lightningliyue

[lightningliyue]

Diluc was an interesting man. He had power, he had recognition, and he had a prospering business. You met him through Kaeya, one of the nobles of mondstat, who was also his step brother. One day they had been bickering and you had accidentally been put between the two having to choose sides. You didn't like the idea of having to go against Kaeya but you believed he shouldn't have poked around in his step brother's affairs. Kaeya being the overly prideful person that he wasn't didn't want to accept that he was in the wrong. However, eventually you got the two to meet on equal grounds again. Later Diluc had invited you to dinner to thank you for your intervention. When you arrived, you were shocked to see Diluc dressed more formally then he already had been the many years you had known him. You were taken back.

"Hi, Master Diluc. You look very nice today.", You said eyeing his outfit. This was all too new, but you liked it. He looked even more attractive in that suit. It had a golden details seemingly carved into the collar that was cut off at the shoulders which had tassels that laid against the chest of his suit.

"Thank you, and Diluc is just fine. You don't need to speak formally to me.", He stated putting his arm out for you to take it so you both could walk into the diner together. As you entered you noticed how large the building was. There were several chandeliers scattered about the building with floral arrangements lying on the tables below them. Your attention shifted to a servant who was waiting for you both to make your way down the carpeted entrance. "I'd like to request the balcony."

"Yes, sir. This way." The well dressed man replied showing you both the way to a balcony upstairs that was decorated in roses and petals. There was various candles lit carefully along the sides of the wall where the tables were as well. After you finished looking around in awe and the two of you were left alone, Diluc suddenly went down on one knee and you were thinking he was fixing his shoe but then he pulled out a ring that was adored in ruby jewels.

"You were always there for me when I needed you and you always helped me and my brother despite how stubborn we are. Since we met, you've stuck by my side. Now I want to stay by your side. Will you marry me?"

[lightningliyue]

Free Genshin Impact Christmas Art for wallpaper 🌲🎄⛄ Merry Christmas Everyone

[lightningliyue]

chongyun : one time, in pursuit of rumours of an evil spirit, i went on dragonspine completely naked save for a shirt, dug a hole in a frozen lake, and stayed there half a day. luckily no one saw me haha.

[lightningliyue]

The Cold

You had stopped by the alchemy table in town making new potions to keep warm in the harsh freezing mountains in Mondstadt. While you were standing there sucrose came by. She was rushing over to you in a hurry.

"H-hello, Albedo wanted your assistance with his research. Are you available right now?", She asked shyly. You were shocked the famous alchemist of Mondstadt needed your help. Paimon started dancing eager for a reward since she knew we'd get one after finishing Albedo's research. You were just curious about what he'd want your assistance with. Protecting Mondstadt and fighting hillychurls was fun but nothing an alchemist wouldn't necessarily need for his work.

"Paimon can't wait to get fisherman's toast after helping.", Paimon exclaimed stumping her feet in joy. You hadn't given her any in awhile and she had kept bothering you about it for the longest.

"For emergency food, you sure do eat a lot.", You whispered partially to yourself. You let out a small giggle before running off in the direction of the camp and leaving paimon behind as she chased you scolding you for calling her food. When you arrived at Albedo's camp you went directly to the fire set up. It was always so cold up here and you always did your best to avoid but if Albedo needed your help with something you thought you might as well try. He was busy drawing a funny looking hillychurls when you arrived so he didn't mind that you instantly dashed over to the fire to warm up.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, I was finishing up my painting so I can study how hillychurls look different depending on the environment they're in. It's very interesting.", He stated putting the paper to the side and turning to you. "Was the fire enough to make you comfortable?" You nodded and sat down at the neighboring table where lots of papers were piled up. Around you were multiple books about things you've never heard of. Albedo was one of a kind. You never understood how he was able to spend so much time studying alchemy.

"What did you need help with?", You asked curiously flipping through the notes that laid near your elbow. So many things you didn't understand yet, would you ever understand Albedo or his work? Maybe not, you thought but you were okay with that.

"Actually, I wanted to see if you'd like to accompany me to starsnatch cliff.", He said before grabbing something from sucrose who was running a quick errand for him and had just came back. He thanked her then waited for my response after putting whatever it was he received from her into his coat.

"Yeah, sure. I'd like to help with your research there.", You said back feeling a bit flustered. Usually it's easier to hide your feelings for Albedo however this felt like an excuse for a date. You hoped that you were already red faced because the cold snow and that he didn't notice. Albedo started making his way to Starsnatch Cliff and you followed behind him bashfully. When you arrived the air was cool, it felt nice mixed with the warmness of the sun. There were multiple cecilia flowers scattered about. They were your favorite flower.

"Look.", Albedo stated suddenly grasping grasping your attention. You looked at where he gestured and his hands were cupped in front of you. There was nothing there until you say something start appearing slowly but steadily. Then in his hands was a cecilia. You smiled and touched his hands while you were trying to tap the petal on the flower. His hands were warm. You wanted to be held in them. "I learned how to make the flower since Sucrose told me you've been looking at it a lot. I believed if I made it for you that I'd understand you more, like why a simple thing could make you so happy."

"You make me happy.", You muttered accidentally thinking aloud. Albedo stopped for awhile and didn't move. You started panicking and didn't know how to react either. Was he startled by what you said? You looked down unable to make eye contact feeling embarrassed at what you just admitted. You started to walk towards a nearby stone to sit down and think about how bad you wanted to hide in a hole but then you felt a sense of warmth wrap around you. "Albedo?" He had embraced you in a hug from behind willingly. You were shocked, you knew he wasn't the kind of person to do such a thing.

"When I'm with you, I feel human. It makes me feel uneasy but it also makes me feel a strange feeling in my chest. Like everything will be fine...", He commented holding you firmly with his arms. You didn't know what face he was making but you knew he felt the same. Maybe you aren't as cold as you put on, you thought when you thought about his shared feelings.

[lightningliyue]

Hello may I request a scenario of putting on Zhongli's makeup in the morning. Thank you

Holding someone as regal as him in the palm of your hands is like walking through the halls of Celestial herself. The way your fingers rested tenderly against his chin, lifting his head so you could command where he looked, control the gaze of the eyes that left you and the rest of the world breathless.

“Is there something the matter, dear?” Zhongli asked, consideration and intrigue flashing at you.

“Nothing, I was simply lost in thought.”

“Mmm.” He let his eyes fluttered closed, his lashes long, and as elegant as the hair that draped down his back. How could something so simple as putting on his makeup feel far more intimate than the nights the two of you shared together. Smiling softly, you leaned back to the table, collected more of the red liner which would outline his eyes and set yourself to work.

It had become a simple routine. The two of you getting ready in the morning, side by side as if it were something you’d done countless times even if the two of you had only been together for a short while. Everything about your relationship had slipped into comfort, ease of mind, and domestication so quickly. Breakfast preparations split equally, you with the food and he with the tea. Once the day was ready to be taken, you dressed in the clothes he purchased for you and when you were ready, you found him by the vanity.

Everything was properly placed, prepared and necessary for the ritual. A soft, expensive brushed cleaned from the day before and now waiting for your gentle touch to decorate it’s owner. “Busy day?” You asked, turning his head to assess your work.

“It shall be as busy as the days before.”

“Ah, I hope in a way that isn���t exhausting.”

“I fear that’s impossible with …”

“Yes, I know.” Chuckling, you lifted the small rag and ran is under his eyes. The final touch to your loving and detailed morning ritual. Setting the tools on the wooden vanity, you took a moment to press a kiss against his cheek before running your hands over his shoulders, sliding along the toned muscle of his arm. “I have faith you’ll handle her well.”

“If you believe in me, then I will undoubtedly succeed.” He stood and you became lost in him.

“I always believe in you.”

There wasn’t a smile in all of Teyvat that could affect you the way Zhongli’s did. No eyes that could look at you with so much love that it stole your breath and made strong legs so painfully weak. It didn’t make sense how lips could feel so perfect against your own, but there was no denying how strong the smell of his drying makeup was as it filled your nose while he cupped your cheeks and held you close.

[lightningliyue]

Genshin Boys / First Kisses.

Childe

The first thing you feel is the wall against your back. What comes next is no less harsh or all-consuming.

Ravenous, ravenous, ravenous; that’s what the harbinger is to his core. How can he learn to give when taking is all he knows? Lives, futures, opportunities, he’s taken that and more. He knows he won’t stop there either. His foolish conquest can only end in one of two ways — with him standing over a blood-soaked world, or… 

… Well, perhaps there is another path for him, bathed in the light which shines off your ethereal being. You are but a guide that he can choose to accept or ignore. Neither of you knows which category this falls into, though when your mouths clash together, concepts such as right and wrong fade into the background.

You’re gripping into his shoulders enough for it to ache. He wouldn’t have it any other way, not if the fervor in which he slants his lips against yours is to be of any indication. The both of you are panting, you slightly more so as he clings to shreds of composure, uncertain of when this started and when it might end. You don’t think you want it to. 

Almost like he could hear your thoughts, he slightly parts, chuckling at how disappointed you appear at the loss.

“I know I’ve warned you before, but I’ll say it again,” there’s a glint in his otherwise lifeless eyes. “I’m kind of a bad guy, sweetheart. You sure about this?” 

Your answer is simple and sweet enough for him to get drunk on: you pull him back to you without hesitation.

Diluc

It’s reminiscent of the fairy tales you read growing up.

Your prince removes his gloves and sets them aside before he cups your cheek. He muttered something about wanting to “feel your warmth” — the words were such a low rumble you wonder if you heard them right — though his refusal to meet your gaze says it all. 

“May I?” He repeats his earlier inquiry. The first time was for permission to touch you. This instance, however… 

Diluc closes the remaining space. The heat of his body envelops you yet doesn’t burn you up, instead, it’s pleasant and comforting; like sitting by a hearth on a winter day. He remains ever the gentleman, the hand that isn’t caressing your cheek finding purchase on your waist. You’re almost surprised by how bold that gesture is. 

His kiss is chaste, considerate, if not reserved; everything that makes you frustrated and enamored regardless. He wants more and you’d be willing to give him more. It’s the little tells that give him away. From how his fingers twitch after making contact with your skin like he longs to sink himself in deeper, to the shallowness of his breaths despite having endured training his entire life. 

There’s no rushing these matters, you suppose. 

Your patience for him is a well that’ll never run dry. When he pulls back, his cheek flushed red as the roses he recently had planted near the winery for you, the next target is your hand. You fight back a giggle at his lips brushing over your skin. 

It might be conjecture on your part, but you believe he’s trying to cover his face until it stops blushing.

Kaeya

Ah, so this must be what it’s like to have spring thaw through winter’s seemingly everlasting barricade of ice.  

The Calvary Captain knows better than most when he’s in deep. His cunning has always provided him an out, even in the direst of situations, yet his ever-spinning mind halts at your lips crashing into his. 

His initial thought is that he teased you too much, like waving a toy in front of a kitten without expecting it to pounce. That would be easier for him to accept. There’s nothing wrong with a little physical attraction, perhaps lust mixed in, making for a perfectly delectable cocktail. Deep down he knows that isn’t the case. The tears pricking your eyes, the wetness of your cheeks, he feels it all and he wishes he didn’t. 

He kisses you back because he should. That’s what he tells himself — he’s resting his hands on your hips for your sake. Kissing you with the passion of a dying man for your sake. Subconsciously feeling at your left hand, wondering what it’d be like to slide a band around your finger for your sake, not for his, oh no. Never for his. 

That’s what a fool in love would do. He’s anything but that, he thinks, he’s staying in control of this situation. Sure, it’s escalated past his original expectations, but that’s what makes it fun… right? It’s not because of you, just the thrill of the situation, isn’t it?

It’s a shame, truly. That the most adept of liars can never seem to fool themselves.

Zhongli

Zhongli believes that this must be what poets have transcribed ever since their ink could touch parchment, what playwrights sought to encapsulate in their many melodramas and tragedies. Love is far simpler than the lengthy prose popular in each era he himself personally witnessed. 

I may be biased, he thinks, amused. After all, he believes that true love is when he’s with you. 

To have a god worship you is softer than you expected. There’s no blind idolization, expectations of endless devotion, or battles waged in gaining your hand. Zhongli wants to see everything you have to offer. He’s been your rock through highs and lows, though if you were to decide where this moment landed, you’d pick the former. 

He’s had to tilt his head down for your lips to touch, the meeting like a reunion between lifelong friends, somehow devoid of embarrassment associated with these firsts. He allows you to lead the kiss in any direction you desire and adjusts himself to your preferences. Your eyes are closed, yet you see gold. 

Your grip on the lapels of his coat tightens and his chest rumbles with low laughter. If he is your firm anchor, then you are the ship’s rudder, leading the both of you into uncharted territory dense with excitement. 

Something sharp pokes at your lip just shy of being painful. It’s still enough to make you blink in surprise, the sight of elongated fangs making for an unexpected greeting. Zhongli’s expression is similar to yours until reality settles in, and he clears his throat. 

“My apologies,” he murmurs, his hand rising to his chin. “I must’ve gotten too… excited.” 

(Albedo, Xiao, Scaramouche and Kazuha are underneath the cut!) 

Keep reading

[lightningliyue]

Hello luv 💞 so I was listening to Lover's Oath and I had a thought,,, what if Huxian/Fox God! Reader has been with Zhongli even before the war, they fought by his side and after the War they got together but reader hasn't shaken off from their mind Zhongli's look of anguish and loss when Guizhong died in his arms. Reader decides that it might be better if Guizhong was there instead of them, so reader finds someone who could bring her back,,, imagine theres a scene where Zhongli and Guizhong looks at each other through the crowd, not noticing that reader smiles bitterly within the crowd and heads home to pack and leave Liyue, reader still feels happy for both of them. BUTTTTT Zhongli really loves reader, not Guizhong, she really was just his close friend. Imagine how shocked he'd be when he comes home earlier to tell reader the news and he catches them in her big fox form with luggage in mouth, about to leave. I'm feeling an angst to fluff kind of story if you don't mind d request,,,

Who you pretend I am

(Zhongli x fellow god! gn! reader)

ANON U ARE SO BIG BRAINED <3 Your ideas... CHEFS KISS <3 I had to do a LOT of research on Chinese mythology and genshin lore cus...that hole is deep, but I hope I did your idea justice!! Im ngl i was tearing up writing this--- title was inspired by "Wahing machine heart" by Mitski because I started thinking about the lyrics a lot as I wrote this

Length: 6. 8 k

Genre: Angst with a happy ending

cw: mentions of violence and blood, character death (not reader) and self-deprecating feelings

It is said that long before the archon wars raged across the land - long before the god Morax became the revered Rex Lapis, even preceding the connection of the Lord of Geo and Ruler of Clouds, another soul resided beside the Geo archon.

A young adeptus was all Morax had been, a spirit guided by lust for glory and violence - brute force with no wit to match. That was what he had been when you first met him, teasing him playfully as you tricked the young god.

A dragon born of rock and a fox descending from the goddess who presides over life and death - an unlikely pair to say the least. You had laughed and teased the young Morax, whose anger created rifts in the newborn and smooth-faced earth as he chased your flickering form, morphing from shape to shape to confuse him further.

"Quit pestering me!" he'd snapped, his sharp talons digging into the ground as he glowered up at your form - stretched out on the branches above the tree he'd been resting under. You simply laughed - an enchanting sound magical enough to put anyone under its spell, you'd been told, and allowed your tail to flick his nose, a fond smirk upon your features.

"I'll stop once you prove you're no longer a child, Morax. It's simply so much fun to watch your childish tantrums," you teased, quickly moving your tail out of the way as he attempted to slash at it with his clawed hands.

And he did prove it - centuries passed, you teasing, but on many an occasion also aiding him - and he was to become known as the Lord of Geo. Your teasing slowly relented, becoming an occasional friendly jab that he had learned to deflect easily. The day had come, when you bowed to him, acknowledging his growth as a god.

That day, both sat under the forest that had bloomed around the lone tree you oh so long ago played under, he had asked you to become his right hand.

You stretched in the sun, your tails spread around you as you soaked in the warmth. With a teasing flick of a tail, you smirked. "I've always been that, Morax."

Battles were fought, lands created - all with you by his side. Serving as the brains to his brawn for the longest time. While his powers could shatter boulders and bones, yours could wreck minds and hearts - it was a successful conjoined effort of two spirits in separate forms that intertwined.

You had met Guizhong with Morax - the two of you wandering the fields when you came across the beautiful goddess. She introduced herself as Guizhong, the Ruler of Clouds, the Lord of Dust - and on the spot - amidst the beautiful wild glaze lilies, she gifted Morax a stone dumbbell she called Memory of Dust.

"I propose we form an allience, Morax, Lord of Geo," she spoke delicately, a smile upon her gentle features. "You are strong and powerful - and I am neither of those, but what I do excel in, is strategy." "You have a deal, Guizhong, Ruler of Clouds," Morax spoke with a smile of his own and you watched from the sidelines, eager and hopeful for a prosperous future for all three of you.

Later, that night, twirling a glaze lily in his hands - hands that destroyed so easily - he turned to you. "You approve of joining forces with Guizhong, don't you?"

You laughed, ruffling his hair with a clawed hand.

"You could use some brains to back up that empty head of yours - of course I approve!" You teased him playfully, and the gentle smile he sent your way warmed your old heart.

Soon enough, Morax and Guizhong enlisted the help of Marchosius, Patron God of the Soil and Stove - and Guili Assembly was forged from empty fields over the course of centuries, a flourishing nation in pursuit of knowledge. The four of you grew close - your love for the kind and gentle Guizhong becoming that of a sibling - she was the wise and balanced member of your group, always managing to bring about a calmness when turmoil threatened to arrive.

You watched happily, as Morax, a childish firecracker of a dragon once, matured more as a ruler - co-operating beside Guizhong in perfect harmony. The adepti that Morax had taken rule over answered to her every beck and call, and soon, your close friends became closer still without your presence.

It was bittersweet, watching Cloud Retainer, another old friend of yours, set up dinners for Guizhong, herself and Morax - it started off as a simple gesture of goodwill, but became a longstanding tradition you wished not to impede on. You were happy, of course, that the ones closest to you could find joy in each other's company - but still, a heart's a heavy burden that only grows heavier over time.

You laid upon a large bolder, your many tails keeping your figure warm in the cool night as you watched the skies above with Moon Carver for company. He was a gentle, nurturing presence on nights you felt most alone. Strumming your sharpened nails upon the bolder, your gaze slipped to the peaks of Mt. Aocang, upon which you could see the faintest glow of light. You sighed.

"You are unusually quiet upon this dark night. One is concerned over your wellbeing," he spoke, his bellowing voice steering your longing gaze from the peaks of the mountain. You smiled bitterly.

"I'm perfectly alright, Moon Carver, but I do appreciate the concern," you replied distantly, your thoughts drifting away with the gentle wind once more. With the softest of thuds and grace gifted to nimble foxes, you hopped off the boulder and stretched.

"I'm going to go get some rest, good night, old friend," you bid the adeptus farewell and he bowed his head in response, a knowing glint in his wise eyes.

Your wandering feet led you amidst the lands of Guili plains, taking in the sights before you shrouded in a veil of darkness. You sighed quietly as you took note of the large Ballista perched atop Mt. Tianheng. The most marvelous creation of your close companions Cloud Retainer and Guizhong. You climbed closer to it in silence and slid your fingers gently across the smooth wood it was constructed of.

You were happy to have such clever friends - truly. Friends whose wisdom did not rely upon trickery and metamorphosis as your did - friends who were of much use when it came to more strategic matters of battle. You placed your forehead against the wooden weaponry, having no fear it would attack you - it was constructed to protect the people, gods and adepti of the Guili Assembly after all. The cool wooden surface soothed a lingering ache within you.

Morax deserved companions such as the two masterminds behind the invention. He had grown much as a god, and you were certain, that with the help of Guizhong, he could grow more still.

The archon war was a cruel and unjust massacre - leaving gods of all status to fight tooth and nail for the seven seats reserved for those that Celestia deemed worthy. The soil of Teyvat was watered with blood of divine and mortal origin alike and no one was safe from the battlefields of the hunger for power.

Of course, you and the adepti, the Lord of Dust and God of Stove backed Morax in his conquest to secure one of those seats. Morax was an ancient being already compared to many of the gods that fought. Guizhong provided your troops with valuable strategies and you were quick to clutch the hilt of your blade in your clawed hands, baring your sharp teeth at your enemies as you charged into battle alongside your oldest living companion - Morax.

Yes. Blood flowed in rivers and no one could be safe from the paralyzing pain of loss, when it came to the gruesome battles you fought it, desperate to live - desperate to win.

"When I secure a seat amongst the seven - our people will thrive," Morax said with a stern expression set upon his stony face, facing you and Guizhong as he gripped his Vortex Vanquisher tightly, his tail moving swiftly from side to side.

Quizhong nodded slowly.

"We have no choice but to fight anyway - every being of higher status is out for blood," she agreed. You could not help but agree, despite knowing the needless blood that must be shed in your future endeavors.

Oh how you wished this cursed war had not taken place at all.

That you and your companions could have been spared of the pains of it.

"(Name), watch out!" you heard Morax' voice call out for you as you removed your blade from the slain body of a fellow god. You turned towards him swiftly, your ears pinned to your head. It all happened in a blur - a heavy claymore swung at you in the blink of an eye - ready to slash you open and drain you of life.

In that frightening moment, time itself seemed to slow down as your eyes locked onto the amber hue glowing in Morax's gaze, his face twisted in a desperate scream.

And then, you hit the ground.

But no pain penetrated your body other than the slight sting of your side making contact with the ground.

When your eyes darted to your right - that was when the pain arrived.

Excruciating, deep and unbearable pain, as you saw Guizhong bleeding out on the ground beside you, having taken the hit for you.

You could only watch in paralyzed sorrow as the enemy raised his weapon once more to descend it upon your fragile state - only to crumble to the ground as a spear shot through his heart with angry precision, dimming the life from his war-hungry gaze in a single moment.

You watched Morax's polearm clatter onto the earth, stained with blood as he surged forward, falling to his knees beside a bleeding Guizhong and swooping her weak, limp figure into his arms.

You felt wetness upon your cheeks, soon followed by your vision blurring as tears freely flowed from your eyes, crumbling any semblance of the façade of a strong warrior you had donned.

"Guizhong?" you heard Morax mutter in desperation as his attempted to stop the blood from oozing out of the wound in her torso, his hands glistening with a mix of hers and the enemy's blood. Weakly, you crawled towards them, your body shaking as you watched the two - grief wrapping you within its clutches as you saw Guizhong send Morax a weakened smile, her eyes slowly glazing over.

The skies wept in darkness along with you, glaze lilies stained in blood surrounding the three of you as a gentle breeze danced amongst them.

"It seems our journey together has come to an end, my friend," Guizhong whispered to Morax, her breathing getting slower as she gently patted his hand, the hand pressing down on her wound in an attempt to stop the flow of life oozing out of her.

She glanced at you with a sad smile - a smile of a loving friend, something so gentle and sweet.

"Morax," she turned to him again, and with trembling lips and shaking hands, his eyes met hers.

"Forget about the dumbbell," she told him. "No contract needs to mark our friendship," were her final words as her soul was swept away by the gentle breeze, carrying it to distant, hopefully kinder lands.

You could never forget the look upon Morax's face as his hand clutched the limp, gentle hand of Guizhong's body, a single tear rolling down his face as he shook with grief - a look of utter anguish and suffering that you had never seen him wear - not once in the long years you had known him for. A look of a grieving lover - pain of a love lost.

In anger, fuelled by grief, the war kept on - Morax mercilessly vanquished his enemies with a fury behind his actions - his pillars crushing and piercing all those that stood in his way. You fought by his side, quietly grieving alongside him - your only comfort being each other after battles were won and night had fallen.

"(Name)?" he approached your room in your temporary abode quietly, his expression exhausted and crestfallen as he stood in your doorway, all the anger from the battle fought gone, leaving behind only a desperate, grieving husk threatening to crumble before you like a pile of rocks. You surged forward, extending your hand to him quickly, your eyes wide. You'd never seen him like this before the death of your beloved friend, never seen him so out of it as he slowly took steps towards you and pulled you close, wrapping his strong arms, arms that had shed so much blood, around your figure, resting his face in the crook of your neck.

You shook as you returned the embrace, holding him tight in painful silence as the two of you mourned, the air heavy with an itching pain that refused to fade.

That had been the first time of many that Morax came to you in such a state, seeking out your comfort and allowing you to see him in such a vulnerable and broken state. You took him in each time, running your hands through his hair and gently stroking his horns as tears flowed down your face, shedding enough of them for the both of you.

You wept each night as you watched the wilting glaze lilies in your vase, recalling the tender gaze the two had been locked in before Guizhong's life drained away.

You wished it had been you, who had died. You - who the blow had been intended for, who had died.

The Guili Assembly crumbled - all the hard work you had strained to achieve - gone in the throes of cruel war. You watched Morax, his face set in a heavy expression, as he gathered up all that was left of the people of Guili, and began to guide them towards new land - new lands where they could prosper. You followed him, doing all you could to aid him.

The forest that once bloomed, the tree you had made your first pact under - it was all left in ashes and still-glowing embers of fire. Destroyed like all else the two of you had loved.

It had been many years since the death of Guizhong, and the war was nearing its bitter end. Morax claimed his throne as the Archon of Geo, rightfully so - but the pain never eased through all of it.

"(Name)," he whispered, his smouldering eyes staring into yours as you stood within the ashes of where he once asked you to become his right hand.

"(Name)...I must admit, my feelings for you go beyond friendship," he told you calmly, a tired look upon his beautiful face.

"We are entering a new era - an era of Archons, and I would be honored, if you'd grace me with the opportunity to enter it with you by my side. By my side as my companion, my right hand, my lover."

Tears threatened to spill from your eyes as you ran into his arms, burying your face in his neck as you nodded, unable to speak in the moment. You should have felt happy - overjoyed, even, that the millennia of pining was not unrequited, yet you could not help but feel like a traitor.

You felt it was Guizhong, who deserved to hold Morax in her loving embrace, whose lips sealed the contract of her love to the Archon - who stood beside him as his lover and advisor as he built up the nation of Liyue with calloused, tired hands. Hands so tired of the blood they had shed - eyes filled with grief and regret as he built upon the ruins of the war, watching people prosper and forget the suffering he had endured for them.

And yet - you loved him. Perhaps you were selfish, but you accepted his declaration of love for you and bound yourself to him even stronger than before, willing to be the pillar of support he needed when grief threatened to tear him down. Willing to replace Guizhong, to be what she had been destined for - your only hope being that you did not let Morax down.

Centuries and millennia passed, the war long ended and the seven seats claimed by the strongest survivors of its cruelty. Liyue - the nation Morax raised lovingly from the bloodied soils beneath it, had become the capital of trade and contracts.

Morax had become Rex Lapis. The God of War had grown to become that of contracts, and the world had healed itself, its wounds were still there, but scarred over - pain subduing over time.

"Look at you now," you let out a bittersweet laugh as you watched Morax sat at his desk, delved deep into his analysis of the commerce system, already preparing for the next year's Rite of Descension as the people of Liyue had come to call it. His yearly gift of knowledge for aiding them in conquering the world with the iron fist of trade.

He peeked up at you through his dark lashes, a tender warmth to his ochre-colored eyes.

"What do you mean?" he asked, a soft smile resting upon his lips as he stood from his seat.

"All sophisticated and wise now - I bet no one would believe me if I told them what a petulant child you once were," you teased, reaching out your hand gently, using your long nails to tuck a strand of hair behind his ear.

"Mm.." he grumbled, placing a gentle hand upon your waist and drawing you closer gently.

"And I bet no one would believe me either, were I to announce that the Qíngrén Rex Lapis holds so dear was an unrelenting bully in their youth," he replied, brushing his nose against yours in a gentle display of affection.

"I wouldn't be so sure," with a smirk, you tugged at his tie gently, loosening it from round his neck and snatching it away. You quickly twirled out of his grasp, holding the silky item up proudly.

"I'd say I'm still quite the unrelenting bully, my dear Morax."

He allowed a rare laugh to emerge from his chest, rumbling warmly as he watched you fondly, crossing his arms.

"Perhaps you're right, (Name)."

Sometimes, late into the night, you wandered the halls of your luxurious shared abode, recalling the events of times long gone. Your walls were decorated with many luxuries - far too many of them trophies of a war bathed in blood and grief. Still, there was always one item you would stand before in silent grief - tears long shed, but the pain still as piercing as the sharp edge of the Jade weapon.

You remembered when Morax sat up late into the night, carving away at it with a rare serene expression, shreds of jade coating his lap and the ground around him as he worked relentlessly on the creation.

"What are you working on?" you asked one such night, taking a seat beside him as you watched him with glowing eyes, watched the blade he was carving away at carefully and tenderly.

"A gift."

You raised your brows, a smirk upon your lips.

"Oh?"

"For Quizhong. The Primordial Jade Cutter - is what I'll name it."

You could not help but feel your ears droop at his words.

"I'm sure she'll love it once she receives it," you said with a longing smile, sliding your fingers against it's blade gently before rising to your feet and sauntering away, your tails flickering behind you in a forced display of pleased satisfaction.

You watched the gift left ungiven, encased in glass on display. You recalled when Morax, dripping with the anger of grief, picked up the newly finished sword and rushed into battle clutching it - cutting down countless enemies.

Despite that, the green glow it emitted was still that of a brand-new blade - truly a pure and beautiful blade carved with the utmost care and affection.

Some nights you were a bit more bitter over it - not once in the centuries you'd known Morax, not even the ones where you shared tender kisses and embraces, had he gifted anything like that to you - nothing carved with his own hands - once wrathful and brutal, forced to be gentle as they poured over a gift from the heart.

On those nights, you would slip out of your abode and wander the streets of Liyue, feeling weighed down with guilt for your selfish feelings. Every time, you managed to end up on Yuijing terrace, watching the glaze lilies growing within the carefully planned flowerbeds. They were no longer the wild lilies of Guizhong - the last of those had withered away long ago - but they were the closest to it. On those nights, you'd caress the petals with a somber expression, letting unvoiced apologies linger in your mind before returning back home, Morax seemingly none the wiser to your comings and goings, immersed in his work.

"Are you sure about this?" you asked somberly as you finished listening to Morax's plan of stepping down as an Archon. Giving up the seat that you had shed so much blood to attain. The seat that signified loss of a life too precious and gentle - whisked away by the wind in the form of the dust she presided over.

Morax nodded, squeezing your hands gently in his. His horns and tail long hidden as he assumed a more human form. Something you had followed him in doing, faithful to follow him wherever he led you.

"Then I will do my best to aid you, my dear."

And so you did. Your powers were those of shapeshifting, of morphing items into something anew and tricking others with the ease and grace of a leaping feline.

The Exuvia was more than convincing enough for the crowds below, and even you, despite being the one to conjure it up, could not help the tinge of fear within you as you watched this copy of your beloved plummet into the ground with an ungraceful thud. You hoped sincerely you would never have to see such a vision come to life in reality - you had long since set aside your weapons, but you would not hesitate to grab them again to protect the few loved ones you still had left.

Zhongli was now the name Morax donned - assuming the position of a consultant in the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, providing graceful and wise advice to all that required it. It was a fitting position, you bemused - a work surrounded by grief that the both of you still wore heavily upon your hearts.

Sometimes, you visited him to bring him lunch or anything else you thought he might require - like the dutiful spouse everyone assumed you to be. You supposed the word was not quite far from the truth, but your union was far more than that. Still, mortals could not comprehend the strength of such bonds, so you settled for a smile and a nod when asked if you were there to visit your husband.

On occasion, you could hear him tell customers the tales of the war, an expert storyteller as he was. Not once did he fail to mention the gentle and kind Guizhong, a far-off look in his eyes as he recalled her memory fondly.

It was moments like those that you felt the pain hit deepest. Moments when you wished that it had been you who had been struck down as fate had intended it to. Guizhong had meddled with fate, had brought eons of unhappiness and sorrow upon you and Zhongli.

You wondered, sometimes, when Zhongli brushed his lips against yours tenderly, his eyes closed and his hands gently cupping your face, if he thought so too. If he wished, on nights alone as he allowed the bitter memories to wash over him, that your lifeline had been severed that fateful day.

Of course, you knew he would never admit to such thoughts, he wouldn't even admit them to himself, you were sure - but a mind could still wonder. Especially when he stood before the Jade blade encased in glass, a distant look upon his features.

It hurt.

And you felt selfish for hurting, when it had been your own carelessness that had brought this pain upon you and Zhongli both.

You could no longer stand it. No longer stand the wistful gaze in Zhongli's eyes as he spoke of Guizhong to the Traveler, as he recalled the times he dined with her and Cloud Retainer and as he praised the memory of her wits and the gentleness of her pure soul.

You decided you would do anything to right the wrong you had been living within for far too long.

You turned to research, to prayers dedicated to Celestia - to anything that might help you achieve your goal of bringing back the dear friend you had allowed to wither away and flow away as nothing more than particles of dust.

Countless days, weeks, months passed - and if Zhongli noticed the distance you put between the two of you, he failed to mention it. Perhaps he even enjoyed the space you finally gave him. After all, it had been you who had refused to leave him be since the beginning of time.

Perhaps if you had not stuck to his side like an incessant thorn, Guizhong would be by his side, holding his hand and bathing in his kisses.

Your efforts did not go to waste. You stood upon the empty Guili plains, the moon above lighting the ruins of what once was a great civilization. Your hands were clasped together in prayer as you sank to your knees, allowing the coolness of the ground to seep into your bones as you pleaded quietly for reprieve.

Celestia finally answered your call, sending down an envoy cloaked in shimmering stardust - radiating with energy far more divine than that of your own.

"Little fox," the envoy spoke, their voice light but holding the weight of knowledge and power within it.

"Your pleas have not gone unheard and what you ask is not impossible to achieve," they spoke and you stared up at them in awe, feeling a flicker of hope within your chest.

"Quizhong has rested long enough in the embrace of Celestia - and we are sure she would not mind returning home."

You felt as though you could float, a happiness coated in pain washing over you.

"But tell me, little fox - do you believe truly that you are undeserving of your lot in life?"

You blinked away tears and nodded.

"You are foolish, little fox - but your wish will be granted. Celestia simply hopes you will overcome your blindness and learn to see the truth of your worth."

You cared not for the meaning behind those words - all that mattered was that Guizhong would make her return. You swallowed bitter, selfish tears as you already pictured your beloved in the arms of another - the one he deserved to have. The one you had forced him to say goodbye to.

The sun beamed down upon the harbor with a happiness and warmth that you had not felt in far too long. You browsed the marketplace in silence, maneuvering the crowds as you gathered ingredients for the dinner you had planned that very evening. It had been a while since your talk with the envoy of Celestia - but you knew better than to doubt the promises of those above you, so you were patiently biding your time until the return of your beloved friend.

You hummed a gentle tune to yourself, idly wondering what Zhongli was doing - was he still busy with work, or was he ready to take a lunch break? You thought it best to buy him a little meal and began to wade through the busy streets to approach the funeral parlor, only to be stopped in your tracks as you saw a familiar face within the sea of people.

A beautiful face, with eyes wise beyond the years of its apparent youth, flowing long hair set into a beautifully simple updo and an an air of elegance that could only belong to one. You stared in awe at her beauty - the glaze lilies set into her hair and crowning her in angelic glory as she almost seemed to float through the crowds - they're all but the clouds she ruled over wisely as she studied her surroundings with a curious joy.

You felt tears of joy well up in your eyes as you saw her.

Celestia had granted your wish.

You wished to dash through the crowds, to run into her arms and shower her in endless apologies and affection - but when you searched the ever flowing sea of people, your eyes froze on another familiar figure.

Dark hair set in a low ponytail - perfectly ironed coat and an air of impeccable neatness and perfection coating him. You saw him - saw as his eyes locked with those of the beautiful goddess. You saw the way a warm recognition washed over his stony face - his lips forming a wide smile upon his face as he surged forward.

You tried to suppress the selfish sadness brimming in your heart and eyes, the tears gently rolling down your cheeks as you saw two friends united at last - arms wrapping around each other in a tender embrace.

You knew very well when you were not needed - so you turned quietly and headed back towards your abode, a firm yet difficult decision made in your mind.

You had pretended to be someone you were not for far too long - it was time you made yourself scarce. You ignored the concerned glances of the citizens you passed as you walked - more like staggered - towards the place you had called home for a long time. Of course people would talk, would gossip about the spouse of the beloved Zhongli's spouse walking home in tears before shortly disappearing from Liyue, leaving behind a smitten consultant and a new companion of his.

You simply hoped they'd be kind to Guizhong. Humans were far too simple at times.

Zhongli rushed towards the abode he shared with his beloved carelessly, an uncharacteristic joy to his movements as he waded through people, eager to share the wonderful news with them.

He had ran into Guizhong's arms, her soothing aura washing over him as he simply asked her how. She had known no more than him - only that Celestia had deemed her worthy of returning to the lands of the living.

He cared not for the specifics - one of the closest friends he had had was back - and he could not wait to share the news. He had made her wait for him - him and (Name) at Third-Round Knockout, promising her that they could all once again share a meal together as friends and companions.

"Have you finally made your move, Morax?" Guizhong asked, a sly smile upon her innocent features.

He chuckled.

"I suppose I have."

"Good. I feared you'd be too much of a coward too, Lord of Geo."

When he arrived to his abode it was quiet - eerily so. No aroma of simmering food lingered in the air, and there was a strange emptiness in the rooms as he wandered in, a few objects missing here and there.

A quiet dread arose in his chest.

"(Name)?" he called out, his brows furrowed as he felt a surge of panic within him - a panic he had only felt once before, when his beloved was to be slashed by a long gone god aiming to end their life.

There was no answer.

He rushed through the rooms of his luxurious abode, cold sweat forming upon his body as he reached their shared bedroom. The door was slightly ajar, and he could hear a faint muffled sniffle coming from within.

Slowly, he pushed the door open, stepping into the room.

You had taken on your animal form, tails curled around yourself protectively and your ears pinned back in a display of sadness - the air heavy with emotions he had not seen or felt you experience in eons - your home usually filled with gentle harmony.

He swallowed heavily as he saw the bag before you, filled with the few items you cared for - to take with you as a shard of memories to remind you of the years you had spent with Zhongli - with Morax. A last act of selfishness you allowed yourself.

"(Name)?" he quietly addressed you, his voice strained as he watched what was you undoubtedly preparing to leave - without a word to him, no less.

You whipped around, your eyes wide as you met his.

"Zhongli," you whispered shakily, ashamed to be caught in the act.

"Where are you going..?" he questioned, his eyes glued to your belongings and eyes filled with an unfamiliar desperation.

"I don't know, yet," you answered, lowering your gaze to the wooden floor below your paws.

He approached gently, crouching before you as he reached out his hand to stroke your face.

"Why?" his voice was small, desparate.

He had only just regained a companion - only to lose his lover the very next moment? Was the world truly that unjust?

"I didn't want to be in the way of you and Guizhong," you replied, looking away with a bitter tinge of sadness to your voice.

"You know she's back?"

"I was the one who demanded Celestia return her to you."

He stared at you in both shock and awe.

"What do you mean you didn't want to be in the way?" he asked slowly, feeling dread rise within his chest once more as his voice cracked.

Without fanfare, you assumed your more human form once more, your eyes watering and clumping together your wet lashes, blurring your vision as you tried to find the words to explain your feelings - feelings buried under centuries, wars and carefully constructed facades - all crumbling before the man you had always loved.

"I...saw how you looked at her - back then I mean." More tears rolled across your face as the dam finally broke.

Stupid, treacherous, selfish tears.

He was eerily quiet as he watched you crumble before him, you who had always kept his spirits high when he was in pain, always knew what to say or do to soothe him. However, he realized in a horrifying moment - he had no idea what to say to you.

"You loved her. And it was my fault she died," you hiccupped, letting go of any pride you may have held.

Your teary eyes met his - scared and filled with emotion you could not quite decipher.

"(Name)-"

You shook your head, forcing yourself to smile bitterly - it was a pathetic sight and you were well aware of it, but you could do little else to reign in the pain.

"I was supposed to die that day - and I would have gladly done so. I always wished I did - and I know you would never admit it, but you did too."

His hands clutched your shoulders suddenly, shaking as he gripped them tight.

"(Name) - that's not true," he spoke sternly, choosing to ignore the way his own voice wavered.

You let out a sound - a mix between a sob and a laugh as you stared into his eyes.

"Don't lie to me, Morax. I've known you longer than anyone - you should not attempt to deceive the god of trickery." You inhaled and exhaled shakily.

"I never deserved your affection - I was selfish in accepting it. I knew you wanted me to be her - you've never looked at anyone else like you looked at her. But I was selfish, and I was hurting too. I'm sorry for using you like that."

His brows furrowed as the weight of your words hit him - crashing into him like the boulders he had used to destroy his enemies with a fierce anger.

"It's you who has tricked yourself, (Name)." His gloved hand stroked your face gently, wiping at the streams of tears flowing across it aimlessly as he stared into your eyes.

"I've never loved Guizhong," he muttered, placing his forehead against yours as his mind frantically searched for the right words to say - the words that could soothe the pain of the burden you had been carrying in your heart for far too long.

"Not more than a close friend."

You stared into his eyes, sniffling.

"But..."

"Have you really been blind to the way my heart beats only for you - after the thousands of years we have known you?" He pulled you close, burying your face in his clothed chest, ignoring the way your tears soaked through the pristine cloth of his suit and shirt.

"I..."

"Guizhong was the one who had to listen to my incessant ramblings about how beautiful and wonderful you were, the one who kept trying to make me tell you. But I was foolish and stubborn. It took her death to make me realize that within a bling of an eye - I could lose you too. I almost did - that day," his words conveyed more emotion than you had heard him do in all the time you had known him. He had buried it deep down, hoping he could show them, instead - but he had failed in that, as well.

He buried his face in your hair, taking in a shaky breath and inhaling your scent - you, who smelled like home. Like comfort, like love.

You were in stunned silence.

Had you really been blind to the truth all this time? You who had prided yourself in seeing past facades and being able to deceive anyone at will. Had you willingly deceived yourself, hiding the truth?

"But she's a far better match for you than I could ever hope to be," you whispered, your voice muffled by his chest. You felt him tense.

He pulled away, cupping your face with a desperation you had only seen once before.

"You are a fool, (Name), if you think anyone would be a better match for me than you," he sighed, wishing he could simply bare his heart and show you all that he felt in his old, guarded heart.

"I strived to become stronger for you. I learned to reign in my temper, for you. Everything I did - I hoped it would impress you - from the very moment we met."

In that moment, with those words pouring from his lips, he was a young adeptus once more, chasing the fleeting and teasing attention of a fox god who called him immature.

You stretched out your hand towards his face hesitantly, resting your warm palm upon his cheek. He pressed it against your hand, an earnest youthful glow in his old, wise eyes.

"I love you, and only you, (Name). And I always have, you silly fox."

You released another choked laugh infused with a whimper, sniffling as you attempted to control the stupid tears flowing from your eyes.

"Morax... I feel so foolish, now," you whispered, a sniffle caught in your throat as you lowered your head, hand slipping from his face into your lap.

"I'm the fool for not realizing how you felt sooner. All this time, you'd been thinking lowly of yourself - and I never even took note." He sighed and pressed your figure closer to himself.

"I suppose we're both a couple of old, bitter fools, then."

He huffed in amusement, tickling the strands of your hair in doing so.

"I suppose we are," he sighed, pressing a gentle kiss upon your forehead when your face emerged from his face to look up at him, eyes still red and puffy.

You closed your eyes, allowing them reprieve from the crying. You felt a wave of exhaustion wash over you as Zhongli leaned down to capture your lips with his own, his touch ever so gentle as he stroked your face, wiping away the last remains of tears still lingering upon your face.

"I love you," you whispered as you opened your eyes.

He smiled at you - a smile he had never before allowed another but you to witness - sweet, vulnerable and full of thousands of years of adoration.

"I love you too, my dear."

This one was really fun to write! I read SO much genshin lore for this and I feel like I def missed some things, but I tried my best. Relationships are complicated, man. And writing this made me Feel Things. I hope you guys enjoy this one, though!!

[lightningliyue]

Hello luv💕

I really enjoy your stories, they just really brighten up my day! (even the angsty ones) may I request a oneshot version of zhongli being the only one who recognized God! Reader? Like,,, he found her all bruised up running away from Mondstadt/Inazuma and long story short, they end up together cuz wHo wOulDnT lOvE hIm 😩😩 imagine zhongli showing her his horns and tail and reader is so enamored with them and all. Sorry I think I'm having a zhongli brainrot rn😔

THIS IDEA IS SO GOOD ANON <3 I love it!!! Zhongli brainrot is big and I am affected by it too- sure, he can be nice to write as being cruel at times, but soft, gentle and loving Zhongli is alo *chefs kiss* I hope you like it!!! cw: mention of injuries, cult like behaviour length: 3,1 k

The dragon, the knight, the lover

The winds and storms around Inazuma had apparently been getting worse. The harsh, angry winds whirring remnants of lightning with them carried over even the seas, creating an electric feel within Liyue. Zhongli was no longer officially the archon of Geo, but his concern for Liyue would never cease nonetheless.

He had heard whispers of a criminal - a godless villain who dared to wear the face of the creator of Teyvat. From what he knew, said imposter was found in Inazuma, and expectedly, it caused quite a stir within the closed off nation.

An official hunt for the imposter had been set in place by the archon of Electro - Zhongli figured he might have done the same were he in her situation. He was baffled by how someone would even have the abilities or boldness to mimic the face of his beloved God.

The streets of Liyue were beautiful at night, lanterns casting a warm glow upon the streets, flickering off of the waves crashing against the shore of the harbor. Zhongli quite enjoyed an occasional walk along the shore at nighttime, when all other life was long asleep and it was only him, his slumbering city, and his thoughts.

The song of the sea was usually soothing, a gentle hum as it made contact with land and as waves played with each other, rocking the boats in the dock upon doing so.

This night, however, was different. The waves were more restless and dark clouds hid the golden moon and stars from view. The winds were picking up speed, an angry vengeance simmering within them as they thrashed around, hurling waves against the rocks of the shoreline. Zhongli’s brows furrowed at the sight. His long strands of hair were tousled by the winds but he paid it no mind, instead slowly approaching the rebellious shore.

As he slowly approached, the seas seemed to calm a little. Clouds above parted, allowing a single cold ray of light from the moon to illuminate the waters.

The sight Zhongli saw shook him to the core.

Upon a worn piece of shattered wood, a figure lay, clothes drenched and torn and their hair a soaking, tangled mess.

Reacting quickly, he tossed off his coat, rushing into the cold waters to attempt to save the mysterious figure, his heart rate picking up. There was no chance he could allow someone to drown in his very own harbor.

He ignored the cool water seeping through his fine clothes and waded closer, eventually breaking out into a swim, thankful for the moonlight that shone upon the figure almost like a spotlight, guiding his way through the dark waters.

Once close enough, he pulled the limp figure of the person close, a determined frown settling onto his face as he dragged it back to the shore, slightly out of breath as he finally rested the body on top of the rocky beach and sat beside them, taking a moment to regain his strength.

Finally, he turned his attention back to the figure - to you. Despite the darkness of the night, there was a strange familiarity in your features, a familiar pull towards you as he moved closer.

But now was not the time to ponder over it. You were shivering like a leaf in the wind, still unconscious and clearly injured, though Zhongli couldn’t tell to what extent in the darkness of the night.

So, he acted quickly, sweeping up your weakened form and hurrying towards his current abode in the city, thankful for the empty streets with no one to question him about the curious position he’d so suddenly found himself in.

With no time to waste, he stepped into his living quarters, gently laying your body down upon the plush divan in the dark room, before wiping his brow and turning to light up the lanterns quietly. He ignored the droplets of water hitting his hardwood floor and moved to shrug off his drenched outer layers. When a warm, dim light finally illuminated the room, his heart almost stopped. A diluted liquid gold covered his strong hands, shimmering weakly under the lights of the room.

His heart dropping, he whipped around to face your unconscious figure, only to fall to his knees.

There, on his sofa, laid the broken, bleeding figure of his very Creator. The one he worshipped above all else, trembling still from the cold seeped into their bones from the rough waters of the unforgiving seas.

His breath hitched, feeling crushed under a sea of emotions - crushed as the many he had slayed during his thousands of years, hurling pillars at them as the almighty god Morax.

Now, he was just Zhongli - weak before the wounded body of his god. With shaky hands, he approached his beloved Creator, his vision blurring as he eyed every bruise and scrape visible on their once perfect face. He took in the sight of their disheveled clothes, dripping with the salty waters of the sea - stained with dirt and golden nectar from his God’s veins.

He thought himself a sinner, as he carefully peeled away the layers, trying to keep his gaze from wandering too much, focusing only on the wounds.

The wounds.

Oh.

The wounds.

Deep gashes and surface level scrapes, blotches of blues and purples. It’s a painting of pain and suffering.

Zhongli felt an anger long forgotten and suppressed begin to rise in the pit of his stomach, a burning sensation tearing up his insides ravenously as he thought of anyone daring to harm the Creator.

His beloved creator.

But now was not the time for revenge.

That would come later.

For now, he needed to act quickly - to heal his God. His hands shook, the sharp talons threatening to tear out from them - he took deep breaths to calm himself, desperate to keep himself from any activity that might accidentally mar your skin some more.

It took a long time, but with his millennias of knowledge, he was able to clean and bandage you up to the best of his abilities. He would find the best doctors in Liyue to aid you once you awoke - for now, he just wanted to revel in your divine presence, to stay by your side in guard. To fight off anything that may wish to seek out to harm you.

He pressed his forehead against the edge of the sofa, taking in deep breaths - breathing the same air as his wonderful, kind, beautiful god. He cared not for the dampness of his clothes, all that mattered was that you were safe and as comfortable as you could be - so he darted into his bedroom, lighting the fire in the fireplace and setting his warmest covers onto the bed, before returning to you and gently - as though carrying glass - he moved you there.

Now, he could allow himself to kneel on the floor beside you and wait. He was a patient man - but seeing and sensing you did not make it easy. His lips moved in silent prayer all night, his body still as the stone he commanded so masterfully. He would protect you til his very last breath.

You awoke to something you hadn’t felt in a time far too long for your liking.

Warmth.

The air around you was so warm, carrying hints of a spicy, yet floral scent - notes of wood and honey lingering within it. You sunk further into the divinely soft bed beneath you, keeping your eyes closed. You refused to let go of this wonderful, cozy dream just yet - only to be faced with bitter disappointment upon waking up hiding in some cave yet again.

“Your grace?” a smooth voice, silky like honey, yet deep and mature - catches you off guard. Your eyes snap open, feeling the panic rising in your chest.

“Good morning,” the voice speaks again, gentle and soft, even sounding concerned.

Were you still dreaming?

You slowly wake up, finding yourself in a traditional Liyue-styled room, soft light of the morning sun peeking in through the paneled windows and illuminating it. Shelves filled to the brim with ancient books line the walls - a small sandwood desk and chair in one corner with organized piles of papers upon it.

Finally, you turn to face the other person in the room.

It was Zhongli - the geo archon himself - albeit wearing only an ivory dress shirt and dark dress pants. Upon a closer look, you notice the disheveled look of his hair and the dark circles beneath his eyes.

“Zhongli…?” you ask carefully, your voice quivering ever so slightly. If he was anything like the other two archons you’d faced - you should be running by now.

He smiles, sinking to his knees before the bed you were sat upon, an adoring devotion in his rich honey-colored eyes that seemed to have time to focus on you, and you alone.

“How did you sleep, your grace?” he asked, his brows furrowing slightly in concern over your wellbeing.

“Better than I have in a long time,” you admitted, not failing to notice the flicker of anger in the man’s eyes.

“Do you have me mixed up with someone else, perhaps?” you ask sheepishly, recalling what he’d referred to you as earlier.

“How could I ever fail to recognize the Creator - my one true master?” he asked, standing up once again.

“The creator?” you mumbled to yourself more than anything, “the one I got chased out of Inazuma for supposedly impersonating?”

Zhongli froze in his spot, his eyes focused on yours for a moment, before sliding to the bandages covering your body.

“Impersonating?” he asked, his voice unreadable, but judging by the golden glow beginning to emit from his eyes, he was not pleased.

“I promise, I’m not trying to impersonate anyone!” you whimpered, covering your face with your arms instinctively.

Noticing your sudden fear, his breath hitched and he walked briskly towards the bed again, his brows furrowed, but the glow gone from his eyes.

“I know that, your grace. Why would you need to impersonate yourself?”

You stared at him in shock.

“What do you- I’m no creator - I mean look at me! I’m just…me,” your voice fell at the end, a bitter sadness seeping into your thoughts,

“Your grace!” It was his turn to be shocked now, as he rushed to kneel before you.

“Of course you’re the creator! You look just like them - and your body weeps rivers of gold when you’re hurt. You have the aura that I have only ever distantly felt while being your vessel - there is no doubt about it!”

You frowned, slowly processing his words. Your hands slowly slipped to the bandages on your wounds, lifting them up expecting to see the dark brown remains of dried blood, only to be met with pure, glittering gold coating your injuries.

“I…how?” you whispered to yourself, feeling so confused and lost all of a sudden.

“Your grace,” Zhongli spoke quietly, calmly, as he hesitantly stroked the back of your hand.

“I fear you may have lost memories of who you truly are in your current form…but that’s not a problem for now.”

His fingers slowly slid off of your hand, and you could not help but miss the feeling of them upon your skin.

“Who did this to you?” Zhongli suddenly asked, sounding stricter as he referred to the many injuries covering your body.

“W-well the people of Inazuma…the Shogun…most people there were after my head,” you admitted, trying to sound casual, but Zhongli was quick to notice the faint bitterness and anger behind your words. Bitterness at being not recognized. Anger at being treated so unjustly.

“I will strike them down. All of Inazuma.” he stated, a fierce fury burning in his eyes. You looked shocked.

“Wait! No!” you scrambled out of bed, not caring about being barely clothed. Zhongli was already summoning his polearm, when you gripped his arm tight. He froze on the spot, not daring to face you.

“Zhongli…” you whispered, sensing his sudden anxiety.

“I would rather not have you see me in this form,” he spoke quietly, turning his back on you and allowing the polearm to clatter to the floor. You couldn’t help but feel a tug of pain pulling at your heartstrings when you heard him.

“No - Zhongli, you’re…my hero!” you tried to come up with words that did not sound too silly and would strike a cord within the man.

“I would be quite a cruel creator if I didn’t appreciate my creations in all their forms,” you chuckled, playing into the idea of being this strange Creator - just this once.

He turned around hesitantly, before slowly sliding off his shirt, keeping his eyes downcast. You watched in awe, seeing the golden lines running through his darker arms, ending in long, sharp talons. You admired them in silence, your eyes trailing up to his disheveled hair, from which two sharp, curved horns peeked out, shimmering like his talons, coated in an amber hue.

Not thinking about it, much too fascinated by this form you’d never seen of your beloved character, you reached out to stroke his horns. His eyes dashed frantically to meet yours, a faint blush upon his usually composed face.

“They’re beautiful,” you whispered softly, your expression melting from curiosity into admiration.

He was silent for a moment.

“You think so, your grace?” he asked hesitantly, gluing his gaze back to the floor once more.

You nodded, smiling gently.

“Why would you want to hide this from me?”

He inhaled sharply.

“I…this is my form as Morax, destroyer of gods,” he admitted, straightening his back in an attempt to look more composed.

“I didn’t think you’d approve of the form that has destroyed so much.”

You bit your lip.

“Well, no matter its history, I quite like it,” you reassured him, carefully taking his hand in yours, brushing your soft fingers across his talons.

“I…I have a tail too.”

You perk up, managing to let out an airy laugh despite your injuries.

“I would love to see it - if you’re comfortable with it, of course!”

He smiled, bowing his head. “For you, your grace, I’d do anything.” With a snap of his fingers, a long, scaled tail appeared behind him, swaying majestically.

You smile in awe.

“This form looks very graceful,” you mutter, fascinated by his dragon-like features. You supposed it made sense - he was a dragon, after all.

His breath hitched at your words. His Creator could see beauty in the ugliest parts of him - the parts of him that had blood on their hands and destruction beneath its feet.

“Thank you, your grace,” he replied quietly, a content warmth spreading in his chest. If there was a way he could admire you more than he did before, he supposed it had happened now.

For that day, the destruction of Inazuma was called off.

Time passed, your wounds were healed mostly, leaving golden scars in their place and more scars under the surface, ones that would take much longer to heal. Zhongli had made sure you would be accepted as the Creator in Liyue, and soon enough you were wearing the most beautiful clothing tailored for you, in a palace built in your name, and able to have access to anything you might have desired.

Through all this, Zhongli stood by your side as your loyal acolyte, bravely showing off his less human form now - partly as a reminder for anyone with ill intentions, and partly since…you had liked even those parts of himself. Oftentimes, when the two of you were alone, you would stroke his horns or tail and occasionally make a comment about the beauty of them. In a way, Zhongli began to see the beauty of them too - they pleased you - and seeing you smile was the most beautiful sight the archon could ever imagine.

Of course, word spread fast, and apologies arrived in hordes - gifts from all that had wronged you, invitations to visit Inazuma or Mondstadt. It angered Zhongli - that they thought they could so easily try to win the honor of your forgiveness with a few foolish letters and gifts.

“Your grace, do you hold no malice towards those that harmed you, at all?” he had questioned one day.

You’d turned to look at him, the window you were standing by casting a heavenly glow behind your figure.

“Of course I do,” you replied, a sad smile on your face as your gaze trailed to the sky above, watching the golden hues of the setting sun paint beautiful streaks upon it.

“Then I would gladly punish them for you,” he fell to one knee, ready to be your dragon, your knight - anything you needed of him.

“There’s no need,” you replied gently, walking closer to him, your golden robes encrusted with cor lapis and amber flowing behind you. You kneeled before him, a gentle smile on your face as you stroked the side of his face.

“Living with the knowledge of their deeds will be punishment enough, Zhongli.”

God, he lived to hear your voice, lived to hear it utter his name so gently.

“Zhongli, I don’t care for their apologies or invitations - I care for you,” you confessed quietly, leaving a stunned silence hanging above them for a moment as Zhongli’s mind went blank.

“I…I’m honored to hear you think so highly of me,” he attempted to reply in a composed manner.

“Would you mind if I kissed you?” you asked, eyes filled with determination as they met his.

Once again, you left him stunned.

“I don’t want you to say yes out of obligation before your Creator - I would only wish to hear you say yes if you truly, earnestly wanted this,” you added, your cheeks covered with a pink glow that made you look oh so radiant in the golden light.

“Yes,” he whispered, feeling tears well up in his eyes. “Yes, would always be my answer. I live and breathe for you, your Grace. I adore you more than anything else in the world. That you would think me worthy of such an honor-”

You smiled and cut off his rambling by pressing your lips against his in a chaste, gentle peck.

“I adore you too, Zhongli. And I owe you my eternal gratitude for saving my life.” Your gentle hand intertwined with his clawed hand that had seen much blood upon it, embracing every part of him, accepting him just as he is.

“I love you, Zhongli,” you whispered, resting your face in the crook of his neck as he slowly, carefully, wrapped his arms around your figure.

“I love you too, your grace,” he whispered, barely breathing as he felt your wonderful, loving aura envelop him.

He would be your dragon, your knight - even your consort should you so desire. He worshipped you with all his being, and you adored him in return.

There was no greater joy in the world than that for the archon.

[lightningliyue]

Definition:

Otome is a term in Japanese for games where girls can play as a Y/N (your name) character who's anonymous most of the time and date any other characters in the game.

Disclaimer// I just wanted to note that just in case anyone didn't know what an Otome was, you never know who might be interested 💫

_______________________________________________

You were so bored after your classes, studying for medical school was tiring. You decided to take a break and open in your laptop after you put away your school binder. You went on Netflix and started watching your favorite series. A few hours later a weird ad popped up, 'Liyue Dating Simulator'. You disregarded it at first but noticed a character that caught your eye. He looked so handsome and well put together, you couldn't help but click on the link despite the fact that it could have a virus. You couldn't resist the pull. After clicking the link, the apartment you were in turned black. You waited a moment then all of a sudden the lights came back on.

"Um, where am I?", All around you were beautifully crafted buildings. You could tell someone put a lot of time into making them, there were gardens scattered around as well.

"You're in Liyue.", said a husky voice from behind you. You turned around and say a man in a suit. To your surprise he looked just like the man in the ad you clicked on. "Now what are you doing outside of our palace looking so lost, have you forgotten the many years we have ruled together?." That was it this man, no matter how dreamy he looked, was delusional. I've never been here, you thought. Not knowing what to do you decided to try and slowly walk away. "Trying to sneak away, are we?." You felt a pair a soft but firm hands touch yours and start guiding you to a jewelry shop nearby.

"Huh? What are you doing, please let go of me.", You remarked feeling unsure of yourself but you couldn't let go of his hands for some reason. You felt at home in them. However, he let go of them just like you asked and you felt more lost then you did when you arrived to the town you learned was Liyue. He started talking to the shop keeper going on about looking for jade and cor lapis. While they were talking, you were trying to process everything that was going on. You were a medical student who wanted a break and decided to make a risky decision to click on an unknown link which brought you here somehow. Were you sucked into your computer, were you kidnapped by someone? You didn't know. Why did this man seem so familiar to you? While you were lost in your thoughts you heard him speak to you again suddenly. You turned your head.

"Which do you want, my silk flower?", He held up gorgeous necklaces made of expensive looking material. I was astonished and speechless. "This one?" He held up one that seemed to be giving off a slight gold glow and placed it around my neck before fixing it to make sure it was on right. I nodded giving into the treatment I wasn't used to receiving. I was a nurse but no one took the time to check on me, or to see how I was doing. I lived alone, all I knew were my classes and profession. This was a breath of fresh air. I couldn't help but give into his kind and secure atmosphere.

"Yes, this is perfect.", I smiled. I don't remember how long it's been since I smiled so earnestly. He told the shop keeper he'd take that one. A few minutes passed and we had the necklace, but I didn't see him give the store owner any money. Strange, I thought. I looked at him.

"I'm happy to see you look so pleased. I know things have been stressful for you.", He stopped walking and turned around to face me. "Who would have thought a human like you would stir up these feelings within me."

[lightningliyue]

Remember The Days

Remember The Days

Your eyes were swollen and your were exhausted. It was night after you had heard those sharp words come out of ningguang's mouth during the Rite of Descension. 'Rex Lapis is dead'. Her words cut through your heart like a jagged knife. You felt hurt and betrayed by the people of Liyue. It wasn't their fault nor ningguang's, but you couldn't help but share the adepti's rekindled distrust for Liyue. The adepti watched over them and only for them to fail the adepti. Rex Lapis protected them for so many millenia all for one of them to end his roots before they blossomed. No tender petals could ease your sorrow, or at least that's what you believed at the time. The night left and it became day. It was raining. The raindrops kissed your window sill like they were trying to console you with their gentleness. Yesterday was horrible but for some reason you were overcome with the feeling things would be okay. Before you could get lost in your thoughts again, a light tap could be heard coming from your bedroom door. You waited a bit then you slowly made your way to the sound. Who was coming to disrupt your mourning you thought, what more could the citizens of Liyue want from you? You opened the door ready to unleash your anger when you noticed something familiar. In front of you was Rex Lapis, his now firm yet tender grip around your waist reassured you that you weren't dreaming.

"Rex Lapis?", You asked trying to look for more affirmations that we was alive. "Rex Lapis, is it really you?" His voice struck like thunder but also was warm like the sun.

"Yes, my love. I'm here.", He said still holding me in your arms. It was hard to take everything in. Rex Lapis was dead yesterday, how is he still alive? I looked up at his eyes and he winced but smiled after. "I'm really sorry you had to undergo such a horrible experience. I didn't mean to deceive you, but it was the only way to relinquish my role as geo archon. I did it...for us." I looked at where he placed his other hand as he spoke, it was holding a banquet of flowers. There was qingxin flowers, silk flowers, glaze lilies, and other flowers native to Liyue.

I smiled and told him I understood, a geo archon couldn't marry a regular human. He had did his best to make it possible in any way he could for us to be together. "Rex Lapis...", I uttered softly feeling my chest swell up. "Remember the days."

[lightningliyue]

As we were walking through the beautiful city of liyue at dawn, Zhongli stopped suddenly. She looked down at the silk flowers that embellished the bushes nearby.

"Like you.", I heard her say under her breath. Her words became a part of the air around us and drifted past my cheeks. My cheeks grew red with the coolness of the wind. Then she turned around, her amber eyes peered through me. I felt vulnerable. "This flower is a part of the world I helped maintain for years. I watched it blossom and grow. I sang to it when days were dark and hummed lullabies when they were dim. Like you, these flowers have a contract with me that ensures it's taken care of. I love this flower, and I love you. You and I have a contract."