focuses on what the now ex-Harbinger thinks would be a proper "date spot" for Rex Lapis. ]
[ Rubbing at his eyes, Childe gets out of the car, too.
Honestly, Zhongli might be giving him too much credit to even think he considered making this a trap. Childe is just wanting to go on his Valentine's Date.
Straightening his jacket as he walks away from the car, he enters the restaurant to speak with the greeter, motioning towards Zhongli with a smile to let them know who is part of his party. They nod, offering a polite greeting to Zhongli before taking them to their seats.
The restaurant is nice, and it's one that requires getting a reservation well in advance.
It's not a bad surprise, at the very least, Childe hopes?! He only had so much he can work with on such short notice, but he's at least sure Zhongli won't be disappointed by the food. ]
[ Once the greeter has acknowledged Zhongli as Ajax's guest (an unique experience as usually it was the other way around— whether it be a sign of Rex Lapis's power or a business associate he was treating to the finer establishments in Liyue), Zhongli takes Ajax's hand and slips it into the crook of his arm. It's one part power play and one part particularness. Never would Zhongli allow him to be considered less than a sub-par Valentine's date.
(Though certainly threatening one's date with an ultimatum on pain of death prior to dinner is not doing him any favors.)
Regardless, he seems pleased with the venue, eyes drifting over the nighttime skyline of the city. His city. What could be a more marvelous backdrop to the evening? ]
I've heard that this place books out months in advance. And yet a simple barista was able to gain a reservation on such sort notice.
[ Zhongli muses aloud as he takes the seat closest to the window himself — an act that would have his bodyguards scrambling for sure, but surely the ex-Harbinger was in more danger this night than himself. And the Fatui were known to have a few very talented snipers in their ranks. ]
I wonder how you were planning to explain such an accomplishment to me.
Are you saying that you would have come on this date with me even if you didn't confront me about my identity? That's so sweet of you. I really wanted to ask you out this morning, too. But that would have been inappropriate on the clock.
[ Child is a huge brat when he wants to be. ]
I probably would have told you I book it every year and just hope I find someone worth taking. Even save up the money in a special stash just for this special night every year.
Is it not very convincing to a practical person such as yourself who isn't into much into romance?
Ah, that would not heighten your charm, would it not? A young enthusiastic barista who probably barely able to make ends meet on his customer service wage treating a high paid executive to such an opulent meal.
Or perhaps it is meant to tug at the heartstring. Each year, you scrimp and save to view this most beautiful view of Liyue only to find yourself alone, watching the tables around you fill with couples both established and prospective.
Certainly, how could anyone refuse such a request, or not remember such a night for years to come.
[ Zhongli slides his own menu to Childe's side of the table without glancing at it even once. ]
I hope you succeed in making tonight as memorable as you are boasting.
[ Childe opens the menu delicately, purposefully making it as mechanical and deliberate as possible.
—Not to mention, he opens the menu but never once looks at it! ]
Does it make me more charming to you, Zhongli? [ his laugh is almost breathless now as he lowers his voice. ] No, I already think not... for me to charm someone such as yourself, I'm going to have to do more than make up a few stories. I'm running out of time, though, so I need to pull out all the stops.
Because... right now, you clearly aren't nearly charmed enough to my liking.
[ he gives a cheeky smile, his dark blue eyes looking innocent. ]
Now, what's a poor guy like me to do about making this memorable other than get a little desperate? [ As if on cue, Childe's phone rings, and he slowly brings it out onto the table, dropping it open in front of Morax. The name and number are Unknown, even as Childe offers him one of the ear buds to hear the phone conversation if he likes. ]
[ Zhongli's brow furrows as he takes one of the ear buds, slipping it into his ear and he leans back in his seat. He rests an ankle over one knee, fingers steepled and head canted unamused to one side.
If taking work calls on Valentine's day was now charming, then well— Zhongli had been out of the game longer than he thought. And if this was some version of a powerplay on Tartaglia's behalf, then he was even less impressed. ]
I do not think it matters if I mind or not when it is obvious you wish to show me something. So—
[ "Where are you?" Childe blinks as he's cut off so abruptly, an incredulous chuckle escaping him before answering annoyed: "It's my day off, what do you want?"
"Days off are not what I'm paying you for," the voice snaps. Childe rubs at his eyes wearily. "About that..." he starts. Childe explains he's run into some interesting obstacles and needs to renegotiate with the client. He requests their information, casually adding it to his phone, and a need to meet with them at a designated place and time. He also casually asks the client just how big of a mark Zhongli actually is. The client claims ignorance, but it feels feigned by the overall agency to dismiss it. The call ends, and Childe simply sets his phone on the table to push over to Zhongli to take the information down if he needs to. Mostly he wanted Zhongli to hear the voice to see if he had any idea who it might be. Either way, he's silently offering to set this individual up for an ambush if Zhongli wants to take this into his own hands further. He's also offering Zhongli to take care of it how he sees fit and Childe himself to not concern himself with it again. ]
Just wanted you to hear their voice since their name is obviously fake. [ Childe clicks his tongue before waiting for Zhongli to decide if he cares about discussing this any further.
Once he's finished Childe smiles amicably, much more like he does at the cafe than he has all night. ]
So ... do you even like lattes?
[ it's a simple question but has a lot of unspoken meaning between them. Was Zhongli actually enjoying them every time he made them or was it just really good acting because he was out to get Childe before Childe did him?
But the slight puppy look in his eyes suggests another reason for asking: and that's getting to know Morax and just how similar he is or isn't to the Mr. Zhongli that Childe has come to rather like.
Finally, it's the classic tell me about yourself of getting to know someone, like he's actually interested in Morax for who he is rather than what.
[ Morax tilts his head to one side thoughtfully, listening to the conversation but not making any motion to reach for the phone. It's rather obvious (and quaint) what the other is trying to do. He's presenting his client on a silver platter, so that Morax might take revenge on the one that placed the hit out in the first place. It's an offering of trust and usefulness. How eager to please his newest recruit is.
(Ah, but what expression would Tartaglia make if he knew that is was one of Rex Lapis's men who made the call? That all of this was an elaborate set-up from the very beginning. After all, how else would they have enough information to lay the trap that would eventually catch the Vanguard within it's web.) ]
I assume that all of it is fake.
[ He exhales a long breath, an unimpressed look crossing his features. ]
Is this your way of saying you want me to take care of this? What terrible dinner conversation.
[ Childe sighs with some exasperation, a dramatic pout there for a moment. ] You're really going out of your way tonight to label me as a subpar date, Zhongl-xiansheng. You do this to everyone who wants to please you or am I just getting the warm welcome version?
[ Rolling his shoulders back once in a slow stretch, he pulls his phone back towards him. ] If you don't appreciate that particular kind of loyalty, I won't bother you with it. [ Tartaglia knows there are plenty of ways to demonstrate loyalty, but this is the only way with immediate gratification when you happen to be someone with a praise kink.
guess he'll have to really work for it.
opening the menu in front of him, he glances down at it with interest. He didn't realize it until now, but he's actually pretty hungry. At least he'll appreciate it when it arrives at the table. he glances back up at Zhongli curiously. ]
So, what are you planning to order, out of curiosity?
[ Zhongli's hand closes around Childe's wrist before he can pull the phone back completely, grip like iron though his expression never strays from more than mildly intrigued. He does not take the device outright, merely traces his fingertips along the pulse of Childe's wrist, head canted to one side. ]
My apologies. It was not my intention to make light of your hard work or craft.
Loyalty, I do appreciate. But I find it is best brewed like tea. Left to steep gradually over time and at precise moments to truly capture the best flavor of it.
[ He does not bother to look at the menu nor answer the silly small talk that Childe keeps trying to make. How rude of him, really. But perhaps he really was a terrible first date. ]
You are charming, even if I am not as charmed as you would like. But that comes with time and patience. Can you be patience for me?
[ Despite being a good deal into getting in people's personal space, the Mafia boss grabbing his wrist and simply holding him there has him flushing in his cheeks a bit awkwardly, even moreso when Zhongli speaks.
Well, he guesses those answers are good enough for now, even if he makes mental note with being told how to properly charm him. Time and patience have never been things Tartaglia considered on his side, but he also isn't one incapable of discipline and perseverance which require patience. Otherwise, he would not be where he is today, even if still trailing a long ways behind what he aspires to be. ]
Loyalty like tea, huh... [ he seems to understand what Zhongli is saying— more or less, huh. ] I can be patient... [ he insists, glancing off to the side with uncharacteristic shyness suddenly.
He's back to staring at the menu. Time to change the subject! ]
How many times have you been here, anyway, that you don't need to look at the menu? Maybe I should have picked a more exotic place. [ he mutters to himself then. ] Then again, I usually don't have a dinner date with a really rich guy so I guess it's still fine....
[ Zhongli shift's Childe's hand in his, lacing their fingers together as he watches the former Fatui avert his gaze. Interesting. Was that a flush of red on his cheeks or was that just a trick of the light? Or perhaps— was this clever performer putting on a new act in order to get what he wanted. Obedient — that might be what one might think Zhongli wants. (He does strictly in terms of business.) But business is not where he met Ajax. And hopefully business was not all that would be between them.
Hopefully. ]
Order what you like and order your fill. And choose for me as well. I will find a suitable drink for pairing.
Think of this as a soft initiation. A welcome to your new home.
[ Ajax pauses before nodding, looking back to the menu. He decides to select the same thing for them both: a Matsusaka beef tenderloin dish.
At first his idea is to go for a preparation something 'traditional,' but then realized that maybe he's trying too hard with this. So he selects the grilled steak option of preparation seasoned with salt and pepper at most served with roasted vegetables and a second side of choice. Simple, straightforward and undoctored. He's curious about what Zhongli pairs with it for a wine or otherwise. Just like horoscopes and blood types, and everything else really, there's always those that claim how someone prefers to pair their drink with their meal can be insight into just how compatible they may be with another.
Then again, they say that about a lot of things, don't they? ]
[ Predictably, Zhongli does pair it with a wine — a cabernet sauvignon. And not a cheap one as the two glasses themselves cost a few thousand mora. The waiter compliments them on their choice (even if politeness dictates they would required to do so anyway). A small part of Zhongli relaxes when the dish is not seafood (though Ajax could have easily chosen one off the menu seeing how close they were to the harbor). No need to give him that kind of ammunition this early on into the game.
He unlaces their fingers and folds his hands back in his lap. ]
Are you sure you are not familiar with the menu? While not one of the establishment's more extravagant dishes which helps promote the business through various influential food blogs and the like— you did pick the dish that put this restaurant on the map of Liyue.
[ Ajax hums thoughtfully. ] I mean... I feel like I might have read about it somewhere in passing and potentially forgot. But I usually like to pick my Valentine's Day restaurants as a new one every year. It would definitely be so weird of me to go the same place with someone new each time, right?
[ That would be weird, right...? ] these fine dining establishment don't have high turnover like fast food places, or anything. I don't know if I could take my love life being chronicled by the staff. Although, I guess the only real thing they would be able to come up with for it is that it's non-existent if I got a new person every year, right?
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no subject
[ Zhongli gives a small huff as he straightens his shoulders, forcing Childe into an upright position if he doesn't want his neck to be at a very uncomfortable angle. After a moment of waiting where Tartaglia seems unusually hesitant, he straightens his lapels and opens the door to step out of the car.
Should he be considered this is a trap or a trick? Perhaps.
But also Tartaglia would be a fool if he thought that Zhongli would arrive here without his own agents confirming the safety of the area before their arrival. (The business correspondence on his phone wasn't just for show after all.) So instead he instead focuses on what the now ex-Harbinger thinks would be a proper "date spot" for Rex Lapis. ]
no subject
Honestly, Zhongli might be giving him too much credit to even think he considered making this a trap. Childe is just wanting to go on his Valentine's Date.
Straightening his jacket as he walks away from the car, he enters the restaurant to speak with the greeter, motioning towards Zhongli with a smile to let them know who is part of his party. They nod, offering a polite greeting to Zhongli before taking them to their seats.
The restaurant is nice, and it's one that requires getting a reservation well in advance.
It's not a bad surprise, at the very least, Childe hopes?! He only had so much he can work with on such short notice, but he's at least sure Zhongli won't be disappointed by the food. ]
no subject
(Though certainly threatening one's date with an ultimatum on pain of death prior to dinner is not doing him any favors.)
Regardless, he seems pleased with the venue, eyes drifting over the nighttime skyline of the city. His city. What could be a more marvelous backdrop to the evening? ]
I've heard that this place books out months in advance. And yet a simple barista was able to gain a reservation on such sort notice.
[ Zhongli muses aloud as he takes the seat closest to the window himself — an act that would have his bodyguards scrambling for sure, but surely the ex-Harbinger was in more danger this night than himself. And the Fatui were known to have a few very talented snipers in their ranks. ]
I wonder how you were planning to explain such an accomplishment to me.
no subject
Are you saying that you would have come on this date with me even if you didn't confront me about my identity? That's so sweet of you. I really wanted to ask you out this morning, too. But that would have been inappropriate on the clock.
[ Child is a huge brat when he wants to be. ]
I probably would have told you I book it every year and just hope I find someone worth taking. Even save up the money in a special stash just for this special night every year.
Is it not very convincing to a practical person such as yourself who isn't into much into romance?
no subject
Or perhaps it is meant to tug at the heartstring. Each year, you scrimp and save to view this most beautiful view of Liyue only to find yourself alone, watching the tables around you fill with couples both established and prospective.
Certainly, how could anyone refuse such a request, or not remember such a night for years to come.
[ Zhongli slides his own menu to Childe's side of the table without glancing at it even once. ]
I hope you succeed in making tonight as memorable as you are boasting.
no subject
—Not to mention, he opens the menu but never once looks at it! ]
Does it make me more charming to you, Zhongli? [ his laugh is almost breathless now as he lowers his voice. ] No, I already think not... for me to charm someone such as yourself, I'm going to have to do more than make up a few stories. I'm running out of time, though, so I need to pull out all the stops.
Because... right now, you clearly aren't nearly charmed enough to my liking.
[ he gives a cheeky smile, his dark blue eyes looking innocent. ]
Now, what's a poor guy like me to do about making this memorable other than get a little desperate? [ As if on cue, Childe's phone rings, and he slowly brings it out onto the table, dropping it open in front of Morax. The name and number are Unknown, even as Childe offers him one of the ear buds to hear the phone conversation if he likes. ]
Mind if I take this?
no subject
If taking work calls on Valentine's day was now charming, then well— Zhongli had been out of the game longer than he thought. And if this was some version of a powerplay on Tartaglia's behalf, then he was even less impressed. ]
I do not think it matters if I mind or not when it is obvious you wish to show me something. So—
[ He makes a sweeping gesture with his hand. ]
By all means.
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[ "Where are you?" Childe blinks as he's cut off so abruptly, an incredulous chuckle escaping him before answering annoyed: "It's my day off, what do you want?"
"Days off are not what I'm paying you for," the voice snaps. Childe rubs at his eyes wearily. "About that..." he starts. Childe explains he's run into some interesting obstacles and needs to renegotiate with the client. He requests their information, casually adding it to his phone, and a need to meet with them at a designated place and time. He also casually asks the client just how big of a mark Zhongli actually is. The client claims ignorance, but it feels feigned by the overall agency to dismiss it. The call ends, and Childe simply sets his phone on the table to push over to Zhongli to take the information down if he needs to. Mostly he wanted Zhongli to hear the voice to see if he had any idea who it might be. Either way, he's silently offering to set this individual up for an ambush if Zhongli wants to take this into his own hands further. He's also offering Zhongli to take care of it how he sees fit and Childe himself to not concern himself with it again. ]
Just wanted you to hear their voice since their name is obviously fake. [ Childe clicks his tongue before waiting for Zhongli to decide if he cares about discussing this any further.
Once he's finished Childe smiles amicably, much more like he does at the cafe than he has all night. ]
So ... do you even like lattes?
[ it's a simple question but has a lot of unspoken meaning between them. Was Zhongli actually enjoying them every time he made them or was it just really good acting because he was out to get Childe before Childe did him?
But the slight puppy look in his eyes suggests another reason for asking: and that's getting to know Morax and just how similar he is or isn't to the Mr. Zhongli that Childe has come to rather like.
Finally, it's the classic tell me about yourself of getting to know someone, like he's actually interested in Morax for who he is rather than what.
but of course they both know that's not true— ]
no subject
(Ah, but what expression would Tartaglia make if he knew that is was one of Rex Lapis's men who made the call? That all of this was an elaborate set-up from the very beginning. After all, how else would they have enough information to lay the trap that would eventually catch the Vanguard within it's web.) ]
I assume that all of it is fake.
[ He exhales a long breath, an unimpressed look crossing his features. ]
Is this your way of saying you want me to take care of this? What terrible dinner conversation.
no subject
[ Rolling his shoulders back once in a slow stretch, he pulls his phone back towards him. ] If you don't appreciate that particular kind of loyalty, I won't bother you with it. [ Tartaglia knows there are plenty of ways to demonstrate loyalty, but this is the only way with immediate gratification when you happen to be someone with a praise kink.
guess he'll have to really work for it.
opening the menu in front of him, he glances down at it with interest. He didn't realize it until now, but he's actually pretty hungry. At least he'll appreciate it when it arrives at the table. he glances back up at Zhongli curiously. ]
So, what are you planning to order, out of curiosity?
no subject
My apologies. It was not my intention to make light of your hard work or craft.
Loyalty, I do appreciate. But I find it is best brewed like tea. Left to steep gradually over time and at precise moments to truly capture the best flavor of it.
[ He does not bother to look at the menu nor answer the silly small talk that Childe keeps trying to make. How rude of him, really. But perhaps he really was a terrible first date. ]
You are charming, even if I am not as charmed as you would like. But that comes with time and patience. Can you be patience for me?
no subject
Well, he guesses those answers are good enough for now, even if he makes mental note with being told how to properly charm him. Time and patience have never been things Tartaglia considered on his side, but he also isn't one incapable of discipline and perseverance which require patience. Otherwise, he would not be where he is today, even if still trailing a long ways behind what he aspires to be. ]
Loyalty like tea, huh... [ he seems to understand what Zhongli is saying— more or less, huh. ] I can be patient... [ he insists, glancing off to the side with uncharacteristic shyness suddenly.
He's back to staring at the menu. Time to change the subject! ]
How many times have you been here, anyway, that you don't need to look at the menu? Maybe I should have picked a more exotic place. [ he mutters to himself then. ] Then again, I usually don't have a dinner date with a really rich guy so I guess it's still fine....
no subject
[ Zhongli shift's Childe's hand in his, lacing their fingers together as he watches the former Fatui avert his gaze. Interesting. Was that a flush of red on his cheeks or was that just a trick of the light? Or perhaps— was this clever performer putting on a new act in order to get what he wanted. Obedient — that might be what one might think Zhongli wants. (He does strictly in terms of business.) But business is not where he met Ajax. And hopefully business was not all that would be between them.
Hopefully. ]
Order what you like and order your fill. And choose for me as well. I will find a suitable drink for pairing.
Think of this as a soft initiation. A welcome to your new home.
no subject
At first his idea is to go for a preparation something 'traditional,' but then realized that maybe he's trying too hard with this. So he selects the grilled steak option of preparation seasoned with salt and pepper at most served with roasted vegetables and a second side of choice. Simple, straightforward and undoctored. He's curious about what Zhongli pairs with it for a wine or otherwise. Just like horoscopes and blood types, and everything else really, there's always those that claim how someone prefers to pair their drink with their meal can be insight into just how compatible they may be with another.
Then again, they say that about a lot of things, don't they? ]
no subject
He unlaces their fingers and folds his hands back in his lap. ]
Are you sure you are not familiar with the menu? While not one of the establishment's more extravagant dishes which helps promote the business through various influential food blogs and the like— you did pick the dish that put this restaurant on the map of Liyue.
no subject
[ That would be weird, right...? ] these fine dining establishment don't have high turnover like fast food places, or anything. I don't know if I could take my love life being chronicled by the staff. Although, I guess the only real thing they would be able to come up with for it is that it's non-existent if I got a new person every year, right?