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The land of Teyvat is ruled by all manner of gods and goddesses, some choose to live away from the mortal world and instead live in Celestia where they feast on ambrosia and watch mortal lives from their high perches. Some gods choose to live amongst humans, either revered by them and given all manners of honor and respect or hidden amongst them like humans themselves. Some gods like Morax the god of agriculture and beauty chose to live reclusively. Zhongli-as his friends and family called him-lived in a corner of the woods he painstakingly grew all over Teyvat, residing in starlit meadows on pillows of flowers that bloomed beneath his fingertips like moths rise to a flame.
One god was an outcast, shunned by both Celestia and humankind, he resided in the Abyss away from both of the two realms. Death was his dominion and he was feared by humans for that while Celestia shunned him because of his dark and bloodthirsty nature.
***
Zhongli was swimming in his lake with his sister Guizhong, he had left the water and was drying with his hair around him when he heard the snap of a branch. He turned around, thinking it was an animal or some human wandering too close.
“Hello.” A figure that Zhongli couldn’t recognize but immediately knew was a god spoke.
“Hello.” Zhongli said, cocking his head.
“Who are you?” The man with fiery hair asked.
“My name is Zhongli, but you may know me as Morax. And you are?” Zhongli said.
“Morax.” The man smiled wide. “You may know me as Tartaglia but you can call me Ajax.”
“Ajax.” Zhongli tested out the name.
“Where is this, Zhongli?” Ajax asked.
“Are you perhaps lost?” Zhongli shrugged into a silk robe and wrapped it around himself, Ajax’s eyes drinking in his movements like a starved man.
“I am.” Ajax nodded. “I was in Raiden Shogun’s domain but got lost on my way back.”
“This is my domain, leagues away from Raiden Shogun’s domain.” Zhongli said.
“I see.” Ajax sighed.
“May I offer you some food and drink, my lord?” Zhongli asked.
“Call me Ajax.” Ajax grinned. “And please, I would be most grateful.”
“Take a seat here, I will be with you soon.” Zhongli turned to leave.
“A-Li.” Guizhong came out of the lake. “Who’s this?”
“Lord Tartaglia.” Zhongli said. “This is my older sister Guizhong.”
“Lord Tartaglia.” She greeted.
Ajax nodded. “Lady Guizhong.”
“I will go fetch the food.” Zhongli said. “Forgive me but I cannot offer you meat…”
“Don’t worry yourself.” Ajax said. “I know you do not kill the animals in your domain.”
“Thank you for understanding.” Zhongli nodded and hurried away.
He came back with some water in a golden jug, some bread, cheese and fruits in a basket.
“Thank you.” Ajax smiled at Zhongli.
“You’re welcome.” Zhongli offered him a glass of water, their fingers brushing when he handed it to him.
“What brings you here, my lord?” Guizhong asked.
“I was in Inazuma and got lost on my way back.” Ajax said, breaking off a piece of bread.
“You are a long way away from Inazuma.” Guizhong frowned.
“I’ve been lost for some time.” Ajax said simply.
“Would you like some wine?” Zhongli asked, changing the topic.
“Yes please.” Ajax turned to him with a bright smile.
Zhongli poured a glass and handed it to Ajax, a smile mirroring the king of the Abyss’s own.
“Will you stay the night?” Zhongli asked.
“If you don’t mind.” Ajax scratched his cheek.
“Of course not.” Zhongli said. “I’m afraid there isn’t much to offer though, in terms of hospitality, my house is quite small.”
“I’ve been sleeping on rocks for the past week so this is more than enough.” Ajax chuckled.
Zhongli led him to a cabin by the edge of the meadow, it was small but cozy, with a fireplace and little trinkets, wood carvings, and paintings littering the walls and surfaces.
“A-Li, is an artist.” Guizhong said proudly.
“My sister can…over-exaggerate my artistic abilities, I merely dabble.” Zhongli flushed.
“This looks like more than dabbling to me.” Ajax said.
“See?” Guizhong teased. “It’s not just me who thinks so.”
Zhongli sighed and led Ajax to one of the rooms. “I’ll leave you in case you want to freshen up. I’m afraid we have nothing in your size…”
“That’s alright.” Ajax smiled. “You’ve done more than enough.”
Ajax stayed with them for two weeks, the first few days were spent with Ajax recuperating but soon enough they fell into a companionable rhythm of spending the days with Zhongli playing the guqin or carving wood and Ajax watching. They exchanged stories about their adventures over food and wine. But while Zhongli had found an unexpected friend, Guizhong was wary of the king of the abyss and the unlikely friendship he had found in her brother.
One day, Zhongli was about to go swimming with Guizhong and he invited Ajax to accompany them.
“I can’t.” Ajax shook his head.
“Why not?” Zhongli frowned.
“Your fish will die if they get close to me.” Ajax said.
“Oh.” Zhongli blinked.
“Don’t worry.” Ajax laughed and reached a hand to lift Zhongli’s chin to meet his gaze. “I am content to watch you swim.”
“Very well then.” Zhongli said.
Ajax watched as Zhongli swam with his sister, said sister would turn every once in a while with narrowed eyes that could have been attributed to the blazing sun were it not for the glares accompanying them.
Some time later they got out to drink some tea made diligently by Zhongli.
“Do you like flowers, Ajax?” Zhongli asked over their tea.
“I…suppose I do.” Ajax said, gazing at the flowers adorning Zhongli’s hair.
“Here.” Zhongli handed him a lily with a smile. “For you.”
Ajax took it only for it to shrivel up and dry into a shell of itself.
“Oh.” Zhongli frowned, tears in his eyes. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s my fault, I should have expected this.” Ajax placed the flower gingerly on the ground and reached a hand towards Zhongli.
“I’m sorry.” Zhongli shook his head.
“Don’t be.” Ajax looked anguished as the tears spilled from Zhongli’s eyes.
“He’s very particular about flowers.” Guizhong explained, patting her younger brother on the shoulder.
“I can see that.” Ajax frowned.
Zhongli took a deep breath and wiped his eyes. “Forgive me, I was surprised. I’ve never known for my flowers to die so quickly…it made me sad.”
“I’m sorry.” Ajax said.
“Please don’t be.” Zhongli placed a hand on his forearm.
“Are you alright now, A-Li?” Guizhong asked.
“I’m alright.” Zhongli smiled.
A few days later, Zhongli came up to Ajax with his hands behind his back.
“I made you something.” Zhongli said shyly.
“Oh?” Ajax smiled. “Something made by Zhongli especially for me? Aren’t I the luckiest man alive.”
Zhongli bit his lip. “Don’t tease me. I just hope you like it.”
“I’m sure I’ll love it.” Ajax said, his smile wide.
“Close your eyes and lean down a bit, you’re too tall.” Zhongli said, reaching behind him.
Ajax felt Zhongli place something gingerly over his head, it rustled slightly and smelled faintly sweet.
“Open your eyes.” Zhongli said and dragged Ajax towards the creek.
“What did you place on my head, Zhongli?” Ajax laughed. “I hope it doesn’t ruin my image as king of the abyss.”
“I’m sure it will be fine, after all you’re so big and sca-ry.” Zhongli giggled.
“Big and scary, hm?” Ajax said, reaching out to Zhongli which made the god let go of him and skip away, shrieking as he went.
“What’s wrong? You weren’t scared of me earlier.” Ajax teased, chasing after him.
“You weren’t trying to attack me!” Zhongli laughed breathlessly.
“I won’t do anything so come here.” Ajax stopped in his tracks.
“I won’t fall for that.” Zhongli slowed down but didn’t stop.
“It was worth a try.” Ajax shrugged and gave chase once more.
“Ah!” Zhongli scuttled backwards.
“Careful!” Ajax called out and reached a hand, making Zhongli freeze.
He turned around and found himself at the edge of the lake.
“Caught you.” Zhongli felt Ajax’s breath on his neck and his arms around his waist.
He startled and struggled for a moment before bursting into laughter. Ajax smiled and loosened his hold.
“You caught me.” Zhongli turned around and looked up at him, his voice still holding a smile.
“I did.” Ajax said, bringing a hand to Zhongli’s flushed cheek. Zhongli nuzzled into it, his eyes heavy on Ajax’s.
“Ah.” Zhongli pulled away. “I almost forgot.” He grabbed Ajax’s hand once more and pulled him towards the creek.
Ajax looked and saw a crown of dried flowers on his head, nestled between his auburn curls. It was made of dried white roses that had faded to a soft yellow and some lavender buds woven together.
“Oh…” he said. “They didn’t die?”
“No.” Zhongli smiled as he stood next to him, his hand still gripping Ajax’s. “They’re dried so they’re already dead.”
“I see.” Ajax said. “Thank you.”
“Does it ruin your image?” Zhongli asked with a smile.
“If you had put eggshells on my head I would still wear them proudly.” Ajax said, turning towards Zhongli instead of his reflection.
Zhongli chuckled. “I would never.”
“Thank you.” Ajax pulled Zhongli’s hand to his lips and placed a kiss to its back.
“You’re welcome.” Zhongli’s smile widened.
“I think I will be leaving soon.” Ajax said over dinner after two weeks had gone by.
“Oh.” Zhongli frowned. “Must you go?”
“I must.” Ajax smiled. “I have been away from my kingdom far too long.”
“However…” He continued. “Will you come with me?”
“I…” Zhongli began, Guizhong took a sharp breath next to him. “Cannot leave my sister…”
“Will you come visit us again?” He added.
“I will.” Ajax promised.
Zhongli smiled, his eyes crinkling. “I will wait for you.”
Ajax came to visit a month later and Zhongli rushed to throw himself at him, wrapping his arms around his neck.
“Ajax!” Zhongli gasped.
“I’m back.” Ajax chuckled.
“I missed you.” Zhongli pulled away with a pout. “You were gone too long.”
“I’m sorry.” Ajax kissed his knuckles. “I was busy.”
“Will you stay long?” Zhongli’s hands tightened around Ajax’s tunic.
“A few days.” Ajax sighed.
“Oh.” Zhongli looked away.
Ajax tilted Zhongli’s head upwards. “I’ll come back sooner than last time.”
“Alright.” Zhongli sighed.
“Will you come with me then?” Ajax asked, his eyes hopeful.
Zhongli looked down, his arms still wrapped around Ajax.
“I cannot.” He said quietly.
“I thought so.” Ajax smiled and lifted Zhongli’s face before smoothing his thumb over the crease between his brows. “Don’t worry, it’s alright.”
Zhongli looked up at him, frown still in place.
“Maybe one day.” He said.
They went to Zhongli’s cabin where they ate dinner and sat by the fire telling each other of what had happened while the other was gone. Guizhong came by and found Zhongli huddled into Ajax’s side, the king of the abyss’s arm around his shoulder.
She frowned at the sight but quickly smoothed her expression when her brother looked up.
“Jiejie, you’re back.” Zhongli smiled.
“I’m back.” She smiled back at him. “Lord Tartaglia welcome back.”
“Thank you, Lady Guizhong.” Ajax nodded.
“There’s food on the table.” Zhongli said. “Should I heat it up for you?”
“It’s alright, A-Li. I’ll do it myself.” She headed to the kitchen.
Zhongli curled into Ajax’s side once more, making Ajax chuckle and wrap his arm tighter around him.
“Are you tired?” Ajax asked, running a hand down Zhongli’s arm.
“No.” Zhongli shook his head.
“I’ll be here tomorrow.” Ajax murmured. “Go to sleep.”
Zhongli hummed. “Promise?”
“I promise.” Ajax pulled him down until his head was on his lap.
Zhongli looked up at him with half-lidded eyes. “Stay with me until I fall asleep?”
“Of course.”
Guizhong came and found her brother sleeping on Ajax’s lap, his face turned towards his stomach and his fingers intertwined with his.
She sighed. “Will you take him to his room?”
Ajax brushed away the hair from Zhongli’s face and lifted him into his arms, Zhongli murmured and pushed his face into Ajax’s chest but remained otherwise asleep.
Ajax gently placed him in bed and tucked him in. He found Guizhong waiting for him outside.
“I will be blunt with you, Lord Tartaglia.” She said. “I do not approve of your intentions towards my brother.”
“And what are my intentions, my lady?” Ajax cocked his head.
Guizhong frowned. “You ask him to come back to the abyss with you every time you see him. You intend to take him there and keep him in a place he would never survive in.”
“How do you know he would never survive? And I do not intend to trap him anywhere, I ask him to accompany me of his own free will. If he chooses to then it is no one’s concern.”
“Of course it is my concern.” Guizhong hissed at him. “I am the only one he has to take care of him.”
“He can take care of himself.” Ajax frowned. “He is not a child.”
“He is too kind, too caring.” She shook her head. “People like you would take advantage of his nature.”
“People like me?” Ajax raised his eyebrows.
“He is too innocent for someone like you.” She continued as if she hadn’t heard him. “I’ve seen the way you look at him.”
“Jiejie?” Came Zhongli’s voice from behind her. “Ajax, what’s wrong?”
“A-Li…” She rushed to him. “Did we wake you? I’m sorry.”
“Why are you fighting?” Zhongli frowned.
“We are not fighting.” She shook her head, forcing a smile.
Zhongli frowned. “Don’t take me for a fool, I heard what you were saying.”
“I, I’m not take you for a fool, A-Li.” She said quickly.
“You think I am a child.” He said.
“That isn’t true.” She shook her head.
“I have accepted your treatment as overprotectiveness…but the way you treat Ajax is not something I will accept. He is my friend and I would like to keep it that way.”
“A-Li…” Guizhong pleaded.
Zhongli’s jaw was set. “Please, Jiejie.”
“I’m sorry.” She said, tears in her eyes. “I overstepped.”
“It is alright.” Zhongli said. “I know it’s because you love me.”
“A-Li. You are too good.” She pulled him into her arms and cried into his neck.
“Please apologize to Ajax.” Zhongli said.
“I-I’m sorry, lord Tartaglia.” She bowed.
“That’s alright.” Ajax smiled.
“But if you hurt my brother, I will bury you alive.” She said with a sweet smile.
“Jiejie!” Zhongli cried.
“It’s true, A-Li. I still do not accept him but I respect your decision.”
Zhongli sighed while Ajax laughed, he took a step forward and offered his hand.
“Let us shake on it, goddess of dust.” He smiled.
Ajax came again a week after.
“I brought you something.” Ajax said as he and Zhongli sat by the lake eating fruits with Ajax’s head on Zhongli’s lap.
“Oh?” Zhongli’s hand seized its ministrations to Ajax’s fluffy hair.
Ajax got up, pulled a box out of his pocket, and took out a string of pearls.
“Oh, it’s beautiful, Ajax.” Zhongli’s eyes widened.
“Can I put it on for you?” Ajax’s hand found its way to Zhongli’s ankle.
“Yes.” Zhongli said, he pulled his knees towards his chest and stretched out his leg towards Ajax.
Ajax unclasped the anklet and wrapped it around Zhongli’s ankle before clasping it once more, it sat snuggly around his ankle, turning pink and blue under the blazing sun with every tilt of Zhongli’s foot.
“It looks good on you.” He smiled and leaned to place a kiss to Zhongli’s ankle right above the anklet.
“Thank you.” Zhongli said breathlessly.
Ajax trailed kisses up Zhongli’s leg all the way to his knee before stopping to gaze at the god above him. Zhongli’s face was flushed and his breath had quickened, his eyes were clinging to Ajax’s every move with intensity.
Ajax’s hand slid Zhongli’s robe to the side to bare a jade-like thigh, he parted Zhongli’s trembling legs and kissed the inside of his thigh before sucking at the skin there.
Zhongli started and involuntarily closed his legs, kneeing Ajax in the jaw in the process.
“Ah!” He parted his legs again and cradled Ajax’s reddening face in his hands. “I’m sorry!”
“It’s alright.” Ajax sat up.
“Does it hurt? Oh Ajax, I’m sorry.”
“It doesn’t hurt.” Ajax shook his head. “I’m sorry.”
“It-it’s alright.” Zhongli flushed and looked away. “Let me heal it for you.” A flow of magic burst forth out of his hands and Ajax felt the numbness go away instantly.
“Better?” Zhongli asked with a frown.
“Yes.” Ajax smiled. “Thank you.”
“I’m sorry.” Zhongli’s frown was deep between his brows.
“Don’t be, it’s my fault.” Ajax pulled away.
“It’s not.” Zhongli shook his head.
“I…should go.” Ajax said and got up.
“Won’t you stay longer?” Zhongli got up with him.
“I can’t.” Ajax smiled as they danced their usual dance. “Will you come with me?”
Zhongli frowned. “I can’t.”
“I’ll see you soon, Zhongli.” Ajax said and left.
Ajax stayed away for over a month, leaving Zhongli jittery and anxious.
“I will go to him.” He said to Guizhong for the thousandth time.
“A-Li, you can’t.” She said.
“But I want to see him.” Tears fell down his face.
“Oh, A-Li.” Guizhong pulled him into a hug. “I’m sure he’ll be back soon, why not give it another week?”
“No.” Zhongli shook his head. “Two more days and then I will go myself.”
Guizhong sighed but relented. “Very well, we will go together. I cannot stand to see you so brokenhearted."
But Ajax came by the next day, he walked into Zhongli’s meadow with his usual swagger and when Zhongli saw him he dropped the piece of wood he was carving and ran to throw himself at him, wrapping both arms and legs around the king of the abyss’s body and crying into his neck.
“Ajax, Ajax, Ajax.” He chanted.
“Yes, I’m here.” Ajax chuckled but his voice was thick. “I’m sorry.”
“I missed you so much.” Zhongli sobbed against his cold skin.
“I missed you too.” Ajax stroked his back. “So much.”
“I’m sorry.” Zhongli sniffled.
“What for?” He pulled away to look at the god clinging to him.
“I…it was my fault that you stayed away.” Zhongli asked quietly.
“No.” Ajax frowned. “It was my fault, I did something I shouldn’t have done and I thought I would reflect before I saw you again-“
“So you think it’s a mistake?” Zhongli asked, his breath quickening.
“Yes.” Ajax said. “I should have asked first.”
Zhongli let go of Ajax. “Perhaps that is true.”
“It…surprised me.” Zhongli looked away. “But that does not mean I did not like it.”
“Oh.” Ajax said blankly.
Zhongli stood on his tiptoes and placed a chaste kiss to Ajax’s lips before pulling away quickly. Ajax wrapped his arms around his waist and pulled him flush against him, kissing him back.
Zhongli hummed into the kiss and gripped Ajax’s tunic tightly.
“I love you.” Ajax said when they broke apart. “I’ve loved you since the moment I first saw you.”
“I love you too, Ajax.” Zhongli smiled.
“My Zhongli.” Ajax trailed kisses down his neck, pausing to bite at pale skin. “I want you, so bad.”
“I’m yours.” Zhongli arched his neck, pushing his body against Ajax’s.
“L-let’s go inside.” Zhongli said shakily when he felt Ajax’s hardness against his body.
Ajax lifted him without a word into his arms and took him to his cabin, he locked the door behind them and pushed Zhongli against it before shoving his lips against his.
Zhongli gasped into the kiss and wrapped his legs around Ajax’s waist. Ajax rolled his hips, making Zhongli dig his nails into his back.
“Bed.” Ajax said and Zhongli blindly led him to his room. Once there, Ajax dropped him onto bed unceremoniously before taking off his robe and underwear in record time.
He hovered over Zhongli, tugging at his robe’s belt before Zhongli let the robe fall against the bed, leaving him naked before his lover.
Ajax trailed kisses down his neck to his chest, dipping his tongue in Zhongli’s navel, making him shiver.
He reached for Zhongli’s thighs and spread them apart leaning down to place a soft kiss to his outer lips before spreading them open and kissing the wetness inside.
Zhongli’s thighs quivered and he let out soft sounds as Ajax began licking at the slick gathering in his folds.
“You taste so good.” Ajax said.
“Ajax.” Zhongli whined. “Stop.”
“Does it feel good?” Ajax looked up from between Zhongli’s thighs.
“It…does.” Zhongli looked away, his cheeks dusted pink. “But I want you inside me.”
Ajax’s breath caught and he sat up to look at Zhongli, flushed down to his chest.
“Patience, love.” Ajax leaned down again and licked down Zhongli’s pussy. “I have to get you ready.”
He dipped his tongue inside slowly, his hands firm on Zhongli’s quivering thighs.
“Oh.” Zhongli’s hand reached to grip Ajax by the hair.
“Does it hurt?” Ajax pulled away.
“No, no.” Zhongli shook his head, tears in his eyes.
Ajax slowly inserted a finger, letting Zhongli get used to it before moving.
“Darling, does it hurt?” Ajax asked when Zhongli tightened around him and let out a muffled whine.
“It-it’s strange.” Zhongli said. “But it doesn’t hurt.”
“Do you want me to stop?” Ajax splayed a hand on Zhongli’s thigh.
“No!” Zhongli shook his head vehemently.
“Alright, I won’t.” Ajax kissed Zhongli’s knee.
“I’m adding another finger. Take a deep breath, love.”
Ajax added another finger and stroked Zhongli’s clit with his thumb, making Zhongli arch his back.
“Ajax!” He moaned.
“Feels good?” Ajax pumped his fingers in time with the strokes. By the time he was up to three fingers, Zhongli was a mess.
“Don’t stop, don’t stop.” He pulled Ajax’s hand back when Ajax was pulling away.
“I won’t.” Ajax chuckled. “I’m putting it in.”
“Please.” Zhongli breathed, and pulled Ajax in for a messy kiss, their teeth clacking with the force of it.
Ajax pushed in slowly, inch by inch, all the while his hands roamed Zhongli’s body. Flicking his nipples and stroking his clit until Zhongli was mewling against him.
“Quickly.” He begged, his arms pulling Ajax closer.
“I don’t want to hurt you.” Ajax said, sucking a bruise on his neck.
“You won’t.” Zhongli said. “So please, move.”
“Anything for you.” Ajax chuckled and pushed all the way in.
He settled over Zhongli for a moment, giving him time to adjust to the feeling before he started moving.
“Ah.” Zhongli gasped when Ajax pulled back only to plunge back in.
His pace was brutal but from Zhongli’s moans he was enjoying it just as much.
“Ajax, Ajax.” Zhongli’s nails dragged along his back. “Touch me again.”
Ajax reached a hand to stroke Zhongli’s clit, and he hissed as Zhongli tightened around him.
“I love you.” Ajax whispered, biting at Zhongli’s neck.
“I love you, oh.” Zhongli gasped as Ajax hit a particular spot.
Zhongli came undone under Ajax’s hands before long, and Ajax followed soon after, collapsing over him and panting.
“Again.” Zhongli said between sharp breaths.
“Dearest, give me time to recover.” Ajax huffed.
“Take your time but we will go again.” Zhongli said, flipping them over with difficulty.
“Oh, we will.” Ajax pinched his butt.
“Ah!” Zhongli jumped before bursting into giggles.
He settled down next to Ajax, his head nestled into his chest.
“Ajax.”
“Hmm?”
“Ask me again.”
Ajax was quiet for a moment before he took a sharp breath.
“Ask me.” Zhongli repeated.
“Zhongli.” Ajax pulled him up so they were facing each other. “Will you come to the abyss with me?”
“Yes.” Zhongli said. “Yes.”
“Are you certain?” Ajax asked, his voice thick.
“Yes. I am.” Zhongli nodded. “But, Guizhong’s condition was that we would visit regularly.”
“Of course we would, I know you would miss your domain and your sister.”
“Mn.” Zhongli nodded. “But I will come with you, Ajax. For as long as you will have me.”
“Forever, then.” Ajax smiled into his lips.
Zhongli laughed breathlessly. “Forever.”