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“Don't forget your scarf!!”
The two small children rushed up to Ajax quickly,looking up at him with worry in their huge eyes. Anthon got on his tip-toes,raising his arms as high as he could, offering the fluffy signature red scarf over to their big brother.The young man quickly turned around at the sound of their footsteps approaching,a gentle smile on his face as he chuckled, ruffling both of the small childrens hair and thanking them.
“Thank you both, what would I do without you guys??” Ajax reached out for the scarf before it was quickly snatched away from him, Anthons nose scrunching up in a pout, while the other tilted his head in confusion.
He tucked the scarf away under his arm. He looked up at his older brother and presented him with his open left hand, his other hand coming up, pointer and middle finger resembling little legs, creating a kneeling position on top of his open palm.
Ajax thought for a little while,looking at the tiny hands presented in front of him, the gears in his head turning as he tried to understand what his little brother wanted before his eyebrows raised.
“You want to put the scarf on me?” he asked.
Anthon nodded simply, fixing the glasses on his face.
Ajax chuckled happily, kneeling down for his brother and leaning close to him, giving him easier access. Anthon quickly got to work,wrapping the scarf around his neck a few times before neatly tucking it in his coat, the feeling of coziness enveloping the older one entirely. Just before he could get up, both Teucer and Anthon tugged down on the fur of his business coat, stretching up close to him and simultaneously kissing his forehead. They both wrapped their arms around Ajax’s neck effectively trapping him in their evil little hug trap as they giggled happily.
“You guys-” Ajax said, surprised before threading his arms under both boys and picking them up, bringing them along with him as he got back up from the ground. “I told you i’m not leaving yet, i just need to drop off a few letters is all!”
“But what if they call you!-” Tuecers hold tightened pressing his cheek as close as possible to Ajax's own.
“My suitcase is still upstairs, I can't really leave without it.”
“But!-”
Before Tuecer could finish his sentence, Anthon raised his right hand, sticking out his pinky as he stared right into Ajax’s own. He was doing one of his signature moves (which he had stolen from Ajax himself-)...
puppy eyes.
He could never handle any of his baby siblings' puppy eyes but Anthon??? His were irrepressible. He was sure even the most despicable being in this world could bend at their will.
Two giant orbs each with its own story. His left eye a faded azure with tiny spots of light green like lily pads in a pond in the summer, while his right is a pretty, deep chestnut brown with a few big dark spots around his pupil it always reminded Ajax of the melted chocolate their mother would sneak to their de—
“Ajax you're tearing up…”
Tuecer’s worried tone broke him out of his daze. He shook his head a few times before laughing warmly, kissing his little brothers all over their faces and holding them close to his chest. He soon put them down gently and looked back at Anthon, who was still staring at him with those gigantic tear traps, his pinky finger still up.
“I'm okay, I just got a bit of dust in my eyes but anyways..” Ajax's pinky locked with Anthons as he looked him in the eyes and spoke gently “I pinky promise that I'll be back. I would never leave before getting to see you all opening your presents..okay?”
He turned his head softly, gaze now falling on Tuecer as he extended his other hand to him, pinky out and waiting. The little boy seemed to be thinking about something, eyes wandering all over the place before he smiled, nodding quickly and giggling, interlocking his pinky with Ajax's
“Okok!!” Tuecer spoke before letting go of his pinky “stay warm!!....And be quick!!!..”
As the young man let go of the children's pinkies, he got back up, ruffling the two kids' hair and chuckling as he reached for the coat hanger, grabbing his messenger bag and slinging it over his head.
“Alright alright, I'll be back in a bit, love you guys!!”
“LOVE YOU TOO!!!!” Tuecer yelled happily while Anthon smiled before waving, his thumb, index and pinky raised as he wiggled his index finger.
And with that Ajax was off.
“Thank you so much Mr.Zhongli…your help is greatly appreciated..”
The young woman smiled, handing the man a small velvet pouch. As she escorted him she gave the brunette a firm handshake and a small head bow before letting go.
“As I said, I'm glad I could help you, I'm sure Meng will appreciate this. Goodbye for now and Happy holidays to the both of you.” The tall man spoke softly as he reciprocated the bow, humming as he stuffed the small bag in his coat's inner pocket before finally leaving.
As Zhongli took a step outside he could immediately feel the cold air of Sneznahyahs winter drying up his face in mere seconds. Seriously, this nation is absolutely terrible for someone's skin, he couldn't wait to get back to the small, warm and quiet apartment he was renting.
In all of the years, centuries and even millennia he had remained alive in this world he would never be able to handle the sheer cold of Snezhnaya. Despite that, it had always been such a beautiful and sort of quiet Nation, even now with the hustle and bustle of modern day. Zhongli began walking before he started shivering, his face already flushing. He adjusted his gloves and scarf, a small shiver running down his spine as he let out a soft breath.
In the time of his trip here, he has started regretting cutting his hair so short. If he still had his usual length hair his neck wouldn't be absolutely freezing and h—
This was just a small change . … It wouldn't matter in the long run, he could always braid his hair as always…a small change never hurt once in a century..plus he was coming to enjoy the straightened hair look. (Not that he would ever trade his natural curls for this.)
He was walking over to one of his current favorite coffee shops. It was owned by the oldest person he has seen in these parts so far, a small chubby old lady with a case of severe kyphosis, a glass eye and traditional stick and poke tattoos all over her body. It wasn't really the place where you'd see ‘people his age’ visit, the only ones there being grandparents with the occasional grandchild and great-grandchild that was visiting.
The way he stumbled upon this little shop is actually pretty funny…good story but for another time. Which is to say that he was both pleasantly terrified and comfortable with that lady.
“Well if it isn't my favorite stripling. Your usual?” The old lady asked as he entered the cafe, multiple windchimes near the door sounding off. Zhongli smiled softly as he nodded, getting close to the counter.
“Yes, that would be much appreciated thank you..how was your day today?”He asked, looking as the lady got to work, moving around like she had just entered her 20s. She laughed happily before smacking the counter gently.
“My day has been going just fine, no need to worry your little head about some old hag young man! How about you? Having fun during these festive times ?” The brunette's expression softened as sighed, looking down at the counter and thinking as he opened his purse, fishing out his wallet.
“I'm doing great. I've always enjoyed watching and learning about traditions and celebrations from different cultures. Snezhnaya is a very beautiful place..” Zhongli's smile now seemed a lot more melancholic and subtle than before as he remembered different experiences from the past..
Three small bright smiles all welcoming him with warmth and affection as if they had already known him for years at that point. Warm, handmade food and delicacies on a dark brown circular table. The best part of everything standing right infront of him i—
“Don't get all sappy on me young man.” The old lady spoke loudly, smacking Zhongli gently on the cheek and getting him out of his daze. He blinked, shocked for a couple of seconds before rubbing his temples and giggling, not expecting the old woman's actions.
“Ah, I apologize, I think the jet lag from my trip is just now catching up to me, I'm alright.” As he was about to reach inside his wallet, the granny stopped him, smacking his hands this time before pushing out a warm cup of tea and two medium bags right next to it, speaking before he could even ask her about anything.
“It's on the house kiddo, I'll be closing from tomorrow for 4 days, so here's a little treat.”
“Oh this..this is very kind, thank you really b—”
“No buts. You either take it or not. I'm not letting you pay.”
Zhongli stood there, a soft frown tugging on his face as the granny in front of him laughed heartily, crossing her arms and tilting her head. “Ma’am this—...” he paused, staring at the cup and the bags, the feeling of guilt slightly poking his stomach.
“Happy holidays dear.”
“....” He looked at her before sighing and smiling, bowing deeply before he spoke again “Happy holidays…I hope you enjoy your break..”
“I sure will son”
And with that he was out the door,smiling happily as he held the hot cup of tea in his hands. What a nice old lady.
The streets are busy in Irkutsk, children running around and playing or clinging to their parents, couples going for walks, people carrying bags and bags full of presents. Yet everything seemed particularly uninteresting today. Despite all of the small children running around happily, playing or even singing their little hearts out, Childe couldn't help but feel irritated. He wasn't mad, nor was he upset, rather somewhat overwhelmed. The ginger walked around the busy streets, nearing the giant plaza square as he carried bags of more presents and desserts he just bought for his family.
He was feeling fine after leaving the house…ok maybe slightly hungry but that didn't have to do anything with his current mood at all. Something was off and it was slowly starting to make him anxious, he tried not to think too much about it and continued on with his route.
He just needed to pass inside the plaza and head opposite down the street where his mama's favorite pastry shop was. Simple.
Not simple at all.
It was super crowded today, with events, artisan stands and local musicians and artists all over the place. People dressed as Dyed Moroz and Snegurochka, as well as other, spookier sort of entities like Krampus, the Yule cat and Babushka roamed around, interacting with children and adults alike. Childe took a deep breath, a subtle smile planted on his face as he finally entered the crowd, slowly weaving through parents, teens and grandparents alike, excusing himself as he bumped into people two times .
The ginger successfully walked through the crowded area..but not for long.
One of the actors dressed up as Krampus was playfully chasing around a few teens and as a result of two of the kids not paying attention in front of them, one fell right onto his back, the other knocking him out at the side and practically launching him and the bags he was holding right up into some people.
Childe could already feel it, the absolute terror of embarrassment creeping up on his face as he landed face first into someone's chest. The bags that weighed him down did not help with his balance as he stumbled to the side, ready to fall face first into the ground. To his surprise, lady luck had not completely abandoned him though since the person he practically rammed managed to get ahold of him before anything unfortunate.
Childe has managed to keep steady in a burning warehouse in the middle of an earthquake and THIS is when his balance manages to fail him?? In the simplest of moments. How ironic really.
“Are you alright??.. Did you get hurt anywhere??..”
Childe heard the voice of the man, absolutely drenched in worry as he helped him up, gently holding him by his forearms and brushing off his shoulders.
“I'm alright–” The Ginger almost didn't look up from how embarrassed he currently was but then decided that it would be rude so, look up he did. “I'm just fine thank you, I'm so sorry for bumping i-….uhm…into ..you.” As the young man's eyes moved up to look at the person in front of him, something seemed to snap in his brain. He didn't know what, but he knew something was wrong the moment his upper lip twitched upwards.
He remained staring at the man in front of him. Scrutinizing him.
Something was definitely wrong.
Does he know this guy?? No. No, no way he's never seen this man in his life.
Beautiful golden eyes staring at him in worry, full juicy lips, big pretty hooked nose and three beauty marks. Dark smooth lovely skin, and the most subtle red eye makeup that brought out the shine in his eyes even more.
“..sir?...Are you sure everything is alright? You look overwhelmed, would you like to take a seat perhaps??....” The handsome man spoke.
That man's tone was not normal. This tone of worry was not the simple quick anxiety you'd feel for a stranger. His tone hid something deeper.
What is going on??..
Childes head was starting to pound, spiraling, a migraine crawling all the way up from his neck and consuming his head. He blinked rapidly, trying to clear the massive flood of thoughts rushing through him like a broken dam.
“I—...uhm not sure what's..”
He tried taking a look at the man even more, trying to fish out whatever didn't stick right with him. Going over his face again, eyes noting every single detail he could gather, from the pattern of his eyes, to the subtle gloss on his lips, to his earrings…A red stone simply held by two golden balls..the pieces of silky straightened hair behind his ear..some strands highlighted a warm orange tone. As Childe kept his eyes on the man's hair, noticing the slicked back hairdo, his eyes started to sting dangerously. Not in the pain dangerous kind, but the tear one.
He couldn't take his eyes off of this god forsakenly beautiful man. Mouth half way agape as his eyes widened all the way open, iris’s shaking as tears started flooding down his cheeks and running down his jaw faster than he could process.
“I'm— oh- .. oh god I'm so—” The young man was quickly interrupted by himself as his entire body slowly turned against him. Arms and back trembling as he started to sob loudly in public, eyes never leaving the man in front of him, almost as if his head was being held.
How much more embarrassing could this get, truly?
“I-I'm so sorry!!- i— i-i don't- I don't know why I'm crying so suddenly— ohMYGOD!!!...” Childe tried wiping away his tears as he started laughing, now completely panicked as he noticed the scene he was creating, people staring at him from every direction possible. His eyes darted back to the other man. He watched him hesitate for a moment, his hands reaching out and pulling back again before they reached out to gently free Childe’s hands from the bags he was holding. The man's free hand reaching out and slowly pressing against Childe’s upper back, rubbing a soothing pattern onto it.
“No, no it's quite alright..here, let's go sit down somewhere, how does that sound?..I have some water with me as well. Everything will be okay.” The stranger spoke. Voice deep and gentle, his tone felt steady and calming, guiding Childe like it's something he's done for years.
As the two men walked over to a free bench away from most of the crowd they sat down, the stranger immediately getting to work, putting all of Childe’s bags and items on the space next to him along with his own stuff before getting out a handkerchief and what looked like a small new bottle of water.
“And these are my younger siblings..This is Tonia, she just turned 16 actually, she's the oldest of the three but she's 12 in this picture, this was actually her first international concert award— she was so proud, i remember how hard she worked on it and she didn't even use her hearing aids!! Ough and this is Anthon! He is the middle one of the three, he's 11 years old, this was actually last year!! It was his first time catching a fish while ice fishing and he managed to get this GIANT cod!! Was around 122 cm !! I'm telling you, huge guy!!— and this is Tuecer..he is the youngest of the family, he's 7 and a half, Tonia actually took this picture of him putting makeup on me and i think he's so skillful with it, honestly…..”
“...”
“Ah I'm- Im sorry I've been babbling about my family this entire time–” Childe spoke as he looked at the stranger with an awkward smile, quickly closing his wallet and stashing it away in his pocket.
“Oh no worries i was actu–”
“Anyways my apologies…thank you so much for the muffin and for helping me calm down…where are my manners??” Childe giggled as he extended his hand out “My name is Tartaglia Yevtushok but you can also just call me Childe.”
The stranger blinked for a small while, examining him before tilting his head and smiling.
“My name is Zhongli. Pleasure meeting you Childe..” The stranger- now known as Zhongli reached out for Childe’s hand for a handshake, a firm strong one, before letting go.
“There's no need to thank me. I would've done this for anyone in need, it would be inhumane to leave you alone in such a state.” As Zhongli spoke, Childe noticed the way his eyes had glossed over, just like tears. It wasn’t really visible to any other normal person but Childe is not exactly normal.
“Are you alright, Zhongli?..”
“Hm?”
“Your eyes.”
“...” the brunette smiled as a hearty giggle left his chest, such a beautiful sound honestly. “Very observant i see. … I assure you I'm feeling just fine. My eyes just dry up faster because of the cold weather, I'm not used to this environment”
“Ohhh!! So you're visiting?? How amazing, how are you finding your stay so far??” The young man asked, intrigued as a big smile spread across his face.
He nodded. “Snezhnaya is very beautiful this time of year i must say, the festivities are also very delightful and fun to observe, I'm enjoying my trip to far.”
“I'm glad to hear you say that, i hope I didn't sour your mo—” Childes phone suddenly buzzed in his pocket as a small shock went up his spine. Dear god, what time is it- “oh I'm so sorry, excuse me for a sec..”
The ginger got his phone out, checking the notification and seeing it was from Teucer..
‘ Ajieeeeeeeeee…where are uuuuu it's already 2 pm and u haven't even called back!! Pls be safe and call when u cannnn :,(((( ‘
“OH GOD!—”
“Is everything alright,childe?-”
Childes eyes widened as he quickly got up with a gasp, gathering his bags and quickly fishing around in his wallet for something.
“Yes yes!- I'm just really late. I need to get back home quickly— I'm super sorry about this. I wanted to make this up to you but I really don't have the time now so-” he quickly extended a dark red card at Zhongli, smiling nervously “this is my card! Please call me if you'd like to keep in touch. I'll be sure to make this up to you!!”
Zhongli blinked a few times before gently taking the card and nodding at Childe with a smile
“Ah..I'll make sure to keep in touch but please do not worry yourself w—”
“GREAT!! Thank you so much!! I'm so grateful for everything that you did for me today!!” The young man's smile only widened, cheeks turning a sweet rosy red as he took the brunette's hand gently, leaning down and kissing the top of his palm.
“I hope I see you around, Zhongli!! Have a great day!!”
And with that he was off. Rushing back into the crowd.
Oh my.
Oh my god.
He gave him his card.
With his number on it.
Zhongli stared down at the dark red card, noting the info that was written on it in a beautiful shade of silver.
The brunette's heart was beating so fast he was sure people next to him could hear it. A big smile landed on his face as he slid the card in his purse, closing his eyes and chuckling happily as he held his cheek.
Oh how he missed this feeling.