Work Text:
July 20th
Dear Zhongli-xiansheng,
Writing this out feels strange. I know you asked me to, but after so much time spent talking, it seems wrong to switch to pen and paper. Whatever, I’m just glad to speak to you again. Or... write to you again.
I’ve been back in Snezhnaya for a week and the Tsaritsa already has a new diplomatic mission for me. I barely even had time to play with Tonia or fish with Anthon. Still, it was nice to see them again, even for only a short while. Duty is inescapable. The Tsaritsa’s will is absolute - as we Harbingers say.
And the new assignment is not in Liyue, unfortunately. It’s in Natlan. The warmth in Liyue was difficult enough to deal with, I don’t know how I’m going to deal with Natlan’s heat waves. If I die from heatstroke, I will make sure to visit you as a ghost.
It has one positive, though. Natlan is closer to where you are than Snezhnaya is. Sure, it’s still thousands of miles away from Liyue, but I guess we can take comfort in the fact that we’re now less far apart?
Anyway, I attached a piece of art in this envelope. Tonia made it. I told her I met a beautiful dragon in Liyue and she wanted to draw my story. I think she did rather well, especially given she was working with limited resources. My father refused to buy her a new painting set, so she had to make do with Teucer’s crayons. She captured your likeness rather well, haha.
I look forward to seeing you again, whenever that may be.
- Ajax
July 26th
Dear Ajax,
I was pleased to receive your letter. I agree, ink and paper as a means of communication does have an impersonal quality to it. That is, if the writer believes it to be so. In my experience, if one believes that something is a means of connection, then it will become one. When I handled your letter, I pictured your fingers touching it. I thought about the time you took over each stroke, and how your hands may have gently steadied the paper as you wrote. Through this practice, I experienced some latent intimacy. I advise you to do the same.
Your dedication to your duty is admirable - even if I do not approve of the duty itself. I hope that your mission in Natlan proceeds favourably. I’m afraid I cannot offer a great deal of advice for surviving the heat, but your hydro abilities should be useful for cooling yourself off and remaining hydrated.
I received Tonia’s artwork and was very touched. It is pressed flat inside my desk drawer and stored away from sunlight, to ensure the colours do not fade. Please do extend to her my thanks and tell her she has a promising career in the arts ahead of her. On the subject of her painting set: I assume you already procured her a new one, but I thought she might enjoy the set I‘m sending in conjunction with this letter. It’s what the toy-makers in Liyue use to decorate their kites. I believe the rich range of hues will be to her liking.
I think of you often. Yesterday, as I was walking through the docks, I came across a pair of blue gemstones. They were a deep, hypnotic colour - and yet their depths were clouded. They reminded me of your eyes. I intended to purchase them, but it seems the issue of Mora slipped my mind again. A shame, certainly.
I hope you are well. I will await your next letter.
Yours,
Zhongli
August 2nd
Dear Zhongli-xiansheng,
If we’re going to communicate through touches on paper, you should leave a kiss on your next letter. In fact, why stop there? I’m sure you’re aware of the wonderful contraption from Fontaine, the Kamera. It’s easy to use, I promise. Perhaps an exchange of photographs would help us both retain our... motivation. I imagine they would be very stimulating. Mentally stimulating, of course. Nothing else. Unless
Natlan is strange. The locals are a little hostile, but I suppose that’s expected for someone of my position. Negotiations between the law enforcement and the Fatui are going well. This deployment should be completed sooner than expected. I’m happy because the heat here really is awful - but also because I might get a chance to see you again, Zhongli. I miss you.
Oh, and I sent the painting set to Tonia. She wrote back, saying that she loves it and is working on a new piece of art as thanks. I hope you have the desk drawer space for paintings as well as crayon drawings.
And I’m glad I’m still on your mind. Can’t have anyone else snatching you up, can we? And about your finances - you should have been given access to a temporary account at the Northland Bank while I’m gone. In there, you should find enough money to support you for a while, in my absence. Please, take full advantage of the Mora I left you.
I hope we can see each other again soon.
I’m repeating myself but I really do want to be with you again. I’ll keep you updated on the status of the Natlan assignment.
- Ajax
August 11th
Dear Ajax,
Based on your insinuations, I can summarise what you wished for me to do with that Kamera. I am not sending you erotic pictures. Aside from the utter shamelessness of such an act, it’s careless. Imagine if one of the Millelith got ahold of my letter by accident. Both of our reputations would be called into question. It is an utterly illogical request. Let us say no more on the matter.
I have all the space necessary for Tonia’s art. Please, tell her not to hesitate to send more.
As for the Northland Bank account you mentioned - I was aware of it. The Mora you left there was depleted around two weeks ago. Since then, I’ve been relying on salary advances and the generosity of Director Hu.
Yesterday, as I passed the Wangshu Inn, you crossed my mind. The leaves are beginning to turn as summer wanes. Soon they will be brown, but as of now they’re a beautiful burning red. They reminded me of your hair and before I knew it, I had plucked one from the ground. I was unsure what to do with it, so I decided to enclose it in this letter. A taste of Liyue, for you to recall as you hold it.
Yours,
Zhongli
August 18th
Dear Zhongli-xiansheng,
How did you use up six-hundred thousand mora so quickly? I’m aware of your spending habits and planned accordingly, but this is excessive, even for you. I hope whatever you bought was worth it.
I don’t have much time to write this letter, since things are heating up here in Natlan (haha). The Fatui headquarters have been like a beehive recently, with every one buzzing around and rushing through work.
The good news is I should be finished here in six days! I’m planning to take a boat from Black Beach and arrive directly in the Harbour. I should be with you in less than a week. I can’t wait.
- Ajax
August 23rd
Dear Zhongli-xiansheng,
I’m so sorry, but there’s been a change of plan. My duties in Natlan are over, but the Tsaritsa has called me back to Zapolyarny Palace. I can’t come to Liyue. I’m sorry. I wish I could see you.
- Ajax
August 26th
Dear Ajax,
I see.
It would be disingenuous to say I’m not disappointed; I was anticipating your return to Liyue. However, I understand your extenuating circumstances. I will wait for you to conclude your meeting in Snezhnaya.
Perhaps you could delay
It could be possible to circumvent
I need to see you
...Zhongli places the fountain pen on the desk, rubbing his temples. Never once in recent centuries has he found his eloquence challenged. And yet right now, he has no idea how to put the emptiness in his chest into words. There are plenty he could apply to the feeling. Disappointment, sorrow, despondency, chagrin - all of them are apt.
Maybe he placed too much hope on Ajax’s return. Logically, they can always see each other again at a later date. But Zhongli misses Ajax. More than his letters could ever convey.
He sighs, rising from his seat. He can continue the letter when he’s gathered his senses. There’s certainly no rush. Ajax is likely on a train to Snezhnaya right now, watching the mountains turn white with snow.
Zhongli gazes out of the window overlooking the street. The lamps are beginning to glow faintly as the evening darkens. The air is warm and balmy, the vestiges of summer lingering. He wonders how hot it was in Natlan. It was likely jarring to go from the boiling temperatures of the Pyro Nation to the glacial climate of Snezhnaya. It would have been better for Ajax to have delayed in Liyue for a day or two, and allowed the fiery climate of Natlan to wear off.
He glances over at the bed. It suddenly seems too large for a single body.
He sits back down at his desk, staring at the blank paper. It feels like the crossed-out sentences are mocking him.
A clicking noise startles him out of his contemplation. His head jerks up, watching the door’s lock twist. He‘s not expecting anyone. An intruder seems unlikely, but one can never be too careful. He draws his elbows inwards, ready to summon his jade shield if necessary.
The door bursts open and a man barrels inside, eyes darting around. His chest is heaving.
Zhongli’s jaw drops. “Ajax?”
Before he can get out another word, Ajax throws himself at Zhongli, tackling him into a hug. Usually no physical force could rock Zhongli‘s steady balance - but the surprise has him stumbling. His knees hit the edge of the bed and they collapse onto the sheets, clutching at each other.
The other man clings to him, face buried in his neck. He cradles the back of Zhongli’s head in his hand, stroking his hair.
Zhongli is half-convinced he’s dreaming - which is why the next words out of his mouth are “You smell like blood.”
Ajax snorts. His exhale rushes over Zhongli’s skin as he tries to catch his breath. “Sorry.”
The physical nearness is a balm. Zhongli relaxes into the touch, tension melting out of his body. He leans closer, twining the legs together. “How did you—“
Ajax tears himself away from Zhongli’s neck to beam at him. He kisses him, hard and insistent, and Zhongli’s eyes flutter shut. The sensation of Ajax’s lips against his makes it feel like he’s been asleep over the past month, and is finally waking up.
Despite the shock and confusion of Ajax’s arrival, Zhongli finds himself at peace for the first time in five weeks. Warmth spreads through his chest, swelling and mounting. It feels close to overflowing.
When they break apart, Zhongli gazes up at his lover in wonder. He looks indescribably handsome. The Mondstadt proverb is true - absence makes the heart grow fonder.
“How are you here?” He murmurs, disbelieving.
Ajax laughs sheepishly. “My audience with the Tsaritsa was delayed a couple of days. Not... entirely by her choice.”
Zhongli blinks. “Surely you don’t mean to imply that you abandoned the meeting.”
He makes a so-so gesture with his free hand, expression guilty. “Abandoned is too strong of a word. I simply let her know that I was busy today. It turns out duty isn’t as inescapable as I believed.”
Zhongli’s brow furrows and he sighs. “Ajax.”
Ajax kisses him before he can be scolded. “I also told her I was busy tomorrow.” He lays a peck against Zhongli’s chin. “And... the day after that.” His lips brush the line of Zhongli’s jaw, tracing downwards. “In fact, I think I’m going to be busy for an entire week. At least.” He punctuates his words with kisses, wrapping his arms around Zhongli.
Zhongli rests his hand against Ajax’s cheek, guiding him to loosen his grip. They stare at each other, both smiling.
“Welcome home, Ajax.” Zhongli says softly, voice thick with unspoken tenderness. “I hope your negligence of your responsibilities doesn’t come at too high of a cost.”
Ajax shakes his head. “Whatever it is, it will be worth it, to see you. I missed you.”
A thousand phrases flash across Zhongli’s mind; all the thoughts that have plagued him over the last month hover on the edge of his tongue.
But a simple “Likewise.” is all he can offer.
It’s not much. But it’s enough for Ajax’s cheeks to dimple. Outright spoken affection may not be Zhongli’s forte, but the love in his eyes shines true and solid as gold.
Ajax answers his silent confession of devotion with one of his own. He whispers the words into the hollow dip of Zhongli's throat; across the slope of his hipbones; into the space between his lips.
"I love you. I love you. I love you."
The next morning, Ajax finds the abandoned letter Zhongli had attempted to pen the night before. His fingers trace the rejected sentences, slashed through with a sharp line of black. The ink is dry and the letter leaves no marks, but it feels like the words are sinking into his skin.
Perhaps you could delay
It could be possible to circumvent
I need to see you
Ajax smiles. He folds the letter up and unlocks Zhongli’s desk drawer. He places it inside, along with the leaf Zhongli sent him. He glimpses a flash of Tonia’s drawing, beneath the paper.. His heart swells to see the tokens of affection gathered together. Mementos from their time apart, carried in two pairs of hands and finally, reunited.
Just like they are.
Now, even when he leaves for Snezhnaya, the leaf, the drawing and Zhongli’s forgotten letter will remain together, linking them across the miles separating them both.
He closes the drawer and climbs back into bed, curling around Zhongli’s dormant form. Ajax drifts back to sleep just as the sunlight begins to dapple through the branches of the ginkgo tree outside.
The next few days are going to be heavenly.