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A decade ago, if anyone had asked him whether or not he believes in heaven, Zhongli would have simply answered with a short "No." Full stop. He had almost never given the afterlife any thoughts, and most likely would remain so until the end of his life. For him, someone who had spent centuries walking the earth, death is the final rest. And to think there are still more duties he would have to attend to after the ages of service he had lived through would bring a certain kind of wariness deep in his bones.
Suffice to say, Zhongli had never seen the appeal of another life, and if he may be given a chance to ask, he would wish for everything to end once his time in Teyvat does.
And yet when he opens his eyes to the sight of his most beloved still softly snoring, chest slowly rising and falling still in a deep sleep, Zhongli’s first thought is to wish this is what awaits him in the afterlife.
To spend an eternity with Ajax.. oh, Zhongli would redo all his years of service ten times over.
The next few minutes he spends just watching his other half sleeping, committing the peaceful state to his memory. It may as well be his ritual by now, to start his day by admiring his most precious in the quietness of the morning, when the early morning sunshine barely peeks from behind the curtain, and the chirping of the early birds echo through.
But all too soon the clock reminds him his time is up, and reluctantly Zhongli accepts having to truly start the day.
Gently, he raises his hand to trail his finger from Ajax's left eyebrow to the spot between his brows, then down all the way to the tip of his nose, delighting in the way the other man scrunches his nose in response. His Ajax is a light sleeper, so Zhongli is not surprised that after a few grumbles later, a pair of deep blue eyes start fluttering open.
"Mmm? Hi.." Ajax greets sleepily.
"Hello to you too, my heart." Zhongli purrs, indulgent. He gives Ajax a few moments to fully regain his consciousness, enjoying the way his skin slides against his as his beloved shuffles to position his head better against Zhongli's arm, all wonderfully warm beneath their thick blanket in the early morning chills.
"Have you been staring at me sleeping again?"
"I do no such thing." Zhongli easily denies, not even bothering to hide the amused curl starting to take place on his lips at the sight of his treasure trying to cling on to the last bits of sleep.
"Clearly those little rabbits have been such a bad influence on you, huh? Who would have thought Rex Lapis picked up lying from kids?"
"Only good, white lies," he admits.
Ajax clicks his tongue, but his eyes are bright and playful, and definitely more focused now. "You're supposed to set an example for them and tell them no, not agreeing with them." He then pushes himself closer into Zhongli's side and lets out a deep satisfied sigh, and who is Zhongli to deny his wish? Turning his body fully towards his currently yawning lover, he then drapes his other arm over Ajax so he can pull the man deeper into his embrace.
"Is your arm numb?" Ajax mumbles against his chest, "Sorry, 'mmust've slept on it through the night."
"It's alright." If there's one past decision he's thankful for, it's how sturdy he made his human form. He used to find it distasteful how Barbatos mocked him by saying he was made of nothing but rocks, but for once he's actually glad the insult has some truth in it. "Having you right next to me makes it all worth it."
"Zhongli.." and there goes the first whine of the day. Ajax burrows into his neck to hide his face, and Zhongli lets his hand trails down the smooth plane of his back until it lingers around the base of his spine, pausing to decide whether he’s going lower. He wonders if Ajax would let him worship him so early in the morning, especially after how he tired him last night, but Ajax must have caught on his line of thinking because there's a finger poking his ribs.
"I know what you're thinking," he confirms. "No."
The former Archon bites down a groan and obediently raises his hand back up to his shoulder blade, spreading his fingers against the unblemished patch of skin, and relishing in the way Ajax responds by snuggling impossibly closer against him. He then leans down to bury his nose against the messy bunch of red hair and breathes in Ajax's familiar scent — a calming mixture of first rain and a hint of sandalwood that his brain now associates with the word ‘home’ — in an attempt to calm the urges down.
It's very odd, these random sudden urges of his. It is unlike him to be so.. greedy. He clearly wasn’t this needy back when they were still in Liyue — this is certainly something new, and he is still trying to figure out how to control these newly found wants. He suspects this has something to do with his realization months prior, about how lonely he truly felt and how the children had responded by burying him in hugs and cuddles. But then again Ajax himself has been indulging him without complaint. He is no longer as clingy as the first few days after he woke up from his comatose, but whenever Zhongli reaches out to him, he would easily reciprocate, whether it’s a tug to hold his hand, a sudden hug from behind, even a nudge to press his lips against his (despite the children’s playful ews.)
The former Archon frowns. This is really unbecoming. His Ajax is still, as much the thought leaves a certain kind of bitter taste, the Cryo Archon's Vanguard. She may have been generous in letting them have this extended period of recovery, but sooner or later Tartaglia will have to answer to his duty. Even without the title and its responsibilities, he can tell his other half is growing restless. The young man definitely loves being around his siblings, there’s no denying how much he adores spending time with them, but Zhongli had seen more than just a few thousands warriors in his lifetime; at this rate, Ajax would take whatever chance he can get to venture out into battle again.
Ajax's humming pulls him back from his thoughts. The redhead presses a finger against the curled space between Zhongli's eyebrows and asks, "What's got you all serious this early, hmm?"
Zhongli responds by pulling said finger down to his lips. "You." he answers, which is technically not a lie. Ajax blinks at him, but then jokingly narrows his eyes in suspicion. Zhongli can tell his beloved doesn't buy into his answer, but he seems willing to let it slide for now.
"Well, don't think too much, we don't want your handsome face catching up to your real age just yet." the man smirks, giving Zhongli a quick peck then pulling himself away from his embrace so he can stretch his arm and chase the last remnants of sleep away.
"Alright, it’s time to wake up. We got a lot of things to do today!" Ajax announces, and Zhongli, knowing there's never a dull moment living with his —oh he will never get tired of saying this— newfound family, returns his grin.
--
After they finished getting ready for the day, they walk downstairs to find Tonia already sitting in the dining room reading what seems to be one of her school notes. On the table before her are a kettle of hot tea along with a basket full of fruits and bread, and assortments of butter and jams.
Ajax has been trying to bargain on sparring with him, and after weeks of the same question each and every morning, today Zhongli finally gave in on one condition: that there should be no elemental power involved. This, naturally, doesn't fare well with Ajax, who insists where's the fun in that? In response, Zhongli simply gives him an ultimatum to either take the strictly martial arts kind of sparring or nothing.
Staring incredulously at Zhongli before finally realizing there's nothing he can say to change his mind, his beloved turns to his sister for back up;
"Tonia, tell your Big Brother not to bully me."
But Tonia has heard this exact kind of ‘bullying’ so many times, to the point that the girl doesn’t even bother to look up from her notes when she calmly states, "Big Brother, don't bully Big Brother."
"Tonia!"
"Brother Zhongli should be nice." Teucer says as he joins them, Anthon rubbing his eyes sleepily right behind him. "I could hear Brother Ajax in pain last night."
"I heard it too," Anthon adds worriedly. "Sister Agata said it's okay to playfight, but we must never hurt each other. And Brother Ajax sounded like he was hurting for quite a while, and—"
"Oookay, children. Kids. Boys!" Ajax exclaims, equally embarrassed and mortified, their previous argument forgotten. He throws Zhongli a look urging him to say something, to which Zhongli pretends to innocently look back at him in question.
His beloved glares at him, before turning back to his brother with a tense smile. "I was, uhm. Zhongli was.. actually.. helping.. me..?"
"How is hurting you helping you?" Teucer questions while taking a seat across Tonia. Zhongli readily pushes the basket of bread and the milk jug closer towards him, and the boy beams at him in thanks.
"You see, uhh.. he was.. doing.. a, uh.. a massage!" Ajax claps his hand. "Yeah, your very generous big brother here was giving me a massage. My back was really sore last night — all those months of sleeping can really do a number, you know, so he was being generous enough to try working off the knots. It was painful,” Ajax tags on a downturned lips for a dramatic effect. “But it's necessary!"
"Oh no," Anthon mirrors his frown, looking even more worried as he tugs on Ajax’s arm. "Will you be okay, Brother?"
"I will be. I just need to stretch more — which you guys should do too." Ajax reassures as he gives Anthon's head a couple pats, before gently ushering his brother to sit next to Teucer and pulling a plate for him. "Don’t worry about your good old big brother here!"
"If you say so." the boy says, his eyes clouded with worry still. He then turns his head towards Zhongli. "Please make Brother Ajax feel better, Brother Zhongli?"
"Don't worry, little Anthon, I will do my utmost to give him the best massage. After all, it is my priority to make sure your brother feels most well." Zhongli reassures him with a smile, earning a cheerful thank you from Anthon as he plops down on his seat, clearly satisfied with the answer.
Ajax gives him an incredulous look.
"Oh what would we do without you, Brother Zhongli." Tonia says in a flat tone as she stands up, her now empty plate in hand as she announces, "Alright, it's almost time for school."
"Do you want me to walk you?" Ajax offers, snagging one of the breads from the basket.
"But Brother Ajax must rest!" Teucer insists, his tiny hand pulling on Ajax’s shirt. "What if the sore gets worse?"
"Teucer is right, Ajax." Zhongli agrees, already pulling the chair at the head of the table for Ajax to sit. "I can walk Tonia to school, you should just sit here, have a nice, relaxing breakfast, and take it easy for the day."
Ajax narrows his eyes at him before taking a big bite off his bread.
"Fine, I guess I deserved that." he pouts. Chuckling at Ajax's reaction, Zhongli leans down to give him a small kiss on his cheek, and lingering a bit longer despite the sour expression the boys are now wearing.
This truly is his personal heaven on earth.
"Now can you pass me the jam, oh kind and capable boyfriend of mine? It's too far, my back is still sore, after all."
--
The school building is located not too far from the heart of the town, where the routes are safe and plenty of people mill around. Morepesok has been getting nothing but a gray, cloudy sky the past few days, but today a clear blue sky finally makes an appearance, and everyone is evidently in a better mood, judging from the cheerful greetings they exchange with Zhongli and Tonia as they make their way to school.
All three children are more than capable of going by themselves, but ever since that one afternoon when the mothers pulled Zhongli into their group and then proceeded to lament about how their children are growing up so fast, on top of the realization that despite only having been a few months but both Teucer and Anthon have clearly gotten a tad bit taller (judging from the height chart both boys beg him to mark every other weeks), Zhongli has been trying to make taking all three kids to school an excuse to spend more time with them.
(He told Ajax about this and Ajax responded by pulling his face close and gave him one hell of a kiss, before saying how stupidly adorable Zhongli was being.
"If I were a maiden, I would be asking for your babies right now." he said after, then leaving for the kitchen, which confused the former Archon further.)
They are still a few minutes away from the entrance when Tonia pulls on his arm to slow them down.
"So.. what did he say?"
"Hmm?"
Tonia chuckles, "The ring! Didn't you finally give it to Big Brother last night?"
"Ah, yes." Zhongli coughs. "The ruby.." he trails.
"..you didn't give it, did you." the girl accuses, tilting her head so she can take a better look at Zhongli, who suddenly decides the trees lining the pathway are more interesting than ever, which he then proceeds to let her know—
But she cuts him when he barely starts. "Big Brother Zhongli!"
"..yes, Miss Tonia?"
She narrows her eyes and puts both of her hands on her waist — a pose that would usually have Anthon and Teucer (and sometimes even Ajax) cower — and Zhongli sighs in defeat. There really is no escaping from this interrogation, isn't it? How far has Zhongli fallen for these precious redheads of his that he would never be able to say anything against their whims. His old friends would have laughed at him if they saw him now; Rex Lapis Morax, the ferocious, stoic God of Warcraft, oldest champion of the Archon War, backing down at the sight of an adolescent girl demanding an explanation.
"What's holding you back this time?" Tonia crosses her arms.
Zhongli hangs his head, feeling a slight guilt at the accussation. The ‘ring’, or more specifically the ruby in question, is a small gem Zhongli found during one of their visits to the marketplace months ago, when he was helping Tonia to find a gift for her teacher. Knowing about the gift, Tonia had then been kind enough to explain about Snezhnayan proposal, and with Zhongli already having the gem in his hand, it's almost natural how the plan shifted from giving the gemstone as a keepsake to turning said gem into what Tonia calls an engagement ring.
(He tries not to think of the embarrassment of realizing not only did he make Ajax buy his own chopstick dowry, apparently Ajax himself wasn't aware of the meaning behind the item.. at least, not at the moment he accepted it.)
Now Zhongli has no doubt that Ajax loves him. The young man has told him he intends to marry Zhongli one day, and would be willing to go through all the trials and traditions that come with asking for Rex Lapis' hand in marriage. Not to mention they already called each other fiancé from time to time. But after Tonia's explanation, and examples of proposals she was lucky enough to witness or simply heard of, Zhongli realized how seemingly.. insignificant their whole ordeal was.
And his Ajax deserves something special. He deserves to have his proposal be a memorable moment that he can cherish for the rest of his life.
Upon learning he still hasn't given the gemstone despite the many weeks that passed, Tonia had then made it her mission to push him to present it to Ajax, going as far as helping Zhongli to prepare Ajax's favorite Liyuen dish and offering to keep her younger brothers company so he could focus on presenting the stone, as well as making sure Ajax understand the meaning of the gift.
Unlike last time.
The plan was simple: make sure Ajax is in the best mood for the night, present him the gemstone and tell him its meaning, let Ajax know how much he means to him, construct a ring made out of pure geo around it, then finally put it on Ajax's finger.
And everything had gone so well. Ajax was clearly having fun and enjoying the night, and he had been giving Zhongli that sultry look that always promised a good time for the both of them. They fell into the bed in a messy heap of limbs, and Zhongli was about to pull the gemstone from his pocket when somehow the cuff of his shirt got caught on Ajax's earring.
It wasn't that bad, Ajax himself only winced in minor discomfort, and they shared a good laugh as Zhongli then tried to separate both pieces, but then Ajax muttered something about needing to stop wearing excessive jewelry, and Zhongli's mind went to a screeching halt.
There's no way he could present the stone after that.
It's not like things went downhill for the rest of the night. Ajax was clearly very satisfied with how things went on, and Celestia might as well smite him where he stands should Zhongli say last night didn't go well for himself.
Still, the fact remains; he's yet to even show Ajax the ruby.
"I can't believe you." Tonia tells him after hearing the compressed version of what happened last night, her eyes wide before she shakes her head in disbelief. "Brother Ajax clearly didn't mind if he's still laughing about it, you should've just given him after that!"
"I am aware of it now, yes." Zhongli quietly admits, regretful. Dealing with Ajax has been a learning experience. Helpless adoration, genuine fear, indescribable fondness over such mundane things, unreasonable anxiety, possessive tendencies — these are some of the things he never really felt back when he was still living as Morax. He's learning all kinds of new emotions, sharing his life with Ajax and his siblings. And sometimes, like now, it feels odd to think how something so simple could be so complicated. This wasn't supposed to be a big deal, and yet somehow it was.
All Zhongli wanted was for things to be special — nothing but perfection for his one and only.
Noticing his tight expression, Tonia gently loops her arms around his, her body language comforting as she pulls them to continue walking.
"You know, Big Brother, sometimes I think you need to stop being so hard on yourself." she starts. "We love you, and Brother Ajax clearly loves you so much it's both so cute and.. annoying sometimes." she teases, her voice light. Zhongli nods at her words, the corner of his lips unconsciously pulling up despite the conflicting emotion he's still in the midst of.
Tonia pats his arm.
"I don't doubt he'd appreciate it even if you were to give him that piece of twig over there. And besides, didn't you promise Granny Irina you'd take him to visit her? I'm not saying you need to hurry, but sometimes you should just let things flow. Isn't that how you found the gemstone in the first place?"
"You are right." he decides as they reach the entrance of the school area. "Thank you, Tonia. I have met a lot of young people in my lifetime, but I think you are, by far, the most understanding girl I've had the honor to get acquainted with."
Tonia giggles as she nudges him playfully. "Aww, it's nothing a girl living with all boys couldn't handle!" she boasts, her blue eyes twinkling, clearly giddy with his praise. "And I thought we managed to get your oh so formal attitude away. Guess we still need to work on that, huh?"
"Perhaps. I look forward to that, Miss Tonia." he chuckles, his chest lighter now, the familiar warmth spreading through his entire being. The way the children just know how to make him feel better without them knowing will never cease to amaze him.
"Tsk, we'll see about that." she challenges back. "Oh, that’s Nikita— I'll go now. Bye, Big Brother! Try not to think about it too much, okay?" she adds.
"I'll see you at home." Zhongli replies, and he waits until she catches up with her friend before turning to walk back home.
Letting things flow, huh..
--
Two weeks later, Zhongli is clearing the pile of snow from the pathway in their front yard when he senses two pairs of eyes watching him. It’s easy to close his eyes and let the land tell him the exact location of his two secret watchers, easier to turn his back towards them pretending to shovel a difficult lump of snow. Counting down to the impact, he schools his expression to remain neutral, then lets out a small yelp when two small figures jump on his back, making sure to give a show of losing his balance and drag the two culprits with him into the cold white ground in a heap of limbs.
“Gotcha, Big Brother!” Teucer laughs as he tries to balance himself on top of Zhongli’s chest.
“Did you, hmm?” Zhongli teases, burying his hands to his side, already familiar with the spot that makes each boy ticklish, and getting what sounds like a broken whine combined with chuckles. When Teucer is trying to catch his breath, he then switches his attention to Anthon, spreading his fingers against his ribs and laughing along as the boy giggles.
“Brother Zhongliii…!” they whine at him.
“Oh I have fallen and I can no longer get up!” The former Archon exaggerates instead, rolling to his side so he can pull both boys deeper into his embrace, completely ignoring their breathless laugh as he nuzzles their heads – the gesture similar to what he’d seen his fellow dragon parents used to do to their younglings centuries ago. “Ah? Oh no, it appears both of my arms are stuck as well. I fear we might be trapped like this for all eternity.”
“Nooo, Big Brotheeer..!”
“Told you guys not to disturb the big bad dragon.” comes Ajax’s voice. His beloved is standing next to them with their school bag hanging on his shoulder. His arms are folded before his chest, but his eyes are twinkling with that spark of mischief Zhongli has grown fond of. “I guess this is goodbye then, I’ll have to go on living only with Tonia from now on.”
“Help us, Big Brother!” Anthon cries out, trying to release himself from Zhongli’s grasp, only to shriek when Zhongli playfully tightens his grip against his waist, poking that one spot that has him curling deeper into Zhongli's side in another heaps of giggles.
“Mmm, should I?”
“Please, Brother Ajax..?” Teucer calls breathlessly between laughs, raising his hand asking for his brother to pick him up.
“Just ‘Brother Ajax’?” Ajax drawls, putting on a thinking gesture.
“The Best Big Brother in the Whole Wide World Ajax, pleaseee..!” Both Anthon and Teucer beg between wheezes.
“Fine.” he says. It’s adorable how quick Ajax’s so-called defense crumbles at the praise. “Only because you guys asked so nicely.” he adds, before he straightens his posture, puffs up his chest, and points at Zhongli with a deeper voice.
“You!” he demands, “I command you to release my darling brothers!”
“As you wish, my handsome Prince.” Zhongli readily says, playing along, already giving up from trying to control his grin from spreading. “But I’m afraid I cannot let them free without a price. As you can see,” he nuzzles once more to Teucer, then to Anthon, and earns himself more breathless trills. "I've grown fond of these two adorable foxes."
“Name your price and it shall be yours.” Ajax chuckles, but he still tries to jut his chin high as if he’s a cocky noble staring down at a lowly peasant.
“I ask for nothing but a kiss.”
"I thought dragons are supposed to be attracted to gold and antiques?" Ajax shakes his head, acting as if it is such a chore to kiss him, but a small smile peeks from the corner of his lips as he dips low to give Zhongli a quick peck. “Now can you set my precious, most adorable brothers free?”
“But of course, anything for you.” Zhongli returns the smile, obviously satisfied with how the pretend game ends. He releases the boys from his arms, giving in to the urge to ruffle their hair one more time, and watching the last of their laughter calm down as they pick themselves up.
He then returns his attention back to Ajax. “I thought you’re going to take them to gather firewood today?”
“That’s the original plan, yeah, but apparently it’s art day at school.” Ajax says with clear annoyance, pointing at the back of Teucer’s head where there’s a big patch of dried green paint splattered on it. Only then Zhongli notices that there are traces of colorful paints smudged all over both boys’ clothing. “We’ll do it tomorrow, for now, I need to get them cleaned, pronto. So boys,” he adds the last part at Anthon who’s currently trying to flick a dried speck of blue paint off his nails. “Bathroom. Now.”
“Aren't you gonna take a bath with us, Brother?” Anthon questions.
“I am, but I need to talk to Zhongli first.” Ajax says, putting a hand on Anthon’s shoulder. “Why don’t you heat up the water for me and get your younger brother into the tub? I’ll join in a bit.”
It’s no secret that Anthon likes the times when he gets to be in charge, which is seldom considering his position as the second youngest. His eyes light up at the rare bout of authority. “You got it, Big Brother!” he says, giving Ajax a salute before tugging on Teucer's arm, insisting they go now.
Zhongli waits until the children are inside before asking, “What is the matter? Is there anything wrong?”
Ajax takes a moment to answer. He then reaches for Zhongli's hand then closes the distance between them. “I’ve received a summon from the palace. There’s no detail about it yet—” he quickly adds; noticing the minute change in his expression. “But it’s not an official missive or anything. Her Majesty’s probably asking for the full report on my last mission. Technically I’ve yet to give her anything since, you know, I was completely passed out by the end..” the man tries to joke, but upon seeing Zhongli’s unchanging expression, his shoulders droop.
“Anyway, I’ll head back to the capital in 3 days.”
“How long will you be gone?”
“Give or take a week.”
“Should I go with you?”
"Zhongli.."
"No, I would like to go with you." Zhongli corrects.
"Nope. I'm not going to take you."
"Ajax.."
"This is my job, zolotse." Ajax says, brushing his palms up Zhongli's arms in a comforting manner. "I can't bring you with me. What would the rest of the Harbingers say if I brought you there? Hell, what would Her Majesty say?"
"They would learn to mind their own business lest they incur the Wrath of the Rock."
Ajax sighs, carefully tugging Zhongli even closer against his side, still impossibly patient. "Sometimes I don't know whether or not you're being serious."
Zhongli shifts his gaze away, following the lead and letting his chin rest on Ajax's shoulder. His beloved relaxes against him and leans his head against his.
"I wonder what makes you so clingy lately?" he says. "Besides, who else can I trust to take care of my siblings? Tonia is a big girl, but I'd feel better knowing you'll be here with them."
Zhongli deflates, He knows Ajax has won, there's no argument to this. As much as he wants to tag along, he would never be able to leave the children unattended if he can help it.
Besides, Ajax is right, he can't let himself grow clingy towards his beloved. After all, it's just a week-long trip. Zhongli can handle a week without Ajax. He's lived centuries without him before — has lived through the one year when he was being a foolish, stubborn old god that he was, thinking Ajax would sooner come to him instead of the other way around.
But it's different, says a voice in his head.
A hand gently presses on his cheek, and Zhongli raises his eyes to meet Ajax's worried ocean-hued eyes staring at him.
"Hey.. I promise I'll be in my best behavior. No picking up random fights along the way, and no challenging my fellow Harbingers into a friendly spar.."
Zhongli tries to smile.
"..unless they're asking for it."
"Ajax."
"Fine. No fights at all." Ajax pouts, allowing Zhongli to pull his hand away from his cheek so he can press kisses against its back. "You better make it up by sparring with me harder tomorrow. I'll need my fill for the seven days I'll be missing — oh, you know what, maybe it's a good time to raise the elemental ban, what do you think?"
Zhongli weighs his options.
"Very well, but you will let me know the moment you feel anything unusual. And anything that is not vision-gifted arts is off limits."
"Deal!" Ajax quickly accepts. He then links their pinkies together to make it official, and laughs heartily when he catches Zhongli's fondly exasperated expression.
"Alright, time to go. There are two little rabbits I need to scrub clean of paint."
"Would you like me to join you after?" he offers, trying to remain neutral. If need be, he can simply nudge the earth to remove the snow out of the way and finish the job in a blink of an eye. But Ajax must have caught his ulterior motive because he pulls his hand back and throws him a suspicious look.
"I'd like to not end up as a prune today, thank you."
"A regrettable outcome, indeed." Zhongli agrees, a relaxed smile returning to his face. "However, I propose that we can always.. ah, cuddle before the fireplace after."
"Cute, but no." Ajax vetoes, tiptoeing to stamp a kiss on Zhongli's forehead. "Besides, aren't you supposed to be in charge of dinner today? Better start boiling soon, I know how long your cooking process usually takes."
"Ah." He had promised Tonia he would make them his Bamboo Shoot Soup, and a few days ago by some luck they came across a merchant who had been traveling from Liyue and sold just enough ingredients for one large pot.
And as much as he wants to bask in that wonderful warmth of Ajax post bath, a promise is a promise.
Speaking of promises, one of the things Zhongli has learned recently is to use the word promise instead of contracts with his family.
"Contracts imply both parties are bound to it whether they like it or not," Ajax had explained a few nights ago, as they watched the children roast marshmallows over the fire when the sky was clear and Tonia decided she'd like to go stargazing. They were settled in a small clearing at a cliff near their house on thick blankets and even thicker fur.
"Promises, however, mean the person is willing to keep up their end of the bargain simply because they want to." Ajax continues, fitting his hand against Zhongli's slightly larger one. "To me, contracts are strict; they are unfeeling, and something you keep as a responsibility. A promise, however, is something more personal. You can find loopholes in contracts because they usually come with clauses et cetera, to make sure both parties are receiving equal amounts of trade, but a promise is different. Sometimes it means you're sacrificing something for the other person, and fully understand you're getting nothing from them in return.
"I like how a promise can be something as simple as taking your siblings to go stargazing after she asked you to in the morning" Ajax went on as he tilted his head towards Tonia, who's currently pointing at the Polar Star constellation above their head and explaining the story behind it to Anthon and Teucer. "Or something like I will always try to come home to you. They both are equally important to me; I've never broken any of mine and I will never do even if I die trying."
Even if he dies trying..
"Zhongli?" golden eyes focus back on Ajax's worried gaze. "Are you alright?"
"I am, dearest, please do not worry about me." he says, slipping his hand to the small of Ajax's back in hope to soothe his worry. "But perhaps I might have been overthinking."
"Don't you always?" his beloved tries, putting his hand on his chest, just the spot above the heart in calming gestures. "Should we talk about it?"
Zhongli shakes his head, placing his own hand over Ajax's. "It's fine. I promise." he adds when he sees the doubtful look staying on his redhead's face. "All will be revealed in time."
"You make it sound so ominous." Ajax curls an eyebrow at him, remaining suspicious, which Zhongli takes as a sign to pull Ajax closer to kiss the curl away. His beloved relaxes against his body almost instantly, but he can tell the topic is yet to be dropped.
"All I am asking is for you to trust me on this. I will tell you as soon as I can, and my words to you—’
"Are solid as stone. I get it." Ajax rolls his eyes, but the tension around his shoulder does lessen. "You're lucky I love you too much." He says, then tilts Zhongli's chin towards himself. Zhongli easily follows along, closing his eyes as Ajax's velvety lips slowly drag across his, and waiting until Ajax opens his mouth to let Zhongli deepen the kiss.
The former Archon swears he can never get enough of this, of the feeling of kissing his one and only; the way Ajax would just melt in his embrace, the taste of him in his tongue, his warmth surrounding him as his heart beats to the thoughts of home, and love, and this is where he belongs..
But all too soon his beloved is pulling back.
"Ah, I think I better go now—” Ajax says between Zhongli's attempts to chase his lips, weakly trying to pull back despite how his hand remains on Zhongli's chest, not pushing him away. "Teucer and.. Teucer and Anthon are waiting for me."
"Of course." Zhongli reluctantly agrees. If there's anyone he's willing to back down and share Ajax with, it's his siblings. He watches as Ajax jogs to their home, his cheeks now a bit more reddish than usual, and decides he should no longer wait. He will give Ajax the stone tomorrow and make sure his other half knows how much he means to Zhongli, and how he will always wait for him no matter where he goes.
--
“Don’t forget your scarf, Mister Anthon.”
“Why thank you, Esteemed Mister Zhongli!”
“What was that all about?” Ajax asks as he catches up to them at their front yard, Anthon's forgotten water canteen in his hand.
“Nothing!” Anthon laughs, letting Zhongli fuss with said scarf one more time before snagging the canteen from Ajax's hand. “Thank you, Big Brother, see you, Big Brothers!"
"Have a nice day, you two!" Ajax says as Anthon catches up to Teucer, who's already waiting by the crossroad. "I love you!"
“Love you too!” both boys shout back.
“I love you more!” Ajax shouts louder. And they keep on watching at both boys' retreating figures until they disappear from their view.
"So.." Ajax says, turning to Zhongli." That's the last of the cavalry, now what do you want to show me?"
As expected, the kids weren't thrilled when Ajax told him the news that he's been called back to work. Even after he tried to explain it would probably take no longer than a week or two tops. At least Tonia seemed to be more accepting, considering she's the only one who truly knows about Ajax's real job description, but admittedly it was a bit tricky to explain why selling toys might be so urgent despite his technically still recovering condition.
And Ajax wasn't the only one bombarded by the younger ones. Post dinner Tonia caught Zhongli in the kitchen — she knew about the meaning behind the ruby and excitedly insisted on asking his plans to give it. In the end, she promised she'd pick up her brothers after school and take them somewhere until near sundown so Zhongli can have some time to actually, properly, give the ring to Ajax.
"Good luck, Big Brother!" she had told him the morning when he was sending her out to school, offering a long, tight hug before she crossed the front gate. "Remember, just go with the flow!"
And going with flow he shall be, but first he might have to, as Tonia puts it, butter Ajax up a bit.
"We can start with your long awaited sparring session, after that, there is a meal I want to prepare for you." Yes, he can just start from there. Bowing deep and offering his hand, the former Archon asks, "Would you join me, my love?"
Ajax laughs at the whole gesture — such a pretty, pretty sound, but he still gives his hand and lets Zhongli guide them back to the house.
"So we got the house all to ourselves for the next few hours and you want to fight and have a tea party?"
"Perhaps." he smiles. "But I promise those won’t be the only surprise for today.”
--
Naturally, they both once again end up in bed.
"Haa-ah, aren't you like a few thousand years old? How are you still not tired? Is this some sort of adepti stamina? — I don't think I can move anywhere for the next few hours!"
Zhongli chuckles quietly as he lowers himself until he's leaning on his elbows, dropping the most gentle kiss against his lover's still feverishly red lips, then mouths his way up following a dried trail of tear back to Ajax's eye.
There's no word that can convey how much he adores his other half. How much he wants — how much he longs for him. Ajax is like an addiction he can't get enough of; something he wants to claim and devour, but at the same time protect and admire. Being with the man means everything, and Zhongli doesn't think he can even imagine not loving his beautiful, wonderful Ajax.
The former Archon reaches to tuck a stray of burnt amber hair behind his ear and pauses. In response, Ajax closes his eyes and nuzzles against his hand with a pleased sigh.
"What is it, hmm?" his redhead asks after a while, playfully tapping on Zhongli's nose, most likely noticing him quietly staring at his ear where his ruby earring is glittering against the red of his hair.
"..it's.. nothing."
"Sure, let's do a raincheck on that: would the same time tomorrow work for you?"
Zhongli fondly rolls his eyes. "Ajax."
"Something's been bothering you for a while." Ajax pouts. "I can tell, you know. So what is it?" he insists.
Zhongli takes a long look at him. It is Ajax, his most beloved, who had forgiven him for what he now considers the biggest sin he could ever have committed (or what Ajax himself insists on calling 'That One Time Zhongli Misunderstood'). He has always accepted Zhongli for who he is before knowing who he truly was, and still does even after. And the other man has always happily accepted whatever he gave him, even when it's something as simple as a piece of seashell that Zhongli thought compliments the shades of his eyes well.
"It's Big Brother Ajax," Tonia's voice rings in his head. "He'd love anything you give him."
Tonia is right, what is he even worried about?
"Zhongli?" Ajax asks again, his finger is now trailing on the curve of his jaw.
"Close your eyes."
"Hmm?"
"I shall tell you what it was all about if you close your eyes." Zhongli explains, a new kind of determination settling within him as a small smile threatening to peek from the corner of his lips at the sight of Ajax's adorably confused expression. He expects Ajax to bargain against his request, but surprisingly his most precious obediently closes his eyes.
"So.. what is it? If you're planning anything funny, I'm so gonna— a-ah!" his protest breaks into a moan as Zhongli shifts to try to reach for his nightstand. Ajax blindly slaps his shoulder. "How many times should I tell you not to make any sudden movements when you're still inside!? Can you maybe pull out first, hmm?"
"My apologies," Zhongli says, without a single ounce of regret. He noses on Ajax's ear to soothe his frown and delights at how easily Ajax's downturned lips curving back up. Following Ajax's request, he reluctantly pulls himself out, watching Ajax bite his own lips as he himself tries to hold back from groaning at the loss of warmth. Perhaps instead of focusing on his overly formal upbringing, they all should focus on fixing his surprisingly one track mind.
Satisfied with how those blue eyes are still shut, Zhongli then reaches again to pull the drawer out and grasps for the familiar box of ruby. Once he finds it, he takes it out of the box and brings it between them.
He stares at the gem, then back at Ajax.
Here is the moment of truth.
Gently putting the precious stone right at the center of Ajax's chest, Zhongli focuses on calling forth his geo energy. His original idea was to craft him a ring, but seeing Ajax in front of him has him thinking that perhaps a necklace is a better alternative.
No matter, he can always change the design to Ajax's liking later.
Slowly, a small golden pendant starts taking shape around the ruby, before twin trails of gold vines upwards around Ajax's slender neck, leaving a thin chain of gold once the light subsides.
Ajax makes a confused inquiring noise, definitely feeling the new weight on his chest.
"You may open your eyes."
Following his command, Ajax slowly opens his eyes. His pretty blues find Zhongli's amber ones first, before lowering down to the newly formed necklace that's now sitting against his skin.
"Zhongli? This is..?" Ajax raises his hand to carefully lift the pendant so he can get a better look. And Zhongli quietly waits, anticipation building up as his beloved stares at the gem with barely masked hesitation.
"It's.. it's so pretty— wow, but.. but why?" he finds Zhongli's gaze once again, and, no, it won't do for him to see the way Ajax is staring questioningly at his gift as if he doesn't deserve this.
Zhongli makes a mental note to remedy this later.
But for now, the former Archon takes a deep breath and proceeds to slowly explain everything, from the realization that he hadn't given him any gift that was truly for his liking instead of what Zhongli himself deemed he needed, to how he finds the ruby and the story behind it.
"Rubies carry the meaning of fortune and protection. I know I can't ask you to stay here with me always, for your heart still longs for the adventure you told me you wish to embark on, but I wish this could be a reminder that no matter where you are, I will always be waiting for you to come back to me safely.
"Ajax, you are the single, most important thing in my life. Through you, I've been able to meet Tonia, Anthon, and Teucer, and for the first time feel like I can actually fit in — as if I finally found where I belong. I have lived through many millennia — through the guise of many lives, but this is the one I would never trade for anything. The only thing I want is for us to share this life — to share the rest of our days together, and for you to let me take care of you and the children."
Ajax is staring at him, his mouth agape.
"..would you accept this for me?" Zhongli worriedly adds.
"How many..” Ajax trails, his voice shaky. “How many times are you going to propose to me?" he exclaims, but his voice is barely a whisper, his cheeks flaming red. "I — did you just — Archons!" His hands fly to first cover his mouth, then his entire face in embarrassment.
Ah, Zhongli thinks, watching Ajax's reaction as the familiar warmth washes over him in waves. Be still, his heart.
"Is that.. does that mean you'd accept this?" it's so hard to stop the grin from blooming on his lips.
"I.. what do you think!?" Ajax whispers heatedly, his face still hidden behind his hands, which sadly only encourages Zhongli to grow bolder.
"But Ajax, I need to make sure we both are fully clear on this. After all, the last time I gave you the chopst—”
"Yes! Yes! I accept this! I-I will! ..marry you!” His half scream is muffled, Ajax has switched to burying his head into the pillow, but Zhongli hears him loud and clear.
And he swears it feels like his heart is trying to break free out of his chest.
"Ajax," he begins, trying to calm himself as well as gently trying to pry Ajax’s hands open so he can see his beloved’s face again. "My heart, let me see you—”
"No!" Ajax insists, trying to curl into his side and failing because Zhongli is still technically pinning him down with his body. "This is so embarrassing — oh, oh Sweet Goddess.."
"Why are you so embarrassed? I thought it was decided that we were to wed one day — in fact, we have been calling each other fiancé for a while now."
"But that's different!"
"How so?" Oh heavens, his Ajax is really trying for his heart. The former Archon patiently asks as he trails his finger through his lover's red locks, completely mesmerized with how much he adores this one precious mortal under him. He then trails sideways to his ear hoping to calm the redness away. Soon Ajax relaxes under his touch, and one bright blue eye peeks from behind the pillow.
"The necklace.. and your.. words.. make it more real." comes the small, timid reply, half muffled by the pillow. "When we call each other 'fiancé'.. I guess a part of me still feels like they were nothing but mere pet names — I still think one day you'd change your mind; one day you'd see a glimpse of my past and leave. Or you'd find Tartaglia too much, or-or you'd take one look at my siblings and decide it's enough for you. And to top it all, it's your geo! I.." Ajax breathes out as the tip of his finger traces the necklace, following the chain down to the pendant, where the ruby now sits and reflecting muted gold hues every time the pendant thrums as the construct refreshes itself.
Shy ocean blue eyes rise to meet his golden ones. "It feels.. personal.. it feels like you.. I don't know how to explain it, but it does."
Zhongli pushes himself up so he can plant a kiss on Ajax's forehead, slightly wondering if Ajax could feel the way his heart drums against his ribcage as he does.
"Nothing can ever change my mind.. my feelings about you. I love you, Ajax, And I will keep on loving you until the end of time. There are still many things I've yet to understand when it comes to emotions, but I would like to learn with you, and I hope you will let me show you how much you mean to me."
Ajax answers by pulling him down to his embrace, a small "I love you," whispered against his ear, shy but true. And Zhongli responds by tightening his hold around Ajax's body.
They stay that way for a while, just enjoying each other's warmth, and the steady beat of each other's heart until they calm down, as Zhongli lazily rubs soothing pats on Ajax's waist.
"I have been told you prefer handmade gifts," Zhongli says, "so I figured this would suit your taste," he explains.
"..did Tonia put you up to this?" his beloved accuses, his voice is still shaky, but there’s a hint of amusement behind it. Ajax takes one long deep breath and lets it out slowly, effectively calming himself down. Tilting his head upwards, the redhead catches Zhongli's lips for a sweet kiss before letting his eyes fall back down to the pendant.
"It.. it really is lovely. Thank you, zolotse."
Zhongli noses his ear. "It's my pleasure, baobei."
They spend the next few minutes in silence as Zhongli watches Ajax fumble with his new necklace, his fingers stroking through the surface as if to memorize every detail of the jewelry, a lazy smile playing on his lips.
Then,
"Zhongli, I.." Ajax pauses, licking his lips. "Do you think you can make one more necklace for me?"
Zhongli pauses, contemplating. "Do you not like this one?"
"No, no, of course I do! I love it! How could I not —it's from you!" his beloved explains hurriedly, earning himself a relieved smile from Zhongli. "It's just.. I think it's unfair I didn't give you anything back.."
"Ajax, I did not gift this to you hoping you would give me something back." Zhongli tells him, gently rubbing his nose against Ajax's before shifting back towards his neck to lap gently at that one spot below his jaw and enjoying the way Ajax hums appreciatively when he does. "I am already so delighted you accepted this necklace."
"But I want to." Ajax insists, tugging his head up so he could hold Zhongli's gaze once more, his eyes pleading. "Please? One more necklace. Just like this one."
"If that's what you wish." Zhongli says. There’s nothing he wouldn’t do for his one and only – his determination remains the same; should Ajax give him the word, Zhongli would readily give him the world on a silver platter.
Taking Ajax's right hand, he wills his geo to manifest another necklace. Soon a golden light starts taking shape, and one breath later another necklace, a complete twin from the one currently sitting on Ajax's chest, appears. The two necklaces are truly identical, the only difference is the center of the pendant in Ajax's hand is empty.
Ajax thanks him by giggling against his lips. He's pulling the clasp open excitedly before putting it around Zhongli's neck, only to quietly stare at the sight of the pendant dangling before him. Satisfied, Ajax holds the pendant in both of his hands and closes his eyes to concentrate.
A moment passes, then Ajax opens his eyes, smiling at him.
"Ajax?"
Ajax slowly opens his palm and there, Zhongli sees, the pendant is no longer empty. Just like the ruby in Ajax's, his pendant now has what looks to be an orb made of Hydro that glows bright with every breath Ajax takes.
"..Ajax?"
Ajax brings the pendant to his lips, closing his eyes as if he’s in a prayer. Then, he goes on, "You made me something with your geo, it's only fair I give you something from my hydro— this is nothing much, I promise!" he adds when he catches the way Zhongli is staring at him. "I'm used to keeping my hydro weapons and mimics for days, so this is pretty much nothing. And this way, no matter where you are, you'd know if anything happens to me!"
But for once Zhongli is speechless. He keeps looking back and forth between his own pendant and Ajax's matching blue eyes.
"But Ajax, this.."
This was how gods of old days would bind themselves to another, by letting their significant other carry a piece of their element with them.
Ajax is essentially binding himself to Zhongli.
Zhongli himself is fully aware of the meaning of letting Ajax carry a necklace made of his geo, and perhaps one day he would explain the meaning behind the gesture centuries ago, but does Ajax even know what kind of thing he just allowed him?
"Zhongli, I love you." Ajax pulls his attention back to him. "And I don't need words from some officials to make it true. I would give you my life in a heartbeat. I might have sworn my loyalty to Her Majesty, but I swear my entire life.. my entire being to you. Nothing will ever change that."
Hearing the vow falls so easily from Ajax's lips as if it's something that he has been living by has Zhongli's head spinning. He has always accepted he would never be the only one, for Ajax had sworn his allegiance to the Cryo Archon. But to hear the devotion so clear in those words, the way Ajax holds his stare as if there's nothing else matter for him but Zhongli —
Zhongli feels lightheaded — it feels like his heart is thrumming so painfully this time it might actually break into pieces.
He wants.. he needs to.. he—
"..do you.. do you like it?"
"Ajax.." Zhongli says when he finally finds his voice. His eyes are stinging, and he stares at Ajax in reverence. "Ajax, this is— oh this is the best gift anyone has ever given me."
Ajax blinks confusedly at him. "But I didn't do anything much, it's your geo— it's nothing compared to what you gave me!"
"Oh Ajax.." he shakes his head, then leans his forehead against his beloved.
Only he can make him truly at a loss for words.
"This was.. an old tradition between gods ages ago, predating the concept of what is more common these days, which are marriage and marital accessories. Back then, there was no need for any witness; gods would be able to tell when someone carries traces of another's element with them. To share another's element with them is not something that can be taken lightly; for gods are prideful, possessive beings. You know each being has different elemental signatures, even those who share the same kind, so carrying someone else's elemental mark means willingness to always carry someone else's authority over them. And you have said it yourself; to give someone else part of your elemental energy is to give them permission to track your entire wellbeing.
“You might not be able to now, but give it a few weeks to get used to my power, and you too would be able to sense my whereabouts — even my emotions should they be strong enough. And in the era of war between gods, it was essentially trusting the other individual with your life.
“This tradition would then be passed on among allogenes. But as the number of those who receive Celestia’s blessing starts to decrease, so does the passing of this tradition. I have not seen a person carrying hints of another's elemental energy in centuries, and have assumed the tradition died down along the way."
It appears that just like the chopstick before, once again, Ajax has exceeded his expectations.
“Oh.. oh wow, I can’t believe I just married you like that.“ his most important chuckles nervously, his voice light. And for a split second, an odd sharp fear strikes through Zhongli.
“Did you.." he begins, "Did you regret it?”
“Huh? Not even five minutes into our marriage and you already doubted my love for you?” Ajax accuses, his face showing confusion despite the playful smile still on display.
Zhongli thinks the wind might have been knocked off him. “Ajax, I–“
“I was joking, alright?" his redhead pulls him down for a quick kiss that has a calming wave spreading through Zhongli's entire body in a blink of an eye. "If anything, I regret not making the whole thing special. We’re, what, literally wearing nothing in bed! I could’ve done something extravagant to woo you off your feet!”
He pauses, and Zhongli can pretty much see the gears in his head start to work.
"You know what? I will." his lover decides. "After I'm back from Zapolyarny, I'm gonna take you somewhere nice and do it properly!"
Zhongli lets his head fall against Ajax's chest and huffs out a quiet laugh. It's like a weight has been lifted from his chest.
He really had been worrying over nothing.
"Are you trying to propose to me again?" he returns the question back, dropping one gentle kiss above Ajax's heart, next to where his own necklace is lying.
"Hey, technically you proposed twice, so I don't want to hear any complaints from you!"
And as Ajax goes on about the kind of things he would do and the places he would take Zhongli to, Zhongli quietly watches him with a smile on his lips, the earlier fear melting into the familiar comfortable, warm sensation that’s always making itself known whenever he thinks about Ajax. He lets his eyes gaze down to their necklaces; the way the chains are now half tangled with each other, and how the ruby reflects the way the blue of the hydro would pulsate every now and then.
There's just no words to convey how he loves this man so, so very much.
"Oh, Ajax, my treasure,” the words fall from his lips before he’s able to reign them in. Ajax stops and stares at him in question. “Would you.. would you let me make love to you?"
The man blinks at him, clearly not expecting the question.
But then he shakes his head, his laughter ringing beautifully in Zhongli's ears,
"Only you can ask that with a straight face." his one and only says, looping his arms around Zhongli's neck nonetheless. "One last time, then let me get some sleep, okay? Save it for the wedding night or whatever, I'm planning on making everyone's favorite chocolate cake as tonight's dessert for a peace offering."
And with that Zhongli lets himself be pulled down, melting into Ajax's embrace.
--
Later that night, Zhongli watches Tonia noticing Ajax's necklace right away, and how she doesn't even bother pretending to hide her excitement. She pulls Ajax close and bombards him with all the details, which Ajax ends up giving away, minus the rated part, all the while throwing Zhongli shy smiles that the man then responds by nodding in encouragement. And everything was going so well until Ajax accidentally let it slip that during the whole process, he might've accidentally married Zhongli.
That turns Tonia's smile into a gape. "I can't believe you!" she exclaims, slapping Ajax's arm and pulling Anthon and Teucer's attention away from the chocolate cake they both have been munching on messily. "You promised I could be the flower girl! —you promised to let Sister Agata and I plan your wedding!"
Ajax laughs sheepishly. "Well, in my defense, I didn’t know it was a thing until after I gave him my hydro. Besides, it's not like I can't get married again."
"But it's different!" she insists.
"Tell you what, you can still plan the reception.” Ajax bargains, giving Tonia’s head a couple pats. “I'll let you invite anyone, yes, even Uncle Yuri's son.. what’s his name, again? The one who's going to enter the Fatui soon? Dami—"
Tonia gasps, flabbergasted. "Oh my goddess, Big Brother, I.. no!" she screams, mortified. Her entire face is burning red. "How did you even know?"
"I have my sources, ‘the Eleventh Harbinger,’ remember?" he adds cheekily. "You know, I saw the guy trying to chop trees the other day. You can definitely do better."
"Big Brother!"
Zhongli frowns. He shuffles closer to Ajax's side of the couch, deciding to join the conversation. "Ajax, don't you think she is a little too young for this?"
Ajax's cheerful laugh gentles. "She's going to be sixteen next year."
"Is that not too soon?" Zhongli asks again.
He gets two pairs of twin blue eyes staring unamusedly at him. Zhongli tilts his head in return, genuinely confused — there's something protective gnawing his chest at the thought of letting young Tonia venture into the world of love. She's but a baby in his eyes. But Ajax shakes his head and pulls his hand into his.
"It's okay, dad, nothing's serious for now. We'll just let things flow a bit and see what goes, alright?"
"Hn."
"Aw, don't worry, Big Brother. You're still my first pick for the Winter Dance." Tonia giggles.
"Huh? Heey!" Ajax whines, offended. "I thought I was supposed to take you to the Winter Dance!'
"I went with you every year, Brother." she sighs.
"But it's tradition!" Ajax actually looks heartbroken, his shoulder slumping down. He then throws Zhongli's hand away from him and shoots him an accusing glare. "Sister stealer!"
“Is it mandatory to go as a pair?” Zhongli asks while he’s trying to grasp Ajax’s hand again.
Tonia humms. “Not really, it’s actually more like a family event; part of the Winter Festival. It's this thing we have to celebrate the end of winter. Everyone would gather around this big bonfire at the center of the marketplace and spend the night partying. Brother Taras usually brought his girlfriend so after Dad started getting sick, Brother Ajax would be my dance partner.” she explains.
Zhongli nods, “I would be honored to take you to this dance.” he pauses. “However, I would like to propose a condition.”
“Too serious, Brother Zhongli.” she playfully reminds, waving her pointer finger at him for his choice of words. “What is it?”
“I would like to take Ajax to the dance as well,” Zhongli nods, turning to smile at his still pouting beloved. Holding his gaze, he then pulls Ajax’s hand into his lips. “It would please me if my husband would lead me to my first Winter Dance.”
It’s adorable how many expressions can cross Ajax’s face in such a short time. Ajax stares at him in shock, mouthing the word ‘husband’ with comically wide eyes.
“What say you, husband of mine?”
"Sweet Tsaritsa.” Tonia says instead, fondly exasperated. “You guys are gonna be that kind of married couple aren’t you?”
“I..” Ajax blinks, “Huh?”
“He said yes.” Tonia translates for him, patting Ajax’s shoulder in sympathy. “Oh, does this mean I now have two dates instead of one? Wow.”
“Don’t forget about us!” Anthon chimes in.
“We wanna go too!” Teucer adds, planting himself between Zhongli and Ajax. He raises his arm to wipe his mouth with his sleeve, but Zhongli stops him in time and cleans the remains of the chocolate sauce with his handkerchief instead.
“Four dates it is! Now I’m definitely the most popular girl in town.” Tonia laughs.
“Ow, you’re popular, alright.” Anthon says, crossing his arms. “Erik’s still asking about you.”
Tonia rolls her eyes. “When will he get that he’s too young?”
“Dunno. We told him many times but I think he really likes you.” Teucer shrugs. “Maybe he’ll stop when you get a boyfriend.”
“But I don't have one."
"You know, I saw Big Brother Dami yesterday and he was asking about y—"
"Dear Tsaritsa, not you guys too!” Tonia whines, sounding exhausted.
As Zhongli quietly watches the children go, a relaxed smile on his face, a familiar, warm weight settles on his left side.
"Guess you have your work cut out for the next few years, huh?" Ajax says teasingly, placing his head on Zhongli's shoulder, prompting the man to shift a bit so he can circle his arm behind Ajax's lower back and bring them into a more comfortable position. He gets a content hum in return which he then replies with a quick kiss on Ajax's forehead.
"Watching over the children, keeping them healthy and happy, protecting them from danger, and preventing young men from being too close to Tonia.. yes," he releases a pleased rumble. "It may be harder than guiding a nation, but a rock is sturdy, it can withstand anything."
"Aww, and you told me before that you're not a family man." Ajax laughs.
Zhongli pauses.
Ajax is right. Before they met, Zhongli had never really considered the concept of having a family of his own. He had always accepted the fact that he would outlive everyone he met, and having seen how painful it was to lose a lover or a family member — and personally felt the pain of losing friends — had unknowingly made him decide he would never give himself a reason to mourn over lost beloved.
He remembers Ajax jokingly asking about it once when they were just an acquaintance; if he has someone waiting for him at home. And Zhongli can still recall the look of confusion and concern that flashed through Ajax's face when he said he doesn't have any and doesn't consider getting one, but then he fell in love with Ajax, and got to know the children, and now Zhongli can't imagine wanting to live without them. He is aware that one day he too would have to say goodbye to this life of his, and he can't even begin to imagine how unbearable it would feel, but if there's anything he learned from these children, it's to focus on living the moment.
So for now, Zhongli simply closes his eyes and buries his nose in Ajax's hair, letting himself sink in the familiarity of his most beloved as the children's banter and the gentle pulse of Ajax's hydro against his chest lull him to comfort.
The best chapter of his life has only just begun, and he's going to make the most of it.
--
"Oh Zhongli, it's been so long!"
"Good afternoon, Madame Irina." Zhongli greets with a slight bow. She smiles and gestures at him to come closer and around the front table of her kiosk. It's a slow day in the marketplace, there's barely a crowd in the usually packed grocery section. Madame Irina is cleaning some of her collection of bracelets when Zhongli approaches her, and she sets the tray aside to accommodate him.
"How are you these days, child? I haven't seen you around the past few weeks."
"I am doing well. My apologies, I actually have just returned from.. ah, a trip a few days ago."
"I see." she smiles knowingly. "Am I to assume everything went well with your beau?"
"Everything went well with my beau, yes." he confirms, a small chuckle slips past his lips at the memory. Ajax had kept his promise to 'woo him off his feet'; after his return from Zapolyarny, his beloved announced that he was taking Zhongli for a three days trip to a popular resort in the mountains of the Northern part of Snezhnaya, where they spent the nights watching the aurora borealis, among other things. The boys wanted to join them, of course, but after bribing everyone with another trip once the school year is over, the kids agreed to stay at home.
"Might be too well, judging from that smile, hmm?" Madame Irina teases. "Then? When are you finally going to introduce me to him?"
Zhongli nods. "I brought him with me today. He went to the woodsmith to check on something, but he should be here—”
"Hello, husband." Ajax suddenly pops from behind his shoulder. "Did you miss me?"
"I did." Zhongli answers him in earnest, captivated in the way Ajax's eyes gentle when they find his all over again. Ajax lets out a cooing sound and gently nudges Zhongli's cheek with his nose.
"And what do we have here?" he pulls back to survey the kiosk and lets out an exaggerated sigh. "Are you back to your old habits again?" Ajax asks, then, noticing Madame Irina, his smile returns. "Hi, Granny Irina! I hope he didn't bother you — but if he did, please let me pay for whatever he asked for."
"I can't believe this." Madame Irina shakes her head instead, putting one hand before her lips trying to hide a smile. "Is this the lover you've been talking about?"
"Huh? Am I missing something?" Ajax looks back and forth between her and Zhongli, confusion curling in his brows. "You know Granny Irina?" he asks further.
"I had no idea you knew each other." Zhongli tells him. Come to think of it, he should've known Madame Irina knows about Ajax's family from the way Tonia addresses her, but then again Tonia seems to know everyone in their village.
"Then I guess it truly is fate." Madame Irina says as she claps her hand. "Ajax's grandfather Abram was one of the adventurers who helped my husband when he fell into the cavern where the ruby was minted. He remained a good friend to my family even after he had retired from traveling. And to think the gem is now in Ajax's hand," she closes her eyes and sighs. "It truly has become a full circle, if I do say so myself.
"I'm very glad to know this ruby is now in good hands. Ajax," she then continues, reaching to grasp Ajax's hands before gesturing at Zhongli. "You've found yourself a wonderful gentleman. I'm sure Abram and Lena are smiling from above."
"Ahh.." Ajax tries to hide his embarrassment with a few coughs. "Thanks, Granny Irina. I, uh, Zhongli told me about the story — I can't believe it's the same one Grandpa used to tell me before!"
"Fate works in mysterious ways, child." she nods, then she tugs on his hands with an excited glint in her eyes. "Now, I heard you called him husband earlier, so when was the wedding? And how was it? I can't believe it, how could young Tonia not mention anything to me? Oh, come sit down, we have a lot to talk about!"
Zhongli watches in quiet amusement at Ajax throwing him a helpless look as he lets himself be pulled by Madame Irina further into the kiosk. Their original plan was to go home and start on rebuilding the training area, but if there's anything Zhongli has learned for the past few weeks, it's that sometimes he should just let things flow. What was something he decided out of the blue ended up with him finding a sort of family heirloom, and giving a deeper meaning to what was originally meant as a keepsake for his most precious.
And to think everything started from him deciding to help Tonia.
Six thousand years and he is still amazed at the way the world works.
"Zhongli!" Madame Irina's voice pulls him from his pondering. Ajax is showing her the ruby necklace. "Is it true you made this necklace? How many secrets are you keeping from me? I can tell this is not the work of an amateur, you have to tell me where you learned your skills!"
Beside her, Ajax is holding out his hand calling him to his side. It's your turn now, he mouths at him, smirking.
Walking towards his beloved, Zhongli smiles as he reaches for his hand.
"You flatter me as always, Madame, but I am far from a professional. You see.."