𝑰 𝐒𝐋𝐄𝐏𝐓 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐌𝐘 𝐂𝐎-𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑 [𝐙𝐇𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐋𝐈 𝐗 𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐃𝐄]

-𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐖𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐘 + 𝐎𝐍𝐄-

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Hours later, and it was a bright sunny winter afternoon and everyone was busy working. Makeup artists were busy away, applying power and lip tint to both male leads handsome faces. Though one of the makeup artists noticed an old bruise on Zhongli's neck and tried asking about it– seeming worried— but Zhongli mentioned he had gotten hurt by straightening iron, and the makeup artist believed it.

So far and so good; the day was seeming to have a positive headstart. Especially considering the group of anti-fans outside this morning. Luckily, security had gotten them all to leave so the faint sounds of people shouting outside had finally stopped. Much to everyone's — especially star actors— relief.

After getting dressed in their attire- Childe and Zhongli got on set, sitting down and let the crew workers touch them up, lay out their clothes correctly, their hair, making sure each detail was perfect while warning them not to move. Then everyone backed away, leaving the two perfect as a picture. Which was what Zhongli was particular about. When he first saw their outfits they would be wearing for the movie, he was a bit dissatisfied with the tailoring job, saying he wished it to be a bit better here and there. Then there was his hairstyle, to which he didn't like. Nor the background or music. He was all so fussy about the little things and Childe never knew until they first began working together on set.

But Zhongli seemed pleased with how smoothly things were running today, you would think he was the director instead of Kaeya. Maybe in a way, Zhongli was the untitled boss of things. Everyone trusted him to know what was best— even Kaeya agreed to a lot of what Zhongli wanted for the movie. That, or they knew Zhongli would be difficult unless things were to his standards.

But seeing as they would be filming the last scene, it had to be perfect. And with so much tension off of both of their shoulders, both lead actors were sure of their abilities. No lies, no excuses, no worries were on their mind right now. Pretending to be in love? Easy. They already were after all.

"This is the scene were the God Rex Lapis will confess to the mortal Ajax. I'm sure you two know what to do." Kaeya called out, lazily leaning back in his director's chair and pulling out his megaphone. "And action!"

Now sitting across from the man he loved, Ajax stared with admiration as Rex Lapis spoke on about something. Truth is, Ajax wasn't paying much attention to the words– just the person saying them.

"And when the springs arrives.." Rex Lapis paused when he noticed the staring. He set down his teacup and tilted his head. "My dear Ajax.. Were you paying attention to me?" He asked raising a brow, but a soft smile of amusement also caressed his face and Ajax hummed.

"I am. Nothing else has my attention." He promised, sending a brighter smile the other's way, his eyes fixed on the beautiful man across from him. Ajax still sat there in the same memorized position. Just watching the other like this was good enough for him. Just their presence was enough, their connection so strong, that Ajax knew he wouldn't want to leave Rex Lapis's position for one moment. This is where he wanted to be.

"Do you remember when we met? I was sure you were a troublemaker." Rex Lapis said and Ajax laughed.

"You thought that of me !? My, how embarrassing. It's quite true though."

"I never said it wasn't." Rex Lapis responded, who also began to pour two cups of tea. "I know you to be the most troubling rascal I have ever met in my lifetime. And my lifetime has been quite long so far.." he trailed off, setting his cup down as he stared into it for a moment. His lonely expression was noticed. It made him frown.

"Rex Lapis.."

The god shook his head and uttered a weak chuckle. "You first came to me to steal my powers, correct? If I'm being completely honest with you, I would not care for them myself. To live forever— alone— it is not a blessing, but a lonely burden. To see people come and go; they pass by, grow up, and die in what is mere months to me. It is the most painful experience I know." He told him solemnly. As many people envied Rex Lapis for what was seen as an amazing and luxurious life of enternal life and and knowledge, it wasn't worth the goodbyes and pain. Only Rex Lapis knew that personally, though.

"But.." Rex Lapis continued, looking up at Ajax. "Even if I could pass this curse onto another, even if I could give it to you, I wouldn't even consider it for a moment. It is too cruel to wish that loneliness to someone else." He told Ajax, who had become speechless.

"I forgive you, Ajax, for trying to deceive me. But please also forgive me; I cannot give you what you truly desire."

There was a break between them before Ajax suddenly stood up, making Rex Lapis look at him with confusion until the mortal walked around the table, falling on his knees and throwing his arms around the God's neck.

"It.. it isn't immorality or power I want anymore.." he whispered, hugging Rex Lapis even tighter.

The God froze, his arms in the air as he was a bit unsure what to do with them. But when he felt how vulnerable Ajax was right now, how he shook with so many emotions of anger and regret, he hugged him back ever so gently, and put a hand behind his head as he cradled the mortal in his loving arms.

"I wanted you, Rex Lapis.." Ajax confessed, digging his nails into the other's back. "And.. that's probably what I wanted all along; I just didn't know until now.." he gripped the other's robes. "And I've fallen for you; for your warmth, your light.. I love you, Rex Lapis."

There was a long and dramatic moment of silence that lasted between the two men before Rex Lapis pressed his face into Ajax's shoulder; relief and serenity was written on Rex's face. He could feel the ginger cling ever so tightly to him, as if the God just may disappear from his grasp. Why did this human care so much for someone he barely knew? Rex Lapis didn't understand it. He couldn't understand how some lonely God like himself managed to catch the eye of such a youthful and lively young man like Ajax.

The lanterns in their paper nest flickered and Rex Lapis let his eyes slowly flutter close. He didn't understand in the slightest how he gained such pure and kind love. Not in the slightest. It didn't chance how he felt towards Ajax, however.

"I love you too, Ajax.." he answered back, voice as soft as a gentle summer breeze, words as sincere as they came straight from the heart.

And both men pulled back from their embrace a bit to stare into one another's eyes, gazing so intensely, so lovingly, anyone could notice if they sat close enough the actors weren't acting.

"I love you so much.." Rex Lapis murmured again as he and Ajax leaned in, participating in a kiss. For the first time, they kissed on set, right in front of all their co-workers and the other staff crew. And the two leas actors kissed with such a passionate bliss, it threw them into their own world. Nobody was there; there wasn't any cameras, lights, or eyes fixated on them. To them, it was just that— just them.

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