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Tartaglia got back to his quarters after his nightly stroll to find a curious note sitting on his folded clothes.
Twas a Manila envelope, and smelled of sweet peppermint. Just like home. Ajax remembered when he'd bring people to his home to meet his family, his mama would make their traditions candies. It has been in her family for over 9 generations, and was their way of welcoming someone to the family.
Ajax, his guest, mama, and the little ones would help create the delicacy together while papa and the elder siblings went out to collect firewood.
Mama always said, ' What makes them taste so good, is the love and fun shared in the process; truly a beautiful experience to share. ' And she was right. It wasn't the candies that brought them together, it was the time they shared and stories they bonded over. Mama would always tell embarrassing stories about Ajax, and she always ended up the messiest out of the lot of them.
Thinking back on these far happier times always made him unable to resist the biggest grin ever.
Ajax carefully slid his finger under the bright blue wax, stamped with the paw of a fox, releasing it from the paper. He slid the letter out of its confines and took a seat on the floor to read it.
—
Dear Eleventh,
Or shall I say Tartaglia?
How was your stay in Liyue? I must say, you’ve been there for a while, the others and I have heard rumors about our little kit. I trust you’re not too shaken up? I truly must apologize for any of Lohefalter’s misdeeds as we all know how… Unethical, she can be at times. How is your consultant friend faring as well? We’ve heard from Rosalyn that you two were close, very close even, but knowing you I’m not too sure anymore. If you wish to talk about him, I’m all ears.
I would also happily listen to your stories from the time you’ve spent over there, I enjoy your methods of entertainment telling.
The truth is Ajax, I’ve grown to miss you - more than usual that is. It’s been 9 days since I’ve gotten to see more than just your shadow, and even after the funeral I couldn’t find you, which is… Unusual to say the least. It’s been a while since I’ve seen a genuine smile on your face. The way your freckles and blush blend together so smoothly, and your soft cheeks light up under the candles of the palace is just lovely.
Hell, if I could, I’d be smiling just thinking about you while writing this. I wish I could. Maybe I’ll let you see me without my mask next time we’re alone, hm? So you can finally cease your begging to see what’s under this ‘sexy, clunky, metal face jail’, how obscene Ajax, haha. However that means you mustn’t tell a soul what you see.
Speaking of which, I’d love to see your family again, instead of just doorstep small talk. Your siblings seem to still think I’m your ‘toy salesman in crime’, which I find very endearing. I miss the fun times we had with them when you invited me over for a night. Tonia said some things I didn’t catch about your letters home; have you been writing about me you sly fox? I would’ve thought you'd forgotten about little old me in a year's time. The others had asked if you were coming home anytime soon, as well as if I would be coming to spend your birthday with them too, to which I had told them I couldn’t since ‘toy’ business is tight - but I would make sure to come find you and congratulate you properly.
But anyways, happy birthday Ajax. It’s your 23rd! I think that calls for some ear tugs, no? Also, I’ve encased 9 mint heads, one for each year you’ve blessed the Fatui with your undying and most loyal service. Pulcinella is proud, as well as the rest of us no matter if we show it or not.
I still need to give you your final gift though, so please come to my chambers when you read this, alright? I do hope it’s not too late when you arrive back.
I may also entertain a spar in the future, it sure is getting hard to say no to you, little one.
Here for you always,
Your beloved 'Capi' ♡
—
Out of all the letters he's received, this- this is what broke him.
Ajax folded the letter back up and sharply inhaled as he tapped the ridge of it on his nose.
Oh my gods.
Everything about his day was perfect . One of the best birthdays he's ever had, a close tie - maybe even winner - to when he lived in Liyue with Zhongli-xiansheng and his siblings had come to visit.
He'd been back at his small cabin of a childhood home in Morepesok where his family had lived for close to 30 years now. No doubt he had thought of his 'beloved Capi' more than once, but only as a fleeting remembrance and maybe a small note within his letters.
Oh but now . Now he let the river flow.
Ajax sat the envelope and letter off to the side so as to not get it wet while he sobbed into his hands.
But this time these cries were welcome. He hadn't cried this hard out of pure joy since Teucer was born. The little boy looked just like him.
Ajax wiped the tears off his cheeks with the back of his hand and took one last deep breath. He was going to do this. The Harbinger enthusiastically popped up from where he was parked on the cool marble, threw on his coat, and gently stuffed the letter into its respective holder. He inhaled its fumes once more, then sat it on his desk. He'd read that note over and over until he could recite it from memory, and then maybe even backwards.
Ajax set out to find the 2nd Harbinger and promised himself he wouldn't come back without at least a hug and proper show of gratitude.
And show he did.