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Behind the book he’s holding, Zhongli concernedly stares at his mate.
They’re currently in their private chamber’s sitting area, enjoying each other’s company after a light dinner and he uses the chance to closely observe his omega.
Ajax has been acting strange.
He’s more jittery than usual and those lips he adores so much are often sealed shut these days. There is hardly any chatter or any tale coming out from the younger man, even his nags and complaints over the excessive measures of security and treatment from the civilians and Adepti alike have also dispersed completely. The younger man rarely steps out of their abode as well and he’s… worried, to say the least.
The Ajax he knows always makes time to visit the morning market or take a morning stroll around the city, but lately, he always forgone the activity, choosing to stay in their bed instead. It’d been fine, it’s not like it is required of Ajax to do such a thing, but he finds it quite unusual.
Ajax is a very active person by nature.
He likes to be productive. Be it training, scouring for some food delicacies or toys for his siblings, or even going fishing with the local fishermen, he’s always constantly doing something instead of lazing around the place. Of course, the younger man will have occasional off days here and there, but it’s never been like this. The attendants have also reported to him that his mate rarely touched the breakfast they served, which ignites another set of concerns in him.
It doesn’t help that he’s been busy himself. Being an Archon, he has his hands full with so many things at the same time, even with the help of his Adepti and the Qixing. It makes him feel a bit guilty, wondering if it is his fault that the omega changes like this. However, he also knows that Ajax would’ve confronted him directly if that’s the case.
Another few moments passed by and when Ajax still won't cease his current activity, Zhongli knows he has to intervene, somehow.
.
“...jax.”
“...Ajax.”
“Ajax!”
Ajax takes a startled gasp, snapping his head up in a daze. His eyes eventually fall toward Zhongli, who sports a frown on his face.
“Did you call me?” Ajax asks.
“I’ve been calling you for the last minute.” Zhongli corrects and Ajax winces at the reply.
“Sorry.” Ajax immediately apologizes. “What were you saying?”
“No matter.” Zhongli shakes his head. “Is something bothering you, love?”
“No?” Ajax responds confusedly. “Why did you ask?”
Zhongli gestures with his hand. “You’ve been folding and refolding that clothes endlessly.”
“Ah—” Ajax momentarily glances down to the cardigan on his lap, before shifting his attention back to the alpha. “That’s because it just won’t fold smoothly in the way I want it to be.” He explains briefly, before he frowns upon realizing that there’s a minuscule uneven tilt on the right shoulder.
The alpha puts down the book he’s holding on the low table before he gestures to the empty seat beside him with his hand. “Come here, love.”
“No.” Ajax denies immediately, choosing to spread the cardigan back on his lap. “I need to fix this first.”
“Baobei.”
“A moment.”
“Love…”
“Just wait for a moment. I want to finish this first.” Ajax hisses without looking up, starting to get annoyed by Zhongli’s insistence and the hard-to-tidy article of clothing in his hand. He hears a deep sigh coming out from the older alpha, but he doesn’t expect that Zhongli will stand and take a seat beside him, before snatching the outerwear from his lap.
“Xiansheng—!” Ajax hisses as he chases after the clothing, but to no avail, the Archon has thrown it to the chaise where he was sitting before.
“You’re already frustrated and it won’t do you any good to force it.” The alpha scolds firmly, before pulling him to his lap. “What’s going on?” He asks, gentling his voice as his warm hand caresses his cheek. “It isn’t you to be bothered with such details.”
Ajax sighs and slumps down in defeat, knowing what the alpha said bears some weight. “I have no idea either.” He admits with a low groan, straddling Zhongli and making himself comfortable on the alpha’s lap instead. Zhongli readily helps him, holding onto his waist while the older male leans his body to the back, allowing him to snugly settle on his chest.
“Did something displease you, love?” Zhongli probes, wrapping his other arm around his back. “Or did anyone offend or make you uncomfortable?”
“No, no. Nothing of the sort. Who would dare to do so when I’m your mate?” Ajax denies. He nuzzles on the Archon’s neck, burying his nose in the alpha’s scent gland and takes a deep breath. He hums contentedly when the dark-haired male puts a hand on the back of his head and starts stroking him. The combination puts him into maximum comfort and Ajax has a belated realization of how exhausted and sleepy he actually is.
“I can’t help but notice that you’ve been acting… different as well.” Zhongli continues.
“Did I? I don’t think so though?” Ajax shakes his head lazily. His eyelids are starting to get heavy and a yawn escapes from his mouth. “I’m sleepy, Xiansheng.” He murmurs.
“Should we go to sleep now?” The Archon offers, gently patting him on the back.
Ajax tugs on his alpha’s front robe in a form of protest. “Yes, but you don’t need to pat me like a child.” He grumbles.
The rumble of laughter vibrates on the alpha’s chest and Ajax’s lips traitorously tilt up on its own upon feeling it. “Alright, alright. If that’s what my beautiful omega wishes.” The Archon appeasingly says.
Ajax’s ears get a little hot over the compliment, as the joy of being called Zhongli’s omega also courses through him. “Xiansheng, stop teasing me.” He grumbles a little.
The Geo Archon lets out another light laugh, before he stands up while balancing him on his hold. “Let’s get my sleepy, adorable mate into bed.” He hums.
Ajax’s legs automatically latch onto the Archon’s hips as Zhongli brings them to their bed, where he’s put down on the edge carefully. However, before he can slip under their blanket, the alpha cages him off with his arms.
“Ajax, I’d like to be serious for a moment.” Zhongli firmly but still gently says. “Are you sure that nothing is bothering or burdening you? Anything I ought to know?” He asks, his molten-lava eyes staring at him, searching and probing for an answer.
Ajax sighs fondly at the rather excessive concern, but the dark-haired Archon has always been like this. It first surprised him when the alpha acted this way, his image as an Archon is more on the “less talk more action” spectrum after all, but then he later realized that this is part of the dark-haired male’s way to convey his affection through his busy schedules.
“I’m fine, Xiansheng. Don’t worry.” He assures firmly, cupping the alpha’s cheeks with his hands and leaving a peck on his lips.
The older alpha maintains his stare for another moment, before he nods. “Very well, if that’s what you said.” He says as he lifts his body up, letting him go from the cage.
Ajax is about to give another response, but a yawn cuts himself off, igniting a chuckle from the older male in front of him.
“Let’s go to sleep.” Zhongli murmurs, leaving his side to let half of the curtain down around their bed, blocking some of the light.
“That’s what I’ve been saying.” Ajax chuckles, as he slips under the blanket.
The older alpha also follows him under the blanket and Ajax readily cuddles into the other’s embrace, content to be held. “Night, Xiansheng.”
“Good night, love.” Zhongli murmurs, leaving a kiss on his forehead before slumber takes them away.
A few days pass by and when the omega is still consistent with his new routine, Zhongli tries to push the excessive concern to the back of his mind. He tried to probe the younger male again, even as far as putting another attendant to follow and tend to Ajax but all he got at the end of the day was a fussy and highly irritated mate on his hand.
Perhaps Ajax indeed, has a change of heart and wants to enjoy his life in a new way, but even then he still finds it hard to believe especially when it feels like the omega is constantly on edge. However he doesn’t want to ignite another argument and after their last heated discussion over the matter, he should trust what his omega has said to him.
If he said that he was fine, then he should be fine, right?
The dawn barely breaks on the horizon, when Zhongli is roused out of his unconsciousness.
He blinks a few times, trying to regain his thoughts before his head shifts down toward his mate, who’s practically snuggling and curling in his hold. The younger man is tightly clutching onto the front of his robe and he can’t help but chuckle at the adorableness of it all.
Taking a deep inhale of the omega in his hold, he lets himself bask in his mate’s scent and enjoys the tranquility of the morning. He has a lot to deal with on his plate today and he isn’t too keen on leaving Ajax all alone until late at night, which means he should get up and leave to finish today’s tasks as soon as possible.
Carefully and skillfully, Zhongli unlatches his mate’s hands from his robe, replacing it with his pillow. He has just swung his legs to the edge of their bed, when he hears rustles behind him, followed by a distinctive whine, and soon, a pair of arms is wrapped around his waist.
“Xiansheng…” Ajax whines raspily. “Where are you going?”
“It’s still early, love. Go back to sleep.” Zhongli gently shushes, turning his body to the back where his beloved is stretched on the bed. “I need to go. I have a lot of work today.” He coaxes, stroking the omega’s head. This isn’t the first time the younger male wakes up because of him, but Ajax has always fallen asleep the next second after knowing that he’s simply going to work.
However, contrary to his expectation, Ajax lets out a whine of protest. “Xiansheng, no— Don’t leave.” He whines with a hint of annoyance.
“No?” Zhongli asks, a little bewildered by the other’s remarks but still making sure that his voice is soft and gentle. “I’ll be back before you know it, love—”
“No…” Ajax shakes his head, even as far as tightening his hold on his waist. “You’re not allowed to leave…”
Getting a little bit concerned, Zhongli fully turns around and lifts the omega up from the bed by his armpit. The movement generates a cry of protest from the younger man, but Zhongli skillfully puts him on his lap. Pulling the younger’s bang to the back, he gently touches Ajax’s forehead against his. After a moment, he lets out a relieved breath.
“You don’t have a fever.” Zhongli murmurs, fixing the omega’s position so that he can comfortably sit between his legs sideways. He lets the younger man lean on his chest while supporting the omega’s back with his left arm. Ajax also wastes no time in snuggling to him, curling up as he buries his face in his jugular.
“What’s wrong, Baobei?” Zhongli softly questions. “You don’t have any fever, but is your body aching perhaps? Or do you feel any discomfort in any part of your body?”
“No… I just don’t want you to leave…” Ajax murmurs. “Don’t leave me, Xiansheng…” He groans rather pitifully.
A distressed scent soon permeates from the omega and Zhongli immediately shushes him, gently rocking the younger man to placate it. “I’m not, I’m not leaving you, love. Never.” He assures, letting out some of his own pheromones to help balance his mate’s. “I’m just going out to deal with some things for a moment, I’ll be back before you know it.” He tries to explain, but the omega in his hold shakes his head firmly before lifting his head at him.
The sight of a very sleepy but utterly upset Ajax is enough to pull on his own heartstring, as his alpha counterpart also falls apart at the sight of his omega being this agitated. The urge to take care of his omega shoots through his list of priorities, bumping down several important things he needs to resolve by today.
But he’s also an Archon and he has a duty to fulfill.
Sighing in uneasiness at the very odd behavior, Zhongli closes his eyes as he comes to a decision.
“Alright, I’ll stay with you.” He says, leaving a kiss on the other’s head. A part of him gets more worried when he hears the relieved hum from the younger man. “Let’s get you tucked back into the sheet properly.” Zhongli adds as he nudges the omega.
.
He is the Archon.
He should be able to arrange some things to be handled by him from home, delegating some stuff even if it’s only for today.
.
He’s in the middle of checking some documents and paperwork, when the omega stirs beside him.
“Xiansheng?” Ajax raspily and confusedly calls. He momentarily glances to the back, before continuing with the same puzzled tone. “What are you doing here? It’s already late in the morning, isn’t it?”
“Morning, love.” Zhongli greets, stretching his right hand and stroking his mate’s head affectionately. “You didn’t let me leave, remember?”
Ajax stays silent for a moment, probably raking his head before he openly winces. “I didn’t expect that you’ll actually stay.” He replies sheepishly, before murmuring. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know what got into me earlier.”
“Don’t be.” Zhongli firmly says. “I found that it’s less stressful to read and analyze these papers with my beautiful mate by my side instead of my naggy, old advisors.” He indulgently says.
The orange-ginger-haired male chuckles disbelievingly. “They’ll get sad if they hear our dear Lord and Savior Rex Lapis say that. ”
“Will they?” Zhongli hums. “I reckon they’ll give me excuses for their nagging instead.”
“That, they will undoubtedly do too.” Ajax shakes his head. “Come on, I’ve hogged your time enough. You should leave, Xiansheng.”
“I’ll leave after lunch.” Zhongli answers. “You haven’t eaten anything either. Should we have an early lunch?”
“Is it okay to do that? Aren’t you needed somewhere?” Ajax hesitantly says.
“Of course it’s alright.” Zhongli responds. “I need to finish this first either way, love.” He wags the papers in his left hand.
“Hmm, fine then. More time for me to hog you.” Ajax shrugs as he stretches his body on the bed.
Just like a little fox, Zhongli likes to believe.
With an amused shake of his head, he resumes his work.
Ajax lets the easy smile drop from his face as his hand also falls to his side as soon as Zhongli disappears from their abode. Unrest, as well as some familiar but indescribable feeling, is niggling at the back of his mind.
It was insane of him this morning. What has gotten into him, being so spoiled and whiny like that?
Groaning, Ajax harshly rubs his face, before he turns around and walks back into their home.
Ajax can’t stop the growl of irritation bubbling in his chest. He’s been redecorating, fixing his nest for the past few hours but there’s still something wrong with it.
The air isn’t cold enough. The bed isn’t soft enough. The attendants that Zhongli has forced on him are an annoyance with their cloying scent and—
Ajax angrily grips and crumples the bedsheet on his hand before slamming it down angrily and frustratedly cries out.
Nothing is going right.
Hissing in discomfort, Ajax stomps towards their closet and immediately takes out the additional pillows and blankets they have as spares. He’s in the middle of carrying three pillows when his eyes fall on Zhongli’s beige shirt.
Putting down the pillows on the floor, Ajax approaches the shirt, never leaving his eyes on it. His hand slides against the soft material and in one, decisive moment, he takes off his oversized tee, leaving him only in his cotton shorts before taking the shirt off from the hanger and slipping into his alpha’s shirt.
It’s slightly bigger on his frame and the sleeves are actually longer on him, enough to hide his hands into showing a little portion of his fingers instead, but the jitters that he’s been feeling in the back of his mind gradually quiets down into a mum. He crosses his arms, liking the cool sensation of the fabrics on his skin before he lifts his wrists, sniffing on the Zhongli’s leftover scent and the invisible knot on the bottom of his stomach also loosens considerably.
Taking a deep breath, Ajax lifts the pillows back into his hold, before humming and walking into their chamber once again.
.
Ah right, he needs to make those annoying attendants leave first.
.
He has just taken a right turn in the corridor when he bumps against a hard chest. Startled, he’s almost reprimanded whoever it is for not obeying his command on leaving him alone when he realizes who he’s just bumped to.
“Xiansheng?” Ajax bewilderedly says. “What are you doing here?” He asks, but still lets himself be pulled for a short kiss.
“This is my home, is it not?” Zhongli chuckles before he abruptly halts. “You’re wearing my shirt.” He states in fascination.
“Yeah.” Ajax shrugs. “I miss you and I find them comfortable. Can’t I?” He questions him back, tilting his head to the side.
“Of course, you can. What’s mine is yours, love.” Zhongli replies swiftly, but Ajax can feel the alpha’s eyes tracking him up and down endlessly. “I’m just surprised, that’s all.”
Ajax hums, choosing to bask in the alpha’s scent that gets thicker and denser around him, enveloping him and soothing the leftover of his nerves completely. “So, why are you back here instead of in Qingce?”
“A passing bird whispered to me that my beloved mate has yet once again refused to eat.” Zhongli answers. “Are the foods not to your liking? Shall I cook something for you? You preferred my dishes over the staff’s, right?”
Ajax groans harshly at the revelation. Those maids truly. If they can’t stop bothering him, the least they can do is not blabber to the alpha in front of him.
“It’s part of their duty to take care of you, love.” Zhongli says, as if he knows what’s been through his mind. “That includes informing me of his reluctance to put food into his empty stomach.”
“It’s not that I refuse to eat per se.” Ajax defends himself. “It’s just that I don’t have any appetite and I’m not hungry either.”
“Baobei…”
“I’m not a child, alright?” Ajax hisses, trying to untangle himself from the alpha out of annoyance. “I know when to eat and that’s when I’m hungry, which I’m not.”
“I understand that you have no appetite and you’re not hungry, love, but it doesn’t mean that it’s right for you to keep skipping your meal like this.” Zhongli carefully says. “How about I make you some chicken congee with plenty of condiments and stir-fried shrimp and vegetables?” He appeasingly offers.
The image of Zhongli’s homemade dishes is created instantly in his mind and he suddenly gets hungry, but—
“You hate seafood.” Ajax points out. “Also, are you free enough to have a meal with me, let alone to cook? It’s barely two hours since you left.”
“I don’t mind that much since it’s only shrimp.” Zhongli shrugs. “And I’ll always have time for my mate, love. Always.” He gently but firmly says. “So, a yes then?”
Ajax takes a deep breath and nods. “Fine.”
The older alpha smiles brightly at his response. “Very well. Shall we have it in the dining room or would you like to have it in our chamber instead?”
Ajax immediately frowns. “No, I don’t want any of those maids to come into our chamber. There’s a reason why I chased them all out. Let’s have our meal in the pavilion.” He says.
“Wonderful. Why don’t you go to the garden first, I’ll catch up with you in twenty minutes or so.” Zhongli nudges him.
“Shouldn’t I help you?” Ajax raises his eyebrow. “It isn’t as if I can’t cook—”
“Leave it to me.” Zhongli convincingly says.
“But—”
“Let me spoil my beloved mate.” The alpha insistently says, turning his body around with his hands and lightly pushing him away.
Ajax unsurely glances to the back, where Zhongli waves his hand to shoo him and he finally relents, walking away to the direction of their garden—
—completely missing the worried and perplexed look on the older male’s face afterward.
“Prepare some uncut fruits and bread for Ajax every morning on top of his usual meals. Inform me at once if he doesn’t take any bite until noon. He barely touched his dinner too last night.”
“Your order is received, Rex Lapis.”
“Also, I heard that Ajax has dismissed the attendants around my private chamber?”
“That’s right, my Lord.”
“Aside from delivering his meals, tell them to stay away for now. Post a guard nearby instead.”
Ajax might have said that there’s nothing wrong with him at first, but Zhongli gradually grows more and more concerned with each behavior his omega displays to him. The most notable one is that the omega is clingier to him, more than he usually does. There’s also the situation where the younger man has been endlessly moving their nest. From the usual corner of their chamber, he’d found it moved to the opposite wall, where on the next day, he’d found it right in the middle of their sitting area instead.
It doesn’t stop there.
Just yesterday, he found the nest Ajax built moved ( again ) into their balcony, while the chairs have disappeared without a trace. Of course, this raised a concern from him, seeing how open it is and he didn’t want the younger man to get sick, but the words died in his mouth when he saw the omega being comfortably buried amidst the pillows and blankets.
He ended up letting him be, because on the next day, he already found the nest back within their room.
He also notices that the nest Ajax made is getting bigger and bigger with each move. The omega used to prefer an enclosed space, that’s why he specifically made a hole in the wall of their bedroom, but the current nest Ajax made is actually big enough to accommodate his half-dragon form. Of course, in response to this unusual situation, he has ordered more pillows and blankets to be supplied into his chamber, and just as he predicted, those items soon joined in the piles.
His mate’s restlessness is slowly being rubbed on him too.
He finds himself often glancing at the door or the sky, waiting and searching for any sign that he’s needed back home. He always finds himself rushing home as soon as he can too, worried for the younger man even though the attendant he put on Ajax will immediately inform him if anything is to happen to the omega.
The younger man’s apparent lack of appetite is also gnawing at the back of his mind. The orange-ginger-haired man barely eats anything these days. On the occasion when he returns to their abode for lunch, he always finds untouched plates of food on the tray in their room. The only time Ajax eats more than a few spoonfuls is when he cooks the dishes himself, but even then the trick doesn’t always work.
He doesn’t like this.
He doesn’t like how his mate is obviously in a state of discomposure and disarray without Ajax realizing it himself. He, as the younger man’s alpha, is also unable to soothe or solve it, as every attempt he made to fix the younger man’s mood and restlessness only worked as a temporary measure at best. It doesn’t help that despite his personal wishes, he has to constantly be away throughout the day to tend to his duties as Liyue’s Archon.
Is Ajax perhaps feeling lonely? Or is he bored?
What should he do?
“Baobei?”
“Yeah?” Ajax responds without looking up from his current task for the evening, changing all the pillows and bolster sheets into the one he wants.
“Would you like some warm tea?” Zhongli offers.
“Thank you Xiansheng, but no.” He curtly replies, frowning deeper when the scent of the new case on this particular pillow doesn’t sit well with him.
It’s the third one, can’t these maids do what they’re told perfectly? He didn’t ask them to perfectly clean and iron these pillowcases, but the least they can do is make sure that their own scent isn’t left on them. At this rate, he should’ve rebelled against the alpha’s orders and washed these himself.
Ajax is a bit surprised when a pair of arms are wrapped around his waist, as the alpha is now draping all over himself as they sit in the center of their nest. The scent of wood with a hint of sweetness permeates into his sense of smell and Ajax can feel his shoulder slouches down.
When did he get so tense?
“Shall I get some snacks for you to nibble on then? Some almond tofu, perhaps? Or shall I send someone to get you some flavored shaved ice like Inazuman’s delicacy?” The older male nudges gently.
The image of having some unnamed attendant delivering those foods for him to eat ignites an unbearable irk in Ajax. “No. I don’t want that.” He frowns deeply before he whips his head to the back, facing the dark-haired male. “Are you hungry, Xiansheng? I can whip something for you if you are?”
“I’m not.” Zhongli amiably replies.
“Then why do you keep on offering me something to eat?” Ajax raises his eyebrow.
“Ah, nothing. I thought some delicious food will make you feel better.” Zhongli explains.
“Why would you need to make me feel better?” He puzzledly questions.
“Well,” Zhongli takes a deep breath, seemingly a bit lost in words, “You’re gradually becoming more agitated with each second that passes by as you change these pillows’ covers so…”
“I was?” Ajax blinks in confusion.
“Yes.” Zhongli nods, before he tightens his hold and leaves a kiss on top of his head. “Should I move out of our nest first if you feel too crowded?”
“No—!” Ajax immediately grabs the alpha’s arms on his waist, before continuing with a sigh. “I’m sorry, I didn’t realize I did that.”
“Don’t be.” Zhongli shakes his head. “So, a Mora for the reason of your agitation, love?” He asks, manifesting a mora-like Cor Lapis on his hand.
Ajax scoffs fondly at the Archon’s attempt to lighten his mood. He takes the mora-like rock from his alpha’s palm though, coveting it as his by putting it in the piles of things on the corner of his nest. “It’s nothing serious.” He replies.
“I still want to hear it.” Zhongli nudges him gently with his head.
“It’s just… Some of the attendants were a bit careless and their scents are left on some of these pillowcases.” Ajax voices out, a little bit embarrassed when he realizes how ridiculous that sounds.
“That’s the reason why you’ve been flinging those two covers to the other side of the room?” Zhongli blinks, sounding a little bit surprised.
“Yeah.” Ajax nods as he lifts the pillow with the defiled-cover to the other’s nose, but careful enough so it won’t touch the alpha. “See, this one smells weird and off.”
Zhongli sniffs it for some moments and Ajax’s about to ask if the alpha can’t smell it before Zhongli slowly nods. “I see. I can scent-mark it so it won’t carry this weird scent—”
“No—!” Ajax immediately pulls the pillow away from the alpha’s reach. The thought of Zhongli making contact with the weird-scented pillow case only returns the irk he felt before. “You know what, let’s just stop this. I’ll re-wash everything tomorrow.” He says as he throws the pillow to the other side of the room, joining the pile of rejected ones.
“Baobei, I apologize for asking again, but are you sure that nothing is bothering you?” Zhongli questions him with a frown. His lips are set in a thin line, as he gazes at him with those sharp eyes.
Somehow Zhongli’s reaction also triggers his own defensive one and he returns the alpha’s frown with his own. “I’ve told you that there is nothing wrong numerous times, right? Why did you ask me this again?”
Perhaps the alpha immediately senses his ire, because the dark-haired male visibly lowers his shoulder in an attempt to make him less threatening and nuzzles the side of his head softly. “That isn’t what I meant, love. I was just worried for you.” Zhongli murmurs affectionately. “Why don’t you go with Ping tomorrow for some fabrics hunting? A merchant ship from Inazuma should arrive tomorrow morning, I shall arrange it so you can take a look first, hm? I’m sure Ping would love the company as well.”
Ajax takes a deep breath at the very obvious attempt to change the topic, but the notion of having some new thick and soft fabrics for their nest does entice him. “Fine. That sounds great actually.” He hums, leaning his back to his alpha’s chest. “Will that be okay though? It’s a bit unfair for others, isn’t it?”
“Just consider it as the perk of having the best alpha in Liyue.” Zhongli casually remarks.
Ajax laughs lightly at the (not so) over-confident statement. “Of course, I wouldn’t have settled for just any alpha.” He mirthfully replies, playing along with the older male as he turns his body and stands on his knees, facing the dark-haired Archon completely. “Should I give you a reward for a good job?” He lowers his voice teasingly, wrapping his arms around the other’s shoulder.
“That will be most excellent.” Zhongli answers in tandem as he pushes him down to their nest and starts tugging on his shorts.
.
Zhongli quietly stares at the lonely-looking pillow on the floor. He glances at his lover, who’s deeply asleep within their nest before he crouches down and takes it, putting it on his nose.
A few deep sniffs and only then can he smell the so-called weird scent his omega proclaimed before. He lets out a deep sigh, putting down the pillow back to where it was before standing up once again. He walks in the direction of their nest, intending to follow his mate to slumber.
“Shift the attendants in my private chamber and Ajax’s personal attendant into beta only. Make sure that none of them leave any scent around, especially on Ajax’s stuff.”
“Yes, Rex Lapis.”
Ajax knows something isn’t exactly right with him.
He’s gotten more sensitive, in a way that’s inconveniencing everyone involved, including himself. He can’t stand another’s scent within his territory. He wants Zhongli to be constantly at his side, despite the fact that he’s used to the Archon being busy before. He has no appetite and vehemently despises anything that’s touched or served by anyone but his alpha. His nest feels incomplete and incorrect and the feeling is scratching and bothering him on the back of his mind, which makes him constantly moving and changing it as he pleases. Without his realization, his nest has also gotten as big as their whole sitting area, if not more.
His behaviors also seem to prompt Zhongli to constantly trail after him, which is fine, but his excessive attention immediately turns into a mild nuisance because the alpha will also order his attendant to keep a closer eye on him when he’s away for his duty during the day. The current Geo Archon also makes it into a personal mission to arrive home before the sun sets, unlike his usual schedule which usually takes until deep into the night.
Like right now.
Ajax shifts his attention away from the book in his hand when he hears the door of their chamber is opened. He can’t help but raise his eyebrow when he sees Zhongli emerge from behind the door. Instead of his usual white Archon garb, the older Adepti has donned his more formal outfit.
For a moment, Ajax is reminded of how handsome and regal his alpha is.
“Xiansheng? Why are you here?” He asks.
“Am I not allowed to return early now?” The dark-haired male good-naturedly asks as he closes the heavy door behind him with a light bang.
“You know that’s not what I meant.” Ajax rolls his eyes. “Aren’t you supposed to be out for a celebratory night with Mountain Sharper and the rest of the Adepti?”
“I did.” Zhongli replies as he approaches him on his newly built nest.
“It hasn’t been long since the sun sets.” He points out.
“I miss my mate’s presence more and I’ve shown my face, it should be enough.” Zhongli breezily answers. The alpha is only one step away from their nest when he stops him.
“Don’t.” Ajax immediately says as he raises his hand in stop-motion and the alpha halts in tandem.
“Baobei?” Zhongli confusedly asks.
“You smell.” He frowns in distaste as the unknown scents that are latching on his alpha’s become more pronounced. “Go take a bath first, Xiansheng, and put those clothes directly in the basket. Don’t you dare to put it anywhere else first.”
Zhongli raises his eyebrow at the requests but nods in understanding. “As my mate wishes.” He says, before adding playfully. “Is there any chance that you will be joining and helping me in my bath, Baobei?”
Ajax scoffs amusedly. “I might consider it later, but now…” He cheekily shooed the alpha.
Zhongli chuckles, turning his body in the direction of their bathroom.
.
He barely finishes another chapter of his book, when the dark-haired male comes out from their bathroom. Clad only in the pair of pants of the pajama’s top he’s wearing, the alpha is very indifferent to his half-naked state.
Unlike him, whose heartbeats have gone up with the delicious sight.
Oh, how he wants to jump on his alpha right now.
“I heard you went out and played with a child this evening, Baobei.” Zhongli says as he walks in his direction. “Had you told me that you’ll be out, I’d have accompanied you.”
“Ah—” Ajax snaps out of his trance, processing what the alpha said before nodding. “Yeah, I did, though playing is a bit of a reach and I know you’re busy enough, Xiansheng.” He shakes his head. “I was just going out for a short walk in the Harbor, when I saw a little girl sobbing and hiding behind a box. I was curious so I approached her and it turned out she lost one of her shoes and she’s afraid to go home.” He explains as he welcomes his alpha into his nest.
“I see. I assumed you helped her then?” Zhongli asks, comfortably settling down beside him.
Ajax nods in confirmation. “How couldn’t I?” He says as he snuggles into the alpha’s warm embrace. “She’s so adorable Xiansheng you have no idea, calling me big brother and all.” He laughs lightly. “I ended up consoling her and bought her a new pair of shoes, as well as some toys for her to play with.” He hums. “A child’s mind is so simple. She didn’t even bat an eye as I carried her in my arms while your Adeptus attendant looked ready to scold her.”
“You are the most important person in Liyue, love.” Zhongli taps his nose. “And Liyue has a lot of enemies, I presumed they’re simply worried that something might happen.”
“She’s just a little child, Xiansheng.” He lightly scoffs. “What could she do in my arms?”
Zhongli hums non committedly. “But most importantly, you sound like you had fun.”
“I did. It’s the most fun evening out I’ve had for a while.” Ajax confirms. “We shared some desserts together as we waited for her parents to come and fetch her.”
“I see. I’m glad that you had fun.” Zhongli hums thoughtfully. His hand starts stroking his head and Ajax leans to the touch. Comfortable silence fills the gap between them as he basks in the alpha’s action, before the older male moves to lie on his side, using his elbow to prop his head on the side and face him completely.
“Baobei.” Zhongli calls softly but with a serious expression on his face.
“Yeah?” Ajax responds, a little bit puzzled by the change in atmosphere.
“Will you feel happier and more content if I am to put a baby in you?” Zhongli asks gently but firmly, indicating that he’s not joking about the matter.
Ajax feels his jaw drops on the floor at the abrupt offer. “Wha— what are you talking about?”
The dark-haired alpha exhales softly. “I’m deeply worried about you, Ajax.” He admits as his free hand caresses his cheek. “You might not realize it, but you’ve been acting very restless and quite in distress these days. No matter what I did, it’d only abate you for a short moment. I’ll give you anything in my power if that can make you happier and more content, even if it’s just for a tiny bit.”
Ajax stares blankly at the earnest but pained face of his alpha, as his mind processes and reprocesses everything Zhongli has just said.
Oh.
Oh.
Oh dear Celestia.
“Are you that worried about me?” Ajax asks gently as his heart gets warm at the attentiveness. He lies on his back and gestures to the older alpha to lie on top of him. Zhongli obliges, carefully settling himself between his legs and on top of his body. Ajax can easily sense the tenseness coming out from the alpha in this position and he lets out more of his scent to ease the dark-haired male as Zhongli lies his head on his chest.
“You are my one and only lovely mate, my precious treasure, Baobei. I will always worry about your well-being.” Zhongli responds. “Seeing you in such agitation is quite painful for me. I’ve been pondering if you’re feeling lonely and combined with your recent tale…”
“So you came to the conclusion that a child might be able to make me feel happier, calmer in essence.” Ajax ends. “That’s the only thing you can think of, huh?” He chuckles fondly. “You are genuinely so worried about me that you finally relent on letting me sire your children on the chance that it will make me happier?” He affectionately says, stroking the alpha’s head.
Ajax is a bit startled when a sour and spicy scent is suddenly emitted from Zhongli as the alpha lifts his head and frowns heavily at him.
Offended.
“Ajax, why did you say such a blasphemous thing? Having you sire my children will be my second greatest gift after having you as my mate.” Zhongli says, still with a frown.
“Oh…” Ajax utters faintly. “I thought… I thought you don’t want any children with me because of my mortal lineage.” He says. He winces when the frown on Zhongli’s face gets deeper with his statement.
“Where and how did you get such a horrendous idea?” The alpha demands. “Did someone dare to utter those to you? Who has dared to defile you with such blasphemous thought?”
“No no no no—” Ajax immediately puts a brake before the misunderstanding gets worse. “No one did, but then why did you never—?”
“I simply didn’t want to burden you with such hardship when you are still so young. Carrying an Adeptus’ child, my child, is no easy feat, Ajax.” The Archon firmly says. “I don’t want to rob you of any experience you could’ve had in your prime age. Haven’t I told you before that your well-being overrides anything else?” He sighs in exasperation, staring at him full of concern but also, affection.
"Oh..." Ajax feels his heart gets ever warmer at the declaration. “Then, shall we try for a child in my next heat? I’ll stop consuming the suppressant.”
“Only if you’re ready to have a child too, love.” Zhongli replies. “I really don’t mind waiting, or even not having any because you, are my priority, Ajax.”
A smile graces his face. “I am, Xiansheng.” Ajax assures, before continuing, “Do you want a child?”
“It’ll be my greatest pleasure.” Zhongli answers. “Well Ajax…” He trails off as he lifts him up from his body.
“Yeah?”
“I think it’ll be fine to have a head start, right?” Zhongli asks as he sensually starts to leave kisses on his neck while unbuttoning his pajama shirt.
“Sure, let’s have a head start.” Ajax amusedly says. He readily spreads his legs wider and wraps them around the alpha’s hips as the alpha takes off his shirt.
.
Ajax is dazedly staring at his alpha, who’s busy cleaning him up with a warm towel after their coupling. If he wants the older male’s seeds to take, then he shouldn’t consume his pills anymore and arrange an appointment with Baizhu as soon as possible. Aside from that, he also needs to fix his lack of appetite, otherwise, it will be hell on his pre-heat later—
He freezes when the realization dawns on him.
Ajax lifts his left wrist, nosing and sniffing it to make sure of his suspicion.
“Love?” Zhongli confusedly calls. “What are you doing?”
“Xiansheng, don’t you think that I smell sweeter?” He asks.
The alpha frowns and scrunches up his face as he thinks. “Now that you mention it, you are.”
“I think I’m on my pre-heat.” Ajax chuckles in disbelief. “It all makes sense now.”
Zhongli’s eyes are wide in surprise at the statement. “But you’re on suppressant, love.” He says, but the gears are obviously running behind his alpha’s eyes.
“Maybe the suppressant isn’t working as well as it used to, or maybe my body still insists on having a heat.” Ajax shrugs, not knowing the reason too. “That’ll explain a lot about my mood swings, or my nesting and lack of appetite.”
“Or how you absolutely didn’t want anyone’s scent on your things.” Zhongli adds. “Baobei, let’s go to Baizhu tomorrow.”
Ajax nods in agreement. “The sooner, the better.”
.
He is in pre-heat.
The suppressant wasn’t working anymore, but it’s still enough to suppress his scent although the same thing can’t be said for his symptoms. The green-haired doctor gave him neutralizing pills to cleanse the remaining suppressant out of his body and to balance his disarrayed hormones.
.
Within two days, their whole chamber smells like him.
Ajax is contently laying in their nest, staring at Zhongli while clinging on his alpha’s tail. The older male is busily speedrunning the paperwork he needs to check and delegate before his heat truly locks the alpha out of his nation’s duties.
Zhongli’s face is scrunched up in concentration, as he checks and cross-checks on several papers and Ajax finds it unfair, how he still finds the alpha terribly hot in such a situation.
A little bit bored, Ajax scoots closer and lays his head on the alpha’s lap, careful to not crumple or lay on top of the papers.
“I’m sorry, love. I’ll be finished in a few moments.” Zhongli apologetically says, patting him on his head.
“It’s okay, take your time.” Ajax assures. The collar of Zhongli’s shirt he is wearing is a bit crooked when he dragged his body to the alpha and Zhongli nimbly fixes it for him.
“Do you like this shirt that much?” The dark-haired male asks amusedly. “You keep on wearing this one.”
“Yes. It’s soft and smells like you.” He shrugs.
“It might not fit later on, though?” Zhongli hums thoughtfully.
“What do you mean?” Ajax confusedly asks.
“When your stomach beautifully swells with our child.” Zhongli takes his hand and leaves a kiss on his knuckles. “I reckon the shirt won’t be that comfortable for you then.”
Ajax feels heat rising up to his cheeks at the remark but he maintains his composure. “I can always hijack your other, bigger clothes, Xiansheng.”
“You are right.” Zhongli chuckles. “When that day arrives, I’ll happily surrender all of my clothes.”
“You do realize that you’re spoiling me so much, right?”
“Only for you, Ajax. Only you.”