#Zhongli series

[monstat]

GENSHIN IMPACT

Plot: Zhongli, who’s held a dislike towards Fontaine’s hydro ‘Archon’ from the moment that his hatchling gripped tight to tales of a water dragon, rather than Rex Lapis. Not that Neuvillette cares - visiting for the holidays past his regions

Pairing: Zhongli x reader - Neuvillette x reader

+ Zhen (baby #1) (Jealousy)

Zhongli's drunken stupor sharpens to alertness at the mention of that preening popinjay Neuvillette darkening Liyue's shores. Here? Now? The impertinence! Comes to poach his mate and corrupt his heir, no doubt.

Well, Zhongli’s not cowering.

Lurching upright with a growl, he sways unsteadily after you and Zhen towards the gilded interloper. The crowds part around his weaving bulk, murmuring anxiously at the thunderous scowl. Let them gawk.

There, surrounded by fawning sycophants as always, stands the thorn in Zhongli’s side. Smug and poised as a peacock amidst plain fowl. The urge to put the guppy in his place surges hotly. But Zhen's clear admiration gives him pause. As does your glance, silently warning restraint. Very well, he shall hold his temper…for now.

But his glower promises a reckoning long overdue. Drawing himself up, he rumbles low and dangerous, “Neuvillette. An unexpected...pleasure." The last word drips sarcasm. Civility rapidly frays.

The hydro barely spares him a dismissive glance, dilated attention fixed hungrily upon you and Zhen. As though you are prizes to be claimed, not people with wills of your own. The insult fans fury's flames. When Neuvillette deigns to finally acknowledge him, the words drip condescension. "Morax. Still clinging to your titles, I see. Though they ring rather hollow now." His smile turns sly, gaze raking your form. "Perhaps it's time you stepped aside for...younger blood."

The brazen challenge snaps Zhongli's fraying restraint. With a roar, he lunges, only to be caught by Childe and Xiao's combined strength. But he strains against their hold, rage blazing in molten golden eyes. "You overreach, whelp! I yet reign here!" Around them, crowds murmur anxiously, guards converging warily.

Neuvillette watches in cool amusement, unfazed by the Archon's fury. "So the dragon bares his fangs. But words hold more sway than might these days." His smile turns cutting. "Take care you are not...replaced." Zhongli trembles with the urge to rip out that serpent's forked tongue. But reluctantly, he stills at your pleading look, pride warring with wisdom.

This is not the place...but there will be a reckoning. With a last seething glower at his smirking rival, he turns sharply away. "Come. We depart."

Masterlist

[slushy-sash]

my otps 🥹

[bloominflowers]

Archons 🌿🌸🍂☁️

[zhongrin]

talking with a friend the other day gave me ideas....

sulky hubbies being ignored in favor of their own (representative animals/chibi) plushies.

zhongli hiding the rex lapis plushie under the mattress with murder™️ in his eyes (idea: crack short comic series where he regularly 'fights' with said plushie, titled: "how to dispose of your rival dragon")

human al haitham silently seething across the coffee table with his book being stuck on page 67 for the past hour as i read one of his favorite books outloud to the plushie al haitham while cradling it close to my chest. "haha are you mad because someone took your favorite pillo-" "where's the rent this month, kaveh?" ".... 🖕"

wriothesley coming into his office to see an impostor shark plushie sitting on his usual seat at our afternoon tea time. "mister sharksley asks for seconds when i give him my milkshakes, i like him!" sigewinne says. wriothesley feels the world has ended. his wife and child has been taken away from him /dramatic

[lvnesart]

4/12!

One of my favorites so far :3

[it-happened-one-fic]

Bridal Visions: Photoshoot #2 - Liyue Bridal - Tests

Summary: You weren’t quite sure what you would’ve expected from modeling traditionally-styled bridal clothes with Zhongli, but you really should’ve been prepared for a slew of fun facts about wedding traditions. But even then you wouldn’t have been prepared for the test of will that was seeing Zhongli in a groom's outfit standing next to you while you wore a bride’s clothes.

Type: Female reader/ 800 Followers Event/ series/ sfw/ fluff/ flirtation

Bridal Visions Series Masterlist

Word Count: 1438

I shifted slightly where I stood next to Zhongli, and it was honestly strange to see the man, who was usually dressed from head to toe in shades of brown, gold and black, in a brilliant red color. Though the gold accents were still present.

But then, I had been told that the woman who’d designed the bridal clothes we were currently modeling had designed them with each of the countries' traditions in mind. And, as Zhongli had confirmed, red was a traditional wedding color for Liyue, and these outfits matched that tradition with their brilliant crimson hue that was paired with shiny gold embroidery to make for an incredibly flashy look.

I could only imagine how long it took to complete just one sleeve of my outfit’s jacket, let alone all of it with all of the embroidery, though.

The designer, Chiori, stood next to a young photographer with their heads bent towards one another as the two of them discussed what pose to try next.

Me and Zhongli had already been seated for one image, and then we’d tried it with me sitting and him standing, and now we were apparently going to do one with both of us standing. But, I supposed it would have been ridiculous to even hope that we’d settle on a good image with the first picture.

I glanced down at the paper fan in my hands, idly wondering if it had been purchased from Liyue or made precisely for this photoshoot. At this point, neither option would really surprise me. 

It seemed that Chiori had missed nothing in her preparations for this photoshoot.

And, at the very least, I wasn’t bored while waiting for our next pose to be decided. After all, I had Zhongli to keep a steady stream of both conversation and fun facts flowing.

“One common tradition was that the groom would have to go through a series of tests, or overcome certain barriers, before being allowed to see the bride’s face. Many couples still do this today,” I smiled at both Zhongli's words and his amused expression as I eyed him.

The thought of Zhongli being tested before he could see someone’s face was oddly amusing, though, since I honestly couldn’t think of anything that might be difficult for the man. Save for perhaps having to eat certain types of seafood.

“What were the tests like?” I shifted, looking his way as I spoke so that I could better watch him. And, as expected, he looked perfectly amused by the mere thoughts of the tests the groom might have to undergo to prove his worth.

He hummed at my question, glancing my way with a smile before tilting his head, “It is my understanding that they vary based on what the bride’s attendants and family think will be most difficult or amusing.”

 I almost snorted at the humor in his tone, shaking my head slightly and causing the golden ornaments in my hair to tinkle like tiny bells, “So for you it would be something like eating eel?” 

I grinned at him as I spoke. Watching as a frown crossed his face as he met my gaze, “Only you could think of something so cruel.” 

I snickered at his pout before shaking my head again and lightly tapping his chest with the edge of my fan, “No. It should be properly difficult if you’re having to prove yourself. And anything else would be too easy for you.”

He smiled, his brows arching slightly at me as he pressed one hand to his chest, “You flatter me, but you almost make it sound like you would not wish to wed at all.”

I blinked, my eyes widening slightly at his teasing before I frowned at him. Opening my fan and hiding my pout behind it even as I peered at him over the edge of the paper, “Teasing behavior like that is why you should have to undergo such rigorous testing. It’ll be for the bride’s sake.”

He chuckled at my words before glancing over to where Chiori and the photographer were finishing up.

Chiori walked over, gesturing to me lightly as she spoke, “All of our photographs indicate that we have a shy bride, so we’re going to try leaning into that.”

I blinked at her words, utterly thrilled that I already had the fan covering part of my face, if only to hide my reaction.

But I could hardly help acting shy or embarrassed considering I was with Zhongli, of all people. The man was frustratingly charming even when he was simply dispensing some new fun fact. 

“So here’s what we’re going to do. You’re going to hold up your fan just like that, but you need to smile and look that way, away from him.” I obeyed her instructions, and she nodded approvingly before glancing at Zhongli.

But rather than speaking, Chiori just blinked at him for a moment before nodding, “Yes, that expression right there will do.”

The instant she spoke, I glanced back at Zhongli with a frown, whispering as she walked away from us, “What did you do?”

If anything, my suspicious tone merely further amused him, and he shook his head, “I smiled. I was thinking of how this pose would be fitting since brides are supposed to hide their face until the groom passes his tests.”

I blinked, my eyes widening slightly before a smile crossed my face, and I snorted slightly, “And you definitely haven’t passed any tests regarding eating eel.”

At my words, he inclined his head in agreement, an amused smile crossing his face that had me blinking and looking away from him as I awkwardly fluttered my fan. 

But it was just too unfair for him to be able to look that charming when I’d been the one teasing him.

I supposed he was just that good at leaning into his role of an amused groom who wanted to see his bride’s face. And, all at once, I wondered if anyone would ever be able to live up to Zhongli when it came to looking like a picture-perfect husband-to-be.

I could almost feel myself flush at the twisting path my brain had taken to considering Zhongli as a groom rather than just a close friend. Especially since I was definitely considering him as a groom standing next to me just like he was right now. And I could only assume I made some sort of face since the problematic man in question spoke up from beside me in a slightly hushed voice, “What is it?”

His tone wasn’t really one of concern, though. Rather, it was one filled with subtly restrained amusement. Almost like he knew exactly what I was thinking.

I staunchly avoided eye contact, ignoring the slightly giddy smile that wove its way across my face as I looked away from where he leaned slightly towards me, obviously curious about my expression, “Nothing. We’re supposed to be posing anyway.”

No sooner than I’d finished speaking than I heard the camera click and the flash went off. Immediately capturing this moment in time.

Both Zhongli and I twisted over at the same time. Looking towards both Chiori and the photographer, who each had their eyes locked onto the screen of the camera. But even then I could clearly see the smile that spread across Chiori’s face as she nodded approvingly, “Perfect.”

She looked back up at us, her smile disappearing as she took on a more businesslike tone, “Okay, we’ve got what we need. Thank you. I’ll send your payment through the Adventurer’s Guild, so after you change, you’re free to go.”

We both nodded, and I lowered my fan, exhaling a breath I hadn’t known I’d been holding before I glanced over at Zhongli, who was smiling in an oddly pleased manner, “I understand that Fontaine has a great number of culinary delights. Since we are here, we should try some.” 

I felt myself grin at his words, wholly unsurprised by Zhongli’s perpetual need to try food and no doubt critique it.

I tilted my head at him leaning towards him playfully even as I turned to go get changed, “Do you reckon they’ll have eel available?”

His expression flickered, a frown briefly appearing before his expression shifted once more to something more smug, “Even if they do, I’ll have no need of it. After all, I have already seen your face.”

I giggled lightly at his tone, ignoring his pleased expression as I turned and walked away. Determined not to keep picturing Zhongli as the perfect groom he most definitely would be.

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[xoxodiluc]

lapis dei | zhongli ( genshin impact ) x female! reader

— part four.

series genre romance, angst, smut, fantasy mafia! au

summary in your family, being married and giving an heir to a certain man you’re married to is a must. after zhongli lost his wife guizhong — he was devastated. but there’s no time in wasting to find another woman who shall be his wife, and you were chosen.

cw in this chapter mentions of pregnancy, threats, mentions of blood, violence, character death, use of guns, use of sword | please read at your own risk, and please send an ask if i missed any content warnings here. not proofread.

word count 1.5k

notes + at the end this is a reupload!!! since this app wanna act up… epilogue soon :)

one | two | three | four ( you’re here )

You haven’t seen Zhongli much after the incident in the dining room a few days ago. Even if you bump into him, you doubt he would notice you.

“Madam Y/N?” A maid knocked on the door, and you told her to come in. She bowed as she entered. “Breakfast is ready.”

You nodded, thanking her before following her to the dining room, and to your surprise, Zhongli was there drinking tea.

But he didn’t acknowledge you.

It only took moments before he got up and went to his office, much to your disappointment.

He was so confusing.

Lately, you’ve been feeling tired even though you were only always lonely and bored in the mansion, and you’ve been feeling nauseous.

If you were pregnant, you were scared about what Zhongli’s reaction would be. He’ll be glad you finally gave him an heir...

But what about you?

You cursed your family for requiring you to be in an arranged marriage. Because now you were in love with a man who won’t love you back.

“Madam, you called for me?” Arya, one of your trusted maids, showed up in front of your room in no time.

“Yes. Can you keep this a secret, please?” When she nodded, you continued. “Buy me a few pregnancy tests.” She was surprised for a moment but nodded in understanding nonetheless.

“Of course, Madam.” She bowed when you thanked her before walking away, and you sighed as you closed the door.

“And if I am pregnant,” You whispered, looking down at your stomach, “What would I name you?” You scoffed, “Or would Rex Lapis name you instead?”

After Arya bought you pregnancy tests, you went to the bathroom to test them and waited for the results, and you were right.

You were pregnant.

You were elated, finally having a child, but you weren’t happy with your marriage.

Sighing, you walked by the window and noticed a letter sitting there. It was unsettling because there wasn’t any sign of who it was from. Slowly, you opened the letter, and you gasped.

‘Now, you shall perish.’ Written in blood.

“Don’t move.”

Your breath hitched when you sensed someone behind you, “W-Who… How—”

“Don’t speak. Just come with me.”

The person covered your mouth with a cloth, and you lost consciousness.

“What’s up with you these days?”

Xiao’s voice interrupted Zhongli’s thoughts. “…Hm?”

“You’ve been acting… weird.” He crossed his arms. “Is there something wrong?”

“I’d rather not talk about it. It’s not that big of a deal.”

The Yaksha was worried, but he just shrugged it off. “All right. Also, there are still no reports about your superior’s death. We’ve been investigating it for so long…Tch.”

Zhongli sighed, “We just need to try our hardest.”

A few moments later, Ganyu came bursting through the door. “Mr. Zhongli! Madam Y/N is missing! And she has received a suspicious letter… There isn’t any sign of who it’s from!”

“What?” Ganyu gave him the letter, and when he opened it, his eyes widened.

Immediately, he ordered Xiao, Ganyu, and the Millelith — “Find my wife. Now.”

“I told you to kill her, not bring her here…! Have you fucking lost your mind?!”

“I-I’m sorry… I couldn’t bring myself to!”

You slowly gained consciousness. It took a few seconds to realize your hands were tied up as you lay on the ground of an empty warehouse.

“You’re finally awake.” You recognized that voice, Raiden Shogun!

You looked up at her, glaring. “Zhongli will fucking kill you. He’ll come to find me.” You didn’t know why you said that. It slipped out of your mouth.

But you knew he wouldn’t come to find you.

“Oh? When he does come to find you, he’ll also see the woman he actually loves.”

Your eyebrows furrowed. “W-what?” As if on cue, a woman came up behind Raiden.

Lady Guizhong. Zhongli’s former wife, she’s alive?

She gave you a pitiful look, and you looked back at Raiden, a disturbing smile forming on her face. “She’s not dead. She killed Morax’s superior for her beloved husband to be the leader.”

Oh my God.

You were overwhelmed. It was slowly making sense. Raiden Shogun had probably planned this for so long — Lady Guizhong had killed Zhongli’s superior for Zhongli to be the leader, and Raiden Shogun somehow found out who the killer of his superior was, then used her in her plan.

But what would happen to Lady Guizhong now?

“Didn’t I tell you to count your days, Y/N? I’m gonna get rid of you.” Raiden Shogun pointed her gun at you, and you closed your eyes, your heart pounding so loud that you could almost hear it.

‘I’m sorry, my future child.’

You waited for the gunshot, but then Raiden hummed. “Or what if… Guizhong just kills you instead? Wouldn’t that be so fucked up?” She let out a laugh.

You opened your eyes immediately, and Lady Guizhong shook her head. “N-No please, I can’t—”

“I’m ordering you. Kill your former husband’s current wife.”

Guizhong sobbed as Raiden pushed her gun into her hands, and she looked at you. “I’m sorry.”

Suddenly, you heard gunshots outside the empty warehouse.

“How?!” Raiden Shogun angrily exclaimed, and Guizhong took the opportunity to remove the rope tied up around your wrists as soon as the Millelith crashed into the place, shooting Raiden’s soldiers.

“I left the letter you received in your room on purpose so there was evidence you were kidnapped, and I hoped they could come and save you.” Guizhong flashed a sad smile, “I’m sorry once again.”

“Raiden Shogun. I knew you were suspicious ever since you visited Liyue.”

Zhongli… He came.

He ran towards you but slowly stopped once he saw Guizhong.

“You… You’re alive…?”

Guizhong shook her head, “I’m sorry. Please. Save Y/N and forget about me.” He stared at her in shock.

“Ah, my plan is all ruined!” Raiden Shogun spoke up, holding a tachi in her hand. “Guizhong killed your superior for you to become the new leader, Morax. She deserves to perish, doesn’t she?”

Slash!

And just like that, Guizhong was dead. Zhongli’s breath hitched.

Tears formed in your eyes as you grabbed the gun Guizhong was holding and pointed it at Raiden Shogun. You shot her in the shoulder as she cried out in pain. “You…!”

Zhongli immediately grabbed your hand and pulled you towards the door to escape, but you felt Raiden’s sword slashing your back, making you groan and fall. He looked back furiously to shoot her, but she managed to flee the warehouse.

“Go! I’ll take care of this!” Xiao yelled out as he shot Raiden’s soldiers. Zhongli picked you up, starting to panic when he saw you losing consciousness as he ran out of the warehouse. Ganyu then showed up and helped Zhongli carry you.

“Y/N... Live. Please.”

That was the last thing you heard from him before you passed out.

You opened your eyes slowly, attempting to get up, but it hurt like hell. “Ow!”

“Finally.” You heard someone say, then saw Zhongli giving you a small smile. “Don’t try to get up yet. You’re still not well.”

You slowly sat up and looked away from him, making him frown.

Didn’t he tell you to fuck off because you aren’t his real wife? Why is he here?

“Um…” You started, “How did you know where I was?”

“You received a threat, right? Then you went missing. I immediately ordered Xiao to do everything he can to find you. The first person who came to mind is Raiden Shogun, who’s been suspicious ever since she visited Liyue. I was right.” He sighed, “And I was scared… You’d be dead as soon as we got there. I’m glad you weren’t.”

You huffed, “Why would you be scared?”

“Because… I love you.” You looked at him, surprised at his sudden confession. “After Guizhong ‘died’, I was scared of falling in love again. That’s why I said those foolish things and started avoiding you because I realized I was falling in love with you. I’m sorry for that.” Zhongli held your hand, “But trust me, I do love you.”

“Really?”

“Yes.” He said, “Fuck the contract. I’m willing to break the contract for you. Only you.”

You swallowed a lump in your throat. “How do I know you’re not lying?”

“I’ll prove it to you. I’ll do anything. Please.” Zhongli — Rex Lapis got on his knees, looking up at you as his hands clasped yours tightly. “I beg of you, believe me when I say I love you.”

Take the risk or lose the chance.

Because even after all the unfortunate events, you still loved him.

You sobbed, pulling him up to his feet and hugging him. “I believe you.”

“We still have a long way to go,” He kissed your forehead, and you saw tears in his eyes as he looked down at your stomach. “We’ll take care of this little one, too.”

“You knew?”

He intertwined his hand with yours. “I saw the test before we came to find you. Thankfully after the incident, our baby is fine. You’re so strong.”

You smiled, and it quickly faltered when you remembered the previous events. “What happened to Raiden Shogun?”

His face suddenly turned serious. “She managed to escape after attacking you, which is unfortunate. Fear not, I made sure you’re completely protected and no one is taking you away from me now. I won’t allow it.”

You laughed. “Noted.”

notes that’s it for zhongli’s series! idk i kinda feel eh about it 😭 but there might be an epilogue :) thank you so much for reading! 💖

taglist @dori-mon @angel-of-requiem @xxshinimakixx @aclairysm @celesther @pluviophilefangirl @eternallyvenus @shrynkk @diachibaby @rimsthebest2 @byundumb @youngpainterpizzalawyer @swirrley @deimmortales99 @whattaweeb @hoanganhduong @kyomihann @puppieee @dancing-hillary @limelightsuperhero @beef-stew @local-mr-frog

xoxodiluc © 2022 | all rights reserved. do not claim as your own, modify, copy or repost.

[wes-laye]

Archon besties at Lantern Rite

[kozapple]

DCKZ magazine edit (an attempt)

my first draft/attempt in this magazine series are below the cut if you want to see how horrible it is─

SHSHDHDHSHDHS *CRINGES* at least it looks like i improved ig??

[otakuworks]

❛ 𝐒𝐄𝐄 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐑. reborn au

feat. Zhongli x Reincarnated!GN!Reader | FINALE | wc. 5.1K

Based on 'See You In My 19th Life' | overview. this webtoon follows the story of a woman who somehow can remember all her past lives.

sum. there's always a factor chaining you from falling in love, usually you can never be bothered, but with Zhongli in your life you may have to pin down the source of your hesitation and possibly unlock new secrets from the consultant

cw. spoilers for the recent 3.4 update and intended inaccuracy of the lore

note. tumblr is so high it auto posted this on January💀💀

main m.list genshin.mlist

PART I < PART II < PART III (finale)

Strange, Zhongli really is the epitome of an oddity. You don't know if he was previously a magician or he simply knows how to make Mora appear out of thin air. Either way, you get freebie whenever he accompanies you in your untimely stroll

Though every freebie means a reward for saving his ass from getting scammed. The amount of times he hands off Mora to a person, who clearly has insidious motives, without second thought pales in comparison to the age of the late Archon.

You thought being friends with Hu Tao has taught him something, but clearly he's an airhead at heart when it comes to money.

Then came a particular day when you and Zhongli stroll in the streets of Liyue, you both passby a travelling storyteller who's halfway of retelling the tale of the lone warrior who sacrificed their life to save a Goddess.

". . .they were heavily guarded and fought neither for the Seven Seats nor to survive. Lady Guizhong also wrote in her tale that they were buried somewhere in the Guili Plains to commemorate the Lone Warrior's good deeds."

Eons of living can grant you insurmountable patience and restraint from spitting unfiltered comments that a person may take umbrage, you thoroughly believed you've mastered those skills long ago, if you slip a crack then you'd almost be an oxymoron.

"Bullcrap."

. . .You are a moron, after all.

You gained an immediate reaction from the consultant beside you who perched an eyebrow, seemingly intrigued.

You cough between your fist, "I don't intend to vilify Liyue's folklore, but that was straight up flawed."

Coming out as a bumptious person is the last thing you want now that you've gotten a new ally, but they were talking about you, more precisely about your past life as a swordsman.

Who knows someone better than themselves? And for Achon's sake why do they have to dub you as the Lone Warrior? Ugh, now you can sympathize what Diluc feels being called Darknight Hero. Yes, you know about his alter ego, can't fool a master disguiser.

"Why do you believe otherwise?"

"Huh?" When you gaze up at him, you saw the same intensity in his eyes when you first met him as he reiterated the question.

"O-Oh. . . sorry, I just didn't expect you to be open-minded when I literally called a famous Liyue story bullcrap."

The corners of his lips tugged up in a curious smile, "Let's assume we share the same thoughts, and I want to hear yours."

You didn't understand what he meant but his compelling voice made you speak your innermost knowledge of history without a shred of a doubt, "Most content of the tale is accurate since it was written by the Goddess herself, from the description of their appearance, their background, and deeds before the spark of the Archon war, it's all veridical. However, the part where the Warrior is buried somewhere in the Guili Plains is what makes it erroneous."

"How so?" Zhongli queried almost immediately when you paused for a second to construct the proper words without offending the anyone who opposed your opinions.

"First and foremost, the Lone Warrior was never buried in the first place, for their body was nowhere to be found amongst the corpse of the warpath. Instead of saying they were buried, Lady Guizhong built a stone slab in the Guili Plains to commemorate the Warrior however, due to the circumstances of the Karmic Dept, the slab is most likely destroyed from the uncontrolled rampage of a Yaksha."

As far as you can reckon, the Yaksha who destroyed the slab must have died feeling guilty for eradicating the one memoir of the Lone Warrior. At that time, it was all a speculation from you who knows what the Yaksha must be feeling, but now all of it don't matter.

Saving Guizhong is a choice you've never regretted, Morax felt happy and contented in her presence, it's enough to suffice everything. A simple stone slab won't change your standpoint, even without one you'd gladly do it for the second time.

"What about you, Zhongli? You said we. . ."

Your voice slowly fades away with the wind to carry out amongst the trees and may Barbatos hears this conversation to let him know he had found his Y/N.

He had always imagine what sort of interaction happens between two bards, given the fact you've once told him you play the lyre when you were a child, he's eager to see you in action.

"Hmm, as I thought, we do share commonity in the matter."

That piqued your interest, "Pray tell."

You've never met anyone who's well versed in history like you do.

"I also believe the Lone Warrior never had their deserved burial, but Guizhong made it possible to tell the tale of the mortal who made saved her life. While I personally think they're righteous, it still baffles me why would they sacrifice themselves for someone they're not well acquainted with."

You awkwardly laugh at his astute observation, feeling the perspiration forming on your forehead. Historians often ask the same inquiry; why did they save Guizhong? The tale itself didn't hold any answer for that, and a handful of Liyue citizens doubt the honor of the Lone Warrior because of this— Zhongli is one of them.

"Regardless of their intention, the Lone Warrior has my respect, for their sacrifice has led for another woman's salvation, it is nothing to be easily disregarded." Zhongli added, taking a few steps ahead.

"I've noticed how you accolade the people of the past, especially their noble hearts and their contribution to Liyue. It almost sounds like it's what you do to your. . . umm, deceased loved ones."

His eyes bleaked, for a moment you thought you crossed a line, but he spoke in a solemn voice, "I have actually, I've lost so many good people over the years, but I've learned to move on and look back in the past with a smile."

Yeah, you definitely crossed a line just there.

Your eyes find purchase on your shoes, "You're a strong man, Zhongli. I can only imagine how you managed to do that. Is that one of the factors you decided to become a consultant?"

He seemed to hesitate to answer, as if contemplating his thoughts first, ". . .I wouldn't say it's a defining factor, but yes."

"Do you ever look back to your loved ones without. . . hurting as much as it did on the first time?"

"It's a good thing to remember someone who meant a lot to you, but if the memory of that person is making you suffer, you need to let them go. You might feel guilty at first, but after a while you'll be able to think of them again without hurting nor feeling guilty."

Just then, a fierce wind struck and swept through their bodies. The dry leaves that hung from the branches rustled loudly as moonlight illuminated. Zhongli, who silently looked towards the clamoring branches, murmured in a low voice only for your ears.

"Do not rush yourself to move on, everyone has different pace. It might take you years or decades, even centuries and I'll still be with you, so do not worry about going through this alone."

Did you hear that? It's the sound of your heart thundering.

Before you know it, you were giggling to yourself.

Your laughter bubbles up from between your lips like a clear spring, unrestrained peals of genuine amusement. The sound is so mellifluous, he almost can’t find it in him to comprehend that it came at his expense. It makes him feel special.

"It makes me think how old you really are, you sound like you've been living for thousands of years." You jested. "You're not wrong." He promptly followed. What...? That must've been a joke, eh?

"You sure do know how to do your job. I felt better after hearing that. Thank you, Zhongli."

One moment you were facing him, the next you're suddenly squashed against his chest as he cages you in his arms protectively. Not a good position to be in when your heart began to pump rapidly as his scent rubbed on you.

You were about to ask him what was the matter when you heard an audible and heavy thump behind you followed by a burst of the Geo element. Zhongli looked down on you.

"I apologize for my action, but your life was on the line, so I acted out of instinct." Yet he doesn't make any indication to let you go any time sooner, his hold on you only tightens.

You hid your flushed cheeks by coughing, "I'm not made out of glass, I can handle myself perfectly fine." Yet you didn't move from where you are and held onto his clothes.

"Correct, a few slimes are no big deal, but I can't take any compromises when it's comes to you, Y/N."

"I-If you have time to flirt then just get on with the slimes." You demanded with a huff. You should've seen how he had looked like a lost puppy, "But I wasn't flirting with you, I'm merely expressing my thoughts regarding about you."

"That's even worse!" You exclaim, having no courage to look at him.

That night felt like some distant memory, some dream too far for him to grasp. He thought of your eyes, shimmering in the light of the moon, of your laugh, loud and joyous.

He could picture you perfectly, the warm orange of the lanterns lighting half of your face while the cool light of the moon illuminating the other side.

And it's not a secret he's enamored with you. Even Xiao can deduce the subtle smile everytime your name is mentioned. He hasn't seen an ardor look on him for hundreds of years, it felt anomalous to see him blush like a teenager.

The Traveler and the floating emergency food didn't seem to mind the two, but Paimon has been really curious about it.

If Zhongli likes you then can't he just straight up confess that in your face? Life would've been so simple if people are straightforward🙄

Rough representation;

There's no concrete answer for it yet, liking Zhongli more than what you two are amidst the process of your healing would seem like he's taken you out of pity.

You don't want that type of relationship. You opt to sort yourself before consulting your mixed feelings you have with the consultant.

And by that literally means;

"You want to accompany the traveler in Jueyun Karst?" You responded with a resigned sigh.

Each day spent with him only shows a fraction of how ridiculous you probably sound to a youthful man.

Everyone in Liyue knows no mortal can get in Jueyun Karst, even if they did there would be no merit to achieve unless you're seeking for a beautiful view of the clouds.

"Yes, the adepti Ganyu had gone missing for days, the traveler asked me if I know the shortest way to Jueyun Karst, and I proposed to be their guide."

Lies.

The traveler is capable of navigating their way to Jueyun Karst.

In fact, they already left this morning and it's noon as you speak.

You only used that excuse to skedaddle your way out of the dilemma you got yourself into. You need the cortisol to die down. And that won't happen if the said dilemma is with you (e.t. Zhongli)

"Hmm. . . so, you've been in Liyue before yet you still accepted my offer to give you a tour." His statement gives off an accusatory tone, but his lopsided grin tells you otherwise.

You shot him a sheepish smile. "How can I let the opportunity of conversing with a handsome man go to waste? There's a reason why I'm an adventurer, Zhongli."

He shakes his head, "How long you'll be away?"

"Not that long, I'd say only a few hours. Why? Are you going to miss me?"

You only meant it as a joke, you didn't think he'd take it seriously.

"Yes."

You see, this is the reason why you want to avoid him.

Hah! In the end, you found yourself winded up somewhere in Yujing Terrace. You heard Glaze Lillies bloom in this area, it reminded you of My. Tianheng where a field of Glaze Lillies can be found everywhere.

"Another flower is blooming, such a beautiful sight, if only life can be as beautiful as these Glaze Lillies." You nearly yelp at the sudden voice speaking near your ear and reeled back.

"Oh, dear. I'm sorry if I had scared you." An aged lady with her gray hair tucked in a low bun spoke. "I'm fine. . ."

"Call me Madame Ping. You look quite familiar to me, child. Are you perhaps the adventurer the Wangsheng consultant was talking about?" You crane your neck at her question.

"U-Uh. . . if you're talking about Y/N L/N then yes, that would be me. May I ask what made you so certain it's me?"

"Ah! He hasn't stopped talking about you since he visited this place. That man is so stoic looking, but when he hears your name it looks like he's a different man all of a sudden."

You closed your eyes, inhaling deeply through your nose in any attempt to bring your nerves down. You had heard those words on multiple occasions— that Zhongli was different around you, that he cared for you like he cared for no one else. There had been a few times where that statement rang true. Some that don't.

Zhongli felt like a breath of fresh air, a sunshine on a cloudy day, a tall mountain summit from afar. You loved the way he listens to your beliefs, you loved the way he trusts you with his secrets and experiences, you loved the way he deeply cares to others, you love the way he seemed to brighten up every room he walked into.

Goddamn you love everything about that man!

Even his stupidity to pecuniary is lovable.

Somehow he managed to bring joy to the same place you always associated with agony— every corner of the place was happier with him around.

It's no wonder you feel something that can only be named as infatuation— a feeling you once harbored towards Morax, but failed to realize it until your death.

But that had been so long ago, back when you were a little kid determined to become an adult. Now you're an adventurer with a thousand adventures under your belt. Now you were strong and experienced and prepared. And yet, you're still hesitating. Why?

"What seems to cause your inner turmoil, child?"

Your breath hitched and your intake became shallow, it feels like being reborn again. An advantageous thing about reincarnation is that you get to experience love in many forms, mainly familial love.

It was your gateway from the gripping anxiety you feel whenever you overhear hearsay in your town about Morax.

But not once did a family ever asked you for your problems, it's not their fault being unaware of your curse and if they did ask you would've probably non the wiser— it was because they don't share the same sentiment having to live for thousand years.

With Madame Ping, you feel so inclined to relay your thoughts as if you're indeed a child ranting problems with your mom, something about her just puts your mind at ease. And you only just met her not too long ago.

You took a deep breath and tore your gaze from the Glaze Lillies, "There's this man that I fostered feelings for, since I started liking him. . . I always felt like I'm standing over burning charcoal. Do you know what that feels like? Not being able to stop my feet from moving even for a moment. I can't run. I want to, but there's something holding me back."

"Hmm, that sounds too complex," she sighs, "then again, being young has many complexities just as we adults have. With the way you're describing it, I won't say it's holding you back, child."

You lifted your gaze at her, confusion now painted your features.

"If I were to put it, you're simply tangled up in your past."

"W-What—"

"And you need closure if you want to face your feelings head on."

A closure? Is that what I'm missing? Should I vent my pent up feelings? Ugh. . . Will that really help?

Sensing your dubious demeanor, Madame Ping smiled, "You do not need to heed my words. I'm simply offering a suggestion."

"No, I'll consider it. In fact, I think it's the best course to deal with this. Thank you, Madame Ping!"

And so you dash from the place in search of something.

You run pass the vast greenery of viridescent grasses and colorful wildflowers— a meadow, where you'd usually go for meandering while accompanied by the evening breeze or gilding sunlight. It was perfect setting of tranquility for a maladaptive daydreamer like yourself. You'd imagine yourself laying down and naming the constellations that coincidentally appear in the sky, or count the exotic birds that flew by, or hum a tune that's been lost in history.

Looking at you now versus your past self equates for hypocrisy.

An amalgamation of both morose and agitated countenance now marred your features. Any person who sees you would imagine how tumultuous your life has been, it's nowhere near nirvana.

Trembling as you arrived at your destination, you stand in front of Morax's statue and traces the meticulous handwork with the pads of your fingers. The entire place feels like him, as though you’re with him at arms reach, but too far to actually hold him.

"It's really pathetic how I try so hard to move on, only to come back to you when something is amiss in my life," you murmured, "but I'm not here to endlessly whine about every misfortune in life, I want to release this feeling in order for me to be appeased."

You heaved a deep breath.

"I love you, Morax. I still do. No amount of flowery apologies can fix the damage I made for stalling my confession to you. I was young and had a plethora of uncertainties that made me second-guess myself. I guess. . . the guilt of leaving you pushed me to the brink of watching over you throughout my consecutive reincarnations, I wanted to make sure you were happy. And now, I want to be happy too. I feel happy with Zhongli and I don't want to make the same mistake of hesitating then later regret on it."

Some days your sadness was a mild lisp. It barely scratched the surface of your voice, but today melancholy had waged a full scale assault on your vocal chords.

"I've decided I'll confess to him, not today, I still need to build the courage to face him. I'm thankful for the time we spent our earliest days together, truly I am, but it's time for me to move on. One day I will look back on our childhood and say 'I love you' once more without the lingering ache in my heart. I'll never stop coming back to you, Morax. . . so, instead of bidding farewell, I'll see you later."

It felt good to vent your feelings out that you nearly cried that day as you walk back in Wangshu Inn and now you're ready to confess your feelings to the consultant whenever you're ready. And whether he'll accept it or not is entirely up to him.

"Are you free this , Y/N?" A strange look obscured the consultant's face, what's even more strange is the fact he's not even looking you directly.

"Yes. . .?" Something tells you he's not in a good mood.

Crap. . . someone give him Mora! ASAP!

"I wish to speak with you alone. Will you come with me in Mt. Tianheng?" Asked the consultant who seemed a bit on edge this evening after you came back. His spurious stone cold expression obnubilated akin to the look of a man who's gearing up for war.

His ominous mien warranted your logic to say no to him, but you're too far on the line of sanity to even refuse the man you like. "Sure."

>> TIMESKIP. . .

You thought not confessing early to Morax before your death was the worst decision you've ever made. Think again, 'cuz this is most definitely the worst, baddest and stupidest decision ever.

You never made it a point to come back to this place— it brought back a storm of memories, some of which were more comfortable being shoved to the recesses of your mind and be kept there for eternity. But for whatever reason, you feel inclined to follow him and disregard the uneasiness of returning in Mt. Tianheng.

Zhongli has been strangely quiet all the way here, at this point he'd be randomly stating facts, not be a complete mute-walking pillar.

Thus, you suck up your inner turmoil and deal with it instead of fleeing right off the bat.

"You're strong for keeping your head up this far." He accolades suddenly to particularly no one, except if he was referring to you.

"Me?"

He comes to an abrupt stop and finally, FINALLY faces you. And shit do his visage screams he's not playing around. He's not here to be buddy-buddy with you. He looks genuinely distress.

About what though?

. . .

. . . . .

. . . . . . .

Oh. . .

Oh no!

Did he see through your lies earlier? That you're supposed to be with the traveler in Jueyun Karst? Double shit! Not good!

A thin sheen of sweat accumulated on your forehead as you try to come up with an excuse, "U-Uh. . ." but came up with nothing.

You mentally prepared yourself for a parade of admonishing words from Zhongli, you genuinely thought he's going to nitpick on why you shouldn't have lied to him and probably question the motives behind your action. At least that's what you thought.

"This guilt is unbearable even for an immortal."

"Yes, I know I lied about going with the traveler in—. . . Huh?"

What?

His eyes seemed to shine brighter than the stars as he stares deeply into yours. You sense an underlying promise in those determined orbs, it instilled the feeling of anticipation and anxiety.

"I am Morax."

The air suddenly became suffocating for YOU. Breathing gets hard. There’s this feeling in your chest that’s gnawing through your body, affecting your every movement.

Conflagrated flames and scalding ice, the physical feeling tied up in all the emotions that seem to leak from ZHONGLI'S features— fear, hope and adoration churned his guts.

An unkempt strand of your hair overshadowed your eyes from Zhongli's standpoint. It seems as though he made the decision that'll compromise the friendship he had built with you.

Being the bearer of the knowledge of your reincarnation didn't come easy for an immortal who's supposed to be imposing as a mortal.

Ever since he saw you paying respect for his passing, his instinct is blaring at him to tell you his true identity. Though he has to admit it's not entirely his gut-feel that added a major factor of what he had done now— it was his selfishness, yet again.

He had gone through multiple scenarios of what your reaction may be; Would you laugh at his face? Are you going to dismiss his claims and think it's a prank? Will you run away from him?

Not like it matters to him.

You can do all of those and he'd still want to be with you.

Heck! He knew you were telling a fib about your involvement in the Traveler's quest and it didn't change his feelings for you.

". . ."

As crickets filled his ears, he takes a feeble step forward and spoke in a solemm voice, "You must have a lot of questions, I can guarantee to answer all of them but know that it was never my intention to prolong your suffering by hiding my identity."

He knows.

He GODDAMN knows!

Your words broke up and all you could mutter were stuttering sounds. Hot tears streamed down your face, and squeezed your eyelids shut in the hope the tears would stop. Your choppy breathing and watery eyes remained for quite some time as stand there unmoving. What else is there to say?

Before you know it, both of your shoulders were grasped in a firm but gentle grip of gloved hands. There's so many mixed feelings stirring in a boiling pot, and you can't make out a definite conclusion until you arrive in some sort of resulting point.

Are you angry for his decision to play dead? Betrayed he kept this from you? Pained that he didn't trust you? Relieved that he's really alive in the flesh? Happy that he knows it's you and you don't have to pretend around him? Which is it?

Amidst all the chaotic thoughts, you still feel safe in the presence of Zhongli— Yes, Zhongli. You hate how it feels so warm, you hate how you want to bask in his embrace, you hate the solace you find yourself in when he's around even in your worst time. Just then, similarly back in Inazuma, the sky shed tears to empathize your mourning heart. The heavens really find your suffering amusing.

In your haze vision, he was moving his lips but the words fell on deaf ears, your sense of hearing refuse to comprehend the meaning behind his statement. It's probably for the best.

Zhongli, the ever so keen who promptly took notice, snaked his arms around your shoulders and pulled you in a somber embrace and gently placed your head in his chest— an act of shielding you from the dangers of the world and offers you a safe haven.

The veil dropped and walls crumbled.

Your feeble hands grasped his flaunting waistcoat like a helping hand. Your scream synchronises with the thundering and the minimum space between you muffled the cries. Your undecipherable emotions echoes with the storm like a reflection on the mirror.

And everything leads to the man desperately clinging to your bare fingers on the cliffside of a bottomless pit you dug yourself into.

"Look at me."

Compelled to do so, you lifted your blurry gaze. A Geo Archon known for his wisdom and strength, is standing in his barest version. The version of a man who weeps only in the presence of whom he loves and trusts.

[ source: Pinterest. please comment if you know the artist so I can credit ]

"Z-Zhongli. . ."

A single index finger met your quivering lips, "Shh. . . The rain isn't stemmed from sadness. So get drenched, and be refreshed. I hope it washes away the hot bitterness felt by your heart. When that hurt washes away, let's return home together."

". . . Together? It sounds surreal. . . I don't want to believe it."

"May I kiss you for proof?"

You're too absorbed in the heat of moment that every rational decision flew out the window, but maybe the most rational thing to do is to indulge yourself.

You nodded, with your permission Zhongli has never been the happiest till this day.

His lips descended on yours with fervor, immediately you can feel his desperation, his love, his determination, his grief— it's overwhelming it almost knocked you on your feet. Quite fortunate he has his hand on your back to keep you steady while the other is on your cheek as he drowns you in his presence.

You feel hot, it's unusual during the rain shower, but the hypnotic intimacy he applies in his action takes your breath away.

Heat pooled in your stomach, the prospect of kissing Zhongli is something you didn't know you'd be craving for more and your heart skipped a few beats.

Your whole body tingled, the feel of his towering frame leaning on you as he encased you in his arms felt like you're ascending to Celestia.

Albeit slowly, you felt yourself gradually being pulled up to the surface accompanied by the hands of your savior.

It still wasn't clear if he's dreaming this moment, but there was raw emotion in the way you weave your fingers through his free tresses and caress his scalp. Zhongli kept his eyes half open, sneaking a guilty glance at you every time he comes back for air to assure himself this isn't a product of his imagination.

He doubts the authenticity of it all. He's not sure if nature rooted for this moment or if Celestia tricked him into this perfect present to appease his guilt, but every passing second makes him want to stay in this illusion and for the first time in eons, he felt like a little dragon discovering new treasures— he discovered you yet again.

Slowly, the pull apart, chest heaving and face flustered.

Zhongli suddenly felt more guilt, he had acted out of the line and kissed without properly courting you, not so gentlemanly. The smile on your face, however, eased the guilt in his heart and subconsciously mirrored your smile, it was simply contagious.

"It's really you, huh? I can't believe I didn't realize it was you." You placed your palm on his cheek as to reassure your sanity, in response he leaned impossibly closer to your hand.

"Words cannot describe how much I want to expose myself to you, and how apologetic I am for staging my death. Had I've been aware of your existence and your knowledge of the past, I would have come up a different solution and not cause you more pain."

Yeah, it really is him. No other man can look after your feelings like he does, and there's no other man lovable as him.

"I really want to ask how did you know, not only of my reincarnation, but also my awareness of my previous life. Is it because you were a former Archon?"

Heaving a deep sigh, he pressed his forehead on yours, his fingers traverse down the corner of your lips until it wipes away from what it looks like the remnants of your tears.

"I don't need to be an Archon to know it's you. Your kindness, compassion and everything beautiful will always attract me no matter what form you may take. No other being can impersonate someone so precious as you, Y/N. It's why I knew it was you the moment you wear your heart on your sleeve."

Times like this always reminds you why you fell for him so hard.

"As for your memories of the past. . . you weren't exactly being cautious of your words when you were speaking to my statue. No normal mortal has ever called me Morax other than you."

Oh. . . you were rather grateful for it.

"So, you're saying I'm not normal to you?"

"Y/N, reincarnating while retaining your memories is not exactly a trait of a standard normal mortal." He does have a point.

"Hey, look. The rain has stopped."

Hands adorned of scars, bruises and wounds that once grasped the pointed end of every sharp edged rocks are now held by the calloused hands of another fighter.

You watch as the lustrous moon rose up the sky, pride was balm from its full fledged form, exuding sufficient fulguration for the inky night and the prodigious number of stars turned into extraordinary bright white hued after the rain. For the first time, the deepest somber night just came out of its humble abode.

He kept his eyes on you and his forehead glued on yours, it looks like he's not planning on letting you go any time sooner, "Indeed, it seems like your heart has eased up too."

"Yes, and I have you thank for that." You gently grabbed the wrist caressing your face and rubbed figures of eight. "Thank you for having the courage of revealing your true self, it have me the right to courage to fess up what's on my mind."

You pulled away from his embrace and took his hand on yours, you can feel his burning eyes fixated on your actions, "I never got the chance to confess everything when I was dying in your arms. I thought it was for the best, but I'll say it now."

Watching you straighten your spine, Zhongli couldn't hide his anticipation. He has vague idea what you mean, but he didn't want to keep his hopes up, so he remained calm and let you continue.

"I love you. Whether you're known as Morax, Rex Lapis, Zhongli or any other names, I'm hopelessly in love with you because to me you're the dragon who kept me safe from the dangers and prioritize me over your own happiness. You're my first friend, my first confidant, my first partner in crime, my first protector, my first crush and most importantly, you're my first love. You're my every first, and you'll be my very last."

Every joyful feeling known to man hit Zhongli like a meteor and he couldn't help himself to claim your lips once again. This time he was more gentler and more on conveying his overjoyed expression. The kiss was brief as he pulled away immediately.

"I have always adored you, Y/N. Your death nor your lack of reciprocation doesn't make my feelings any different. Do you remember the promise I made? I will take you at the highest peak of the sky, I meant it literally that time, I'm more willing to fulfill that promise both literally and figuratively.bI'm grateful to have met you in my life, and I'm more grateful that you feel the same as I do. I will do my best to keep you happy, Y/N."

"Dummy! I should be the one saying that." Your eyes began to feel moisture yet again. "Would you look at us. It took us a couple thousands of years before getting to this point, it's almost laughable and I— ACHOO!"

". . ."

". . ."

"Let's head back. It almost slip my mind humans are quite fragile even just a few drops of rain, and your drenched clothes are not helping."

"Aren't you the one who told me to get drenched and be refreshed?" You replied sardonically, though the lovesick smile on your face betrays you.

He chuckled, "Let's continue this back home."

Home with him. It sent the elephants stomping in your stomach. Forget the fluttering butterflies!

He intertwined your fingers with his as you both walk back with goofy smiles, "Yeah, let's head home."

An idyllic hilly meadow greeted your sight as you stand tall after an arduous journey. Beside you is the prize worth of every gems in the world. As your blood-soaked hand held his, the two of you embarked a new journey towards tomorrow.

And this this time, you won't be alone. Mazes may seperate you two along the way, you'll always find your way back to each other's arms. A farewell between star crossed lovers doesn't exist, for they will meet later on at the end.

─ 𝐀𝐅𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐃. werp that will wrap up this series, I'll be working on with all of your requests and if I can insert the Xiao version of this then it's considered lucky. thank you everyone for supporting this fic, for encouraging me to continue more than one part and sharing your thoughts about it. i value comments more than anything so pls tell me what you think, I don't reply to all comments but I read all of them 💙💜

─ 𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓 / 𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐒. @itsyourgirlria @shizunxie @elsoleil @cherlynono @slzaar @katsuissus @tikitsune @useless-potatho @chimsblogg @lemonlimesocks @multifandomvoyage @malt-rants-and-stuff @jameineliebe @angelkazusstuff @eissaaaa @beezgobuzzbuzz @towos @atsukawolfcat @sunflowers1970 @avery-needs-more-fics @angstylittleb1tch @bigcandlesmolbrain @lxmine @imk1ra @chihawari @bishishbored @yuuki4646 @sunsethw4 @princeabomination @alexiris @chocolateneapolitan @ayra2452008 @ittosoneandoniwife @alatus2716 @thetwinkims @sweetbills @nanami-s-tie @rain-and-a-nice-nap @a-rose-byanothername @swirrley @lasignoramybeloved @magicalnaturenerd @boundedbyfate @extremelytoastybread @vvyeislazzy @dear-dairiess @crowleysthings @imafatpug @tjjjrsj + kokomisimppp alice4wonderland2184 quereespf haru-tofuu vv3ntii and others that I can't tag for sum reason tumblr won't explain •_•

©OTAKUWORKS | FEB 2023

[paimonial-rage]

Ask meme - 6 and 9 for the dragon men (zhongli and neuvillette) please!

This took so long I am so sorry, but here we go!

[Character Analysis Ask Meme]

What is Neuvillette's biggest insecurity?

Neuvillette’s biggest insecurity is not something he's ever tried to hide. Anyone that has spent enough time with the Iudex has probably heard him mention it before. Simply put, Neuvillette doesn't understand the emotions of humans very well. He never has and sometimes he doubts if he ever will? How many times has this flaw of his costed him dearly in the past? How many mistakes has he made? And how many are there yet to come? How he dreads the thought.

What can’t you trust [Neuvillette] with?

To chase after you - Iudex Neuvillette is many things—polite, kind, intelligent—but he is not a man without faults. Only a few know him well enough to realize he holds many regrets upon his shoulders, majority that were never his burden alone to bear. Should you ever become the source of one of these regrets, you can surely expect to know. With somber eyes and a weight upon his shoulders, he will apologize to you. But don’t expect anymore than that. Not understanding human emotions is not only his weakness, but a prison. He will not attempt to make things up to you nor will he try to make things how they used to be. You’re best off where he can hurt you no more, even if that means he will be left alone to the rain.

What is Zhongli's biggest insecurity?

Who knows lol.

What can’t you trust Zhongli with?

With mora - As knowledgeable and talented Zhongli is with many things, it is a surprise to many to hear that businessmen don’t exactly enjoy making deals with him. How can they when contract discussions always leave them with the [shorter end of the stick]? How many [unforeseen business expenses] do they end up incurring in such a short amount of time? In the end, they always lose more than they gained. What they don’t know is this unfortunate occurrence happens with any Mora dealings with the man. But what can you expect for someone that, by contract, has the Traveler liable for all expenses during his outings with them? It's simply best to leave all matters of mora out of any relationships with him.

With your heart - If there's one thing true about Zhongli, it's that, while he may withhold the truth, he does not lie. So when he speaks of a person warmly, they can very well believe his words to be true. That being said, it is important that one does not mistaken his warmth with depth. One cannot simply entrust their heart to him and expect his in return. How could anyone hope to understand the weight of many a millennia, after all? So while the desire may be cute, it'll never be something he would even consider to reciprocate.

[seelestia]

❝𝐃𝐎 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 𝐌𝐄?❞ — a masterlist.

「 ❝DO YOU LOVE ME?❞ ; A story where you, a mortal and ZHONGLI's love of the present, come to realize that you stand smaller compared to Guizhong, a goddess and his love of the past. 」

☆ PAIRING: Zhongli x GN!Reader.

☆ GENRE: Angst, minimal fluff, established relationship, "loves you but not most" trope.

☆ NOTE: this is a short series that has two endings which you can choose, alongside additional works to expand more on its background lore. thank you for giving this series a read! ♡

[ 🎵 listen to the official playlist here! ]

HOW THE STORY GOES. . . (arranged in chronological order, recommended to be read as such.)

↪ 「 DO YOU LOVE ME? 」 : zhongli never lies; he always says the truth as it is, even if it is a hard pill to swallow. or in which you realize you are not his greatest love and that is alright... right? (3.3k+ words)

↪ 「 HEART TO HEART. 」 : a cracked heart is like a cracked jar; it can only hold so much within before it shatters — what if you've come to terms that you cannot take the pain of the truth any longer? (1.2k+ words)

↪ 「 THE STARRY-EYED MORTAL. 」 : a prequel which tells the story before you and zhongli became lovers, where he was just an ordinary gentleman at the funeral parlor and you were just someone with starry eyes admiring him from afar. [ COMING SOON! ]

ENDING #1: what if the reader can't take it anymore and decides to break up?

↪ 「 MIDNIGHT FAREWELL. 」 : holding on hurts, letting go hurts. regrets just seem to trail after you like a shadow but ultimately, you have made your decision — this is it. (right?) (3.2k+ words)

ENDING #2: what if the reader stays and endures the heartache until the very end?

↪ 「 EYES CLOSED, HEART BLINDED. 」 : saving yourself from this path of heartache at the cost of everything is too much. thus, you decide to shut your eyes and blind your heart from the truth. however, your lover is neither blind nor foolish — but can he save you before it's too late? [ COMING SOON! ]

EPILOGUES (?)

↪ ???

↪ ???

© SEELESTIA (and my friend, jae @medeaheartly for inspiring this entire series!), feb 2023. do not repost, plagiarize, translate nor claim as your own.

[theendisneat]

Set in Stone [Pt.2 (Arranged Marriage Series)]

Pairing: Zhongli x gn!reader

Word Count: 759

Warnings: None

Two years have passed since the joining of you and your husband. It was… blissful, to say the least. Morax was an admirable husband, always vying to take care of you and shower you with meaningful gifts and silent gestures of love.

You couldn’t help but reciprocate.

Falling for your husband was a breeze once you gave up your useless grudge. The way he held you so softly, how he told stories with articulate and imaginative descriptions, or how he would press a beautiful set of intricately carved jade earrings to the palm of your hand saying he saw them in the market and they reminded him of you.

You cooked him meals, needled out what he liked and didn’t, trying to give him what he loved. You rubbed his hands when he got home, listened to him complain about the stressful duties of being an archon, and on days he was particularly moody, you would sunbathe with him in the garden, leaning against the slender, scaly dragon body.

You had your disputes, sure. But as it turns out, neither of you were ill-tempered or irrational and were able to work it out perfectly well (if not a little rocky at times).

It was an easy afternoon, the Liyuen sun shining brightly through the windows of your home when your husband came back from work. You had been reading a short fantasy novel, lounging across the couch when the door opened.

Your eyes lifted to find your husband standing in front of you with a small smile on his pretty, thin lips, arms hiding something behind his back.

“Husband, welcome home.” You offered him a nice smile in return.

“I have a gift for you.” His smile widened and you couldn’t help your heart melting..

“So I see. What is it?” Morax motioned for you to hold your hands out. You followed his instructions and he placed a thin, dark wood box in your palms.

You sighed with exasperated fondness. “Another necklace? Husband-”

“This one is special.” Morax took a seat next to you, his hands on your thighs, watching you. You didn’t think you’d ever seen your husband this excitable.

You opened up the box to reveal a glowing cor lapis on a silver chain. The cor lapis was carved like a precious stone, held in delicate silver prongs as emitted a soft orange glow; a glow that reminded you of the warmth in a sunset. The chain was the perfect length so it would rest at the top of your sternum.

“It’s gorgeous, but why is it glowing?” You dangled the necklace in front of you as you looked at him with confusion in your eyes.

“I never asked you to marry me.” Morax began. You were about to speak but he raised a hand, requesting your silence. “It is the one thing in our marriage that I regret. Over these past few weeks, I have been speaking to my fellow adepti about the creation of a special object.”

You back went ramrod straight as Morax slid to his knees in front of you, cupping your hands. “Morax-”

“I love you. Deeply. And now, I wanted to ask you properly if you wished to spend the years with me.” He took a breath, eyes fluttering as he attempted to gain his bearings. “This necklace, should you choose to wear it, will make you immortal. Not to say that if you do not wish to wear it that I will decide you do not love me nor will I try to force it on you-”

“Morax-”

“I merely mean to ask… would you spend forever with me?”

You gasped and that was when you noticed the tears falling down your cheeks. You gently placed the necklace in your lap, leaning forward to cup your husband’s face, pulling him into a deep kiss. You smiled into his lips and you could feel him doing the same.

“This is how your first proposal should’ve gone.”

You heard his shaky breath. “Is that a yes?”

You pressed your forehead to his. “Yes.”

-

The necklace sat cool against your skin and you couldn’t help but unconsciously smile at the feeling.

“What is it, my love?” Zhongli asked from the dining table, a cup of cooling tea by his paperwork from the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.

“Nothing.” You said softly, cutting some sunsettia in neat pieces, dropping them in a bowl. You set it down next to the tea and Zhongli thanked you with pretty amber eyes full of years of adoration. “Just reminiscing.”

[welcometoteyvat]

Hello! Do you have any recommendations on Zhongli/Xiao, or Chongyun and Xiao (either romantic or general) fics?

rubs hands together indeed i do. also highly recommend checking out the authors bc a lot of them have other incredible fic for the characters you're looking for!!

zhongxiao

Give me your heart (and I'll show you how to feel) by peredain (M, ongoing, 40k, some dom/sub themes, modern au) i will love modern aus until the end of time and this one has good plot, descriptions, and the feels. also i love that the yaksha group dynamics are fleshed out in this! they're so rare to find

fault lines by viverella (T, 23k, oneshot). scream. the tenderness and tension in this is so gentle. i fell to my knees bc these two old men. zhongli's voice is so nicely written :')

to carve nature at its joints (author commentary) and for services rendered by yelp (oneshots, 1k and 2k) the first is based on xiao's dream eating ability, and the second is about morax's inevitable erosion. the author has such an ability with words and their descriptions of xiao's loyalty, and zhongli's trust. i cherish greatly

bird in a cage by stormyseasons (gen, 33k, complete) i need to finish this but ohhhhhh it is insane,, the tenderness..... it traces xiao and zhongli's past through the archon war. also yaksha dynamics in this are so good

xiaoyun

i linked 4 in this post (please read these they're incredible) but heres more

lonely reflections (complete, 41k, M) and the sequel paper cranes (ongoing, 14k, E) by NocturnalFriend. chongyun's demon hunting expedition in the chasm takes a wrong turn. ive been meaning to read both but have heard v good things

intact by blurredbarcode; oneshot, gen, short and sweet!

reduced to just standing around, how absurd by justafellow04 this one's cute! it's an elaboration of a lantern rite lore bit that says chongyun's yang doesn't actually help xiao and its sweet :-)

also while im here: self promo of my xiaoyun writing exercises lol (v short drabbles of these two in different scenarios)

xiao and chongyun

"I won't let you become me, you'll be so much more" (170k words, ongoing) by snubton, which I think a lotttttt of people are fond of; I haven't read it myself (..writing style turnoff) but I've heard a bunch of good things. chongyun and xiao mentor mentee journey basically

after winter comes spring. 1/5 chapters, unfinished, featuring chongyun's yang energy and a flashback. it's sweet <3

[genshinresource]

Genshin Impact CN: Miyoushe Series - 3rd Anniversary Emote Pack (2/2)

[elmflowers]

(note: by narrative, I mean from the overarching story perspective. Ex: all of the archon pre quest for Liyue hyped the geo archon up insanely and characterized him as someone easy to get a hold of and then when we meet him his fake corpse falls out of the sky directly in front of us, and then we resist arrest. Objectively hilarious.)