Chapter Text
Their time spent together continues with relative peace and is filled with house-hunting attempts. Zhongli has given Ajax the reigns to choose the properties they’d like to visit but Zhongli quickly spots the issue. Their house listing is…eclectic given that it's a mix of Ajax’s and Leonid’s choices. This means the property options are either extremely cheap (to the point of being half-dilapidated or located in less-than-stellar neighbourhoods), to being overly expensive such that Ajax feels uncomfortable merely stepping foot onto the property.
Zhongli can understand Ajax’s and Leonid’s logic. His sweet dear boy is unused to having financial stability and is looking to take as little risk as possible. Meanwhile, Leonid is looking to impress the boy out of guilt for his neglect (and as a way to one-up Zhongli), so the houses he is offering to buy are overly expensive and, frankly, gaudy.
“It’s alright, my heart,” Zhongli soothes when they return home with the poor boy looking more and more dejected. “We’re in no rush. We will find our perfect home, just you wait.”
“I know,” Ajax says as he toes his shoes off. “It’s stupid. I’ve never even thought of buying a house and stuff but now that the idea is in my head, I can’t get it out of my mind.”
“There’s nothing strange about it. A home is a place of belonging and a sign of stability so of course you would want that. It is your future home.”
Ajax trots to Zhongli and presses a sweet kiss on his lips. “Our future home, Zhongli. I hope you’re not thinking of bailing on me.”
Although the boy is clearly joking, Zhongli does not want to give him a second of doubt. He wraps his hands around the other’s waist and leans in for a longer, more lingering kiss.
“Never,” he murmurs, enjoying the way his Ajax’s cheeks have gone rosy pink. “I’m afraid you are quite stuck with me, my dearest boy.”
The promise helps elevate their mood and Ajax is noticeably happier for their next round of house hunts, despite Leonid’s taste for large ugly houses not abating.
“Perhaps I can help,” Zhongli finally offers when he’s grown sufficiently annoyed at the way Leonid’s awful suggestions are making his Ajax frown. “Would you mind if I offer a few suggestions?”
Ajax smiles sweetly at him. “Of course not! If you find anything good, let me know!”
It takes a week before Zhongli comes back with a listing. Unlike Leonid, who’s only upped his efforts to share extravagant abodes, Zhongli has taken the time to search meticulously for a place that would be perfect.
He knows he’s done a great job Judging from Ajax’s surprise little “oh!” followed by immediately contacting their real estate agent to book a showing.
From the pictures, the property appears to be a smaller and modest townhouse with fully renovated interior. Location-wise, the property is located slightly further away from campus than the current rental, tucked in a sleepy neighbourhood, but still close enough that travelling to school is not too much of a hassle. The streets are lined with old trees that cast comfortable shades on the cobblestone road. If one were to walk up a block, they would find quaint little shops including a grocery store run by an old couple, a bakery with artisanal goods, a cheese and wine store, and a pharmacy. Further away northbound is a quiet park filled with lush grass, more old, green trees, and a pond near the middle that is teeming with birds.
For those who seek something more exciting than the surrounding tranquility of the neighbourhood, there are convenient bus stops also within walking distance from the house that head towards downtown.
The location is perfect, and the interior even more so, which they can attest to the moment they step foot inside.
The pictures do not do it justice. The house fits its peaceful environment with its tall ceilings, its large windows, and the French oak that lines the floor and the frames of the house. As a bonus, the property has a small balcony and a modest backyard, providing access to the outdoors that wasn’t available in Ajax’s current rental.
Zhongli walks around and eyes the rooms with little nods of approval. This property may be a bit sparse for his taste, but he also recognizes that his preference for ostentatious design does not seem to match the clean, simple, and sleek aesthetics Ajax prefers, so he’s ready to look past that. It even comes with 3 rooms, one for Ajax and him, one as the treasure room (and office space), and the last as a guest space.
“What do you think?” The realtor says with a bright smile. “This house is the perfect spot for a young couple starting their careers. The cost for this house is $700,000.”
“It’s perfect,” Ajax admits, his voice strained. “Sorry, can you give Zhongli and I a second to discuss in private?”
“Of course.”
“Zhongli, this house is amazing but it’s so expensive,” Ajax says the moment they’ve sequestered themselves into a quiet spot to chat. “Can we…even afford it? The banks aren’t going to give us a big enough mortgage—”
Zhongli leans over and kisses his forehead. “Darling, what kind of a, as your father calls me, sugar daddy would I be if I make you fret over something as inconsequential as the cost of this house? I have the funds for it.”
Ajax goes red and makes a choked sound. “Oh god, please don’t repeat anything my father said,” he mutters. “Also, what do you mean, you have the funds for it? I know we have more money now but do we have that much?”
Of course they do. After the few weeks it took for Zhongli to figure out how the economy works in this brave new world, he’s been amassing wealth with the same gusto as his Ajax playing his video games, and trying to grow his character as quickly as possible. He believes his Ajax calls the process “stat grinding”.
He can see why his Ajax enjoys it so much. It’s refreshing seeing how quickly he can reach his objective, especially in a world with rules he’s not as familiar with. He wonders how long it will take before he masters this world’s economy as well.
But that’s not important for now. What’s important is the house.
“Do you like this house?”
Ajax nods. “I do. A lot. It’s amazing and everything I could ever dream of.”
“Then we should buy it. If you’re concerned about money, I can always just make more.”
“You need to really stop making gold out of thin air, Zhongli.”
“I was thinking about my investments, dear boy.” Zhongli says with a chuckle. “Everything is under control and I will make up what we paid for the house in no time. Should you wish for it, I can also buy you a vehicle as well and I can hire us a chauffeur.”
Ajax chuckles. “Perks of dating the literal God of Wealth.” He looks around the house some more. “I really, really like it here,” he says softly as if he’s almost afraid to admit it. “I guess I’m just still trying to get used to the idea that we can afford it. Do you think you can give me till Friday to think things over?”
“Of course, my dear. We are not in a rush.”
They tell their realtor their decision and return home that day, ready for another quiet, blissful evening spent together. That plan gets promptly derailed when Ajax’s phone buzzes just as they’ve put away their shoes and jackets.
“What is it?” Zhongli asks upon seeing Ajax frown at the screen. “Is something the matter?”
“It’s mom,” Ajax answers. “She wants to invite us to dinner on Thursday. Apparently, Tonia, Anthon and Teucer heard about you and they want to meet you.”
It’s been a while since they chased that woman out of the apartment and she’s been respecting his privacy ever since. Zhongli would have been happy if they don’t hear from her for longer so that they can have more peace and quiet in their lives. After all, it’s not like her absence would change anything given her neglect. But Ajax loves his little siblings so staying away from her and the family is an impossibility. At some point, they will have to meet up again.
It’s also not lost on Zhongli that the mother is inviting them for some sort of purpose. Whatever the reason, she’s clearly desperate because she’s willing to use the little siblings as bait and she’s including Zhongli on the invite. Also, judging by her message (which Ajax has shown him), the mother is being very polite almost as if she’s afraid she’d offend them.
“Well, would you like to attend dinner?” he asks Ajax after sharing his thoughts. “I would be happy to join you but if you would like to attend on your own, I can also step back and give you and your family some privacy.”
Ajax shakes his head. “I want you to be there. I also want my siblings to meet my awesome boyfriend.”
Ah, yes, Ajax’s beloved siblings. Out of everyone in his new world, they are the only people Zhongli wants to impress besides Ajax. For some reason, that realization sends a novel nervous flutter in his stomach. How odd. Zhongli hasn’t felt nervous meeting anyone since thousands of years ago when he was a young god still trying to consolidate his power.
He brings his boy’s hand to his lips and kisses the knuckles. "Then it is decided. We shall see your parents and your siblings. I cannot wait to meet Tonia, Anthon, and Teucer as well. Now, what sort of gifts should I bring that they would enjoy?”
The stress melts from Ajax’s expression and he tucks himself close until he’s pressed against Zhongli’s chest with his arms wrapped around his middle. “You’re going to spoil them so rotten,” he mumbles into his shirt. He sounds pleased and happy. “They’re going to love you so much.”
Zhongli returns the hug and runs his fingers through the other’s soft hair. “And if they are anything you’ve described them to be, I suspect that sentiment would very much be reciprocated.”
As the boy melts into his touch, Zhongli can’t help but smirk a little.
Yes, dinner will prove to be interesting not only because of the children, but because it will present a second perk for him: He’ll finally be able to meet this stepfather.
As much as Zhongli is looking forward to meeting the rest of the family (for his own petty reasons), it is evident that Ajax is feeling rather stressed by it. The poor boy spends the next couple of days distracted and jittery, his hands fidgeting with his sleeves as he chews on his lips whenever they have a moment of quiet. Not even Zhongli turning into his mini dragon form and cuddling up to him is enough to appease the boy’s nerves, and he is practically clutching to him at night like one would a plush toy.
“It’s alright, Ajax, we’ve got this,” Zhongli says with a soothing voice on their taxi ride to dinner. Ajax is sitting beside him in the back of the car, hugging the children’s presents to his chest so tightly that some of the wrapping is crinkling. He’s also been bouncing his knees for the entire car ride. To calm him down, Zhongli reaches over and puts a hand on top of his leg, giving it a light squeeze.
“I know, Zhongli,” Ajax answers. “I just…there’s a lot going on right now. I’m dreading seeing my stepfather and my mother but I’m really excited about the kids. At the same time, I have no idea what my mom wants to talk about so that’s making me nervous. What if they try being nasty to you? What if they start calling you a-a sugar daddy like father did?”
Zhongli chuckles despite his best attempts to hold them back. Ajax gives him a half-hearted glare. “Oh, don’t you start. I don’t know why you enjoy that title so much. It’s meant to be an insult!”
“How?” Zhongli asks. “It is my understanding that a sugar daddy is an older gentleman who likes to dote on their younger lover to the point of spoiling them with gifts and riches. As someone known as the God of Commerce, to have my wealth be acknowledged is the highest form of compliment, especially when said wealth is worthy enough to take care of my precious mate.”
At least Ajax no longer appears nervous. He’s too busy flushing bright red and choking on his breath.
“Z-Zhongli! That’s—I mean—wait, precious mate?”
“The most precious,” Zhongli repeats as his lips curl up in a slow, satisfied smile. He eyes the delicate dragon ring on Ajax’s finger, a gesture that the other catches on because his flush grows even brighter. “So as you can imagine, I do not find your father’s words to be insulting whatsoever.”
In any event, Ajax and Zhongli sat down and crafted a story on how they met each other so hopefully, when Ajax’s mother and stepfather start prying about their relationship, the conversation wouldn’t be as chaotic and disastrous as the one with Leonid.
The arrive at the restaurant and leave the cab with the presents. Ajax’s mother has booked a cozy family-friendly spot so Zhongli made sure to dress accordingly. His outfit is more relaxed with a simple brassy brown sweater over a collared shirt, a pair of beige slacks perfectly tailored, and dark brown shoes. Over that is a long wool coat and a plaid scarf. He’s also paired down his jewelry, instead, simply sporting a ring—one that matches Ajax’s—and a watch. At first glance, he exudes a sort of casual elegance befitting of a scholar, but those with an eye for wealth could easily spot it on him. His clothes are all designer and custom-tailored, made with fine material like cashmere, and the watch is easily worth five digits (a purchase he made secretly without telling his Ajax because he knows the latter will panic).
Beside him, Ajax is similarly well-groomed with a pale blue oversized sweater with white accents, a pair of jeans, and a pair of short leather boots with a fitted gray winter jacket and red scarf over everything. The sweater is one of Zhongli’s favourite purchases. Not only is the colour flattering on the boy, it’s also got that v-neck design that Zhongli loves oh so much. (In fact, Zhongli is so fond of seeing Ajax in v-neck shirts and sweaters that he’s replaced most of the boy’s closet with clothes like that).
They step inside side-by-side holding hands. A waiter greets them with a sunny smile.
“Good evening, sirs. Are you looking for a table or do you have a reservation with us already?”
“We have a reservation,” Ajax answers. “It’s under Natasha Rybakova.”
“Ah, yes! The table for seven. The others have already arrived. Right this way, please!”
They’re led to a secluded corner with a large table. A family is seated with three little ones with sweet-looking faces, light-auburn hair, and blue eyes. Zhongli recognizes the woman—Ajax’s mother—and she’s peering at them with a shaky smile. To her right is a man with a stocky build. He’s got dark brown hair, hazel eyes, and a square jaw.
So, that’s the infamous step-father. Zhongli has been alive for long enough to know that people who do wicked deeds don’t necessarily look like a villain. And this step-father looks far from one. If anything, he’s got a handsome and surprisingly honest-looking face. He’s clean-shaven and appears to be the type to tolerate no-nonsense especially at the way steady way he’s gazing at Zhongli and Ajax. Hm, if anything, he reminds Zhongli of the Millelith or other similar figures in positions of authority.
His mind goes back to what Ajax’s mother had said during her visit. The reason for her and her husband’s distance from Ajax was because they wanted to provide him with some “tough love” so that he could be on the straight and narrow. Zhongli suspects he knows who this idea came from.
“Mother, Peter,” Ajax says with a stiff nod. He’s gripping onto Zhongli’s hand tightly as the step-father’s lips are pressed into thin lines while the mother’s desperate smile turns more and more plastic. “I see you’ve been well.”
Before either parents can respond, a happy chorus of “Big Brother!” chimes out. Their bright voices cut through the tension like hot knife to butter.
In an instant, Ajax’s expression changes. The frost and steel melt away to reveal a sunny smile full of tender warmth. “Tonia, Anthon, and Teucer! My goodness! It’s so good to see you! You’ve gotten so big!”
“Hello, Big Brother,” the sister—Tonia—says with a small, shy wave.
The littlest one immediately buts in: “I’ve grown by five whole inches, Big Brother! Anthon thinks I’m lying though!”
“That’s because you are!” the little boy with glasses retorts. “Don’t listen to him, Big Brother. Teucer can’t read the ruler properly! He’s only grown by maybe an inch at most.”
“You’re just jealous because I grew more than you!” Teucer says, pouting. “Probably because you’re a know-it-all.”
“That doesn’t have anything to do with anything, stupid!”
“You’re the stupid one, ugly!”
“You’re the ugly one, you dummy-butt!”
“Boys! Be nice!” Ajax’s mother scolds as Zhongli and Ajax settle into their seats. Her eyes spots the presents and the tense smile comes back. “Ah, Ajax, you didn’t have to. You should save your money…”
“These are from Zhongli and me,” Ajax corrects while handing out the presents to the cheering children. “I’m doing much better now that Zhongli is helping me out.”
The smile on Ajax’s mother’s face is practically a grimace at the blatant reminder of her neglect. “Ah…”
“Thank you, Big Brother!” Tonia says as she unwraps her present to find a new set of quality paints and paintbrushes. As a budding artist, she’s always in need of supplies and she seems particularly pleased with the way she’s hugging the present tightly. “And um, thank you, Mister…um, sorry, Big Brother, what’s his name again?”
“This is Zhongli,” Ajax answers. “He is my boyfriend.”
“It is very nice to meet you all,” Zhongli says, first nodding to the children (because he knows who to prioritize), and then the parents. “Ajax tells me a lot about his young brothers and sister so I’ve been looking forward to meeting you.”
He pointedly did not say anything about the parents. Peter and Natasha understands the dig at them by the way they stiffen up to Zhongli’s great satisfaction.
“He didn’t say anything mean, did he?” Tonia asks, oblivious.
Zhongli chuckles. “Nothing of the sort, Miss Tonia. I’ve heard nothing but glowing praises.”
Tonia giggles and turns to her mother. “Mom, he called me Miss Tonia!”
“That…that’s very nice, dear.”
A waiter drops by and they make their order. The moment she leaves and with the children distracted by the presents (Ajax bought them some new video games and within seconds, they’ve stopped paying attention to anything else), Natasha clears his throat and turns his attention on him and Ajax.
“So, Ajax, Mister Zhongli, I see that you are…well. I wanted to have a chat since the last time we met ended a bit…abruptly and I never got the chance to properly meet you, Mister Zhongli.”
Peter snorts. “Natasha, just cut to the chase.” He turns to Ajax, crossing his arms over his chest. “Boy, your mother has been worried sick about you. We’ve been receiving non-stop messages from your father about this Mister Zhongli. She wanted to get to the bottom of this but you kicked her out—”
“Mister Rybakov, allow me to interject,” Zhongli cuts in. “I was the one who asked Miss Natasha to leave. She dropped by at an inopportune time without prior notification and demanded Ajax’s attention. She has done so after years of minimal contact. The way she showed up was rude, inconsiderate and hurtful just like the way you are acting now by demanding an explanation from Ajax after neglecting him for so long. No reasonable person would stand for this level of disrespect.”
Zhongli has dealt with people like Peter countless of times and from experience, he knows the best way to communicate with them is with bluntness. From the silence following his little speech, he’s read the situation (and the man) properly.
Beside him, Ajax continues to squeeze his hand. His poor boy. Zhongli will gladly act as his shield.
“I-I understand that Peter and I have not been the best parents,” Natasha says to her son. “I also know that we hurt you and I’m very sorry, son. I’m sorry it took this long for me to realize how we made you feel. But that doesn’t mean we don’t care about you. We just…”
She breathes a heavy sigh. “I don’t want to fight, that’s not why I invited you two out for dinner. Instead, I was hoping that I can properly make your acquaintance, Mister Zhongli and have a better understanding as to how you two met.”
“Leonid thinks your relationship is an insidious one,” Peter adds, “He thinks you’re paying the boy for your gratification.”
Ajax scowls. “Why are you even listening to him? He abandoned me! He has no right to butt into my relationship and try to play caring parent now!”
“But is what he’s saying true?”
“No! The man saw Zhongli and jumped to some crazy conclusions!”
“Ajax and I ran into him at a concert,” Zhongli explains, keeping his voice low, calm and full of authority. “He was surprised to see Ajax and grew even more surprise to learn that he has a boyfriend. I suspect that out of his guilt for, as Ajax points out, abandoning his family and possibly finding out his son’s preference, he tried to overcompensate by being overprotective. He needed a scapegoat so I became an easy target for him.”
He has no qualms painting Leonid as an insecure homophobic little man. A coward who abandoned his family to satiate his own ambitions deserves none of his respect.
“Zhongli and I met at the bar. I was working—I have a music gig there,” Ajax elaborates, falling back on their made-up story. “After seeing him a few times, we started talking and we got to know each other. We just really hit it off so we decided to start dating. That’s basically it. There’s nothing crazy going on.”
“Oh.” Natasha relaxes a little. “I—yes, that sounds lovely but if you don’t mind me asking, Mister Zhongli, how old are you and what do you do for a living? It’s just…you seem like a very successful man and our Ajax is still very much a student. I guess I’m trying to understand what attracted you to him.”
“Thank you for the compliment, madam,” Zhongli says with a dip of his head. “I am 28 years old. I run my own business as an investment consultant. As for what attracted me to Ajax…”
He turns to his lovely beau and his expression grows soft. “There are a great many things that I find very attractive in Ajax. I admire his tenacity and strength to succeed in life. I admire the strength of his character in standing up for his convictions. But above all else, I love that he has such a big heart. He was kind to me when I needed it the most, when I was lost and had no one to turn to. And he reached out and did everything he could to support me until I can get back on my feet. How can I not be attracted to him? How can I not pay him back by spoiling him now that I can?”
Although his explanation is full of omissions, the heart of it is true. He was touched by Ajax’s generosity to help him even with his limited resources. He was attracted by the boy’s sweetness and his genuine desire to make Zhongli feel at home. All of that only further enhance his already lovely features in Zhongli’s books.
And what lovely, lovely features his Ajax has too, especially with the way his cheeks are growing adorably pink by his words.
“Z-zhongli,” he stutters. “You have to warn a guy before you start saying these things in public. What am I going to do with you?”
From the corner of his eyes, he sees Peter squirm a little, clearly uncomfortable by the public display of affection. It only feeds into Zhongli’s need to be more petty.
Just because he’s figured Peter’s no-nonsense attitude out, it doesn’t justify the way he’s tossed his Ajax out onto the streets so Zhongli will do what he can to make the man uncomfortable around his presence. The man will know no peace when Zhongli is around. For good measure, Zhongli lifts Ajax’s hand to his lips and presses little kisses on his knuckles.
Predictably, the man speaks up. “Do you mind? We’re out in public.”
Zhongli gives him a confused look. “What do you mean? Have I done something improper?”
Peter scowls. “It’s just you and the boy—”
“I’m expressing my admiration of him. I pride myself in being open to my partner.”
“You—you know what you’re doing!”
He keeps up his confused expression as he refuses to let go of Ajax’s hand. “Mister Rybakov, please explain to me how being honest with my heartfelt sentiment is considered shameful.”
“I—”
“Or perhaps it’s only shameful because we’re both men? Alternatively, you’re uncomfortable because I’m acting this way towards Ajax. I understand that showing affection to him might be a novel experience for you.”
“Mister Zhongli!”
Whoops, Zhongli might have pushed things too far. Peter’s face has taken on an ugly purple-red. A vein is throbbing at his temple and he’s gritting his teeth.
He’s saved by the waiter’s timely appearance with their food. Perhaps it’s due to the victory he scored against Peter but whatever the case may be, Zhongli finds himself enjoying his meal greatly. The food just seems to be so delicious, so much so that he has to share some with Ajax one forkful at a time between his own bites. Naturally, Ajax reciprocates, giggling and flushing at Zhongli’s teasing.
He also chats with the children, listening with patience the way they ramble about random topics the way excited children do. None of them are phased with how he acts towards their Big Brother. If anything, Tonia seems pleased with how red Ajax is getting.
Peter, on the other hand, barely touches his meal. Good riddance to that man.
He manages to last until dessert when Peter gathers the courage to say something once more.
“Alright, I’ve seen enough. Mister Zhongli, you’ve been disrespectful towards me and my family for this entire evening. Boy,” he says, looking at Ajax specifically, “if you have any self-respect and respect for this family, you will do the right thing and break up with him. This man’s bad influence will only make you worse off than you already are!”
“Peter,” Natasha says with a frown. “That’s too much…”
“You’ve always been soft on the boy, Natasha! I will not have both the boy and his fling disrespect us like this!”
“I’m not going to break up with him just because he made you uncomfortable with his feelings, Peter,” Ajax snarks. “Why don’t you do the right thing and grow up?”
“Your statement is also wrong,” Zhongli adds, taking a slow sip of his tea. “My Ajax is sweet and lovely. He’s perfect the way he is. If anything, what you’re doing merely proves my point that you seem incapable of being affectionate towards him. That speaks a lot about your lack of character than anything else.”
“You know nothing about this family or about how he was like growing up! I helped raised him—”
Zhongli feels his temper eroding. “Then shouldn’t the blame be placed on you? If you find that he is lacking, which I disagree with, wouldn’t the fault lie with the parent for failing to guide their children? And yet, all I’ve witnessed is your irrational need to put him down—”
Ajax gives his hand a squeeze and Zhongli blinks as the building stops rattling. Oh. He’s gotten a lot angrier than expected.
“I’m not going to break up with Zhongli,” Ajax says calmly. “If anything, we’re planning on getting a place and moving in together. I’m sorry if you can’t accept that but I’m an adult and I can make my own decisions.”
The parents are silent. Ajax takes the chance to strike again.
“Speaking of making my own decisions, Father mentioned that he had left a trust fund for me. You told Mother to deliberately hide that information from me. Fairly sure that’s a breach of your duties as a trustee, Mother. It also makes me think whether you’ve been using the money improperly.”
Natasha’s eyes go wide. “I would never! We haven’t touched a penny of it!”
“Good. Then you should be able to prove that when my lawyer contacts you.” This was also another reason for attending dinner—although Zhongli has enough money for the both of them, the idea that Ajax’s step-father and mother could be stealing from him is an insult too great to ignore. Zhongli had wanted to see how they would react when confronted by the threat of a legal action.
Fortunately, neither Peter nor Natasha appear guilty. They’re upset, which is a given, but they’re not panicked and sweating bullets. It appears that Natasha is telling the truth.
“You don’t have to take things that far, boy,” Peter says, but his tone is calmer. More cowed. “I was the one who suggested we keep this as a secret until you turn 23. We didn't want you to think you can do nothing until then since you can fall back on money. We were hoping you’d learn how to be responsible.”
In a twisted sense, Ajax did learn how to take care of himself because he thought he was completely on his own, so Peter’s plan had worked. Zhongli just isn’t a fan that success stemmed from deception and mistrust to a degree of being cruel.
“I’ll trust you after my lawyer confirmed that the money hasn’t been touched,” comes Ajax’s answer.
That has Peter scowling fiercely. “Did that man teach you to do that? Did he teach you turn against your family with lawyers?”
“You taught me to do that after kicking me out with nothing and then lying about my money, Peter. I’d be an idiot if I’m not suspicious. But just so we’re clear, it’s Father who told me to look into the money so blame him. He’s also getting his people involved.”
Credit where it’s due, amongst the nonstop listings of ugly houses, Leonid also proposed that they look into whether the money has been misappropriated. He even sent documents showing how much money he had originally left behind to help Ajax in his investigation. Of course, he had done so with the intention of buying back Ajax’s good graces, but at least his suggestion had been a useful one.
“We didn’t take your money,” Peter says, the anger draining out of him. “I have nothing to hide. Leonid and your lawyer can look into it all they want.”
With the mood of the dinner sufficiently dampened (even the children are looking at the adults, worried), Zhongli nudges Ajax a little and gives him a look. Time to make their retreat.
“Thanks for inviting us to dinner, Peter, Mother, but it’s time for us to get going,” Ajax says getting up and tugging Zhongli along. “I hope now that you’ve met Zhongli, you can ignore all the nasty assumptions Father made about our relationship. Also, don’t worry about paying. Zhongli’s treating.”
“Aw, are you leaving already, Big Brother?” Anthon asks.
Ajax reaches over and ruffles his hair. “Sorry, squirt. I’ve really got to run. I’ve got some stuff I need to get to today. I’ll see you all later, okay? Enjoy your presents.”
They leave to settle the bill. They’re outside and about to call a taxi when they hear Natasha’s voice.
“Ajax, wait! Please!”
They stop. Natasha rushes over to them. She’s wringing her hands and looks deeply uncomfortable.
As for Ajax, he just looks tired. “What is it, Mother?”
“I didn’t want to see you leave without at least saying goodbye,” she starts, her voice shaking in distress, “and I’m sorry for what Peter said back there. He means well but you know how he is with having his authority respected.”
Ajax snorts. “Still doesn’t excuse the shitty things he’s done and said. Anyway, if you’re done making excuses for him—”
“I know you might never really see eye to eye with Peter,” she blurts out. “You two never did get along and I had hoped…I wanted things to work out so badly back then. Because it meant that I could finally move on from your father and that our family could be stable once more. But I recognize that I haven’t been fair to you. I haven’t given you the chance to get used to things and make peace with the fact that your old life suddenly turned upside down. And this tough love approach was just an awful, awful…”
“Why are you telling me this now?” Ajax asks, frustration creeping into his words. “Like, okay, you’re sorry but it still doesn’t change anything! You both still abandoned me and Peter is still a piece of shit so what’s the point?”
“I just…I wanted…”
Zhongli can see that this is going nowhere. Although Natasha is truly remorseful, forcing an apology on someone who’s not receptive to it will only do more damage in the long run. But more importantly, he can see the way his poor darling is shaking in anger. He’s a few sorry’s away from either snapping or shattering.
“Miss Rybakova, perhaps we can resume this conversation when everyone has had the chance to cool off,” he offers gently. “We’ve all had a long evening and I’m sure we can use the time to process what happened.”
For a second there, she looks like she wants to protest, but a glance at her son has her deflating like a balloon. “Okay,” she murmurs. “Okay. Let’s talk later.”
She takes a step back and watches them, her expression complicated. Zhongli doesn’t know what she’s thinking, but there’s a yearning laced with deep sadness. It’s a look he’s seen many times over, a look of grief from realizing that some things broken can’t be so easily repaired if at all.
Finally, she says: “Take care of yourself. And you as well, Mister Zhongil. Please take care of my son.”
And then, with a final nod, she heads back inside.
Zhongli doesn’t say anything. He sides up to Ajax and wraps an arm around his shoulder, tightening his grip when the boy buries his face in the crook of his neck as if Zhongli is the sole place where he can find his solace.
“I-I don’t know if I can forgive her,” he confesses as Zhongli feels his collar being soaked with more warm tears. “I don’t know if I can forgive anybody. Gods, I’m just s-so mad.”
Zhongli caresses the back of his head in gentle motions. “You’re in no rush, my heart,” he murmurs. “Take all the time you need to figure out how you feel. I’ll be right here with you.”