#the adventures of crook and ajax
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Mile High Midnights: Fresh Blood
This is fanfic of my own character from a V5 game I was in, in case anyone was unsure of the levels of nerd and former theatre kid we're dealing with here.
CW: vampires, deformity (no ableism), sword
The message is barely hidden in the code, which is itself a message.
“Omaha was sloppy.”
Obviously. But she came out ahead, without using him or his name. Which is, of course, his actual problem with Omaha.
She wipes the server and his hardly secret note. She doesn’t leave one in response.
Her security system pings, and she watches the log populate Landry’s iris scan along with the time and date. The outer door glides open and closes again with a satisfying ka-chunk. The system logs Landry’s code on the inner door as she opens the panel to the physical lock. Landry is quiet and careful with her key, but Crook is listening for it.
“The deadbolt ruins the Matrix vibe you’ve got going on.”
Crook glances sideways at the falchion strapped to Landry’s back. “We can’t all be red carpet ready, Eric Brooks.” Crook taps the nearest keyboard with one deformed hand. “Can’t hack metal and wood.”
Landry grins and leans against a server rack. “So what’d you find?”
“A goddamn miracle,” Crook mutters. She flips open the notebook in front of her and shows the illegible scrawl to Landry. “You were right, some of Pasteur’s work did survive the fire, but it wasn’t saved and traded by cultists or collectors or devotees, the Prince himself kept it.”
Landry’s dark eyes go wide. “That is… both better and worse than I was hoping for.”
“You still want it?”
“Maybe? Yes. I don’t know.” She paces in the small room. “Yes, definitely. But I think the whole angle’s changed. This isn’t ‘intimidate some fanboys into giving us their memorabilia,’ it’s ‘kiss Eddie’s ass until he lets us play with his toys.’”
“We’re not totally in the dark, for whatever that’s worth.” Crook’s twisted hands fly over two different keyboards. “We know he has a lair under CCM, and if you give me enough time I can figure out which banks he’s got vaults at. Extortion is always an option.”
“Right,” Landry nods. “Do you have any plans that don’t involve larceny or threatening the Prince of the city that just offered you sanctuary?”
Crook hunches further into the distorted curve of her spine, glaring from under a curtain of pale hair. “Don’t act like I’m a charity case. I earned my spot here, and as it happens I do have an idea for diplomacy: Ajax is coming to town next week. Omaha didn’t light up like we hoped it would, so they asked Jo to pull some strings here for them. We can mingle and schmooze when Ajax presents themself to Ed.”
“Look at you, getting soft already!”
Crook snarls, Landry laughs, and the thrum of machines fills the ensuing silence.
“How did you expect Omaha to light up? You played nice with everyone, even Kalt until the very end. What’s left behind?”
A collection, neatly organized on dust-free shelves and proudly displayed, Crook thinks. “I don’t know,” she answers, mostly truthfully. “Rojas was very particular about handling Ramona on her own. At the time I chalked it up to her not trusting me, but thinking about it now… I don’t know. I guess we expected fallout in that direction.”
“There might still be.”
“And we’ll be ready if there is.”
~~~
Crook sits at a table in a private room, the end of the booth cut short to accommodate mobility aids. She watches Ajax watching the stage, all undercuts and fitted vests. They wear their grief the same way they wear their symbol of Tyler: lightly, subtly, belying the strength required to bear them.
Tonight, in this room, surrounded by kine and Kindred and those lost in the music, they’re just another fan. Wherever Ajax holds their past, it’s not an active participant in this scene, and Crook recognizes the fleeting feeling of gratitude.
She frowns down at her lap, running down a mental list. Yes, there’s still sound logic to keeping Ajax around, and the fondness is incidental. Might hurt when she needs to be done with them, but hey, her heart’s just as crooked as the rest of her.
Seventh Son finishes their set and the crowd disperses along with their energy. “Well,” Ajax says to the tension. “They certainly didn’t welcome us like that in Omaha.”
The Brujah ambassador—the Primogen title having been abandoned once Prince Edward formed the current Camarilla Council of Denver—laughs boisterously. In the admittedly limited time she’s known him, Crook hasn’t known Sampsa to do things any other way.
“We have fun here in Denver! I’m sure you’ll fit right in, if the rumors out of Omaha hold any truth.” He winks, oblivious to (or gauging) the tightness around Ajax’s smile.
“Oh, I don’t know about all that,” Ajax responds affably. Crook recalls a time Ajax affably broke a table in half with their bare hands.
The members of Seventh Son choose that moment to join the party. Led by Edward Williams, Toreador Prince of Denver, the band are still in high spirits from their set. Edward’s face is sun-weathered and lined from the years before his Embrace, his eyes dark and watchful. A performer’s aura surrounds him; better saboteurs than Crook could not catch this man off guard.
She’s met him only once before, at her own presentation. Her reputation had preceded her as well, along with an enthusiastic vote of confidence from Landry’s sire Roderick. To her absolute shock, Prince Edward held his own discussing the digital security of the various Elysia in Denver, and how Crook might benefit those teams. Toreader are usually too pretty to be true, and this one’s “bard of the people” act rings no less false to Crook.
“Welcome to Denver, Ajax of the Brujah.” Edward smiles broadly and reaches to shake Ajax’s hand. “I’m very sorry circumstances sent you from St. Louis, but I’m thankful someone with your understanding of crowd control and mob mentality has found their way to my domain. As you saw,” he gestures to the empty stage in front of them. “Large groups of kine are something I deal with regularly. Sheriff Leah will see to it that there is a place for you among her ranks.”
If only it were all as neat and tidy as that, Eddie my boy, Crook thinks. She catches Landry’s eye as the interested parties speak at the same time.
“Ajax, what are your credentials—”
“Clan Brujah requests—”
“On behalf of House Schrekt—”
Prince Edward raises a hand and closes it to a fist, like a conductor ending a symphony. Immediately the room falls silent. “Sheriff Leah, Ajax comes highly recommended by Prince Jo, as well as our very own Landry. You may conduct a full interview at Ajax’s earliest convenience after they’re settled in.
“Clan Brujah has full jurisdiction over our newest fellow, and I expect your people to assist them in getting their feet under them, Ambassador Sampsa. Several factions,” he gestures around the table, “are interested in Ajax’s capabilities and it would behoove your clan to guide them in navigating these invitations.
“Ambassador Roderick, your position as Ajax’s sponsor offers you a degree of authority in assignments, but none of you,” here he addresses the group at large, “supersedes Ajax’s own autonomy.” He nods at Ajax. “As Prince of this domain I’ve determined your most comfortable fit will be with Sheriff Leah, the specifics to be decided between the two of you. If you find yourself drawn elsewhere, I encourage you to make your case at Elysium. The independent Kindred is most comfortable in these modern nights.”
Crook was almost impressed at how much Eddie could make “shut up and do what I say” sound like a choice. Let the games begin.
A look from Crook to Ajax: just roll with it. The Prince, the Sheriff, the Ventrue ambassador, and the nasty ghoul representing the Nosferatu all notice.
An affirmation from Ajax to the Prince, deferential but not subservient, like a friend acknowledging the other’s point. Crook appreciates the play, the Toreador ambassador doesn’t. Again the Ventrue ambassador watches raptly, and Crook notes to look into him. The Gangrel ambassador makes their boredom obvious.
Introductions begin, with Roderick and Clan Tremere leading. Roderick overplays his hand, and Landry’s damage control only goes so far. Crook successfully leans on her history with Ajax without revealing much in Leah’s too-forward questions. At the end of the opening salvo Clan Tremere’s interests take the lead, at the cost of Ventrue and Brujah scrutiny.
The Gangrel ambassador makes their excuses and the Prince reminds them about an upcoming Seventh Son show at Pelican Ponds. No one misses the threat.
An inquiry from Brujah to Tremere, bold and over-familiar, putting them on the defensive. The situation is saved by the Toreador, Landry and the Nosferatu ghoul unable to mask their surprise. Crook remembers underestimating a Toreador in Omaha and nods a respectful thanks.
Silence from the Ventrue and the Sheriff: the former curious, cold, calculating; the latter peevish and petulant.
Between and beneath, asides: Ajax to Landry, Brujah to the Prince, Roderick to the Prince, the Prince to the ghoul, Crook to Ajax, Landry to the Prince, the Prince to the Toreador. Strings of conversations and queries and comments weaving a background to the scene at the foreground: a Kindred searches for sanctuary while their allies seek secrets and sorcery.
Crook has already offered her haven until Ajax can set up one of their own. Shortly before dawn, Landry meets them there.
“The sword really is so cool,” Ajax grins at Landry by way of greeting.
She unsheathes it to show off, just a little bit. “All right. So.”
Together, they reveal their observations and debate innuendos and intentions. The realization hits them like the dawn.
“Eddie wants us to break into his sanctuary.”
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IM ASKING YOU TO WRITE THE CHILDE FIC ZERO IM ASKING x1000000!!!
the blizzard and the storm | tartaglia / childe (ajax)
✭ tags ; extremely dark content ahead, dead dove do not eat, mother/son incest / hard incest, noncon, spanking, mentioned domestic abuse (nothing graphic) and explicit alcoholism (his dad is the bad guy here), canon adjacent but not compliant (spoiler warnings for his background), violence and murder etc etc. 18+
PLEASE HEED THE TRIGGERS.
✭ wc ; 3.5k (????)
✭ a/n ; this one is pretty bad man. sorry about that. but exploring this dynamic with him was very interesting. also the different usage of childe and ajax r intentional here
✭ synopsis ; to be a twisted son means to be born to a mother who loves you. if you're ajax, anyway.
The blizzards of Snezhnaya are ceaseless.
Ruthless and violent. The winds that touch the barren lands are so strong and mighty that they are near impossible to brave. The snow comes down so thickly that the world is painted in white for miles to see. If you leave just a little outside the city, you must prepare to remain indoors for days.
Even if you were to break your back trying to clear it, the next day it would pour heavier. A relentless storm. The dirtied tracks of snowboots and handprints are gone, desolate underneath them. You could dig for days but the frostbite would riddle you sick before you made it out alive.
Nothing changes the color of a snow like that. When winter comes, it buries everything that attempts to defy it. It is cold and unforgiving.
Childe knows this better than anyone. He grew up along side it, the knowledge engraved in his skeleton - he could feel the chill of winter all the way in spring when he was a boy. Hairs stood on the back of his neck as he pictured the days to come - chopping wood and hauling them on his back. To keep the fires lit and his sibling alive. Bartering with neighbors for keeps, for food and grain before the storms took over again.
Childe does not regard the winters of his adolescence fondly.
A decade of trying to survive them sours the memory like a whiskey gone off. Perhaps they could be, if you hailed from Inazuma where the snow is no less than decoration, or Mondstat where spring comes just as often. But in Snezhnaya, winter was war torn. It was hungry.
What an unpleasant childhood it had been. For as long as he could remember - winter had been a game of survival. At 7, he'd picked up glass shards off the kitchen floor from where his father had smashed glass bottles of gin. At age 9, he had learned from a doctor how to suture with sewing thread just in case and what liquor is best to pour over wounds in case to prevent infection.
His father was an unpleasant man. A fool-hardy one. Though he wasn't always. During the years he was able to adventure and come back to boast - Childe would even describe him as fatherly. They would fish while young Childe(though then he was Ajax) would listen, eager to hear the tales from beyond seas.
It's just that when a man born for freedom is trapped, he retaliates against what he believes are his chains.
For his father, that had been that crooked house with walls that moaned in pain. It had been you, his mother, who spoke meekly and softly no matter what pain befell her.
His father was an unpleasant man during winter. Childe cannot recall each instance of it. Just that the shattered glass of his memories painted him as a monster. A violent alcoholic, a boastful and arrogant bastard.
A man unworthy of you. One who raised his hand at him often. Who raised his hand at you, his loving mother, even more.
The first time Childe tasted bloodlust, he was 10. He remembers it vividly, so much so he often dreams he is back in that kitchen. In a small cottage, with a butchers knife trembling in his palm and anger coursing through him. That night, had he not heard your weeping cry of solace as you lay in bed alone, his father would've been dead 4 years earlier.
Instead, he crawled into bed with you. Nursed the bruise on your cheek - his poor, poor mother. By then he was still small. Stronger than you though. He wiped your tears and apologized. Said he'd take care of breakfast tomorrow, to which you only laughed.
All you had was each other. Some of his siblings hadn't been born yet, and they were too young to understand it all. Childe only had you. And you only had him. His mother who loved him. Who called him starlight or dear boy as often as his name.
(He loved how you uttered his name, so softly. Ajax. Like you chose it. Like you wished for him)
His mother who was lovely and bright, like a star falling against the snow.
Childe has loved no such thing as you. Had it not burdened you if his father died, he would've buried him years ago.
But he waited. Bared his teeth for many years. Killer instinct might be the right way to describe it.
It handn't been time.
When Childe was 14, he got lost in the forest. He disappeared for three days and encountered the Abyss. In the forest, alone with nothing but a cruel swordsman and rage - he had gained strength that he had longed for so desperately his whole life.
In this way, unmistakably, he was so much like his father. The ambition in his heart was so hard and heavy that Childe could not remain the same after looking at it.
(Even as a Harbinger, he cannot recall the extent of this darkness. Only that at the time it felt righteous and true. If this was the doing of destiny, then Childe was always meant to be a weapon of war.)
In the Abyss, times passes slowly. 3 months entrenched in vile, filthy ambition had only been 3 days. When he had returned, his mother had a fresh bruise on her eye and his sister wept for a week.
He did not came back the same.
Where he used to meek or quiet, he had become hostile and arrogant. He was strong. Strong enough to intimidate. Clever enough to lure people to their death. The summer he turned 15, he had gotten into so many altercations - he would lick the blood in his mouth pre-emptively so it didn't spill on the clothes you lovingly tailored for him.
Darkness was a powerful force. A welcome one. The world was bigger than the winters of Snezhnaya and Childe could no longer deny that truth.
A man who yearns for freedom retaliates against his chains. Childe could no longer tolerate the presence of his father.
(During his training, his mentor drew a sword to the tip of his throat. And Childe felt his breath hitch in excitement, but not fear. A rumbling voice of a masked soldier echoed in his ears.
"Ajax," He had said, cold and low "What do you wish for?"
He laughed and leaned his head back against the hard floor.
"Power," He said, clearly and starkly - a headrush of euphoria as he wiped blood from his nose "And..."
"And?"
"To take my Fathers place," He says, with less hesitance that he expected, too restless to pretend "To make my mother mine alone."
"What a twisted boy you are, Ajax."
He laughs "You wouldn't understand, Master. What it's like to be so twisted and know you'll always be loved.")
Childe, upon his return, no longer tolerated anything. The more he retaliated, the more his father seemed to take issue with him. But he was no longer a boy afraid of the world. He had seen its underbelly and bathed in the blood that run through out it.
When Childe was 15, in a fit of delight, he had killed his Father with his bare hands. The old man was drunk, and only when he stumbled back did Childe realized how weak he'd been all that time.
You watched him, then, as Childe killed his own father so ruthlessly. You flinched, and closed your eyes. But you did not yell for him to stop. That night, he kissed the crown of your forehead and told you to rest
He buried the body with his two hands. The blood that trickled into the snow had disappeared as a blizzard hailed the next day. His littlest siblings were too little to remember, and his sister did not ask any questions.
Things were different then. In a single night, Childe went from boy to man.
It was the following morning his vision appeared. Hydro. The Archon of justice approved him. It was the next week in which he had been hailed to join the Fatui Harbingers as the youngest of them - that the Tsaritza crowned him a jewel.
Thing were different. Childe had grown up to be a fine weapon, after all. In exchange for joining the Fatui, he was compensated well. He had bought you a home and land, and sent money to you every month for years. The work kept him busy, but he wrote to you. To his siblings. And he visited whenever he could.
There was never enough time, to do as he pleased. He had what he wanted. Power. But not what he wanted most. You.
When he was 21, there was a lull in his work. For the first time in almost 6 years, he could remain in Snezhnaya as nothing called for his attention. There he stayed with you, and his sibling all grown-up. And like the man of the house often does, he took care of everything.
Spoiled his sisters with clothes and shoes, his brothers with toys and books. You, his mother, with dresses and jewels so fine that you seemed shy even trying them on.
How beautiful you were, had always been in his eyes. What a fine young woman you must've been too. His father was so undeserving of you. To bear children with you, to make love to you when he could not give you a house with warmth.
(But Childe did it all so easily. How unforgiving he cannot take you as consolation. How beautiful you would look, swallowed in the silks he bought. In the perfume you'd smell best in.)
Childe did not interfere on the matters he wished too most. Because, despite himself, he had not wished for your ire nor to cause you suffering. His mother who he loved. Who he longed, the strength of his desire was bone chilling.
In Childe's mind, you had always been his. You were his long before you were his fathers. He had lived inside of you, so wasn't it only natural to regard you this way? Your flesh and blood. His home since the very start.
Staying with you now when he'd grown up into a man had done nothing to quell the lust. The first time Childe takes you, it's unceremonious. It's a decision he makes on the flip of a coin.
(All alone in an empty house, he walks into your bedroom. With an agenda and little in his mind other fulfilling it - you're asleep in your night time attire. A sheer, loose little bodice that you can only wear given the heat - with a blanket thrown haphazardly over your waist.
Childe slips into bed with you, and like instinct you stir. You turn, your eyes fluttering open as you face him. Childe gives you a small smile as you rub the sleep out of your gaze - a soft, rounded way of speaking.
"Ajax, starlight, what are you doing here?" You offer, your hand reaching for his face in the dark. He grasps it in his, nudging his palm into his cheek
"I'm very stressed," He hums, warmly, coming closer towards you all the same. And you welcome him, despite the fact he is too old for any of this. He hugs you close, too close, and you let him. You rub his back fondly "I missed you very much."
"Such a big boy you've grown into and look at you, coming to sleep in mommy's bed." You tease, so lightly it doesn't sting "That's alright. You're always welcome. You grew up right before my eyes. Is there anything I can do?"
And Ajax laughs. Assured, that you will still love him because you are incapable of leaving even when you should
"Yes," He says, moving his hands too low for comfort "A few things...?"
"...Ajax?" )
The first time Ajax takes you, he wonders why he hadn't done so sooner. Like the kind, soft mother you are - best you could respond with is crying. It was the first time he had been the source of your tears, did he realized you'd always been like this.
How could you be such a cry baby? What a darling quality.
Your body was sensitive to the touch. Ajax kissed you like you were lovers and you only barely bat him away. You weren't strong enough to do much more, and eventually you gave in completely.
Kissing you had felt so right. It had all been perfect. You were always a woman. More than his mother, you were nothing but a delicate woman. One who longed for touch and affection. He can't imagine his father gave you enough.
So he did. He kissed down your throat lightly, pinned your wrists and made you helpless. He nudged his nose against your pulse and pinned you with the brunt of his strength, made you feel the hard twitch of his cock. Feel his burning, sick desire for you. You deserved that much.
He makes a show of it, just for you. Eventually you stop squirming, relenting instead. And you mewled, so noisily when he toyed with your body. He liked learning about your body. It made him feel close to you in a way he'd always longed for.
Your nipples were so sensitive to the touch, but especially to being licked and sucked and bitten at. You liked delicate touches on your hips and waist. But you liked your cunt to be touched more relentlessly. You're wettest when his fingers are toying with your clit, a needy little thing. Hard under the callous pads of his fingers.
You're cute when he's a little rough with you. Even now. His palm smacked hard against the most sensitive and achy parts of your body and you liked it.
You wept when he finally fucked you. He went raw and you whimpered his name like a plea, Ajax. Archons, how could anyone ever compare? Hot and wet inside, soft and womanly with the stretchmarks of childbirth. He wanted nothing more to fill you with his seed over and over again and again. To touch your womb again like a welcome.
He'd never known how much he longed for domesticity. His father was a foolish, foolish man. How could anyone mistreat you? Husbandry with you is so sweet.
The first time Childe takes you, your relationship changes forever.
But you, his kind mother who loves him with so much affection, don't turn away from your son. And he's relieved and delighted to be able to have you. Even though, sometimes you look at him so sadly, you hardly push away.
("It's my fault," You sob, as Ajax bends you over the edge of the kitchen counter. He kisses your bare shoulder, cock sheathed inside of your warm cunt. He breathes a sigh of relief "It's all my fault."
"Don't blame yourself, mama," He coos, a hand around your waist as your pussy clenches down hard on his cock "Nothing could have changed me being born your son.")
Childe learned you blamed yourself for his desires. And he thinks in many ways, that's so like you. His beloved mother, his mama who cries and cries and cries. You blame yourself for everything because you are weak.
But Childe loves your weakness. He loves that you are so tender that all pressure makes you fall apart. Because you are like that, he doesn't let you go too far. Who knows what you'll do when he's away from home? What things you'll get yourself tangled in when he's gone? The leash is tight, but you are comfortable and safe.
And you can go out as long as you bring guards and come home by a certain time. You listen when Childe tells you these things before he returns to his duties, even fixing up his coat.
When Childe is forced to leave again to attend to his work, leaving you behind is the hardest of all. But he does so with high hopes, and he kisses you goodbye in the inappropriate way he loves when no one is looking.
(When he leaves, he finds about your affair as soon as it happens. There is always someone watching. At the time, he takes his anger out on whatever target has been assigned to him.
And it quells the violence in him long enough to plan. Ajax doesn't blame you. His mother who he loves, who must've been lonely. Your adultery reads to him like a cry for attention.
Your punishment will be light.
But any man who lays hands on you that isn't him must be punished violently. Childe thinks of how he'll scatters the body in the oceans breaching Snezhnaya. Or how he might feed them to the creatures kept in Dottore's lab.
He sits on the anger for a year until he's officially around to come back to his hometown.)
When Ajax returns, he doesn't hesitate upon arrival. He is 24 and stronger than he'd ever been. Before he even walked through the threshold of his home, he detoured to the house off the end of the street and killed the man who's defiled you in his absence.
He came home to you with the blood still splattered on his pale cheek. He told the children to go with his guards so he could talk to you about "grown-up" things and went without thinking twice.
And then he is home. Childe is Ajax, and he came home to you, his mother. And Childe would never pride himself on raising a hand against you, but even you must learn your lessons.
(You look good bent over his lap. This is the first thing that crosses his mind as he takes you over the knee - on the side of the bed.
You're wearing a dress with tight stockings, like you're trying to look nice for someone. And the idea is so rage inducing, he almost forgets to control the strength in his hands.
He pulls the skirt past the curve of your ass and lets it bunch around your waist. Your hands tied over your back, Ajax lets his fingers tease against the seem of your stockings. White, lace panties like you're a young girl underneath the thick, sheer fabric of nylon.
He sucks some air inbetween his teeth.
"Were you lonely while I was gone, mama?" He says, voice soft but curt "Is that why you were wasting your time on other worthless Snezhnayan men?" '
"Ajax," You beg, sobbing while you squirm "Please."
"Shhh. Don't cry too much, okay? I already got rid of him and took care of it."
You weep out a no, and Childe lets his hand come down on the fat off your ass. A harsh smack echoes against the room and you quiet almost immediately. For someone who shies away from his discipline, you sure take it well.
"You should take care of your family, you know? And that means not bringing around strange men, okay? You already have me to take care of your needs."
"That's wrong, Ajax—"
"Who can tell you what's right and wrong? I'm a very powerful man now, Ma. And I'm strong too, so you shouldn't worry about it," He rips the seam of your stockings as he tugs the fabric to the side - revealing your cunt. Unshaved and wet, Ajax lets out a pleased sigh as he draws his fingers through your folds, teasing your clit gently "I'll always be your starlight, though."
"Ajax." You whisper, hoarse and ashamed and so sweet for him "Please."
"Did you miss me, Mama?"
And your voice softens, even as Ajax eases himself into you with his fingers. Violates you gently, letting you fuck against the resistance, pushing up along your walls until you're moaning involuntarily. Even as he touches you in the way you love to detest, he can hear it in your tone. That you can't bring yourself to resent him for it all.
He rubs your gspot with careful precision. A well-practiced act of love and devotion, like a man to his wife that he doesn't often get to feel. You bury your head, stifling a moan when you speak.
"I always miss you, Ajax."
And it's enough to make him lose all control)
The blizzards in Snezhnaya are ceaseless.
And Ajax is 26, and this time of year never changes. It's like a reminder that somethings never do. Like his love and devotion, wiping the slate clean each time he sins.
Ajax comes through the door with flowers this year. He does every year on the day his father passes, but the flowers don't go on a grave. It'd be pointless to do that in that old backyard.
Instead, he wipes his shoe's on the mat and places them in the vase that you've kept out for him. He sees you in the kitchen and peers over your shoulder as you make something with your hands. He kisses your shoulder, innocent.
"I'm home, Mama."
"Welcome home, Ajax. Go wash up before dinner."
Some things are so unchanging, like how he will always be your son. Just like winters in Snezhnaya will always be cold and he will always come home to your warmth.
And you will always, always let him.
#dark content cw#noncon cw#incest cw#abuse cw#i think thats all#childe x reader#childe smut#do i even want to put this in the tagsdjsdkj#writing tag#genshin impact x reader#genshin impact smut
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I want the K! Throwing it back at you
kiss roulette | 21. WILDCARD! Dealer’s choice :)
@nagareboshiko
A kiss to a scar, birthmark, injury, or other marking
The day had been more than exhausting. The tension between them had been heavy and Childe was still unsure what the cause might have been. Sometimes the worst thing you can do when there's animosity between parties is to sit and let it stew; let it worsen with each breath, each word, each step.
Now, after their weary day, they sat in warm dwellings as the fire crackled. In the light of that fire, Childe had gently unlaced her dress to get better access to her blood caked back and removed her scarf and gloves. It had taken quite the bit of convincing, but an act of service felt like all he could do to reach her right now. Gently, he rubbed the warm, damp fabric over her porcelain skin, marred by scars from her years of adventure he was sure. As the flames danced, those old cuts and bumps seemed accentuated, most noticeably the two large parallel scars on her shoulder blades.
Ungloved, jacketless and sleeves rolled to the crook, water trickled from the cloth down his forearm and of his elbow, hitting his trousers or the floor with a soft patter, only for that cloth to be watered and wringed out over and over. Somehow that was the loudest sound in the room. As the red marks faded, Childe became more and more curious about the scars. He'd seen them before but staring at them now- in this light and with his lethargy- gave them a certain quality that almost made them look like they glowed. What a silly thought. But the thought captured him, those large pale marks captured him- he traced the tips of his wet fingers over the outline of these marks. If he was honest, he'd never seen anything like them. There was a sadness to them, something about them felt off. Lost in that thought, his tracing slowed to a halt. The harbinger leaned forward, gently pressing his lips to her skin, warm and dampened by the water.
As though something like that could make it better. As though such a simple gesture could heal her- heal them.
Again he kissed her with a gentleness he rarely showed, again, and again until the futility of it sank in. The harbinger rested his forehead just under the nape of her neck and said nothing.
Weapons are designed with nothing else in mind but how much blood they can draw. Swords cant sew wounds together. But perhaps they can give you a sense of protection. Perhaps, that's all Ajax could offer her.
#nagareboshiko has tied my muse to a pole#u thought i would choose the bloody one and lord yes i need it so bad but also#angst so#hope u like mwah
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Between Love and Lust
Summary: The sequel to Irreverence for the Holy, Adoration for the Carnal.
Zhongli attempts to start a relationship between you and Childe, all the while the forgetting what being a Hydro and Cryo vision holder meant.
The final banquet of the Geo Archon sets the stage for the most scandalous affair in Teyvat’s history.
Rated E: for Explicit descriptions of sex.
A/N: Also available on AO3. This multichapter fic would have a plot that leads to porn, porn, and more porn. This would have heavy themes later on so read at your own risk. Happy Ending guaranteed. Happy Ending guaranteed. Happy Ending guaranteed. Important things are repeated thrice.
Chapter 1: Before the Storm
The singular touch of your lover, Ajax, was enough to have your skin burn up with heat. A mere touch of his gloved hand on your exposed skin was enough to make you burn with the desire to be underneath him. And tonight was no exception, the orange glow of his bedside lamp served to make the sensual air in the room even more enticing as you laid on top of his bed, clothes in disarray.
Your top was unbuttoned, tits exposed to the cold air of the room and covered with his cum. Ajax sat in front of you, right hand on his cock and the other rubbing your clit. It was a testament to his skill that he could make you cum while not losing focus on stroking his thick and long dick.
“Ajax…” You called out for him, with tears at the corner of your eyes and not hiding the desperate plea in your voice, “I want it inside me already…”
You begged as you did your best to make his hand rub your clit harder, presenting to him your pussy that was glistening with your juices, had it been any other night Ajax would have done as you asked. He would have accepted the beautiful offer of your wet pussy that was waiting to be filled with his cum. But tonight, he couldn’t and wouldn’t reel in his darker thoughts.
He hadn’t been pleased with how Zhongli and you had interacted earlier in the morning. You knew that he had no qualms getting rid of anyone that could be a threat to your relationship with him, Ajax had never worried about your disapproval. The harsh winter of Snezhnaya had driven the two of you together, forging a bond covered in blood. But life had a way of making exceptions and he was not pleased about it.
“Ajax?”
He observed you as his hands ever so gently spread your legs wider, observing the quickening of your breath and the dilation of your pupils. You were such a slut for him that for a moment he considered being Ajax but it was just a moment. There was no room for Ajax tonight, not when Tartaglia had to remind you who you belonged to.
Whose cock had you begging like a slut, opening your legs without a single shred of shame as you had your entire body used like a breathing cum dump.
The darkness of his pupils and lackluster of it was enough for you to realize that right now you were beneath Tartaglia. Perhaps, in another world, this would have scared you but you were Snezhnaya’s finest adventurer and you were, most importantly, also Tartaglia’s hidden weapon.
You were his and there was nothing else that could make you happy save being fucked by Foul Legacy in public.
“Tartaglia~” You called out for him happily, raising your arms to pull him closer for a kiss.
It was this sweet and willing surrender that gives Tartaglia enough reason to be merciful to you tonight. It was what made his nips and sucking on your tits, gentle. The scraping of his teeth against your erect nipples brought out a moan from you, loud and utterly lewd as you felt his hard cock pressing against the wet folds of your pussy.
Your movement was enough to have the tip of his cock slip in before slipping out as Tartaglia adjusted your positions. You were now sitting straddling his thigh, your hands on his shoulders as you moaned loudly from his hands spreading the wet folds of your pussy, fingering you while he suck and nipped at your tits.
The taste of his cum present in his mouth from the remnants of the facials he had given you earlier. He felt your pussy tightened as his fingers alternated from thrusting into you quickly and then slowly, his dick growing harder at the thought of you about to come soon.
He removes his mouth from your well-developed and sensitive tits,
“Use your hands.”
His order has you reaching for his thick and long cock, your two hands barely covering it as you shakily and single-mindedly stroked him. Mouth salivating at the sight of his gorgeous cock that was hot in your hands.
“If you put that in your mouth, I won’t bother using your slutty and loose pussy tonight.” He threatened you, as he manipulated his hydro vision to thrust a water cock inside your pussy.
You cried out in pleasure and in dismay as you began to use your tits as well to make him come. Tartaglia moaned at the softness of your tits, your cleavage was just as wet as your pussy, the lewd sounds from his cock and your tits was enough to make him cum loads on your face.
You opened your mouth wide to catch some of his cum, tongue hanging out as you moaned from the powerful thrusts of Tartaglia’s water cock. The two of you collapse on the bed after cumming, him on his back and you straddling his cock between your tits and licking it lazily with your tongue. He had already hardened once more and you were so close to disobeying tonight for the momentary pleasure of having his cock inside you again.
“Mhm...that felt good, as expected of my slutty childhood sweetheart.” Tartaglia praised you.
The haze from the lust combined with your love for him brought back the first time the two of you had sex. The precious memory was a secret both of you shared and enjoyed reminiscing about.
You giggled at the memory, “Isn’t it your fault that I’m this way?”
“Is that so?” Tartaglia asked as he got up and pulled you towards him. He hugged you tight as you laid on his chest, back facing towards him. This was his favorite position, it was the easiest way to see if you were hiding something from him, and also the easiest way to get you horny.
His hands cupped your breasts, its fat spilling through the gaps of his fingers. He squeezes it, fondling it with tenderness as you sat on his dick.
“Did I really turn you into such a slut?” He whispered into your ear as he sensually moved one hand towards your stomach, slow and barely there and as it reached your clit, Tartaglia bit the tip of your ears.
“Was I the one who made the first move?” He continued, hands circling your clit.
“Nn! No-I-it” You moaned, even so you continued speaking “it was me! I-i seduced you that day!” You moaned loudly when his finger slipped in and you spread your legs wider.
“That’s right, it was just like this wasn’t it?” Tartaglia agreed as he fondly remembered that winter day that began everything between you and him.
He remembered being 14 and a few months freshly out of the Abyss. He remembered the day he had decided to spend time together with you again before he went off to join the Fatui. He wanted a semblance of his past before the abyss.
But how could he have known what would greet him was you, on your bed, legs spread wide as you masturbated with your fingers. Quietly moaning out his name with so much lust and love that Ajax knew he would regret it if he didn’t give you what you want.
He wouldn’t deny the thrill of seeing your shock and fear, the elation as you scrambled out of the bed, trying to get out of your room to escape. There was a certain joy that bubbled deep within him from your absent minded fear of escape, heedless of the fact that you were naked from the waist below.
“If I knew you love me this much, I would have visited you every night and day since I returned” He whispered as you struggled to break free, only to be stopped by being pushed against the door, your face planted against it as you heard the sound of his belt unbuckling and the soft thud of his pants on your bedroom floor.
Fear turned into lust and expectation as you peeked at him and then found yourself being kissed by him. It was sloppy and inexperienced, full of teeth and too much spit but 14 year old you didn’t care.
His cock easily went inside of you as his hands grabbed your fat tits and began fondling them. It felt too much and too few for you. The frantic thrusts of his dick inside your loose and wet pussy wasn't enough, you wanted his mouth on your neck as he fucked you over and over again.
You wanted Ajax to never leave you again. You wanted his sweet promises and love.
"Ajax…" You moaned after he found your g-spot.
His hold became gentle and you tighten your pussy in an effort to keep connected with him. He moans and you felt something warm and wet inside you.
“Tartaglia?” Your soft inquiring voice brought him back to the present. His eyes turned gentle as he met your confused eyes.
“Mmmm...just remembering our first time” He answered as he held you closer, burying his face to the crook of your neck and imprinting your scent into his mind.
He felt, more than saw, your face reddening. The heat palpable to him as he knew that you were remembering the first time the two of you had sex at such a young age. Learning each other’s body with hormone induced lust and something deeper. The bond forged in the harsh winter of snezhnaya had brought the two of you together.
Had he not been the amalgamation of himself before the abyss, the aftermath of it, and the culmination of his training in the Fatui...he would have believed that you and him were fated. Soul mates. But he knew that he had chosen you, once before the abyss, and then again and again after that.
He knew the reason behind your cryo vision. The Tsaritsa had only ever given her vision towards those who love ardently, those who love deeply and with everything that they have. Going against the tide for the sake of what they love. And Ajax, Tartaglia, Childe had felt joy, honor, and humility at being the reason for your vision.
This was the reason why he couldn’t let anyone take you away from him. You had loved him at his weakest and loved him still at his strongest, he would be a fool to let you go, to not hold you tightly within his grasp and return your love that gained the recognition of the Tsaritsa.
“Mmm...We were so sloppy back then…” You mumbled as your hand played with his, the ardent desire in the room had faded into a gentle aura of loving without any sexual desire.
“I...I really didn’t expect you to do what you did…” You added as your ears turned red but even so your voice didn’t hide the soft wonder and love you held in regard to that moment.
And Tartaglia knew then that he had nothing to worry about. You weren’t interested in Zhongli, you weren’t looking for someone else.
“Was I too rough to you today?” He asked, voice sad and worried that he might have gone too far with his jealousy, no matter how many times you had said you liked the feeling when he fucked you out of jealousy.
You shook your head, snuggling to him even more, as if you wanted to meld your body with his so as to never be separated. You clung to him, humming a soft tune as you mulled over your words.
“About Zhongli...you...you aren’t in love with him or anything right?” You faltered as you reached the end of your question.
Tartaglia observed you, your eyes were furrowed and you were biting your lip. Looking away from him to hide your insecurity but he was well versed in your body language and knew that you were wounded up and feeling insecure.
“I’m not” He replied, kissing you on your nape, the tip of your ears before making his way towards your mouth. He took his time observing you as his mind quickly went through every single interaction he had with the esteemed funeral parlor consultant that would have led to your question.
Beyond his money spending, there was none.
“Is it because I keep footing his bill?” He asked, and you shook your head.
“...It’s...I guess women’s intuition...that bastard looks like he wants to take you away from me…” You mumbled curling up and hiding your face away from him.
“I...I get it if you like him but...I don’t really want to share you” You admitted to him, heart clenching at the thought that one day he might just stop loving you, “but if you really want to...you can date him too…”
There were a lot of things you didn’t say, and Tartaglia knew this as well. He had grown up with you and over the years learned to speak your own language, he had learned to parse over the unspoken words you kept close to your heart, the hidden meanings behind your actions when your words fail you. And knowing that you were so ready to make concessions for him even if you didn’t really want to, made his heart ready to burst with love.
He loves you so much that sometimes it made his insides hurt, his overflowing love had nowhere else to go but to you and you had always accepted him,
“I like xiansheng but it’s a different sort of like...I just think his unending knowledge on liyue is interesting.”
You nod in agreement, “I believe you...but the way Zhongli sometimes looks at you feels different, well even if you two slept with each other you’d still top though.”
Your last sentence caught him off-guard causing your lover to cough and look at you with wide eyed confusion and shock, “Darling! Why-who- what made you say that?!”
His scandalized tone was enough to send you into a fit of giggles, tears gathering at the edges of your eyes as you looked at him and kissed him sweetly on his lips with your eyes closed.
“Babeeeee” Ajax whined as you got up to clean yourself, the wet sound of his dick slipping out of your pussy was loud in the room.
“Well...you’re too much of a top but…” You trailed off, a teasing smile on your face as your eyes twinkled with mirth, “Zhongli seems like the type to top you if you push his buttons right.”
“Stop! Are you sure you’re not the one who likes xiansheng?!” He complained as he followed you into the bathroom, arms embracing you from behind.
“Nope! You’re the only one I love besides just as you find him interesting for his knowledge, I think it’s fascinating how he pretends to be a human.” You answered as you led him to the tub, filling it with water and began preparing to take a shower.
The perks of having a harbinger lover was that you never had to worry about water pressure or running out of water. You hummed a happy tune, ignorant of the fast whirring cogs in Tartaglia’s brain as he processed what you just said.
“Pretending?”
“Yeah! Zhongli sucks at acting like one, he’s probably an adepti doing some recon here in Liyue Harbor” You replied absentmindedly as you detach yourself from him to begin washing off his cum.
You noticed the lack of extra hands groping you, feeling slightly neglected. You turned around with a frown only to be greeted by the calculative look in your boyfriend’s eyes.
“Tartaglia?” You tested out which of his persona was standing before you, the gleam in his eyes as he looked straight at you with a growing smirk had your pussy being wet again.
You took a step back, hitting the tiled wall of the shower as he stepped into the shower, crowding you with his arms placed on your sides. His cock was standing at attention, hard and leaking precum as it slid in between your thighs. You couldn’t look away from his eyes, filled with the look of a predator that you could only ever feel when he was in his Foul Legacy Form.
You doubt that he would transform in the bath but you knew that right now even without his transformation, this was the boy forged in the Abyss. That he was Foul Legacy right now and you couldn’t help but grow horny at the thought of another round.
“Aren’t you my observant slutty adventurer?” He crooned, voice deep with lust as you let your body be pulled towards his naked chest, his dick rubbing off your clit that makes you clench your legs tighter. The water had thoroughly wet your bodies at this point, his cum dripping down your body as he spread your ass cheeks.
“I-what did-” your sentence was interrupted by your moan, he had inserted his incredibly hard cock inside your pussy “I shay?”
You slurred your words as he began thrusting into you, the sound of your wet pussy being pounded echoing loudly against the tiled walls of the bathroom. Your erect nipples rubbing off his muscular and wet chest giving you an extra sensation that made you easily lose any coherent thought you had.
But Foul Legacy made no move to answer you, instead he had you cling to him as he held your legs up, encircling it on his waist as he began pounding you at the right angle to make you cum. Your moans were lewd and loud as it echoed in the bathroom.
You could feel your orgasm building up and knew that you were close and he knew this as well, the tightening of your pussy as he fucked you senselessly was a telltale sign of your impending orgasm. And he had no intention to stop fucking you even as you came, instead his thrust grew faster and harder as soon as you came with a strangled shout of his name.
You were crying at the feeling of your overly sensitive pussy and the feel of his hot cock that kept on going in and out.
Fwap!fwap!fwap!fwap!
The sound of his dick sliding in and out of your wet pussy rang loudly in your ears, mixing with the sounds of your pants and groans while your lover left numerous bite marks on your neck.
Schlick schlick schlick
“Nnn--haaa---!” schlop! “Noo---more! Aaaan!” schlop!schlop!schlop!schlop!
“I’m close…”
Splurt splurt splurt
With one last hard thrust to your sensitive cunt, Foul Legacy came inside your pussy, the plop plop plop sound of his cum dripping out of your cunt made you clench your pussy.
“...tub…”
With a single word, you felt his limp dick come back to life, faster than a whopper flower’s ability to spit 5 consecutive flame balls. You were placed into the tub on all fours, the feel of his fingers spreading your cunt was all the notice you received before you felt his dick enter you.
Schwap!schwap!schwap!schwap!schwap!schwap!schwap!schwap!schwap!
The water splashed around as you held on for dear life as he rapidly thrusted his cock inside your pussy that was still filled with his cum.
“Hahn! Aaahn~!”
Your moans were cut short repeatedly as the schwip!schwip!schiwp!schiwp!schiwp!schiwp!schiwp!schiwp!schiwp! Sound of his hips hitting your ass echoed in the bathroom.
“I’m coming~” you told him as you felt your orgasm burst, his grip was now on your waist, leading you to slam back as he thrusted forward headless of your sensitive pussy.
You moaned loudly, no longer bothering to keep your voice down as you lost your reason and began your slutty talk,
“More!more!more! Fuwaaa~!” You begged him, “haaa~haaa~! Haar-der!”
You mewled when his hand grabbed you by your throat and expertly began fucking you like you were nothing more than a cock sleeve.
Fwap!fwap!fwap!fwap!fwap!fwap!fwap!fwap!fwap!fwap!fwap!fwap!
“Yes~!Aaahn~!Nnnn! I want more of your cum~”
“Dump all of your thick cum inside me!”
“Fwaaa! Tartaglia~!”
“I’m your only slut,” Schlip schlip schlip “breed me like the whore that I am!”
You lost your sense of time, the only thing on your mind was the feeling of his cock fucking you over and over again, cumming inside you again and again until you felt full. By the time you regained your senses, Tartaglia was using your mouth and you greedily lapped up his cum as his cock hit the back of your throat and came.
The wet sound of his cock sliding out of your mouth pussy echoed softly in the room, you opened your mouth and then swallowed his remaining cum on your tongue.
“Fuck!” He cursed softly as he watched you swallow and then open your mouth to show him that you had drunk everything.
“Mmmm...do you think I’ll get pregnant this time?” You asked as you recounted all the times he had came inside you today, not even knowing how many times he came inside you while you were out of it.
“If you are then we’ll have a new family” He replied as he kissed you tenderly, tasting his cum on your mouth.
You smiled, laughing softly as you reached for him, “Does this mean you’re no longer jealous of Zhongli?”
“Not anymore...but if he tries something…” Tartaglia trailed off and you felt the spark of amusement at the thought of Foul Legacy fighting off an adepti.
You kissed him with glee, letting him know your approval for Foul Legacy mounting you once he won against the adepti.
The two of you cleaned up once more, changing the soiled sheets and deciding to take the day off. There was still enough time to scope out Rex Lapis’ whereabouts, and dealing with your dear consultant friend about his romantic endeavors.
For now, the two of you decided to sleep in each other's arms, savoring this rare moment of peace. Both of you knew that once the Tsaritsa had her hands on the Geo Archon’s gnosis her plans would speed up and whether or not both of you would make it out alive was up for debate.
Somewhere in Liyue, Zhongli was spending a rare moment of peace, free from his own form of erosion, drafting a contract. His mind occasionally wandered to the thoughts of you and Childe.
This morning’s event was fresh in his mind as he remembered the soft dip of your cleavage, visible from the gap of your corset tube top that you wore for the outing. The enticing glimpses of Childe’s toned stomach also added to his desire. The two of you were such a picturesque couple, an enticing mix of danger and seduction that had half of Liyue’s upper class in a hidden uproar whenever either of you flirted or made a show of public affection.
If he hadn’t known any better, he would have believed that both of you were fox spirits wearing human skin, only to wreak havoc in Liyue Harbor through enticing looks and amorous playful glances. Zhongli felt his cock strain against his pants as he remembered the pointed words and looks he had shared with you this morning.
A clear declaration of your sole ownership of Childe, of course he was not blind to the growing suspicion Childe had with each soft smile he gave you, just a hint of teasing mixed with a tiniest bit of desire as you displayed your sharp wit.
Even so he willed himself to calm down, now was not a time to imagine your wet pussy being mounted by his and Childe’s dick. Now was a time to draft a perfect contract to have you and Childe in his bed, and perhaps in his life on a permanent basis. He was no longer blind to the desire he felt towards the two of you.
Childe who was as unpredictable as Liyue’s ocean and you who was just as harsh and gentle as Snezhnaya’s winter. He smiled as he reread the contract he had written, he was quite sure neither you nor Childe would disagree.
You were after all such a slut that had your lover fucking you in one of Liyue Harbor’s numerous backalley and Childe was such a doting lover that had no qualms spreading his seed in public.
Zhongli hummed in pleasure, as he stored the contract away, and began his nightly and methodical routine of sleeping. His mind was already straying to one of his favorite imaginations of his coupling between you and Childe.
He couldn’t wait to mount both you and Childe one day.
|| Next
#childe x reader#zhongli x childe x reader#zhongli x reader#zhongli x childe#genshin impact x reader#R-18
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rainfall ; [childe]
a/n: after my lil angst fic, I needed some fluff. and then it turned into angst again. WHAT THE FFHSHEGJEGJ- happy reading folks! ✨
warnings: mentions of injuries
format & genre: one-shot + angst (sORRY-) + fluff
pair: childe/tartaglia/ajax x gn!reader
wc: 485
fic under the cut!
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it was 11:29 PM, and he still wasn’t home. under normal circumstances, you would’ve been a-okay with that. but he made a promise with you.
“you make a pinkie promise, you keep it all your life. you break a pinkie promise, I throw you on the ice. the cold will kill the pinkie that once betrayed your friend, the frost will freeze your tongue off so you never lie again.” he had told you.
“aren’t we too old for nursery rhymes?” you had said.
all he did was chuckle, before telling you he’d be back. if he ever did come back, it better not be as a corpse. you weren’t sure if you could handle the pain if that was the case.
suddenly, your senses started tingling. weird. is Childe near?
quick to rush out without bothering to bring an umbrella when it was clearly raining, you see Childe, drenched from the weather, slightly bleeding, and limping his way home. to you.
“CHILDE!”
he looks up to see you running his way. you’re shivering and- are those tears? immediately, Childe feels instant regret. he broke your promise, he worried you. just as he was about to apologize and say how he wouldn’t mind if you dumped him as he was such a douche, you wrapped your arms around him, dipping your face into the crook of his neck whilst your tears and the drops of rain stain his bear neck.
disliking the awkward tension, Childe chokes out a laugh before falling into a coughing fit.
“s-sorry I’m.. late”
your grip on him tightens just a bit, before you assure him that you’ll let it slide. “you being alive is enough for me. now if only you could stay this way.”
he attempts to smile, however painful his wounds were. oh how he wished you didn’t have to see him like this. his pride was damaged, and he longed to be in your arms and under a roof.
when you feel your boyfriend tense under you, trying to straighten himself, you get the memo. quickly putting one of his arms over your shoulder, you assist him as you two walk your way back home.
once you’re both lounging on the couch, changed out of the now-drying clothes and into more comfortable wear, Childe begins to tell you about his adventures that happened all in one day. your hands wander around him, his head on your lap and lying on his back. playing with his hair and massaging his scalp seemed to have calmed him, as he quickly falls asleep in your presence.
you smile sadly at him, wishing things could stay this way. oh, how easier it would’ve been if he wasn’t working for the fatui. you lean forward, pressing a soft kiss to his forehead before falling asleep then and there as well.
one thing was for sure, you wouldn’t leave this world without Childe.
#genshin impact x reader#genshin impact#genshin impact childe x reader#childe x reader#genshin impact childe#genshin impact tartaglia#tartaglia x reader#genshin impact tartaglia x reader#genshin impact oneshot#genshin impact angst#genshin impact fluff#fatigue works
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From Darkness Into the Lantern Light - Chapter 13
The final chapter!! But hopefully, it’s not the end of Childe and Zhongli’s journey...
@leio13 is the best for editing this (and for everything else she does)
Summary: Once upon a time, there was a cold-hearted queen. Although the Tsaritsa, as she was called, possessed her own divinity, she coveted the powers of the other Archons. Aiming to steal the Geo Archon’s gnosis, she sent her strongest warriors to Liyue Harbor. But just when Rex Lapis was almost defeated, he escaped to another vessel, that of a powerless baby, and was swept away to a hidden tower for his protection.
Many years after the great fight, the young and ambitious Harbinger, Childe, arrives in Liyue to grant the Tsaritsa’s desire, but, on his search for the Geo Archon’s gnosis, he ends up tangled in a mysterious man’s dreams to see Liyue Harbor’s Lantern Rite.
This chapter can also be found on Ao3 here. Without further ado, please enjoy!
“Zhongli!” A familiar voice beckoned the archon from unconsciousness. Zhongli? Yes, that was the name he was quite fond of—especially in gentle, whimsical tones. “Zhongli, let down your hair!”
As Zhongli’s vision came to, the first thing he noticed was the trail of his hair leading out the window, by which his “mother” was standing, next to the discarded flowers. Although his strength had not fully returned, his physical senses slowly returned. A burning chill coiled around his wrists, legs and throat; heavy chains bound him to the wall.
Then there was a tug on his hair followed by the sound of climbing steps. Ajax. Zhongli’s heart, which had been lifeless before, danced about in irrepressible excitement. Ajax jumped through the window, landing shakily. Discolored skin peaked out beneath his clothes. Zhongli’s eyes shot open.
“Zhongli, I’m sor—”
The blonde woman hovered behind him, the golden accents of a spear glinting in her grip.
“AJAX!!”
As Ajax drew a single alarmed breath, the spear swiftly pierced through his abdomen. Its gold tip was stained incarnadine as it burst from the blossoming rose of blood on his stomach. More blood sputtered from his contorted lips.
“‘Ajax?’” The woman scoffed, “Like the great hero? Ha! Don’t make me laugh.” She pulled the spear from Ajax’s abdomen, and he crumpled onto the bed of forsaken flowers. “A bloodthirsty murderer like you could never be like that. You’re Tartaglia, no. 11 of the Harbingers. Although at this point, you’re no more than a traitor.”
Ajax slumped further under a great shadow.
“That’s not true,” Zhongli spat.
“Oh?” The female Harbinger put down the spear and turned her attention to Zhongli. “You still feel like fighting? I was hoping you’d be more reasonable when you woke up... Oh well...” She sighed then lifted his chin, meeting his glare with menacing eyes. “It doesn’t seem like you understand the situation. You are coming with me to Snezhnaya.”
“No.” Zhongli shook his head from her grasp. “I refuse.”
“Let’s be logical here. There is nothing for you here. Liyue doesn’t need Rex Lapis anymore. And even your precious hero, Ajax—” The Fatui woman threw an affected pitious glance towards Ajax, who was still—”doesn’t have much time left. But you can still find a purpose at Zapolyarny Palace with the Tsaritsa.”
Zhongli wanted to deny her, but he couldn’t. His days as Liyue’s archon were long over, and his short frolic with Ajax had run its course. He could never be satisfied with the ending, but just as he, over the course of 6,000 years, had watched time strip him of the people close to him, he was powerless to resist it this time again.
“No... Zhongli…” A weak voice rasped by the window.
There’s still time. Zhongli glared up at the Fatui woman. “I will make a contract with you.”
“Oh?” The woman grinned. “What are your terms?”
“If you let me heal Ajax and swear that neither you nor any of your affiliates will bring harm to him again, I will surrender the gnosis which resides in my hair to the Tsaritsa.”
Despite her initial frown, the woman agreed to the contract and undid Zhongli’s shackles.
Zhongli rushed on stumbling legs to Ajax’s side. “Ajax, it’ll be all right now.”
“No, Zhongli…”
“Please.” Zhongli rapidly coiled up his hair. “Let me concentrate.”
“Wait.” Ajax grabbed Zhongli’s hand as he tried to cover the wound with his hair.
“There isn’t time.” Zhongli shook free from Ajax’s grip. “Please.”
“Signora is right.” Ajax reached up with his left hand and faintly stroked Zhongli’s cheek. “Liyue doesn’t need Rex Lapis anymore. But, Zhongli…” His embrace firmed as his right arm, dagger in hand, wrapped around Zhongli’s neck and sliced his ponytail right off. “You deserve to be free.”
“Ajax?” Zhongli watched powerlessly as his hair fell in dark coils on the ground. “Why?” He shook his head. As long as Ajax was breathing, Zhongli couldn’t give up so easily. He lifted Ajax’s head gingerly onto his lap. “No, hang on, I’ll find another way—there has to be something—”
“Zhongli.” Ajax squeezed Zhongli’s frantic hands. “It’s over.”
“No, that can’t be. Not yet.”
“Childe has wreaked enough havoc; this end is long overdue.” Ajax’s fingers fell limp in Zhongli’s hands.
“But what about Ajax?”
“Ajax, huh?” A reminiscent curl floated to Ajax’s lips.
Zhongli tenderly caressed Ajax’s face from the corners of his smile to the tousles of his bangs until the warmth disappeared beneath his fingers. He delicately laid his body on the bed of flowers and closed his unbearably lightless eyes.
Picking up the tainted spear, Zhongli rose silently to his feet.
In the corner, sweat was dripping down La Signora’s face. “That’s quite a shame, but he did it to himself. I did not break the contract.”
“The contract is void.”
“Then, surely, Rex Lapis, we can think up another one with more feasible terms…?” Signora shrank further into the corner.
Zhongli advanced with plodding steps.
“Wait, Zhongli—”
Zhongli drove the spear’s rufescent tip through her chest, and her body thudded on the floor.
With his rage-driven strength gone, Zhongli staggered back to where Ajax lay. He squeezed his brittle fingers and brushed through his hair the way he had done before, but this time, Ajax would not wake. There were no more dreams behind his smiling mask.
Despite his great strength, Morax was unable to protect a single, small and fragile human. Another person had passed away in his arms. Over 6,000 years, time had claimed the lives of humans, adepti and gods alike, leaving Morax in timeless solitude. Although the clock struck too soon, Ajax was no exception; even if his body remained, it too would be reclaimed by time, leaving only a brief haze of memories.
Zhongli’s chest and throat constricted with a caustic ache. His shoulders shuddered as swelling tears inflamed his cheeks. Then he collapsed, burying his face into Ajax’s still chest. The steady trickle of tears soaked into his jacket, at which Zhongli clutched feebly. He couldn’t let go, clinging to the promise of heroic adventures and quests for new dreams, of whispered contracts and gentle embraces, of playful grins and scintillating blue irises. But they had all been snatched away along with the future.
Zhongli felt a small thump under his cheek. Then another. Then two more. One by one, the thumps created a steady rhythm. Then, Ajax’s chest swelled, causing Zhongli to jump up. “Ajax?” He gaped at the weak movements of Ajax’s chest as a warm color bloomed across his face. A violent diaphragmatic spasm was accompanied by coughing.
Zhongli propped Ajax’s body up against the wall then he glanced down; besides the bloodstained hole in his clothes, all evidence of the wound had vanished. As Morax, he wondered if some of his gnosis remained dormant in his chest, but as Zhongli, he was grateful for whatever miracle had worked in his favor.
Zhongli cupped Ajax’s soft cheek. Ajax’s eyelids cracked open, revealing his oceanesque eyes. “...Zhong..li?”
Zhongli nodded.
“...Can I call you that?”
“Yes. Please.”
“You know…” Ajax combed his fingers through Zhongli’s disheveled haircut. “Your hair must be way more convenient like this.”
Zhongli couldn’t help but laugh. Ajax was right; Zhongli felt lighter, free from a huge burden. “Do you remember the other night, during the Lantern Rite?”
“Mmm… How could I forget?”
“We never finalized our contract.” Zhongli slid his fingers until Ajax’s chin.
Ajax flashed a crooked grin. “Remind me again; what are the terms?”
“From now on, stay by my side.”
“If it’s just that, I don’t need a contract.” Ajax laughed as he reached out with his other hand, his fingers circling lightly behind Zhongli’s ear. “I, Ajax, promise I will never leave you again.”
“And as long as you live, I, Zhongli, will remain by your side.” Raising Ajax’s chin and cupping both his cheeks, Zhongli planted a thoughtful kiss on Ajax’s lips. Its taste was a mixture of bittersweet blood and tears and warm vitality. As their lips interlocked, Ajax’s combing fingers massaged Zhongli’s brain, easing away all thoughts. Even though the future had made a beautiful return, Zhongli paid it no regard, wishing for nothing but the present.
“Hey, Zhongli,” Ajax’s whispers titillated Zhongli’s lips. “You never told me—what is your new dream?”
There was little point in answering that question anymore—at least not aloud. Zhongli’s lips curled as they pressed a deeper kiss on Ajax’s mouth.
***
Even when Ajax and Zhongli returned to Liyue Harbor (this time, taking the fast route by boat), they could not settle down. Zhongli was a man without an identity, and Ajax, a wanted criminal. Upon immediate arrival, they were whisked from the Alcor by some Millelith soldiers.
“The Tianquan would like to see you,” one of the soldiers announced.
Zhongli stepped in front, shielding Ajax with his body. “I believe there is a misunderstanding.”
“Zhongli.” Ajax sighed and stepped out from behind. “I will take responsibility for what I’ve done.” When Ajax thought of his actions that led to his arrest warrant in the first place, he felt such great shame that he couldn’t even look at Zhongli. I’ll play along, so just don’t mention the specific offenses—not in front of him.
The Millelith reviewed his papers with a chuckle. “I think there might be. The one she’d like to see is the man named Zhongli, not the Fatui agent.”
Ajax and Zhongli exchanged several confused glances before Ajax spoke up again. “What for?”
“Only the Tianquan knows that. It’s strictly confidential.”
“I’m coming too,” declared Ajax, tightly squeezing Zhongli’s hand.
“Be my guest. She didn’t say anything about additional guests.” The soldier shrugged. “But I don’t know how well a Fatui criminal will fare in the Jade Chamber.”
The main room of the Jade Chamber was an impressively spacious office flooded with white light from the high windows. To one side, an infamous board stood, smothered in papers, and behind the scroll-stacked desk, tall vases and jade leaf screens gave the space an additional flare of opulence. Upon arrival, Ajax and Zhongli were met by a woman with white hair falling below the knees and a gold-adorned qipao—undeniably the Tianquan—and, surprisingly, Captain Beidou.
“Hey, long time no see!” The Captain, with a familiar grin, strolled out from behind the desk, followed by the Tianquan.
“Welcome to my Jade Chamber. I am Ningguang, Tianquan of the Qixing.” Ningguang approached Zhongli with a courteous bow. Her brief glance at Ajax, however, was chilling. Zhongli returned the bow as Ajax retreated tactically into the corner. “Beidou has told me all about you, ...Zhongli.”
“What did she tell you?” Zhongli’s tone lacked its prior timidity about his identity.
“About your real identity.”
“I had my suspicions,” Beidou interrupted. “And some beat-up bankers filled in the rest.”
Zhongli shot Ajax a glance, and although he had his suspicions, Ajax just shrugged.
“Welcome back to Liyue Harbor, my Lord.” Lowering her head, Ningguang dropped to her knees, with Beidou following suit. Silent reverence stunned the room, singling out Zhongli, the figure of authority, and Ajax, who squirmed uncomfortably. Should he have kneeled too?
“Do not lower your head, Tianquan.” Zhongli helped Ningguang to her feet. “Liyue belongs in the hands of the Qixing now. You must lead them with pride.”
“I do not understand…”
“Morax is dead. The city of Liyue now looks to you for wisdom and guidance.”
“Yes, my—” Ningguang shook her head, wiping away the tear on her cheek. “No, I will see to it, as the Tianquan of the Qixing, that Liyue’s 3,700 year history of prosperity continues into the future.”
“A fine response. I can trust Liyue in your hands.” Zhongli wore a proud smile. “Ah—wait, I have one final request.”
“Yes? What do you wish?”
Zhongli grabbed Ajax’s hand and pulled him closer. “Exonerate him of his recent crimes.”
“I’m afraid I don’t understand. If that’s what you wish, I will see it done, but—”
“I know what he has done—” Zhongli wrapped his arm around Ajax’s waist—” But he is also the one that saved me.” His words lit a flame under Ajax’s cheeks, who tried to wriggle out of Ningguang’s gaze.
“Is that so?” Ningguang giggled. “Very well.”
After clearing up the issue of Ajax’s punishment, Zhongli and Ningguang engaged in a long discussion of history, economics and politics. Ajax didn’t bother to keep up; he was content to watch the subtle fluctuations in Zhongli’s smile as he imparted his wisdom. Such peace, however, only brought drowsiness upon him, and he excused himself to the Jade Chamber’s deck for fresh air.
Ajax peered at the expanse of Liyue’s scenery below him. It was truly nothing like Snezhnaya; although mountainous, it was rife with colors. In the days he had trekked across its diverse scenes, many vivid emotions had blossomed on his monotonous heart.
A warm arm draped across Ajax’s back to his waist. “Ningguang has assured that she will discuss the issue of your punishment with the rest of the Qixing,” Zhongli stated. “With that almost settled, what do you plan to do now?”
“It’s not over yet.” Ajax gazed at the distant snowy landscape.
Zhongli sighed. “Yes, we will need to settle issues with the Tsaritsa.”
The Tsaritsa… Ajax had tried to preoccupy himself with thoughts of Zhongli and their future, but thoughts of the Cryo Archon weighed heavily on his shoulders. Not only had Ajax gone against her will, but his heart had betrayed her. He, who had sworn his absolute loyalty to her, could no longer serve her as he once did.
“Ajax. I will go with you to Snezhnaya, and I will talk to the Tsaritsa. I have my own business with her, anyway.”
“No, I must settle this on my own.”
“You’re right.” Zhongli’s eyes were the stern ambers that had held humanity accountable for centuries. “This is the punishment and atonement you must bear for your transgressions. However”—his features melted into a reassuring smile—”If you must live with this guilt for the rest of your life, I will help you shoulder it.”
“Is that really the Wrath of Rock?” Ajax cracked a small grin. “Man, the years have really softened you.”
“No, the age of the Geo Archon and the Wrath of Rock has passed. Additionally, as Zhongli, it would be dishonest to scorn your actions which have benefitted me.”
Perhaps Ajax was wrong. Zhongli’s leniency had not weakened him at all; instead, it had given strength to Ajax’s crumbling courage. He squeezed Zhongli closer. “Well, it won’t be so bad. I am looking forward to seeing my family again.”
“As am I. I would love to meet them.”
“Of course, I’ll introduce you to my family, and then—and then what? What would you like to do, Zhongli?”
“Hmm… now that I’m no longer the Geo Archon… Well, I suppose I’ll do what I’ve always done, this time living fully as a mortal.”
“Hm?”
“Do you know of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor? I think I would like to work there.”
“A funeral parlor? Why?”
“Well, it feels as though I’ve already died once.” Zhongli curled at the short tips of his hair.
Ajax gently stopped Zhongli’s insecure hand. “Do you miss your long hair?”
“Even before I accidentally transferred my gnosis, I used to keep my hair long. It’s bizarre at this length.”
“It’s not weird.” Ajax kissed Zhongli’s lips, brushing his fingers lightly through his silky, dark hair. “I think it suits you, Zhongli.”
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Campaign Update: Death of a Hero
And now for a longish post about recent events in my campaign and the incident at the Crooked Keep.
Beatrice’s Holistic Dragon Slayers, starring
Beatrice, Kalashtar Warlord
Primrose Wasspeaker, Human Swordmage
Malyn, Gnome Rogue
Nieve, Tiefling Witch
Have been trying to reach the Crooked Keep nestled in the mountains above the Chaos Scar west of the Nentir Vale. The Keep, it turns out, is actually the ancient floating fortress known as Sky Fortress Ajax. Somewhere inside it is a Creation Forge that would allow for the creation of new Warforged. Racing against them is Prince ArseholeCormarrin and the corrupt elements of Gray Company, who plan to use the Forge to build an army with which to take over the Vale (as a start). Helping the Dragon Slayers is Cutter, a Warforged fighter originally from Ajax and who was restored to life by the actions of the Dragon Slayers.
Gray Company, it turned out, had managed to repair the flying Scout Tower that Cutter had originally been assigned to and separated from, and were using it to catch up with the heroes.
Having reached the Keep on the BorderlandsChaos Scar the party ventured across the wastes and into the mountains, encountering a behir and a volcano dragon before beginning their ascent. As they climbed they realised Gray Company were rapidly approaching in the floating tower.
The final climb was an arduous task in inclement weather, with sudden rushes of water, cold temperatures and slippery terrain. On top of that, the Dragon Slayers found themselves tangled up in a territorial battle between a wyvern and three griffons. Beatrice decided this was time to befriend a griffon, which went... poorly. The adventurers withdrew from the conflict and continued up the mountain until they reached a narrow ridge leading to the Crooked Keep...
...just as they came within range of the ballista on Gray Company’s tower. Under a deluge of enchanted bolts the Dragon Slayers ran across the ledge before encountering the Keep’s guardian; an ancient and damaged Warforged Titan. A grueling battle against the war machine followed from which Beatrice and her friends emerged victorious.
Finding a brief moment of respite in Sky Fortress Ajax, the adventurers quickly came up with a plan. Knowing each of the keep’s towers could serve as a separate vessel Cutter was sent to activate one so that they could escape. Meanwhile Primrose took charge of setting the flying fortress on a crash course, hoping to destroy the Creation Forge and deny the keep’s resources - including several more Warforged Titans - to Gray Company.
Unfortunately, the controls of the ancient installation proved harder to operate than expected, and the castle begin to fall rather than rise. Due to severe damage to the crystals housing the bound elementals that powered the fortress, Cutter’s efforts to launch another tower failed catastrophically as the elemental bindings failed. A massive blast of lightning triggered a cascading series of explosions and chains of lightning as the elementals escaped. Cutter himself was not seen again.
The Dragon Slayers ran down from the control room to the teleportation chamber where Primrose attempted to create a portal to Winterhaven despite not knowing the necessary ritual. With assistance from Beatrice in recalling the sigil sequence for Winterhaven’s teleport circle, and some improvised incense crafted from Nieve’s tea supplies, Primrose was able to brute-force a portal for a few seconds. The Dragon Slayers ran through - Malyn, Primrose, Beatrice - but Nieve fell behind.
So Primrose cast Dimensional Warp, swapping places with Nieve on the wrong side of the portal.
Beatrice, Malyn and Nieve crashed to the floor in what had once been the home of the mage Valthrun the Prescient. The mother of all lightning bolts blasted through the portal before it collapsed, blowing the roof off of the mage’s tower.
As for Primrose, there was a brief moment of seeing her friends safe on the other side of the portal. Then a briefer moment of pain and searing light. The rest, as they say, is silence.
And that is how Primrose Wasspeaker died a hero, saving not only her friends but thwarting the villains plans.
Next comes the reckoning...
And a new PC.
#dungeons and dragons#dungeons and & dragons#Dungeons And Dragons 4th Edition#dungeons & dragons 4th edition#d&d#D&D 4th edition#dnd#dnd4e#roleplaying game#role playing games#actual play#rpg#rpgs#role playing game#adventurers
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Jan. 29: “Good Samaritan”
Day 2: Good Samaritan
Warning for seizures? That’s it. Also a bit of a warning that the world this is in deals in magic and monsters. Find more about that on my OC blog, @the-entire-monster-kingdom, and find more of my I&I writing at @tokyoemeto!
___________
Ajax felt fine when he’d left the house earlier.
But that was earlier.
He felt fine the whole time, really. It was a nice day, even. He got to spend time in the older neighborhood and pet the outdoor cats and even help some of the locals in the garden. He’d gotten a few things in return to take home, and after a short detour, he was back out in town. It was, for once, a great day— Until he blacked out. No matter what one might expect, it wasn’t so easy to get used to having seizures. As much as Ajax had grown used to the idea of it, every time he found himself coming to while laying on the ground or snapping back into reality, it was jarring, especially when it was something that could even be less than a couple of minutes long, but ruin an entire day.
Everything seemed muffled at first. Far away, distant. Hazy. Warm, gentle hands touched him, moving him carefully. Everything seemed to dissipate once more before he finally came to, staring up at the person touching him dazedly. He wore white… Was that a cloak? He didn’t think many people outside of the old neighborhood wore those. He was probably an adventurer. He pushed his hand under Ajax, pulling him up gently after having laid him on his side. Ajax couldn’t help the groan that left him, supporting himself with a hand on the ground and running a hand through dark locks of hair. Though it seemed to hurt the stranger, he kneeled next to Ajax. “Hey, are you feeling okay?” His voice was gentle, as if they were out for a walk in the park, “You know where we are, right?” Ajax nodded. He felt like he couldn’t find his voice for a moment, finally finding words after coughing for a moment. “We're… We’re in the middle circle, right? Near the cafe?” The stranger stopped for a moment, looking around. He knew where they were, but he didn’t know there was a cafe. The kid was right, though. Maybe he should be questioning the stranger, and not the other way around. He flicked his hood back, looking the kid over with attentive eyes before touching his wrist carefully, like a glass doll as he tried to get a look at the bracelet, clearly a medical ID, that he wore. This was probably a common occurrence, then. Name. He needed a name. “Ajax… Right?” The human nodded, smiling sheepishly up at the stranger. He had tan skin, too, dotted with freckles all over his cheeks. “Uh… My name’s Noah. I'm… I’m not a doctor, but I know how to deal with a seizure… I’m, uh… I’m epileptic, too.” He gave him a bit of an awkward, crooked smile. It was an odd thing to bring up, or bond over, but it was nice to know that whoever was taking care of you knew what was happening from experience, he supposed. Ajax nodded, his eyes shifting down to his lap, then back up to Noah. Catlike ears sat atop his head. He was one of the inhuman. A Nexonian. They were the kind that… well… owned the place, really. It was their city. Noah let go of Ajax’s wrist, resting his hands on the ground in preparation to push himself up. “Hey, do you think you’re okay to move? We should get you… Home, I guess? You live right around here, yeah?” Ajax nodded again. Noah smiled. “Alright… Lemme get myself up. Last thing I want to do is fall on top of you because I got down on the ground.” He chuckled sheepishly, pushing himself up with his arms and rising slowly, wincing at the painful cracking in his knees. Once he was sure he was steady, he held a hand out to Ajax, bending forward a little. He really should have gone about it a different way, but thank the gods, Ajax was light. Pulling him to his feet, Noah took a few steps back, then came to his side as he rose, wrapping an arm around his back. He still seemed unsteady, but it was perhaps too much to carry him.
Taking a slow step forward, Ajax followed suit, and soon they had begun their short walk to Ajax’s apartment. It took some directions from the human, but someone who could figure out robots had no issue taking directions on how to get to a place maybe a block or two away. The hardest part were the stairs— The bane of Noah’s existence and the most difficult thing to try and deal with when you had only just come out of a seizure… At least, that didn’t involve machines. Taking extremely cautious steps, Noah held onto Ajax almost like his life depended on it as the human descended just after him. It was only a small set of stairs, just a few feet before they were in the hall in front of his apartment. Ajax gingerly tapped Noah’s hand with his lanyard, letting the inhuman take the keys and unlock the door before handing them back. Noah surveyed the room before he decided to settle on the couch as a good place to set Ajax down. Guiding him over, he set him down, looking around. It was a nice apartment. Clearly, someone else lived with him, but they didn’t seem to be here. Noah could easily sniff out their presence, but his first hint, more apparent to even humans, was the fact that… Well, Ajax didn’t seem to be the kind to play video games. Or watch horror movies. Noah didn’t take Ajax for the kind to watch many movies at all, but… Perhaps he’d have to find out later. “Hey, uh… Do you want a drink or something? Or something to eat? I don’t know what you have, but… Stay there, I’ll get something.” He finally let his hand leave Ajax’s shoulder as he shifted his attention to the kitchen, deciding to fill a glass with water and grab something light. A pack of crackers. Good enough. He returned to the living room with both in hand, sitting next to Ajax and handing over the glass first. He watched as Ajax took only a few sips of it before handing it back, Noah setting it on the coffee table in a spot not covered in papers and computers. By the looks of it, Ajax… or at least his roommate, Noah assumed, was a college student. Handing over the crackers, Noah decided to make small talk. “So… Uh… Do you go to college around here?” Ajax nodded, biting into a cracker. “Yeah, how’d you know?” Noah chuckled sheepishly. “It’s all over the papers on the table. What are you studying?” Ajax smiled a little. He seemed to like being asked so many questions. “Graphic design. I can’t really do normal work, but… Uh… I was thinking I could do something like that, I guess? And, it's… Uh… It’s kinda nice to go to class, I think. If I can’t really work normally, it’s fun to still do something.” Noah nodded. He wasn’t one to judge a book by its cover, but he didn’t think Ajax was that sick, upon first glance. “What do you do?” He smiled up at Noah. There was a good foot and a half difference between the two in height. “Me? Oh, uh…” Noah paused. He could say many things, but he didn’t want to just start with “I’m royalty”. He coughed. “I… I’m an engineer. I build and design stuff like robots and computers, and… I go out adventuring with my friend sometimes… Mercenary work.” He smiled. Ajax smiled, too, though with a hint of sadness. “That sounds like fun. I wanted to learn fire magic and be a mercenary, but… I don’t think it’ll happen.” He rubbed the back of his neck and smiled sheepishly. Noah couldn’t help but feel a bit of sympathy. If it weren’t for the gods and their magic… He wouldn’t even be alive, let alone running about and swinging swords around. He shrugged. “It's… It’s fun. It’s exhausting, but… It’s fun. I honestly wouldn’t be able to do it without magic to help me.” He looked down to Ajax. His ear twitched, the sound of heavy footsteps coming down the steps outside of the door. Was Ajax’s roommate an elephant or was that a neighbor? Ajax smiled again. “You know magic? How’d you learn it?” Noah gave another sheepish smile. He probably sounded like a complete lunatic. “I learned it from the gods. My family’s patron is the wind god, he… Uh… He made sure I stayed alive, and he taught me some magic, starting when I was… Eight? Ten? Old enough that I was out of the hospital most of the time.” He smiles a little. It was nice to talk to someone that wasn’t automatically afraid for him or trying to pity him when he mentioned how he’d been in the hospital. His ears twitched again, turning as the door opened.
The heavy footsteps were from a very clearly heavy person. Ajax’s roommate was another inhuman. She clearly had to be some form of demon, standing at eight feet tall, Noah guessed, and clearly made of mostly muscle. Her skin was a frosty blue color and her hair many different colors, ivory horns poking out from the rather fluffy mess. She looked at Ajax, then Noah, hanging her keys on a hook next to the door. “Jax, who’s this?” She laid her backpack by the door, standing on the other side of the table. Noah would have been terrified if he were any normal person. Ajax smiled, leaning forward. “Oh, this is Noah! He… Uh…” He smiled sheepishly. “He helped me get back after I had a seizure…” Her expression, harsh before, softened, now concerned. “You had a seizure? When? You should have called me.” She ducked into the kitchen for a moment, getting herself a glass of water, too. Ajax’s eyes sank to the table, trying to avoid her look. He didn’t like to worry her. “Uh… I got up.. ten minutes ago?” Noah nodded. “Yeah, it’s been… Twenty minutes at the most.” She nodded, sighing and looking between the two. She didn’t like strangers in the house, but damnit, Ajax clearly already liked the guy. “Mh… Uh…” She let her gaze rest upon Noah. “ Thanks, I guess. I don’t think either of us expected Ajax to have a seizure.” Ajax nodded, silent as he pushed another cracker into his mouth. Noah smiled. “Yeah, of course… I’d want someone to do the same for me.” He cleared his throat. “Uh… I should get back soon, but… Here,” Noah pulled a pen from his pocket, scribbling his number onto a scrap of paper. “Give me a call later and tell me how you’re feeling, okay? It was… It was nice talking to you, Ajax.” He handed over then paper with a smile. Ajax grinned, his expression much like a puppy. “You, too! I’ll make sure to call you later.” He kept the paper in his hand. “Uh… I guess I’ll see you around?” He watched as Noah stood up. He didn’t want him to go, but he didn’t want Kho to be uncomfortable with someone she didn’t know in the house. Noah nodded. “Yeah, I’ll see you around. I live around here,too, so… We’ll probably run into each other.” He smiled, approaching the door and giving a slight wave. Ajax waved back at him, watching as he shut the door and disappeared. Even if a seizure could ruin a day, maybe this was the rare occasion where it made the day instead? He definitely thought so, but in either case, he still desperately needed to get some sleep after that.
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