Ah... what to do. [despite being calm to the point of being as placid as a tortoise, zhongli is genuinly troubled by this turn of events. he did request for amnesty for childe-- tartaglia-- as part of what he took from the tsaritsa in exchange for his gnosis, but he didn't expect the fatui to simply give the young man to him and call the harbinger his new property.
well, first things first:] Are you still officially a Harbinger despite all this, Childe?
[ Hopefully, Zhongli doesn't have any plans on turning to Ajax to figure out how they got into these circumstances. Though there are plenty of clues to be had, from the failed plot to the treatment of the youngest Harbinger by his superiors, an answer could be pieced together; the problem is that his mind is still reeling as a result of it all. Being manipulated without his knowledge, especially when he was the one who was supposed to be manipulating the situation, had pulled the rug out from beneath his feet. ]
Of course I am! [ He scoffs, but even as he tries to imbue his words with confidence, he doesn't feel a wealth of it in his heart. Despite his best efforts he had essentially failed his mission—never mind that the end goal had still been achieved and the gnosis had been secured for the Tsaritsa. Unfortunately, that wicked woman had stolen Ajax's victory out from under him and left him to tumble into this uncertain predicament. ] You were the one who requested me, it isn't a dismissal from my position.
I apologize, I did mention you by name, but I fear something got lost in translation. Or perhaps the Tsaritsa decided to interpret my words differently.
[zhongli has to sigh. he wonders what the cryo archon was thinking...
nevertheless, he decides to take this out of the street, and beckons for the man to follow him.]
[ Ajax huffs at that—translation has nothing to do with, he's certain of that—but can't help feeling the growing weight of the pit in his stomach. There are certain truths about him that make it difficult for him to coexist with the other Harbingers, and though they aren't necessarily encouraged to be friends, they are meant to at least work in harmony with one another towards achieving their precious Tsaritsa's goals.
That same burden of nature that has made him fight even harder for his position is one that now pushes him to listen to Zhongli and follow him towards his home. The submissive side of Ajax is one that he works hard to hide, yet it rears its head most often in the presence of someone he knows to be stronger than him—fellow Harbingers, the Traveler, an archon hiding in a funeral parlor. Though he hates the instinct to obey, Ajax nevertheless falls into step alongside Zhongli as they walk down the streets of Liyue Harbor. ]
Why is it that you spoke of me in your arrangements with Her Majesty? You're surprised by this arrangement, but you must have had some sort of plan for me.
I cannot speak of the details of our contract. [and yes, he's genuinely sad he cant, when childe does deserve that courtesy, but zhongli is still bound by an agreement.]
But what I can tell you is that I wanted to make your life here in Liyue a little easier, after everything that's happened-- I simply did not anticipate this.
[but, logically, isn't it best for childe to in zhongli's custody? while no longer rex lapis, and his true identity is a secret, zhongli is well-liked in some circles here in liyue.]
Perhaps... the Tsaritsa believed you would be better off in my custody.
[ That comes as a surprise to Ajax. True, the Fatui hardly have a good reputation in Liyue, nor anywhere else beyond the snowy borders of their homeland. To think that Zhongli cared enough about him to worry about how easy his life may be is startling. After all, their friendship was forced and fake on both their accounts (supposedly) and then their plots revealed the truth of how they only cared for each other as chess pieces to manipulate across the board. It didn't matter that Ajax had truly grown to care for Zhongli, nor did it matter that his weaker nature had begun to harbor other interests in him.
Ajax misses a step at the implications of Zhongli's proposal. ] What makes you say that?
I wouldn't be so presumptuous to assume that I know what she's thinking. [she is, after all, not the cryo archon zhongli knew.
just before they pass liuli pavilion, zhongli turns a corner and heads up the stairs. at first he looks like they're headed towards northland bank or even wanwen bookhouse... but no, he's headed more towards a collection of residences instead.
zhongli's home is unassuming from the outside, but of course, there will always be more than meets the eye with him. his house is quite opulent on the inside, various expensive trinkets dotting his tables, comfortable but expensive furniture, elegant decorations on the walls.]
[ He needs to clear his head, but there's still a lot to sink in about this arrangement. Even if he hadn't been stripped of his position nor its benefits, there are some changes he's displeased with. For one, Zhongli is the one in charge of their now shared finances, leaving Ajax to face the reality that he can either accept his role as a pet for the former archon or can run away from it without any resources. Even if he were willing to go against the Tsaritsa's wishes, it would be a difficult life to lead. As he steps into Zhongli's living quarters, he's struck by the luxurious decor that is still understated enough to be classy. It makes sense, after all, considering the tales of dragons being attracted to wealth and shiny bits of beauty. ]
[zhongli looks back at childe, unsure of what childe really meant... but it's a simple miscommunication, isn't it? easily addressed, if they decided to revisit it later. then, he simply smiles, and holds out his hand to properly welcome childe in.]
If you want to, yes. I would like it, if you were to live here whenever you are in Liyue.
[ Ajax glances at the hand for a moment and then takes it before he can hesitate any longer. There's something so warm to being invited in and wanted, a comfort that he hasn't felt in so long. It stirs something almost primal in him, but he stamps it down immediately. Every time he's given in to those sorts of instincts and urges, it's only caused problems for him. ]
Well, I'll be in Liyue whenever you are, so I imagine that would be all the time? [ It's hard to say whether or not Zhongli would expect him to serve as a travel companion as well, but it is his duty to the Tsaritsa to be the best pet for his new master. ] Of course I'll go wherever you tell me to. I'm yours to do whatever you please.
Surprising... I would have imagined that you need to be called away on occasion for the Fatui's important business.
[still, his welcome is whole-hearted, even if...]
But please be mindful of leaving your shoes by the door, now that you will be here often. [which he himself is doing with all of the experience of a person who doesn't even need to use his hands for it. just simple movements of his feet.]
[ He doesn’t feel too upset with the arrangement, and if he thinks about it, all he cares about is the ability to continue fighting. Ajax is easily pleased by new challenges and difficult opponents, and he doesn’t think that Zhongli would deny him such things as long as he behaves. Maybe, if he fills this new position well enough, he’ll even be able to spar witht he former archon who brought so many gods to their knees.
The thought makes him shiver even as heat rises up around his neck in a pleasant flush. He doesn’t make a fuss about needing to take off his shoes, a custom in Liyue that’s much easier for him than using chopsticks. Untying and pulling off his boots isn’t as much of a graceful process as Zhongli toeing off his own shoes, but Ajax manages to follow him inside only a few moments later. ]
So… [ He wanders around to look at the items on display throughout Zhongli’s home. ] How much did Her Excellency tell you about me?
[zhongli's brow furrows slightly when he notes the change in childe's face-- he wonders, is the man too warm? he's held himself admirably here in liyue, but zhongli hasn't aired the house out in a while... perhaps he'll do that, or perhaps he'll simply light some incense, he muses as he draps his coat over a rack.]
Not a thing. I'm given to think that I must find it all out myself...
As I have in the past. Perhaps you would like to illuminate me on some of them?
[ That makes this all the more awkward. If Zhongli knew about Ajax’s disposition then it was easy to assume that he had wanted him despite it or perhaps because of it. As it is, Ajax is faced with wondering whether a god could be aware of such things as human biology. Morax hadn’t created people, nor were they his speciality. ]
Well, the thing is— Are you aware that— How much do you know about human gender?
Ah-- the secondary typing? [he might have gotten the wording wrong, but he certainly knows the terms.] Alphas, betas, and omegas, you mean?
[of course he knows-- liyue makes sure that each gender is treated equally, even if many alphas would like to show their superiority to betas and omegas, from time to time. but the millelith have done well to protect the peoples' interest all this time.]
Adepti have something similar, but in far different terms than humans would classify themselves as. I, however, began the follow the human ways when I properly settled into this form, and am considered an alpha.
[ Ajax feels himself sag with relief at the fact that he doesn’t need to educate someone several millennia older than him on sex. It makes sense when Zhongli continues to explain why he’s familiar with such things, though the part about adepti is intriguing. He wonders if there’s any of that still left in Zhongli now or if his body is as close to human as possible for the immortal being.
It’s another blessing when he doesn’t have to ask whether or not Zhongli’s form follows the same conventions, and even more instinctive relief at hearing that he is—rightly so—an alpha. ]
That explains a lot, actually. Have you, um, participated in any… experiences?
[oh, childe. how inexperienced does he think zhongli is?
he cant help the indulgent little smile that crosses his face for a second.]
You mean sexual congress? It's been a while... but I've had encounters in the past. [no need to tell childe that he was absolutely wild until liyue's ancestors needed to find a new home, after guili.]
[ It's not that he doubts Morax—though he has questions about his adeptal form and how being a dragon played a part in all of that. No, Ajax worries more that he may not have first-hand experience with omega and heats. He knows that he must appear awkward or yo be beating around the bush, both unusual for the character of Childe with whom Zhongli is most familiar. There is another side of him however, a poorly socialized young man who blushes in the presence of an attractive alpha with a legal claim to him without so much as a single intention towards other forms of claiming. ]
Well that's one way to put it. I'm surprised that no one complai— told you I'm an omega.
Edited (fixed it after reloading!) 2021-08-30 08:03 (UTC)
-- Ah. [now, perhaps, he has an idea of why the cryo archon did what she did. zhongli doesn't know how exactly omegas are treated in snezhnaya, but that wont stop him from imagining something less than savory...]
I'm aware that you have a strained relationship with the other Harbingers... does your status as omega factor into that?
[ He should be grateful for Zhongli's kindness, the understanding glimmer in his eyes and the gentle curve of his lips. Instead, Ajax just feels pitied like something weak and helpless. It's almost as bad as the snide remarks from the other Harbingers, except there at least he can prove his strength in combat; when he's faced with charity, he has no clear reaction.
Grumbling, he crosses his arms over his chest and leans against the nearest wall. He's very obviously closing himself off physically, but it feels better than the vulnerability. ] Omegas are meant to stay at home and work for the family. My superiors think I can't maintain command.
Hmmmmn. [a view zhongli cant agree with-- if you're capable of doing business and upholding your end of the contract, you have value in liyue.
he clasps his hands behind his back, and ambles over to childe.]
I think you'll find that you wont be treated any differently here. Some may have comments about an omega's estrus cycle... but often a sharp word is enough to silence them.
[ The approach, however slow and nonthreatening, still feels like one meant to close Ajax off from escape. Zhongli is an alpha as well as his new master, and though being an omega doesn’t mean he’s thrilled to play the part of a pet, it does mean that part of him longs to give into it. He’s never felt the relief of giving in to his urges and finding satisfaction with an alpha. Perhaps this arrangement is punishment for his lack of use, or in some twisted way a reward after being kept in the dark on his own mission. Whatever the reasoning, he tenses as Zhongli steps closer and breathes in deeply on instinct.
It’s comforting to hear that, at the very least, the person who now owns him and his services doesn’t find his second gender disgusting. ]
That’s good news, xiansheng. My, uh, heat will come soon. [ Though it’s a little strange to speak so plainly, he’s never enjoyed tiptoeing around subjects. ] You’ll need to make some kind of arrangement for where you put me for that time period.
Oh? [he's never entertained an omega in his home before-- he has experience, certainly, but he's never had one in his personal bed... which reminds him:] I only have the one bed-- perhaps buying another just for your use would not be too difficult, but I don't often use the one I have. What not take that one instead?
If I'm to be responsible for you, then you have what's mine, and you can take the bedroom. You don't need to lock yourself away.
[ Ajax opens his mouth only to snap it shut immediately after. One bed? It shouldn’t be all that surprising, given that Zhongli lived alone and may not even sleep often. If he didn’t use that bed, it did make sense that Ajax could use it, but it didn’t sound as though Zhongli was completely without use of his bedroom.
More than that, however, is the fact that he doesn’t want to hide Ajax away. Warmth blossoms in his chest, and if he isn’t careful, he’s going to go soft for this former archon, victor of legendary battles, founder and protector of Liyue&dmash;the first being to treat this omega kindly and with respect. ]
That’s very generous of you, but don’t you sleep sometimes? Anyways, that’s not the point— [ He waves a hand in the air as if to clear away the topic of whether or not the bed could be shared. ] It’s not just about being out of sight, it’s... you know, sparing you from being around me when I’m like that.
[that takes zhongli by surprise. did he misread the situation? he thought that childe was implying that he would have wanted and needed the help during his cycle. apparently, he was wrong.]
So, you were planning on hiding away... If that's truly what you want to do, you can have the run of the room for as long as you need it.
But if you're worried about your cycle being offensive to me personally, don't be. I had thought you wanted some company for it.
[ If Ajax had been shocked before, he's stunned now. A warm red blush creeps over his face and down his neck, and he even feels his body warming beneath the layers he wears. He'd been caught up in accommodating Zhongli's comfort and left no room to imagine the man would be doing the same for him, let alone suggesting— ]
Y-you clearly don't know what you're offering! [ Growing up being told one thing, having it reinforced by colleagues who demanded he be kept away as to not distract them, makes him skeptical of an alpha who could so nonchalantly proposition such things.
Unfortunately, his body is not on the same page. Perhaps it's the closeness of his upcoming heat, or the discussion of sharing it with an alpha, or just the proximity and accompanying scent of Zhongli. Whatever the case, Ajax feels a clenching pain in his gut as his temperature continues to rise for reasons beyond a simple blush. ]
[curiouser and curiouser. childe is constantly acting in ways that he doesn't expect-- nor understand.]
What do you mean?
I've been with omegas in the past, unless there's something about your needs that's different from theirs? [now he cant help but silently speculate on what that would be. longer heats? stronger effects? increased aggression? perhaps intercourse is painful? perhaps he doesn't lubricate enough?
he wonders if he could ask bubu pharmacy for something for childe's condition, whatever it is.]
[ Zhongli’s reassurance that he has some experience is soothing to Ajax mentally, yet now he’s left with musing on what kind of mate the alpha could be and that isn’t helpful for Ajax’s other problem. He slings an arm over his stomach and clutches at his side, willing the pain to go away long enough for them to figure all of this out. ]
This arrangement wasn’t made for my benefit but yours. [ He’s pretty certain of that, given the fact that he would have been happiest to remain close to the Tsaritsa and to fight for her regardless of his treatment at the hand of other Harbingers. She must have thought Zhongli requested Childe’s amnesty for ulterior purposes. ] Besides, just because you have more experience in this than I do doesn’t mean you owe me your help.
Childe... [his eyes flick down to the mortal's belly, the way it's being guarded so. childe looks like he's in pain.
it's concerning, and zhongli takes another step forward, holding out his hand as if to touch childe's arm... but pauses feet before the man, not knowing if it will be welcome. he's holding himself back from simply sweeping the man off his feet and running towards a doctor, or the pharmacy itself.]
Is there something else you're not telling me? [rhetorical-- zhongli is certain there's something else, he just wants to give childe a chance at explaining it himself.] It surely is connected to your gender... Is it medical?
[ The alpha steps forward and it takes all of Ajax’s willpower not to swoon into him. He smells exactly as he should—powerful and alluring, earthy with a hint of spice that intrigues Ajax terribly. It doesn’t help that Zhongli is being so kind in his concern for this pathetic omega who should be evoking terror from an opponent rather than pity from a master.
Groaning a little, he flinches from the hand before it gets the chance to land. He feels like he won’t be able to keep his distance once he’s been touched so tenderly. ]
No, just— [ He grits his teeth, looking at Zhongli defiantly before sighing and casting his eyes to the floor. ] I’ve never, y’know, shared a heat with someone before.
[ah. so that's the core of his hesitance, zhongli merely needed to dig far enough...
truth be told, he's surprised that childe has never had a heat with anyone before-- did snezhnaya really lock their omegas up for their cycles? surely they knew that without help, heats would take much longer... that must have been excruciating for childe.]
I'd appreciate if you answered me truthfully... I'm given to understand that omegas can weather their heats more easily when an alpha or a beta comes to help them-- and moreso if their partner is an alpha.
[he does not draw any closer to childe and withdraws his hand, but his voice is softer. though more firm and less gentle.]
[ That is the million-mora question, isn’t it? Does he want a partner, of course. Spending a week alone and suffering through his heat has always been a nightmare, made only worse by the fact that it rendered him weak and useless. But it’s those feelings that make him hesitate in answering Zhongli’s question. If he gives in, how will that change him in the eyes of the former archon? Though Liyue is more liberal in certain aspects compared to Snezhnaya, that doesn’t mean people are without their prejudices.
Licking his lips, Ajax tries to roll his shoulders back to square them off rather than hunch forward from the pings of pain in his abdomen. ]
Only if you promise not to treat me like, like some poor little housewife in need of coddling.
Of course. [he wouldn't presume to treat someone any differently... and he knows childe prefers to be dealt with a more stern hand. but zhongli isn't the sort to go so hard. unless he's explicitly asked.
but he doubts childe will ask.]
Though I prefer to be polite... You're asking for the opposite, are you not?
[ Of course Zhongli would prefer to be polite, he’s practically the god of manners. Social niceties are much like contracts, after all, and the two are linked in all of the expectations of how to treat whoever you are making a deal with. Much of that is lost on Ajax, though he has managed to fake it well enough to make life in Liyue manageable. He’s never enjoyed it, though, mainly because it feels so… forced. He’d prefer to be more true to himself, and sometimes that means foregoing manners. ]
I’m asking you not to go easy on me just because it’s my first time.
[ah, so that's how it is. childe doesn't want to be treated gently, because he deems that to be a sign that he's viewed as weak or inferior. luckily, zhongli has an idea of how to respond.]
But Childe-- if I go easy on you, I might as well not be touching you at all. How would you ever be able to feel anything?
Your pleasure is important. [that's the point. that's the point he was trying to make.]
[ That is far from what he'd expected to be the response, and he nearly swoons from such words spoken in Zhongli's deep voice. It's true that a light hand may as well not touch in the first place, and much like in battle, Ajax prefers a powerful approach. He wishes he could make such a move now, but the growing need in him makes him shake as he reaches a hand out to grip one lapel of Zhongli's jacket. ]
Then by all means, xiansheng, let the pleasure commence.
Childe? [zhongli barely manages to not start from surprise at the hand suddenly fisting in his clothing.
it's impossible for him to ignore the shaking, the way childe seems desperate, and how he's still attempting to hold himself back. with the context of their earlier conversation, zhongli can only assume...]
Has it begun?
[he cant smell anything, not just yet. perhaps his alpha senses have yet to awaken in this form.]
[ He huffs out a laugh, thinking of all the times other alphas had been the first to notice his heat beginning when he himself hadn't quite noticed. Still, he leans forward towards the inviting warmth of Zhongli's scent, the earthy musk that makes him shiver as it mingles with his own. ]
Yeah, it has begun. [ He tries to sound teasing by mimicking Zhongli, but it falls flat when he has to bite back a whine. ] I'm yours to take if you'll have me.
Apologies. I didn't notice the signs until now. [which in itself tells the old god that he's well, well out of practice, and that his current vessel indeed needs some experience in telling another's scent. or his body is defective... and he hopes it's not, he was particular when he sculpted this new form so it would last him a long time.]
Come. [he wraps his arms around childe's body when he spots the man leaning towards him.] Let's get you into the bedroom.
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well, first things first:] Are you still officially a Harbinger despite all this, Childe?
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Of course I am! [ He scoffs, but even as he tries to imbue his words with confidence, he doesn't feel a wealth of it in his heart. Despite his best efforts he had essentially failed his mission—never mind that the end goal had still been achieved and the gnosis had been secured for the Tsaritsa. Unfortunately, that wicked woman had stolen Ajax's victory out from under him and left him to tumble into this uncertain predicament. ] You were the one who requested me, it isn't a dismissal from my position.
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[zhongli has to sigh. he wonders what the cryo archon was thinking...
nevertheless, he decides to take this out of the street, and beckons for the man to follow him.]
Come, best we have this chat in my home.
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That same burden of nature that has made him fight even harder for his position is one that now pushes him to listen to Zhongli and follow him towards his home. The submissive side of Ajax is one that he works hard to hide, yet it rears its head most often in the presence of someone he knows to be stronger than him—fellow Harbingers, the Traveler, an archon hiding in a funeral parlor. Though he hates the instinct to obey, Ajax nevertheless falls into step alongside Zhongli as they walk down the streets of Liyue Harbor. ]
Why is it that you spoke of me in your arrangements with Her Majesty? You're surprised by this arrangement, but you must have had some sort of plan for me.
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But what I can tell you is that I wanted to make your life here in Liyue a little easier, after everything that's happened-- I simply did not anticipate this.
[but, logically, isn't it best for childe to in zhongli's custody? while no longer rex lapis, and his true identity is a secret, zhongli is well-liked in some circles here in liyue.]
Perhaps... the Tsaritsa believed you would be better off in my custody.
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Ajax misses a step at the implications of Zhongli's proposal. ] What makes you say that?
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just before they pass liuli pavilion, zhongli turns a corner and heads up the stairs. at first he looks like they're headed towards northland bank or even wanwen bookhouse... but no, he's headed more towards a collection of residences instead.
zhongli's home is unassuming from the outside, but of course, there will always be more than meets the eye with him. his house is quite opulent on the inside, various expensive trinkets dotting his tables, comfortable but expensive furniture, elegant decorations on the walls.]
Welcome to my home.
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[ He needs to clear his head, but there's still a lot to sink in about this arrangement. Even if he hadn't been stripped of his position nor its benefits, there are some changes he's displeased with. For one, Zhongli is the one in charge of their now shared finances, leaving Ajax to face the reality that he can either accept his role as a pet for the former archon or can run away from it without any resources. Even if he were willing to go against the Tsaritsa's wishes, it would be a difficult life to lead. As he steps into Zhongli's living quarters, he's struck by the luxurious decor that is still understated enough to be classy. It makes sense, after all, considering the tales of dragons being attracted to wealth and shiny bits of beauty. ]
Thank you, I— Am I to live here with you now?
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If you want to, yes. I would like it, if you were to live here whenever you are in Liyue.
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Well, I'll be in Liyue whenever you are, so I imagine that would be all the time? [ It's hard to say whether or not Zhongli would expect him to serve as a travel companion as well, but it is his duty to the Tsaritsa to be the best pet for his new master. ] Of course I'll go wherever you tell me to. I'm yours to do whatever you please.
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[still, his welcome is whole-hearted, even if...]
But please be mindful of leaving your shoes by the door, now that you will be here often. [which he himself is doing with all of the experience of a person who doesn't even need to use his hands for it. just simple movements of his feet.]
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[ He doesn’t feel too upset with the arrangement, and if he thinks about it, all he cares about is the ability to continue fighting. Ajax is easily pleased by new challenges and difficult opponents, and he doesn’t think that Zhongli would deny him such things as long as he behaves. Maybe, if he fills this new position well enough, he’ll even be able to spar witht he former archon who brought so many gods to their knees.
The thought makes him shiver even as heat rises up around his neck in a pleasant flush. He doesn’t make a fuss about needing to take off his shoes, a custom in Liyue that’s much easier for him than using chopsticks. Untying and pulling off his boots isn’t as much of a graceful process as Zhongli toeing off his own shoes, but Ajax manages to follow him inside only a few moments later. ]
So… [ He wanders around to look at the items on display throughout Zhongli’s home. ] How much did Her Excellency tell you about me?
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Not a thing. I'm given to think that I must find it all out myself...
As I have in the past. Perhaps you would like to illuminate me on some of them?
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[ That makes this all the more awkward. If Zhongli knew about Ajax’s disposition then it was easy to assume that he had wanted him despite it or perhaps because of it. As it is, Ajax is faced with wondering whether a god could be aware of such things as human biology. Morax hadn’t created people, nor were they his speciality. ]
Well, the thing is— Are you aware that— How much do you know about human gender?
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[of course he knows-- liyue makes sure that each gender is treated equally, even if many alphas would like to show their superiority to betas and omegas, from time to time. but the millelith have done well to protect the peoples' interest all this time.]
Adepti have something similar, but in far different terms than humans would classify themselves as. I, however, began the follow the human ways when I properly settled into this form, and am considered an alpha.
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It’s another blessing when he doesn’t have to ask whether or not Zhongli’s form follows the same conventions, and even more instinctive relief at hearing that he is—rightly so—an alpha. ]
That explains a lot, actually. Have you, um, participated in any… experiences?
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he cant help the indulgent little smile that crosses his face for a second.]
You mean sexual congress? It's been a while... but I've had encounters in the past. [no need to tell childe that he was absolutely wild until liyue's ancestors needed to find a new home, after guili.]
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Well that's one way to put it. I'm surprised that no one complai— told you I'm an omega.
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I'm aware that you have a strained relationship with the other Harbingers... does your status as omega factor into that?
[his voice is softer. kinder.]
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Grumbling, he crosses his arms over his chest and leans against the nearest wall. He's very obviously closing himself off physically, but it feels better than the vulnerability. ] Omegas are meant to stay at home and work for the family. My superiors think I can't maintain command.
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he clasps his hands behind his back, and ambles over to childe.]
I think you'll find that you wont be treated any differently here. Some may have comments about an omega's estrus cycle... but often a sharp word is enough to silence them.
Childe... I wont judge you for being an omega.
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It’s comforting to hear that, at the very least, the person who now owns him and his services doesn’t find his second gender disgusting. ]
That’s good news, xiansheng. My, uh, heat will come soon. [ Though it’s a little strange to speak so plainly, he’s never enjoyed tiptoeing around subjects. ] You’ll need to make some kind of arrangement for where you put me for that time period.
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If I'm to be responsible for you, then you have what's mine, and you can take the bedroom. You don't need to lock yourself away.
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More than that, however, is the fact that he doesn’t want to hide Ajax away. Warmth blossoms in his chest, and if he isn’t careful, he’s going to go soft for this former archon, victor of legendary battles, founder and protector of Liyue&dmash;the first being to treat this omega kindly and with respect. ]
That’s very generous of you, but don’t you sleep sometimes? Anyways, that’s not the point— [ He waves a hand in the air as if to clear away the topic of whether or not the bed could be shared. ] It’s not just about being out of sight, it’s... you know, sparing you from being around me when I’m like that.
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So, you were planning on hiding away... If that's truly what you want to do, you can have the run of the room for as long as you need it.
But if you're worried about your cycle being offensive to me personally, don't be. I had thought you wanted some company for it.
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Y-you clearly don't know what you're offering! [ Growing up being told one thing, having it reinforced by colleagues who demanded he be kept away as to not distract them, makes him skeptical of an alpha who could so nonchalantly proposition such things.
Unfortunately, his body is not on the same page. Perhaps it's the closeness of his upcoming heat, or the discussion of sharing it with an alpha, or just the proximity and accompanying scent of Zhongli. Whatever the case, Ajax feels a clenching pain in his gut as his temperature continues to rise for reasons beyond a simple blush. ]
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What do you mean?
I've been with omegas in the past, unless there's something about your needs that's different from theirs? [now he cant help but silently speculate on what that would be. longer heats? stronger effects? increased aggression? perhaps intercourse is painful? perhaps he doesn't lubricate enough?
he wonders if he could ask bubu pharmacy for something for childe's condition, whatever it is.]
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This arrangement wasn’t made for my benefit but yours. [ He’s pretty certain of that, given the fact that he would have been happiest to remain close to the Tsaritsa and to fight for her regardless of his treatment at the hand of other Harbingers. She must have thought Zhongli requested Childe’s amnesty for ulterior purposes. ] Besides, just because you have more experience in this than I do doesn’t mean you owe me your help.
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it's concerning, and zhongli takes another step forward, holding out his hand as if to touch childe's arm... but pauses feet before the man, not knowing if it will be welcome. he's holding himself back from simply sweeping the man off his feet and running towards a doctor, or the pharmacy itself.]
Is there something else you're not telling me? [rhetorical-- zhongli is certain there's something else, he just wants to give childe a chance at explaining it himself.] It surely is connected to your gender... Is it medical?
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Groaning a little, he flinches from the hand before it gets the chance to land. He feels like he won’t be able to keep his distance once he’s been touched so tenderly. ]
No, just— [ He grits his teeth, looking at Zhongli defiantly before sighing and casting his eyes to the floor. ] I’ve never, y’know, shared a heat with someone before.
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truth be told, he's surprised that childe has never had a heat with anyone before-- did snezhnaya really lock their omegas up for their cycles? surely they knew that without help, heats would take much longer... that must have been excruciating for childe.]
I'd appreciate if you answered me truthfully... I'm given to understand that omegas can weather their heats more easily when an alpha or a beta comes to help them-- and moreso if their partner is an alpha.
[he does not draw any closer to childe and withdraws his hand, but his voice is softer. though more firm and less gentle.]
Do you want a partner for your next heat?
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Licking his lips, Ajax tries to roll his shoulders back to square them off rather than hunch forward from the pings of pain in his abdomen. ]
Only if you promise not to treat me like, like some poor little housewife in need of coddling.
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but he doubts childe will ask.]
Though I prefer to be polite... You're asking for the opposite, are you not?
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I’m asking you not to go easy on me just because it’s my first time.
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But Childe-- if I go easy on you, I might as well not be touching you at all. How would you ever be able to feel anything?
Your pleasure is important. [that's the point. that's the point he was trying to make.]
sorry for the wait!
Then by all means, xiansheng, let the pleasure commence.
all good!
it's impossible for him to ignore the shaking, the way childe seems desperate, and how he's still attempting to hold himself back. with the context of their earlier conversation, zhongli can only assume...]
Has it begun?
[he cant smell anything, not just yet. perhaps his alpha senses have yet to awaken in this form.]
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[ He huffs out a laugh, thinking of all the times other alphas had been the first to notice his heat beginning when he himself hadn't quite noticed. Still, he leans forward towards the inviting warmth of Zhongli's scent, the earthy musk that makes him shiver as it mingles with his own. ]
Yeah, it has begun. [ He tries to sound teasing by mimicking Zhongli, but it falls flat when he has to bite back a whine. ] I'm yours to take if you'll have me.
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Come. [he wraps his arms around childe's body when he spots the man leaning towards him.] Let's get you into the bedroom.