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The day Ajax found out he had a soulmate was at the age of eight.
It was a chilly morning back then, the lands of Snezhnaya blanketed in beautiful white; a usual sight for a Snezhnayan like Ajax. Snow fell gently in the morning as opposed to the harsh bites of a snowstorm. It meant playtime in the snow with his elder siblings instead of huddling together in front of the fire with cups of cocoa keeping their hands warm.
He, his big brother Alexis, and big sister Tasha found themselves in the backyard like they always do every weekend. Tasha tucked herself in the igloo with a cup of coffee to keep herself awake. The brothers took turns hurling snowballs at each other's faces, or whichever surface the ball hits if they end up missing. Sometimes, they unfortunately land on Tasha. A silent agreement passed between them after the third accident that unfortunately filled her cup with coffee-flavored snow.
It was also the day Ajax found out about Tasha's other side. Who knew someone so silent (or meek would be a better term) could secretly be lethal with her anger.
After a particularly hard throw from Alexis that landed Ajax on the snowy ground, he remembered that sudden burn on the back of his right hand. It hurt, like burning coal pressed searingly on his skin. He remembered letting out a scream of agony as he clutched his hand.
Stop it, stop it, stop it!
Everything around him was a blur. Faces of his siblings were too hazy behind tears to see what expression they're wearing. His ears rang louder than the voices that mingled hazily, only a mantra of "I'm sorry"s and "you're going to be okay"s were processed in his memory. Then everything went black.
He woke up a few hours later. His hand ached and his family came crying in relief.
Two symbols were engraved on his skin yet it doesn't look like it was burned into flesh. No, it looked more like these symbols were painted in thick brushstrokes. Careful and gentle that contrasts the experience before.
The symbols looked familiar to him.
Then Ajax remembered a scroll plastered on the wall of a local tea shop Tasha loved to visit every week. Mountains and clouds were painted in the same manner as the symbols cascading down the upper left corner of the scroll. Just like the symbols marked on his skin.
The name was written in Hanzi, the Liyuean alphabet.
Sixteen years later, he has the pleasure of meeting his platonic soulmates in the form of a blue-haired man in an eyepatch, a tour around a foreign country, a night and drinks at a bar, and a hard punch on his face that left a bruise for days. That one was his fault for getting caught in the crossfire between two heavily intoxicated men throwing fists at each other while he and Kaeya were on their tenth drink.
Kaeya Alberich is not a Liyuean, but a young man with Khaenriahn blood in his veins and Mondstadt for a home. Still, he feels the strange connection with the man that immediately drew them together three months ago. Kaeya had said it was a connection similar to that of true soulmates, but weaker and can be harbored by mutiple people. Platonic soulmates, he added. Childe grinned at that.
He was the reason why accommodation in Liyue was easy. He is also a man with multiple connections both in and out of Mondstadt and especially here in Liyue, its neighboring country. To think he was this lucky to have such a person as his platonic soulmate. Signora and Scaramouche can't even try to knock Kaeya off his podium as Childe's Number-One Best Comrade.
Though that spot is about to be overtaken by Aether and Lumine if Kaeya doesn't bring his ass over here faster.
Childe grumbles under his breath then checks his watch on his wrist. Then taps his foot ten more times with each tap more irritated than the last, traces his gloved finger over the wooden surface (he didn't order yet because he is such a good friend who waits for his best friend so they can order together), then checks his wristwatch with furrowed eyebrows and angry pout. Seriously, what is taking him so long? The wait is killing him and the cashier is giving him even more thinly veiled sympathetic looks, it's starting to grate on his nerves. He doesn't need sympathy when there's nothing to be sympathizing to begin with! What does he think, that he's being held off by his date?
Not that he hadn't considered Kaeya to be his dating choice. He's kind, considerate, if not a little too flirty, calculating and sassy but he means well. He catches up quickly with Childe in his quips, his intentions and even in his fights, and Childe wants that in someone; a person who can easily keep up with him in their own way without becoming an annoying obstacle in his path. He wishes his soulmate was someone like he hoped, perhaps even more.
His thoughts are quickly broken when a familiar bluehead struts in the cafe – struts– and leans on the counter to give his orders to the cashier.
Childe glances around the cafe then proceeds to roll his eyes. Of course all eyes are on Kaeya. The man's a literal magnet; he's not even surprised anymore. Sometimes he wonders if that connection with Kaeya was just a product of his magnetism or it's the work of a platonic soulmate bond.
The cashier however was unimpressed. He writes down Kaeya's order with his pen and pad, rips the paper, folds it, and sends it to the bluehead behind him. All while keeping a cool, straight face.
He laughs, then laughs harder when he sees Kaeya frowning as he approaches their table.
"Surprised that there's even a person who can resist your charms?" Childe wiggles his eyebrows when Kaeya sits on the chair across him.
"He doesn't budge at all. It's like I'm talking to a literal ice cube."
"Huh," Childe turns to the direction of the counter, observes the cashier, and blinks, "you're right, he does look like a literal ice cube."
The boy – young man? He doesn't look older than twenty two. Probably between eighteen and twenty – sports light blue hair that is closer to white than blue, with equally icy eyes that feels like they can pierce through a soul. It probably does. Other than the gaze he gave Childe minutes ago, he's never seen him smile nor frown whenever he visits, only usual stoicism.
Blue eyes flit its gaze downward and finds a name tag.
Childe squints. There are characters written – or brushed, he's not sure – on the tag followed by its translation.
Chongyun. A Liyuean name.
"He is pretty cute. Not my type though, and he's a kid. Plus I'm pretty sure he's taken by that other kid working with the coffee machines."
His gaze lands on another young man who is busying himself with the coffee machine. He remembers he's that kid who also serves his drinks from time to time.
"Right. I forgot you have eyes on everything that moves—" He deserves that light punch on the shoulder. "—Now that you're here, care to tell me why you are late? You've kept me waiting for an hour, you know." He points his spoon at Kaeya for emphasis.
At least he looks apologetic when they meet each other's gaze. There is also a bit of something in his eyes. Something that's close to… contemplation? "Jean and Lisa called me. Something about wanting me to visit Mondstadt after years of… Well, you heard the story from me."
He did. When Kaeya was just 16, he and his… Diluc (Kaeya never told him what role Diluc played in his life, only as vague as "we were close") had a major fight. Harsh words were thrown and even harsher punches were exchanged. In the end, Kaeya ran away after their fight dwindled, leaving his catatonic… someone and a home devoid of warmth. Kaeya never told him the full details, only the shortest version of the story a month ago – when both of them had established full trust with each other. He also revealed that the incident is the reason behind the eyepatch but he never explained why he wore it.
And Childe never pried for answers, not when Kaeya did the same about his gloved hands.
Jean and Lisa. Now those were names that he hasn't heard in a while. Childe had the pleasure of meeting the two ladies when he stumbled upon the three during a video call.
Jean is a blonde woman with grayish blue eyes and a head full of responsibilities. Kaeya commented that she is independent and rather industrious. Actually, a little too industrious. She always downs herself with work and duty and has never taken a break unless she falls sick. Which often happens with how hard she pushes herself.
Lisa on the other hand is a brunette with green eyes and a carefree attitude. She is the complete opposite of Jean; flirtatious, coy, and laid-back yet swift and efficient in finishing the task at hand.
They officially met when Kaeya pulled him down during another video call which was a monthly thing they do. They unnerved him at first, but Chulde easily warmed up to them.
"And you're heading back?"
Kaeya nods, expression hesitant. "I was planning on visiting Mondstadt this year anyway. Maybe try and make amends with Diluc, I don't know."
From the corner of his eye, the boy with blue hair – the one with the coffee machine earlier – approaches their table with a tray on hand and the scent of coffee lingering with him. The kid needs some serious hair job but he has to admit, his asymmetrical hairdo rather suits him.
"Your order, sirs," Xinqiu, Childe learns from the nametag, gently places down a cup of cappuccino in front of Childe and black coffee for Kaeya.
Childe's nose wrinkle at the sight. He despises black coffee and it's bitter taste. How do people even survive drinking such monstrosity? He tried one sip and almost died on the spot! Almost. Black and bitter like the souls of the dead. Childe has to agree.
Kaeya had the gall to look amused at his reaction. He takes the cup in his hands and – the fucking audacity – slurps on his coffee while holding that teasing gleam in his eyes. Childe takes pleasure in seeing the barely hidden pained expression when he kicked him hard on the shin. Even Xinqiu is amused.
"When are you planning on returning to Mondstadt?" He asks as he stirs his cappucino with the grace of a dying elephant. Which is none. At least there aren't any stray droplets of cappucino flying out of the cup.
Kaeya sighs behind his cup. "Tomorrow at dawn."
"Tomorrow at dawn?" Childe echoes, incredulous.
Kaeya nods. "Tomorrow at dawn. Trying to avoid Diluc on the first day as much as possible, that's for sure. I'm not ready to meet him yet." He looks uncharacteristically nervous for someone who doesn't lose his cool. Childe wonders how much was fucked up on that day. He suddenly feels sorry for Kaeya: on the kicking and his situation back in Mondstadt.
"Wish you luck, comrade! I'll be there for you. In spirit and a phone call away, of course!" The grateful look Kaeya gave him is enough to send a pleasant feeling of satisfaction in his chest. "For now, let's think about what to bring for your friends."
Kaeya makes a soft hum in agreement. "I was thinking of bringing them Liyuean delicacies, maybe from Wanmin Restaurant. I've heard the daughter of the owner is an excellent chef with… exquisite culinary art and taste, but she makes them work. Her style varies from main dishes to even desserts and small snacks. Oh, and we should buy flowers too. Jean and Lisa loves floral arrangements, especially Lisa."
Food and flowers. Not bad gifts for ladies. As mothers say, a way to someone's heart is through their stomach or something along those lines. And flowers can be good decorations for someone's home, assuming you have the time to look after the specimens and not leave them to wither and die under the sun or from lack of water.
"So we have a location where we can grab food. That's a check," says Childe before he takes a sip of his cappuccino. He notices his cup is almost empty, "what about the flowers?"
"Huh… I don't think I've seen any flower shops around here. I did hear something about a renown flower shop around these parts—"
"Wangsheng Parlor."
Both Childe and Kaeya did not jump on their seats when sudden company stands by their table, serving tray clutched closely to his chest. If Xinqiu saw, he did not say or react with anything other than a blink. "The flower shop you mentioned is Wangsheng Parlor, owned by a complete menace of the society." The way he says it though sounds incredibly fond. "It's one of the best flower shops here in Liyue and you'll see why!"
Wangsheng Parlor. It sounds more like an actual parlor than a flower shop. Then, names can sometimes be deceiving. He and Kaeya exchange a look before Kaeya turns to Xingqiu and smiles. "Thanks for the suggestion. We'll keep that in mind. Great coffee, by the way."
"There is nothing great about black coffee…"
Kaeya nudges his cup of refill to Childe. "Try it."
"No thank you."
There is something strange about this flower shop. Childe doesn't know why but standing in front of it makes him feel… antsy. Like something is waiting for him behind the door. Which is a funny thought when all he can see are flowers arranged behind the display. Maybe it's the owner? He's never been to this place.
The shop Xingqiu mentioned is located on the corner of the street just behind the bakery; 50 or so steps to the right from the cafe, turn left, then take 50 more steps. The flower shop looks old and quaint, not in a way that it aged with time but rather it was designed to resemble a floral shop from the past. It's quite a charming sight.
What's even stranger is his right hand. Ever since he and Kaeya took a turn, his hand starts to tingle; it starts in the middle of his palm then with each step closer to the shop, spreads slowly until his whole palm becomes a bundle of prickling nerves. The tingle doesn't hurt but it's getting bothersome the more he's getting closer to their destination. Childe has the urge to rub it until the feeling resides but he doesn't want to grab his best friend's attention. The lesser things he needs to be concerned about, the better. Going back to Mondstadt was a whole buffet he needed to worry, adding another plate on his table would stress him even more.
"This place looks humble."
"It does fit the aesthetics for a flower shop." Kaeya leans in to study the display and whistles. "The people working here really treat their crafts with genuine love and care."
He focuses on a certain display on the front; a vase of pinks and purples meticulously arranged in an aesthetical manner. A mix of pink lilies, roses, and daisies as the main flowers, with tint cherry blossom branches and lavender protruding out of the mini bouquet. He's guessing this arrangement in particular speaks of romantic love, the kind of bouquet that you toss to your crush on confessions and hope that they return and accept your feelings or brace yourself for a rejection that will dig a knife deeper on your heart than on your wallet. Not that the bouquet is expensive, it's actually at a decent price. And even if it was expensive, Childe or Kaeya (or both) can afford it just fine.
Kaeya is right. Whoever did this, they are masterful and well-educated with their craft.
"Since when were you an expert on floral arrangements?"
"Just today."
Childe doesn't have an answer for that.
"Childe," Kaeya calls, hand holding the door handle, "let's go."
Realizing that his hands feel warm and moist, he wipes his palms down his pants then gulps before heading in.
The first thing Childe notices is the fragrance of multiple flowers blending into one floral scent; earthly and sweet but not too overwhelming. It mixes well with the atmosphere this shop exudes. The second thing he notices is a man with his back facing the doorway, hands occupied with the flowers behind the shelves.
He dons a light gray shirt with its long sleeves folded up above his elbows, what appears to be a dark gray apron tied around his waist, and… those dress pants should definitely be illegal on him. Not too loose, not to tight, but it emphasizes his bottom features so well Childe had to hold the urge to whistle or do something stupid. If this is the standard uniform to the other employees in this shop, he has a feeling only this man can pull it off.
If only the man would turn around and show his face.
Childe's hand starts to tingle even more. The sensation spreads itself down to his fingertips, making them twitch. He didn't realize he let out a small hiss until Kaeya turned to him with slightly furrowed eyebrows and calculative eye; a concerned look. He can see Kaeya about to open his mouth from the corner of his eye so he did the best thing: "Excuse me? Is this shop open?"
He feels like an idiot.
Movement abruptly pauses but the man doesn't turn around. At least he got the owner's(?) attention. He tries again, "We're here to order flowers…"
The man turns.
Childe's next breath gets knocked out of his lungs.
There's no way this florist is born from this world. With brown locks and gold highlights on the tips of his hair which seemingly glow under the sunlight tied into a low ponytail that cascades down his shoulder, unblemished skin as pale as Snezhnayan snow and face in perfect symmetry. An earring dangles on his left ear; a black upside-down triangular bead with a white feather hanging on the tip.
What's more striking are his eyes. Amber eyes sparkle under the sunlight it's almost as if he was looking into pure cor lapis – mined and polished into the best quality. Right now, they hold a look of surprise before they soften into a more welcoming one. "Welcome to Wangsheng Parlor."
Yeah, this being of perfection should not exist at all. His voice rumbles in a smooth and rich baritone that sends shivers down his spine. If you ask Childe to think of a way to properly describe the florist in front of the counter, his answer would be this: imagine if heaven and earth itself had produced an offspring. That's his answer. No one should look this ethereal yet so down-to-earth.
Childe didn't even realize he was making a sound until the man's eyebrows drew into a confused furrow. "Ah, is your friend okay?"
Kaeya laughs. "Ignore him. I think the scent of flowers is overwhelming him."
"Should I transfer those flowers to the back?" Mr. Cor Lapis gestures at the bottom of the shelves and – woah, when did those baskets of flowers get there? "They were freshly picked and delivered around twenty minutes ago so I didn't bother keeping those yet. Of course, customer's satisfaction and well-being comes first and foremost –"
"I'm fine!" Childe finally squeaks out, then gives Kaeya a nudge when Mr. Cor Lapis was busy looking at the deliveries, "I'm fine, I'm fine, there's no need to worry… um…?"
"Zhongli. In Liyue, we have honorifics to address each other as a way of respect, depending on the status and relationship you have with a person. Same can be said with Inazuman culture. In the ways of Inazuma, one addresses a person by adding the honorific '-san' at the end of their name to show formality. And Inazumans are known to be very particular with formality and respect," he pauses, like he suddenly realized something. He doesn't blush but he looks a little flustered, "ah, I must be boring you with extensive details. I apologize, it's been a habit of mine for a long time now. My boss had warned me numerous times about – and I quote – 'running my mouth, spilling the most random facts on my customer's face.'" Zhongli looks mildly offended as he says it.
"What I'm saying is you may call me Zhongli-xiansheng or Zhongli if you wish, but I can tell both of you are not from Liyue. Judging from both of your genetics, the young man with the eyepatch is a Khaenriahn through and through while your friend…" Zhongli's eyes suddenly roam on Childe which makes him gulp. Amber eyes deeply scrutinizing, like he's breaking him apart piece by piece. Strangely enough, it sends a pleasant feeling in his chest rather than unnerving him. "Either he's a Fontainian or Snezhnayan. I can understand if you can't address me by that title. Learning Liyuean tongue, even with just the basics, can be difficult."
Throughout the whole mini lecture, all Childe could gather is that Zhongli talks. A lot. Not a bad thing but it made his admiration for Zhongli increase a notch higher. Not only is he unfairly gorgeous, but he is – and there is a 99.9 percent chance Childe is correct – a walking encyclopedia. Might as well change his type from brawns to brawns and brains. In the corner of his eye, he can see Kaeya nodding along with the talk. Whether he actually absorbed the information or nodded just for show, Childe can't tell.
"That was quite a wonderful lecture, Mister Zhongli," Childe couldn't agree more, thank you Kaeya, "it almost makes me believe you were a professor before you became a florist."
That gave Zhongli quite a laugh. "That is what other customers tell me as well – that's how I got the title 'xiansheng', but unfortunately it is farther from the truth. Much farther."
Kaeya doesn't pry. "I guess you can't judge a book by its cover. Childe," he then turns to Childe with a toothy grin and was that a wink? "why don't you order the flowers while I check around the shop? I'm sure you and Mister Zhongli will go along nicely."
Wait, what?
Before he could even protest, Kaeya turns his back on him and walks to the end of the aisle before he takes a left turn and disappears behind the shelf of roses, carnations, and petunias.
That leaves him with the sexiest man alive. He hopes he's not gonna mess up with this one.
"Um. Hi."
He's definitely gonna mess this one up.
Zhongli chuckles, mirth sparkling in his eyes. "I'm not going to bite you, if that's what you're worried about. Come here." He gestures to him forward.
Like a puppet on his strings, Childe obeys. He leans on the counter for support, in case he might trip and make a fool of himself in front of Zhongli. "Right. Sorry. It's just – i-it's my first time ordering flowers and I have no clue on floral arrangements or flower-gifting, which ones are appropriate for the occasion, which ones aren't, and um. Yeah." Real smooth, Ajax, real smooth.
"There's nothing to worry about. That is the work of florists after all; helping people decide on which flora to buy, arrange them as meticulously as possible, and break down every meaning behind these flowers for you."
Childe lets out a breath of relief. Well good, he's not going to make the choices alone. He might be handing Kaeya flowers that means 'death' or 'I hate you' rather than 'thank you' or 'I miss you' if he does the picking, and he won't let that be an opportunity to embarrass himself even further in front of Zhongli.
"That's good! You are the professional one around here, so I'll depend on you. I'm sure with your expertise, the gifts will turn out great!"
"I appreciate the enthusiasm…"
"Childe!" He extends his hand to Zhongli. "You can call me Childe or – er – Childe!"
Real smooth, but it was enough to make Zhongli smile throughout the entire conversation so he feels satisfied.
"Nice to meet you, Childe," Zhongli takes his hand and –
He's not certain who let go of who first. All he can remember is the sudden wave of electricity running through his hand and arm, shocking him and making his skin tingle with much more intensity than earlier. The back of his hand burns just as intensely as it was back when he was a child, he can't help but clutch onto it tightly, biting his lip hard enough he can almost feel it bleed to muffle his pained groan. To think he's going to suffer that pain again. He hopes he's not going to revisit this torture the third time.
In the background, he can barely hear Zhongli's heavy panting, then a soft yet panicked 'Childe – are you okay – stay with me' and a reassuring 'Stay with me, buddy' followed by 'Mister Zhongli, you should take a seat too, you have it just as bad'
"I'm okay, it's just my hand – recent injury from a brawl I think—" The lie doesn't sound convincing, especially with his tone, and he knows that well enough judging from the incredulous looks both Kaeya and Zhongli gave him (with a twinge of pain from the latter). "Okay, my not-injury, but I'm fine – ow!"
The last bit was a reaction when Kaeya pressed too hard on his right hand. He glares, "No you are not fine. Both of you. Should I call someone to take over your station, Mister Zhongli?"
"Yes," Zhongli winces, clutching his left hand, "there's a phone on the counter and a couple of numbers written on the notepad. Very last paper. Preferably call the boss. She can help with the floral arrangements."
With a nod, Kaeya walks behind the counter, grabs the telephone (woah, it's a black old-style one, dial and everything) and flips the pages of the notepad until he finds the very last page. He then stares at Childe and points somewhere behind him with his thumb. He understands the message clearly: 'go to the backroom with Mister Zhongli'
Childe nods.
When he looks back, Zhongli is already gone. A hint of his flowing ponytail disappears behind the wall and he hears a telltale of a door clicking shut.
Which means it's safe enough to check on his hand without seeing the soulmark. He has a feeling – no, he knows that all of this is no coincidence. Childe is not a big believer in fate or destiny, but right now, standing in the middle of a flower shop, fate is weaving itself in front of his very eyes.
With Zhongli in the backroom and Kaeya busy conversing with the boss of Wangsheng Parlor, he slowly takes off his glove to inspect his right hand. What he sees makes his breath hitch.
The name is still there, characters in elegantly stiff brushstrokes, but when he stares for a while, he sees the characters morphing slowly. Swirling like ink on water until it forms letters that he could understand.
On the place where the characters should have been, written in elegant cursive is the name of the man who just disappeared into the back room and appeared in his life for the first time: Zhongli.