pov: after fighting enemies you weren't ready for, zhongli isn't able to reach you in time
TW: blood, injuries, self harm
taking the commission was a mistake. Leaving without Zhongli was a mistake. fighting the lawachurl was a mistake. thinking you could fight a cryo mage with a cryo vision was a mistake.
your arms ached, the polearm in your hands growing heavier by the minute. your clothes stained, with blood from the lawachurls claws. your body was cold, the ice refusing to leave.
reaching the edge of the cliff you stumbled, hitting a stone and landing right next to the edge. laying there you tried getting up but your body seemed to deny you of any movement. letting go of your your polearm you curled in on yourself, trying to preserve a little more body heat. whimpering you wondered whether Zhongli would come. you wondered whether he would show up before the ice crawling up your legs took over.
--
"Childe?" Zhongli asked in between a sip of tea.
"hm?" the harbinger raised an eyebrow as he carefully crept closer to the small black cat licking its paws. staring at the creature Zhongli couldn't help but be reminded of you. the way the animal held itself with such superiority, but as soon as it was offered company, it melted.
the cat's eyes turned from Childe to Zhongli, and as the two looked into each other's gazes, Zhongli wondered why you hadn't shown up for tea today. it was a ritual that the two of you loved, as Childe made sure to cover the costs.
Childe snatched the cat up, cradling it as it protested indignantly. Zhongli frowned and crossed his arms.
"don't torment the poor animal."
"why? will you tell me another story about some other great big battle if I don't?" he grinned and Zhongli sighed.
"no stories. right now we need to figure out why she didn't show up."
"don't fret old man," Childe grinned, "she accepted a commission today, didn't she tell you?" After a moment he laughed, "by the look on your face I'm guessing she didn't."
"she told you?" Zhongli began to contemplate your reasons for leaving him in the dark on your commission.
"oh no I just keep tabs on her for you. the Fatui here in Liyue are growing lazy and need more things to do."
"i offer my utmost gratitude."
"stop with the formal talk you geezer, but surprisingly she offered to go fight a lawachurl."
"where? the only one close enough for a short commission is in Lingju Pass where the abyss mage is."
"yea that mage did propose quite a challenge, those ice shards sting. but, doesn't she have a cyro vision?" Childe asks, a bit confused about your decision-making. it was common knowledge where the abyss mages hung out, and wouldn't you have remembered?
"that fool," Zhongli mutters. out of all the places you had to accept a commission there. as his heart began to speed up, Zhongli's tea was abandoned and he was running out of the city.
--
in a matter of minutes, Zhongli was at Lingju pass. his eyes raced around the area trying to remember the location of the mage.
"the mage's that way. now go, there's no doubt our little comrade needs you." Childe came up behind him pointing to the small cliff where the mage could be found.
Zhongli simply nodded in gratitude before rushing away.
--
as he reached the cliff, Zhongli gripped his polearm keeping it by his side as he waited for an attack.
that all changed when he saw you.
the polearm clattered to the ground and he raced towards you. dropping down to the ground he pulled you into his lap and let your head lay in his arms.
"Zhongli," you muttered. there was a deep cut on your neck and he could tell the blood was going places that would end up hurting, and the ice on your legs had crept up to your stomach. your skin was cold to the touch and Zhongli realized.
it wasn't his job to save you.
"your vision." he whispered, cradling your cheek with his hands. "it caused this."
"it was hit by the mage. the magic swirled out, it was beautiful." you looked up at him, tears in your eyes.
"i cant feel anything. it's all numb." the desperation on your features began to show. "do something. anything."
"you're beyond saving. i can't fix this." he closes his eyes and pulls you closer.
"i don't want the ice to overtake me. i don't want to bleed out. remember our promise? i thought we both agreed you wouldn't have to watch me die through battle."
"that is the one wish I cannot grant." he snaps, then softens. "i would never hurt you."
"our promise?"
"after giving up my role as the god of contracts, i'm not bound by them anymore." he mutters, now armed with the full knowledge he had no intention of ever listening to your words you mentally break.
it pushses you over the edge. "you're hurting me right now." you sob. "i don't want to end like this. it's either by my hand or yours." your breathing grew heavier and you stiffened. softening your voice you look back to Zhongli. "take my polearm."
hesitantly the archon reached for the discarded weapon. He knew where this was going and didn't like it, but he could never go against your wishes. at your slow instruction, he broke the tip off and handed it to you. as he wraps his hands around yours, you weakly smile to convey your gratitude.
you slowly open your mouth to say more but by then the blood had begun its way into your lungs and it was getting harder to breathe.
remembering how much he hates goodbyes, you simply force a smile and pull the weapon down into your heart. his warm rough hands surround yours and as you black out you see him whisper something but can't quite catch it.
gripping your hands Zhongli closes his eyes, bowing his head and mourning with a single tear.
--
thanks for reading! this technically doesn't need a part two but i will still be writing one about how zhongli deals with the death
as kaeya alberich got on stage with the bard, you felt your knees go weak. he parted his lips and the tune he carried made your heart race. the drunkards cheered and as his eyes roamed the crowd you felt the jealousy bubble inside you as his gaze settled on the other women in their skimpy outfits. looking down, you clenched your fists. why couldnt he look at you like that?
kaeyas eyes roamed the crowd looking for the one he could count on being here. after noticing them with rosaria he approached her, asking about them. the sister said nothing other than the fact that they frequented the tavern. so he looks through the crowd of drunk men and scantily clad women for-
you. his eyes settle on you and he carries the tune hoping the lyrics might catch your attention.
his voice caresses you and as you slowly glance up your eyes meet his. neither of you looking away. you finally snap and the blush highlights your cheeks, his mouth turns up into a smirk. something strikes and you feel overwhelmed. his eyes dont leave you and as your breath finally hitches he turns his gaze away. pleased with what he sees.
as you lean against the wall, weak and vulnerable, you only wonder how he can leave you breathless even after drinking so much.
collapsing into a seat at the bar you throw mora on the counter and diluc snatches it up. "already back for more i see." he raises an eyebrow, his voice laced with displeasure at the thought of anyone going after his brother. "was it his singing?" he asks, pouring your drink. diluc knows almost all that goes on in his tavern, so he found out about your long looks at kaeya as soon as they started happening.
now he glances at you, distaste in his eyes as you extend your hand out for the drink. sighing he decides to take matters into his own hands.
"no drinks until you talk to him." he raises the glass up into the air and you groan in protest. your drunken body failing to allow your climbing up on the bar.
unbeknownst to you, the knight grows bored of the girls around him and the bards' tales start getting on his nerves. diluc messing around with you didnt help his mood either. he glares at his brother watching with anger as the redhead withholds your drink from you. flirting or teasing, he didn't care.
deciding to take matters into his own hands, he slams his cup down against the wooden table and gets up. "excuse me ladies." he interjects the anemo archon's latest tale, his voice cold. sliding his chair out he stands up and dusts off his sleeve, heading over to his favorite brother.
you feel someone press up behind you and then your drink is snatched out of dilucs hand.
"here my darling" they pull away from you and you frown as the warmth leaves with them. then you freeze as kaeya stands, your drink in hand.
"thank you." you respond smoothly, reaching out for the cup, before you take it he pulls it to his lips and takes a sip. you freeze once again, flustered.
"its only fair i receive, payment, is it not?" he smirks, lowering the glass down to your hand. you slide your hands over his, and smirk.
"of course. after all only the best-looking knights do things for free." you smoothly clap back. as confident as you seem, your thoughts are scrambled, in fact, you just barely got your last line out.
"i can't be charitable all day and the fairest ladies do provide the best payment after all," he whispers, and your breath hitches, with surprise and pleasure. a smirk settling on his face once again, he slides his hands out from under yours and leaves you with your drink. he passes by you and whispers in your ear once more, "see you tomorrow darling."
pov: you're at a masquerade ball, and meet someone
[ masquerade themed tartaglia oneshot. you're technically meant to be lumine but no pronouns or actual names are used, so it's up to you how you want to read it ]
your dejection only grew as you gazed around the ballroom. everyone dancing in pairs, everyone but you of course. what were you to do when the only man you had ever danced with was your brother?
aether was a hopeless romantic, his romantic fantasies were far more elaborate than yours, and almost all of his included ballroom dancing with his lady. so you read the books and taught him yourself. the enjoyment of it all even made you yearn to be able to dance as he wanted to. but instead of being the center of attention as he wished, you wanted a simple quiet dance on the balcony.
sighing you turn around to look through the window behind you. it was dark outside, nothing to be seen but the moon reflecting on the lake below you. placing a hand on the cold glass you close your eyes and remember your brother. he's all that's been on your mind tonight. you never minded the memories, but you had come here to enjoy yourself, now everything you saw was reminding you of him.
"pull yourself together." you mutter, looking away from the window and back at the waltzing couples. why were you so lonely? you didn't have your brother, and everyone you knew hadn't even bothered to look your way tonight. they were all too busy with themselves.
sure you felt happy for xinqiu, your closest friend had finally grown as close to chongyun as he hoped. but neither of them had even approached you tonight. searching for them in the crowd you spot xinqiu fixing chongyuns collar. watching the two you couldn't help but feel sorry for what you were thinking before. the two were such a perfect match, no one could get between them. watching them helped fuel your longing. you just wanted someone to dance and care for you as they did to each other. even if it's just tonight.
"they're so perfect it hurts." you hear a voice beside you. a man in a fancy black tuxedo stands next to you. the red accents catch your eye, along with the long cloak with a shimmering soft gold underside. the contrast of his blue eyes with the sharp red mask surprise you. the man simply watches you take him in, obviously enjoying it. as he leans against the wall you follow his gaze to the two blue-haired boys.
you nod, unsure of who he is but still wholeheartedly agree with what he says. "i don't think id ever be able to be what they are." you mutter.
"well we might as well give it a shot," he suggests, a playful shine in his eyes. as you raise an eyebrow in confusion, he straightens up, walks to a table, and plucks a red rose out of the centerpiece.
"would you care for a dance darling?" he asks, his outstretched hand holding the red rose.
"o-of course." you stammer, caught off guard at the sudden turn of events. he takes the rose and tucks it behind your ear. "now we match." he smirks, pointing to his red mask. glancing down at your white and gold dress you smile.
"we're just opposites tonight."
"contrast is a wonder darling." something about the way he leans towards you whenever he says something or just the way he adds 'darling' to every sentence makes you relax, he gently grabs your hand and pulls you towards the dancing couples.
his gloved hands in yours, you let your mouth turn up into a smile as the two of you dance. the music starts fast and the two of you whirl around, everything's a blur. well, everything but the very man you're dancing with.
eventually, the music slows, and he pulls you closer, the two of you sway to the music and he whispers in your ear, "i truly enjoyed dancing with you tonight. it was as enjoyable as our battle." he pulls his lips away from your ear and you tense up.
tartaglia. that's who your mystery man is.
"t-tartaglia?" you whisper, hoping to confirm whether it is your red-headed enemy or not.
"why darling, i thought you were smarter than this. could you not tell until now?" he asks, frowning.
"my deepest apologies," you quickly recover, turning back to the formal speech the two of you were conversing in.
"it's starting to feel stuffy in here." he stops swaying, now standing rigid. slowly sliding his arms off you he turns away and walks off, leaving you at the edge of the sea of dancers. he seemed hurt. what did you do wrong? quickly looking up you move out of the way and as you turn away from the dance, you see him heading to the open door, leading towards the balcony.
walking to grab drinks, you sip from one of the thin glasses as you head towards the balcony. stopping to close the door behind you, you quietly approach the harbinger from the side. he's leaning against the railing, another flower in his fingers.
"tartaglia?" you whisper.
he looks up, and you truly see him for the first time. with his mask slid upon his forehead, you appreciate the moonlight reflecting off his skin, the messy hair, and his sparkling eyes. then you frown and set the glasses on the balcony, rushing forward as you watch a tear slide down his cheek.
you cup his face in your hands and brush away the tears sliding down his cheek. "what's wrong?" you ask, he remains silent and gently removes your hands from his face. then lowers himself to the floor and lightly pats the ground next to him. scrambling to sit by him, you retrieve the two glasses you left on the balcony and lower yourself alongside him. "you can tell me anything," you smile and hold out a glass, he turns towards you and takes the glass. as his hand leaves yours, taking the glass with it, you momentarily wish he could've left his hand on yours a while longer. shooing the thoughts from your mind you turn back to tartaglia. he finishes his drink with one long gulp and as you sit there stunned he swiftly snatches your glass. his smile's weak yet his antics still the same. you giggle as he downs your drink.
"that was mine!" you seethe, he just shrugs.
"you were holding it out to me, and it's quite rude to deny a gift isn't it?" you lightly smack his shoulder, but when you see him wince you regret it.
"have you been transforming lately?" you ask, the concern shining in your eyes.
"I'm honored that you care, but it's nothing you should worry about sweetheart." he chides, taking a deep breath and looking away from you. looking at him you can't help but feel as you did that day when you witnessed him sickly and weak after fighting the ruin guards. helpless. worried. and oh so confused.
he's your enemy, why do you care so much about him? hesitating, you only hope you don't mess things up with your next few words.
"what if I want to care?" you whisper, his blue eyes turn to meet yours and your breath hitches at the sight of them.
"w-well" he stammers caught off guard, after all usually it's him making those offhand comments, "i guess i'll just have to tell you then."
he sighs and plucks a leaf off one of the vines wrapped around the balcony. "the fatui are getting worse and worse, I'm not even told why I'm doing what anymore. all I hear is 'go fight this, go fight that.' it's tiring and horrible." you just place a hand on his shoulder, unsure of what to say. he's being sent out to fight, isn't that all he wants?
his cold laugh shakes you from your thoughts, " i knew you wouldn't understand. I probably seem pathetic to you don't I? i told you all i wanted was a fight, and now that I'm getting them I'm complaining about it."
not wanting to lie after he read what you were thinking. you nod, confirming what he said.
"i just wanted to leave it all behind for one night. then i got an invitation, it was for a masquerade. i figured no one would be able to tell who i was, and i knew you'd be here, so I came. then because of the good time we were having i figured you wouldn't mind having me as your partner. but then your attitude changed as soon as I told you who I was and I could tell it wasn't for the better."
"oh, tartaglia!" you cry out, throwing your arms around his neck. "i'm sorry, i'm sorry, i'm sorry, i'm sorry," you repeat. his arms wrap around you and he buries his face in your neck.
"it's alright darling. i overreacted," he says, pulling away from his neck and bringing his eyes to meet yours. you can feel the heat spreading across your cheeks as his face rests near yours, only inches away.
"no you had a right, I hurt your feelings. it's not that I hate you or anything, in fact, I quite like you. but you have tried to kill me before." you remind him.
he laughs, "that was one time sweetheart, I promise it won't happen again. and even if it does, I'll give you a warning that I'm about to destroy you. after all, I prefer fair fights."
"enough fighting talk!" you pout, "let's change the subject." you think about it and then grin, "what was that earlier?"
"what?" he perks up, raising an eyebrow at you.
"you said you wanted to come because you knew I'd be here."
"oh that's because you're special." he scoffs.
"and what's so special about me?" you tease trying to hide the blush spreading across your cheeks.
"well if you'd like me to list everything, we'd be here for hours darling. I'm afraid they'd have to kick us off this moonlit balcony." you pout and he only cheekily smiles.
"you like dancing don't you?" he asks.
"of course." you roll your eyes, remembering your earlier conversation about how important dancing was.
"well come on then." he gets up and extends his hand, raising you to your feet he swiftly pulls you into position. you can barely hear the music from inside the ballroom, but it's okay. the two of you dance, already synchronized enough that the beat of the music isn't necessary.
eventually, tartaglia slows and pulls you closer.
"the way your skin shines under the moonlight," he whispers, his warm breath tickling your ear.
"the way your eyes light up whenever i tell you about my family." you open your mouth to ask what he's doing and he quickly silences you with a finger against your lips.
"shhh darling, you did ask why I think you're special didn't you?" he grins as your eyes soften.
"the way you bring your little buddy around with you no matter where you are."
"the way you still helped me with my brother that day even after I tried murdering you."
"the way your eyes showcase every emotion you're feeling."
by this point tartaglia had taken his finger off your mouth and had wrapped his arms around you, he was looking up at the moon and you quickly interrupted. "tartaglia." you whisper.
"don't call me that," he scowls. confused you raise an eyebrow but comply.
"childe?"
"even worse." you just blankly look up at him, what does he want you to call him? darling?
"darling?" you hesitantly call out.
"darling." he echoes back, then smiles at the discomfort in your eyes. "you don't have to call me that sweetheart, i understand we can't all be as charming as I am. but I'm not in the mood to be reminded of my fatui background as of now. so why don't I reintroduce myself?"
taking a step back he grins, "it's a pleasure to meet you, darling, please call me ajax." with that he falls into a bow and extends his hand, you reach out to grab it and he raises your hand to his lips, placing a whisper of a kiss.
"it's a pleasure to meet you ajax." you smile, he nods and pulls you into him once again. as you sway he mutters,
"i'm sorry. normally I'm not such a whirlwind of emotion."
giggling you acknowledge his faults, "normally it's fighting, flirting, or fascinating."
"fascinating?" he inquires. you blush and look away. "don't worry, I already know how great I am."
"do you know how conceited you are?"
"of course! self-awareness is important after all." stifling a laugh you simply slide over to the balcony and lean against it. he comes up from behind and leans on you, wrapping his arms around your neck. smiling at the banter you shared, and then the slow calmness of it all, it was perfect.
"i got to live out one of my dreams tonight," you note.
"really?" you can feel him wanting to add some self-absorbed comment so you hurry on before he can interject.
"simply slow dancing on a quiet balcony." you smile and ajax leans over your shoulder, bringing his face next to yours.
"did you enjoy it?" he asks, cautiously.
"w-well" you stammer, "i danced with a w-wonderful someone. someone who i regret not approaching earlier."
"really," he mutters, sounding pleased. "i'm glad."
"me too." you echo back.
"i believe this someone is wondering whether the wonderful lady would like to meet them again. perhaps just the two of them gone wherever the lady likes"
"s-she is having a hard t-time responding to that," you whisper. caught unawares by the sudden inquiry.
"well i hope she says yes," he says. you nod, shivering as the breeze passes you. crossing your arms to try and hold the warmth with you, you turn back to the ballroom, trying to remember if you brought a coat or not. as you near the door ajax clasps something around his neck, it's his black cloak. the thick fabric settles over your bare and shoulders you turn around eyeing the long garment dragging on the ground.
"don't leave me so soon," he whines. you roll your eyes and wait for him to reach your side. the two of you stand basking in each other's presence. observing the ballroom you both eye the warm cheerful atmosphere with slight disdain. it was much too happy in there, it reminded you too much of aether. it was beautiful in its own way, but not what you wanted, after all, tonight was your night.
turning back towards the moonlit balcony, the breeze whispers through your hair and glancing at ajax you smile.
"this is kind of-" you pause, hesitant, "nice."
"really? well, I'm honored to have been graced with the presence of such a beautiful lady tonight."
"and I with the presence of such a charming man." he hooks a finger under your chin and turns your face towards his. as the light shining through the windows casts a glow upon his skin, your eyes try to capture every small detail.
he brings his face closer to yours, and you're suddenly aware of your lips, only inches apart from his. he remains there, waiting for permission. you inch forward a bit and he leans forward, your lips crashing together. up until now, you hadn't realized just how much you wanted this, and now that you've had a taste, you aren't sure you ever want to give it up.
ajax's hand leaves your face and his arms trail down to your waist, he pulls you closer to him and a slight moan of surprise escapes your lips. reaching up you wrap your arms around his neck.
breathless, you pull away and he starts trailing light kisses along your exposed collarbone. laughing you gently shove him away.
"How was that for a kiss?" he asks, you simply blush and turn around. he walks up behind you and wraps his arms around your neck. "don't be like that my love. if it bothered you that much i won't do it again."
"n-no! it was fine. i r-rather enjoyed it." your voice trails off at the end and you quickly tense up, embarrassed at the fact you let it slip out.
"so are we enough to compete with the two blue haired ones now?" he teases.
"i'd hope so," you say, turning around to face him.
"you don't understand how long I've waited for this day," he whispers.
you drink in the happiness on his features and smile back. "i'm glad you did."
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