#Zhongli x fem!reader

[pearlywritings]

Sometimes the name doesn't matter

synopsis: sometimes it matters that you are his wife. PART 2

pairings: Capitano, Kaveh, Tighnari, Zhongli x fem!reader (separately)

tw: fluff, established relationship, hurt/comfort; hybrids, unwelcomed courting, kind of female objectification (all in Tighnari's part)

word count: 6.9k+ words

a/n: part 1 and part 3 can be read here!

Capitano

Fast elegant fingers of a pianist run across the keys of black and white and the violins in the hands of other musicians are there to serve together with the chorus of beautiful voices, selected by Lady Columbina personally. The music infiltrates the souls of the nobles present, filling them with the sense of grandeur and glory, touching even their harsh unfeeling hearts.

The atmosphere of the gathering is gratifying, would’ve even been endearing if not for the stately figures of the Harbingers standing on both sides of the throne, where the Tsaritsa would've been seated had she not decided to refrain from attending it altogether. She has more important matters to take care of, and nine of her most loyal servants can definitely fill in her place on that yearly event.

Sure, this year it is more important since the two Harbingers are missing and the seats stay vacant - it's been the talk of the nation. Who is going to be nominated? Can it be influenced? Will they claim the names today?

Is the mysterious Commander, whose arrival became the topic of multiple speculations, be the one? A fierce warrior many heard of, but almost none saw face to face. The man was believed to be as powerful as the 11th Harbinger or maybe even the 10th! Having an army and an establishment of his own on the farthest line of the Snezhnayan border, he still is under the command of Lord Capitano, which makes it even harder to fish any more information than what is already known to the public.

"I only heard about him. He and his troops are protecting our borders from the monster's invasion in the North."

"Ew, who would've wanted to live in the North! It's much harsher than all the Snezhnaya."

"Shush, the Commander is wealthy and respectful, you can bear some cold."

"What do you imply?"

"The Commander is unmarried, there is no way he isn't, not with a life like this. But it can always be changed, and the woman he takes as wife would be one of the luckiest ones!"

"You are right… Maybe he is actually handsome. Maybe he'd be even willing to buy a whole mansion for his promised one and not take her with him to that awful place. Maybe…"

Maybe, maybe, maybe. It travels through the crowds like a storm in its wake, eventually reaching the Harbingers, who, for the first time after appearing and greeting the already arrived, stop resembling the statues. Eyes shift among the people and each other; some gazes hold interest, some - annoyance. Only Pantalone has an ever present smile on his face, fingers clasped in front of him and sapphire rings sparkle in the ballroom light.

"Looks like Capitano's estimated soldier caught everyone's attention. My, my, how curious and nosy the people can be…"

"I understand the curiosity though," admits Childe, arms crossed to prevent laying even a finger on his blade, that is resting on his hip. "This person sounds like an interesting specimen… I've heard of his talents in both strategy and tactics, and it seems like his strength is a legend. I'd love to spar with him."

"Oh you, thinking only about fights, young man," Pulcinella disapprovingly shakes his head and raises his cane to point in the gingerhead's direction. "I highly doubt our guest will have time to spare, considering the period of time concerning the stay that was mentioned in the letter we received."

"And I believe the majority of that time would be spent with Il Capitano, isn't it right?" Columbina's soft voice must be drowning in the music, but everyone hears her loud and clear.

"..." The Harbinger stays silent and nothing can be read from his body language since he is the only one remaining still in his place, his huge looming figure resembling one of the full-set armor nobles like putting in their halls as a part of interior. Except this one isn't empty.

"So much potential to become my test subject, to be perfected... Yet lost to the lands of Northern regions," Dottore huffs in disappointment, his sharp teeth peaking when he clicks his tongue. "Say, Pierro, can't things be rearranged? I'd happily have our dear border protector as my underling."

The silence between the nine suddenly becomes thick. There is something indescribably tense in the air and only Childe can't understand why some of his colleagues seem to be more interested in how the Captain would react and not the 1st of the Harbingers..

"You know why this can't be rearranged, Dottore," the stare of an icy blue eye would pin everyone to the ground, destroying their will and order to obey, though doing little to scare the Doctor. "And it was favored by the Tsaritsa herself."

The finality of the short statement makes the scientist back down from the proposition he's been bringing up every time the topic touches the Commander, yet ending up the same way as always - with an ultimate rejection.

Three heavy thuds make everyone in the room fall silent. Many heads turn to look at the ceremonial staff hitting the floor the last time and staying still in the hand of a tall, thoroughly dressed man.

"The protector of the Northern border, the glorified and esteemed warrior of Her Majesty Tsaritsa, The Commander has arrived," the master's of ceremonies voice carries like a thunderclap, cutting off the quite leisurely music the orchestra was playing for the dances and entertainment.

The rustle of note sheets is fleeting and not a moment later the musicians straighten in their seats, taking a deep breath. Trumpets boom in a spacious room and make nobles shiver in surprise, some especially susceptible women even lean on their partners for support. The choir and the violins join the triumphant song the brass instruments sing, signaling that the time has come.

Everyone holds their breath as the tall heavy doors leading to the ballroom are being pulled open. Everyone has their gaze glued to a slowly growing gap. Everyone keeps their eyes wide open, afraid that even one blink can cost them missing the legendary sight.

Everyone gasps.

The tall figure enters, posture straight and shoulders squared, confidence evident in every step. Black satin clothes are adorned with golden chains and intricate patterns. The white military coat stayed resting on the shoulders - showing off the position, the closeness to the Harbingers. And then there is the face - a scar crossing the left brow, calm bored eyes, not sparing anyone a glance, which do not fit the other female features of your face.

Yes, the Commander happens to be a woman.

Stopping by the steps leading to the throne, you bow - not kneel, bow, - holding your open palm by the heart and respectfully closing your eyes. Music stops.

“Greetings, my lords. Let Tsaritsa bless you and your mission.”

“Let Tsaritsa bless you and your service to her,” Pierro says, raising his hand. “Lift your head,” which you do, looking him right in the eyes, yet still holding your hand by the chest. “There is time for duties and there is time for entertainment. And tonight, given your rare visits to the capital, I suggest you enjoy the latter.”

“Much obliged, Lord Pierro.”

And with a wave of the older man’s hand, the orchestra starts a new composition, waking up the ones who were in a daze, reminding others they are here for drama.

And the first one to take action is the 11th Harbinger.

“Commander, Sir- I mean, Lady?” The gingerhead is the closest to you out of all his colleagues, having only to descend a few steps to be on your level. “I’ve heard a lot about you, many admirable things. How do you look at sparring?”

“Right in the middle of a ballroom? Quite positively, young man,” your lips twist in a half-smirk, baring a sharp pearly canine. “But I believe the nobles have already had enough shock to take and rumors to create. Maybe another time. Haven’t seen you before though. Are you new?”

“Tartaglia, the Eleventh Harbinger, Lady Commander.”

“Ma’am would be enough,” you click your tongue, glancing behind and noticing how slowly, but surely some of the aristocrats are inching towards you, clearly interested in conversation, Well, you are not. “On second thought, starting a duel right now and here doesn’t sound like a bad idea…”

“I’ve always known you are quite insane,” Arlechino butts her way in the conversation, giving you only a small nod as a greeting. You simply glance at her.

“For years I’ve been hearing of my insanity, think of something new,”

“How about, ‘the one who knows no limits’?” Pantalone’s smile is as dazzling as it’s fake and sometimes your hands are itching to strangle the man. Maybe even go all the way out and bite his head off. Literally.

“The only ones who know no limits are the wind and the stupidity. I’m neither. Who I am though,” your gaze travels higher, to the steps closest to the Tsaritsa’s throne, to there Pierro and the first three Harbingers are standing, “is a wife. And I’d like to have a dance with my husband.”

Not many heard your words, but the ones who did, gasp loudly, staring at you with wide eyes. Which get even wider when Il Capitano, a seemingly motionless statue before, turns in his place and, without a pause, steadily descends to you. Now, as you are standing so closely it becomes evident how obviously your outfits match. The chains, the patterns, even the precious stones - everything. Perhaps it is terrifyingly cute. Perhaps it's cutely terrifying.

“Husband,” your smile again, offering him your hand, which he immediately envelopes in his big clawed one.

“Wife,” is the first word the big figure rumbles for the evening, the void of its helmet staring at you. And that’s all you speak to each other, hearing the beginning of another melody and turning to join the dancing pairs.

“...What was that?” Childe voices what’s been plaguing the minds of the attendees. “First the Commander appears to be a woman, and now she is married to the Lord Il Capitano?” He glances at Pulcinella, who joins his side and decides to watch the pair that caused a commotion have their fun. “Do they not use their names?”

“They find no sense in them,” the Rooster answers just the last question. “And,” he lowers his voice and the ginger has to bend down to hear the next words, “I didn’t tell you that, but the Captain really loves calling her his wife. So be quite cautious while seeking a fight with her. You might end up impaled. By either of them.”

Kaveh

With a soft smile you watch a group of children merrily leaving their classroom, interrupting each other in attempts to tell everyone how exciting the lesson was. They do not forget to grin and wave at you, passing by, and you return the sentiment, contently observing their happy faces and sparkly eyes.

Every time this happens, a strange sense of fulfillment overtakes you - supporting and sponsoring Kaveh was one of the best decisions you’ve ever made. The greatest architect of nowadays is offering his guidance to the young generation, teaching them everything about beauty and practicality, helping them to develop their own creative vision, and at the same time boosting the confidence of kids of all ages. And you couldn’t be prouder of him.

Him, who meticulously prepares for every single lesson. Him, who is oh-so-gentle with his words and precise in his speech. Him, who teaches both Sumeru citizens and people coming from abroad. Him, who is as passionate about it, as he is about his designing job, telling you every single detail of how the lessons went on your way home or over the dinner. Him, who is happy and who makes you happy too with that fact alone.

When the last kid leaves, marking the ending of the final class for today, you glance at the clock. Now Mister Meticulousness will need half an hour to tidy up the classroom and put all the tools away. Tomorrow is free from classes at his (he always corrects your as in the both of you) school, so you can collect your stuff as well - after all, being the manager of this establishment and Kaveh specifically requires your presence. You can be strict and unyielding whenever he can’t and this partnership proves to be successful every day.

Just as you are writing down some financial staff, there is a soft knock on the doorframe. Immediately lifting your eyes you hum, observing a very good-looking woman and a boy, shyly holding onto her hand.

“Hello, how can I help you?” With a quill laid on top of your accounting book, you stand and round the table, offering the two to step closer.

“Ah, hello, miss…” eyes with long, pretty lashes flit to the name tag attached to your clothes, “...Y/n. This is master Kaveh’s artistic school, am I correct?”

“Yes, you are. Are you here to sign your boy up for a class?” You offer her son a sweet smile and he answers you with a small lift of his lips.

“Mhm. You see, he is a big fan of master Kaveh and his works - can study the pictures of his designs taken by Kamera day and night.”

At that, the boy lowers his gaze and blushes a little, digging a hole in the ground with the tip of his shoe.

“Oh, really?” A gasp that escapes your chest is one of excitement. “That’s marvelous! I am sure your hopefully soon-to-be-teacher will be very interested in hearing your opinion of his works, young connoisseur,” he giggles, lifting his eyes at you again, and there you see undisguised delight. “Oh, but my bad, I didn’t ask your names…”

The woman’s lips bare two rows of perfectly white teeth as she smiles at you, introducing herself and her son.

“We are from Fontaine actually. But my parents wanted to spend some indefinite period of time in Sumeru for their health and we decided to join them. So while we are here, I thought I’d make my son’s dream come true.”

“That’s so nice of you,” you can’t help but admire her a little for that. “I can tell you first a little about our school, you’ll ask all the questions you need to, and then I’ll show you around. Kaveh should be done with cleaning by then, so there’s a big chance you’ll even talk to him personally.”

“Really!?” That’s the first time throughout your entire interaction when the boy opens his mouth and actually makes a sound. “Master Kaveh is here right now?”

“He is. But can’t promise a long conversation - there are still blueprints waiting for him back at home.

“Ah, right… He is the great architect after all,” the woman hums, staring to the side as if in thought. “Between the commissions he takes and this school he must be making good money. Not to mention so handsome…”

Oh… What a familiar tone, what a familiar look in those eyes. Suddenly that ounce of respect you felt for her disappears.

“Money is irrelevant to him as long as he reaches his goal,” is your restrained response. 

“Ah, of course! Handsome, sweet, kind, good with kids and is not a snob. Sweety, you ought to charm him for me!” She pinches her son’s cheek. “Imagine Master Kaveh as your daddy!”

Oh Archons, again?

There is absolutely no doubt that the light of Kshahrewar is not only well-known and popular among kids, but is thirsted after by women. In a half of a year your school has been existing, there were numerous times when moms of little students made comments alike or some single females trying to schedule private sessions with the architect. What a sagacious decision it was to make group studying only, it saves you some drama, once the legal document is shown. Though there are exceptionally persistent examples…

But this time you pity the kid a little, because he genuinely seems to admire Kaveh. And his next words make you internally cheer for the little guy.

“Master Kaveh as my dad? But mom, I have a dad already,” the boy pouts, rubbing at the pinched cheek. You notice a red mark and two little crescent moons that her nails left on a tender skin. “I love him and don’t need another one.”

“Sweety, you just don’t understand how great it would be to have such a dad! Just trust my word-”

“Ahem, Madame, I kindly ask you to deal with your family affairs once you are out of here. As for the school - I am open for discussion.”

The displeased way she glances at you doesn’t go unnoticed, but you do not show it anyhow, calmly staring back at her, while your hand reaches up to your chest. As if finally remembering her initial reason for coming here with her son, the woman sighs and puts a palm on the boy’s shoulder.

“Of course, miss- I’m sorry I forgot your name…” And her eyes flit to the name tag again.

Momentarily the woman squints from the light reflecting on the metal, and when she blinks the bright spots away, there is a beautiful golden ring on your hand. The hand that is holding the flipped tiny plate with just two words engraved in it.

"Kaveh's wife"

With widened eyes she stares back at your sweetly polite smile. Not saying a word as if letting the notion sink in, you walk to the wall. Grabbing the backs of two chairs you drag them to your table so they could sit, and take your rightful place in front of them. 

“If you are here for something aside from or instead of signing your son up for classes, I believe my name should be irrelevant to you. My status though,” you knock a nail twice on the badge, “must. So… what are you here for, Madame?”

The boy climbs onto his chair right away, while his mother tarries a little, still shocked by the revealed fact and your suddenly changed demeanor. She needs a couple more seconds to compose herself, but eventually she too sits down.

Despite what happened earlier, your conversation proves to be fruitful and fifteen minutes later you are showing around the school, sharing some additional information and answering every single of the kid’s questions. 

When in the last room you find your husband, closing Mehrak and looking ready to leave, the boy lets out a gasp. The sound attracts the man’s attention, and he turns to the three of you with a soft smile.

“Oh, hello there, little guy!” The blond waves at him, breaking the blissful stupor of a child that immediately turns red and hides behind his mother. Surprised, Kaveh looks at you for explanation but, instead, takes notice of your name’s replacement. Oh wow, this again. What was the last time you did that? Two weeks ago?

“Ah, Master Kaveh!” The woman charmingly smiles, batting her lashes at him, which would’ve made you cringe had it never happened before. “You see, my son-”

“Pardon me, Madame, give me a moment,” the male softly interrupts her and reaches for a similar metal plate on his chest with his own name to flip it. It’s almost comical how sour the temptress’s face got in a second.

And there is what for. Now two words are proudly matching yours, engraved in an equally beautiful cursive to remind the world who the two of you become once stripped of your names.

Just his ”Y/n’s husband” to your “Kaveh’s wife”.

And like that one more kid takes part in your lovely school and one suitor less is after one of its founders.

Tighnari

With each passing day of your team’s research in the desert you found it harder and harder to control yourself. Some days you were even on the verge of clawing and biting, tail and ears twitching in annoyance and pupils turning into wild slits, making your hybrid nature more obvious.

Was it because of the research? No, it couldn’t be farther - your colleagues have been making so much progress, heeding your advice and following your lead. Was it the location perhaps? A little, but you learnt how to deal with heat and dryness. Was the process taking too much time? On the contrary, you are on your way home already, having finished the job 4 days earlier than you estimated in the beginning.

Then what on earth could possibly trigger you like this?

Well…

“Hey, forest foxy, want me to catch the Consecrated Flying Serpent for you?”

Ah yes, him.

Never again will you trust the higher ups at the Akademiya to sponsor your team with the bodyguards. Out of every possible candidate, your Herbad-titled colleague concluded that hiring five descendants of Valuka Shuna would be a marvelous idea. 

“They are the desert kind - they’ll be good guides.” “Look how much stronger they are, they’ll definitely protect all of you.” “They are of the same kind as you, Y/n. Don’t you think it’ll be easier for you, as the leader, to have someone akin with you?”

No, it absolutely would not!

Desert fennec hybrids are different from the forest ones - and it’s not even the case of your green and their sandy brown fur or their more brutal physique against your more delicate one. It’s their character and world perception. You’ll never call them barbarians, but they really developed more of the animal nature than your kind did.

And from day one it was a pain in the butt. 

One of your five new bodyguards was clearly the leader - he was bigger and broodier, with more scars littering his body, and his whole stance was screaming of a higher position. When you were introduced for the first time, something lit up in his grayish eyes, which were looking you over appreciatively. You ignored that, more focused on the discussion of the upcoming expedition and making sure the five were aware of what was required of them.

Luckily they were, and, admittedly, they did fulfill their task meticulously, proving to be great help. If only one of them wasn’t so diligent.

You lost count of how many times the leader tried to get into your personal space and you had to move away. Of the numerous invitations to hunt together. Of the endless displays of his strength and abilities. Of the many conversations you didn’t even try to eavesdrop on (they talked pretty loudly) around the topic of when will your shell be cracked and you’d accept the male’s courting attempts.

The answer was obvious, but he just never got it. Even when you called him for a serious conversation on the turning-into-an-issue matter.

“With all respect I must ask you to stop with whatever you’ve been doing to woo me. I have a husband.”

You still remember how he blinked at you dumbly, clear lack of understanding written on the sun-kissed face.

“...and?”

“The heck do you mean ‘and’?”

“Well, you don’t have a mate?”

It was your turn to stare at him speechless, ear twitching and tail curling closer to your legs. It was getting worse than just ridiculous.

“If we are speaking in such terms, then my husband is my mate. So, please-”

You nearly gasped when the male immediately leant closely, violating your personal space and practically stuffing his nose against your neck. Shocked by such lack of shame, you lost the ability to talk or move for a moment, gaping at him sniffing around and humming upon the discovery.

“You don’t wear anyone’s smell on you.”

You were not proud of yourself at that moment, but you absolutely lost it. Sharpened claws dug into his chest and with an angry snarl you pushed him back.

“Get away from me!”

You must’ve been a sight - canines bared and fingers twitching, ready to attack; fur standing on both your ears and tail, signaling your distress and eyes slitted in pure rage while directed at the man in front of you. The worst part? The idiot seemed to like it even more.

“What me and my partner do must be of no concern to you. I told you ‘no’ and I mean it.”

But bold of you was to assume he’d stop. Oh no, it’s gotten worse. Now he was actively calling you a ‘forest foxy’, absolutely abandoning your name and even trying to scent you. It was suffocating - the desert aridity was lighter in comparison to the male hybrid’s pheromones. 

Never in all your academic practice have you wanted to return home so badly.

Fortunately, your colleagues quickly caught on to what was going on and always helped you to escape the unwanted interactions. Plus they were equally as mad as you were, because his individual scent irritated their human noses - and that was the main reason why you and Tighnari, both spending a lot of time around other people, did not practice it. Partly, you are sure, this whole situation was the reason for your earlier return - and you were grateful for their understanding.

However, your stubborn suitor did not dream of giving up. Killed desert animals were still offered to you, stories of his legendary battles with monsters were told for the hundredth time (even though no one was interested in listening at that point) and attempts to lure you with the musky smell once again made. Archons, and the green-furred fennec girls from your teens used to dream of that.

Maybe Lesser Lord Kusanali would be merciful and you’ll meet your husband somewhere on your way?

“Herbad Y/n!”

…wow, that was quick. Not Tighnari, but incredibly welcome too.

“Collei!” For the first time in days there is a reason for your soft smile. Which the young girl mirrors, waving at you from not so far away. You notice a couple more of the Forest Rangers at her side, and that sight alone makes you finally exhale in relief. You are so close to being home.

“Master is here too! Want me to get him?”

Oh, Dendro Archon, thank you.

“I’d really appreciate it, dear!” With a quick nod the green-haired apprentice disappears in the bushes, and you turn back to the scholars of your group. It’s time to abuse your power a little. “We are almost at the Devadaha Pool. Since all of you live in Sumeru City I hope you’ll excuse me for staying behind. As for you five,” your gaze moves to the bodyguards and it’s so hard not to rejoice - soon they’ll be just a memory, “I ask you to accompany the rest of my team to the Akademiya. Then you can consider your job done and be free. Keep the payment for the last three days that didn’t happen - think of it as a bonus for a good job.”

All but one eagerly nod and bid you farewell with wishes of getting home safely. And frankly speaking? You couldn’t care less for that one when you spot familiar and oh so dear big pointy ears with an intricate golden earring adorning one of them.

“Tighnari!” You didn’t want to sound so desperate, you really didn’t. But when those forest-like lovely eyes look in your direction, it becomes clear to you - the yearning has gotten unbearable.

“Y/n…” His smile is dazzling and the way his body immediately pushes to walk to you almost makes the memories of the last weeks’ events go away.

The key word - almost.

Someone grabs your elbow when you want to meet him halfway. Oh right, you already forgot about him.

“Let me go, you, imbecile!” And again you have to snarl and be rude, ripping your arm out of the strong hold and quickly darting into your husband’s embrace. The natural smell of the leaves, the flowers, the sweet and bitter concoctions he makes in his home laboratory, comfort you and your whole body goes nearly limp in his hold. It’s been weeks and you are tired of fighting with the brick wall - this time you want your lover to handle it for you.

“Y/n, my lotus, are you alright?” Gentle fingers comb through your hair and scratch at the base of your ears - a whole ass adult, that you are, wants to tear up. But you can only shake your head a no. “Has this man been bothering you?” This time it’s a yes. “I got you, dear.”

“So,” the browny green eyes sharpen upon staring at the cause of your current state, when it starts speaking, “you are that ‘husband’ the foxy has been talking about? I thought you’d be stronger. Or at least taller. Now I see that I was right and you really can’t be her mate.”

“Oh but I am. Not that we have to prove anything to a stranger. Y/n,” he carefully pries your face from his shoulder, caressing your cheek with a beanie pad, “let’s go home. You must be so-so tired.”

“I am, ‘nari. I am exhaus-”

“There’s no smell of you on her and vice versa,” the desert descendent of the Valuka Shuna seems to not be planning to stop. “Her neck is not marked. You let her wander by herself for weeks? And you keep calling her by the name. Her name should've stopped mattering once she became your mate!”

The hand around your waist tenses and you can feel the claws threatening to tear through the gloves he always wears. You don’t need to look at the face of your lover to know how pissed he is. And if Tighnari decides to attack him and tear his tongue out? You will not stop him.

“I am going to say it once and only once. She is not just a mate, she is my wife, by the Sumeru law and by the blessing of the Dendro Archon. And this fact must matter to you more than the case of her name. So fuck off and leave my wife alone. And if you don’t get it in a civil way - this woman is taken. And this territory is mine.”

With that, the Forest Watcher effortlessly lifts you in his arms and, holding you as if a precious bride, turns around to leave. You haven’t looked back once.

“You can’t imagine how much I missed being called your wife,” you quietly confess, wrapping your arms around his neck. “Especially after he didn’t listen when I said that I am.”

Tighnari hums sympathetically, leaning close to rub his nose against yours.

“Will it be okay then if today I address you as my wife only? When we join the other rangers, I mean.” 

”...if you think I will be embarrassed - make it a whole week.”

With a soft chuckle your husband plants a kiss on your lips, sealing the deal and promising you tranquil days at last.

“As you wish, wife.”

Zhongli

"...and so Rex Lapis takes the form of a dragon, a majestic creature he was born as - the one of whom the fair maiden would never be scared of. Lady Guizhong's robes flutter in the tender wind traveling among the mountain peaks and caressing the earthly scales of the God's enormous body. His eyes, shiny as gold, gaze at her with an unfamiliar softness as she holds a gentle flower - a delicate gift from her lover, the one that proves that under all that armor is a stone heart capable of love. Heart that is beating for her."

To loud applause the Iron Tongue Tian bows his head, drawing the legend of the gods in love to its end. You cannot bring yourself to clap even politely, both hands on your lap, hidden under the table, twitching when a man beside you lets his gloved palms meet each other a couple of times.

It’s the second time you had to sit and endure the baloney from the very beginning to the very end, not to count all those times you overheard it in passing. From the moment you settled in the Liyue Harbor together with your husband, to live the rest of your incredibly long lives together among the humans, you've been painfully aware of their interpretation of Rex Lapis and his relationship with other immortal beings. Before that you rarely accompanied him during the walks, busy with helping Yakshas and other adepti protect the said humans to grant them a peaceful life - as immortal guardians grew fewer, every single one counted.

Never have you ever imagined that knowing so little of the citizens’ folklore would backfire so hard. It seems that people got somewhat bored listening to the stories of Liyue and Rex Lapis, no matter how many interpretations existed. Literature became more diverse in genres and romantic novels were on top of the list, so street narrators started losing their audience little by little. Before it could grow into something more drastic the new side of history was presented to the public - stories about love among immortals appeared and its freshness and uniqueness caught people’s attention immediately.

In their searches for new material, speakers dug through hundreds of volumes. The main interest was the Lord of Geo, of course. If you have a story of a presumably stone-hearted creature ever having fallen in love with someone - that’s pure gold! But who could you present as a love interest of the Archon? It must be someone very close to him and, obviously, no one is more well-known for that than the deceased Archon of Dust.

You sigh, reaching for your cup and declining Madam Ping’s offer to pour you some more tea - for an unclear reason the fellow adeptus joined you two tonight. You have thousands of years of life behind your existence, a soul hardened by constant battles, and mannerism as polished as a jade statue, yet for a moment you feel concerned that the woman would notice a pang of hurt in the smallest of your features.

Zhongli definitely noticed the first time. It was meant to be a date night - simple, but sweet, with the evening lights, delightful aroma of the finest tea and the tales pouring from skilled tongues reflecting the atmosphere of what your nation really is. However, the luck of the land of trades wasn’t on your side, as someone requested the “Guili legend” as they called it. At first you were confused. Then in disbelief, almost turning to look at your mate, with whom you were bonded long before he became allies with the ash-haired woman. In the end you felt something you thought was beyond you - bitterness.

When you left the restaurant, slowly walking back to your house, Zhongli’s fingers gently touched your elbow, asking for your attention.

“Does it bother you that much, my love?”

Bother you? Well… It does feel insulting when someone speaks of your husband having been in love with someone else, but mortals can’t possibly know the truth for many reasons.

“I can’t say it doesn’t,” you admitted calmly, stopping and turning fully to him. He did the same, gazing at you with a hint of worry in those golden eyes you loved so much. The ones, you knew, always looked only at you. “But it can’t be helped, right? There was a reason and mutual agreement why you, as Rex Lapis, made our union unknown to your people, and now, since you are “dead”? There is no one to tell our story. Don’t worry though,” you put a hand on top of his and smiled, when his other one was laid on top of yours in a gesture of comfort. “I can deal with it. I know you love going to the storyteller’s performances. I’ll just try to ignore what they say about you and Lady Guizhong.”

Sometimes Zhongli thinks he does not deserve you. Ever so patient and understanding, you always had your husband's best interest at heart. Marriage, however, in its basis is a form of a contract, and a good contract is all about both sides being equal in everything. And if you must know one thing about Rex Lapis - he never makes bad contracts.

When the audience calms down, the man decides to make his presence and intentions clear by raising a hand. From the corner of his eye he notices you slightly turning your head to glance at him, and he catches a glimpse of puzzlement in your gaze. He can't help but think how adorable you are, even if you deny it again and again, claiming that nothing can be adorable about a several millennia-old warrior. Maybe not, but his wife definitely is, and he thinks with a primordial pride igniting in his chest, that mating with you was the best decision his past self had ever made.

Reaching under the table he rests his free hand on top of yours, gently squeezing it in reassurance, offering you the warmth of himself, seeping through his glove. Just as your shoulders relax to his delight, the raised hand adorned with rings is finally noticed.

"Ah, Mr Zhongli! Such an honor to see a regular, especially someone as wise as yourself!" Iron Tongue Tian beams with a wide smile, closing his fan and focusing his full attention on the history connoisseur. "I doubt you have questions, given your vast knowledge, and I can't wait to hear what else you can add to this already heart-felt story."

You force your lips not to twitch, hiding behind the tea cup again. Suddenly it tastes bitter. But another squeeze your husband gives your hand doesn't let you dwell on it too much.

"You are correct, I do have some knowledge to offer. However, it might disappoint you, as it will completely destroy the story of the Geo Archon and the Archon of Dust."

The whispers ran through the crowd like a powerful wave, and you can see confusion written over every single face. But also, there is intrigue.

"I took it upon myself,” Zhongli however continues, “to invite Madame Ping to back up my story, as she was the witness to it," the elder woman - a well-known Adeptus that doesn't hide her existence among mortals - nods with a soft smile.

"I read this in legends a long time ago, but remembered only when the 'Guili legend' became popular. Rex Lapis indeed had a lover, however it was not Lady Guizhong," the gasps are almost deafening. Just as your quickened heartbeat.

And for the next hour the man by your side and the elderly-looking woman that joined you tonight proceed to tell the story of the adeptus, who was the first and only to ever bring the Geo Archon to his knees, to be worshiped like a goddess by his eyes, by his words, by his very heart. Of a warrior, whose fierce eyes and valiant nature made a dragon in Rex Lapis roar in delight. Of the woman, who entranced him with her beauty, caring soul and motherly attention directed to other adepti - Madame Ping adds with a laugh of how the two created a parent-like dynamic even before they became official (at that you find it so hard not to turn bashful).

They tell the legend of the silk flowers - the ones you might see everywhere in the vast lands of Liyue. How the Geo Archon personally asked the Dendro Archon for guidance to cultivate the tenderest of flowers, how he taught his people to make the delicate fabric out of it, but even then it couldn’t compare to the skin of his immortal mate.

They tell stories of how annoyed she was when the god turned into a dragon to fall asleep somewhere in the depths of the earth for years without telling her prior, and how he returned with the purest stones and metals and with his own hands forged the pair of matrimonial rings (yes, the ones wrapped around your fingers to this day).

Madame Ping fondly speaks of all those thousands of years of protection the said adeptus spent to make sure that her godly spouse’s people were safe and maybe just a tiny sliver of pride rushes through your heart at the public acknowledgement.

“But she wished not to be known,” the woman sighs and you know she glances at you reproachfully. Well-deserved, given the circumstances you are in right now. “Thus it’s not much of a surprise people made a mistake like that. Besides, you won’t find much information in written sources about her either way.”

 “But she must have a name at least!” Someone from the fairly grown crowd exclaims.

“That she does,” Zhongli nods, lacing his fingers with yours under the table, lips tugging in a calm smile, when you squeeze his hand in return. “Though I am afraid it would be pointless to try and find out now - we wouldn’t want to disturb her mourning the departure of her husband, would we? After all, they must’ve loved each other so much.”

“But how can you be so sure?”

“Because,” golden eyes are on you, catching yours, pulling you in, whispering for your soul and heart to get lost in them, “I can understand how this love was born and got to bloom. My wife showed me that.”

[genshinluvr]

The Traveling Artist's Ailment

Pairings: Zhongli x fem!reader x Neuvillette

Summary: As a renowned traveling artist from Mondstadt, you travel the world to paint and draw various things. Your lovers, Zhongli and Neuvillette, are supportive of your dreams of becoming a traveling artist. However, during one of your work trips to Sumeru, you stumble across a sickly floating anemo fungus (well, technically, it came to you). You nursed the floating anemo fungus back to health, only to fall ill yourself.

Note: One of my followers and close friends commissioned this fanfic! To read her commissioned version, I will link it at the very end of this fanfic. This is the longest fanfic I have typed out ever since I came out of my hiatus. I hope my friend likes her commission (she has read most of it so far but hasn't read the newer parts I have added). Anyway! I don't post anywhere else but on Tumblr (Genshinluvr) and on AO3 (Aaliah_exo).

Warnings: None that I know of 🤔 However, since this is a commissioned fic, there will be some things that trace back to the commissioner— there will be she/her/hers pronouns used throughout this fic when referring to the reader.

Word Count: 6.8k

Sumeru, the nation ruled by the God of Wisdom. The scenery is beautiful— everywhere you look is a land of luscious greenery. You stand in front of the statue of the seven in the Avidya Forest, admiring the view before you. As a traveling artist, you have the privilege of witnessing the beautiful scenery of every nation in Teyvat. 

๋࣭ ⭑⚝ ᨐฅ ๋࣭ ⭑⚝

When you first began your career as a renowned traveling artist, you started in your home nation—the beautiful nation ruled by the Anemo Archon Barbatos. Before becoming a traveling artist, you weren’t satisfied with your career. And as cheesy as it sounds, you wanted to find your purpose, and the only thing that kept you going was your love for drawing and traveling. 

“You’re incredibly talented. Have you thought of becoming a traveling artist?” Albedo asked, analyzing the canvas while stroking his chin.

You pressed your lips into a thin line, mimicking Albedo’s actions. “I’ll have to be honest with you, Albedo. I have not! And even if I did, I don’t think a certain someone would approve of my ambitions.”

Albedo raised his eyebrows. “Oh? Are you implying that your boyfriends will not approve of your goals?”

Your face becomes hot at the mention of your, ahem, “boyfriends.” You wouldn’t say that you, Zhongli, and Neuvillette were dating per se, but you wouldn’t say that you three weren’t seeing each other romantically. You would often travel to Liyue and Fontaine to visit the men on separate occasions. Sometimes, when they had the chance, Zhongli and Neuvillette would visit Mondstadt to spend time with you. There were lingering touches and longing stares thrown around, but anything above that had yet to happen. Wait, what was Albedo saying again? Oh, right!

You cleared your throat, looking back at the canvas. “It’s not like they’ll disapprove of my choice of wanting to become a traveling artist. They worry, Albedo. And can you blame them?” You muttered, finishing up your painting of the Stormterror’s Lair. 

The day you sat down with Neuvillette and Zhongli to talk about your decision to become a traveling artist, you three were sitting outside Good Hunter in Mondstadt. You sat between the two men, eating your food. Children were laughing and running around the area while the adults were going on with their day, enjoying the simple life in Mondstadt.

“Dear, are you alright? You seem distracted,” Neuvillette said, breaking you out of your daydream.

You didn’t realize you were poking at your Sticky Honey Roast until Neuvillette brought you out of your thoughts. You nodded, giving Neuvillette a reassuring smile before proceeding to eat your lunch. While you weren’t looking, Neuvillette and Zhongli looked at one another, not saying a word. 

Zhongli cleared his throat, placing his hand over yours. “Are you sure you’re alright? If there’s anything you want to talk about with us, you’re always welcome to,” Zhongli murmured, gazing at you with his warm amber eyes.

You placed your fork on the plate and took a deep breath. “I am thinking of becoming a traveling artist. What do you two think?” You looked at Neuvillette and Zhongli anxiously, worried they were going to discourage you from pursuing such a career. 

Zhongli’s eyes lit up, the corners of his lips curving up. “Oh, I think that would be a lovely idea. I believe in doing things you love, and you are an incredibly talented artist.” Zhongli took a sip of his drink. I don’t see why not.”

After hearing Zhongli’s approval, your eyes lit up with excitement and hope. You turned to Neuvillette only to see the hesitation on his face. Neuvillette didn’t seem to agree with Zhongli. Neuvillette had always encouraged you to do what you love, but with this new career path, the Iudex was rather hesitant about the idea.

You blinked, reaching for Neuvillette’s hand, and gently squeezed it. “Neuvillette, are you alright?”

Neuvillette lets out a long exhale before meeting your gaze, smiling weakly. “[Y/N], dear, as much as I would love to see you pursue your dreams of becoming a traveling artist…” Neuvillette trails off, sighing again, “I can’t help but worry about your safety and the potential dangers of you getting into while you’re traveling alone.”

You couldn’t help but feel offended but also giddy over the fact that the oh-so-powerful Iudex of Fontaine worrying over little ole you. You couldn’t help but giggle, tucking your hair behind your ears while blushing madly. Neuvillette gazed at you, confused. You could hear Zhongli chuckling behind you while proceeding to finish his lunch.

You cleared your throat and placed both hands over Neuvillette’s. “Neuvi, I understand where you’re coming from, and,” you paused to squeal, reaching up to pinch his cheeks, “I would be much happier as a traveling artist than my current career path. Not only do I get to travel the world, but that means I can visit you and Zhongli more often!”

Neuvillette mulled over the idea of you getting the chance to visit Fontaine and Liyue more often and longer than in the past. Right as you were about to take a bite of the Sticky Honey Roast, a thin arm wrapped around your shoulders startled you and caused you to drop the metal fork. Zhongli and Neuvillette’s heads snapped in your direction to see the familiar bumbling drunkard draped over you. 

Zhongli scoffed, his nose wrinkled with disgust after catching a whiff of alcohol from the Anemo Archon. “Venti, please refrain from touching [Y/N] without her consent,” Zhongli said, narrowing his eyes at the bard.

Venti giggled and released you. “Hey, blockhead— I mean Zhongli and…” Venti froze when his eyes locked with Neuvillette. “O-Oh! It’s you!” Venti squeaked.

Neuvillette smiled at Venti before sipping water from his chalice and placing it on the table. “Greetings, Venti. I see that you are acquaintances with my beloved [Y/N].” 

Zhongli furrowed his eyebrows at Neuvillette’s comment and cleared his throat, “Our beloved [Y/N]. What am I? Chopped liver?” Zhongli rolled his eyes.

Neuvillette ignored Zhongli’s comment, proceeding to stare down the Anemo Archon. Venti cleared his throat before walking around the table to face the three of you. The bard propped his hands on his hips. You, Neuvillette, and Zhongli stared back at Venti, unsure what he had in mind. 

Venti sniffed dramatically, wiping away nonexistent tears with his index finger. “Oh, [Y/N]! Hearing your departure from Mondstadt breaks my heart. But hearing your love for the arts and wanting to share your exquisite talents with the world is inspiring!” Venti said dramatically, his lyre materializing in his hands, and he started to strum the instrument. “I would like to dedicate this song to you~!” Venti winked at you.

While Venti was serenading the three of you, Neuvillette mulled over the idea of you traveling the world and sharing your talent with people from every nation on Teyvat. 

Neuvillette turned to you, whispering into your ears, “If that is what you wish to pursue, then I shall not intervene with your desires. As long as you are safe and happy, that is all that matters to me.”

Your eyes lit up once again. “Really!?” You squeaked, gazing at Neuvillette with stars in your eyes.

Neuvillette’s cheeks slowly turned pink the longer you stared at him with awe and happiness. The Iudex cleared his throat, nodding. You squealed and threw yourself at your beloved Neuvillette, arms wrapped around his shoulders while pressing your cheek against his. Zhongli chuckled, shaking his head as he continued to listen to Venti sing, admiring you and Neuvillette from his seat.

You turned to Zhongli and beckoned him over. Zhongli hesitated for a moment, only to give in when you gave him puppy-dog eyes. Who could say no to that sweet face of yours? Zhongli stood from his seat and walked over to where you and Neuvillette were sitting before leaning over to wrap his arms around you and Neuvillette. Zhongli made sure to kiss the side of your head, ignoring the stares shot in your direction.

๋࣭ ⭑⚝ ᨐฅ ๋࣭ ⭑⚝

“Sumeru is so beautiful,” You whisper, setting down your art supplies. You have been traveling for a few months now, and you’re loving every bit of it! You met so many nice people, and many people have commissioned you to paint certain landscapes from other regions! Your being in Sumeru is for your customer’s commission, and you cannot wait for them to receive the painting soon.

Usually, you would travel to your customer to personally deliver their commission. However, this time is different because your customer will be picking up their commission in Sumeru. After all, according to them, they will be on a work trip to Sumeru in a few weeks. When it comes to your paintings, it doesn’t take you long to complete them. You work quite fast on your paintings, and that is what your customers love about working with you— you get things done in a timely manner, or you complete the commission way before the deadline. 

You scan your surroundings, trying to find the perfect image to capture onto your canvas. The customer was quite vague with what they wanted you to paint. The only instruction that was given to you was to paint a scenery in Sumeru. Did you ask them to clarify for you? Yes, you did! However, this person didn’t have an idea in mind.

“You have free range, Miss Renowned Artist! I would like for it to be a surprise! Any scenery will do as long as it’s in Sumeru!” The customer said, smiling smugly as if they were doing you a huge favor. 

You exhale and scratch your head. “This is going to be more complicated than I thought,” You mutter.

Sumeru has a lot to offer, and it is hard for an artist like yourself to capture a specific landscape onto one canvas. You see, you want to capture the current landscape before you, but at the same time, you also want to capture the breathtaking deserts of Sumeru. You pull out a single Mora from your bag, choosing to do heads or tails to make the decision for you. Easy, right? You’re indecisive, so the Mora will pick what you paint for your customer! Before flipping the Mora, you make sure to mark one side of the Mora with white paint because both sides have the same engraving.

The side with white paint will be the desert (heads), while the side without paint will be the current luscious green landscape before you (tails).

You place the Mora between your thumb and index finger with the side with white paint facing upward. Using your thumb, you flick the Mora in the air before catching it and placing it on the back of your other hand without revealing the results. When you move your hand, you see the decision the Mora has made.

The side of the Mora facing upward isn’t marked with white paint; therefore, you will be painting the luscious green landscape! You wipe the white paint off the other side of the Mora before tossing it back into your bag. You pull out the canvas and place it on the easel before digging into your bag for your palette, paints, and brushes. 

Once you have set up your materials, you start sketching out the landscape with a pencil. You hum softly, engrossed in your work, as you listen to the birds sing around you. It’s relatively cloudy today in Sumeru; it’s not too hot or too cold, and the weather is just right. You peek from your canvas to double-check to make sure everything is in the correct spot, and nothing is missing.

After an hour passes by, your sketch of the landscape is completed, and you can now start painting the beautiful scenery after your lunch break. In the medium-sized container, you pack rice with Honey Char Siu on top, and in the smaller container, it contains seven rainbow macarons. 

Every time when you go on your trip, you make sure to pack food that reminds you of your beloveds on the first day of your arrival to a new nation. From then on, you will eat food from the nation you’re currently visiting. There’s no easy way to contact Zhongli and Neuvillette while you’re traveling the world, so the only way for you to feel connected to the two men is through food that you pack for yourself! 

Being a traveling artist does get lonely from time to time. You have no one to talk to aside from locals in that region, but it’s nice to have some alone time. You enjoy the peace and quiet, but you love being able to interact with those around you. Your wanderlust drives you insane. What can you do about it? You choose to become a traveling artist to be able to do what you love: traveling and showing the world your amazing art skills. 

“Your gift needs to be shared with the world, [Y/N]. I’m baffled that you’re not a renowned artist yet. If you want a head start in your career, you can always let me know, and I will gladly help you make your dreams come true.” Zhongli’s words echo in your head as you happily munch on your lunch. 

You couldn’t help but tear up at the thought of how incredibly supportive both Zhongli and Neuvillette are. Growing up, you didn’t have much of a support system in your life, but as you grew older, you ended up meeting amazing people who loved and supported you. You’re grateful for everyone in your life, and you will make them proud as you continue to work hard as a traveling artist. 

After finishing your lunch, you immediately start on your customer’s commission. You mix a few paints to create a specific color for the sky as the sun is peeking from the cloudy skies. Each brush stroke brings the canvas to life, almost as if you used a Kamera instead of paints to create the masterpiece before you. 

Just as you’re a little over halfway done with the painting, you hear something strange coming from behind you. You freeze in your spot, hoping that it’s not a vicious creature behind you, planning on making you its dinner. You slowly turn your head to see something you weren’t expecting. The small creature looks sickly, struggling to stay afloat, only to tumble to the ground. You can’t help but pity the poor thing.

You continue to watch the floating (well, not anymore) anemo fungus waddle and stumble in your direction. Judging by its appearance, it’s most likely ill. You place your paintbrush and palette on the ground before cautiously walking towards the sickly floating anemo fungus. You kneel and hold your hands out, catching the anemo fungus before it can fall on its face. 

You cradle it in your arms and wince when it lets out a small sneeze. Well, small is an understatement. When the anemo fungus sneezed, it let out a strong gust of wind, causing the items around you to rattle in their spot. You chuckle and take your apron off, laying it on the rock nearby.

The floating anemo fungus shivers in your arms, sniffling here and there, and its eyes are glazed over. You’re unsure whether there is a doctor that specializes in caring for mystical beasts such as this anemo fungus. You glance at your unfinished painting, unsure whether you should temporarily abandon your painting to care for the sick floating anemo fungus or proceed as usual before caring for the creature. 

“Hold on, little guy. Let me finish this painting, and then I’ll get you some help,” you coo to the floating anemo fungus.

You walk to where your apron lies and place the floating anemo fungus on the rock before draping it with your jacket. It won’t do much, but it will provide some warmth for the poor creature. You pick up your paintbrush and palette, continuing where you left off with the customer’s commission. 

๋࣭ ⭑⚝ ᨐฅ ๋࣭ ⭑⚝

A few days into your trip to Sumeru as a traveling artist, you end up renting out a quaint home in Gandharva Ville close to your painting site. Initially, you did plan on staying in Sumeru City during your stay, but due to some unforeseeable circumstances, you decided to remain in Gandharva Ville for the remainder of your trip.

Your customer’s commission is about ninety-eight percent completed, and since you’re almost done with the painting, you decide to take a few days off to nurse the floating anemo fungus back to health.

Needless to say, caring for a sick fungus is more complicated than you expected it to be. You’re never sure what to feed the fungus, aside from giving it plenty of water to drink. Are Liyuen dishes too spicy? Would Fontainian food be too bland for it? What about Sumeru dishes? There are many times when you question your sanity because you don’t have someone to consult about this issue. You were on your own.

Did you consult specialists or scientists about this issue? No, you did not because they would not take you seriously because why would you care about a creature that wreaks havoc on civilization if it gets the chance?

After the fifth day of being in Sumeru (and nursing the poor floating anemo fungus back to health), you wake up feeling horrendous. Your head is pounding, one nostril is stuffed while the other is runny, your entire body feels incredibly hot, and your throat feels swollen. Dear Barbatos, is it possible that the floating anemo fungus passed its sickness onto you? Despite feeling like a mitachurl has whacked you with its wooden shield, you continue to push on and finish the commission. After all, you do have to meet with your customer in Sumeru City in a few hours.

Standing at the site, you put the finishing touches on the painting while trying to act like you’re fine and healthy. The floating anemo fungus hangs out beside you, happily floating while looking as healthy as ever. 

“And we’re done!” You sigh in relief, clearing your throat and putting your paintbrush on the palette. 

You take a step back and admire your now-completed artwork. The floating anemo fungus squeaks with joy and twirls around. You gently pet the creature, watching it nuzzle into the palm of your hand. Just when you assumed you were going to spend time in Sumeru alone, a (formerly) sickly little fungus ended up keeping you company.

You smile and pet the floating anemo fungus, “Thank you for keeping me company, little guy.”

The floating anemo fungus squeaks with joy, nuzzling its face against yours as if it’s thanking you for nursing it back to health. As much as you’re hesitant to release the floating anemo fungus back into the wild, you have no other choice but to do so. You watch the floating anemo fungus slowly disappear off into the wild, your heart feeling heavy after realizing that you’re now alone.

You muster up the strength and start packing your things to return to the house you rented. At least you finally completed the commission and can relax in Sumeru before going to your next destination. However, you’re not sure when you can set off on your next journey due to your sickness.

After dropping your items off at your temporary home, you set off to Sumeru City to meet with your customer. The city is bustling, and the smell of delicious Sumeru dishes wafts in the air, making your stomach rumble with hunger. 

A voice brings you out of your thoughts, “Ah! Miss Renowned Artist!” 

You turn to see your customer waltzing towards you with guests behind them— their business partners, you presume? The customer’s eyes light up with excitement upon laying their eyes on the large canvas in your hands. 

“You have completed my commission, I see!” The customer states, standing before you with an expectant gaze. 

You smile, nodding. “Yes! I have completed your commission! Please let me know your thoughts on it!” You say, turning the canvas around for the customer to see. 

The customer, their business partners, and citizens of Sumeru passing by gasped in awe. The painting looked beautiful and breathtaking—not only breathtaking but very vivid. People around you started whispering and pointing at the painting. Some even pulled their Cameras out to snap a picture of you and the painting.

The customer places their right hand over their heart while covering their mouth with the other, “Miss [Y/N], this art piece is absolutely beautiful! You really outdone yourself!” The customer praises, eyes gleaming with joy. “Is it too soon to commission you again?” The customer giggles.

The people around you two chuckle as they continue to admire the painting in the customer’s hand. After a few minutes of admiring the painting, the customer pays you a handsome amount of Mora before walking off with their business partners. You place the bag of Mora in your travel-sized bag before walking to the nearest bench in Sumeru City, sighing. Archons above, you feel so exhausted, and you have a long way back to your rented house on the outskirts of the city. You don’t know how much longer you can handle this. 

“[Y/N]! Is that you!?” A high-pitched voice pulls you out of your inner turmoil.

You look up to see Aether and Paimon approach you. The white-haired floating girl waves her hands at you ecstatically while barreling in your direction. Before she can smack you in the face with her entire body, Aether quickly grabs her by her clothes and holds her back— Paimon squirms in Aether’s hands, huffing and protesting.

Aether shakes his head, smiling at you apologetically. “Sorry, [Y/N]. Paimon’s just excited to see you again after not seeing you in months.”

You smile at Aether and Paimon, standing up from the bench while dusting your clothes off. “There’s no need to apologize, Aether! I’m happy to see you both again!” You say, ignoring the shivers going down your spine.

Aether releases Paimon, and she immediately hugs your face, resting her cheek on your head while petting your hair happily. “It’s good to see you again, [Y/N]! How’s the life of being a traveling artist?”

You laugh and pat the top of her head, watching Aether pull Paimon off you with another apologetic smile. “It’s great! I get to do what I love: travel the world, paint, and draw. I get to visit Liyue and Fontaine much longer compared to when I was still working at my previous job.”

You start to recount your traveling experiences as a traveling artist to Aether and Paimon. You tell them about your commissions, answer their questions regarding your career as a traveling artist, and more. While the three of you are catching up, a huge wave of dizziness hits you like a mitachurl. You clutch your head and close your eyes, your body breaking into cold sweat as you shiver under the warm sunlight. Aether places his hand on your shoulders, steadying you. 

Paimon hovers in front of you, looking at you worriedly. “Are you okay, [Y/N]? Paimon’s worried about you.”

You crack your eyes open and smile at her. “I’m not feeling well, actually,” you reply. You tell Aether and Paimon the gist of what caused you to fall ill ever since you step foot into Sumeru: a sickly floating anemo fungus coming to you for help, you putting your customer’s commission to the side to nurse the fungus back to health, and here you are. Sick. The sickness isn’t anything deadly (you hope), but you’re in desperate need of rest, or else you will collapse, and the trip to Sumeru will last longer than you planned. 

Paimon tugs on your shirt, ushering you to stand up. “We gotta take you back to your rented house! You need to rest!”

Aether wraps his arms around your waist and has you wrap your arm around his shoulders as he walks you out of Sumeru City. Your legs feel like jelly, making it nearly impossible for you to take more than twenty steps. Aether ends up giving you a piggyback ride back to the house you rented in Gandharva Ville, with Paimon occasionally making sure you’re still alive and breathing.

One minute, you’re on Aether’s back, being carried back to your rental house; the next, you find yourself lying on the bed with Paimon and Aether’s face hovering over yours. The two stare down at you worriedly, wondering what’s the next step.

Paimon snaps her fingers when an idea pops into her head. “We should contact Mister Zhongli and Monsieur Neuvillette to inform them of their lover’s ailment!”

Before Aether can do that, you sit up and quickly grab Aether’s wrist, startling both outlanders. You shake your head, looking at them pleadingly. Neuvillette and Zhongli cannot see you like this! Sure, you never hide things from the two people you hold near and dear to your heart, but you don’t want them to worry about you! Besides, it’s not like you’re dying! What you have is most likely a minor cold and should pass within a few days. Right?

Aether lets out a shaky sigh, gently pushing you back to lie on the bed. “Okay, okay! I won’t tell Mister Zhongli and Monsieur Neuvillette about your sickness.”

You sigh in relief, feeling the tension leaving your body after hearing Aether’s promise not to tell Neuvillette and Zhongli about your situation. Despite never hiding anything from the two men you care deeply about, this is the only time you will hide something from them. Not because you don’t trust them but because you don’t want them to see this as an opportunity to pull you away from this career path. While they may not do that, you’re worried they’re going to try to coax you out of this career. Aether and Paimon exit the room after tucking you into bed; they close the door and trade looks.

“We are going to tell Mister Zhongli and Monsieur Neuvillette about this, right? We can’t hide this from them!” Paimon loudly whispers.

Aether runs his hands through his hair, shrugging. “I guess we’ll try to nurse [Y/N] back to health ourselves and see from there. If they don’t improve within two days, we’ll have to inform both of them about [Y/N]’s situation.”

๋࣭ ⭑⚝ ᨐฅ ๋࣭ ⭑⚝

A day has passed, and there aren’t any signs that you are getting better. In fact, it seems like you have gotten worse than the day before. Your temperature is worse than before; you’re barely eating, barely awake, and sweating through your clothes, but your hands feel ice cold. Paimon flies to your bed and switches out the wet rag on your forehead with another cold, damp towel. You shudder in your sleep, sighing with contentment when the cool rag touches your scorching hot forehead.

“How is she doing?” Aether asks, peeking into the room.

Paimon shakes her head, her shoulders slumping. “If her illness persists, we’re going to have to take her to see a doctor.”

Thunder cracks outside, startling both Aether and Paimon. Aether peeks from behind the curtains to see rain pouring down outside. If it rained any harder, Sumeru might as well be underwater. Great. Even if Aether were to take you to the doctor, there’s no way he would be able to get you there without you getting soaked.

The rain will worsen your illness, and who knows what will happen? The thunder cracking in the distance and the pouring rain are loud enough to drown out Aether and Paimon’s racing thoughts, but it’s not loud enough to drown out the sound of panicked knocks at the front door of the rental house. 

Aether and Paimon freeze, looking over in your direction. You barely react to the sounds around you— too exhausted and ill to have the energy to react. Paimon nudges Aether towards the door, gesturing to Aether to check to see who’s at the door knocking like a madman. Aether puts on a brave face and marches toward the front door. 

The knocking persists, and there seems to be another person assisting the person who knocked the first time. Great, more than one person to deal with! It’s not the person who rented the house out to you, is it? Archons, Aether sure hope it isn’t. Aether grabs the door handle and swings the door open to face the guests head-on. 

Aether clears his throat, “Can I help you— Oh, Archons.” Aether feels his heart drop into the pit of his stomach.

“Where is she?” Neuvillette demands, glaring down at Aether as raindrops pelt him.

Zhongli doesn’t look too pleased either, soaked to the bone. Aether gulps and takes a step back to let Zhongli and Neuvillette enter the rental house. How the hell did Neuvillette and Zhongli find this place? He and Paimon certainly didn’t inform the two refined men of your situation, so why are they here? 

Aether closes the door after Zhongli and Neuvillette step into the house. Aether clears his throat, watching the two men wring their clothes, creating a puddle beneath their feet. Aside from the cracking thunder and raindrops viciously pitter-patter on the roof, all Aether can hear is his heart drumming in his ears. 

“Aether? Who’s at the door?” Paimon calls out.

Aether, Neuvillette, and Zhongli turn to where Paimon’s voice comes from, only to see the white-haired girl floating out of a bedroom. Paimon shrieks upon laying her eyes on two draconic men standing at the entrance of the wooden house. 

Zhongli sighs, brushing his wet bangs from his forehead and crossing his arms over his chest. “It’s a pleasure to see you two again under this unpleasant circumstance,” Zhongli says, giving Aether and Paimon a fake smile.

Paimon floats over to where the three men are standing and scratches the back of her head. Paimon doesn’t remember informing anyone of your situation, nor does she remember if Aether informed the two intimidating men anything regarding your ailment. The floating girl looks at Aether, only to see him shrug his shoulders in response to her questioning stare.

Neuvillette’s eyes scan the quaint house and clear his throat. “Apologies for showing up unannounced and uninvited. However, Deus Auri and I had a bad feeling, and we had to show up,” Neuvillette said, adjusting his cravat.

“That doesn’t explain how you two are able to find the house [Y/N] rented out in Gandharva Ville,” Aether states, crossing his arms over his chest.

Zhongli and Neuvillette stare at Aether, not saying a word. The silence in the house is nearly unsettling but not as unsettling as the thunder continuously getting louder. Aether and Paimon are well aware that any form of precipitation ties to the Iudex’s emotions. The traveling duo isn’t sure if they should lead the two draconic men to where you’re sleeping or try to lie to the men that they got the wrong house and that you left for Natlan yesterday.

The deafening silence is broken by the sound of glass shattering in the next room. Everyone in the room freezes for a moment before running towards where the sound comes from. Neuvillette pushes the door open to see a glass pitcher in shards, and beside the pile of glass shards is you, lying on the ground, unconscious. Paimon shrieks, flying towards your unconscious body; she kneels beside your head and gently shakes you. 

Aether loudly whispers, “Paimon, let them get through.”

Paimon’s bottom lip quivers as she backs away from your unconscious body, watching Neuvillette and Zhongli kneel over you. Aether and Paimon quietly leave the room, knowing their presence will not be needed as of now. Neuvillette pulls you into his arms and cradles you, caressing your head while watching Zhongli clean the mess.

You let out a weak cough, body shivering when the cool air of the house fans your skin. Your skin is hot enough for Neuvillette to feel it through his coat. The storm outside worsens as he carries you to the bed, tucking you in. Zhongli pinches the bridge of his nose, wondering what to do next. 

Neuvillette continues to stare at you, assessing you from head to toe. “You briefly mentioned Doctor Baizhu while we were on our way to this rental house. Is there a way for you to get in contact with Doctor Baizhu regarding [Y/N]’s situation?”

Zhongli nods, now standing beside the Iudex. “Doctor Baizhu is enroute. He should be here very soon.”

Zhongli removes his gloves and places his hand over your forehead, letting out a long exhale. He slowly removes his hands from your forehead and glances at the discarded rag on the wooden nightstand. Zhongli excuses himself and leaves your and Neuvillette’s side for a moment before returning with a cool, wet rag. Zhongli brushes your hair to the side and places the rag on your forehead. The two men can see you visibly relax and sigh with contentment.

Neuvillette looks at Zhongli after the Liyuen man places his hand on Neuvillette’s shoulders. “[Y/N] is a strong woman. She’ll be okay. If [Y/N] can scare a mitachurl away, she can fight this illness.” Zhongli winces internally. Perhaps that’s not the best pep talk, but he’s trying his best to quell Neuvillette’s worries.

Neuvillette places his hand over Zhongli’s hand, giving them a gentle squeeze. “[Y/N] is something else. I just hope this illness passes by without causing any damage,” Neuvillette murmurs.

About an hour later, Doctor Baizhu arrives with his little helper, Qiqi. Neuvillette and Zhongli stand to the side to let the green-haired doctor treat you. Doctor Baizhu rouses you from your sleep for a check-up and medication. Qiqi sits beside you, letting you lean against her as the green-haired Doctor checks your vitals.

After your checkup, Doctor Baizhu hands Zhongli a bottle of medication. “Make sure [Y/N] takes her medications every six hours. Do not let her take it on an empty stomach, as it may cause nausea. I do not recommend traveling while in such conditions; she can start traveling within a week as long as her illness subsides.”

Neuvillette raises his hand. “If you don’t mind me asking, Doctor Baizhu, do you know when [Y/N] will regain consciousness?”

Doctor Baizhu pushes his glasses up the bridge of his nose and strokes his chin. “That, I do not know. I want you to remember, Mister Neuvillette, that [Y/N]’s symptoms are quite severe. She needs all of the rest she can get.”

If Neuvillette had ears, they would be drooping. Zhongli squeezes Neuvillette’s hands, giving him a reassuring smile. Qiqi waddles up to the two men, handing them a piece of paper. Zhongli blinks and unfolds the paper to see a list of items you’re allowed and not allowed to eat. 

Qiqi returns to your side and gently pats your head, saying, “Get well soon, [Y/N].”

Doctor Baizhu and Qiqi bid the two men farewell before exiting the rental house. Doctor Baizhu and Qiqi stop in their tracks. The green-haired Doctor chuckles and looks at Zhongli and Neuvillette, who look at them quizzically. 

“It looks like [Y/N] has a visitor,” Doctor Baizhu gestures to the floating anemo fungus.

The floating anemo fungus nervously floats towards Zhongli and Neuvillette, drenched in the rain. Zhongli and Neuvillette can’t tell whether the floating anemo fungus is shivering due to being soaked or because they intimidate the creature. 

After bidding Doctor Baizhu and Qiqi goodbye, Neuvillette and Zhongli close the front door. The shivering floating anemo fungus squeaks, looking at Zhongli and Neuvillette. Zhongli and Neuvillette return to your room with the floating anemo fungus close behind. When they open the door, the floating anemo fungus makes its way to your bed. 

It squeaks, gently nudging at your face. Zhongli steps forward, ready to snatch the floating anemo fungus away from you to prevent it from disturbing your very much-needed sleep, but Neuvillette stops Zhongli. The (now dry) floating anemo fungus makes its way under the blanket to snuggle up against you, providing comfort. Just when Zhongli and Neuvillette assume they’re going to be the ones to snuggle you as you sleep, a floating anemo fungus decides to take their spot instead.

๋࣭ ⭑⚝ ᨐฅ ๋࣭ ⭑⚝

The very next day, you wake up to be sandwiched between Zhongli and Neuvillette with the floating anemo fungus you nursed back to health lying on your chest. While you’re still sick, you are feeling much better compared to the day before. However, that doesn’t stop Zhongli and Neuvillette from being your temporary caretakers.

“Dearest, you must drink this ginger tea. It’ll soothe your sore throat,” Zhongli says, placing the cup of hot ginger tea in front of you.

You scrunch your face, hesitant to drink the tea Zhongli brewed for you. It’s not like you don’t appreciate Zhongli brewing tea for your sore throat! It’s the taste that you can’t handle! You have tried ginger tea in the past (yes, also brewed by Zhongli), and it ended up not being your cup of tea. 

“I don’t like the taste…” You mumble, hugging the floating anemo fungus to your chest.

Neuvillette sighs, sitting at the edge of the bed. “Would you like to drink warm water instead?”

Your eyes light up, immediately agreeing to drink warm water over ginger tea. Zhongli sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. You give Zhongli a sympathetic look and then at Neuvillette, who tucks your hair behind your ears. 

“I’ll drink both the warm water and ginger tea if it’ll make you two feel better,” you suggest.

Neuvillette shakes his head, “No, no. If you prefer to drink warm water to soothe your sore throat, then that is what you will be drinking. Do not force yourself to drink something you can’t stomach.”

Zhongli sighs in defeat. “Alright, if that is what you wish, I will make Bamboo Shoot Soup for you to eat.”

Neuvillette looks at Zhongli, confused. Before Zhongli can leave the room, Neuvillette gets up from the bed with his arms crossed over his chest. Zhongli raises his eyebrows at Neuvillette, who approaches him. You and the floating anemo fungus awkwardly sit there, watching Neuvillete and Zhongli have a stare-down. They’re not going to start arguing with each other, are they? You’re not in the mood to deal with any quarrels.

“I was going to make Consomme Purete for her to eat,” Neuvillette mutters to Zhongli.

Zhongli raises an eyebrow at the Chief Justice of Fontaine. “Oh? She’s going to be drinking warm water, as you have suggested. [Y/N] loves my signature dish, and I believe the soup will fill her stomach and give her plenty of nutrients.”

Neuvillette frowns. “Are you implying my Consomme Purete lacks nutrients and won’t fill her stomach?” Neuvillette props his hands on his hips.

Oh, dear Archons. 

“Neuvillette, that is not what I’m implying.”

“Oh, really? Then what are you implying then?”

Zhongli hands the paper over to Neuvillette. “I’m following Doctor Baizhu and Miss Qiqi’s orders. Miss Qiqi specifically said to feed [Y/N] food with plenty of nutrients.”

Neuvillette takes the paper but doesn’t read it. “You are still implying that my Consomme Purete doesn’t contain enough nutrients for her to eat.”

“Dear Archons.” Zhongli sighs, rubbing his temples.

You cough to grab their attention, only to cough up phlegm, nearly choking on it. Neuvillette and Zhongli are by your side almost immediately, making sure you’re okay and not choking on the phlegm. 

You slump in your spot and hug the floating anemo fungus to your chest, sighing. “I will eat both the Bamboo Shoot Soup and Consomme Purete. I haven’t been eating well, and I believe both of your dishes will not only fill up my appetite but also provide me with copious amounts of nutrients.”

Thankfully, that is something both Zhongli and Neuvillette end up agreeing on. You managed to finish the Bamboo Shoot Soup and Consomme Purete, making both your lovers proud and relieved. Zhongli makes sure you take your medication, and Neuvillette provides more warm water to drink with your medication. Your stomach didn’t churn when you took the medication, thankfully. 

By the time it’s nightfall, both Zhongli and Neuvillette are in their dragon forms, taking up all the space on the bed. Zhongli and Neuvillette are curled into a half circle with you between them. You close your eyes and rest your head on Zhongli’s body, feeling Zhongli and Neuvillette curling and wrapping around you. 

As you slowly doze off, you hug the floating anemo fungus tightly while Zhongli and Neuvillette each take turns pressing their nose against your head— kissing your head but in their dragon forms.

“Thank you three for being here.” You whisper, shivering.

Neuvillette flicks his tail, draping the blanket over your and their bodies before resting his head beside Zhongli. Zhongli and Neuvillette close their eyes, drifting off to the sound of your quiet snores.

Note: I had this commission delayed due to being busy with my university and other things happening in my life. I actually like how this fic turned out! While I was on hiatus, I had this mental drawing board for this commission and have changed a lot of things in this fic. I'm happy with the outcome of the fic itself. Tama/Kacie, if you see this, I hope you love this fic as much as I loved typing it out :) Anyway, To all my new and returning readers, keep in mind that I ONLY post on my Tumblr (Genshinluvr) and my AO3 (Aaliah_exo)! Nowhere else except Tumblr and AO3!

Link to the commissioned version: The Traveling Artist's Ailment (Commissioned Ver.)

Read more of my works on my Masterlist / Masterlist 2 / Short Fics and Others Masterlist | Maybe support me by tipping me on Ko-Fi or by reblogging my fanfics! ^^ I will also be posting exclusive fanfics on Ko-Fi as well very soon! I might post all of my stories on there too, but who knows. You can also tip me on Tumblr if you'd like as a way to show support! ^^

[newtabfics]

could i please have dragons zhongli and neuvellitte tag teaming y/n

I will say, I have NOT finished Fontaine's story at all as of writing this for as simple as the burn out was pretty hard. BUT I HAVE SOME THOUGHTS LEMME TELL YOU

He bit his lip as she writhed between them. His gold eyes flicked up to hers as Neuvilette's tail snaked around her waist.

"So...much..." She panted. Zhongli kissed her chest sweetly, clawed hands gripping her hips to still her.

"Shh," He hushed as the white-haired dragon kissed the back of her neck. "Easy, my dear."

Neuvillete smiled as he nipped against the back of her neck. "Is this too much, little one?" He purred softly.

He smirked as his hand slipped into her hair, looking down. She was stretched impossibly around their cocks, clenching tightly with need.

"That's a sight," He breathed as Zhongli gripped her rear tightly. "We're going to break our little one."

"I don't think she really minds, do you, Y/N?" Zhongli chuckled breathlessly as she hid against Zhongli's neck. "Now, now. No hiding. Can I have a kiss please?"

Y/N whined and kissed him lovingly before Neuvillete began to finally move.

[dreamerinthemoonlight]

How they Propose (Xiao, Dainsleif, Zhongli)

Thanks to @stygianoir for requesting and giving me some ideas. But I won’t blabber any more

Characters: Xiao, Dain, and Zhongli

Fluff, Fem!reader (no pronouns used) under the cut

Xiao

Let’s go with the hardest first

It is so hard to imagine Xiao proposing, if I’m honest. He’s not the kind to do research on human traditions and rituals

But if he did it was because Zhongli mentioned it or because you did

Once it came up and once he gave it some thought (and probably consulted someone more knowledgeable), he’d propose

His proposal would be something super simple. Even though he would totally want to do right by you, the guy is pretty direct and his proposal would reflect that

Maybe on a warm summer’s night he’d take your hand a slip the ring on your finger while asking. He totally blushes and definitely stumbles over his words but is visibly happy when you agree

Dainsleif

Dain is also a hard one

You had to bring it up and when you did he kinda tilted his head and was like “huh? marriage? What for?”

I mean, he’s been alone long enough he’d be the kind to really not think about it until someone else mentioned it

You weren’t mad at the reaction per se, but you walked off to let him think it over

And he did. He spent a lot of time thinking over it, trying to figure out where to get a ring--it’s not like he can ask an abyss herald or anything-- and working through how people do the marriage thing this many years after the downfall of Khaenri’ah

When he proposes, you’ve all but forgotten about the conversation, so you’re pleasantly surprised when he takes a knee and asks you to marry him

Unlike Xiao he’s super formal about it. As the Twilight sword, he’s no stranger to ceremony and formality and as direct as he is, you’re worth it

He’s actually scared when you don’t reply immediately, but gives you a rare wide smile when you accept

Zhongli

This guy has his shit together

Like, I still don’t entirely how his “those who renege on their contracts face the wrath of the rock” thing  works in a relationship but he’s not nearly as... inexperienced with people as Dain and Xiao are

100% done according to Liyue tradition. What that tradition is, I have no idea, but I can imagine it being  a warm spring evening

The two of you are on a walk enjoying the wonderful weather when he leads you to a less visible place (Can’t see him letting others see what should be an intimate moment)

When he’s sure that the two of you won’t be disturbed, he gets down on one knee and pops the question

When you say yes he gives you one of his amazing close-eyed smiles

He’s lived for 6000 years, but this is going to be one off the memories he treasures most

[inviouswriting]

Passion

This post is mature~ Minors DNI. I will block people below 16.

Zhongli x Fem!reader

One of my good smuts. Let’s get into it loves~

Warnings - soft sex, oral sex, heavy oral sex, nipple play, love, affection, body worship, established relationship, female!reader, AFAB!reader x Zhongli, vaginal sex, anal fingering, blowjob. knotting, lovemaking, scent play, Slight dom/sub elements.I’d fit more but it’d ruin everything else.

Zhongli is a patient man, and fickle in his dealings. You have grown accustomed to all the little nuances that he has. While dating him you’ve gleaned a lot of his habits, how he likes his tea down to how he prefers private displays of affection compared to public ones. You are aware of this when you’ve given him a kiss while walking through Liyue, he does not hesitate to give you one, but you also know he holds back his emotions, mostly to remain the composed gentleman to the surface.

Truth be told he is completely infatuated with you and wants nothing more than to spend every second of the day with you in private. You can tell when it’s a day you’ll spend at home compared to one where you’ll have outings on. He’s already hugging your waist when you’re waking up, he has already been awake long before you and studies your sleeping face and breathing. He tells when you’re about to wake up and he is always the first face that greets your eyes.

Zhongli’s vibrant amber eyes always greet your own eyes, the soft smile that causes the crease in his eyes as he watches you come out of the world of dreams. He wouldn’t trade that position for anything, strengthening his resolve of being glad he gave up his gnosis to have these precious moments with his wife.

You always wake with a slight sense of soreness, your husband having an insatiable appetite for sex with you. You recall the previous night with a blush, and those gold eyes glow briefly knowing what you’re thinking about.  

Mornings always start the same and you murmur something about getting up brief for morning routines. If he is already giving you that stare, you know to take care of bathroom needs now to not make a mess of things later. Zhongli watches your back, seeing the slight handprints he had left from your last session together. You’re shy when you return to him holding a towel and set it to the side on the bed as you join your husband.

Zhongli tugs you back into the bed to properly hold you to his own body, completely smitten with you and kisses all over your face as he begins to dote on you. He initiates this every other morning, and you have been noting it is more frequent with these times together. His hands ghost over your body leaving your skin prickling in goosebumps from the tender touch he leaves on your skin.  

Your husband places a chaste kiss on your lips, testing to see if you want this as much as he does. The burning devotion in his eyes at seeing you soften your own gaze and part your lips into his kiss. His tongue slipping into your mouth to toy with yours; sealing the kiss full while you get lost in the haze of pleasure. His kisses are always intoxicating and mind-numbing; you can kiss him for hours; you have kissed him for hours. Staying in bed all day on your husband’s days off just to indulge every whim. You barely feel the glide of his hand across a breast if it weren’t for the tweak of a nipple between his fingers drawing a moan out of you and into the kiss; getting you to tilt your head back more for him. Zhongli swirls his tongue around yours, you have closed your eyes to focus on all the sensations you are being drowned in. Just like everything in his life, he is thorough in everything he does, this extends to you especially. Making love with him is always an intense experience and one you look forward to when he’s in the mood to take it slow. Even as he tapers that kiss off to the side of your face placing loving ones just below your ear.

You feel your body alight and your senses muddle; his hands go slow as they roam your skin. He is respectful in his touch feeling you with just his fingertips, he also will glide his fingers back up the same paths with the backs of them spending time just feeling how soft you are after hours of pampering you in aftercare.  

Zhongli is smooth with how he has removed the blankets you have gripped in your hands. Tapping your fingers to release your hold as he takes away your grounding item. You didn’t realize how tight you were holding the fabric till he replaced the hold with his own hands to raise your hands to pin them by your head.

Being alone with him is where you see the dominant demeanor shed, and you truly see the devoted and kind man beneath the exterior he exudes around others. You still hardly believe he was the Geo Archon; you had guessed he is on a whim with how much he resembles the features of Morax, how he talks of contracts with absolution, and you’ve only seen him angry a few times when someone has broken a deal with him. He folded his arms and stared at them like he was about to end their existence depending on the severity.  

He had come clean about his past the further you two got into your relationship together. You only accept him after expressing how you already knew. The things he does and how much knowledge he possesses like he has lived the moments they happened. You knew he had to be an adeptus or the Lord of Geo.

You are drawn out of your thoughts when you feel a tender kiss on one of your ears. Something he always does to promise to be tender instead of rough. Treating you like a treasure that is fragile if he touches you wrong. His kiss on your jawline makes you intake a breath of air as he follows a path down your neck. A pause on your collarbone to deftly bite down eliciting a light moan out of you, he follows up the bite with sucking on this part of your collarbone till he is satisfied with the mark he left behind.

Barely realizing you are panting already or how turned on you are until his fingers return to your nipples to squeeze them, rolling the nubs between them. Zhongli watches your face as you rest your head back onto the pillows and feels you squeeze your thighs together in arousal.  

Your husband travels his kisses along your right arm passing over your shoulder where he pays attention to the dip down your arm. One of his hands moves to lift that arm so he can kiss every speck of skin till he pauses at your fingers giving each tip its respective kiss before he travels back up the arm and down your left.

Zhongli is gentle with your left arm; taking in every little part from doing the same travel path. He pauses on your ring finger to lay a promise on your wedding band. Your contract to him of pure devotional love to this man. When he kisses this finger is when you reach your hand to touch his face.

He brings your hand closer and rests his head into your hand letting you feel the contours of his jaw while his eyes regard you lovingly. The side of him that is only to your eyes in the gentleness and adoration. You press a thumb to his lips where he kisses it, and you go further with letting him suck on it when you rub along his bottom lip.

When he is back to kissing your neck; he dips his head lower to follow the path between your breasts to place a promised kiss over your heart as his way to promise to protect you from all things that can harm you physically and mentally.

Zhongli travels his hands along your waist now; his fingers following that same tender touch that lights your nerves on fire. His kisses travel up to one soft mound of your breast where he kisses around the areola, feeling it harden with the touch he places on the nub. He does the same to the other side avoiding taking it into his mouth just yet, kissing around the sensitive flesh till they’re hard. He waits for them to relax before he drags his tongue across one of them eliciting the response, he wants from you as you keen out in the air; breaking the silence from just light panting and the occasional moan to a full moan.

Your husband’s hands find purchase on your hips, using his fingers to rub along your abdomen focusing on two spots on either side where he knows your womb to be. His touching like this is gentle as he stimulates the organ under the skin, and it does what he wants from you. You push closer to him where before you were pressed down to the bed from all his tender touches. He focuses his thumbs over your belly to this special spot that makes you hot every single time.

You can’t help the moans that come out from his combined suckling on the nipple he has captured between his lips to the outside stimulation of your womb to prepare your body for himself soon. It just feels good when he does this massage on your skin, fingers pressing gently down so you feel them rubbing over your waist with purpose.  

“L-Li...” You manage out under your breath, and he ignores this for the time being to keep his focus on where he’s massaging along with trading breasts for the other to give the nipple there attention. You barely feel the towel slip underneath your waist when you lift your hips chasing the feeling of his fingers. You whimper at the loss of his tongue on your nipple, a cool breath being blown on it before he keeps traveling lower on your body.

“Your scent is driving me insane.” Is all you hear from your husband; you chance a look to his face and his eyes meet yours seeing you look for his face. His eyes practically glow from being aroused you even note how one of his hands has moved to his waist to stroke himself to ease some of the pressure building in his erection you blush noting he had chosen to have a knot today making you squeeze your legs wanting to feel it buried inside already.  

Zhongli moves your legs apart, placing your right over his shoulder so he can kiss from your ankle down the calf of your leg. Going lower and lower till his mouth is near your folds, you feel a hot breath on them along with a sweep of his tongue from one side to the other. Slick coating his tongue from you dripping due to all the foreplay.

“You are soaking wet... and I cannot anticipate how you will receive this if you are this turned on already.” He brings his hands to hook under your legs to raise your hips to his mouth. He presses loving kisses all along the flesh he can touch with his lips. Pausing brief over your womb with a promise to please you well.

A promise he intends to keep as his fingers gently spread your labia apart; exposing the pink nub hidden by its hood. Hard and wants the attention of his skilled tongue. Another hot breath is blown onto your aching sex; Zhongli does this a few times just breathing hot air onto your sensitive flesh, hovering his mouth just over your clit with the occasional flick of his tongue along the side of the hood.  

Zhongli intakes the scent of your arousal here, closing his eyes as he focuses on your pure scent that leaves his mind intoxicated. You’re the finest of wines for his tongue and deliberately avoiding the center of your clit by kissing just along the inner part of your folds a gentle nip of his lips on one side leading up to where you are desperate for him to run his tongue onto. He repeats this little nip on the other side, his fingers press on either side of the hood to expose it to his kisses. You’re panting before you know it, and the gentle rubbing of his fingers on the sides of the hooded nub stroking it while still avoiding the tip.

This teasing does several things he enjoys, it makes you vocal with the moaning pleas and whimpers you make for him to eat you out. It makes you wetter than your usual arousal and he can feel that just at his chin with the way it dribbles down. The biggest part is he knows what happens when he finally presses his tongue onto the sensitive nub, it will make you lose your mind in pure pleasure.

You feel the first sweep of his tongue on it, and your legs twitch on his shoulders, he arranges you better, so he has unrestrained access to your cunt. Spreading your folds open wider till the hole is even exposed to his eyes when he dips his gaze to see it. He has you in a way where you can do nothing but watch him as he presses the flat of his tongue to the side of your clit. Slowly very painfully slowly he circles it before enclosing his lips around the nub to fully suck on it listening to you scream out for him.

It’s a sudden onslaught of pleasure that engulfs you, the slow build up proving to do what he loves most in making your toes curl, making you reach your hands into his hair to tug him closer and try to ride his face in your odd position. He holds your waist so you can’t do this, instead just feel his tongue as it swirls circles around your clit along with sucking it fully. Your voice ringing out makes his cock twitch and you feel it against your shoulder when he raises up more to give himself some leverage to hold you in place as he pleasures you.

His tongue works in circles around your clit, focusing on the very end of it to swirling around the tiny glands of it underneath. You let out lovely moans for him to hear, and barely notice he has set you down when you stop trying to push against his face for more. He even rewards you for being good with bringing a freed hand to your pussy to tease the nub more with stroking the sides of it as he licks it, pulling his mouth off with a satisfied hum at seeing it standing up. He traces his tongue along the side while his fingers slip lower, collecting slick along them as he rubs the entrance into your vagina to stimulate the ring to relax when it is clenching at nothing.  

Zhongli just rubs his fingers around, hooking them in just enough to open you up when he lowers his mouth to the opening. A sweep of his tongue is all it takes for you to nearly cum there. He teases his tongue just barely putting it inside while swirling his tongue back up to your clit, long languid licks from his tongue.

“Li! Li! Li! Ah! Li!” You moan out his little nickname when you feel the consistent tease of his tongue barely being pushed into your sopping pussy, or how his fingers slip in deeper to keep you spread open for his tongue to push in deeper but not enough to feel fulfilled from it.  

“Yes, my dear?” He pauses in his ministrations, you cry in frustration as he does this, you were teetering on that edge of euphoria, and he is gentle with how he is curling his fingers inside till they brush your g-spot with practiced precision. He hears you intake a breath of air in a hiss and indulges you with pushing his tongue fully into you finally. Finally, you feel him push it as deep as he goes right where his fingers are thrusting against that spot.  

The cacophony of moans that you let out to his ears, there isn’t stopping what happens next even if he were to pull his fingers and mouth off to leave you unsatisfied for him to toy with further. The combination of his fingers brushing this spot and his mouth engulfing your pussy, sucking on your clit in puffs of air he takes in through his nose to breathe.  

You cum hard in his mouth when his tongue presses on the slit and is suddenly tasting a sweet clear liquid that spills from you in a gush. He drinks this down while you let out moan after moan from your orgasm. You feel heat against your back in spurts, his other hand was busy pumping himself to his own orgasm, splashing his seed on your back where he had his cock aimed.

The withdraw of his tongue from inside, he blows a cool breath on your folds, a satisfied smirk at seeing them glisten from his spit and your unique cum. He is gentle with lowering you down onto the bed, grateful for the towel beneath you both as his cum is soaked into it.  

Zhongli rubs his mouth chasing any lingering taste off his fingers and giving you such a hungered stare that you feel shy at just how much he is turned on to him masturbating against your back. You are driven by your own lust for your husband when you get up onto your hands and knees. He sees this and it is his turn to be on the receiving end of pleasure that he has given you.

You meet him for a kiss first; you never care about your own taste when he has given you such wonderful pleasure to leave you love-drunk. He returns your kiss parting his lips to let you slip your tongue into his mouth, meeting his tongue to swirl and dance around the other.  

Zhongli feels your hands copy his gentle touch from earlier, ghosting along his skin, passing over his nipples and down his waist. You repeat every touch he made on you, a kiss on his cheek following it to his ear he doesn’t have his earring on to teasingly bite the lobe before you kiss beneath his ear. Your fingers pass back up his body, touching the backs of them, earning a chuckle out of him as you attempt to do what he does to you.  

Your husband finds you endearing as you reciprocate the touch, but it tickles him more than turns him on. To where he takes your hands to hold them in his own, his thumbs rubbing the backs of your hands and wrists.  

“I appreciate you, my wife. I love all you do for me, but you know you can get straight to where you want to touch me.” His voice is gentle when he confirms your true want, you always attempt to tease him, when you know he is as desperate to feel your hands on him, and due to his past, his sense of touch isn’t as sensitive as yours. Except for one spot.

You smirk at him when your fingers do pass over his nipples and see the sudden change in his amber eyes. He’s quick to look to the side from this, sheepish when you exploit this one sensitive spot on his torso. You hear him cough to hide a moan when your fingers flick over the nubs to tweak them the way he did to you. The blush on his face tells you all, along with the hardness against your belly.

Zhongli closes his eyes to focus on your fingers as you rub them and squeeze the nubs, you even lean your head down to rub your tongue along them. Giving them the same sweet circles till they harden underneath your mouth. You return your hands to tweak them till he is taking your hands off his chest. He rubs his face with his arm when he looks at you with reverence. You take his silent hint lest you snap the strings of his remaining self-control.

You relent on that teasing in favor of traveling down his body, your mouth this time making quick work to follow your hands path. Giving a playful bite along his abs, leaving little teeth indents that leave him laughing only to turn into a soft moan when you are gentle with one bite near the start towards the base of his penis.

Your right-hand touches him first, following a path along his erection forming. Ghosting your touch to avoid touching the tip, instead focusing anywhere but the head. Smearing precum that dribbles out and down his shaft. You lower your head down soon to look him over, you feel the heat of his cock in your hand as you smooth your hand down to pump him slow. Hearing him swallow hard from you teasing his sensitive flesh here. One of your hands takes up rolling his balls in them while your other pays attention to his shaft.

Zhongli focuses on you, he is panting and aching to where he twitches in your hand for more. He knows not to rush you; you didn’t rush him as he pleased you. He does lower his eyes to watch how you pump his penis, feeling good pleasure from the pass of your hand; emitting a moan out when your hand goes down to join the other in massaging his balls.  

The focus you have on just rubbing him with massaging his skin here is never overlooked. Even as you dip your head down, closing your eyes to place your mouth at the side of his dick at the base to kiss up the length, paying attention to the swell of that knot forming again. The bulbous section makes you squeeze your legs together anticipating how it feels inside you. You even suck on this part of him drawing out a breathy moan from your husband.

Zhongli feels the way you kiss the knot, even dragging your tongue across it before continuing your path up till your lips brush the underside of his glans. You slowly drag your tongue around the edge feeling it against your tongue, tasting the semi bitterness of his precum collecting on your tongue. You avoid the direct tip like what he did to your clit. You pass to the other side and kiss your path down the length of his erection till you feel the way it hardens almost ready to cum. You pull your mouth away to blow a cool air, and your hand at his balls squeezes around the base to keep him from cumming.  

You cast a glance over to his face and Zhongli’s face is twisted up in concentration mixed pleasure as he does his best to hold back. You focus a kiss along the left side of his penis just below the head, nibbling gently till he’s twitching again. You help him through the mini orgasm, seeing him shudder and feel his cock dribble cum from the slit. You don’t let up as you sweep your tongue across the tip, drawing a strained moan out of your archon breaking his concentration on not spilling semen on your face.

Zhongli is greeted to you devouring his cock, you immediately taking it into your mouth to suck him down. He feels wet heat and his hand goes to the top of your head to guide you down, so you don’t choke on him. He lets you work on breathing around his flesh and keeps it from thrusting into your mouth. You take the initiative to suck harder, coming up for air to kiss down either side of the engorged flesh.  

You nip the glans again; his moans and pleas for you to keep going are met with you obliging him. You start taking him deeper into your mouth till the tip of his erection bumps into the back of your throat, you tilt your head to take him deeper allowing him fully till your lips meet the base of his cock, your bottom lip brushing his balls. You are a sight to behold to him taking such great struggle to fit that knot pass your lips. When he makes a series of panted moans you feel him twitching inside your mouth, you pull your mouth back enough to let the spurts of cum coat your tongue. You keep from swallowing as you suck the rest of the cum from his cock.

Zhongli watches this and the sight you give him when you pull your mouth off is more than enough to make him hard again. You open your mouth to show him his cum covering your tongue and how full your mouth is of his seed. You then swallow it, not spilling any of it through this display.

His cheeks are flushed red at witnessing such a lewd sight from his beloved, a sight only his. That restraint he had snaps, and you find yourself being pulled towards him and your positions flipped to pin you down with your legs being guided apart for your husband to fit between them.

Zhongli lowers your waist to his own, he takes hold of his cock to rub the length of it along your pussy. He sweeps it side to side as he coats himself in your slick, thrusting against the slit of your folds. You see him reach over to the table to grab a decorative bottle of oil for sex and drizzles a good amount of it on your pussy and his cock. He caps the bottle to rest it back on the table while he continues to rut against your folds.  

You bite your lip feeling how hot he is against you, feeling the way he throbs or pulses with promise to make you feel good. His hands returning to your hips where he massages over your womb again, focusing his thumbs to further make you feel good as he stimulates you all over again. The tip of his cock bumps against your clit, and you feel yourself anticipate how he feels this time.  

Zhongli makes sure the towel underneath you are in place and not bunched up. When he scoots closer you intake a breath of air for what follows. His hands reaching down to spread your folds apart while guiding his penis to your opening. He teases you with a gentle few thrusts against the hole pressing in brief then back out, letting you feel the stretch of the head.

With the oil and your slick coating, him and how relaxed you are, you barely feel when he slips inside, too caught up in him rubbing your clit with his fingers in those teasing circles that the penetration is so smooth that you moan out feeling him bottom out instead. Your eyes snap up to his face at how easy he slid inside with no restraint. He just smiles at you with love in his eyes down into his heart giving you such a bashful gaze of his own.

Zhongli takes time to love you, with slow drawbacks of his hips to pushing in as deep as he goes in one stroke. The mutual moans you two make at this feeling, your hot tight walls squeeze his cock, and the thick length to the knot make you both feel good to the other. His fingers rolling your clit as he works on getting you more turned on with him, till he feels that convulsing squeeze of your pussy in the clit orgasm he draws from you.  

You ache for this man; you ache to feel him the way he is balls deep and grinding when he rests his hips flush with rubbing your clit till your legs tremble with the building orgasm like you experienced earlier. He angles his hips back, his other hand pressing on your womb; almost positioning it to receive his seed properly. The press of your belly does wonders for you, putting the head of his cock into the path to bump your g-spot as he fits the knot inside.

You scream in pleasure for him as he thrusts against you a few times to stretch your cunt to fit the expanded flesh till he can thrust freely with it without hurting you. Your mind is gone after this is achieved, his fingers picking up tweaking your clit to pump it like you did his cock. You feel the pad of his thumb rubbing circles on it till the pressure in your belly keeps building.

“That’s my good girl... feel it... you’re about to cum for me like such a good girl.” You feel his free hand rub through your hair to cup your face. His fingers on that hand rub along your lips, and you obediently open your mouth for him to slip those fingers into your mouth for you to suck on. He’s careful not to gag you with his fingers, he thrusts them the same as the rhythm of his cock inside you. You keep your moans sounding out from the combine of his thrusts into you and his other hand teasing your clit till your legs shake and you emit whimpered whines as it’s almost too much.

Zhongli listens to your breathing being more labored, his eyes looking at your face, your expression is zoned out as you are focused solely on the pressure building in your belly. The knot of his cock buries in and you feel the bump of his dick against your g-spot. He is moving with precision till you are first in your orgasm spraying his abdomen squirting out your own ejaculation onto his waist.  

His thrusts are harder as your husband pushes down on your abdomen as he keeps thrusting. He feels you clamp down tightly around him, and he moans out his own orgasm from it, the tightness sending him over the edge combined with the smell of your cum on him. You feel heat inside your belly, you feel throbbing, and you hear his voice as he moans from pure pleasure engulfing his body. He makes sure to embed that knot before he came, being so deep that he meets your gaze with a look of absolute like he does in some of his other dealings. His eyes glow from his own euphoria washing over his body.

You keep each other's stare as you tremble underneath him from the intensity of your orgasm, feeling beyond satisfied from that you had together. The look in his eyes though says something else, and you can feel already that he’s hard again.  

“One more my beloved... I promise. I need to do this one.” His face is flushed as he admits how turned on, he is. He is gentle at pulling out of you brief only to flip you onto your hands and knees, raising your ass into the air for himself. You don’t mind this side of him as he man-handles you tenderly to how he wants you.

Zhongli then positions himself again to your waiting pussy, he lowers his gaze to see his cum already leaking out of you, and it does something to him. He thrusts in without needing the added preparations and sets to work you back into that frenzy he had you in. One hand slipping underneath to rub your clit, spreading your pussy open so his balls can slap against the nub inducing loud moans out of you.

Your husband thrusts with the whole of his penis, full draw backs then full thrusts in splitting you nice to where you scream in pure pleasure from him being turning the tide in being rough this time. You know he needs to feel this as part of an almost animalistic side to your husband.

Zhongli then thrusts to the point you are sure you are just screaming in nothing but pleasure, your pants and moans mixing into it when his dick hits your g-spot from this angle. You try burying your face into your arms only to have a hand gently pulling your hair till your voice is unrestrained or muffled with cries of pleasure into the air.

“Li!Li!Li!Li! Zhongli! Morax! My lapis!” You use all his names as you babbly incoherently, you are sure there are tears of pleasure running down your cheeks by the time you feel one hand slap across your ass. He listens to that delicious cry you make when he inflicts this contrast in pain and pleasure.  

“Do it again!” You call out and he fulfills it for you. Hearing more “again’s!” till the flesh is red like it was when you got up. Zhongli repeats this on the other side, before he finally pushes you down at the center of your back, with your ass raised in the air. He leans over you to press love bites along your shoulder and neck. He is working to let you feel good, the hand that was pleasing you returns to pump your clit till your legs quake more and shouting cries off your lips as you reach another orgasm, squirting out on the towel beneath you two. His fingers working to rub your clit to make such an explosive orgasm.  

“Celestia you are so damn wet... that’s four.... let’s see how many you can have before I cum into this tight cunt of yours.” You hear against your ear in a purred growl. He rubs your clit again to induce another orgasm out of you, keeping the spray of cum from you going. It lessens when you feel him pick up the pace of thrusts into you. He keeps it up between rubbing your clit and fucking you into the bed till you can see your slick glisten off his arm.

He takes the oil from the bedside to coat his fingers, and you yelp feeling his other hand slip fingers into your ass, to thrust with his cock in tandem to make you feel full and further pleasured. This draws a combined orgasm out of you both with you clenching so tight on his cock that he pops out brief only for him to thrust back up into you after muttering a curse under his breath about it.

“Good girl... good girl....” Again, in your ear as he gets you to cum five more times, ending it with a teasing slap against your pussy, spreading your folds to rub the little nub. You feel him cum inside of you for the fifth time after two more earlier. Buries deep to fully fill your soaked hole, letting yourself feel completely split on his cock and full of the knot as he tugs you up into his arms.  

Zhongli holds you so your legs are pressed against your chest with his arms hugging under the knees as he thrusts up into your waiting body. He is far from satisfied, and seeing you being held in such a state drives him further to please you as he is careful not to slip out or accidentally penetrate you anally, keeping the tip inside. His penis hitting your g-spot till you have the messiest orgasm yet with the way you cum squirting again in a clear stream from the angle.  

Your husband feels you twitching around him and buries deep again as he fills your womb with his semen. He moans against the side of your face and into your ear as this was it for the former archon. He is careful to pull you with him and collapses with you onto your sides away from the mess you two made. The towel drenched through from how many times you came and all you can do is tremble in his hold.

Zhongli kisses the side of your face, thoroughly satisfied now, he feels good, he knows you are beyond the stars and moon with your mind. He nuzzles his face into your hair to intake your scent, to smell you as you are. You also feel him rub his cheek against yours lovingly, waiting for you to come back down to earth from wherever your senses went.

He doesn’t dare pull out till that knot subsides with how tight you are clamped down on him. He makes steady rocks of his hips to keep from being stuck inside you. You feel subtle petting on your body, his hands rubbing down your shoulder and arm. He keeps this gentle touch up to bring you back to him, your aftercare is needed but he can’t do anything till you let go of his cock.

“That’s my girl, just relax while you feel good. Relax... I am proud of you for taking it so well.” You hear soft whispering in your ear, his lips against it as he kisses it with love.  

“You feeling good? I know you are; you are still trembling. You probably will all day.” He teases with another kiss being pressed on the crook of your neck. Your mind starts to come back along with your vision from passing out on him. A hand is soft on your cheek rubbing it with the back till he feels you relax your walls around him, and he can finally withdraw his flaccid penis from you, having enough length to always fit snug inside even while not hard. The knot subsided now that you aren’t gripping it.

You feel arms collect you, and barely register being carried through your house to the bathroom where he sets you down gently on the heated tiles, he had prepared this in advanced knowing you’ll appreciate the warmth while you are still coming out of the love drunk state.

Zhongli sets about cleaning the mess you two made, tossing the towel and sheets that are soiled off to be cleaned later, replacing them with clean sheets, so you two can cuddle up together afterwards. He had foresight to remove your blankets when he tugged them from your hands early on.

When he returns to you, you are still half asleep from being worn out and giggle slightly in how good you feel. Warm water is poured onto your body, and you register a sandalwood scent as Zhongli uses his soaps and oils on your body. He takes such gentle care of you that the insatiable archon that was just pounding into you is almost an illusion to the gentleman he is when he showers you with affection.

You can feel kiss after kiss pressed to your face, him trying to wake you up enough to roll you onto your other side so he can wash you. He massages your body while it is relaxed to ease soreness you’ll feel later. Your hair clean from sweat till you smell like you belong to him instead of the scent of sex.

Zhongli sets about taking care of himself, washing his own body as he watches you laying on the heated tiles with a satisfied smile on your lips. He notes he has a good view of your ass seeing the handprints again along with his cum seeping out. He had ensured you were filled full but the sight of you is enough to cause the twitch stir in his penis again. He shoves down his wants in favor of taking care of you and himself. Instead of using your body he takes pleasure in his hand to ebb it off.  

He is quick about bringing his last orgasm up for a while spilling his cum, and wistfully wishes he had been inside you, so it isn’t wasted down the drain. He then collects you into his arms to sit in the hot water pool he had built for you two to enjoy. You cuddle into his arms, letting him hold you and press more kisses onto your face, finally rousing awake and notice that your husband has cleaned your bodies and is seeking to comfort you.

You let him hold you in the water; feeling his head on top of yours giving loving kisses to the crown of your head. Zhongli rubs your shoulders as your mind settles and lean back to him. He seeks a kiss from you, and you return it. You meet his kiss backed with so much passion that he almost slips in his hold of you.  

Zhongli laughs into the kiss at your zeal then lets you sink down into his hold while he closes his eyes knowing you’re embarrassed about passing out on him. After a while he collects you out of the water to dry you both off then sets about getting you to lie down back in your bed together. He disappears only to return with water and some lotus crisps for you to nibble on. He also sets down tea for your throat from all the screaming you did in the throes of passion.

You accept the water and drink, realizing how thirsty you were afterwards with a blush as you set the glass down then take some of the crisps to eat while sharing with him.

“I’ll get something more later; you need it more than me.” Zhongli instructs you to eat it all, a kind look in his eyes as he refills your water to replenish what you lost. You finish what you are eating, and he finishes his own tea he had made with a content hum.  

Zhongli gets back into the bed with you to lie down next to you, tugging you down into his arms. You smile as he showers you in affection again, this lovely side of him being what you know of Morax now. A doting husband, and you can’t help the blush on your face when he nibbles on your jaw affectionately.

“Rest for now, my darling. We’ve got all day to continue, and from the way you passed out earlier. We need to work on your stamina some more. I’ll prepare some sticky honey roast for you to eat before our next session.” You look up at him as if he’s a crazed man, only to see those gold eyes stare with mischief written in them.

“My love. My dear. My sweet love.” He starts to say as he moves to pin you back down underneath him giving you more kisses to your face and neck.

“I’m insatiable today.”  

[scaredpigeons]

Sunrise, Crystallize II: of sunsets and tears.

Masterlist // Previous Chapter // Next Chapter

Zhongli x Fem!reader

SFW (there will be nsfw chapters and allusions to slight nsfw, but I will keep it separate so everyone may enjoy.)

Word Count: 3.9k

After feeling stuck for so long, who knew your life could evolve to have so much movement? Zhongli seems to make a very good teacher, and your small group of people you’re comfortable interacting with seems to be growing and growing by the day! Though you never thought you would have someone who considered you as a ‘dear friend’… you don’t think too hard about why his presence feels so comforting.

CW: reader has anxiety and low self esteem. Some self deprecating thoughts in this one, as well as a sliver of slightly suggestive thoughts. Its nothing crazy though. (Who hasn’t thought about Zhongli’s hands every now and then, eh?) reader starts training with a Polearm (author has no idea the proper techniques and forms for wielding a spear, so please forgive her.) reader cries like a blubbering little baby in this one and thats so real. I cry so hard when people show me kindness.

Authors Note: I find it really interesting and fun to try and incorporate game mechanics into fics. If its too much, doesn’t make any sense or you just don’t like it, then ignore it. We’ll only get a little bit more in the next chapter of Zhongli helping reader develop her skill and burst, but then i think that’ll be it. What’s endgame here? I have no clue. They’ll kiss, at some point, totally. Any ideas? Lol

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“When thinking about the uses of your vision, the possibilities are vast— confined only to the capabilities of the element and your own personal imagination. For example, plenty of Hydro users have implemented healing abilities into their vision usage, due to hydro’s innate ability to heal. But there are plenty of those who use hydro solely as an offensive element as well. 

On a similar note, Pyro is an element that is primarily used for offensive purposes, but there are plenty of those who choose to mold the element to suit supportive, defensive, or even healing purposes, despite its obvious affinity for destruction.” 

You twiddle with a pebble on the ground, unable to meet his eyes but soaking in his words all the same. 

“Geo has a natural affinity for defense usage, right? Due to its resilience against the other elements.” 

Zhongli makes an affirmative sound, which makes you look up at him from your spot on the ground. His smile is warm, making your cheeks flush and your eyes dart to the side. 

“Correct, very well said.” His praise made you even more flustered, and you ducked your head, playing with an invisible loose threat on your pants. 

“We are fortunate that you received a Geo vision, as I am very well acquainted with the element, and can help you answer any questions or concerns you may have.” There was a tone of amusement in his voice that you didn’t really understand, perhaps an inside joke? You knew he was a geo user, you’d seen his vision dangling from that decorative chain on his coat. 

It looked a little different than yours, but that was perhaps because it was older? You didn’t really pay close attention to visions before now, so you really had no idea. 

“What kind of role were you thinking you’d like to take on with your new power? Have you perhaps considered a weapon?” he asked. 

You really hadn’t thought about any of this. After Zhongli had given you the customary Liyue Vision holder, you’d simply tucked it in your pocket, not really wanting to advertise that you now had one. 

“What kind of weapon do you use?” You looked at his shoes, then glanced up to his eyes for a moment. 

He simply stepped back, and summoned a beautiful Polearm, almost pulling it from thin air. 

“Woah— will I be able to do that now?” You exclaimed, sitting up a bit straighter. 

He chuckled, a warm and deep thing that made your heart flutter with the desire to hear more of it. 

“Of course, would you like to try?” He asked, handing you the spear. 

You eyed the polearm warily. It looked to be worth more than your entire shop could make in a year, and incredibly dangerous. 

“Are you sure?” You said, standing up. 

Zhongli nodded, placing the polearm delicately in your waiting palms. It felt heavy, a little too imbalanced on the bladed side. You gripped it tightly, feeling a bit awkward. 

“How do I…?”

He smiled, placing a hand over his mouth as if to cover how wide it stretched, but you could still see it in the crinkle of his eyes. Did he find how you look holding such a massive weapon amusing? Well, you probably did look pretty silly. He cleared his throat before he continued. 

“Simply will it away, and it will listen. When you wish to bring it back, call it forth, and it shall come.” 

You quirked your brow, finding that explanation to be a bit too far fetched. You thrust your hand to the side, scrunching your face and concentrating very hard. 

“And… go away!” You said. The polearm disappeared from your grip, vaporizing into a little show of sparkles. Your eyes blew wide, and you looked around to see if it was some kind of trick. With no polearm in sight, you gaped at Zhongli, grinning wide at how simple it actually was. 

With his arms crossed, he nodded expectantly at you, and you took that as your instruction to bring it back. 

You shot your hand out beside you once more, closing your eyes and squeaking out a “Come back!” And suddenly its weight materialized into your palm once more, making you lean a bit at the sudden heft. 

“Holy Archons!” You cried out. “That's so cool!”  

Zhongli tilted his head, clearly quite entertained by your amazement, but you’d grown comfortable enough around him that you didn't really feel like he was picking on you anymore. 

“That is just one of many things you are capable of. Would you like to learn more?” 

You nodded enthusiastically, so in awe of this new world brought to you by such a tiny little orb. 

———————————————

After deliberating for some time about your choice of weaponry, (you chose the polearm, solely because Zhongli seemed to have a plethora of them, and offered to lend you a much smaller, less ornamental one) Zhongli started to go into detail about the uses of your vision.

”Obviously the possibilities are nearly endless, as I said before— but to better conserve your strength, it is best to choose two signature styles of use that you can practice and hone into something of an artform.

Your vision's power comes from within you, so if you blast it all away at once with a showy and overpowered move, you’re left with virtually no strength to continue on, which will leave most people in a rather precarious position.

This is why, in battle, most wielders will choose two signature moves, an elemental skill, and an elemental burst.”

Zhongli moved to stand further away from you, more towards the lake in the center of Mt. Aocang. You’d been a little worried about traveling up here, but he’d assured you that the Adepti of Jueyun Karst would not bother the two of you, and you had no reason to argue otherwise, so you followed dutifully. 

“An elemental skill—“ He crosses his arms, and a giant pillar of rock that radiates geo energy comes shooting out of the ground, nearly causing you to stumble back. “Is a move that should consume a minimal amount of your energy for maximum potential. You want to hone it to its best usage, and perfect it to benefit you in any situation.”

You regard the pillar with awe, feeling the geo energy sweeping a few feet outwards from where it protrudes from the ground. Taking a closer look, you run your hands along its surface, admiring the beautiful structure and the energy tingling beneath your fingertips. You think you see Zhongli shift a bit where he stands beside you, but when you turn to look, he is simply observing you with a neutral expression. 

“These will cause crystallize reactions to any element within their area of effect, creating micro shields for myself and any team members I may be traveling with. But because I have been honing this skill for a very long time, I have learned to alter it to better suit my needs.” 

Suddenly the tower of rock disappears, and Zhongli is encased in a swirling column of geo, glowing and pulsing around him. 

“Wow…” you say, stepping forward. “You’ve learned to create a shield without the use of a crystallize reaction?” 

“Not a difficult feat in itself, but the strength of the shield took me many years to hone.” He says, watching you with amused eyes. It truly seemed as though he found your hunger for knowledge and wonder at the world of visions very entertaining, and for once you didn’t feel ashamed to be expressing yourself so openly. 

“Can I… can I touch it?” You asked hesitantly. 

His eyes seemed to glimmer in the afternoon sunshine as he nodded, chuckling a bit. 

“You can take that polearm I gave you and test how it feels to strike at an opponent, if you’re so inclined.” 

Without really thinking, you circled him, running your fingertips along the wall of impenetrable energy surrounding him. 

You could feel the crackling geo resonating through your fingertips, meeting your own elemental energy in a tentative spark that shot shivers up your arms and down your spine. You’d never really focused on elemental energies before, but it was like now you could see it in everything, feel it course through your body like the blood in your veins. 

Even without interacting with any other vision users like this, you could instantly tell that Zhongli was incredibly powerful. The elemental energy surrounding him was almost blinding, and the crackle of his shield under your fingertips was like a gust of pure power being blown through your nervous system. 

“Is every person with a vision like this?” You murmured, knocking your knuckles against the shield and meeting pure resistance. 

“Like what?” You weren’t expecting him to answer you, you hadn’t even really realized you were speaking out loud. 

You stepped back, your face heating up. “Ah, I mean… your energy, it’s really— it’s really intense.” 

You looked up at him to watch him quirk a brow down at your words, which made you stammer and run your hands over your face in exasperation at yourself. 

“What I mean— I mean your Elemental energy. I’ve never… I’ve never really paid attention before, or maybe never saw it before I got my vision— but focusing on you now, it’s really… powerful.” You watched as the shield rotated around him in awe, the energy swirling and glowing in the sunlight. “It’s really beautiful.” 

The words left your mouth before you even thought to hold them back, and you felt the heat in your face travel up to your ears. 

“Beautiful?” Zhongli said, a hint of teasing in that smooth voice of his. 

You spluttered, and without thinking summoned your polearm, gripping the pole tightly in your hands, holding it in front of you defensively.

“That offer to whack it is still on the table, yes?” You stammered.

“Perhaps we should further discuss how you visualize the Elemental energy around us, yes? I’m very Intrigued about your—“ his tone really was teasing now, and you couldn’t handle another second of it or you’d explode. 

”AHBAHBAP—“ you blurted out, taking a step back to charge at him in your fluster. “Less talking, more whacking!” 

—————————————

Over the last few months, you seemed to be developing and adapting to new routines very quickly, whereas your life before Liyue felt so sedimentary, so stale and monotonous. 

Your new daily routines were busy, schedule packed and lively, forcing more social interaction on yourself than you’d had in years past. 

You would wake, make your way to the terrace to do your morning prayers, have tea with Madame Ping, wave good morning to Zhongli and Hu Tao as they opened up the funeral parlor before heading home to open the store. 

You weren’t sure about hiring some help with the shop, but Madame Ping had asked for a favor, so now one of her disciples, a little girl by the name of Yaoyao came by three times a week to help you tend to the greenhouse and greet customers. It was supposedly part of her training, though you weren’t really sure what she was training for. 

Her assistance did come in very handy though, and you weren’t complaining. the customers loved her, the plants loved her, and business was doing well enough that you could send her home with a decent little bag of mora at the end of the week, even though she would always try to refuse. It had taken you saying that you would be very upset to see her go unrewarded for all her hard work, and of course she didn’t want to do anything to make you sad. 

During those three day intervals, you would close up the storefront in the early evenings, entrusting the care of the greenhouse chores to little Yaoyao, even going as far as to get her a little key cut for the side entrance so she could lock up when she was finished. 

The reason? Zhongli had personally offered to train you more, help you hone your new power into usable skill. 

After his impromptu lesson in the mountains, you surely thought he would be done with you, only showing you the basics out of the goodness of his heart, so you didn’t make a fool of yourself or injure anyone around you. 

But no— he was taking three evenings out of his week to spar with you, and help you learn how to wield the power of geo. 

This week he chose Yaoguang Shoal as your location, most likely because last week you said it might be nice to train by the sea sometime. You hadn’t really thought he’d take much consideration into your words, seeing as he favored the more mountainous regions, but there you were anyway— the spray of salt and wind battering your skin as you laughed and kicked up sand under Zhongli’s watchful eye.  

After a few weeks of this, you were starting to gain a little more confidence, and you could tell that Zhongli was slowly increasing the pressure on you during sparring, each day his posture slightly more tense, his moves just a little faster than before. 

You parried his strike with a move you’d been trying to perfect since last week. You were successful, but you winced as an ache wracked through your elbow, sliding back and lowering your weapon to signal that you weren’t continuing. 

“Good!” Zhongli said as you parried the strike, but his gaze landed heavily on you as you rubbed your sore arm. “Though you’re still taking in too much force with your elbows and wrists, you’ll injure yourself if you keep that form.” 

You huffed, standing in position again, going through the motions of the move slowly like he taught you, but you could tell you were still screwing it up. 

Zhongli made his way closer as he watched your increasing frustration. He circled around you and watched you from behind for a moment. You weren’t exactly paying attention to him until you felt his presence extremely close— the heat radiating from him making the hairs on the back of your neck prickle.

”Here, my apologies, but may I touch you for a moment?” His voice rumbled behind you, making your cheeks flush. It was Zhongli— it was Zhongli. The question, no matter how suggestive your stupid brain wanted to perceive it, was nothing but innocent. It was Zhongli. It was innocent. 

“Yes.” You said, the word sounding a bit warbled in your fluster, but he leaned in anyways. 

“You're taking the force of each blow here—“ his hands reached around, touching your wrists gently where you held the spear in a loose defensive stance, diagonal in front of you. He moved his fingers slowly to cup his hands under your elbows, murmuring, “And here.” You could feel the warmth of his chest pressing against your back. 

He’s helping you visualize the faults in your form, nothing more. 

“Let the full strength of your arms catch the blows,” his index fingers tapped from the crook of the inside of your arm and dragged up for biceps to your shoulders. “Let it come here, and steady it—�� his hands suddenly left your shoulders and you nearly jumped as one hand placed firmly over your abdomen, the other pressing against your back in the same position. “Steady it here, in your core.” 

You felt your abdomen tighten on reflex, only half heartedly acknowledging the fact that his hands were so big that they nearly spanned the entirety of your stomach, from just below your breastband to what would most likely stretch past your navel if he spread his fingers wider. 

“Good, just like that.” He said as he felt your abdomen tense. 

He’s just helping you visualize the correct form, nothing more. Get your mind out of the gutter, you disgusting excuse for a human being. 

“You already carry your stance very well, your legs are always steady but you retain the fluidity to pivot and move without being too stiff, which is wonderful.”

His hands left you as he circled back in front of your gaze, and you found yourself missing their warmth for only a moment before you saw him ready his spear, taking an offensive stance. 

“We will do this as many times as you need to feel satisfied, so please do not push yourself. Breathe with the motions, focus on where the impact is going.” 

Your guts twisted up at his words, and if you could run into the ocean and disappear without looking like an idiot, you probably would. 

Shaking off your degenerate thoughts, you nodded, readying yourself as you prepared to try and use the advice he’d just so thoughtfully given you while you were off in celestia fantasizing about his hands. 

He moved, and so did you. He was kind enough to come at you with the same motions as before, so you could easily move with the same rhythm to focus on the parry itself. 

Both hands, firm grip. Watch the swing of the blade, brace— shoulders, biceps, core— push, follow through, and back!

You stepped back, eyes wide as you felt a pleasant ache in your muscles from being used, but no pain or stinging in your elbows or wrists. 

Zhongli smiled, twirling his pole arm around and readying himself once more. “Incredible, now again!” 

The next thirty minutes flew by in a flurry of clanging metal and heavy breaths, mostly your own. He certainly kept you on your toes, coming on the offensive before suddenly prompting you to attack, taking each of your clunky blows with practiced ease and barely a flutter of his lashes. 

It was during one of these switch ups, where you were on the offensive, when you worked up the nerve to ask a question that’d been eating at you for many weeks now. 

“Zhongli,” you said, striking at his pole arm and taking the reverb of his parry with a back step. “Why did you decide to train me?” 

“I’ve not formally trained someone in a very long time,” he said, gracefully side stepping a strike. “I rather enjoy it.”

”No,” you said, taking a cheap swipe at his feet, only to watch him anticipate the move in its entirety, jumping back and smiling at you like you’d just brought him a cup of tea. “Why did you decide to train me, of all people?” 

“I enjoy spending time with you.” He said simply, eyes glittering as you stumbled, stopping in your tracks before even attempting to strike again. 

You gaped at him, completely unbelieving. 

“What, is it so obscene to imagine I enjoy spending time with a dear friend?” 

“I didn’t t-think,” you sputtered, holding your spear in front of you. “I didn’t think that you…”

He gave you a teasing sort of frown, as if a little saddened by your words, and crossed his arms over his chest, letting his pole arm disappear in a little flutter of sparkles. 

“Come now, you think after sharing that many late night pots of tea with you, that I wouldn’t consider you a friend?” He clicked his tongue against his teeth, shaking his head. Reprimanding, teasing, in that poise way that he did, in that way that made you take it a little easier than if others were to do the same. “Should I be offended that you think so lowly of me?”

Your heart lurched, and you gasped out a quick “no, wait!’ As you let your spear disappear as well, running up to stand in front of him. 

“It’s.. it’s not anything that you did, it's just…” you look up at him, only meeting that gentle gaze that makes you feel so comfortable, it's so familiar, though you’ve spent so much time around him now that it shouldn’t seem odd, but his mere presence made you feel safe somehow, like you could tell him anything. 

You cringed, deciding to just come out and say it. 

“I’m sure you’ve noticed, but I have a— I have a habit of not thinking very highly of myself.” You looked down at your feet, kicking up the sand glimmering in the evening sunset, turning the pale grains a brilliant shade of orange in its glory. 

”I think a part of me always believed I was unworthy of being someone important to you— of being your friend.” 

You felt a gentle pressure at your chin, and raised your head to see Zhongli’s hand outstretched, tilting your gaze up to meet his own. 

It reminded you of the first time you ever saw him, how the sunrise brightened the warm hues of his entire being, making his eyes blaze like pools of liquid gold. 

The pink and purpling sunset over the ocean had the same effect, and the molten amber bore down on you with the weight of something untold— his gaze was so heavy. 

You found yourself thinking once more that he looked like royalty, like a deity, blessing the ground where he stood. He radiated power, that much you knew by now. 

“If anything, I feel as though I am unworthy of being someone so important to you,” he says, and your heart nearly topples out of your chest and into your shaking hands. 

“I know I cannot erase everything that troubles you, but please, never doubt yourself when it comes to me. I do nothing that I do not wish to do, spend my days with no one I do not wish to spend them with.”

You felt pressure behind your eyes, his face starting to blur and warp in the beautiful colors illuminating him. 

“In my core, I am a very selfish man, one might even say rather spoiled, stubborn as stone. No one will ever have the ability to force me to do anything I do not wholeheartedly wish to do. That is how I spend my days. Not out of charity, or pity, or bribery. Simply because I want to.” 

You’re sure you’re nearly vibrating now, eyes welling up with unshed tears as you soak in his words. The heat from his fingers still holding your chin. 

“Even if you still doubt yourself, I shall never give you a reason to doubt me. Do you understand?” 

You nodded, blinking away the fat tears and cringing as they rolled down your face. He clicked his tongue again, making a cooing sort of sound that one might make when consoling a crying child. Despite the way it made your cheeks burn, it was comforting nonetheless.

His hand left your face, and your shoulders slumped as you cried, too overwhelmed to be embarrassed any further. 

“Now, may I hold such a dear friend to comfort her?” 

You nodded again, wrapping your arms around his waist as he pulled you close, holding you tightly to his chest. A whisper of his lips pressed against the top of your head as he hushed you, his warm hands running across your back in soothing motions as he murmured encouragement and soothing little nothings. 

He smelled like the mountains even still, like amber and tea and safety. His embrace was so familiar, so warm, it soothed your worried heart and allowed you to just breathe in relief. He never wavered, never moved to let go, just let you take comfort from him until you were ready to be without it. 

You didn’t think you’d ever be ready. 

——————————————————

Authors Note: send me asks with things you’d like to see from this series? I’m kinda forming the story as I go but I’d love to hear your thoughts :))))

[galaxiadreams]

Say yes to Heaven.....(Zhongli x reader)

Warnings: None

Genre: Fluff, slight angst

Word Count: 923

Synopsis: In the age of Gods and Monsters, Rex Lapis and Y/n, Goddess of Spring are brought together by the strings of fate.

a/n: This is a little prequel to my other Zhongli imagine: The final Blessing. Please go read it if you would like to! I apologize in advance if there's any grammatical errors! This fic is inspired by "Say yes to Heaven" by the one and only Lana Del Rey! Enjoy!

The goddess of spring. One who brings life, peace, and abundance to all of Teyvat. Y/n was somewhat of a minor god, but no less important, and just as strong as the major archons. She’s strong willed, fierce, and determined to bring prosper to her people. Yet her voice was melodic, her heavenly laughter could melt the coldest of hearts. It was her compassion, love, bravery, and intelligence that captured the heart of the Geo Archon. 

“Morax, staring is rude you know. If you really like her that much, go and interact with her.” The cloud retainer teased, sipping her tea watching the man sitting beside her. Moarx quickly averted his gaze from your running figure in the meadow with Guizhong and stared disapprovingly at the adeptus, a faint red painted on his cheeks. 

Morax sighed, “I don’t think I’ll ever have the courage to tell her my true feelings…” 

“Oh Celestia! You’re the Lord of Geo, God of contracts, why could you possibly be afraid of? Plus, I’ve the way y/n looks at you, I’m sure that girl is smitten too,” Cloud retainer reassured him before giving his shoulders a squeeze, “Go on, talk to her.” 

Morax stood up from the stone bench and wandered towards the meadow in front of him. The two women gave him a beaming wave as they noticed his approaching figure, your starry eyes gleaming in the sunlight. 

“Morax! Me and y/n are heading towards the lake to have a nice swim! Would you like to join us?” Guizhong asked. It’s true Rex Lapis once harbored feelings for the Goddess of Dust, but ever since the day he met you, his feelings for Guizhong melted away, the Archon’s soul was completed. Despite not knowing each other that long, the string of fate already entangled the two souls together completely, an unbreakable bond. Walking towards the two, Morax’s breath hitched when he felt your soft hands grasping his. Beaming at him, you dragged him towards the lake, he couldn’t help but admire your face as she sprinted towards Guizhong in front of them. Relishing simple mortal activities like this were difficult in an archon’s life, especially with hundreds of thousands of people to care for and lead. So Morax pays special attention to moments of enjoyment, memorizing every detail to reminiscence later on, peace never lasts forever. 

“Weeeeeeeeeee!” You let out shouts of glee as you jumped into the lake beside the waterfall, laughing as you resurfaced again. Morax jumped in after you, just to be tackled by the Goddess of spring. The two of you started to get handsy as both tried to win against the other fighting underwater. Laughter of joy and surprise echoed throughout the countryside. After a while, Morax relented and you won the battle. The two swimmed up to the surface and took a deep breath of fresh air. Morax couldn’t help but admire your beauty as water cascades down her face, the wet dress clung to your skin, and your eyes, ohhhhh those eyes. He has never seen a pair of eyes so mesmerizing and ethereal as your’s. Y/n’s eyes were the color of the galaxies, the reflection of the universe. Deep blues and purples balanced each other perfectly, with bursts of lighter shades dotted across your iris exactly like the stars in the night sky. 

“'Cause I've got my mind on you

I've got my mind on you”

Time stops. Both of you were entrenched by each other at this moment, unable to break from each other’s gaze of desire. You’re the half of his soul, and he was yours. Eyes are the windows to the soul, the poets say. And you spot nothing but love and admiration in those eyes of gold belonging to Morax. 

“Would you like to join me for tea later this afternoon? It’ll be a pleasure.” You blushed at the deep, rich tone of his voice. 

“Of course! I would love to!” Oh heavens, you’re in love.  

.............................................................

The little moments over the years brought the two of you together. His acts of chivalry and respect everytime made your heart ablaze. 

“If you dance I’ll dance.”

Falling in love with each other’s charms and flaws, it was a perfect match made by fate. Standing beneath the yellow ginkgo trees, the two of you signed the contract of your love and future. Saying yes to him was saying yes to heaven. Officially sealing the bond between the Goddess of spring and the Geo Archon. Husband and Wife, the two of you will lead your people to glory and prosperity, and nothing will change that.  

“If you go, I'll stay

You come back, I'll be right here

Like a barge at sea

In the storm, I stay clear"

No matter what will come in the following centuries, your heart and soul belong to him, and his belongs to you. No war or famine can separate the two of you. No matter what trials and tribulations blocked your way, he was your pillar of stone. No matter how much pain or anger he’s in, your voice will heal his soul. Your love for each other ran deeper than contracts, deeper than lovers. No matter what happens, the two of you will find each other. Be it in the afterlife or in the next life, the unbreakable string of fate will always tug the two souls together. 

“I've got my eye on you

I've got my eye on you

Say yes to Heaven

Say yes to me”

[dreamstate4you]

Do you not have time?

Zhongli x gender neutral reader

-•Zhongli treating the reader's wound -•

1.4k words

(p.s English is also not my first language so please correct me if I have an error.)

You were a traveller. A person who took a leap of faith. You never knew where you would end up, it could be the vast, lively green fields of Mondstat.

You loved Mondstadt. You never knew why. It could be that the nation was peaceful, a place you often went to escape all your troubles. It was a small nation for sure ,but everyone was kind and welcoming and it was big enough to explore.

It felt like home ,but something was missing. At the end of the day you are a traveller. So many wonders of the world were yet to be discovered with so little time. Deep down you hoped that all your adventure will hopefully bring you somewhere that didn't just feel like home ,but was home. Leaving Mondstadt You embarked on your next adventure. An adventure through liyue.

Growing up in Sumeru you had often seen the high and mighty mountains of liyue from afar. You even climbed them so many times you had actually lost count ,but the nation never stood out to you instead Mondstadt did.

Now you find yourself at the liyue harbour. With luckily only a scratch on your leg. The scratch was a result of unfortunate encounter with a ruin guard. Nothing too major just a bit of a scratch.

Coming in from the bridge the first thing you noticed was a crafting table. The second was the lack of people.

'Is this not a harbour? Should it not be busy?' the words wondered into you mind.

The third thing that you noticed- no it drew you in was a single person who sat in a stool. Silently drinking his beverage in peace. Even from a far you could sense that the man was elegant and well spoken. From the way he slowly put the cup down and raised his head slightly up when he took a breath of air.

Now you were a traveller and you had no idea where to go to get the treatment needed for your wound. Around you were three people, a sales person, an woman who was standing further from the sales person and the lovely elegant man who was drinking his beverage.

You decided to go to the man who was sitting alone, because One, you didn't want to be tempted to buy anything from the sales person. You self control was little to none and you really can't afford to spend any mora and two, you didn't want to trouble the elderly woman.

Walking closer to the man you seemed to notice his features more. More of his side profile to be exact. From the way his dark brown hair faded to a light colour till his end tips. The way his eyes looked like a welcoming honey brown colour ,but yet looked like he had lost his spark in life. He looked like a a dragon. You soon realized that the man was staring at you . . . not saying anything.

You quickly straightened your posture and cleared your throat. "Excuse me, do you happen to know where the nearest pharmacy is?"

The way the man looked at you took your breath away, his eyes looked deeply into yours. Longing for something,but you couldn't pin point what. His mout was slightly open as if he was shocked at the sight of you near him.

Did you do something to offend him? His tradition? Or maybe you had some mud on your face?

"My apologies. That must have been rude for me to stare."

.

.

.

'Even his voice sounds majestic! '

Now it was your turn to stare at him. His voice sounded like the voice you imagined fairytale princes to have. You blinked at him unsure of how to respond to him.

He seemed to notice how you were staring at him. His face slightly formed an amused grin , before it softly faded away.

"The pharmacy is closed for the day, perhaps I could treat your wound?" Zhongli softly questioned.

Your face slightly turned warm with the thought of being with such a handsome alone made you flustered.

"No no, it's fine." You politely refused his offer, a part of you wanting him to object so you can be with him for a longer time.

"No please, I insist." Zhongli reluctantly said already making his way down the steps.

Oh how the archons where shinning down their blessings on you. You tried to hold back a huge grin on your face. Fanning internally as the majestic man walked closer.

He held out his hand. "Your bag, it would be rude of me not to carry them for you. Especially in your injured state." You quickly took off your traveling backpack and handed it to him.

There was something about this man. Something that drew you in, something that made you undoubtedly trust him. Yet , he was a stranger to you.

"I never asked for your name?" You questioned him as he started walking. Leading the way to what you hoped to be his place.

"My name is Zhongli." He answered. "If I may, what is your name?" Zhongli questioned. Not looking at the path Infront of you,but looking at you, the one who was walking next to him.

He seemed to be trying to analyze you. You looked familiar to him. You looked incredibly similar to one of his old friends. A friend who he held dear to him.

But he knew that you were not them. You were . . . Different. Just a bit intriguing to him. An unexplainable feeling inside him wanted to know more of who you are, what you like, what your interest were. Every little detail, every little aspect.

"Y/n" you shyly told him your name. During the walk , zhongli kept asking questions about you, why you came here, why you travelled and all the memories you made on your journey.

The both of you finally reached to his place. His place was not too small or big. The only thing out of place was the lack of personal belongings. His house was bland ,not in a bad way there was just not enough pictures of himself or his family. The furniture seemed untouched ,but still clean without dust.

Zhongli eventually returned from the the bathroom where he was getting the medical aid to treat your wound. He noticed how your eyes were wondering around.

He placed the medical aid box on the coffee table "do you not like the place?" He asked as he opened the medical box

"It's empty." You simply said. Not add further into what you said. Zhongli's face formed a small sad smile as he rolled up his sleeves. You could only shameless stare at his muscular arms.

He looked attractive, everything from the the one strand of hair that stood at the top of his head to the way his shoes where shined and polished.

His sad smile formed to a familiar one of amusement at the sight of you. The way you're mouth was slightly agape and how your eyes lingered for far to long at just the sight of his arms.

"I do not live with anyone." He kneeled in front of you motioning for you to put your leg on top of his knee. You hesitantly put you injured leg which he started disinfecting. "I also do not use this house often. My . . . job requires me to travel."

"Oh." You quitely whispered underneath your breath. Zhongli's focus shifted from the wound to your eyes which were already watching him intensely.

"You sound disappointed, were you expecting a different answer?" Zhongli turned his attention back to the wound. His eyes not moving from their place ,but you could see how his lips were turned upwards in a smile.

"No. I wasn't. I just seem to forget how to respond when I'm with you." You shyly admitted. Turning your face away as you felt the heat rush to your face.

Zhongli took a bandage from the box and softly placed it on your wound. He looked at you with a smile as he placed your foot down.

"I know you are a traveller ,but please stay in liyue for a bit. I want to show you more of what it has to offer. I promise I will not disappoint." Zhongli's majestic nervously asked. though it sounded more like a statement.

The way he even asked made it seem like he wasn't even talking about liyue. It seems like he was talking about himself.

You nod your head in response. Liyue, the one place once thought to be boring, a place not worth travelling just became your world.

[erxxi3]

MASTERLIST

( x ) = SMUT

( ෆ ) = SOME FLUFF & SMUT

( f ) = FLUFF

( a ) = ANGST

RESIDENT EVIL :

Trance — Leon Kennedy ( ෆ )

Lakeside Romance — Leon Kennedy ( ෆ )

Late Mornings — Leon Kennedy ( ෆ )

Into The Night — Leon Kennedy ( ෆ )

Well Rested Workout — Leon Kennedy ( f )

Egg Hunting Proposal — Leon Kennedy ( f )

Stormy Days — Leon Kennedy ( f )

Restless Comfort — Leon Kennedy ( a + f )

Needy Princess — Leon Kennedy ( ෆ )

Teasing Him & Under The Desk — Leon Kennedy ( x )

Giving Him Head & Making Him Cum More Than Once — Leon Kennedy ( ෆ )

A Sloppy First — Carlos Oliveira ( x )

Lustful Sweetness — Jill Valentine ( ෆ )

Fucked in a dressing room — Jill Valentine ( ෆ )

Helping you after a bad day — Jill Valentine ( ෆ )

Riding A Cocky Woman’s Strap — Jill Valentine ( ෆ )

Woman In Uniform — Jill Valentine ( ෆ )

Jill Valentine x F!Reader HCS — ( x )

That’s It Baby Focus On Me — Ada Wong ( ෆ )

THE LAST OF US :

Head Over Pussy — Ellie Williams ( x )

Easy, That’s My Girl — Ellie Williams ( ෆ )

Moonlight Beauty — Ellie Williams ( x )

Heaven N` Back — Ellie Williams ( x )

With F!Reader she loves to spoil — Ellie Williams ( ෆ )

Comforts the F!Reader after a nightmare w/ a intimate session — Ellie Williams ( ෆ )

Met Her In A Seattle Bookstore — Ellie Williams ( f )

VALORANT :

Strolling Through The Parks — Gekko, Kj, and Jett x F!Reader ( f )

How they react to their short & shy s/o — Jett, Viper, and Reyna x F!Reader ( ෆ )

GENSHIN IMPACT :

Special Treatment — Zhongli x Fem! Reader ( x )

DRABBLES/THIRSTS :

Riding Him Until He Moans — ( x )

Anniversary With Ada Wong — ( x )

Overstimulating Him (Ft. Sub BF!) — ( x )

[bwabys-scenarios]

NSFW

He enjoyed the little gasp you would let out when his hand slipped under your skirt while eating dinner with an acquaintance. Your cheeks would grow hot with embarrassment when they would ask you what was wrong, and you were forced to say it was nothing while his thumb rubbed circles into your clit.

You grasped the table cloth, biting your lip when he began fingering you. It was unfair how calm he looked while his fingers were knuckle deep inside of your cunt, curling up to hit that special spot that had you cumming all over his hand.

“P-please excuse me…”

You shyly stood, hoping that your slick was visible as it ran down your legs, speed walking to the bathroom to clean yourself up.

As you pouted and splashed your face to help lesson the heat taking over you body, you didn’t notice him sneaking into the bathroom until he was bending you over and pushing your panties to the side.

“I hate how they look at you…” he muttered, rubbing his cock against your needy cunt. “They need to know who you belong to.”

Without warning he thrusted into you, groaning into your ear as his hips rutted against yours. He was jealous and a bit possessive over you, his princess. He couldn’t stand when people stared at you for too long with their lustful gazes. Didn’t they know you were his?

Your makeup ran down your face, tears of pleasure falling down your cheeks as he turned your head so he could capture your lips in a sloppy kiss.

“Mine, all mine, got that?”

You nodded and let out a mewl when he hit that special spot, and he continued to fuck into you until he painted your walls white, leaving you a panting mess, covered in sweat and cum.

He was nice enough to carry you home without anyone seeing the fucked out state you were in, and made sure to spoil you with kisses, snuggles, and snacks once you were alone.

He loved you after all, and would make sure his pretty princess was well taken care of! 💗

————————

||GOJO |||GETO ||NANAMI ||TOJI ||CHOSO ||SUKUNA ||CHROLLO ||ILLUMI || KURAPIKA ||BLADE ||AVENTURINE ||WRIOTHESLEY ||KAEYA || DILUC ||ZHONGLI ||SANEMI ||RENGOKU ||MUZAN ||YOUR FAV

[pearlywritings]

"Bring your kid to work" day

synopsis: but sometimes it's very much unplanned.

pairing and characters: Zhongli x fem!reader, Xiao. Your family name is Rex-Lapis. Childe plays part in it too.

tw: modern AU, University AU, established relationship, fluff

word count: 2.8k+ words

a/n: Also a part of my University modern AU with history professor Zhongli

The day started perfectly. Your older daughter was already at school with your permission to stay at her friend's house for a sleepover later, you had your day off, lounging in the living room with your son cuddling to you with his most favorite dragon shaped toy pressed between your bodies, listening to your husband walking around the bedroom, getting ready for the lectures at the University, being blessed with afternoon classes.

The day was perfect indeed. Until it absolutely isn't.

Sometimes you really want to kill your boss. It must be today that you are called to work to help with an emergency, that no one knows how to deal with except for you. And the fact that your boss does not consider any possibility of you having trouble with doing what's required, makes you fume harder.

"Li, I don't know what to do!" You cry in frustration, buttoning your shirt. "We can't find a babysitter in ten minutes! You have to go to work, I have to now too, we can't just ask Ganyu to cancel her plans, she's been waiting for this sleepover for weeks, and I can't take Xiao with me - by the sound of it I won't have a single moment to look after him."

It's been no longer than five minutes since you received that call, but you are already as stressed as after a week of non-stop work. Why must've the stars aligned this way!?

Your husband - bless his soul - is fully dressed and is holding your little son perched on his arm, supporting his back with a hand, watching your frantic movements with sympathy.

"I don't think I'll have many spare moments either, my love. Only breaks between lessons. Let me think," the man hums, leaning Xiao’s body more onto his shoulder and reaching for his phone with a free hand. The boy wraps arms around his neck, watching you brush your hair with a pout. The plan was to spend the whole day together with mama, watching cartoons, playing, maybe going for a walk or, ideally, taking a nap, finishing it all with making dinner and welcoming papa home. Now, it seems to him, all these plans are thrown out of the window.

However, Xiao was always a very perceptive and patient kid - he sensed somehow when the situation couldn’t be helped and him throwing a fit - not like he would - would only cause more trouble. That is why he is quietly waiting for what comes next.

And finally Zhongli finds a solution.

“I’m calling Ajax. He mostly spends time at the teacher’s lounge. As far as I know he really loves kids and has several younger siblings, he should be able to handle our son. And during breaks I’ll be taking over” “Oh,” as good as it all sounds, there is an instant hesitation in your mind. “‘Li, you sure you can ask him that? It’s a big deal after all…” “I know, dear, I know. That’s why I am calling him now in advance to make sure it’s alright,” your husband dials the number of his department’s secretary and puts the phone to the ear. “I don’t even mind paying him if he agrees.”

In reality you had nothing to worry about. The gingerhead was more than willing to watch your five-year old son. Maybe willing isn’t the right word even - the young man is excited.

Zhongli is lucky to arrive before the current class ends - the less attention is drawn, the better. He collected everything he could think of to occupy Xiao during his time at the lounge in a bag, which he passes to Ajax the moment his son and him are introduced. However while the secretary is wearing a wide and kind smile, the boy is glaring up at him from under the brown bangs, boring his strikingly golden eyes in the tall figure.

“Dad, I don’t like him,” the little boy pouts, hugging his plushie even tighter and throwing daggers at the gingerhead from behind the dragon’s mane.

“Ouch, little guy,” with a dramatic gasp, the young man clutches the shirt on his chest and presses the back of his hand to the forehead. “How will I live? Hated by Mr Rex-Lapis’ son…”

“Now, now, Xiao,” Zhongli gently pats his head, bending down to look into his eyes and finding displeasure there. “It’s only for today, baby. Me and mom are really sorry for not spending time with you today. I promise that soon I’ll be home for two whole weeks.”

To that the boy’s eyes widen.

“Two weeks… That’s fourteen days?”

“That’s right, sweety.”

“That’s a lot!” He jumps, elated by the news, no trace of dissatisfaction written over his cute smiling face.

“Haha, it is, dear.”

“Wow, Mr Rex-Lapis, your son is really smart!” The secretary stopped playing hurt, instead clapping his hands together in praise and nodding his head in approval. “How old is he?”

“He is five. Yes, he learns really fast.”

“No wonder, he has you and your wife as parents.”

The remaining 20 minutes before his first lecture Zhongli spends in attempts to make his son comfortable not only around Ajax, but also at the new place as well. All that time Xiao doesn’t let go of his ever-present companion - a toy dragon, which he is hugging close to his chest. He politely greets every professor that comes to the lounge, which makes the secretary’s jaw drop since he is the only one who’s been initially rejected and, Zhongli can swear, he saw his boy smirking in the toy’s fluffy mane.

Other professors can’t help but mention how much the son resembles the father, even making small talk with the boy, whom they’ve only heard about before or seen in the framed picture of your family on Zhongli’s desk. By how polite (sorry, Ajax) and shyly sweet he is Xiao quickly becomes everyone’s favorite, pockets currently full with all kinds of treats.

When it’s time to go, the man kisses Xiao’s forehead goodbye, promising to be back in an hour and a half for a break, and grabs the materials. Once he leaves alongside his colleagues, Xiao sighs and, ignoring his temporary caretaker, moves to the bag his dad left, starting to dig out all the candies to put them into its side pocket.

“Whatcha doin’, little guy?” The young man is at his side in two long strides, curiously watching the boy’s actions. Xiao gives him a side eye, before deeming the question plausible and turning back to his task.

“I don’t want them right now. I’ll bring them home and share with mom and dad.”

“I am sure they’ll like that,” Ajax hums, busying himself with the contents of the main section. “Oh, would you look at that! It seems that your dad packed some coloring books, toys and… oh, puzzles! You like puzzles?”

The boy quietly nods. Tiptoeing, he tries to see the two boxes his temporary caretaker is holding, and the young man immediately crouches down to let him look.

“This one is new,” Xiao finally points to the box in his left hand. Ocean blue eyes skim over the picture of a phoenix, drawn in a simple yet elegant style. Yes, that definitely looks like something Mr Rex-Lapis would’ve bought for his child’s entertainment.

“Alright, let's get you behind your dad's desk,” golden eyes sparkle and a glimpse of wonder appears on the boy’s face. Dad showed him his own space at the lounge; it's tidy and organized, with all the necessities sorted inside the drawers and some notes and pictures pinned to the corkboard on the wall to the left. He wants to see them closer!

His caretaker drags the chair back, but climbing on it Xiao performs himself. As Ajax is humming something while tearing off the tape on the puzzle box, the boy turns to look at the photos Mr Rex-Lapis has on display. It’s so funny, really - not so long ago this little fella’s father was an image of reserve to students, no one knew who his wife was or the fact he had two kids. The secretary remembers how just half a year ago he used to be among those only ones who knew of the professor’s secret (which, in reality, wasn’t a secret at all). Why hasn't he ever spilled any info to the students who adore him?

Well, what fun would’ve been in it?

“Is that your big sister?” Xiao quickly glances up, taking notice of how the tall (but not as tall as dad) man hovers over where he is sitting and points at one of the pictures. The boy looks at it again.

“...yes. It’s Ganyu.”

“I have a sister too,” the fond expression on that freckle-covered face and a seemingly lightened color of those ocean-blue eyes disarms the five-year old a little. He blinks, waiting for what more he can tell. “Not one actually. Oh, and I have brothers too. One is your age, by the way!”

“Doesn’t it get too… loud?” Small hands reach for the carton box, lifting the lid.

“It does, in a good way though. But when our two huskies join in on the fun… Let’s just say it’s a good thing we have our own house.”

“You have dogs? That’s so cool! I want to have a pet too,” Xiao unceremoniously empties the contents onto the table, yet carefully places the lid with the picture against the monitor of the computer. “Mom promised that when I get older, they’ll buy me a bird.”

“Oh? You love those?”

“Mhm… Maybe we’ll buy something as pretty as…” he pauses, looking at the fiery bird. Ajax quickly realizes the struggle.

“A fo-nuhks,” Xiao prompts.

“Yeah… A fee-niks.”

As the minutes tick by, the boy’s initial hostility seems to evaporate. He still doesn’t talk unnecessarily much, but he does talk to Ajax, so that's progress. He is quite quick to finish the puzzles, and his temporary caretaker makes sure to praise the child. They talk a bit more about their respective families, Xiao even introduces him to his dragon companion. And the gingerhead picks the small fox-shaped keychain his elder sister knitted for him to play toy pals.

For another half an hour it manages to entertain the boy, but as the end of the class is nearing, he grows more and more distracted, glancing either at the door or the clock hanging high on the wall. It’s not hard to guess he is missing his father and is anticipating his return, but both Zhongli and Ajax can do nothing to just speed the time.

What professor can do though, is excusing his class ten minutes earlier, quite happy they got to get through all the material he prepared for this lecture. Bidding the students goodbye, he locks the door of the auditorium with his suitcase inside and puts the key in the pocket of his fancy vest to come back in twenty minutes.

When Zhongli enters the teacher’s lounge, he finds the secretary showing his son something on his own laptop. However, once Xiao’s eyes spot his dad’s figure in the doorframe, the little guy is down from his chair and running all the way to the man.

“Dad!” Mr Rex-Lapis barely has time to close the door and scoot down to catch his son, who nearly bumps into his legs, threatening the man’s balance. Finally in his arms, with his own tiny ones tightly wrapped around strong neck, the carbon copy of Zhongli happily smiles and Ajax has to rub his eyes to make sure he is not hallucinating. Wow, this boy can smile like that (sorry, my guy, you are just not his favorite, though now tolerable at least).

“Hello, Xiao,” Zhongli plants an affectionate kiss on his son’s cheek. “I see you’ve missed me,” the words are answered with eager nods. “Did you have fun with Ajax?” At least some of it.

The gingerhead lifts his eyebrow when the boy looks back at him, holds the gaze of ocean blue eyes for a moment, and then turns to his father once more.

“I suppose.”

The older man has to clear his throat with a polite cough so as not to break into a smile at the image of the assistant's slack jaw.

“That’s good, my dear.”

“Are we coming home now?” His son wonders, fingers playing with the longer locks of dark brown. Unfortunately, the answer is a dejected sigh.

“I am afraid we are not yet, sweety. But mommy texted me recently that she’ll be able to come get you after my second lecture. And then I’ll have one more.”

At the promise of you soon arriving to take him home, Xiao’s just building pout quickly disappeared. It’s okay, he can wait for a little bit longer. And that fox-like man isn’t bad, his company is quite nice. He even showed him some pictures of his family - almost all of them are ginger. Oh, and he promised to download some simple games onto his dad’s computer so he could play. And he still has his coloring books back there and he believes he saw you packing a small book - there is plenty to entertain him with.

Only for all these thoughts and motivation to be shuttered when someone knocked on the door and a second later some student’s head pushed through the gap. None of the three people currently present in the room could’ve anticipated what a black hole is about to be opened.

“Good afternoon, is Mr Rex-La- Oh, professor, you are here! We were wondering if we could take the key to leave our bags inside? As always? Oh, hey kiddo- Wait, a kid???”

“Dad, who is it?”

“DAD!?”

Before anyone could do anything, loud gasps break their way into the lounge. It appeared that almost the whole group was standing in the hall and heard everything crystally clear. Of course students are curious. Of course, they know about professor Rex-Lapis’ kid - the news and that cute picture from an online lecture were still the talk of the whole faculty just a couple of months ago. Of course, they want to see those sweet cheeks for crying out loud!

Ajax is the one who has to get everyone who does not belong in the room out and calm them all down as more than a dozen youngsters beg and plead with Zhongli to bring his baby boy to the lecture. And the said baby boy doesn’t help the situation either, looking at his father with those striking eyes, silently asking to stay with him. “I’m gonna sit very-very quiet,” he even promises.

Is it really a surprise that Xiao ends up sitting at his dad’s desk with his coloring books while the man is reading a lecture? (Students almost crumbled when their tall, handsome, enigmatic history professor walked into the auditorium with his son’s tiny hand clasped in his? Look, he even had to bend his body a little to do so!)

And, as much as students want to gush all over their favorite professor’s small-sized carbon copy, they keep their best behavior, because the situation gives the “once in a century” vibes and they’d be damned to destroy the magic of the moment.

Well, maybe a little, because the smallest interactions between Zhongli and his son as the man lets his students finish writing down information from the current slide are mind-blowing. Groupchat-blowing too.

Even cuter the whole occurrence becomes when the boy stops drawing and lifts his head, curious of what his dad is speaking about. He turns slightly in order to see the presentation, golden eyes skimming over the pictures and words, though he does not understand most of it. But it’s alright though - he can listen to his father instead.

Zhongli is pleasantly surprised when no one can answer one of his revision questions and Xiao lifts his hand, giving him the answer he wanted (he misspells the word a little, sure, but he knew the right response nonetheless). Aaaand that’s probably when the students finally lose it.

By the time the lesson is over and Zhongli meets with you in the teacher’s lounge to pass your very happy and very proud son to you so you two could be on your merry way home, the man feels a little drained. Nothing that can’t be fixed by your tender cheek kiss and soft rubbing on his back, but he still exhales heavily and swears that when he comes home, you are in for a new story.

And by what Ajax had time to tell while you’ve been waiting, you're sure it’s going to be a hilarious one.

taglist: @meimeimeirin Cause I remember how you once said you'd love to see more of this AU

[genshinluvr]

Tragic Outcomes 6

Pairings: Xiao x fem!reader x Zhongli

Summary: It's Xiao's birthday! You and Zhongli plan on making almond tofu to celebrate Xiao's birthday. While you and Zhongli are waiting for Xiao to return, Xiao seems to be a little bit occupied with something on his end that's keeping him out late.

Note: Omg, an update for Tragic Outcomes after how long? I made this angst special for Xiao's (belated) birthday because why not? This chapter is very Zhongli-focused because ✨ Zhongli ✨ and I am biased /j I'm working on updating the individual character fics that haven't been updated in a while! :> I will be updating Ayato's fic next week! Ayato's fic is coming to an end! Not sure if this has painful angst like the first part, but you guys be the judge, I guess! Anyway, I don’t post anywhere else but on Tumblr (Genshinluvr) and on AO3 (Aaliah_exo).

Warnings: Mostly fluff between Zhongli and the reader. Would this chapter be considered angst? Or maybe has light angst? Reader has to make a decision in the end.

Word Count: 7.5k

Tragic Outcomes chapters: [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6]

You’re used to waking up alone in the morning. Xiao is usually awake before you are and would leave Wangshu Inn before dawn. But now, you wake up next to Zhongli. Sometimes you wish Xiao could wake up at the same time as you and Zhongli, but knowing his commitment to his duties, you don’t push him about it. It’s only seven in the morning, and you’re standing in the kitchen steeping tea for you and Zhongli. 

Zhongli walks up from behind you, wraps his arms around your waist, and rests his chin on your head. You let out a content sigh and relax in his arms, closing your eyes and breathing in his scent. Zhongli’s chest rumbles when he chuckles. Zhongli leans down and presses his lips against your temple, rocking the two of you side to side.

“How’d you sleep last night, dearest?” Zhongli murmurs into your ears.

You turn your head to the side and press your lips against his cheeks. “I slept well. Although, I would much rather be in bed instead,” you mutter, pouting at him playfully.

“That sounds like a nice day, but if my memory is correct, today is a special day for a certain Adeptus,” Zhongli says, nuzzling into the crook of your neck.

You freeze in Zhongli’s arms and rest your head on Zhongli’s shoulders. Today is a special day for a certain Adeptus, according to Zhongli. Your memory has gotten slightly worse ever since the… incident a while back. You waddle over to the calendar with Zhongli latching to your back. You scan your eyes on the calendar and see a specific date circled with small doodles of a birthday cake and birthday hat on the particular date. 

You turn to Zhongli, cupping his face in your hands. “It’s Xiao’s birthday!” You exclaim.

“Yes, that is correct,” Zhongli says, his cheek squished in your hands. “Do you have anything planned in mind for his birthday?” Zhongli asks.

The timer chimes, startling you. You release Zhongli’s face from your hands and walk over to the tea and pull the teabags out from the teacups, tossing them into the trash. Zhongli leans against the counter, watching you pour a small amount of sugar into your and his tea. 

Xiao isn’t the type to be interested in a huge birthday celebration. Maybe a small gathering is something he would be interested in. Still, other than that, it’s usually just you and him that celebrate his birthday.  You slide the teacup over in Zhongli’s direction and pucker your lips, contemplating how you’ll celebrate Xiao’s birthday this year.

“Well, I usually make almond tofu for Xiao to eat on his birthday. It’s usually just the two of us celebrating his birthday rather than having a big celebration,” you reply, lightly blowing on the tea and taking small sips.

Zhongli nods, sipping his tea. “Do you, perhaps, need any assistance with preparing?” Zhongli asks, his cheeks slowly turning pink.

“I don’t know! Don’t you have work today, Mister Consultant?” You ask, poking the former Geo Archon’s chest while hiding your smile behind your teacup.

Zhongli clears his throat, puts his teacup back on the saucer, and pulls you toward him. You nestle up against Zhongli and look at him through your lashes. Zhongli places his index finger under your chin and tilts your head up. Zhongli slowly leans down to kiss you, but the door to the Inn’s room slams open, startling you and Zhongli.

Childe walks through the entrance with a huge smile on his face. You and Zhongli step away from each other. You put your teacup down while Zhongli lifts his teacup to his lips and takes deep gulps of the tea. It’s too early to deal with Childe and his shenanigans, but as his friend, you and Zhongli learned to deal with the ginger-haired Harbinger. 

“So! How did that little meeting with the Adeptis go? Meet anyone cool or learn anything new?” Childe asks, hopping up on the island and sitting on it, swinging his legs back and forth.

You and Zhongli trade look with each other. You make a so-so gesture.

“Kind of? It’s more information than what I knew before, but it’s not enough. If that makes sense,” you said.

Childe’s face pinches up, and he shakes his head. “I’m going to be honest with you, [Y/N]. That doesn’t make sense.”

“Fair enough,” you sigh. “The information given to me is helpful, but I wanted to know more about my parents and the things that happened before I was sealed away and before they died,” you said, stroking your chin.

“Like in detail? If so, I’m pretty sure Mister Zhongli over there have some answers since he has much knowledge of Liyue’s history and of the Adeptis,” Childe says, gesturing in Zhongli’s direction.

You stare at Childe blankly and look at Zhongli from the corner of your eyes. Is Childe hinting that he knows that Zhongli is the (former) Geo Archon, or is he just mentioning that Zhongli knows a lot of things? You rub your temples and shake your head.

“Listen, Childe, as much as I would love to talk about what I learned about my deceased parents, I have things to do,” you said, pulling the curtains of the kitchen open and letting the light pour into the room.

Childe perks up and looks at you with interest and curiosity, hopping off the counter and walking over to where you stand. Zhongli continues to sip his tea while eyeing Childe closely. You open the cupboards and pull out a plate. You’re planning on making almond tofu for Xiao to eat. Although, you’re not entirely sure if you have enough ingredients to make a lot of almond tofu. You walk over to the pantry, pulling out a bag of almonds. You shake the bag and weigh them in your hands. 

Childe peeks his head into the pantry. “What are you doing in there?” Childe asks, leaning against the door frame.

“We’re going to need to buy more almonds,” you murmur.

You walk out of the pantry, and place the almonds on the counter, then walk to the refrigerator. You open the fridge and stick your head inside, searching high and low for milk. You grab the small bottle of milk and sigh, grumbling about having to spend more Mora on Xiao’s birthday to make him his favorite food for his birthday. 

“I’m debating whether I should make almond tofu with what I have and go to the market to buy some more ingredients after. Or go to the market now and make almond tofu once I have more ingredients,” you mutter, putting the milk on the counter beside the almonds.

“It’s all up to you, dearest. Do you think Xiao would eat that much almond tofu? I think you have enough for one plate,” Zhongli says, untying the rubber band.

Childe grabs the milk bottle and holds it up, then glances over at the bag of almonds in Zhongli’s hands while squinting his eyes.

You raise your eyebrows at Childe. “What are you thinking?” You ask, propping your hands on your hips.

“You don’t have enough milk for one plate of almond tofu. It’s barely enough. You and Mister Zhongli can stay here while I go out and get some milk for you two.” Childe offers, putting the milk back down on the counter.

Childe? Getting milk for you to make Xiao almond tofu? Childe turns to leave, but you quickly grab onto his wrist, and you shake your head. Childe and Zhongli look at you, surprised. Their eyebrows are either raised or furrowing with confusion. You release Childe’s wrist from your grasp and clear your throat.

“Thank you for the offer, Childe, but I got this! I’ll go out into Liyue Harbor and buy some milk and maybe some extra almonds!” You say.

Childe puckers his lips. “Hey, come on! I offered to buy you milk to make your little Adpetus boyfriend some birthday almond tofu, but you declined that offer?” Childe asks.

The way Childe looks at you reminds you of a kicked puppy. He’s batting his eyelashes at you while giving you puppy dog eyes, his bottom lip jutting out. Zhongli rolls his eyes at Childe, crossing his arms over his chest. You snort and flick Childe’s nose, making him flinch and scowl at you while rubbing his nose.

You sigh and look over at the almonds and milk on the counter. “As much as I appreciate your offer and your volunteering, how do I know if you won’t poison the milk?” You ask.

Childe lets out an offended gasp, pressing his right hand against his chest. “How dare you assume I would do such a thing! For your information, I would never poison an Adeptus!” Childe says, sticking his nose in the air with a ‘hmph!’

You glare at Childe and cross your arms over your chest. You know Childe and his distaste toward your Adeptus boyfriend. There’s a possible chance Childe will try to poison Xiao, but knowing Childe, he’s more calculated about it and will take his time with slowly killing someone he doesn’t like.

“How about this! How about you keep Zhongli and me company while we go to the market to buy more milk and almonds?” You suggest. 

You walk back to the kitchen counter to put the milk back in the refrigerator and the almonds back into the pantry. Childe makes a disgruntled noise and flops on the couch in the living room, ignoring the amused look Zhongli has on his face. 

“Well? What’s your answer?” You ask, walking to the living room with Zhongli by your side.

Childe grumbles and props himself up on the couch, staring at you and Zhongli blankly. The two of you stare at Childe in return, waiting for his answer. Childe sighs loudly, dragging it out before flopping back on the couch; his long legs dangling off the edge of the sofa.

Childe runs his fingers through his hair. “I would love to join you two, but I’m going to be a third wheel!” Childe says dramatically.

“You’re not going to be a third wheel, Childe.” You deadpan.

“You two only want me to tag along because I’ll be your human wallet and pay for the groceries!” Childe says, getting off the couch and pointing an accusing finger at you and Zhongli.

You groan loudly and look over at the clock on the wall to check the time. It’s nearing eight in the morning, and you need to head down to Liyue Harbor and buy milk and almonds (and maybe other groceries) before many people start to show up. 

You pinch the bridge of your nose and exhale sharply through your nostrils. You’re trying your hardest not to stomp over to where Childe is sitting just to smack Childe upside of his head for making things complicated for you. 

“You know what, Childe? You don’t have to join Zhongli and me. It’ll be just the two of us while you do your Fatui Harbinger duties,” you say, walking over to the door and grabbing your satchel.

“What?!” Childe asks, looking at you with disbelief.

You nod without looking at Childe, putting your shoes on. “You heard me! Since you decide to be a little shithead and make things complicated for Zhongli and me, you might as well tend to your Harbinger duties while Zhongli and I are shopping,” you say, gesturing for Zhongli to come over.

Zhongli walks past Childe, ignoring the dramatic pout on Childe’s face. You snort and shake your head, reaching your hand out toward Zhongli. Zhongli grabs your hand and pulls you to his chest, wrapping his arms around your waist. Childe scrunches his nose at the sight of you and Zhongli cozying up to each other.

Childe clears his throat. “You know what? I will do that! You two have fun at the market!” Childe says, waving his hands around.

Childe is the first person to walk out the door while you and Zhongli follow after. You lock the door behind you, and the two of you set off to Liyue Harbor. At Liyue Harbor, there weren’t as many people as you expected, which is a huge relief. But there’s still a decent amount of people roaming around Liyue Harbor, making it a little bit complicated to get to the shops you want to visit for the key ingredients you need for almond tofu.

Zhongli keeps his hands on your hips while the two of you navigate through people, searching for a specific shop. You feel warmth blooming in your chest; the feeling of Zhongli’s hands on your hips and the lack of gap between your and his body makes you feel some type of way. 

“We’re here,” Zhongli says, snapping you out of your thoughts. 

You and Zhongli stand in front of the vendor, searching for the almond. While you’re searching for the bags of almonds, Zhongli quietly converses with the food vendor before you two. You hear Zhongli chuckle, causing you to look up. The two of you make eye contact for a brief second. Zhongli smiles at you and looks at the vendor, nodding his head while talking about his favorite Liyue cuisine before adding in how both of you are searching for almonds and milk to cook almond tofu for Xiao’s birthday.

The vendor’s eyes light up. “Oh! Are you two making almond tofu for your son’s birthday?” The vendor asks, smiling at you and Zhongli.

Zhongli’s eyes widen slightly. “Son?” Zhongli asks.

The vendor nods his head. “Yes! You say his name is Xiao, right?” The vendor asks, tilting his head to the side.

You clear your throat and look away shyly, heat rushing to your face after hearing the vendor’s comment. You’re unsure how to answer the vendor’s question. Would the vendor judge you for dating both Zhongli and Xiao? You’ve chatted with the vendor before, but he doesn’t know about your relationship with Xiao. 

Since you’re here with Zhongli, he must’ve assumed that Xiao is your and Zhongli’s son. You don’t know how he interpreted that when there’s no wedding ring on your and Zhongli’s left ring fingers.

“Mister Dongsheng, you have mistaken! Xiao isn’t my and Zhongli’s son!” You say, frantically searching for the almonds with your eyes. “Anyway! I would like to buy one hundred almonds and one hundred bottles of milk, please!”

Zhongli’s eyes widen. “One hundred?” Zhongli murmurs.

“One hundred milk and almonds?” Dongsheng, the owner of Second Life, asks. 

Zhongli leans down and whispers into your ears, “Dearest, I thought we were getting the number of almonds and milk needed for the almond tofu you’ll be making.

You shrug your shoulders with a sigh. “I might as well buy them all just in case I want to cook something with the milk and almonds!” You reply.

“But do you need that much milk? They expire fast,” Zhongli says, stroking his chin.

You pause and pucker your lips, debating with yourself if you should buy one hundred bottles of milk or not. Zhongli’s not wrong, considering you can fit a few milk bottles in the fridge. Why did you think about buying one hundred anyway other than to divert the conversation elsewhere with the owner of Second Life?

“Right! Then I’ll take ten bottles of milk then! While I will use them for the almond tofu, I’ll use the extras for something else,” you said. 

Dongsheng looks at you and hesitates for a moment. “And what about the almonds? Are you going to buy one hundred bags of almonds as well, or the same amount as the milk?” He asks.

You sigh in defeat. “The same amount as the milk bottles,” you answer.

Dongsheng smiles at you and Zhongli before getting you the almonds and milk bottles. Zhongli gives your hips a squeeze and reaches for the bags that contain the almonds and bottles of milk from Dongsheng. You reach into your satchel and pull out the bag of Mora, handing the total price of Mora to him.

You and Zhongli bid Dongsheng goodbye before making your way back to Wangshu Inn. You and Zhongli walk beside each other. The day has barely started, and you’re already feeling flustered because of one mistake by someone that isn’t you or Zhongli. Zhongli grabs your wrist, making you stop in your tracks. You turn and look at Zhongli curiously.

“Why don’t we relax for a little bit before returning to Wangshu Inn?” Zhongli suggests, pulling you over toward the concrete bench. “After all, it’s still early in the morning, and there’s no need to rush back to the Inn.”

“Hm… alright! We can rest for a bit before returning to Wangshu Inn!” You nod, smiling at the ex-Archon.

Zhongli places the bags of milk and almonds on the ground beside his feet while the two of you sit and look out toward the sea. Two birds land a few feet in front of you and Zhongli, bouncing around and standing beside each other. You and Zhongli watch the two finches interact with each other.

“They’re so round and cute,” you whisper.

After not hearing a response, or a sound, from Zhongli, you turn to face the dark-haired man, only to see him staring down at you. Your face turns warm, and you loop your arm around his, leaning against him while trying to cover your red face. Zhongli grabs you by the chin and tilts your head up. 

The two of you stare into each other’s eyes. Your gaze quickly falls to Zhongli’s lips before looking into his eyes. Zhongli smiles and leans down to kiss you. Before Zhongli’s lips could touch yours, you and Zhongli felt arms over your shoulders.

“It’s a beautiful day out at Liyue Harbor, isn’t it? It’s warm and sunny outside with a nice cool breeze accompanying it!” Childe exclaims, startling you and Zhongli.

You and Zhongli flinch and pull away from each other, looking away with a sigh. Zhongli gives Childe a fake smile and clears his throat.

“Childe! You have an interesting timing there,” Zhongli says, looking away from Childe.

Childe grins at Zhongli cheekily and nods, weaseling his way to sit between you and Zhongli. You and Zhongli grumble under your breath while scooting over to give Childe space to sit in between you two. What’s with Childe and being a cockblock? You and Zhongli don’t mind having Childe around— after all, he is the reason why you and Zhongli got together in the first place. But it’s just… you want some alone time with Zhongli. Sitting on the concrete bench, watching birds fly and hop around with each other before returning to Wangshu Inn to make almond tofu for Xiao’s birthday is something you want to do uninterrupted.

Childe sighs loudly and leans back on the bench. “I saw you two here and wanted to stop by and say hi before going to the Northland Bank!” Childe says nonchalantly, brushing his fringe away from his eyes.

You turn to look at Childe quizzically. “You left before we did. I thought you’d be at Northland Bank before Zhongli and I arrived at Second Life for the almonds and bottles of milk,” you say, crossing your arms over your chest.

Childe chuckles and shrugs. “I had to stop by somewhere to handle a business. You know, life as a Fatui Harbinger isn’t as easy as it seems. I have some Fatui trainees to train later today after completing some paperwork, so I won’t be able to stop by and celebrate the little twerp’s birthday with you and Mister Zhongli today,” Childe sighs dramatically. 

You scoff and elbow Childe in the gut before getting up from the bench and dusting your clothes. “I believe that’s enough relaxing for today. Zhongli and I have almond tofu to make, and you have Fatui duties to tend to!” You said, turning to look at the two men before you.

Zhongli and Childe get up from the bench. Zhongli reaches down and grabs the bags of almonds and milk from the ground, holding his arm out for you to take. You link your arm around Zhongli’s and give Childe a smile.

Childe pouts at you and extends his arms out. “What? You’re not going to give your brother figure a hug before leaving?” Childe asks, batting his eyelashes at you. 

You roll your eyes playfully and unlink your arms from Zhongli’s before walking over to the ginger-haired Harbinger. You wrap your arms around his waist and let out a strained grunt when Childe hugs you tightly, ruffling your hair with a shit-eating grin on his face. Childe releases you after ten seconds, watching you return to Zhongli’s side while fixing your disheveled hair.

You grab Zhongli’s wrist and begin tugging him toward the entrance of Liyue that leads to Wangshu Inn. “Bye, Childe! I’ll see you next time!” You say, patting his arm.

Zhongli and Childe nod to each other when they walk by each other. While you and Zhongli are walking to the entrance of Liyue Harbor, Childe stops in his tracks and watches the two of you get farther away. Childe lets out a sigh and shakes his head, propping his hands on his hips.

“When will [Y/N] just break up with that Adeptus twerp? He doesn’t deserve her,” Childe mutters, turning to walk to Northland Bank.

Back at Wangshu Inn, you and Zhongli stand in the kitchen beside each other, making almond tofu for the beloved Adeptus, who protects Liyue from evil. While making almond tofu, Zhongli tells a story of his and Xiao’s past. Now that you think about it, if you weren’t sealed in amber by your parents, you would’ve known them during that time. But you were sealed away, and you grew up without your birth parents— raised to be human instead of an Adeptus.

“Do you think this is enough? I don’t want us to make too many only for Xiao to not finish it all,” you mutter. You look over at the plate with many almond tofu stacked on top of each other.

Zhongli hums. “That would depend. Are we going to be eating them as well, or is it only for Xiao?” Zhongli asks, washing his hands under the tap water.

You can’t help but stare at Zhongli’s arms. Zhongli took his coat off before the both of you began making almond tofu for Xiao’s birthday. His sleeves are rolled up to his elbows, his gloves are off, and you can see the veins protruding from his arms. 

“[Y/N]?”

You snap out of your thoughts and blink at Zhongli owlishly with wide eyes. Zhongli looks at you curiously, his eyebrows raised, the corner of his lips curling up. You clear your throat and look away, rubbing the back of your neck.

“We can eat some of the almond tofu! I don’t think Xiao can eat all of this on his own, so we might as well have some! Of course, almond tofu won’t be the only thing we’ll be eating. Speaking of eating, we should make something for us to eat now. I’m starting to get hungry,” you say.

You turn around and walk to the pantry, searching for something to cook for you and Zhongli to eat while waiting for Xiao to return from his duties. You stand in the pantry, eyeing every ingredient while stroking your chin. Zhongli snakes his arms around your waist and presses his chest against your back, resting his chin on your head.

“You seem distracted a few minutes ago,” Zhongli murmurs.

You clear your throat for the umpteenth time. “I was, uh, thinking about food! After all, we did leave Wangshu Inn without having breakfast other than tea. I’m starting to feel famished,” you lie.

“What do you want to eat? Do you have anything in mind?” Zhongli asks, tilting his head over and peppering kisses on the side of your neck.

You pucker your lips, and your eyes land on the bamboo shoots. Your eyes light up, and you waddle to the bamboo shoots with Zhongli behind you. You grab the bamboo shoots and look up at Zhongli, lifting the bamboo shoots to Zhongli’s face. 

You poke him in the chest. “I would like to have your specialty!” You say, handing the bamboo shoots over to Zhongli. “It’s been a while since I’ve had bamboo shoot soup.”

Zhongli grabs the bamboo shoots from your grasp, and pecks your cheek. “If that’s what you desire, then I shall make them for you,” Zhongli says.

Zhongli walks out of the pantry with you following close behind. You watch Zhongli prepare the ingredients. Archons, Zhongli somehow manages to make cooking look attractive. It’s making you feel tingly on the inside. You shake your head and lightly slap your forehead. You walk over to where Zhongli stands and begin to help him prepare and cook the bamboo shoot soup. But before doing so, you walk to the almond tofu and put them in the refrigerator.

“What time do you think Xiao will return to Wangshu Inn? We wouldn’t want the almond tofu to sit in the refrigerator for a long time,” Zhongli murmurs, turning the stove on and placing the pot over the stove.

You shrug your shoulders. “I don’t know. Xiao doesn’t have a consistent time on when he’d return to Wangshu Inn after his duties. He usually returns whenever,” you say.

Zhongli pauses and stares at the pot with furrowed eyebrows. “Is that so? So there’s no specific time on when he gets home?” Zhongli murmurs.

You nod. “That’s correct! At first, it was a little bit…. Frustrating? That’s not the right word, but you know what I mean. It’s only frustrating because when I try to stay up until he gets home, it would be almost four in the morning, maybe five,” you reply.

“Will you be doing the same thing today for his birthday?” Zhongli asks, turning to look at you.

You poke the inside of your cheek with your tongue. It is Xiao’s birthday, and you usually stay up until he gets home from his duties. That was before the whole incident happened, and now you would go to bed before he gets home because, well, you have Zhongli with you now. 

“I’m going to try to stay up late, yes! But if he ends up coming home late, which I hope he doesn’t, then I’ll go to bed!” You say.

Zhongli stares at you before letting a long exhale through his nose, nodding. If you’re going to be staying up late to greet Xiao on his birthday and to celebrate his birthday, Zhongli might as well do the same. After all, Adeptis and Archons don’t need sleep, so staying up late shouldn’t be an issue for Zhongli. However, because you were raised by mortals, Zhongli’s unsure if you’ll be able to stay up past five in the morning.

The day ends up flying by before your and Zhongli’s eyes. Before you know it, you’re setting the table up and taking the almond tofu out from the refrigerator, placing them on the table. Zhongli suggested decorating the living area to surprise Xiao, and the two of you went out into the market to get decorations. 

“Do you think Xiao will like it?” You ask, turning to look at Zhongli.

Zhongli smiles and kisses the side of your head. “He’ll love it,” Zhongli murmurs, pulling you to his chest and snaking his arms around your waist.

Zhongli looks at the clock and sees it’s almost eight in the evening. You and Zhongli sit at the table, quietly conversing with each other while adjusting the table and almond tofu here and there while waiting for Xiao to show up.

While you and Zhongli are waiting for Xiao to make an appearance at Wangshu Inn, Xiao is sitting on the highest mountain in Liyue, looking at the view. Xiao finished his duty not too long ago, and now he’s having a breather. Today is his birthday, the day is coming to a close, and it’s time he heads home to you (and Zhongli).

A twig snaps behind Xiao, causing him to turn his head sharply in the direction where the sound came from. Xiao’s polearm materializes in his hands and prepares to lunge toward the direction of the twig snapping, but pauses when he sees Lumine standing there.

Xiao swallows a lump in his throat. “Lumine, what are you doing here?” He asks, staring at the blonde girl before him.

Lumine tucks her hair behind her ear and clears her throat softly. “I came here to wish you a happy birthday, Xiao.” Lumine smiles at the Adeptus and takes a small step toward him. 

“How did you know I was here?” Xiao demands, narrowing his eyes at Lumine.

Lumine looks away from Xiao and gazes up at the stars that hang above them. When Lumine didn’t answer him, Xiao let out a frustrated sigh and put his polearm away. Before Xiao could open his mouth to speak, rapid footsteps approached Xiao and Lumine, making the two look in the direction of where the footsteps were coming from.

Aether pants and puts his hands on both his knees, glaring at Lumine. “Lumine! I told you not to run off, and this is where I find you!?” Aether exclaims, propping his hands on his hips.

Lumine rolls her eyes. “Oh, please, Aether. You go on adventures with Dainsleif all the time, and yet you can barely catch up with me?” Lumine snickers, ignoring the glare Aether shoots in her direction. 

“I wanted to be alone,” Xiao states, crossing his arms over his chest.

Aether gives Xiao a sympathetic smile while Lumine pulls a container out of her bag. Xiao looks at Lumine curiously and holds his hands out when Lumine gestures for him to do so. Lumine places the container on Xiao’s hands and watches the Conquerer of Demons open the container.

“You made almond tofu for me,” Xiao murmurs.

Lumine smiles and nods. “I wanted to make your favorite dish for your birthday. I didn’t know if you had anything to eat today while you were out protecting Liyue,” Lumine says, twirling her hair around her index finger.

Xiao stares at Lumine, then looks at the container of almond tofu in his hands. Xiao nods and mutters a silent thank you to the blonde girl. 

“Is it okay if I hang out with you while you eat your almond tofu? I don’t want you to eat your almond tofu alone on the day of your birth,” Lumine says.

Aether stares at Lumine like she grew two more heads. Xiao sighs and nods, walking away from the twins and sitting at the edge of the mountain. Lumine sits beside Xiaom, keeping a decent size gap between them. Aether looks up at the night sky and mouths, “I’m sorry, [Y/N],” to himself before sitting beside Xiao.

Back at Wangshu Inn, you yawn and lean against Zhongli, rubbing your eyes. The almond tofu is getting warm the more time goes by. You can’t help but glance at the clock every few minutes, hoping Xiao will show up so the three of you can celebrate his birthday. You lean on the table and close your eyes, yawning for the umpteenth time.

Zhongli sighs and rubs your back. “Dearest, if you’re tired, we can go to bed,” Zhongli murmurs.

You shake your head stubbornly. “I’m okay, Zhongli. I can stay up for a few more hours and wait for Xiao to come home,” you reply.

Time seemed to have gone by so fast because you recalled that it was only eight in the evening. Now when you look at the clock, you notice that it’s almost midnight. Once the clock strikes midnight, it will no longer be Xiao’s birthday. You know Xiao is busy protecting Liyue. Therefore, you’re not going to be upset if he ends up coming home past midnight. After all, he’s always busy with his duties.

“I’ll be right back. You two, don’t go anywhere! I think I dropped something on my way up here,” Aether says, getting up from the ground and dusting dirt off his pants.

Xiao and Lumine stand up.

“Do you want us to come with you? It’s dark out, and we don’t want you to get hurt,” Lumine says, gazing at her brother worriedly. 

Aether shakes his head. “Nah! It’s okay! Plus, I won’t be far or be gone for a long time,” Aether replies.

Lumine and Xiao watch Aether scurry off into the night. Xiao takes a deep breath and turns to look at the view before him and Lumine.

“Thank you for keeping me company on my birthday. Even though it wasn’t necessary, I appreciate it,” Xiao murmurs.

Lumine smiles bashfully and rubs her arm. “You’re welcome! Uh…. I was hesitant to come here because I didn’t want to disturb you. But thinking about you and celebrating your birthday alone motivated me to follow my plan,” Lumine says.

A small smile appears on Xiao’s face. “Thank you, I appreciate it, really.”

Lumine looks at Xiao with wide eyes, her cheeks turning bright red after seeing the tiny smile on his face. Lumine looks away shyly and spots a lone flower from a distance. Xiao follows Lumine’s line of sight and sees the Qingxin flower. Xiao walks over to the flower without saying a word, plucks it from the ground, and walks to Lumine. Lumine looks at Xiao with curiosity, tilting her head to the side. 

Xiao hands the flower to Lumine. “Having you around would make even Qingxin feel like a treat. The beauty of the Qingxin is nothing compared to yours,” Xiao murmurs.

Lumine looks at Xiao with wide eyes, her breath caught in her throat. She gulps and grabs the flower from Xiao’s hands, her eyes falling to Xiao’s lips. Xiao brushes a stray hair from Lumine’s face, tucking them behind her ears. Lumine’s heart is beating so fast and so loud that she wouldn’t be surprised if Xiao could hear it.

Lumine closes her eyes and leans toward Xiao, her lips grazing his. Before Lumine can press her lips against his, someone clears their throat loudly. Xiao turns away and looks at Aether, who lets out a loud ‘ahem’ after witnessing what happened. Lumine tenses up and glares at Aether, slowly backing away from Xiao.

Aether approaches the two with a strained smile. “I believe it’s getting late! You should head back to Wangshu Inn! I’m pretty sure there’s someone else that’s waiting for you. And by someone, I mean your girlfriend,” Aether says through clenched jaws. 

“He doesn’t have to if he doesn’t want to, Aether!” Lumine exclaims, glaring at Aether while gripping the Qingxin flower tightly. “Besides! He already celebrated his birthday with me— I mean us!” Lumine huffs.

Aether rolls his eyes and pinches the bridge of his nose. “Xiao, you’re a dear friend of mine, but I…” Aether trails off, shaking his head. “I can’t believe you’d do this to someone you claim to love. You either pick my sister, or you pick [Y/N]. You can’t have both at once, especially when my sister tried to kill your girlfriend,” Aether says.

Lumine stomps toward Aether and shoves him. “Why are you bringing this up now, huh? It’s Xiao’s birthday, and he shouldn’t be dealing with this right now!” Lumine says. “Plus, if he’s not allowed to have both me and [Y/N], then how come [Y/N] can have him and Zhongli!? Do you even hear yourself, Aether!? Why are you on her side and not mine!?” Lumine shrieks.

“It was his birthday, Lumine. It’s midnight now, and he should’ve been spending his birthday with his girlfriend too. She’s probably waiting for him back at Wangshu Inn right now!” Aether exclaims, throwing his hands in the air out of frustration. 

It’s past midnight, and you feel your eyelids grow heavier with each passing minute. Zhongli’s in the kitchen, brewing tea for you to drink. You lay your head on the table and close your eyes, slowly drifting off to sleep. Zhongli walks into the dining room and places the cup of tea before you. 

“Dearest, you should go to sleep. It’s getting late, and I’m afraid you won’t be able to stay up any longer waiting for Xiao,” Zhongli says.

You sit up and stretch your arms in the air with a yawn. “It’s okay, Zhongli. I don’t want to miss out on celebrating Xiao’s birthday,” you say.

Zhongli exhales through his nostrils and pinches the bridge of his nose. “If you insist,” Zhongli murmurs, sitting beside you.

You rest your head on Zhongli’s shoulders and reach for the teacup. You hold the cup before your face and blow on the hot tea. It’s normal for you to not be able to stay up later than midnight. You want to stay up until Xiao gets home from his duties so you can at least tell him a happy birthday, well, belated birthday, since it’s past midnight now. You gulp down the tea and put the teacup back on the saucer, and wrap your arms around Zhongli’s waist.

“Did I make a mistake?” You ask, barely above a whisper.

Zhongli makes a confused noise and looks at you quizzically. “What do you mean?” Zhongli brushes your hair away from your face.

You stare at Zhongli, not saying a word. Your heart hurts, and even if you have Zhongli present with you at Wangshu Inn, being at the Inn while Xiao is out and about doing, who knows what makes your heart hurt. You can’t help but doubt your relationship with Xiao, asking yourself if it is still salvageable. 

You bite your lower lip and hug Zhongli tightly. “Let’s go to bed,” you whisper, tugging on his shirt.

Zhongli nods, getting up from the couch with you latching to his side. Zhongli wraps his arm over your shoulders and guides you to the bedroom. You and Zhongli collapse on the bed, you lying in his arms while he’s carding his fingers through your hair. 

You lean up and kiss his jaws, giving him a small smile before snuggling into the crook of his neck. Zhongli smiles and kisses your forehead, watching you slowly drift off to sleep. Zhongli closes his eyes and begins to fall asleep, wondering what’s keeping Xiao out for so long. Zhongli shakes his head, pulling the blanket up to his and your torso.

Zhongli doesn’t know how long he and you have been asleep. The sound coming from the living area roused him from his sleep. Zhongli slowly gets up from bed, kissing your forehead before walking to the living room where the sound came from. Zhongli steps out of the room and quietly closes the door behind him, walking toward the living area.

Xiao freezes in his spot when he sees Zhongli enter the room while he is inspecting the decorated room. The thing that caught Xiao’s eyes was a small cupcake in the center of the table, the candle on the cupcake was blown out, and the almond tofu was warm and untouched. A tsunami of guilt hits Xiao, making him clench his fist and crushing the flower in his hands. 

Zhongli leans against the archway of the room, his arms crossed over his chest while gazing at the Yaksha— his face void of emotions. 

Xiao whispers, “I apologize for not showing up on time.”

Zhongli shakes his head. “There’s no need to apologize, Xiao. It seems like you have already celebrated your birthday with someone else,” Zhongli’s eyes lock on the familiar flower in Xiao’s hands.

The very same flower a certain blonde Outlander has in her hair. Zhongli lets out a humorless hum and closes his eyes, leaning his head against the wall. All kinds of emotions rush through Zhongli simultaneously— anger, sadness, shock, and heartbreak. 

“I was going to return to the Inn, but Aether and Lumine showed up before I could, but it would be rude of me to leave,” Xiao says.

Zhongli holds his hand up to stop Xiao from continuing even further. “I’m not the person you should be explaining this to, Xiao. It is [Y/N] you should be worrying about, not me.”

The two men stare at each other in silence. What else is there to say? Xiao returned to Wangshu Inn late, past his birthday, when you and Zhongli were waiting for his return. You and Zhongli made almond tofu for his birthday, went out of your way to add minimal birthday decoration in the living area, and a cupcake with a single candle stuck in the center of the cupcake. 

And what was Xiao doing while you and Zhongli were waiting at Wangshu Inn? He was celebrating his birthday with the same girl that nearly killed you, the same girl with feelings for him, and the same girl he almost kissed before Aether interrupted. Xiao sighs and runs his gloved hands through his hair, cursing under his breath while Zhongli continues to stare at him with an unreadable expression.

The door to the bedroom creaks open. The two men turn towards the door and see you emerging from the dark bedroom, rubbing the sleep from your eyes. You look at Xiao and Zhongli cluelessly, wondering why the two men look like they’re about to kill each other. Well, Zhongli looks like he wants to kill someone. Xiao looks incredibly guilty and nervous.

“Xiao, you’re back. I, uh, I tried to stay up late to wish you a happy birthday, but—”

Xiao cuts you off.

“Why did you try to stay up and wait for me? There’s no need for you to do it at all, and yet here you are, losing sleep because you wanted to wait for my return,” Xiao narrows his eyes at you, crossing his arms over his chest.

You visibly deflate and sigh in defeat, your gaze falling to the ground. You swallow the lump in your throat and open your mouth to respond, but the flower peeking from behind Xiao’s arms catches your attention. You stare at the flower and point at it with shaking hands.

“That flower….” you trail off. “You were with her this entire time.”

Xiao lets out a sigh. “I can explain,” he starts.

You shake your head. “There’s no need to explain, Xiao. It seems like you have already made your decision,” you give Xiao a weak smile. “I’m too tired to fight and argue right now. I’m going back to sleep.”

You look at Zhongli, who stares at you intently. You hold your hand out, making grabby motions. Zhongli pushes himself off the wall and walks toward you without sparing Xiao a second glance. He grabs your hand, and the two of you return to the bedroom, closing the door. Xiao stands in the living room alone. Xiao lets the flower drop to the ground, slowly approaching the table where the cupcake and almond tofu are waiting for him.

You plop on the bed and stare at the ground. Zhongli sits beside you and wraps his arm over your shoulder, pulling you to his side. You rest your head on Zhongli’s shoulders and close your eyes. You want to cry and scream, but you’re exhausted. 

“I don’t know how much longer this will last, Zhongli. I think I lost Xiao to her already, and he’s only with me because he sees I have other options that aren’t him.” 

Zhongli looks at you curiously. “What are you implying?” Zhongli murmurs.

“It’s not fair for either of us if this continues. Xiao made his decision long ago, and I needed to accept it. He’s only with me because he doesn’t want me to be with you. And I stayed with him because I didn’t want to lose him to someone better than me, but I’m only hurting everyone if I stay.”

You open your eyes and turn to Zhongli. Zhongli wipes the stray tear that made its way down your cheek. You let out a weak and defeated sigh, grabbing Zhongli’s hand and circling your thumb over his knuckles.

Zhongli gives you a faint smile. “That decision is up to you, dearest. If you choose to stay, then stay. If not, then you leave. Whatever decision you make, I will always be there with you every step of the way.”

Your lips tremble as tears continue to pool in your eyes and spill down your cheeks. The problem is you’re unsure if you’re doing the right thing if you stay or leave. You love Xiao. He was your boyfriend before Zhongli was something to you other than an acquaintance. But you also love Zhongli just as much as you love Xiao. Zhongli has been at your side since the incident. He cared for you and protected you. 

You shrug your shoulders and shake your head. “I don’t know what to choose, Zhongli.”

How do you know if you’re making the right decision without hurting the people involved?

Note: Damn, it's been a few months since I've posted something for Tragic Outcomes, huh? I will be updating Caught in the Crossfire next week! It's coming to an end, and I want to give it a final "chapter" because I don't want it to end there. I'm not sure how much longer Tragic Outcomes will go on. I think it'll have about ten chapters, maybe? Who knows. Also! I am currently working on a mini-fic for the Isekai'd!Reader series right now! It should be out in a few hours since I am still working on it! Anyway! I ONLY post on my Tumblr (Genshinluvr) and my AO3 (Aaliah_exo)! Nowhere else except Tumblr and AO3!

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[newtabfics]

hear me out...Zhongli in like dragon form. Nsfw. Mayhaps some worship kink?

Hear me out...zhongli LOVES the praise. Comes with being a forgotten archon 😚🥰

he gasped loudly as she finally sank down on him, shuddering as her hand rubbed gently along his scaled torso. He had expected her to be frightened of this form. It was his more humanoid form, but he knew the sight of the wings, the tail, the claws, the scales...him in this form would be somewhat frightening.

Instead, he witnessed a starved kind of hunger within Y/N that had him shuddering. And her sweet words...

"Fuck, Zhongli," She whimpered. "F-Feel so...different. Feels...really good."

She was referring to his transformed...and larger member now throbbing inside of her. The spurs along his length likely provided a new sensation for her that was stirring her. It certainly didn't help that he was much thicker and even longer than he was normally. yet she took him beautifully.

Y/N rocked her hips slowly, smirking when he shuddered. "Doing so good for me, love," She hummed. "staying so still." Never mind the ropes she'd tied around his wrists to keep him in place. "All hot and whimpering." Never mind the nearly hour of teasing she'd done with her mouth and used many of their various toys to stretch her better so she can take him as easily as she did. "Love how you're begging."

And begging he was. "Y/N, please. please. I need you. I need you to fuck me already!" He whimpered. He couldn't handle it anymore when she smirked at him and easily overwhelmed her, the ropes snapping as his strength nearly bent the bedframe. She didn't stand a chance against him in this form.

[dreamerinthemoonlight]

How they Show Affection Part 2: Xiao, Zhongli, Ayato

Number 2 of 3

CW: Fluff, No pronouns

Xiao x fem! Reader, Zhongli x Fem!reader, Ayato x fem! reader 

Xiao

When you and Xiao first got together you wondered how he would show his affection. I mean, he’s never really done this before

And it wasn’t very surprising when he didn’t show much affection when others were present, though he wasn’t able to hide a certain amount of protectiveness

What was surprising was realizing that Xiao was a cuddle bug

It turns out that he finds your touch to be one of the most comforting things in the world

Your touch is warm, full of life, and when he lays his head on your chest (no matter what your comparative heights are), he’s able to relax. 

After a while it got to the point where he would seek out your company and your embrace, starting with bad days when his karmic debt weighed heavy on his shoulders, but eventually just because. Soon cuddles would be mixed with with sweet little kisses. Kisses that say “thank you” and “I love you”

Zhongli

If Xiao was difficult to read because of inexperience, Zhongli would be hard to read because of age

He’s been alive for so long, how would he show his love for you

He’s a quality time person

Now that he’s in his retirement as an archon and generally free to do as he pleases, it most often pleases him to spend his days with you

You two spend so much time in the city where he tells you story after story of the people who once lived there. He tells you the true stories of the legends that the city folk tell now and both of you snicker a little when people talk about “Rex Lapis” to Zhongli’s face. 

And he’s always honest about it, which is refreshing

Ayato

Kamisato Ayato. Mr. Busy, busy, busy

He shows his affection in whatever way he can at the moment

In public, when you’re together it’s sweet words and him feeding you, though you’re always a little cautious about the latter. You’ve seen what Thoma goes through at the sadistic hands of his master.

In private, while both of you still working, it’s quality time and random chatter. You’ll sit in his office looking over your own work while the two of you chatter about the day.

After hours, though, he heavily gravitates towards physical touch. Hands on your shoulder, your waist, brushing through your hair. He loves looking at you, but he also loves touching you. It’s even better for him when you lean into his touch, or seek out his hand.

[inviouswriting]

Perfume

Was rewatching some cutscenes for Zhongli about the perfumes that were made for Guizhong.

This is a smut story loves.

I meant it to be soft and sweet... turned into spicy.

Warnings below.

Zhongli x fem!reader

Contents - afab!reader x Zhongli, cunningulus, blow job, sex, multiple orgasms, female squirting, doggy style, established relationship, married couple being happy and horny.

“What about this one?” You hold up a bottle of oil to Zhongli. He looks at it, the scent of gardenias.  

“Too floral. If you like the scent, we can include it.” Ningguang gave you an idea to try with Zhongli in creating a perfume and cologne set with him. So, you both spent the morning and into the day with him matching scents between you two.  

“Floral might be too much.” You make a face, then pick a bottle that has glaze lily to it. Sweet and delicate in the scent. Before you can uncork the bottle, Zhongli plucks it from your hands, a half pained look in his eyes regarding the fragrance. He leaves it corked not even taking a second to smell the fragrance within.

“Not this one. I want to separate you from the memories of Guizhong as much as possible.” He explains in a gentle manner, and you nod, understanding what he means. Glaze lilies were a special memory for him, and he did not want to cross his past with his future. You have noted the times he will present you with a flower always looking at you instead of the flower. As if to associate you with the new memory he makes instead of making it about her.

You see him look at the bottle with fondness, then set it down gently with reverence into its spot. He hovers his hand over another bottle next to it. A bottle of vanilla, then tugs along with it a bit of sandalwood.

“I think this will be better. I’ll also use sandalwood as a base. What do you think to go with it?” You look at the bottles again, sitting alot closer to Zhongli when he tugs you in under his arm. He brings a dish of coffee beans for you to cleanse your sense of smell.

You look at the bottles in front of you, trying to find one that feels like Zhongli. You even feel his eyes on you, taking a glance up to his amber eyes, you feel them warm and comforting. Like fire, but that gentle heat that can warm you, but also burn if you stoke the wrong way.

You move your hand over a bottle and lift one that is of orange blossom for you and tea tree for him. It melds with the sandalwood nicely, and you present it to him.

“Fitting. You find ways to surprise me even now.” He likes the scents, and he adds another small scent to yours in a sweet mint.

You both present the perfume oils to the maker, letting them do their own magic.

“It will be about... four days to cure. Will that be okay with you?” You’re asked and nod a yes.

“That will be fine, we’ll return then.” When you both leave together the scent of fresh air hits you both having spent the last while smelling everything to create something for you and him. Zhongli tugs you under his arm having a moment to himself with a gentle press of his nose to the top of your head to take in the natural scent of you with whatever soap you had used.  

“Li, people are staring.” You remind him you’re in public, this doesn’t make him move to straighten himself or make it look like you’re less in love than you are together.

“Let them. I’m not doing anything foreign, am I? Just give me these few minutes.” He lowers his head to your neck, and you feel your face red as another small intake of breath from his tells you what he’s trying to do.  

“I’ll be a second my dear.” He slips back into the perfume shop and you stand bewildered at his behavior of smelling you that way then leaving you with a few straggling shoppers giggling at the unique display of affection, to anyone else it looked like he was kissing your head or neck, when you know he was scenting to figure out another smell to go along with your perfume and cologne.

When he rejoins you, he takes your hands to bring both to his face to kiss your fingers in apology for the display he did. You regard him warmly with your eyes, seeing how much love he has for you in those vibrant gold eyes.

You spend the rest of the day with him from eating at Wanmin to finding a spot on one of the cliffsides to watch the harbor and sunset. You are seated in front of the former archon, and he’s almost wrapped around you with his arms crossing in front of your chest, and you settled between his legs facing away from him. His head rests on top of yours, you don’t see the way he smiles content with where he is in this life.

The next few days were a blur filled with anticipation for the perfume and cologne that was made. Zhongli had picked the fragrances up and you were waiting for him at home when he arrived with the bottles. You could tell he is happy with the bottles looking like geo symbols, yours on top of his as a way to symbolize how much he supports you and if the bottles were turned the reverse. You nudge his side as you pick up your end.

“Still the geo archon.” You see the way his eyes light up at the comment, a laugh from him.

“Some habits don’t die.” He takes the bottle from you and takes your wrist to dab some of it on then at your neck. The scent fits you, refreshing from the mint and calming with the sandalwood. The other note that you catch is cloves with the orange blossom. Sweet yet fiery has a delicate way of being intoxicating. You had closed your eyes missing the way his eyes fixate on you.

Zhongli’s scent mirrors yours with the gentleness of the sandalwood, his having more of a lavender bergamot, and to contrast your clove scent was cinnamon. Also, spicy but fitting as a fiery man he is, the hidden dragon underneath it all. There was something underlying and you couldn’t put your finger on it when you smelled the scent once it was on him.

It was like a flipped switch, even your husband noted it; a smile on his lips when you feel your face warm and your legs warmer.

“Seems like it is working. The reason this perfumer is sought after is their work with pheromones.” He had begun to undo his clothing, and before you knew it you were engaged with him in an intense kiss. Zhongli had safely set the perfume bottles somewhere safe before he pinned you to the table, proceeding to climb on top of you as he kisses you into it. You writhe underneath when he nibbles on your neck, his hands slipping underneath your dress tugging at your clothes to undo them swift to be further entangled with you.

You let him undress you, taking layers of silk and lace from you, while you tug off him his suit, tugging him by his tie with a grin. Zhongli cups your face when he kisses you, returning his hands to your body once he has it bare.

Zhongli sheds his clothes when he raises up and tugs you by your waist to him. You let him love you right there. You sigh underneath him when he presses into you, he is too impatient to properly tease you after the scents drive him insane that he has to have you now.

Your scream resonates in the quiet air, and you reach a hand up to him to touch his face as he rests inside of you. You tug him for a kiss, and he meets you for it. You both are soon lost when he begins to thrust, each movement leaves you wanting more from him, the mild sting ebbing off into pure pleasure.

Zhongli lifts your waist into his thrusts, and you see stars behind your eyes when he does. The former archon keeps watch of your face, when your expression twists to pure pleasure he hits that spot again till your legs wrap at his waist to pull him in deeper. Your hands go to his shoulders to scratch at his skin while he holds you to him.

You feel the first orgasm rush through your body and coat his cock in juices with a breathed sigh. Zhongli follows afterwards with filling you, watching how you search his eyes when he’s relaxed. He isn’t done with you, far from it. He soon tugs you with him to the floor where he has better leverage to love you, his lips catch an ear as he arranges you on your hands and knees. Zhongli gets you into the position he wants you in and without waiting much longer sinks himself back into you with a loud groan from the former archon at feeling you tighten around him.

All you can think of is how good he feels inside, you even rise up so you can brace yourself for the thrusts he was about to do. Slow draw backs then strong thrusts in that make you yelp when the head of his cock is so much deeper than earlier. Zhongli reaches a hand into your hair to begin tugging it so your neck is exposed to him. He presses a kiss to it as he intakes the gentle scent of the perfume mixed with the pheromone, he could detect making him twitch inside when it works to relight his drive to have you over and over.

You feel nothing but pleasure, fingers reaching under to play with your clit till your legs tremble and you let an orgasm rush through you and drip onto the floor after cumming on his hand. Zhongli feels this and buries himself deeper to feel you clenching on him, he grins seeing the way your face is pressed to your arms as you lay your head on the floor to catch your breath.

Zhongli takes a good look at you blissed out, panting for breath and moaning out from your last orgasm. He sees your limbs trembling, and he casts his eyes up only to catch sight of himself in a reflection from a glass door. He looks less of the gentleman that others are accustomed to and more like his former self in his archon days. He regards how you look with glossy eyes staring at nothing.  

With ease Zhongli flips you onto your back and guides your legs back to loop over his shoulders. His gold gaze drifts down as he guides himself back into you, proving just how much stamina the man has. You barely hold onto the last of yours.

“We will work on your endurance so you can go all day and night with me even after we’re use to the perfumes a bit more. I know it is a little intense for your first time using a pheromone based one. You my dear are absolutely.... intoxicating and I can’t get enough of how you feel, sound, and all of your darling expressions. My love, one more for me.” You see his eyes light up and knew what he meant, you reach your hands out to grasp anything and find your hands on the legs of the table as Zhongli starts to thrust again a lot harder and more precise as if ensuring he is pressed as deep as he goes till the tip bumps against the spongy spot of your g-spot.

You can’t help the moans that fall from your lips as he makes you see stars behind your eyes. Each cry you make is punctuated by one of Zhongli’s groans at how good you feel, he tugs you underneath him better till you both are lost to pleasure, and you reach a hand towards your husband, he catches it to lace his fingers with yours. His other hand catches your left foot to where he can kiss an ankle while staring down at your pleading face. He smooths his hand along your leg down, letting it rest on his shoulder while he rubs your clit again in circles till you are trambling again from pleasure.

The constant thrusts against your g-spot left pressure buidling in your belly and white flashes behind your eyes as you arch up in a series of cries as you have such a powerful orgasm that you squirt on his abdomen and almost force him out of your pussy.

Zhongli is watching your face twist in pleasure till you are so lost in what you feel, he sees how you release this gush of fluid like earlier, even a part of perversion in him as he spreads your folds so he can see how it sprays out. He keeps his fingers rubbing your clit to encourage another squirt, till he is sure the floor is drenched just from your unique cum you produce.  

“Keep going my love, you can give me another. Yes... like this... keep going.” You barely hear Zhongli through your own moans as he draws orgasm after the next till, he’s tugging gently on your sensitive nub.

“Li! I’ve had enough please!” Five more orgasms after the last one and he’s came four within you working on the last one. He relents on you and knows you’re getting tired. After your last one, he pulls from inside you and you know that look in his eyes as he kneels over you, and you immediately start sucking on his cock.  

The moans he makes from deep in his throat as you take him deep into your mouth, not minding your own taste as you swirl your tongue around the tip. The hand on the back of your head guides you in going down till your lips brush the base. Your fingers touch the sac to roll his balls as he thrusts into your mouth.  

“Good girl... good girl! Swallow!” You taste him as he cums the salty sweetness of his seed. If you weren’t so sensitive from earlier you would have been touching your pussy for more, but when you glide your fingers over the slit you feel a slight sting from being overworked. You pull off of his cock and swallow what is in your mouth a few stray streams of his cum on your lips as you meet his eyes taking you in being covered in it.

“My dear... I’ll draw a bath for us, long enough for you to rest. We’re far from done... the water will help keep you from getting sore...” You look up at him pleading to have mercy, and you understand that he’s holding back everything to keep going.

“At least let me eat something?” He smiles at your request.

“Of course, you’ll need the energy. I’ll prepare for you, don’t keep me waiting too long?” You bite your lip to see how he is hard again just after that. You lay on the floor to regain your strength as you pant and slightly giggle to yourself.

“I’ll have to wear that perfume on special occasions.” You gather yourself on shaking legs and grab something to nibble on to give yourself a lot more energy for your husband. Former archon, but also loving husband and insatiable lover once you stoked his fire.

“Morax, I’ll be a little longer to clean the mess we made in here.” You blush seeing a mix of your fluids and his.

“My love, I’ll take care of it and clean it properly. Please come here. I need you.” You can hear the strain in his voice, and knew if you didn’t get to him in a timely manner, he will either come out to you and add to the mess, or drag you in. To spare the floor further mess, you mop up what you could with a towel then proceed to join your husband after dabbing a bit more of the perfume on.

You see his eyes the moment he smells you, and know you aren’t leaving that room for a while.

“My dear... you have no idea what you’re doing to me.” Zhongli sighs at seeing your mischievous gleam in your eyes.

“I think I do know what I am doing. Satisfying a dragon in heat.” You join him in the bath and immediately are pulled to straddle his waist.

“You’re in for a long session this time. I hope the water is to your liking. Now please... I need my mate.” You sigh and humor him. You laugh as you begin to ride him and nuzzle his face to kiss him. He returns these subtle gestures and you are kissed in every way even as he breathes into your skin to inhale the perfume and etch every expression into his memory.

“Long night indeed.”  

[birinboom]

I'm not crying at the ending, I promise I'm not...

I totally am T^T

This is SO GOOD! such beautiful imagery. I'm in love

Dragonfly

zhongli/f.reader

genre: morax/zhongi, immortal!cursed!reader, miko/shrinemaiden!reader, angst, hurt/comfort(?), slow burn, reunion, traveler is NOT y/n, implied xiao/traveler,

warning(s)!!: mentions of: death/repetitive deaths, war, past suicides, the suffering of immortality in a mortal body, for the sake of this fic dragonflies are semi-common in teyvat/liyue lol, xiao considers zhongli/reader parental figures, things will definitely not follow canon timelines, Xiao is a frequent/important character, characters may be ooc (im sorry)

w.count: 15.6k (i am so sorry)

SYNOPSIS: fate and time are cruel kings ruling over even gods. morax is no exception. the only human he ever fell in love with was twisted by fate to battle him in a brewing war. the image of the burning temple that she resided in rested behind his eyelids and not a day goes by that he does not still mourn and yearn. time had cruelly taken you away from him. or... had it?

“Hello Traveler!” The soft yet chipper voice of the ever-pranking funeral director calls out from behind the blond Outworlder. The day in Liyue was still young and bright as the umber-clad young lady walks up to both them and Paimon who had floated herself bouncily from the Traveler’s right shoulder to the left. 

“Oh,” Paimon begrudgingly acknowledges, form bobbing in the air comfortably. “It's Hu Tao.” 

“Paimon,” Traveler scolds, crossing their arms over their chest. Paimon just sighs as the blond looks to the funeral director who had come close enough for conversion and unfolds their arms, bringing them down to their sides relaxingly. “Good to see you, Hu Tao,” they greet with a small nod.

“Indeed,” Hu Tao nods back, closing her eyes briefly in glee before reopening them. “It is lovely to see you. Are you here to visit Liyue? Or, perhaps another pressing matter brought you back to this nation once again.” 

“It’s nothing drastic,” Traveler dismisses. “We just.... had some time on our hands. So, we’re just visiting.” Partially, that was the truth. However, the full truth was that there was most definitely something the pair could be doing instead of wandering around Liyue. But it was important to take time for yourself sometimes, right? 

“Well, feel free to stop by the Wangshu Funeral Parlor if you’re interested! I’d be happy to host the both of you for a meal.” 

“You mean, Zhongli would host us?” Paimon quips up knowing that, as Hu Tao’s consultant, Zhongli’s job descriptions can vary in terms of tasks. However, when Paimon spoke Hu Tao lifted her arms up towards herself. One wrapped around her chest and rested the elbow of her other, resting her curled fingers against her chin in thought. 

“Perhaps, not this time. Zhongli has had something on his mind these days.” The woman brought her curled hand and arms back down, now gesturing them softly in front of her as she spoke more. “It would feel distasteful to ask him to host guests at the moment.” 

The mention of Zhongli being mentally occupied made the Traveler and Paimon look at each other. They were privy to a lot of information the consultant kept tucked away from public knowledge- for good reason. The staged death of Morax for one. Although Hu Tao had once speculated that Zhongli could possibly be an Adeptus, she surely didn’t know that she wasn’t exactly far off from a bullseye. 

Still, the fact that Zhongli, the former Lord of Geo, was distracted so much that Hu Tao had essentially dismissed him of some of his duties was a concerning thought. He never seemed the type to dwell so much on something that it obstructed his work.

“I’ve tried asking him about it before,” Hu Tao continues, “since he gets like this around the same time every year. All he’s ever spoken to me about it is that someone he knew from his past had died around this time. It felt… wrong to pry into his past more for some reason.” It wasn’t an odd statement coming from her. She often took her work very seriously, even if she herself was a spitfire of a young lady. 

“Someone from his past died?” Paimon asked, already knowing about his past with the Adepti and The Seven. Perhaps, it had something to do with them? Either way, the concern was planted in the Traveler’s chest, so it felt only natural to find the ex-Archon and try and get some answers out of him. Maybe, since the pair had already known about his identity it would be easier to talk about. Or, that was the hope at least. 

Hu Tao and the Traveler spoke briefly for a moment longer with the usual snarky comment from Paimon before going their separate ways. Hu Tao had apparently been on her way out to fulfil a clients few specific requests and her stop for a chat was pushing to make her behind on her work. Paimon didn’t mind if she went on her way sooner rather than later, the dealing with the dead had always been creepy to the floating companion. 

Regardless, Hu Tao was a nice lady. Traveler would make sure to stop by and see her more, maybe indulge her hobby of poetry a bit. 

The two had walked around the busy streets of Liyue for a while trying to find Zhongli. He wasn’t at the funeral parlor, much to their dismay at making it an easy search, so they just starting wandering hoping to catch him somewhere along the way. Soon enough, they had wandered just far enough to catch a glimpse of his long brown tailcoat at Liyue Harbor. 

In retrospect, they should have started their search here if the funeral parlor was a bust. 

Zhonglig stood with his hands tucked neatly into each other behind his back, shoulders slack as he looked out over the landscape. He was basking in the solitude at the top arch of the harbor’s bridge when he hear the approaching sounds of footsteps. Turning his chin, he unclasped his hands and let his arms fall from his back before turning to greet the approaching Traveler. 

“Ah,” his deep voice reverberates and only the closest to him can detect the faux sound of a choked strain in it. “Greetings, Traveler.” 

“Hello, Zhongli!” Paimon greets floating just a fraction ahead of Traveler. “What were you doing?” She already begins to pry with a suspiciously high-strained voice. It just makes Traveler silently sigh and shake their head. She really needed to work on being more conspicuous. 

It’s quiet for a moment before Zhongli already catches on. Perhaps he can be a bit dense about certain aspects of the mortal realm, but he was by no means a fool. A smile finds its way on his lips in a moment of mild amusement at Paimon’s grace, or rather lack thereof. 

“I was merely lost in thought. Reminiscing about the past, you could say.” 

“The past?” She pressed again.

“Paimon,” the Traveler hisses for the second time that day. The floating girl just opened her jaw in mock offense before floating closer to them. 

“What? What did Paimon say now!” 

Zhongli’s low chuckle was a soft tune that at least showed he wasn’t offended by the blatant attempt at coaxing his thoughts out of his lips. 

“Did the Director send you to find me perhaps?” The fact that he was trying to slowly steer the conversation away wasn’t lost to the Traveler. Paimon and them both looked back to Zhongli shaking their heads. 

“Not exactly,” Traveler starts. 

“We did run into her though,” Paimon tacks on. “She told us you had been down in the dumps, so we came to check on you!” Paimon’s small hands came to her hips and her chest puffed out as if proud of her actions of checking in with a friend. 

Zhongli chuckles once again at the way Traveler places their hands on their hips as well,. Though, they were instead sending a playful scowl at the back of Paimon’s head.

“It is quite refreshing to see the two of you bicker,” he chides. “It certainly helps in easing the mind.” Once more, the two’s attention was drawn back to the former god. 

“So,” Traveler starts before Paimon could interject with something else, “there is something on your mind?” There was a growing fit of silence between the group of three, no one speaking in fear of shattering something they couldn’t exactly describe. Zhongli seemingly caved with a minuscule sigh kept more to himself than the harbor’s breeze. 

“The assumption that I’ve been a bit… preoccupied is correct. Lately, it seems I cannot focus on certain tasks for too long. My mind has a bit of a tendency to wander around this time of year.” Zhongli can already see the look of curiously mixed with concern written into the eyes of both Paimon and Traveler. His own eyes flick around the bridge and beyond the harbor’s main port before returning back to his visitors. “If you’re very interested to know, then I would not mind trying to explain it all over some tea. Though, it would be best if we took the topic of conversation elsewhere.” 

The sudden shift in his demeanor was almost palpable. It was like a cloak of grey mist started to waft around his very being at the mention of speaking his mind. Now that the two outsiders got the confirmation that whatever it was that was plaguing him was of the past he doesn’t let others know of, they were ready for a lengthy story. 

Zhongli had graciously invited the Traveler and Paimon to his personal abode, a place they had never even set eyes on. Of course, they knew he had to have had a place to stay and sleep, but for some reason it felt like all he ever did was walk around Liyue, do his work at the funeral parlor, or listen to stories at the Third-Round Knockout. It shouldn’t have been a shock to know he had his own home, but all the same, it was. 

It was simplistic inside, with the shelves being the only things of high value because of all the collected items he had bought and stored on them. Gesturing them both to a set of chairs between a table, he began brewing tea to serve as promised. 

Traveler sat awkwardly at first. Shuffling around in their chair while Paimon floated around the open space of the house being nosier than she should’ve been truthfully. Still, Zhongli didn’t say anything about her snooping so she continued to do so until the homeowner returned with a tray in his hands. 

A decorative teapot sat in the middle of the dark, wooden tray atop a plain towel; the steam of the hot, freshly brewed tea wisped out gracefully from its spout. Beside it were three small teacups placed upside down that clattered with the smallest sounds of finely made clay as he set the tray in the center of the table. Along with them was a small dish of cubes of sugar and a small creamer that held milk inside it. 

Zhongli skillfully took the teacups and flipped them over, setting them all upright and easily pouring the exact same amount of tea into each. The brew was dark and the steam wafted around the tabletop before dissipating into the air only to be replaced immediately with more. He slid two cups toward Traveler and the other to Paimon once she stopped her floating around and settled once again as the third member of the current party. He offered the milk and sugar to the two of them as well. 

“I prefer my tea black, but please help yourselves.” Zhongli settled into his own seat easily. One arm resting on the arm of his perch and the other on the table top to curl his fingers around the cup he had prepared for himself. His legs crossed out of habit and it was then that the Traveler realized he had taken off his tailcoat. It was purely out of habit to take it off when he had arrived to the privacy of his own home, and he didn’t even realize it himself- not that it mattered. It was simply a different look than they were used to. 

Paimon began dropping sugar cubes into her cup a bit too clumsily as small droplets splashed on her hand from the objects breaching the liquid causing her to yelp. In turn, the two seated companions offered her chuckles of amusement as she blew on her hand. Of course, it was hardly an injury- it was more a fright than a burn. 

“It’s hot,” Zhongli chided. 

“Gee, you think!” She then started dropping in cube after cube much more delicately. Or, rather she would drop them from the same height as before but immediately fly away when she let go so the upcoming splash wouldn’t touch her again. The Traveler made their own additions to their tea as well, but much less messily. 

The three settle into a comfortable silence filled with small sips of tea and clicks of returning cup to wooden table top. That is, until Zhongli broke it by placing a small wooden box on the table in front of him to join in with the teatray and it’s accessories. 

It was an elegant box the size of his fist. Golden edges wrapped in angular designs and a locked latch in the front of it. On the top of the lid was the symbol of a Geo Vision. At first, the two travelers thought that maybe this box is what he stored his fake Vision in when it wasn’t on his person. Pulling a small key from under his long-collared shirt, he unlocked the box and opened the lid. From where the Traveler sat with the lid facing them, they still couldn’t get a peek inside. 

The last thing they expected Zhongli to pull out of the cushioned, plush lined box was a hair ornament. 

Modeled in the shape of a dragonfly, the piece was carefully handled by the ex-archon and placed so very delicately on the table. The wings of the dragon fly were filled with a crystal that shone green and teal, the colors shifting with the light and angle as which it was gazed upon. The piece itself was designed as a hairstick, acting as an elegant means to pen up locks of hair- the metal rod of the stick seemed well suited for such a job. Matching teal-green crystal beads hung from the bottom tips of each wing as decorative tails. 

It was a beautiful piece to gaze at. 

Zhongli kept his hand on the table right next to it, his fingertips just a breath away from touching it again. When Paimon got a bit too close while gazing at it, Traveler could see the slightest twitch run through his fingers. As if the ex-Archon was anxious about Paimon getting too close to it. Still, to not be rude he said nothing as she continued to narrowing gawk. 

“Paimon, back up a little,” Traveler said, sitting forward a bit to try and act like they were trying to get a better look while simultaneously trying to get Paimon to back off a bit. When Paimon floated back to her place by her teacup, Zhongli’s shoulders loosened like he was relieved at the distance between the reckless floating fairy and this clearly important item. 

“You were curious on what has been on my mind, yes? This is a one reason I’ve been rather… absent as of late.” 

“You’ve been spacing out over a hairstick?” Paimon asked astonishingly. Zhongli shook his head. 

“Not quite.” His fingers uncurled and genly brushed over one of the beaded tails, letting the crystals bump over his fingertips. His eyes softened, yet that cloak of grey melancholy came back to him. “It’s more about who this was going to belong to.” 

Traveler and Paimon both had questions, but remained silent. They both settled into their respective places ready to listen to the story he was surely about to unweave. They knew that the tea would grow cold and kettle drank empty by the time it was all finished. Though, the look in his eyes and the way his voice grew softer in a way that pulled at the heart made the eternity of sitting in one place much easier to bare. 

“This ornament was going to be a gift to someone I knew a very long time ago. I never had the chance to give it too her, however; so, I keep it here with me where it is safe. I cannot bare to throw it out, even after all this time.” 

It seemed crazy, how the two swore his eyes had grown misty just saying those few sentences. How this story is going to start all because of a crystal dragonfly from millenia past.

There were many places that had been tainted and driven to ruin due to the war raging by the Archons. Gods were battling each other for power, others trying to flee from another’s unjustly wrath. Some even tried defending their people instead of taking place in battles or retreating. It was chaos and there were few corners of the old world of Teyvat that wasn’t splattered in a thick muck of bloodshed. 

Still, that didn’t mean everywhere had been tainted. No. This fact rang true as Morax had discovered one fateful day a small territory cleansed of blood and impurity. 

Hidden behind a barrier he had stumbled upon in the middle of a half dead forest, the invisible viel hid everything beyond it from sight. In fact, if he hadn’t happened to be near it, the Archon probably wouldn't have noticed it in the first place. The barrier itself easily gave and allowed him passage inside which led him to believe it was more of a mask than a shield. 

Walking through it led him to a forest of lush floral and trees that thrived surrounding a small section of land that housed no more than 500 people perhaps. A small village with huts scattered around plots of farmland and a rather luxurious palace atop it all. It was a farcry from the near-deathly state of the outside world and the whiplash of it made him momentarily wonder if he was somehow succumbing to some sort of hallucination. 

Morax walked through the dirt paths all the way until the thick wall that cut off the eastern styled palace from the rest of the people. Walls tall and made of a stone the God of Geo had to have created at somepoint. The craftsmanshift of it was marvelous he had to admit as there was not the slightest crack between the stacked stone. Easily vaulting himself onto the tall wall, he gazes beyond it’s perimeter. 

Inside of the sturdy walls, he could see six different buildings. Along the two side walls of stone stood two houses each. Two west and two east, separate yet built so similar he could easily mistake the four as clones of each other if not for his experienced eyes that had seen such fine details over his life. Connecting these four abodes from west to east were grey, stone paths. The same cobblestone led beyond the front gate he had forwent as he perched atop the wall and led straight forward to a single building that was larger than the rest. Morax assumed that was the main estate just from the grandeur of it compared to the lacking other four. 

Though, the final building is harder for the curious immortal to see. It was built directly behind the main estate, no doubt also connected with the same clean stone paths that weaved through the courtyards. All Morax could see of this building was it’s roof, the same tiled and burned color as the high status homes around it. 

Morax straightened his body from it’s crouched position and began to gracefully walk along the stone wall. Getting new angles of the buildings inside, he soon grew close enough to the main estate that he easily lept to it’s roof. Landing as if the air lessened his weight, he could now view that one single building he hadn’t yet more clearly. 

Immediately, the Archon recognized it as a temple that without a doubt housed priests and priestess alike. Some may be masters at their craft and others may be but small, inexperienced fledgings beyond those sacred walls. 

The idea of a temple like that in an uncharted and untainted territory flared his curiosity. So much so, he was hardly in control of his instincts as he once more lept gracefully from the estate’s rooftop onto the stone paths. His barefeet made a sound of collision when his heels touched the man-made path, and continued to make the same shuffling sounds as he walked straight into the temple. 

Morax did not run into a single person in the temple, though he could hear matras and practices from around different open training fields. Even the soft plunks of arrows being driven into targets for archery precision and the chiming of bells for cleansing. The open halls of the temple and the roof over his head that kept the sun’s heated glare from his figure felt comforting. 

Being in a place so filled with peace and sounds of anything but war was outlandish to the otherwise warrior-type god. Morax had contracts to fulfill and his own principals to protect while fending off other gods trying to level his unnamed throne. Taking out a few of his own violation never did any harm to strengthen his gag between himself and others.

The god had walked so freely that he soon found himself under the sun again. Instead of in the open halls of marble floors and burgundy columns, Morax was standing amidst a field of wild grass, flowers, trees, and bushes. It was like the lush forest outside the stone perimeter allowed a single bit of it’s ecosystem inside the temple just for the mortals to bask in. 

A small humming of wings quickly caught Morax’s attention amidst the sounds of the wind’s breeze and dancing leaves. His chin led his head in the direction before coming to see a small dragonfly hovering around him before landing on his shoulder. The view of the insect was neary cut off by the hood he always wore over his head, but the bug itself was peaceful just resting it’s wings on the god’s shoulder for respite. 

For a moment, the warrior of countless battles felt relief. For just that moment, the weight of such responsibility with his temperament lifted all because a small insect decided to rest on him. 

The dragonfly’s respite did not last. The little critter’s wings began to hum again and soon began to hover off and before Morax could stop his feet, he found himself following it. Bare feet stepping over well worn paths of flattened grass and dirt patches. Not long from where had previously stood, he stopped at seeing where the small insect had flown to in lieu of himself. 

The eyes of the archon landed on the first person Morax had seen since entering this temple- although uninvited, presence unknown and undetected. Reaching out a delicate hand with her index finger extended, the dragonfly landed easily on the appendage. 

A priestess knelt elegantly in the tall grass, previously inspecting herbs when she heard the familiar buzz of wings. The hakama pants that folded at her legs were neatly pleaded without a crease out of place and her kosode tucked perfectly into the trousers- not a wrinkle to critque. Her hair had been loosing tied back with a red hair ribbon that fluttered in the breeze that kept the tall grass swaying like waves of spring. 

The wind picked up when the dragonfly lifted off her fingers and off back towards Morax. It was like the little creature had led him straight to her and was now directing her vision back so they could meet each other’s gaze. 

It was all thanks to that one, small bug that Morax and first made eye contact with you.

“Oh,” your small voice of surprise- at seeing such an odd looking man in the overgrown, private gardens of the temple- carried on the same wind that the dragonfly danced in. You stood and dusted off your knees, knocking any sticking dirt off your bottoms before standing up properly. You inspected the man in front of you.

Arms dark as earth with cracks of glowing gold. Clad in a white cloak that split five ways down  and encompassed with a golden belt at his waist with a hood pulled over his head. The hair you could see whipping lightly in the wind behind his back was dark in color matching his arms. His trousers were wide open and baggy around his legs, only encasing snuggly around his ankles. His impressive stature gained your attention easily and you could tell he wasn’t exactly something mortal. It would be ridiculous to think just at the sight of his arms alone, not to mention the air around him seemed so… powerful. 

“My apologies, I wasn’t aware we were expecting a guest today,” the courteous smile you sent him made him wonder if you weren’t at least a little apprehensive of his unexpected presence. 

“You weren’t made aware because no one aside from yourself is aware of my being here.” 

“I see,” you muse. “I hope you are aware that qualifies you as a trespasser.” 

“Trespasser?” Morax gapped, losing his composure for a moment. His brows dipped in offense under his hood, his pride kicking into his throat through his words. “I am no such being.” 

“Ah, but aren’t you just? You said yourself, no one knows you’re here. Yet, you end up in the presence of this temple’s Miko. If that does not mean you’re trespassing, what does?” Morax’s eyes hidden under his hair and flick from your head to your feet and back up again. You were the head shrine maiden? You seemed so young and yet you held such an important position? It planted a pebble of doubt in him.

Then again, if he focused on you properly, he could barely see a small circular arua around your frame. It was like a barrier was placed around you, one protected you from the outside and anything that could taint you. Exactly like the barrier surrounding the territory he had more or less invaded. Honing your spiritual power like that so young, he would’ve perhaps tutted in impressiveness if you hadn’t challenged his very being moments ago. 

Still, Miko or not, he still outranked you. Crossing his arms over his chest, their golden geo pulsed with a soft light. 

“With such a rank you possess, are you still so unaware when a God stands before you? A pity.” 

“On the contrary,” you smile to him and his brow again twitches at your nonchalance. “I’m being quite respectful if you think on it. If you were simply a noble who lives among the palace homes, I would’ve quickly dealt with you since only a select few from outside are allowed entry into the temple. Much less this garden which is private and limited to my attendance only.” 

“Are you implying you could force me away at any moment should you please?” His voice grew tight in challenge. His sense of traquilty from before discovering you was dimming and the frigid air of his battle sense were returning even as the wind continued to caress you both. 

“I assure you I would do no such thing. I’m simply proving that even in the presence of a God, I will not yield since I do not even know which is in front of me. Not to mention, this land has no God to speak of or for. So, if you think about it that way, I am where one would hypothetically stand.” 

Oh. 

Morax felt something stir in his chest at the teasing tilt in your voice that spilled over your lips that curled into a smile. Your eyes were so clean and clear, it was like staring into crystals and he had the urge to create a new form of geo just to replicate them. The feeling was foreign to him, but it shocked him greatly when he realized it wasn’t an unwelcome stir. 

He finally dropped his crossed arms and began to decrease the distance between you both. Morax came to stand in front of you so he could get an even better look at your features. As such, you could now look easily under his hood as he stood above you. His eyes seemed to glow a lovely shade of amber that complemented his glowing, golden skin and dark hair. 

“Address me as, Morax,” he instructed. Your taunting smile turned soft and wide as your eyes closed in the most pleased expression he had seen in years. His amber eyes widened at the innocence and the small bells of laughter that left your throat towards him shook his unshakeable core. 

“That’s much better,” you said, now obviously pleased. “I’m, y/n. It’s an honor to meet you, Morax.” 

It was his name rolling off your tongue- spreading into the wind that had blown harshly for but a moment- that sent an earthquake that started at his chest and spread through his whole body. It was the sound of his own death sentence and he was once again shocked at how he easily accepted that he would definitely be back to this temple. Be back to this garden of overgrown grass and floral. 

Morax would definitely be back to you. 

As promised, Morax had been back to that temple several times since the first time he met you. When the weight of the archon war was- ironically- too heavy, or if he needed a place to escape just for a moment he would seek you out. It was quiet ridiculous how you had somehow wormed your way into his very soul and wrapped him around your finger. 

The Lord of Geo had come to learn much about you in the time he spent by your side. Your favorite flowers and scents, when you had started your priestess training, when you had progressed to the skill level you possess now and how long you had been the acting miko of the temple. Your favorite type of weather, or time of day, or season. In turn, he had confessed things about himself as well. 

How he had been around for as long as the world- or so it sometimes felt that way. How he’s in the middle of a grand and merciless war with other gods presumably because of issues to do with celestia. How he had taken many lives of both mortals and gods alike all for the sake of his own land and people. The very feeling of battle is engraved in his bones like names on a tombstone, yet it didn’t seem to push you away. 

It was laughable. The very Being of war and battle was utterly infautated with you, a mortal being of purity and values. Of course, you were alway assure him that what he did was just his own values, especially his strictness with any contract he made. You neved judged him for his sins and the weight they carried, but you never outwardly agreed with him either. You told him what he needed to hear, not what he wanted and he cherished those words so dearly. If he had any less self-restraint, Morax could easily let himself take your very words as law itself.

Yet again, it was another day he had left his duties behind him as he found you kneeling in the fields of grass once again. Leaping from the outerwalls, to the rooftops of the estate, to the roof of the temple, he easily lands like a pebble hitting sand next to you. It was the rush of air beside you that alerted you of his attendance rather than any sound he made- or didn’t make. 

“Hello again, Morax,” you greet as you thumb through the herbs and check the petals of nearby wildflowers. Morax kneels at your side before sitting fully in the grass, one of his knees bent up to prop his arm on with the other stretched out in front of him. A rather relaxed position you had insisted he use instead of kneeling for however long he visits would last. 

“Good afternoon,” he replies. It’s silent for a while after that. The atmosphere of simply being with you was good enough for Morax. That was until the urge to speak and hear you speak in return hit his throat. “Your people seem more rowdy than usual.” He didn’t need super-enhanced senses to tell that the noise had increased since his last visit. 

“You can tell that even though you’ve never properly been inside?” 

“I have been inside.”

“No one knew that thought,” you tease with a finger that flicked back and forth a few times. “So, it isn’t a proper stroll in my temple.” Morax playfully chuckles at your antics. “You are correct though.” 

“Is there a reason?” He had noticed it since he arrived, but the air around you seemed heavy. “Something seems to be weighing on you.” 

“You’re perceptive. I suppose I shouldn’t be shocked about that considering-” 

“Y/n.” 

You sigh before the hand that had been thumbing at flower petals falls back into the tresses of wild grass and to the ground at your side. 

“The monks are gathering in a rush under Master Jiang’s orders.” Morax’s brow furrows at the information. You had mentioned this Master Jiang before. He was apparently a traveling monk that had previously been nomadic. Though, since the archon war had only gotten worse over the course of time, he had settled in the safety of your barrier and subsequently in your temple. 

On the rare occasions you let your irritations get the best of you, you spilled your guts to Morax about how he was constantly chanllenging your power and position in the temple. Thinking he was better because he was older with more experience beyond the protective walls of your home. Along with the misguided misogyny of being a man. It was one thing after another, spouting off about anything that irked you until you got all your curses off your lips in the privacy of the archon. 

Morax had not met this Jiang- not to mention anyone else outside of you inside the temple sense his visits weren’t exactly documented- but he already strongly disliked him. Now, he was trying to taking charge of your temple?

“For what purpose.” You do no respond to him right away and it sends a jolt through his nervous system. “Y/n. For what purpose,” he repeats with a heavier tone. You let out a sigh that feels as heavy as your aura as you sit in the field of wildgrass and flowers with the closest being to your heart. 

“He’s afraid that we’re going to soon be effected by the war as well.” You didn’t need to specify which war, he was more than well aware which you were referring to. 

Among the other things he had learned about you, he had come to understand why your people were save from the archon’s destruction so far. It was because of you and your power. 

Inside the temple was a specific place for you to practice your skills and keep the barrier around your precious home. That didn’t showcase all you could do, however and Morax knew it. Keeping the living things inside safe and keeping all the taint out. If something did happen to get inside your barrier, you were quickly dispatched to purify it. You could tell the moment something breached your safe haven, all the proof he needed as his first appearance to you. 

You had admitted ot him once that the reason you didn’t immediately cast him out was simply because you didn’t feel any hostility from his presence. He had no intention on hurting your people or home, so you allowed him access in. That barrier was an extension of your power; constant proof you were so much stronger than that stupid old monk was trying to plat down. 

Morax had only heard the sound of your birch tree bowstring plucked once before, and the air instantly felt cleaner. He’d heard bells in the distant halls while he waited for you in the treetops of your private garden to avoid the chance of being seen. While with you, he had picked up on a masking you placed over him so he couldn’t be detected by others and kept safe from prying eyes. Your power still astonished him even after all this time. 

“That’s asinine,” he growled. The whole ordeal of it all just set the message that they didn’t trust you and your abilities. After all you had done since you were a child to protect these people, after everything you’ve sacrificed, and they’re doubting you now? When your powers were in their prime? It was insulting. 

“Morax-”

“Do not try and save their value but udnermining your own.” 

“I’m not!” You cry in exasperation. You let out another sigh before letting your body lean into his shoulder and against his propped up leg. Morax froze up as your body softly collided with his own. While you had him attached to your very being, hook line and sinker, he had never once touched you. Not a single brush of his fingertips to your body or even allowing your legs to touch as you sat side by side. 

The side of his body you rested on felt like a volcano on his geo-ingraved skin. 

“Sorry,” you whisper. “Could I stay like this just for a moment longer?” 

His arm that you leaned against came to wrap around your shoulder and push your head further against him. The archon lowered his leg to join the other on the ground just so he could have you closer to him. His chin rested by your forehead and he closed his eyes letting you invade every one of his senses. Squeezing your form as he felt the trembles you tried to conceal and force to stay inside, not letting yourself break as much as he wanted you to. Morax wanted you to feel safe and open with him, but he understood all too well how difficult a task that was as someone of your strict upbringing. 

“Stay here as long as you need. I will not move.” Morax was geo, the land itself. He created mountains and stone and they all know his name. He was a god of contracts and his words were just as serious as those that he holds so strictly to them. The Lord of Geo would stay your unyielding pillar for as long as you needed him. That he promised to himself as he felt your small drops of tears silently fall onto his chest that he dare not mention. The urge to wipe them away and treasure you like a fragile bell ached within him, but he dare not act on those either.

For but a brief moment, Morax- the Geo Archon- wished for a single second he was mortal. That he was like you.  

Morax had no idea how this happened. What had gone wrong? Was it him? Did his sudden intrusion into your life of purity ruin everything? As a god, did his divine hands finally touch something he was never meant to?

Weeks ago you had urgently awaited his normal time of arrival but as soon as he showed, you urgently told him to leave. To leave the temple, the palace, the barrier- all of it- and never come back. You had demanded he return to the world he knew, the one filled with smoke and war and ongoing conquests. His chest filled with thick, black tar as you screamed at him and he did what any sane being would do. Morax screamed back, unable to understand and he was losing his patience bit by bit.  

The Archon wanted answers, none of which he demanded for were satisfing. The monks had finally discovered that you had been meeting with an outsider from beyond the barrier; to make matters worse, they knew it was Morax who had been active in the outside war since it begun. They were focring you to make a decision and the best course of action was to push him away before things got too out of hand and would be to a point where you could do nothing. 

It made no sense to Morax. He could help, he was certain of it. He’d let you direct him, use him how you like and pull his actions like a puppet on willing strings. He’d follow your every order to the letter if you just wouldn’t force him out and shun him like you were desperately trying to do. 

You wouldn’t yield. 

Morax hated your stubbornness now more than ever. You finally forced him away with a bracellet you had made yourself that was nothing but clear-ringing, golden bells threaded with red string. The sound they made amplified your power and he knew at just the meresight of them you were trying to make him leave. 

With one flick of your wrist, he could feel invisible threads of nothing wrap around his limbs and begin to tug. Once more he tried to reason something- anything- out of you, but was met with nothing but a second ring of bells that yanked his whole being out of your barrier. Forced out and finding himself outside, he was furiously frustated. Summoning his polearm, he let out a cry before thrusting it into and then subsequently through the neearst tree effectively slicing it down.  

Your final words to him stay in his ears like a parasite- pounding against his eardrums so violently he was afraid they'd burst if they continued to torment him. 

“If you ever return, I will have no choice but to take further actions, Morax.” 

Morax had to stay away from you. It’s what you wanted; or maybe it wasn’t your wish- but it’s what you said. What you demanded he do. Still, he didn’t know when this happened. Morax didn’t know when he decided that the last thing he would ever do is stay away. 

Therefore, Morax still returned into your barrier and through your territory. Just as you had said, you were true to your words. 

The moment you felt his presence trespass inside your barrier, you evacuated the palace and with the same bells you sent him away with, you summoned him back. It was like he was teleported with magic, the same invisble strings that had yanked him out now drew him in. The ringing of your bells reverated in his ears before he was standing in that same overgrown field. 

Morax stood in the one spot he first saw you and you took presence in the spot he had found you kneeling. This time, there were no dragonflies humming in the air and something in him knew there never would be again. 

“I told you,” you choked. 

“I refuse to listen to a moral’s orders,” he bit back. It was a lie. He said he’d listen to your every word, and he meant it. Even when his desperate pleas to stay by you landed him nowhere by alone. 

Morax knew there was only one option left as he eyed the staff in your hand. Your grip was so tight around it your hand trembled with the sheer force of it. Your head shook with micro-swivels on your neck as you kept your eyes on the ground. 

“You should have.” Morax’s polearm materialized at his side in a moment before he took it’s familiar grip into his palm. He had only ever told you of his weapon, never wanting to show you in case it tainted you somehow. All that silly precaution seemed so pointless now. 

The gentle breeze he was accustomed to had become bone chilling as you lifted your chin to finally look at him. Morax almost caved seeing your angry tears, but as you moved to engage in battle, he let his body move on it’s own. The god who was so accustomed to battle just wanted to shut his brain off for this one. 

Morax didn’t want to do this. 

The battle between you both was a long one. You screamed at each other. Sometimes words, sometimes just sounds of angusih and pain. You knew Morax was holding back on you, you didn’t have the power to fully stop a god and you knew it. Morax knew it. Whether he was holding back because of his affections for you or because he was toying with you, you couldn’t figure it out. The power of your barrier did limit his abilities some, but it was hardly enough to be considered a handicap.

Still, somehow, you had knocked his polearms from his hand before you forced him onto his back into the grass. 

His cloack was torn and his arms of geo-glowing beauty seemed dim and dark like the shadow cast over his eyes. His hood had been knocked back while his hair was tosseled and battleworn. Your body and his were covered in cuts and burns and scrapes. Everything hurt from inside your body to the outside. 

You had him on his back as you climbed over him. Your legs pinned his arms down and your weight sat on his chest, the bottom of your staff pushing into his throat as your labored breaths shook throughout your whole body. All you had to do with lift your staff just a fraction and slam it back down and you could do some major purifying damage to his body. It probably wouldn’t kill him… but what if it did? Did you have it in your to purify a god? Maybe if you tried, it would take all your strength and you could die together. You almost scoff at yourself- 

-wouldn’t that be just poetic.

You could feel his own chest heaving under your weight and you knew he could easily throw you off him if he wanted to. Just like before though, he did nothing. He just lay in the grass beaten and battered as he glared beyond the staff’s pole into your face. You hated the look in his eyes.

“Will you not follow through?” He chastised with so much venom you wanted to vomit. The staff shook once with both of trembling hands holding it above his neck. You had to- it was your duty. You would be betraying your people if you let him live. For your people, for the cowardice monks who forced you here, for your ignorance for thinking you could keep Morax by your side without consequence. For everything you had trained for until now, you had to get rid of him. You had to!

Morax sucked in a breath as he readied his neck to be pulverized. Your staff came away from his throat… and soon your weight was being pushed off his body entirely. Raising to your shaking, exposed legs from your torn trousers, you took staggering steps backward from him. Morax’s glare morphed into shock as he raised to his elbows to watch you retreat. 

“What-” 

He watched  your chest heave with frustrated tears. Choked, uneven sobs tore at your throat as you screamed before throwing your staff far from your grip. You heard it clank against Morax’s discarded polearm and thought for a moment how ironic it was. Your weapon reuinited with his in your moment of weakness- your lowest point of failure. The moment you threw duty away and chose yourself for once. 

“I can’t,” you cry, falling to your knees into the singed and destroyed field that once flourished so wonderuflly. “Please, go,” you beg. Morax climbs to his feet, wincing at the wounds on his body before calling for his polearm again. Once it was again in his grip, he looked at the dried blood of yours that litered the blade. The Lord of Geo immedately dismissed it, watching it disapate into the air from whence he summoned it. He simply stood there, looking down at your crumbling frame. 

What were you doing? You were going against your practices and willingly letting a supposed threat escape. He took one step in your diection, still so woefully attached to you. Watching you tear at the seams and keep unraveling in front of his very eyes. He was at a loss; what could he do to even begin to ease your suffering when he himself was part of it?  

“No.” You could feel his eyes on you and his want to approach you burnt the top of your head at which he gazed. “Be gone.” You demand once again like the first day you chased him off. You didn’t hear him move and in a fit of nothing left, you tore off your bell bracellet and threw it in his direction. “Go back to where you belong!”  And in a mere moment, his presence vanished and you broke completely. The eyes of the monks watched as you sobbed in the gardens, the battle they made you wage concluding with no victor. 

“Zhongli…” the story behind the hairpiece and his grief was heavier than either Paimon or Traveler was expecting. 

“I had planned to gift this to y/n during one of our meetings. I knew she wouldn’t be allowed to wear it of course,” he chuckled bitterly to himself. “For a great many of reasons. Still,” it would’ve proven to myself she was mine. Zhongli cleared his throat. “Regardless, I think I’ve spoken enough for once. The tea has run out and you both surely have other arrangements as the day is waning.” 

“Paimon doesn’t think-” 

“Then, we’ll be off,” Traveler interjects. Zhongli was just being polite but what he was really saying was that he wanted to be alone. “Thank you for telling us. Y/n sounded like a wonderful person.” 

“Tis but a story.” The way he replied made it sound like he was trying to convince himself more than them. The two left his home, leaving him still sitting at the table with an empty teacup and still holding that crystal winged dragonfly like it was Teyvat’s most precious treasure. 

It was quiet between Paimon and the Traveler as they walked aimlessly around Liyue. The Traveler’s mind boggled at the information they had been told and grew curious to any they hadn’t. They were almost certain that there was more to your story, but Zhongli couldn’t bare to say anymore. 

“Wait,” Traveler stopped in the middle of the path, bringing their hand to cup around their mouth in thought. “That all happened during the Archon War, right?” 

“Paimon thinks she remembers him mentioning that. Why?” 

“Do you think Xiao would know anything about it?” Traveler thought about it, but if memory served Morax was the one who granted Xiao his name. As Paimon looked at the blond with wonder, a voice spoke behind them. 

“You called?” 

Paimon’s screech echoed into the air as the Traveler spun around, not expecting the very apedtus to show up. Xiao sure took the calling of his name seriously. 

“Paimon never-” the floating companion looked to the blonde. “Oh, yeah. I guess we kinda did.” Xiao crosses his arms as he stands expectantly. The daytime hours were few in remaints and the streets began to slowly thin in populous, so he was less reserved about being around people, Though, he still didn’t want to linger either. Regardless of his wants, he noticed the air of tensity around you both. 

“Did something happen.” It wasn’t a question, it hardly was when Xiao was involved. 

“Do you know anything about a woman named y/n?” Xiao’s body when frigid as he dropped his arms and quickly stepped up to the both of you. Coming nearly toe to toe as the Traveler squeaked and took a half step back. 

“How do you know that name.” Once again, Xiao wasn’t asking. Traveler looked around and decided that standing in the middle of the road wasn’t the best place for this conversation. 

“Let’s go somewhere else.” 

The newly formed trio had migrated outside the city and out into the wilderness by a river.  Xiao and Traveler took to sitting among stones, Xiao crossing his legs and Traveler letting their’s dangle. Paimon’s ever floating presence never going too far from the two. They sat and listened to the sound of the bable of running water, trying to find a way to reopen the previously halted conversation. 

“Did Rex Lapis tell you about y/n?” Xiao ripped the bandage off first, something Traveler was almost thankful for. “That’s the only possible conclusion I can think of if you know her name since she wasn’t memorialized during her lifetime.” 

“Yeah, he did. I’m pretty sure he chased us out before he could tell us everything though.” Xiao nodded. Earnest understanding shone in his eyes but there was something else behind those irises of his, but the Traveler couldn’t figure out what it was. “Did you knew her too, Xiao?” He nodded again. 

“Not long after Morax found me and gave me my name, I found out that he was frequently paying visitation to a mortal woman. I thought he was being reckless, so he took me to meet her one day.” 

“He took you himself?” Paimon questioned. 

“Yes. He wanted to prove a point.” 

Xiao could still remember his first impression of you.  You had scolded Morax as soon as he landed in the familiar garden, arms crossed and mouth opening in reprimands. Calling him foolish for bringing a highly detectable entity beyond your barrier- one he didn’t even realize he had breached with his archon- and that if you hadn’t masked his spiritual signal just like how you did with his own, he’d be in a world of trouble. 

Seeing Morax take your scolding as he stood there bemused, Xiao’s first thought was that he did not like you. He distrusted you. What kind of mortal argues with a god on what they can and cannot do like you did? It was ludicrous. Still, the moment Morax introduced him as his newest comrade named Xiao, you smiled at him. You sent along with that smile a warm welcome and he suddenly felt awkward. 

“Xiao,” you called to his back before he was to leave with Morax at the need to return back outside your walls. He did not turn around to face you, but he did not move until you spoke again. “Feel free to come back and visit anytime. I’ll keep you covered.” 

“Rex Lapis- Morax- was the one who saved me and gave me the name Xiao. I respect him and owe him a great deal- a debt I may not truly be able to ever repay in full. In mortal terms, some may say he’s like a father to me.” Xiao’s chin lifted up to the darkening sky. The day had felt so long, the Traveler hadn’t realized just how late it was beginning to get. “If Morax was a father, then y/n was my mother."

The yaksha can still remember the first time he had sought you out for himself without Morax with him he was recoiling from karmic debt. It didn’t take a genius to know that he felt lighter in your presence- your purifying light helping ease his burdensn whether you did so purposely or not. 

It was late into the night when you had awoken abruptly from your sleep to the sensation of Xiao passing through the barrier. You sprung up from your futon, quickly focusing on his approach and cloaking him the best you could. His energy was rough, dark and pulsing and it worried you. You quickly made your way out to the garden where you knew he’d be and unshockingly enough was when you arrived. 

Curled into himself on his knees, his arms wrapped around his torso as black smoke engulfed him like vines. Gasping and sweating, he weakly stay collapsed in the grass as you ran to his side. 

“Xiao!” You whispered in anxiety as you knelt next to him, your eyes teary in fright. “What’s happening to you?” He didn’t answer, just shook his head with heavy, labored breaths. The moment, your hand came to rest on his back, his eyes rolled back with a fraction of his burden easing off his shoulders. Xiao slumped into you, his shoulder and neck pushing into your legs as his head rested partially on your stomach. His sudden collison knocked you back into the grass, your previously kneeling form now firmly planted on the ground. 

“Please,” he gasped as your other hand had come to his shoulder that wasn’t pushing into your lap. “Please, could you… sing.” In truth, he wasn’t sure why he asked that of you. He didn’t know what possessed him to request something so odd, but regardless of the oddity, you did. Your mouth had opened and you slowly and softly began to sing him a lullaby he had never heard before that night. 

It was like a blanket of early morning mist started to coat his burning, heavy body. His aching came to a slow stop as his mind became clearer. You sang the lullaby over and over again until the effects of his karmic debt had disappeared into the evening air. Even when he went completely lax on your lap and your hands had moved to run through his hair and across his back, you kept singing until early that next morning Morax had come to retrieve his missing Adeptus. 

As Xiao in the present looked at the stars, tracing constellations, he once again was reminded of your lullaby. You sang that to him many times after that and he remembered every single instance. It wasn’t far-fetched to say that the reason Barbarto’s song’s calmed him so is because he’s reminded of you in those moments and tunes. 

Yes, Xiao came to revere you just as much as his Archon- even though you were just a mere mortal. 

“So,” Traveler spoke up softly, trying to gently pull him from his obvious reminiscing. “What happened to y/n? Zhongli mentioned that he had fought her, but what happened then? Did they ever see each other again?” 

“No,” Xiao’s face contorted into a grimmance as his fist’s balled in his lap. “Y/n was executed before Morax could ever see her again.” His fists were so tightly balled they shook, clearly he still resented the fate you had been subjected to. 

“Executed?!” Paimon exclaimed. “But- but why?!” 

“Because she let Morax live.” The yaksha’s eyes narrowed as he gnashed his teeth. “Those filthy monks that poisoned her temple confined her to a dungeon cell where they starved and deprived her of anything. Letting her suffer for days before placinig a curse and executing her all because she refused kill an Archon.” 

“Did those people really not like Archons that much?” Paimon asked. 

“They were monsters!” He exclaimed. “Y/n had been raised to choose the people over her own desires, but the moment she wanted something for herself they-” 

“Xiao,” Traveler interrupted, reaching out their hand to place it on his folded knee. 

“She didn’t deserve the fate they gave her.” Traveler only nodded at his solemn tone. “When her execution was carried out, Morax… he reacted to an extreme.” 

“An extreme?” Paimon inquires. Xiao nodded, lifting his head back up from where it had been tucked towards his chest in anger. 

“The moment y/n’s barrier disappeared Morax stormed inside. He destroyed everything he could get his hands on. I… I was with him.” Xiao was enraged at the news of your demise, but he knew as he watched the back of his Archon as took the lives of the lowly monks who dared try to outrank you that the grief and emotions Morax felt course through him far outweighed his own. 

By day's end, the entire palace, surrounding village, and temple were all up in flames or crushed into rubble. Standing among the burning wreckage that stunk of ash, blood and death Morax plunged his polearm into the earth and screamed with no one left to witness him aside from Xiao. Instead of trying to approach his archon, he instead kept his eyes on the remains of buildings going up in flames like a personal pyre in remembrance of you. 

“After that, Morax stopped talking about her to anyone. It was like he pushed her into the recesses of his mind and tried to erase her altogether. With the meeting of other Archons and the assembly of Liyue, it seemed like he was trying to move forward.” 

“Poor Zhongli,” Paimon whined. “Star crossed lovers sure are sad to think about.” 

“To this day, there’s no one y/n has cared for as deeply as Morax.” At Xiao’s confession, Traveler’s ears perked. Did they hear that right? 

“Hold on,” they started, “what do you mean ‘to this day’?” Xiao’s body stiffened. He cleared his throat before he looked away, hoping that silence would push past his slip up. “Xiao!” 

“It meant nothing.” 

“Liar.” 

“I am not.” 

“Paimon thinks so too!” 

“Your input does not encourage much.” 

“Hey!” 

“Xiao,” Traveler tries again, arms crossing over their chest as they straighten their sitting posture on the stone they still sat on. Xiao cursed himself at deflating so easily in the face of the blond’s pressure. 

The Adeptus took after his Archon in that sense it would seem. 

“If you can keep it a secret,” he hesitated, “then I have somewhere to take you.” Xiao’s face turned back and looked the Traveler into the eyes.  They could see just house uneasy his gaze was, yet still under it was a stern ‘this is important’ before everything else. They nodded deeply towards him and force another sigh from his lips. The two of them jump from their stone seats as Xiao points in a direction. “Then follow me.” 

“Paimon can keep a secret too!” 

“Somehow, I doubt that.” Still, Xiao let her follow him too. The more the merrier you’d say- or at least he hopes. 

“I had no idea there was a place like this in Liyue!” Paimon exclaims after Xiao had taken both her and the Traveler along a path through the forests and into a clearing. After approaching what appeared to be nothing, his figured seemed to pass through something. The two who accompanied him both gawked at his sudden disappearance into thin air before he was reappearing from nowhere. ‘Hurry up,’ he had told them as they cautiously followed his once again disappearing back. 

Beyond the boundary of nothingness was a fairly large home that was longer than the clearing thy where previously in. The path forward was lined with trees and during the daytime they provided comfortable shade for any who walked under them. Now though, they just casted nighttime shadows of moonlight. The air felt different from the forest’s air as well. As if it had been filtered through something and made even cleaner than normal. 

Xiao walked with confidence through the path of trees and up the steps of the elongated home like he had done it a million times before. He didn’t even stop to check and make sure that both Traveler and Paimon were still behind him and hadn’t instead wandered off. The lanterns that lit the halls cast moving shadows along the walls and they danced off Xiao’s back as they continued to trail after his heels. 

Soon, he came to a stop outside a set of doors before looking at Traveler briefly then back again. He knocked twice around the hardened sides of the doorframe and didn’t wait for any signs of noise before taking further action. Sliding them open, he stepped inside and the Traveler and Paimon naturally followed.  

It was a large room, a small floor desk tucked away on one side littered with papers, books and ink. Another set of doors opposite from the ones he had just walked through led out to an open terrace that further pushed out into a stone garden. On the opposite side of the room was an unfurled, messy futon that lacked a body to rest inside it. 

Xiao sighed at seeing the empty futon and made his way out the doors to the wooden terrace. Apparently he had found who he was looking for since he began to speak and it wasn’t to the Traveler. 

“Why are you not resting?” 

“How could I when I have visitors?” A voice answered him and it made the skin on the Traveler’s face flush. It sounded clear like bells and was as soft as a gentle stream. Holding such composure- it reminded them of Zhongli’s voice and how aged it was. Xiao backed up into the room again as someone had came inside. 

The dark hour left the woman mostly unseen, but Xiao was quick to start lighting a lantern for light. 

“Thank you, Xiao,” she commented as the wick began to burn with a flickering flame. Traveler’s face remained flush at the woman in front of them. She didn’t just sound wise, she looked it. Like she had seen many years and experienced many things- but still looked so young. Xiao moved to her side and Traveler didn’t need to ask if the woman in front of them was who they thought she was. “Are you friends of Xiao’s?” 

“Yes,” Traveler whispered before they cleared their throat and answered again. “Yes, we are.”

“I see.” Xiao cleared his own throat, turning his head away at the gaze the woman sent him. Luckily the lantern didn’t light the room the greatest so his tinted cheeks stayed between the duo and didn’t reach the Traveler’s eyes. Looking back, she smiled warmly and it seemed exactly like how Zhongli explained. “It’s lovely to meet you both. My name is y/n.” 

“WHAT?!” Paimon exclaimed before slapping her hands over her mouth. Both at the discourtesy and the late hour she had yelled into. 

“I assume you have a great deal of questions,” you tell them, “but, for now I think we should table all that for tomorrow. You’re both more than welcome to stay here for the night. Xiao can lead the way for you.” 

With that, somehow the two travel companions ended up in a guest room with two futons and Xiao telling them to get some rest before leaving and presumably going back to your side. 

You had once again left your room to sit on the terrace and Xiao joined you. Sitting beside you, his head coming up to your shoulder in height as you both looked and focused on nothing. 

“Are you upset with me?” He asked. 

“Not particularly, no. Shocked, maybe. I wasn’t expecting someone else to follow in behind you from the forest.” 

“I apologize.” 

“There’s no need.” You slowly bring your hand up to rest on the back of Xiao’s head, a comfort to both him and you. Just like how Xiao described you as a mother, you didn’t ever think of him as anything less than what you assumed a son would be like. “It’s actually helped me with something that’s been on my mind lately.” 

Xiao just grabbed onto the sleeve of the robe you wore, not saying anything but conveying enough for you to understand. 

“I’ll explain it tomorrow. For now, how about a lullaby?” Even from the guest room and with Paimon already asleep, the Traveler could hear a faint song in the air before drifting to sleep. 

“Sooo, how old are you?” 

“Paimon!” Traveler yelled. “That’s rude!” 

“I was just asking a question!” 

“Ask a different one!”

The small squabble that earned a sigh from Xiao the next morning led you into a small laughing fit. The group of you were gathered in a drawing room used for when Xiao would visit you during your days. You’d spend time listening to things Xiao would encounter outside, and while it was a good way to pass the time you would otherwise spend alone, it felt better with more lively guests like this. 

“Xiao’s older than I am, so please rest assured I’m younger than you think.” 

“Xiao’s older?!” 

“Ahem,” the Yaksha interrupts by clearing his throat, “age matters aside, don’t you think now would be a good time for an explanation. If we’re gone from Liyue too long, Zhon- er- Rex Lapis could get suspicious.” 

“Why’d you correct yourself like that Xiao?” Paimon asks before you answer for him. 

“He feels like Morax’s mortal name makes me uncomfortable. I’ve told him time and time again that it doesn’t bother me, but he insists on using his other titles. Feel free to keep referring to him as you’re used to, I won’t get confused.” 

“How considerate of him,” Paimon dryly says, pulling another chuckle from you. 

“In any case, Xiao is right. I assume he told you about me, seeing as he brought you here himself.” 

“Sort of,” Traveler starts. “Zhongli is actually the one who told us about you. Xiao just told us more.” A shocked look passes over your features when you hear that the former Archon had opened up about you at all. “He said that someone from his past died around this time and we were worried about him. We kind of… pressured him into telling us.” 

“I don’t think that’s true,” Xiao said as he crossed his arms. “If Rex Lapis truly didn’t wish to speak about it, he wouldn't have. Believe me. He’s too stubborn.” 

“Be nice,” you lightly chide him. “Still, it’s a shock. I thought he would’ve buried his memories of me long ago.” 

“I’ve told you,” Xiao spoke up again, “Rex Lapis- he still-” 

“Xiao.” Your voice was stern for a moment before he clammed up. 

“Sorry,” he spoke defeatedly. Instead of staying quiet and letting the awkward air cloud up the room, he started up the discussion of why he had brought outsiders here in the first place. “Traveler, do you remember when I told you that Lady y/n had been executed?” Traveler nodded and was shocked at his use of a title. He didn’t use one at all when he was talking about you yesterday? Did he always address you personally like that? “Do you also recall how I mentioned how before she was killed, she was cursed.” 

“Oh yeah,” Paimon acknowledges. “Paimon remembers you saying something like that.” 

“It’s because of that curse that she’s still alive.” 

“They cursed her not to die? Doesn’t that seem kinda dumb since they apparently executed her for not defeating Zhongli?” Paimon’s face scrunched before her entire being deflated. “Paimon doesn’t get it.” 

“That isn’t quite correct. I can die,” you inform them. Xiao’s fist twitched as his gently grasped the fabric of his pants in his palms. “In fact, I have died several times. The curse i bare is that I cannot stay dead.” 

“Isn’t that still contradictory to what the monk’s were trying to accomplish?” Traveler asks. 

“Not necessarily. Back in my original life, I had broken a vow I had been raised on: placing my people above myself and never being selfish. That one sacred vow being broken was enough for Jiang to label me a treasonous traitor. This eternal life of mine is punishment for that crime.” 

“That’s so dumb!” Paimon exclaims. You continue to explain after she’s finished huffing. Her puffy face was quite amusing to look at as she crossed her small arms like she was offended on your behalf. 

“My curse resets my life to the point in time I was killed. Therefore, any injuries or illnesses I received in previous lives have all but vanished. I can still starve and freeze to death. I can become ill and contract diseases just like a normal mortal. I’ll die if I'm stabbed and I’ll scar if I’m burned. Still, even after all that, I’ll simply wake up again like none of it happened. This prolonged suffering is what Jiang and his acolytes were after.” 

“That’s terrible,” Traveler whispers. “Have you died many times?” 

“I’ve lost count.” You raise your hand to look at your palm that has been the same as the first time you woke up from death. In the ruins of your destroyed temple you were foggy minded and confused before your entire being filled with dread. “I’ve lived so many lives I cannot remember them all, but I know I’ve touched on every type. I’ve gone mad, harming people around me and myself. I’ve given in to every sin in hopes that they would allow me to die and not come back. I’ve even tried ending the cycle myself, but all to no avail.” 

You took a deep breath before dropping your hand back to your lap. 

“As stained as I am now, I’m hardly the priestess I used to be. I can never be that pure original version of me, but I’ve long accepted that. I’m quite… content with my life right now.” 

“Content my foot,” Xiao huffed. “You were planning to stay alone for a lot longer if I hadn’t found you.” 

“Wait,” Paimon piques, “found you?” 

“It was purely by chance,” you explain. “Sometimes, I’ll venture into Liyue but under a cloaked disguise so I’m not recognized or detected. Some years ago, I accidentally ran into Xiao near Wangshuu Inn and spoke his name purely out of reflex. He heard me and well, it was safe to say he wasn’t exactly pleased as he tracked me down.” 

“I was frustrated,” he corrected. “I came to find out you were alive and hiding for eons after thinking you were long dead.” 

“I know.” 

“Imagine how Morax would feel if he knew!” 

“I know, Xiao,” you repeat. “That’s something I actually want to talk to you about.” Xiao stills in his rampage before his arms slowly uncurl and his posture takes on something uncomfortable. “You’ve kept my life a secret for some time now, omnienting the truth from the Archon you respect so much. I’m sorry for asking such a selfish request.” You turn to look at the slack faced boy before bringing your hand to cup his chin affectionately. Traveler felt like they were impeding on a parental moment as they tried to look anywhere but you both. “If you want to, you can tell him the truth now.” 

Xiao’s hand comes to quickly clasp around your wirst that started to fall away from his face. His mouth opens before it closes again. He was torn between what he’s been wanting to do for so long and the open permission to actually do it. 

“Are you… for certain?” 

“Yes,” you swallow a lump in your throat. “I’m certain.” Xiao quickly takes your wrist out of his grip before he’s rushing to stand up. He stands with such a force he teeters on his feet before going to the door. He didn’t want to wait a single moment longer. “Xiao!” He stops momentarily and he’s reminded just for a brief moment how you spoke his name like that to his back the first day he ever met you milinia ago. This time though, he spun to look you in the eyes. “Take this with you,” you had gotten up from your place and placed your hand out of a nearby window. Bringing it back in not longer after, an insect of glimmering colors hummed through the space and landed on his shoulder. 

“A dragonfly!” Paimon exclaims as Traveler also rose to their feet ready to follow Xiao out. Xiao just nods before dashing out of the door. Being inside your barrier always made it hard for him to teleport between locations, so he had to get outside first. “Traveler, lets catch up with Xiao!” Paimon says, pointing after him. 

“Yeah,” they agree before looking back to you as you stay by at the window. 

“Get going now,” you urge before Traveler was awkwardly bowing to you and running out, calling Xiao’s name to try and get him to ‘slow down and wait up!’ 

Once alone again, you felt a coil settle in your chest. It was the same tightness you felt when Xiao had found you. Found out you were alive as you confessed everything to his insistent pleading after following you into your barrier. You braced your hands on the window pane before swallowing a lump in your throat. 

You never got the proper chance to tell Morax how you felt about him in your original life. It was wrong for a mortal like you to fall in love with a god- much less in the middle of a world altering war. You would’ve been far more foolish to confess your feelings than you were when you let him go. 

The tight coil only grows barbed spikes as you remember the last time you ever saw him. Laying beneath you as you pinned him down. Standing before you as you demanded him away. Feeling the empty air as he vanished right before you eyes. 

Xiao had told you that he was the one responsible for destroying your home. Burning it all down and destroying everything in his sight all because you had died. He was so filled with anguish and you didn’t know if you fully believed it. Xiao insisted that Morax hasn’t cared for a single soul as much as he cared for you. Even know as he lived as Zhongli you still hadn’t been replaced. You didn’t know if you believed that either. 

“I won’t regret this… will I?” You ask no one as you feel yourself start to pathetically cry. “Weak,” you call yourself as you stand alone in the empty home you constructed for yourself long ago. 

“Did you find him yet?” Traveler asks Xiao as they met back up in the middle of Liyue. Zhongli wasn’t at the funeral parlor and Hu Tao didn’t know where he had meandered off to before they came looking for him. He wasn’t at his home nor was he listening to that storyteller at Three-Round Knockout like usual. “Last place is the harbor. He was at the bridge when we found him, so let’s go look.” 

They made haste to the bridge, but with crestfallen faces it was devoid of any kind of descended Archon. They were about to recollect their thoughts and try and figure out if there was any other place he frequented they could try when someone spoke up behind them. 

“You all seem troubled,�� the familiar voice of Zhongli startled all three of them as they all whipped around to look at him. He looked as composed as usual, maybe even a bit better than yesterday. Maybe airing some of his grievances helped him out a bit after all. Still, who knows how the news Xiao had for him would effect his mental well being. 

“Rex- ahem- Zhongli, I need to speak with you.” In the heat of the moment, Xiao almost addressed him as Rex Lapis. Calling him that in the middle of the busy day would be a mistake, so it was good he caught himself. Zhongli looked at Xiao’s steadfast gaze and let it travel over to the blond and their companion who’s always had an issue keeping quiet. 

“You all look stiff, like something has happened.” 

“That’s Zhongli for you,” Paimon remarks. “Always perceptive.” 

“So, it’s as I surmised.” 

“I’ll explain everything, but it can’t be here.” Xiao stepped in. 

“I understand,” Zhongli sighs. “Come with me. We can talk outside the city away from any possible prying ears. I would prefer to not be cooped up indoors.” 

Just like the day before, Zhongli took the group out to the same river Xiao did; it was far from the people and now he stood cross-armed and ready for any sort of explanation. Traveler stayed quiet, knowing it was Xiao’s wish to say something first and made sure Paimon stayed quiet too. If anything, they were there to make sure nothing got out of hand- this was truly between them. 

“On behalf of someone else’s word, I’ve been keeping something from you. It’s about… It’s about, y/n.” 

“Xiao,” Zhongli bit and Xiao felt the words get stuck in his throat the moment your name left his mouth. Zhongli’s tone was already on edge. Just the mention of your name was enough to make the Archon nearly growl. The former divine being had been feeling the blanket of grief hold him down more this year than previous ones, the fact that he opened up about you just the day prior to the Traveler made old wounds throb. The last thing he wanted was to talk about you and make everything hurt all over again for another time. 

“I understand you don’t want to talk about her, but please hear me out.” 

“I will not entertain whatever thoughts you think you need to say. Y/n died a long time ago, you should leave her in the past.” His words were ironic since he himself couldn’t even do that. 

“You don’t understand.” 

“Xiao.” 

“Please, she-” 

“Enough!” 

“She’s still alive!” Xiao, fed up with his god not letting him get a word in, blurted it out. He inwardly recoiled, not wanting to just say it like that. He wanted to ease into it, try and slowly explain it so Zhongli would accept it easier. “Y/n, she’s… she’s alive.” 

There was silence so heavy it kept Xiao’s head down with an invisible force. His eyes stayed locked onto the boots of the one person who he respected the most. If he had never felt fear before this very moment, now would be the perfect introduction to it as he felt the burning gaze of Zhongli on his skull. 

“Is that an attempt at a ill-advised jest,” Zhongli’s voice put on a dangerous tone. It was understandable and justified however. Who would just believe that the one mortal an Archon fell in love with thousands of years ago was alive? It sounded ludacris and Zhongli did not enjoy feeling like a fool. 

“He’s telling the truth!” Paimon defended. Her mental restraint on not talking snapped at seeing Xiao look so meak under Zhongli’s overwhelming stature. Zhongli’s gaze shifted from Xiao to Paimon who squealed at the intensity before flying to hide behind the Traveler’s shoulder. His gaze was hard, stern, and angry. 

“What could you possibly know? You only just learned about who she was through me- without my telling you so, y/n would be only a memory shared between Xiao and myself alone.” 

“We know because we met her,” Traveler tell him. His fists clench and his jaw locks. 

Zhongli couldn't stand lies or liars, and yet he wanted everything the group in front of him said to be bold face lies. Zhongli trusted the Traveler and Xiao the most out of almost anyone he knew presently. He trusted them with his secret and they always tried their best in their own duties and goal to find their sibling. He respected them and trusted them with his life as both Zhongli and Rex Lapis. 

But did he trust them with your life? 

With the promise of you being alive coming from Xiao and backed up by the Traveler, the former Archon was notably torn. He didn’t want to get his hopes up and have this all be some sort of illusion. A trick of the mind that will leave him crumbling just like the day he first lost you. He didn’t thinking he could take that kind of anguish again. 

The Traveler stepped up and took Xiao’s hand in one of theirs and the other took hold of Zhongli’s. Paimon floated out from behind them as the blond made both of the immortal being bring their gazes up to them. 

“Xiao can take you to her just like he did with us. Y/n is waiting.” The curled fist of Zhongli’s lessened enough to wrap around the Traveler’s comforting touch. He looked back at Xiao who had been looking at the blond with such gratefulness for salvaging the situation before calling his attention back. His amber gaze had loosened up, but they weren’t the normal eyes of Zhongli. Morax was peeking around the irises of the tallest among the group. 

“This is no lie?” 

“I would never lie to you.” 

“Yes,” he breathed out, “I know.” He took a breath, feeling so embarrassingly out of character. It was then that he noticed the small insect that had been on Xiao this whole time. The trio had seemed to forget you sent them back with the dragonfly, but Zhongli knew. He sucked in a breath as he looked at it. “Take me to see her at once,” he commanded. Xiao wasted no time in teleporting all three of his companions to the edge of your barrier he had memorized the location of. 

Zhongli’s hand was dropped by the Outworlder as he walked to the edge of it. He could sense the familiar power from years past and reached his hand up to place his palm on it. It bent with his palm like a bubble before it pushed through, rippling the distorted view of cloaked foliage behind it. He hesitated, but a slight push at his back had him walking in- well, stumbling in. 

His face mirrored the Traveler’s when they had first seen the area behind the barrier. He could feel you everywhere and his body started moving before he could stop. Xiao and Traveler called after him as he took off into a sprint towards the house under the tree’s shadows. It felt like a ribbon had tied itself around his wrist and was yanking him forward. The dragonfly that had sat perched and patient on Xiao had taken off with Zhongli, acting as a guide as it flew in front of him. 

“Take me to her,” he pleaded with the buzzing bug. “Like last time,” he remembered how a similar bug had led him to you that first time. He felt so vulnerable as he ran into the house, barging through the doors and dashing through halls with abandon. Zhongli felt mortal with his emotions controlling his actions and his desperation oozing out of his very core. He should be in better control of himself, but he can’t control his body no matter how much he tries. “Take me to her!” 

The dragonfly had flown to a corridor that led into a vast open space. Stairs of three steps led out into an open garden with bushes, flowers, and carefully created paths to walk. It was a far cry from the overgrown, wild garden of the past. A stone canopy held up with four strong pillars covered the peaceful place from the sun and a small stone table sat among the paths intersection. 

His breath was labored, chest heaving as the dragonfly continued out into the garden and his pace slowed down until the insect had taken a turn just outside the cover of the canopy. The dragonfly stopped, perching itself on an outstretched finger and Zhongli almost collapsed. 

“Thank you,” you said to the dragonfly before it lifted off your finger and took off in a random direction, its job fulfilled. The sun bathed you in a golden light Zhongli could remember from eon’s ago and as he stared at you, a tear fell heavily and unstrained from his eye. 

You weren’t sure what to say as you looked at him, but when you saw that tear fall you were ready to immediately apologzie. You never got the chance. Instead you were frozen in surprise when he had somehow appeared directly in front of you and encased you to himself. 

Sealing his body to yours, his arm wrapped around your lower back and one of his hands pushed your head against his neck. His back curled inwards, bending you backward enough so that your back arched and he could form you to him even further. You were so warm and he felt himself choke as his nose took in your scent from atop your head. It was different from before, but he could still smell you in it- altered or not. It proved that you weren’t some fake, you were real.

Zhongli nuzzled into the top of your head, greedily taking in everything of you he could. You had placed your hands on his sides before sliding them up to his back. One of your hands snagged into the fabric of his coat and the other stayed wound around his back. He could feel you start to shake and he felt a bit better than he wasn’t the only one overly-emotional. 

“You’re alive,” he whispers into your hair, voice cracking enough the wind could easily pick it up and take it somewhere far away. You just nodded into his chest as he somehow gripped you to him tighter, closer. “You’re alive,” he repeats like he’s trying to convince himself this isn’t a dream. 

“Yes,” you sob. “Yes.” 

As the two of you stood under the sun in a garden different from the one in his memories, he took no notice of the three other figures who had finally caught up to him after taking off on his own. Xiao felt a weight lift off his chest at seeing you two finally reunited and Traveler gently took his head in comfort. He had no chance to get embarrassed at the action, instead he just squeezed it back as he watched his long-seperated family cling to each other. 

Xiao felt whole again for this one moment and he knew that you both did too. 

“I’ve missed you so,” Zhongli confesses into your locks and you almost laugh if it wasn’t choked up on your dying sobs turned to sad sniffles. “Oh, how I’ve missed you.” 

“I’m sorry,” you sniff as you let your arms slowly start to retract from him. He knew that things needed to be discussed and explanations needed to start somewhere, but he was reluctant to let go. His arms released you, but his palms were quick to gently cup your cheeks instead to tilt your face up to him. Your eyes were swollen and the whites of them irritated due to your tears. He looked no better.

Zhongli ran his gloved thumbs over your cheeks and across your eyes when you closed them when he got too close with his touch. He planted his feet between yours before pushing his forehead on yours and choosing to bask in your sun bathed body before anything close to closure ensues. 

“Um,” you break the silence, but like last time, nothing else gets out before your interrupted. 

“Call me by my name.” 

“What?” 

“My name,” he repeats. “Please.” He didn’t want to hear his mortal name or any of his other countless name and titles he’s collected over the years.  No. His ears yearned for the name you knew him by. After all this time, he just wanted you to call him-

“Morax.” 

Zhongli collapsed at last. His hands that cupped your cheeks dropped as did he. He came to his knees in front of you, his empty hands easily latching onto yours in lieu of your cheeks. His head hung as he sat- kneeled- at your feet. You shuffled in astonishment and shock as he took your hands and pushed them against his forehead pleadingly. 

“Again.” 

“Morax,” you whispered and he could hear the embarrassment in your tone. He chuckled as a shiver ran through his entire being. 

“Once more.” 

“You’re being spoiled.” 

“I think I’m more than qualified.” He hears you chuckle and he could perish right here in this very instant without regret at the sound. It was just as he remembered.

“Morax.” 

“This time,” he starts speaking as he feels you slowly start to join him on the ground. Your hands had twisted in his grasp to hold them back. “This time,” he starts again, “you’ll stay with me, won’t you?” 

You pull both of your encased hands to your lips, kissing his gloves and he wishes he took them off. His wish must’ve been yours as well since you slowly started to remove his gloves and revealed the dark, golden imbedded skin he kept hidden to the public eye. Your eyes remained closed as you worked, like you had dreamed of doing this so many times you didn’t need your sight. Once again, you placed your lips on his knuckles and it was like his skin was alight with lava. 

Reopening your eyes, you adjusted your hands so that your fingers were now interlaced, fingertips resting on top of each other’s hands as your palms were on the warm ground to lean closer to him. You push your forehead back against his, breathing in his air that became tangled with your own. Smiling so softly at him that he released one of your intertwined hands to push his fingers into your hair behind your ear and pull you even closer to him. He wondered if he could meld your very existence into his own and become the earth itself among the garden.  

“I’ll stay until you don’t want me,” you declare.  

“I’ll never not want you, my dear. We have too much time to make up for and many stories to share, should time continue to allow it.”

“Time is nothing but a concept to me now,” you chuckle bitterly. You would tell him about it all later, but now wasn’t the time. It would dampen the mood too bitterly for your tastes.  

A contract was made under the sun behind a barrier that had kept you concealed and hidden from his faze. Your intertwined hands were the signatures finalizing that contract. Zhongli wasn’t ever going to let you slip through his fingers again- he promised himself that as he held tighter onto your warmth and you to his. 

Zhongli couldn’t wait to finally give you the hairstick he had held onto for a millenia in your memory. Even more, he couldn’t wait to see it glimmer under your locks of hair since there was nothing and no one holding you back anymore.  

a/n: pls god like/reblog/tell me your thoughts. this is babies first genshin fic and it's got so many words im so anxious i could throw up. i only edited this like one and a half times bc words became mushy and my eyeballs started melting. pls excuse the shift between past and present tense, my eyeballs - as aforementioned- are melting

if @scara7102 sees this it wouldn't let me tag you uh oh