#I could listen to that man talk about osmanthus wine all day in that voice

[artemisjpotter]

I know Genshin is full of pretty characters, but who gave that design to Zhongli’s character? And, more importantly, WHO GAVE KEITH SILVERSTEIN THE RIGHT TO SOUND THAT SEXY???

[albeducks]

WHO'S THE LALALA AND THE OKOKOK IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP ★

WANDERER

he's an okokok and don't you dare disagree with me

i think he could be a lalala too but he prefers hearing you talk and rant about your day

voice kink?? question mark??

no matter what situation, hearing your voice just makes him melt

he's giggling, kicking his feet, going feral, running a marathon, screaming, creaming, crying, whimpering when you're in his sight

"and then she just-" you talked and talked, flinging your arms around exaggeratingly, making the conversation more dramatic and of course, fun to hear.

by conversation, you mean you rambling about your day while he stays silent, occasionally humming and chuckling

when your hold on his hand slightly faltered, he was quick to turn to you, hoping you didn't take his silence for annoyance.

but those thoughts were swept away as quickly as they came when he saw your eyes glowing from the dim lights, lips nonstop moving as you go on about the girl in your class.

he enjoys these moments, where you're comfortaby talking and he's comfortably listening.

ZHONGLI

SUCH a lalala, ugh

this old man may take time to warm up and chat alot, but over time he's sure to talk your ears off

if you're a lalala too, then you will definitely have a good time with him.

if you're an okokok, then you will also have a good time.

he doesn't mind leading the conversation, as long as you're accompanying him.

"osmanthus wine tastes the same as i remember, but where are those who share the memory?" he questions, even though it's not exactly directed at you.

he places the cup down, clearing his throat before continuing his opinion on, well... political things. cough archons cough

you look down at your full cup, his short talk about the wine and the people he drank with spooking you a bit.

what a lonely old man.

a talkative one, at that.

but after many years, having someone who doesn't mind your quiet self is rather nice.

maybe you should visit him more often.

AL HAITHAM

an okokok

yuh

he looks like he's reading his book and not listening to the bs ur saying but don't u dare stop talking

cuz he's listening

and he's enjoying it

cutie frfr

"then it just exploded out of nowhere-" you rambled and rambled about the explosion in your science class, while al haitham is leaning back on the chair, eyes focused on the book he's reading.

"and all of us were like-" your eyes passed al haitham for a split second, but they settled back onto him when you catched a very concentrated al haitham, eyes boring into the thick paper.

your shoulders tensed for a moment and you sighed, looking up at the ceiling.

5 seconds went by.

8.

10.

"why'd you stop talking?" his stern voice surprises you, and when you look at him, his face expression is a mix of confusion and concern.

"mm. nothing."

"and what happened after the class just erupted into flames?" he asked, placing his book down onto the table.

your eyes widened for a second, and you had to blink a few times but you slowly grinned.

with him, you shouldn't worry about not being heard.

[test-tube]

Satisfied

Authors Note: THIS IS ALL @starfell-traveler​ ‘s fauLT for giving me this idea but here Zhongli angst inspired by the song Satisfied by Lin Manuel-Miranda lmao Word Count: 995 Pairings: ZhonglixGN!Reader, ChildexGN!Reader TW: None

“Alright, alright. That’s what I’m talkin’ about! Now everyone give it up for the best man!”

The words brought Zhongli back down to earth. He watched you beam at him, Childe flashing his signature grin.

“A toast to the groom! To the bride!” Everyone raised their Osmanthus wine. “From your closest friend, who will always be by your side.”

Zhongli took one last look at you. “May you always be satisfied.” He tore his eyes away, the whiplash of memories hit him like a cart.

He remembered the starry night he met you. Your bright eyes, your airy spirit. It had been raining and he stood in a field of silk flowers, enjoying the scenery of Liyue. You had come rushing in, being chased by a horde of hilichurls. A couple of slashes left the group in shreds, and you had graciously thanked him. That’s when he caught a look of your beautiful face.

“Thank you sir, I could’ve fought them off, but they ambushed me.” You bowed repeatedly. “Sorry for bothering you.”

“It’s quite alright. I’d help anyone in need.” He promised.

You nodded. “Well, I’d better get back before they send a search party.”

As quickly as you entered his life you disappeared, but the impact was certainly permanent. He regretted not trying to take up a conversation, of asking where you were from, who you were. All he had was the memory of you.

Days passed, Liyue was ever crowded yet he scanned the packs of people for you, every day he was disappointed.

Then one day you appeared. Your eyes lit up and you smiled. “It’s nice to see you again sir!”

He couldn’t remember his own name. His chest erupted with heat, something he hadn’t felt in a long time. “It’s pleasant to see you again too.” Was all he was able to manage.

You opened your mouth to say something, but someone else’s voice sounded.

“Zhongli!”

He turned to see a redhead walking towards him. “Ah, Childe.”

Tartaglia turned, looked at you for a moment, then back at Zhongli. “I’m here to discuss…business.” He said.

Zhongli nodded and turned to you. “Apologies.”

“No no, it’s fine! Maybe I can talk to you later?”

There it was again. That pang in his chest. He nodded and turned away.

“My my, I didn’t think you were the lovebird.” Childe teased. “Who’s the lucky citizen?”

“It’s no one of your concern, now what about the business?”

You received a letter in the mail, an invitation to talk. You graciously accepted it and met Zhongli in the field you had first met him.

“Mr. Zhongli!” You called.

“Ah, [Name].” He smiled. “I’ve prepared tea if you’d like some.”

You accepted the beverage as you sat down. “So, what have you been up to?”

“Me? Nothing important. What about you?”

“I joined the Adventurer’s Guild!” You spent a few minutes going on and on about the adventures you had gone on. Zhongli loved listening to each word. He understood the tales of fighting these creatures, of fighting in general. The way you described it was one he related to.

So, this is what it feels like to match wits, with someone at your level! What the hell is the catch? It’s the feeling of freedom, of seein’ the light-

The conversation lasted two minutes, maybe three minutes everything we said in total agreement, it’s a dream and it’s a bit of a dance a bit of a posture, it’s a bit of a stance.

The day slowly turned to night and the two of you returned to Liyue. On the road the two of you ran into a bunch of hilichurls but you insisted on taking them out yourself.

Childe was making his way towards Zhongli when he saw you in action. His face lit up as well, a face of excitement. Zhongli knew that look.

Helpless…

And I know he is…

Helpless…

And his eyes are just…

Helpless…

Zhongli understood the situation. You returned and sheathed your sword. Childe was still staring at you, so Zhongli took the liberty to introduce him. “This is my acquaintance, Childe.”

That seemed to snap the Harbinger out of his trance. “It’s great to finally meet you. Zhongli’s actually-“

“Hush.”

“Alright, alright.” Childe bowed and shook your hand, his grip firm. “That was quite a strategy you used back there. Maybe one day you could show me.”

(Zhongli: 🤏this close to smacking him)

Zhongli took a deep breath. Three things stopped him, and he had to come to terms with it.

Number one!

He’s an archon. He’d live forever, you however were mortal. He didn’t want to put you through it, deep down he didn’t want to put himself through it.

“I’m [Name]. Maybe I could~” You scrunched your nose at Childe’s expression.

He gave Zhongli a knowing look before turning back to you.

Number two!

You probably wouldn’t even like him back. The two of you have had two conversations, who’s to say you felt the same. Fear added itself to the regret in his chest.

“Thank you for all your service,” Childe smiled.

“It was nothing.” You shrugged. “It’s good practice!”

“I’ll leave you to it, I’ve got work to do.” Zhongli excused himself, not wanting to ruin the conversation.

Number three!

He knew Childe, his playful nature. The two of you were like peas in a pod. Childe was a competitive spirit. If Zhongli told him he loved you he’d make it a challenge. He’d get to you first. Better to resign now than feel an even more bitter end.

But when I fantasize at night it’s [Name’s] eyes as I romanticize what might have been if I hadn’t sized you up so quickly

At least I keep your eyes in my life…