Chapter Text
“Declined?” Ajax asked, incredulous. He had money in his account last night. But that was before the electricity and water bill… shit. “Um, okay, hang on, I think I have cash.”
He pulled his wallet out, hands shaking as he held up the line at the cafe. All he wanted was a small drip coffee with room for cream. It was three dollars and his damn card had been declined. What a fucking loser he must look like. Especially in his hand-me-down suit with the fraying pant leg hems. Ajax was tall but his brother was taller and he couldn’t afford a tailor.
One bill and five coins that added up to $2.10. Fuck, he was 0.90 short.
“S-Sorry,” Ajax said, voice a bit wobbly. “I don’t have enough.”
“Put it on mine,” a velvety voice cut in.
“Of course, Mr. Zhongli. A hot black tea with sugar like usual?” The barista asked, her voice far kinder than when Ajax had been ordering.
“Please.”
Ajax turned around to see the most gorgeous man he’d ever laid eyes on. Tall, lightly tanned, warm golden eyes, a sharp jawline and the kindest smile. His heart fluttered just looking at the guy for a little too long.
“Thanks,” Ajax said. “You didn’t need to do that.”
“It is quite alright. If you have time, perhaps you would like to join me while we enjoy our drinks?” Mr. Zhongli asked.
He had to be twice Ajax’s age, putting him in his late forties to early fifties. For the first time ever, Ajax wasn’t turned off by the age gap, but actually flattered by the man’s interest. He came off as the scholarly type with a pair of reading glasses tucked into the lapel pocket of his suit jacket.
“I’ve got a little bit of time before work, and it’s the least I can do to thank you for the coffee.”
Zhongli’s soft smile grew into something wider and more genuine. Ajax looked away and grabbed his coffee from the counter to hide his blushing face. They found a table near the cafe window and sat across from once another.
“I’m Ajax,” the recent college graduate said, offering his hand to shake.
“Zhongli,” the older man said, gently squeezing his fingers as they shook hands. “So, what does a man like yourself do to not be able to afford a morning coffee.”
“Ah, it’s just some shitty entry level job at the Northland Bank. Grunt work really.”
“Everyone starts somewhere,” Zhongli smiled.
“Yeah, I guess,” Ajax shrugged. “Just wish I could make ends meet. Most nights it’s instant ramen or rice and vegetables.” He didn’t want to admit the nights he was between paychecks and had gone through all his reserves leaving him to go to bed early in hopes he could sleep off his hunger.
A crease formed between Zhongli’s perfectly manicured brows. He didn’t comment on Ajax’s pathetic home life, but the young man certainly felt judged all the same.
He looked at his watch and bit his lip. “I actually have to go. Thank you again for the coffee.”
“Ah yes, I should head out as well. The company was enjoyable. Perhaps we could share a drink again sometime? Or a meal?”
Ajax was thrown off by the man’s forwardness. Still, he was flattered, and took out his phone. It was an old model of smart phone with a cracked screen and a battery that sometimes overheated and made his phone shut down even when it was at 40%.
“What’s your number?”
Zhongli, instead of reciting his contact information, plucked the phone from Ajax’s hands and sent himself a text. Sly old bastard. Ajax liked him more by the minute.
“I will be in contact. I hope you have an easy day at work.”
“Thanks,” Ajax grinned and gulped down the last of his coffee. He was sure that after the way his morning turned around, things would keep looking up.
His day did indeed continue to look up. The icy woman who worked as the CEO’s secretary, Rosalyne, didn’t give Ajax a hard time today. She still glared at him as he passed out briefing packets for the afternoon meeting, but there were no loud complaints or humiliating jabs.
Lunch was catered in, so he didn’t need to skip a meal. Ajax even wrapped up a few bao to take home for dinner later.
He was given a new project. Something low level but easy enough for him to complete. Ajax hoped this would gain him favor and earn him a promotion in the near future. Maybe that would come with a raise, too? Damn, that would be nice. It sucked being broke all the time.
His day flew by and when he was packing up to go home he heard his phone buzz on the desk. It was unusual for anyone to text him at this time of day. Usually, his mother called around dinner to chat and his younger siblings sometimes sent him pictures after school.
Zhongli: I hope your day was pleasant.
Ajax’s stomach flipped at the text. He felt like a school boy with a crush. The hot older guy from the coffee shop really was interested in him. Today was the best.
You: It actually was. Headed home in a couple minutes.
He pocketed his phone and grabbed his bag, heading for the elevator. His phone buzzed again once he made it to the ground floor and he bit his lip, trying not to grab for it and answer right away. Ajax didn’t want to seem desperate.
The train station was only three blocks away, but Ajax barely held out one before he dug in his pocket for his phone.
Zhongli: May your evening continue to be pleasant. Perhaps we could meet for dinner on Friday night? There is something I wish to ask you and it is better done in person.
That got Ajax’s heart pounding. What on earth could the man want to ask? They just met that morning for archon’s sake! Still, he was curious. And as long as Mr. Zhongli paid, he wasn’t going to turn down a free meal.
Pondering the proposal of a possible date, Ajax didn’t form a response until he was two stops away from his station.
You: A bit ominous, isn’t that? lol But yeah, dinner sounds nice. Have something in mind?
The response came almost immediately.
Zhongli: Apologies.
Zhongli: It was not my intention to cause you stress. But I would very much like to take you to dinner.
Ajax’s heart was tap dancing in his chest. Should he be cautious? Probably. Did he want to jump in straight away and see what the universe had in store for him? Abso-fucking-lutely!
You: No worries. So, where are we meeting?
Zhongli: Have you ever dined at Liuli Pavilion?
He swallowed tightly. Liuli Pavilion was the fanciest restaurant in Liyue Harbor. It was high end not only in cuisine but also in its clientele. Ajax wasn’t sure he owned anything nice enough to wear to a place like that. He bit the inside of his cheek.
You: Isn’t that a bit… bougie?
Three little dots popped up to indicate Zhongli was typing. Ajax’s eyes glanced up to see the train coming into his station. He stood, walked toward the doors and waited impatiently for Zhongli to finish typing. The response popped up just as the train doors opened and then Ajax’s phone promptly died.
“No, no, no, no! Ugh, stupid piece of crap!”
A few people looked in his direction, but Ajax ignored them. He pocketed his phone once more, the block hot against his leg. Guess he was using it too much. Hopefully Zhongli wouldn’t think he was put off by the restaurant suggestion. Ajax power walked home, determined to plug in his shitty cell phone and get it back online as quickly as possible.