#love love LOVE playful and relaxed morax

[by-saiyuri]

sketched my favourite moment from chapter 38 of “His Eyes Never Change (Gold like Cor Lapis, Blue as Noctilucious Jade) by stars_at_dawn on ao3

playing tag with morax at huaguang stone forest!!

[aticklishpercivalwriter]

The Feeling of Love and Being Free

Link to Art (credits go to original artist(s) as always!): Xiao/Venti

—

Summary: It’s Xiao’s rest day, but Xiao insists on going to work as the Conqueror of Demons. Venti doesn’t let him and begs for him to cuddle with him instead.

A/N: A little angsty in the beginning before going to steamy kisses and then tickling. This is a surprise gift for my irl friend. It was her birthday a few days ago. She likes VenXiao :) As always, enjoy! 

Word Count: 1543 Also on AO3!

— 

“Venti, no.”

“Xiao, come onnnn.”

Both Xiao and Venti were at Wanghu Inn in Xiao’s room. Currently, Xiao glared at Venti who was tugging at his arm to come cuddle with him.

“Please, Xiao?”

“Ven, I have work to do.” 

“Nope! You don't!”

A chirpy voice chimed in as Aether entered and grinned. 

“Aether, you are here.” Xiao said, standing straighter even though Venti was still on his arm like a koala.

“Xiao,” Aether pouted, pulling him into a hug. “Call me Ae. We are boyfriends, no need to be so formal around me. We didn’t sign a contract or anything. Plus, I do like it when you say Ae.” The last part was whispered as he let go. “Anyway, I talked with Zhongli and he said you can relax for today. He and I have some business to attend to, so we’ll be patrolling Liyue on the side.” 

“But,” Xiao started.

“No buts,” Aether interrupted, sternly. “This is your day to relax. Venti, make sure he doesn’t work. I have to get going. Zhongli and Paimon are waiting, have fun love birds!~”

He gave them both a kiss before he was out the door. As the door closed shut, Xiao looked back at Venti, who was grinning from ear to ear. 

“Xiao~”

“I can’t. I need to-”

“Xiao.”

Xiao tensed up as he heard Venti’s voice. All playfulness gone and replaced with a sad brooding. 

“Do you really put your work as Conqueror of Demons above Aether’s and my love?”

Xiao’s eyes widened at the question as he looked at Venti. His grip had slackened and his eyes were filled with sadness and hurt that sent a cold feeling to settle in his stomach. 

“No! Venti, no. Please don’t think like that.” he pulled Venti up and into a hug.

“Then why?” Venti’s voice cracked, causing Xiao’s heart to break. “W-Why are you so persistent in working a-and not being with me? With Ae? With the both of us?”

Xiao took a deep breath before speaking.

“I was made to be a war machine,” Xiao started quietly. “I wasn’t supposed to know what love is or to feel it. But ever since Ae came into my life, he shook those foundations that have anchored me. I’m trying, Ven. I really am sorry for hurting you. For hurting you and Ae. Love is something that I’m unfamiliar with.”

A silence fell over them as they stayed in the embrace. 

“Venti?”

“You aren’t a war machine,” Venti said into Xiao’s neck. “The contract that was made between you and Morax was supposed to be over. If you don’t think so, I was there when it was made and I collaborated with him to make sure that you won’t be rooted into the position you are now. But look now. Morax and I both failed and underestimated your Karmic Debt and you are living with this belief of being a war machine. I should be the one sorry.”

Venti pulled away from the embrace and Xiao saw remnants of tear streaks as he wiped them away. Venti held his hands and looked into his eyes. Xiao saw regret and sorrow but also determination. 

“Zhongli has done his part in letting us have this time together and I believe he will talk to you in due time. But for now it's just us.”

Venti rubbed his hand over Xiao’s vision as he spoke. 

“Xiao,” he began, locking their eyes together. “You’ve done your duty all those years ago and even more, but those times have passed and are long gone.” 

He pressed their foreheads together as he squeezed Xiao’s hands and his vision. 

“Anemo is freedom and that’s why I’m proud to be the god of it. As the Anemo god, I announce you free of your sins and are free to roam the world and do whatever you want to do.”

He inched closer to Xiao, their lips barely touching.

“And as your lover, you are free to let go and have the chance at love you’ve never had before.”

He closed the distance between them and shared a long, deep passionate kiss with him. Xiao’s eyes widened momentarily before closing and returning it with equal passion. 

“Mmm~ Ven~” Xiao moaned, as Venti pulled him in closer, taking the lead and carding his hands through his hair. 

“I love you Xiao. I love you. I love you. I love you,” Venti mouthed into the kiss, sucking on his lip for permission to enter. Xiao gasped, giving him entry. Venti went slow, letting Xiao get used to the new feelings that were bombarding him at once. 

“V-Venti~ Ngh~” Xiao moaned and Venti had to resist ravaging him right then and there. Instead, he led Xiao toward the bed, laying them down without breaking the kiss and sliding his hands down Xiao’s neck and along his back. 

“Mmphahahaha!” Xiao let out a surprised laugh, breaking the kiss as his head fell back into the sheets. 

Venti widened his eyes and looked down at Xiao. His heart fluttered at the sight of seeing Xiao’s flushed face and he can feel Xiao’s whole aura has changed. No longer was it dark and foreboding, but a light, joyful happy one. 

A grin took over Venti’s features as he crawled on top of Xiao, his weight trapping him. 

“Ven?” Xiao asked, his mind still hazy from the kiss. “Mmph! Mmm~”

Xiao melted into the kiss again thinking that another round of intense kissing was going to happen, but instead Venti’s hands curled against his sides.

“Mmahahahaha! Mmmehehehe! Vehehehen! Hahahaha!” he broke the kiss again laughing as he half-heartedly tried to push Venti off. “Whyhyhy?” 

“Do I need to have a reason to kiss and tickle my Yaksha boyfriend?” Venti teased.

“Ahahahaha! Yehehehehehes?” 

“Wrong answer,” Venti smirked, reaching behind his back to scribble his fingers in the opening of his clothing.

“Vehehehenti! snort HAHAHAHAHA! NAHAHAHA!” Xiao let out a snort and a guffaw of laughter surprising them both. 

“I didn’t know your back was ticklish!” Venti exclaimed. 

Xiao’s ears flushed and the red hue on his face increased in intensity. “Me neither.” He looked back at Venti and immediately felt his stomach flip. Venti looked at him with a playful hunger in his eyes.

“You didn’t know?” he said slyly. “That means Ae didn’t find it yet. This is good,” he grinned and flipped Xiao onto his stomach and straddled him and scribbled all over his back. 

“Ven! Ven-HAHAHAHAHA! WAIT! WAHAHAHAIT! snort AHAHAHAHA! I WAHAHAHASN’T- snort OHOHOHO NAHAHAHA! VEHEHEN!” Xiao laughed uncontrollably as snorts sneaked their way in, making Venti’s heart swell with happiness. 

“Ae wasn’t kidding when he said you were extremely ticklish. How did Ae miss your back!?”

“IHIHIHI DOHOHOHON’T KNOHOHOW! AHAHAHAHA! snort SWIHIHIHITCH SPOHOHOHOHOTS! SWIHIHITCH SPAHAHAHATS! HEHEHEAHAHA!”

“Okay, okay,” Venti flipped him back onto his back and it was worth it to see Xiao’s flushed, smiling face. Xiao immediately tried to hide his face in his hands, but Venti was not having it.

“D-don’t staHAHAHAre! NOHOHohohoHO! Hehehehe! Ahahaha! Nohohot thehehEREHEHE!” Xiao shrieked, bringing his arms down and trapping Venti’s fingers in his armpits. 

“Aww, there’s your cute face, my baby Yaksha~ Not here you say? How about here?” Venti drilled with deadly precision into the center of his hollows.

“GAHAHAHAHA! AHAHAHAHAHA! HAHAHAHAHA! VEN! VEHEHEHEN! NAHAHAHA! IHIHIHIT TIHIHIHICKLES! TIHIHIHICKLES! VEHEHEHENTIHIHIHI!” Xiao howled with laughter, weakly squirming away. 

“Ehe, such a ticklish Yaksha,” Venti teased. To make matters worse, or better, Venti started peppering kisses on Xiao’s face and slid one of hands down to knead his hips. 

“PLEHEHEHEASE!” Xiao laughed, shaking his head. 

“You are quite the ticklish one, huh?” Venti snickered, letting up a little to give Xiao a breather. 

“Hahahaha, hah~” Xiao breathed out, still giggling as Venti lazily ran his fingers over his stomach. 

“Ihihihi thohohought youhu arehehe gohohoing to stohop?” 

“I still want to try a couple more spots,” Venti grinned innocently, making Xiao groan. “Hey, I wasn’t hearing a stop from you,” he said, pinching one of his ribs and making him jerk away. 

“Ohoho is this another spot?” 

“Ven! HahahHahAHAHA! NohohOHOHO!”

The tickling began anew as Venti targeted his ribs, randomly alternating between his lower and top ribs. 

“VehehEHEHEhenti! AHAHahahaHAha! ThAHAT breHEHEAk wahasn’t tHAHAhat loHOng!”

“Ehe, too bad~”

Xiao squirmed under Venti enduring the tickling before bringing his face towards Venti’s to kiss him. Venti’s fingers immediately stilled, surprised by his boldness and even more surprised by the longing feeling in the kiss. They shared kiss after kiss as their hands got tangled in each other’s hair, whispering each other’s names in between kisses before breaking apart for air. 

“I must have tickled you silly,” Venti sighed contently, hugging Xiao as he nuzzled his nose against his.

“Mmm.”

“Remember, Xiao. You are free,” he said with a small kiss. “Ae and I both love you, so don’t struggle alone.” 

Venti massaged Xiao’s head making him purr and cuddle closer.

“I’m free. I’m free and with you. I’m free and in love with you and Ae,” Xiao smiled softly as he kissed Venti back. “I love you both too. Thank you, Ven.” 

Venti planted a kiss on his forehead in response and the both of them snuggled even closer before falling into a peaceful slumber.

—  Note: The contract stuff came from my head and not from any lore. Just wanted to make that clear :)

[starfellforyou]

lover's oath

‧ ₊˚ tags: zhongli x guizhong!reader, xiao x lumine!reader, star-crossed lovers

‧ ₊˚ premise: scenes of two beautiful but doomed love affairs, inspired by lover's oath/guizhong's lullaby - (1) you and zhongli enjoying your days of innocence together, unaware of the tragedy that the impending archon war will bring (2) a fateful encounter with xiao on the top floor of wangshu inn

‧ ₊˚ genre: fluff/angst

♪ lover's oath

“Hey, wait up!”

The orange sun begins to dip beneath the horizon of Guili Plains, its majestic mountains and cliffs blocking out a portion of the light and flooding the Assembly’s grounds with a mystical yet peaceful air. The others have begun to pack up, and you don’t want to be left behind on the training field.

“We’re waiting…” Morax turns to look over his shoulder, wondering why it's taking you that long to shove your polearm into your belt.

You roll your eyes, visibly frustrated. It just won’t fit! Sighing, he yanks the polearm from your hands and, with one hard jab, forces it into an empty slot on your belt. You can tell he’s satisfied with that smug look on his face.

“I’m perfectly capable of handling my own weapons, thank you,” you glare daggers at him, but the corners of your mouth begin to lift.

You can’t help it. Morax makes you smile. Your friends make you smile. Ruling the Guili Assembly has been one of the most rewarding and enlightening endeavors you’ve ever had the privilege to embark on. You love your friends, you love your people - you’d do anything for them. Morax knows this.

He lifts a questioning eyebrow, but lets out a playful chuckle at your reddening cheeks. Together, the both of you head to Mt. Tianheng for a moment of calm and relaxation.

You quickly reach the peak of the mountain, just in time to watch the sun set. You stand next to him, a comfortable silence filling the air between you and the God of Geo. Morax, a god so powerful that he shakes the ground beneath his feet with every step. You’ve always admired him; not just for his strength, but for his heart. He is loyal, brave, and kind - a true warrior from deep within. He’s also a bit of a joker.

“I think I could get used to this. What if I stay here forever?”

“On the peak of this mountain? Don’t come crying when it gets cold.”

“I don’t have to. I’m sure you’ll find some way to pull me back down with you,” he scowls, “Even I can’t resist your ceaseless grumbling.”

You want to punch him in the ribs, but instead you laugh. You both laugh, a pure, innocent sound that echoes throughout the valley.

He’s always been stronger than you, and you often find yourself on the sidelines aiding him with your words of wisdom and endless encouragement. Nevertheless, you know that that’s the way it’s supposed to be. You knew things would be like this ever since you first met him in that field of Glaze Lilies, and you’re perfectly fine with being the brains to his brawn - anything for him and your people, really. He is your strength, as you are his.

The oath you took that day wasn’t just to the people of the Assembly - it was to him; to the man you love but only ever dared love in secret. It was an oath that promises you’ll stay by his side, forever.

As the winds of Liyue stir your delicate hair and robes, you hum a tune of love so tender, so bittersweet that he can’t help but stare into the sunset and think about the future and what might come. You don’t know what you’ll face in the days ahead, but you know that no matter what, you’ll be there to fight alongside him; that as long as you’re together, there is nothing the two of you can’t overcome.

…

Sometimes, when the nights get cold, Zhongli finds himself back on that peak, listening to the winds as he takes in the view of what once was the Guili Assembly. He remembers everything - how he sparred with his dear friends, how they ruled with benevolence and love, how the breeze swept past as she smiled. He misses that smile dearly - one that he hasn't since been able to recreate. Since her tragic demise at the hands of the Archon War, Zhongli has been far from healed. He suffers each day with a deep void of emptiness within his heart; a heart that still only beats for one person. But the Geo Archon must go on. He must carry those burdens for the sake of his people, regardless of his pain; the endless longing for what will never return.

As he stands overlooking the wistful hills and valleys of Guili Plains, a gentle voice drifts in the wind - an achingly sorrowful melody as pure as joy, as fine as dust.

You stand leaning over a railing at the topmost floor of Wangshu Inn, the roof of its elegant structure directly above your head. It's been drizzling for the past hour - most of which you’ve spent wondering about him, where he is, what he’s doing. You look out into the distant night sky, dreaming about the sound of his voice and the blush of his cheeks. I wonder how Xiao is doing tonight.

You lean further across the railing, eyes closed and breath steady - as if in a trance of some kind - but before you can stop yourself, it’s too late. You lose your balance and tip over the railing, seemingly about to meet an untimely death.

Heartbeat quickening, you scream out to the only person you really trust.

“Xiao!!!”

A blur of green mist is summoned before you, and the familiar figure of a boy takes shape. He reaches out with both arms and swiftly carries you back to safety, a small sigh escaping his lips as he helps you onto your feet.

You didn’t know who else to turn to but him. In times of danger, in times of crisis, Xiao was always there. Your watchful protector. Your silent shadow in the dark. He sits on the roof above you and doesn’t say a word, and all at once, it’s like everything’s okay again. The amount of comfort that floods your heart just by looking at him is immeasurable.

“Xiao… You came.”

“I made a promise, remember? I keep to my word,” he says as he looks out into the horizon, voice low and distant.

Your heart breaks. You and Xiao can never be together; at least not in this life. Destiny brought you a fateful encounter, but constantly pulls you away. Responsibilities and legacies and doubt stand in the way of you and the one you love, but it’s become a truth that you’ve grown to accept - achingly so.

The both of you stay in silence for a long while, each watching the beautiful view of Liyue below. You notice that the drizzle has stopped, and that the sky is finally clear again. The rain has vanished and your thoughts have cleared. I wonder why. You see the couples on landings beneath you share kisses, tender gestures of love that you have never known. Suddenly, a wave of loneliness crashes over you - you can’t help yourself.

“Xiao?” you ask quietly, without turning your head, “Have you ever kissed anyone? Like the couples are doing down there?”

“No.”

“Well, if you ever change your mind…” you try to come off as amused and teasing, but your voice cracks and your eyes begin to warm with tears.

“I’d like it to be you, too.”

It surprises you. You laugh, the heart you spent so long trying to heal overflowing with pure emotion. The first tear streams down your face; a diamond in a lifeless river.

You can’t bring yourself to look, but you know he’s already gone.

a/n: some say lover's oath is about zhongli/guizhong and some say it's about xiao/traveler. i say both >_< wanted to write a sad fic this time - hope you like it! <3

✧ starfellforyou

[witch-hazels-musings]

LESBIAN ASS COMING IN ok maybe all the girls because last i checked there were only three and thats your max SO them with a super affectionate s/o?? like they are constantly holding their hand or leaning against them?? or maybe even koala hugging them with the tall ladies 🍓

Affections TM

( I hope this display of incredibly soft, hard working woman getting some affection warms your heart!! <3 ) 

Warning -> Fluff / SFW

Character X FM Reader | Anthology 

Includes: Beidou, Jean, Ningguang

Beidou

It doesn’t matter how close or far apart you are from her, she will still find herself drawn to you -- luckily she never has to look very hard because most of the time you are right by her side 

She might turn to see you gazing at her, the smile on your face so telling of the affections in your heart -- she’ll be standing at the side of her massive ship and feel the sweet embrace of your arms around her, the comfort of your chest against her back and no matter how chilly the water seems, you’ll always make her warm

She doesn’t mind the close contact, oftentimes she welcomes it, the only thing she worries about is your safety when things start to get unsteady on the choppy seas - but you’ve proven to her how capable you can be in all your skills 

The sea was calm, the steady dip and sway of the Crux a constant reminder of the mysteries below. How deep did the water go - what lay just out of her sight and would she ever see the secrets of the depths. Her hands pressed against the deck railing, shoulders locking into place as she leaned against the boat. It was a test to see if your legs could handle the bobbing of the unsteady and, at times, unpredictable ocean temperament but after years of journeying these vast waters, she had no issues. 

She closed her eyes and took in the smell of salt mixed with pitch and tar. She’d grown accustomed to the combination but recalled the days where the scent made her retch. Breathing in again, she took in a new scent. Roses and lavender, with a hint of mischief. 

“Shouldn’t you be asleep?” Beidou asked, her eyes opening to see you standing in between her arms. 

“I couldn’t -- I missed you.” Your smile was as bright as the moon, your fingers as soft as flower petals, voice as delicious as a good bottle of wine. As your fingers ran over her lips she allowed herself to divulge into the taste. “Shouldn’t you also be asleep, captain?” Your tone was playful, experiencing the residual effects of the giggle she coaxed out of your moments before. 

“I wanted to check on things, my duties never rest even if I must.” Beidou stepped forward, her hands remaining on the railing even though her body drifted closer to you. The distance didn’t seem to bother you as your arms quickly wrapped around her waist to hold her even closer. 

“Then I will check on things with you.” 

“Will you now?” She asked, laughing. 

“Mhm, you can count on me.” 

She adored you and it was easy to see that you returned her feelings -- you always found ways to shower her in your attention, in your affection, and she found herself expecting great things every day 

Tonight though, under the light of the moon she took you in her arms and swayed with the help of the ship and the constant, drifting waves 

Jean

There are times when she wishes that she can be more available to you, but with all the duties on her plate, she finds it hard to spend more than a few moments here and there. She hopes you understand that her distance isn’t directed at you -- she promises to take every moment that she can to spend it with you 

It’s the quick embraces in her office that fill her battery, it’s the soft touches and reassuring gestures that remind her you are happy being with someone so busy, it’s the tender kisses on the cheek when no other eyes can see where she finds herself the most thankful

She never imagined that she’d have someone so incredible as you in her life -- sometimes she wonders if divulging in your generosity, your kindness, your love isn’t selfish … but how could she let anyone else see what you give her every day 

Pacing her office was a habit of hers. It helped keep the blood in her legs flowing as she worked longer hours than those around her would like. It wasn’t often that she was able to leave, who knows what might happen if she did. Who might need her advice, support, or solution, so this was the best thing she could get to be physical at times. 

Every once in a while she had conversations with Lisa, maybe even finding the chance to stalk Kaeya if only to collect the work he was supposed to return -- though he frequently evaded her. More often than not, she dealt with Klee and her own restless habit. At least Jean’s pacing wouldn’t blow a hole in one of the walls of Mondstadt. 

Her mind drifted, her finger pressing against her lips as she worked through the problems outlined in front of her. It was up to her to figure them all out, how exhausting. Jean jumped when she felt something slide around her stomach, her head twisting to see who was entering her space but, when she saw you, her demeanor relaxed substantially. 

“You looked stressed.” Your head rested against her, chin finding ground against her shoulder as you looked at her with a tender expression. 

“There is a lot to do, but it’s nothing I can’t handle.” She placed her hands onto yours, her thumbs rubbing over your skin. 

“Maybe you don’t need to handle them at all?” Jean’s brows furrowed, her eyes shifting as she tried to understand your comment. “I mean, you could give them to someone else you know, delegate.” 

“A-ah … then that would just pass the workload onto another, I couldn’t do that.” 

“You are quite an impressive woman, Jean, but you can’t do it all alone.” 

“It’s my duty …” 

“I know, I know.” You pressed a kiss to her neck, the tightness of your embrace increasing as you showed her you understood her position. “How about taking a break then? You need to rest.” You didn’t wait for her to argue. Slowly you brought her to the couch in the corner of her office, making sure she settled into the seat next to you. 

“You can keep working if you want, but I’m not letting you get up from here, not for a while anyway.” Jean sighed and resigned herself to your win. 

It was easier to give in than try and fight against you anyway, this is why you always won. She had a soft spot for you -- your consideration of her, your patience, your strong will to get her to take some time. You helped her more than she could ever say, and far more than she could ever repay 

There was a stir, a shift that pulled Jean from her sleep and when she analyzed her surroundings, she found you resting peacefully on her shoulder. Your hand wrapped around her arm, a blanket draped over the both of you. You looked so peaceful, content -- she smiled and couldn’t deny this was the first time in weeks she felt fully rested 

Ningguang

She’s a woman who knows what she wants - the determination, strictness, focus that she has for everything that she does is so incredible there are few that think she must be more than human 

Reservation, Composure, Proper - all of these describe how she interacts with others, and when it comes to you she is no different 

In the light of the public eye, she treats you with respect -- behind closed doors, she behaves much more attached for she prefers to have you by her side if at all possible - to bathe in your company is like basking in the gaze of Morax himself 

Ningguang surrounded herself with documents. Her desk was nearly littered with them, leaving only enough room for a few spare items here and there. It seemed that there was more work to be done after the fall of the Jade Palace and, while she wished to start working on plans for the future, it seemed all her attention was shackled to the present. 

Knocking out her pipe into the ashtray, she let it rest so she could stand and organize the current state of work orders piling up behind her. Attendants came and went, their proper work ethic motivating her to continue - how could she expect those around her to keep working hard if she let herself slack. There would be plenty of time to rest once these were through … when that would be though was a question she didn’t have the answers to. 

There was a knock at the door, her attention drawn to the soft rapping of knuckles on the rich wooden frame and, when she saw you standing there patiently, she grew more at ease. 

“Come in.” She beckons, resting the documents on the table before making her way toward you. 

“Are you busy?” You asked, looking over her shoulder at the pile of documents on her desk. While it may appear to others that her duties were smothering, it was common practice for Ningguang to keep records of nearly anything she did. 

“There are still many tasks ahead, which we will get to when the time comes. To what do I owe the pleasure?” She felt your fingers wrap around hers and with a soft smile, she let you take them. 

“Would you object to me just … hang around for a while?” Your expression was nervous, it was as if you were never fully confident in your standing with her. 

“I wouldn’t object, besides, having something nice to look at while one works is good for the heart.” She pushed your chin up as if to remind you to always be yourself around her and when your lips stretched into a smile she knew, once again, that she was right in choosing you. 

How could another be allowed to look at your face? How could she handle the thought of you being taken by another -- she often looked at you with eyes you’d swore knew all the answers but love often makes one unsure -- and she was still surprised that you choose a woman like her 

A woman who came from nothing, who fought and crawled her way to the place she was today - yet, she couldn’t help but feel that when you looked at her, when your hand rested in hers, when your fingers ran across her skin, that you saw her for the woman she was - nothing more, nothing less - she could be completely herself in your presence 

As she continued to work and you offered your input where you could, the two of you never let go of the other hand 

--

tag list: 

@clemmywrites @sufzku @plenilunegazes @lucacandy @marianadibenea @nonniechan @jaemjenjam @softlybeloved @excitedlysuffering