#reader x zhongli

[the-reader-insert-gazette]

A Lifelong Contract - F!Reader x Zhongli

Request Column - Genshin Impact (Geo Archon Quest)

[ Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 ]

Zhongli has spent lifetimes watching the world change, bound by duty and the weight of eternity. But when Reader speaks of growing old together, he realizes—for the first time in thousands of years—that he wants to walk the same path. To be bound, not by time, but by choice.

Editor's Note: This was made as a request from a peer who wished to remain anonymous. Thank you for this lovely prompt and giving me creative freedom with it, sorry it took me so long! I hope you enjoy!

Liyue Harbor was a city of rhythm. It moved with the tide, with the clatter of ships unloading at the docks, with the rise and fall of market voices offering their wares. It was a city that hummed with life, never truly stopping, only changing pace with the time of day. But in the quieter hours, when the crowds thinned and the lanterns cast long reflections on the water, it was also a city of patience. It was a city that waited.

[Name] had learned to keep pace with it, though not in the way most people did. She didn’t rush through the streets like merchants anxious to make their coin before nightfall, nor did she wander aimlessly like a traveler marveling at the sights. She found her own rhythm—steady, deliberate. She worked, she bartered, she built.

And somehow, Zhongli had become part of that rhythm.

It had started as most things did, small and insignificant. The kind of moments that go unnoticed if one isn't paying attention. He had been a customer in her shop, another face among the many who admired the delicate craftsmanship of her glasswork. Unlike the others, though, he had not simply glanced at her wares and made a purchase. He had lingered, tracing the smooth curve of a finished piece with careful fingers, his golden eyes studying the details as though committing them to memory.

“These are well-made,” he had said, turning a small glass dragon ornament in his hand. “Your work captures the element of Geo quite well—solid, enduring, yet not without elegance.”

She had tilted her head at him then, amused. “You always talk like that?”

His gaze had lifted to meet hers, and for the briefest moment, she thought she saw a flicker of surprise—like he hadn’t expected the question. Then, he smiled.

“I suppose I do.”

From that day on, he had returned.

At first, it had seemed purely out of interest in her craft. He would stop by, ask thoughtful questions about her techniques, listen attentively as she explained the process. He had an appreciation for craftsmanship, that much was clear—an understanding that went beyond polite admiration. He noticed details that others overlooked, traced patterns in the glass with a reverence that felt almost personal.

Then, somewhere along the way, the visits became less about her work and more about… her.

She had noticed it in the way he would linger even after their conversations about glassmaking had ended. In the way he always seemed to find her when she was taking a break outside, leaning against the wooden beams of her shop with a cup of tea in hand. In the way he would appear in the market when she was there, always at ease, always ready with some quiet, insightful comment about the world around them.

It was never grand. Never obvious.

It was simply him, existing along with her.

She had once told him that she never stayed in one place for too long, that she wasn’t the kind of person who set down roots. Liyue, though, had a way of making people stay.

It had started with the city itself, with its warmth, its beauty, the way it seemed to hold its history in every stone and street. Then it had become about the people—about the familiarity of the shopkeepers she bartered with, the regulars who stopped by her workshop, the feeling of belonging that had crept up on her when she wasn’t looking.

And then, at some point, it had become about him.

She wasn’t sure when, exactly.

Maybe it was one of those quiet afternoons when they had found themselves sitting at a tea house, the world slowing around them. Or maybe it was the way he always seemed to know what to say, his words careful, deliberate, never rushed. Maybe it was the way he listened—not just to the things she said, but to the things she didn’t.

Maybe it was the way he had laughed that one time—really laughed, not just the polite chuckle she had heard before. It had been after she told him about a particularly disastrous attempt to negotiate with a merchant in Fontaine, one that had ended with her leaving empty-handed but with an entire street’s worth of people cheering her on for standing her ground.

“You are… quite remarkable,” he had said, still smiling, and something about the way he had looked at her then had made her stomach flip in a way she hadn’t been prepared for.

She hadn’t known what to do with that feeling, so she had shoved it aside, pushed forward as she always did.

But it hadn’t gone away.

It had settled there, in the spaces between them, waiting.

And slowly, steadily, it had begun to grow.

She didn’t think much about the future. She never had. It had always seemed like something distant, something that would happen when it happened. But then the thought came to her one evening during a small festival, as they walked along the harbor, watching the lanterns flicker against the darkening sky.

She thought about what it would be like to still be here, years from now. To walk these same streets, to keep working, to keep building. To have him beside her, just as he was now.

And that thought didn’t unsettle her the way it once might have.

She glanced at him, watching the way the light caught in his golden eyes, the way he seemed at peace in the stillness of the evening.

“You know,” she mused, nudging him lightly, “for someone who always talks about the past, I don’t think I’ve ever heard you talk about the future.”

He turned his gaze toward her, thoughtful. “No, I suppose you haven’t.”

She tilted her head. “Do you ever think about it?”

A long pause. Then, finally—

“…I do.”

Something about the way he said it made her heartbeat quicken.

She opened her mouth to say something more, but before she could, the first firework of the evening went off in the distance, its golden light bursting above the harbor. She turned her head to watch it, but not before catching a glimpse of him, watching her instead of the sky.

She didn’t ask why.

And he didn’t offer.

The firework faded, its golden light swallowed by the vast stretch of the evening sky, but the hush it left behind seemed to linger between them. [Name] didn’t break it, content to let the warmth of the festival surround them as they stood by the harbor, the voices of the city carrying on without them. For a while, neither of them spoke, and yet, nothing about the silence felt uneasy.

Zhongli’s gaze remained on her a moment longer before he, too, turned toward the horizon. His hands were still folded neatly behind his back, his expression as unreadable as ever, but something about his posture felt different—thoughtful in a way that went beyond his usual musings.

She had seen that look before.

It was the same one he wore when he traced his fingers over old inscriptions on stone tablets or when he spoke of Liyue’s past with the kind of familiarity that only came from lived experience. She had always chalked it up to the way his mind worked, how he seemed to carry an endless well of knowledge that even he couldn’t quite put into words sometimes.

But now, with the golden glow of lanterns flickering in his eyes, she wondered if it was something more.

She let the thought drift away.

Instead, she nudged him lightly with her shoulder. “Come on, let’s get something to drink. All this standing around is making me feel like I should be making a toast or something.”

He blinked, as if pulled from some distant thought, before letting out a quiet chuckle. “A toast, you say?”

“Well, yeah,” she said, already starting toward the tea house at the edge of the harbor. “It’s a festival, isn’t it? If you’re not eating or drinking, you’re doing it wrong.”

He followed, and though his smile was small, it lingered.

It became a habit, after that.

She wasn’t sure when exactly it started—maybe it had been that night, or maybe it had been happening all along without her noticing—but Zhongli became an unspoken fixture in her life. Their walks through the harbor grew longer, their conversations stretching into the night until the streets grew quiet. When she worked late into the evening, she’d sometimes find him waiting outside her shop, two cups of tea in hand, as though he had known without asking that she would need a break.

He never lingered past his welcome, never overstepped, and yet he was always there, as steady as the tides.

And she… she found herself gravitating toward him in turn.

It was never something they talked about, never something they put a name to, but it was there, woven into the spaces between their words, into the brush of hands reaching for the same teacup, into the way he always seemed to instinctively fall into step beside her, no matter where they were.

And yet, despite all of it, Zhongli remained careful.

[Name] noticed it in the way he would hesitate just a fraction of a second before touching her, the way he would sometimes look at her as though he were about to say something but would instead let the words settle unsaid. He was never cold—far from it—but there was a certain deliberateness to his every action, as though he was holding himself at the edge of something neither of them had spoken aloud.

She didn’t press.

Whatever this was—whatever it had become—she was content to let it be.

But Zhongli… Zhongli was thinking.

It was not something he could ignore, not when it sat at the forefront of his mind with each passing day.

He had lived for thousands of years, watched the world shift and change in ways mortals could never comprehend. He had stood where mountains had yet to rise, had spoken with those whose names had long since been swallowed by time. Mortality was something he understood, something he had always respected, but never something he had felt bound by.

But now, it was different.

Now, it was standing beside him, laughing at his old stories, pulling him through crowded streets with an easy familiarity, tucking her feet beneath her on the tea house bench and humming absentmindedly as he spoke.

Now, it had a name.

[Name] did not know the weight of the years that stretched behind him, did not know the things he had seen, the battles he had fought, the gods he had called his peers. To her, he was simply Zhongli, a man with an old soul and a tendency to over-explain things.

And for the first time in a long, long while, he found himself reluctant to correct that assumption.

But that did not change the truth.

She would live, and she would age.

And he would remain.

There would come a day—sooner than he wished, far sooner than he was prepared for—when time would begin to take its toll. He would watch as the years softened her movements, as the lines on her face grew deeper, as the vibrance of youth gave way to something slower, something more fragile.

And when that day came, when she looked at him with eyes that had grown old while his remained unchanged, what would he say?

Would he tell her then? Would he wait until she had begun to notice the difference, until she began to wonder why he never changed, why he never spoke of his past beyond vague recollections? Would he let her live her life never knowing?

Would it be a kindness? Or a cruelty?

He did not know.

All he knew was that for the first time, the passing of time felt like something looming, rather than something distant.

And for the first time, he was afraid of what it might take from him.

The tea house was quiet, tucked away from the bustling streets of Liyue Harbor, its warm lantern light flickering against dark wood. The scent of osmanthus lingered in the air, curling in delicate wisps from the cups between them.

[Name] swirled the tea in her cup absentmindedly, watching as Zhongli poured himself another, his movements practiced, careful. It had been a year since they met—since he first stepped into her workshop and admired her glasswork. She hadn’t thought much of it then, just another customer, another passerby, but now, sitting across from him in their quiet corner of the world, she knew better.

He had remembered today. She hadn’t. Not at first. It had only dawned on her when he had arrived at her shop earlier that evening, a bouquet of Glaze Lilies in hand. He hadn’t said anything about them outright—just placed them on her workbench with a soft, “I thought you might like these,” before suggesting tea.

She had smiled, taken them without questioning, but now, watching him across the table, she found herself turning the thought over.

"You really remembered the day we met?" she asked, breaking the comfortable quiet between them.

Zhongli glanced up from his tea. "Of course."

"Not exactly a holiday," she teased, smirking. "You keep track of the first time you meet everyone?"

His lips curved slightly. "Mostly, yes, but especially of those who leave a lasting impression."

Her teasing smile softened as she rested her chin on her palm, tilting her head as she studied him. "What else do you remember?"

Zhongli set his teacup down, fingers curling lightly around the rim. "You were skeptical of me," he said, voice tinged with amusement.

[Name] laughed. "Yeah, you acted like you’d never seen glass before. You held onto that dragon sculpture for so long I thought you were about to recite poetry to it."

He exhaled a quiet chuckle. "It was… an impressive piece of craftsmanship. It still is."

She smirked, but her voice was softer when she spoke again. "That was a good day."

Zhongli nodded. "Yes, it was."

The quiet settled between them again, but this time, it carried something heavier. [Name] let the weight of it sit for a moment before finally exhaling, setting her cup down and leaning forward.

"Alright, I think that's enough reminiscing," she said, her tone light but her gaze steady. "There's been something on my mind that I want to talk about."

Zhongli tilted his head slightly, waiting.

"You," she started, fingers tapping against the table, "are a hard man to read."

His lips twitched, almost amused. "Am I?"

"Don’t act so surprised." She narrowed her eyes playfully. "We’ve been—" she gestured vaguely between them, "—this for a while now, and yet, I still feel like you’re always holding something back."

His fingers stilled against his cup.

She wasn’t angry, nor was she demanding answers from him. Her voice was steady, as was her gaze. But there was a quiet honesty to her words, the kind that left no room for him to dance around the subject.

"[Name]," he started, his tone careful.

But she cut him off with a shake of her head. "Look, I’m not asking for some grand declaration, alright? I just—I think about the future. A lot more than I used to."

His brows furrowed slightly, but he said nothing.

She exhaled slowly. "I think about growing old. About the things I’ll do, the places I’ll see. And when I picture it, you’re always there." She let out a quiet chuckle, shaking her head. "You, sitting across from me at some teahouse just like this, telling me stories I’ve already heard a hundred times but still pretending they’re new just to humor you."

Zhongli’s chest tightened.

She continued, her voice growing softer. "I think about you being the last person I see when my time’s up. About hearing your voice at the end of it all and thinking, yeah, I did alright." She huffed a laugh, rubbing the back of her neck. "That’s a bit much, isn’t it?"

He should have expected this from her. She had always been forward, never one to leave things unsaid. But still, the weight of her words pressed into him, settling into the deepest parts of his thoughts, into the place where he had been avoiding this very conversation.

She spoke of years. Decades. A life measured in time she would experience fully, while he—

He swallowed, his fingers tightening around his cup.

[Name] studied him, waiting, watching, and when he still didn’t speak, she sighed, leaning back. "I guess what I’m saying is, I want you there," she admitted. "For all of it. If I’m being honest, I just assumed you did too."

Zhongli exhaled quietly, setting his cup down with deliberate care.

Her words—simple, spoken without hesitation—settled in his mind like stone against earth. It was not just a passing thought for her, not just something she wished for in the abstract. She had already placed him in her future, had already imagined a life where he was beside her, watching time unfold together.

She had spoken of it so naturally, without fear, without hesitation.

And in that moment, he realized he wanted that future too.

For the first time, he allowed himself to truly picture it. A life measured not by eternity, but by the years they would share. Mornings spent with quiet conversation, the scent of tea in the air. Evenings filled with laughter, with arguments over things that did not matter, with the warmth of knowing someone was waiting for him at the end of the day.

It was something he had never let himself consider before.

Now, he did.

He wanted to grow old with her.

He wanted to be there.

And for the first time in thousands of years, he understood what had to be done to make that a reality.

Their walk home was quiet. The city had settled into its nighttime hush, the streets dappled in the glow of lanterns overhead. [Name] walked with her hands tucked behind her head, casting glances his way now and then, as if waiting for him to say something.

But he did not, not yet.

When they reached the edge of her street, she stopped, turning toward him with an easy smile. “See you tomorrow?”

Zhongli met her gaze, something deep and steady settling within him. “Yes,” he said, “tomorrow.”

She lingered a moment longer before nodding, stepping back toward her home. He watched until she was gone, until the door closed behind her, before finally allowing himself to exhale.

Standing beneath the lantern light, he let the weight of the evening settle fully upon him.

There was no uncertainty now. No hesitation.

For the first time in his long existence, he knew what he wanted.

He would not simply watch time pass this time. He would choose.

But to do that…

To truly be with her, to share her years, to grow old as she would—he had to let go.

He had to step away from the life he had always known.

Morax had ruled Liyue for thousands of years.

Zhongli, however, was ready to live.

The city of Liyue was alive with celebration, its streets overflowing with eager voices, the scent of incense thick in the air. Lanterns swayed gently overhead, their warm glow illuminating the vast crowds gathered before the Jade Chamber. The people waited with bated breath, eyes fixed skyward, anticipation woven into every hushed whisper.

The Rite of Descension was a ceremony of great reverence. It was tradition, the foundation upon which Liyue had been built—an affirmation that their god, their protector, still watched over them. And for the last time, Rex Lapis would appear before his people.

Zhongli, taking the form of a dragon, stood at the highest point of the chamber, gazing down at the city that had flourished under his hand. For thousands of years, he had guided them, shaped their fate with careful precision, carved their future from the stone of the land itself. But now, it was time to step away.

He had prepared for this.

He had spent centuries watching over them, ensuring they could stand on their own. He had forged contracts not just between rulers, but between the land and the people, so that even in his absence, Liyue would remain strong. They no longer needed a god to oversee every transaction, to pass judgment over every decision.

And yet, even as he told himself this, there was an ache deep within him, a weight that pressed against his very being.

To let go of divinity was one thing. To let go of the people he had watched over for millennia, the land he had shaped with his own hands—that was another entirely.

Still, the decision had been made.

There could be no hesitation.

The moment arrived. A final breath. A final glance at the world he had built.

And then, he fell.

The sensation was strange—weightless and yet crushing, as though time itself stretched between moments. He felt the air rush past him, the stunned cries of the people below, the way the city seemed to recoil in horror as their god—their unshakable, eternal protector—crashed into the earth, lifeless and unmoving.

The murmurs turned to cries. Chaos rippled outward like cracks in stone.

"The Geo Archon is dead!"

From the depths of his consciousness, from the fading remnants of the form he had left behind, Zhongli listened.

He listened as the voices of the people he had watched over for so long trembled with uncertainty.

He listened as fear gripped them, as leaders stepped forward to bring order to the moment, as merchants and elders alike whispered prayers for guidance.

He had known they would react this way. He had prepared them for it. And yet, for all the logic in his decision, something in him wavered.

He had always been an observer, but this was the first time he had truly felt what it meant to be left behind.

He had prepared Liyue for this. But had he prepared himself?

Days passed.

The city did not sleep in the wake of the Archon’s passing. Vigil after vigil was held, offerings stacked high at the shrines, speculation spreading like wildfire. The harbor was thick with rumor—who had done it, why, what this meant for the future. But no one truly knew what had happened.

And somewhere, beyond the reach of the mourning city, Zhongli sat alone.

He had wandered the outskirts of Liyue, away from the lanterns and the sorrow, away from the weight of the decision he had made. Once he found the opportunity, had left the city as a mortal, leaving his vessel behind, and yet the weight of divinity still clung to him on any thread it could.

For the first time in thousands of years, he had no direction. No contract to uphold. No war to wage.

Only silence.

And he did not know what to do with it.

It was [Name] who found him.

She had been searching for days, asking vendors, dock workers, anyone who might have seen him. He hadn’t been at the tea house. Hadn’t stopped by her shop. He had vanished—and in the wake of the god’s passing, that absence had begun to gnaw at her.

And then, just as the sun began to dip behind the mountains, she saw him.

He was standing at the edge of the harbor, facing the open sea, his posture still but not at ease.

Something in her chest tightened.

He looked tired. Not physically—there was no slump to his shoulders, no telltale exhaustion in his stance—but something deeper. A weariness that did not belong to a man who had simply had a long day.

She approached quietly, though she doubted he hadn’t already noticed her. Still, she didn’t say anything at first, simply stepping up beside him and letting the sea breeze wash over them both.

"You disappeared," she finally said, her voice softer than she intended.

A long pause. Then, quietly—

"I know."

[Name] studied him out of the corner of her eye. His face was unreadable, as it often was, but there was something about him that felt… distant.

She crossed her arms. "Alright. You wanna tell me what that was all about?"

He exhaled slowly. "It was… necessary."

She frowned. "Disappearing for days was necessary?"

He turned his gaze toward her then, something unreadable flickering in his eyes. "I have spent much of my life fulfilling expectations, upholding traditions. And now, for the first time, I find myself free of them."

[Name] tilted her head, studying him. There was something in his voice that made her hesitate—something deep, something old.

"You say that like you don’t know what to do with it," she said carefully.

He huffed a quiet chuckle, but there was no humor in it. "Perhaps I don’t."

That alone made her chest tighten. Zhongli had always been so steady, so sure of himself. He always had an answer, always spoke as if he already knew the outcome of every path.

To hear him admit uncertainty now was… unsettling.

She nudged his arm lightly. "You could’ve at least told me you were gonna go off and contemplate life for three days. I wouldn’t have worried."

His lips quirked slightly. "That is a lie."

[Name] sighed dramatically. "Alright, fine, I would have worried. But you still should’ve told me."

Zhongli glanced back toward the water, his expression unreadable once more. "I will keep that in mind."

She studied him again, biting her lip before finally stepping closer. "Look, I don’t know what’s going on in that head of yours," she admitted, "but I know you. And I know that whatever this is, you’re probably making it more complicated than it needs to be."

Zhongli said nothing.

[Name] sighed, softer this time. "Just… don’t disappear again, alright? You’re allowed to figure things out without shutting everyone out."

Another long pause.

Then, finally, he nodded. "I understand."

She gave him one last look before stepping away, heading back toward the city. "Good. Now come on, I’m starving, and you owe me dinner for the stress."

For the first time in days, something in him settled.

He turned, following her without question.

The seasons passed, and life in Liyue carried on. The city adapted, as it always had. Though the loss of Rex Lapis had shaken its people, the foundation of Liyue remained strong. Trade continued, merchants prospered, and the world did not end without its god. The people learned to stand on their own, just as he had always intended.

And Zhongli continued living as one of them.

It had been a slow process at first. He had spent lifetimes watching from a distance, unbound by time, unshaken by change. But now, for the first time, he was a part of it. No longer just an observer, but a participant.

And [Name] was there, as she always was.

Their walks through the harbor continued to be part of their rhythm, their evening tea an unspoken tradition. When she worked late into the night, he would often be waiting outside her shop, two cups of tea in hand. When he found himself wandering the marketplace, he would hear her voice calling to him before he even had the chance to seek her out.

Nothing had changed, and yet everything had changed.

They never named what they were, never spoke about it outright.

But one evening, as the lanterns swayed overhead and the scent of the sea drifted through the air, Zhongli decided it was time to change that.

Their usual tea house was quieter than normal tonight, the hum of conversation a distant murmur beneath the rustling leaves. The summer breeze carried the scent of flowers and salt, the lantern light flickering against the polished table between them.

[Name] sat with one leg crossed over the other, absently swirling the tea in her cup, her other hand resting against her cheek as she watched the people pass by. She looked content. At ease in a way she hadn’t been when he had first met her.

Zhongli watched her, as he often did.

But tonight, for the first time, he was ready to speak.

“I have been thinking,” he began, setting his cup down with deliberate care.

[Name] let out a quiet chuckle. “Uh-Oh.”

He exhaled slowly, shaking his head. “I have come to a conclusion.”

That caught her attention. She tilted her head slightly, her teasing demeanor softening just enough for curiosity to take its place.

Zhongli met her gaze, steady and sure. “I would like to grow old with you.”

Her breath hitched.

He continued, his voice even but warm. “You spoke of this once, of wanting me there when your final day comes. And at the time, I was hesitant, uncertain.” He shook his head slightly, as if at himself. “Not because I did not wish for it, but because I had spent so long resisting the idea of permanence, believing that it was not mine to have.”

[Name] didn’t speak. She didn’t even breathe.

Zhongli reached for his cup again, fingers brushing along the porcelain as he considered his next words. “But I no longer wish to stand at the edge of life and watch from afar. I no longer wish to count time while ignoring the days right before me.” He looked at her again, something deep and unwavering in his gaze.

“I wish to spend those days with you.”

[Name] exhaled, setting her tea down with a quiet clink. For once, she didn’t have a quip, a teasing remark to cut through the moment. She simply nodded. “Good,” she murmured. “I was starting to think you’d never say it.”

His lips quirked slightly, a faint, knowing smile. “You always did have patience.”

“Mm, debatable.” She smirked, leaning back. “But I like hearing you say it, so I’ll take it.”

Zhongli chuckled softly, then let the moment settle before adding, “There is something else I have been considering.”

[Name] raised a brow. “Oh? More big revelations?”

He exhaled, resting his hand against the table. “We should have names for one another.”

That made her pause. She blinked, tilting her head. “Names?”

“Titles,” he corrected. “A way to define what we are to each other.”

[Name] furrowed her brows slightly, searching his expression. “You really do make everything sound complicated.”

Zhongli merely inclined his head, waiting.

She let the silence sit for a moment, then hummed, tapping her fingers against the table. “Alright. If that’s the case, what do you want these titles to be?”

Zhongli studied her, his gaze unwavering.

“I believe we are bound,” he said simply, not answering her question.

[Name]'s breath caught, though she quickly masked it with a half-smile. “Bound, huh? That’s one way of saying we’re stuck with each other.”

“Let me finish, but first, let me clarity. We are not not stuck with each other,” he corrected. “We have chosen each other.”

Something flickered in her expression—something hesitant, something hopeful. She didn’t respond immediately, letting his words settle.

Zhongli allowed a small smile before continuing. “I have always valued certainty, and you once told me that if we were to move forward, it would require commitment.”

Her brow furrowed slightly. “I mean, yeah. I think that goes without saying.”

He inclined his head. “And as you know, I place great value in contracts.”

[Name] stared at him, blinking once. Then again.

A slow, dawning realization flickered across her face, her eyes widening just slightly.

Zhongli did not elaborate.

“…Hold on,” she said suddenly, sitting up straighter. “You—did you just—” She squinted at him. “Did you just propose to me by calling it a contract?”

He did not correct her.

[Name] gawked. “Oh my god—you totally did.”

Zhongli took a calm sip of his tea. “That is in my nature.”

She groaned, running a hand down her face before letting out a breathless laugh. “You absolute—”

She shook her head, exasperated but undeniably happy. And despite her teasing, despite her laughter, despite all of it, there was something warm and real settling between them.

Because he hadn’t corrected her.

Because, in his own strange way, he had meant it.

[Name] exhaled, rubbing the back of her neck. “Alright, fine. You wanna call this a contract? Let’s call it a contract.” She leaned forward, her smirk curling at the edges. “Just know—if we’re doing this, I expect fair compensation.”

Zhongli lifted his brow. “And what would that entail?”

She reached for his hand across the table, lacing her fingers with his. “Every day. Every month. Every year ahead of us.” She squeezed his hand. “That’s the price.”

Zhongli’s grip tightened around hers, his golden eyes steady.

“Then consider it signed.”

And, for just a fleeting moment, he felt a quiet sense of relief—not just in the certainty of her words, not just in the weight of the choice they had made together, but in the fact that this was a contract he could uphold... without financial strain. No expensive fees, no costly tributes—just time, shared freely, something he could give in abundance until the end of their days.

[amphibiahawks321]

Hello! Can we have some female zhongli x male reader?

Fem!Zhongli : I see... So giving someone you dearly value these substances also counts as an appreciation of the things they've kindly done to you in the past? Thus including the person that you can't get your eyes off?

[Shows Fem!Zhongli about to buy a box of chocolates]

M!Reader blushing : ......

M!Reader blushing : You know you really don't need to–

Fem!Zhongli : I'm buying three...

[mini-ism]

courtship— 07 KINKTOBER ‘23

words: 815

synopsis: zhongli accepts your proposal, your innocence for a chance to be his spouse.

warnings: mdni!! virginity (reader), taking of virginity, monsterfucking, dragon form, courting, porn with some plot, mentions of marriage, gender neutral reader

zhongli loomed over you menacingly. his shoulders squared and broad, his eyes focused, glowing with sheer strength. you could hear his tail smack the floor a couple times.

your proposal was hard to deny, especially when you were in front of him, your most tender form of all— stripped bare and belly exposed. it was difficult not to think of you as prey, ready and eager to be consumed.

you begged and you pleaded for this chance, you knew the man would soon be courted once more, perhaps by a person lovelier than yourself. you merrily offered zhongli your innocence for a chance to become his spouse, nodding your head along joyfully, willfully dismissing his warnings.

yet there he stood, his gaze focused on you, your legs brought up to your chest, knees bent. you anticipated the answer of his body, the response to your bare form. it tingled and brewed within you, every second heightening your senses, the feeling of eagerness lingering in the air.

with a quick, experienced movement, zhongli pushed himself against you, his thick, large cock pressing against your entrance. awkwardly, you craned your neck to look at his body. his cock was unlike anything you could have imagined. it was big and lengthy, with a knot at the base, and his tip was an inhuman blackish color.

you watched as he tentatively moved his hips to yours, his cock poking and prodding at your hole, eliciting a whine from your lips.

you could feel the round, yet pointed, tip gain entry within you, stretching your hole ever so slightly to allow zhongli inside of you. a loud, breathy mewl left you, the stretching of your entrance and now your walls causing you to whine in pain.

“i warned you.” he said, your mind blurring while he moved in and out of you slowly, losing more of his length inside of you. he put his hands on your hips, thrusting inwards sharply, then pulling out almost all the way, only to fuck into you harder again. he continued this until most of his cock was in you, which took longer than we would have liked.

moans spilled from your mouth, feeling the girth of his dick stretch you out to your limits. the pain slowly ebbed into deep pleasure. you reached for his horns, which he allowed you to hold onto. zhongli kept his slow, yet agonizing pace, his cock dragging in and out of your tight hole. he knew he was in control.

tightening your grip, zhongli drew in a sharp inhale, your thumbs riding on the ridges of the sharp dragon horns atop his head, nestled in his dark brown hair. zhongli’s pace quickened drastically without warning, his hands still planted on your hips. his determined eyes were squinted, he seemed to be enjoying himself.

“do you like it? do you like this?” you asked.

“do not ask me such… dumb questions,” he replied, remaining silent for a while, “…yes, i enjoy this.”

you half giggled and half moaned in response. pleasure was building within both of you, and moans were slipping from both of you. mostly you, really. zhongli’s darkened hands moved from your hips to the underside of your thighs. your body was continuously and relentlessly bullied by zhongli’s fat cock, your tight hole straining from his size.

heat pooled in your gut, the sense of trust relaxing your muscles as he carefully, yet ruthlessly, fucked you. zhongli’s tail continued to swish and smack against the floor, nearly wagging uncontrollably as he chased his own high.

“are you close?” he panted.

you nodded, tears stinging your eyes, you could hear skin against skin, and the smell of sex hung in the air. he looked so handsome on top of you, drilling you full of his cock, his hair messier than usual, and his clothes slightly undone. you hoped he’d pick you after this, how he’d pick you to fuck again. to marry. to make you submit to him.

“good.”

the intensity of his thrusts jumped, your hands grabbing at his horns tightly, your hole clenching with his every movement. his grip tightened on your plush, warm thighs, ramming into you as fast as he fucking could.

“ah, ah, i’ll come soon. mmh,” zhongli could only muster as much of a warning as that before you came. your body tightened and you moaned loudly, your hips bucking wildly, hole tight as a vice around his cock. a sense of heavy relief and intense pleasure washed over you, your brain foggy and thoughts awry.

“zhongli, i- mmgh! oh, oh, fuck… fuuuuck…”

you watched as zhongli fucked into you one last time, pulling out as seed spilled onto your tummy, thick white globs leaking from his pointed tip. he looked at you determinedly, ready to pursue you deeper than this fuck.

and when the day came, the dragon approached you.

[vortexbloom]

Childe & Zhongli as your Husbands (Headcanons)

Pairing: Childe x Reader x Zhongli

Fandom: Genshin Impact

Warnings: Just pure fluff I guess.

──────────────────────

Masterlist - Genshin Impact

Moodboards - Genshin Impact

Masterlist - Honkai Star Rail

Masterlist - Marvel

Boycott List

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English is not my first/native language, so there might be misspellings etc.

I do NOT own any Characters !

Have fun reading this :D

⟡ Childe is fiercely protective of those he loves and enjoys playful, sometimes flirtatious interactions. He might be the more spontaneous and adventurous partner, always ready to introduce excitement and energy into your shared relationship.

⟡ Coming from a family oriented background Childe would ensure you feel secure and cared for, showering you with gifts or planning thrilling adventures to keep the relationship lively.

⟡ Despite his easygoing demeanor, Childe has a competitive streak and might occasionally feel jealous of Zhongli‘s calm and commanding presence. However, he would respect their shared bond and would work to keep balance.

⟡ As the embodiment of wisdom and tradition, Zhongli would bring calming, steady presence to the relationship. His attentiveness and respect for rituals might manifest in meaningful gestures, such as stories or creating serene, intimate moments.

⟡ Known for his penchant for luxury (even if he forgets about Mora), Zhongli would ensure you experience finer things in life. He would likely focus on emotional connection and long term commitment.

⟡ Zhongli’s balanced nature would help harmonize any tensions that might arise, acting as a mediator between Childe’s fiery energy and your needs.

Art by: @Quing11502143 on X (Twitter)

⟡ Childe‘s lively bit and youthful energy would contrast with Zhongli‘s composed and ancient wisdom, offering you the best of both worlds: excitement and stability.

⟡ Both men are deeply loyal and would prioritize your happiness, perhaps collaborating to plan unique, experiences with Childe focusing on action and Zhongli on tradition.

⟡ The relationship might have moments of lighthearted humor, with Childe teasing Zhongli about his old fashioned ways, while Zhongli offers sage advice to temper Childe‘s impulsiveness.

© 2024-2025 vortexbloom all rights reserved. Don’t repost, edit, translate or plagiarize my work!

Have a good day/night/evening/morning/afternoon ☼꥟☽

[priestessame]

Lazy mornings with the big cuddlers, (ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈)ꕤ.ﾟ

Where you two decide to laze around in the bed because it is still cold outside, tangled limbs and groggy thoughts. You know if you continue to sleep more, you'd wake up with the weird ache in your back but the chilly morning air still makes you want to continue to curl under your duvet.

Unfortunately you had kicked around in your sleep and found yourself on the cold side of the bed, groaning at the unwelcome freezing shins. Your tossing wakes up the man beside you, and you feel his arms reach over the mountain of blankets at once.

Wrapping his arms around your frame, pulling you closer in case you had wandered off to the other side of the bed. He slides you up against your torso and you instinctively bury your face into his chest. Out of habit his palm pats down your back, caressing you back to sleep. The movement lasts for about a minute, before you feel his chest rise and fall in a content slow rhythm again, sleep catching up as quickly as it had awoken him. It feels warm and safe for the both of you. Cocooned up in all those layers, the world beyond what you're holding right now blurs, colours fading into each other until the only way you know you're real is the warmth of his skin. The sleep that dawns on you then is nothing short of a spell, it wisps around you like a burning incense, and you probably wouldn't wake up until you feel his fingers on your skin again. (And you will sleep contently until his loud snoring wakes you up again.)

His touch creeps over your body, calloused fingers brushing against your sides as the mouth finds your neck. Something about you simply existing in his bed when he wakes up excites him. So don't be too mad when he nips at your skin teasingly, murmuring things you can't hear yet. And if his lips find your face he'll kiss you awake until you have to shove him off. In the end you don't really mind if he does wake you up, do you?

ASRA, Choso T.T, Thoma, ITTO, LAW, Sanji, + (any of your favs?) The snoring is so Zhongli (pls that man is loud). Rafayel

Buy me a coffee ⸜(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )⸝♡

[xioterep-art]

Hello! First time writing and posting a fanfic! Hope y'all like it! Got the idea from the playlist below:

pov: you're his mafia assistant; possesive zhong li

Mafia Boss Zhongli x Assistant reader AU

Trigger warning: blood, gunshots, guns, violence, cursing, fights. (fluff at the end? I don't know how to call it but Zhongli is a green flag for sure ;))

Disclaimer: The art is not mine, the artist is on Twitter under the username @KinoWong1

It was your third year, working as a mafia leader's assistant. You had to take care of his schedule and organize his meetings. Although this was pretty exhausting, looking at his handsome yet cold face was enough to lift your tiredness. Who doesn't appreciate beauty?

As you were sitting at your assigned desk, you were working on a rapport its due was today. Taking a pause, you leaned back in your chair and glanced out the window, completely zoning out. Your boss, Zhongli, was hard to read. His face remained constantly unfazed and calm, making it challenging to guess his thoughts. Yet, it was this air of mystery that added to his attractiveness. But you must admit, that man was a true gentleman.

Lost in thoughts, a sudden loud bang was heard outside, which made you stand up, frightened. By accepting this job, you were aware that you might lose your life in a mafia fight, be kidnapped, or way worse, be sacrificed.

Inhaling deeply to steady your nerves, distant shouts and gunfire from the first floor seeped into your ears. Surprisingly, you swiftly regained your composure, reaching for the small gun concealed under the desk, it was a first-day gift from Mister Zhongli. Aware of his absence, you dashed towards his office, seeking refuge.

As soon as you hid behind his desk, the door flew open, and four armed men entered. Trembling uncontrollably, your hands shook, breaths coming in ragged gasps, fear palpable in the pit of your stomach.

Frantically grabbing your phone, which had been left on silent. With trembling hands, you start writing a message to your boss, warning him about the situation.

from you to Mister Zhongli

"Greetings Mister Zhongli, the building is under attack, please do not come here. They already reached your office."

For a moment, a loud sound was heard in the entire office... Your eyes were wide open as you watched your phone drop onto the floor. Panic surged; "I'm done for," flashed through your mind. A sharp pain seared through your scalp as one of the men yanked you backward while another reached out to your phone, a small groan escaped your throat,

"She contacted him! Kill her," the man holding the phone barked, fixing a menacing glare on you.

Tears welling in your eyes, you seized the small gun with both hands, catching them off guard, and aimed at the man clutching your hair. With a determined yet shaky hand, you fired at the man's leg, the sudden burst of gunfire echoing through the chaos.

A high-pitched ringing filled your ears, drowning out the man's agonized screams as he released your hair. Your legs quivered beneath you, barely able to support your weight. Instinct took over as you aimed the gun at the three remaining men, your voice firm with a tremor of fear, "Don't move, or I will shoot," you warned, trying to mask the trembling in your voice.

To your dismay, two of them erupted into laughter, while the third sneered mockingly, "How adorable. Let's bring her along, she's got to be his assistant," he commanded the others.

Before you could react, one of them moved with lightning speed, stealthily snatching the gun from your grasp. Panic surged as a hand clamped around your throat, cutting off your breath, the world spinning in a whirlwind of fear and desperation.

As your vision blurred and darkness threatened to engulf you, another loud bang reverberated nearby. Suddenly, the constricting pressure around your throat is released, allowing air to rush back into your lungs. Strong arms encircled your waist, steadying you.

"Take slow breaths, don't panic," a soothing voice murmured near your ear, instantly calming your frayed nerves. A familiar and comforting scent enveloped you, jolting you awake. "Boss!" you blurted out, but before you could say more, the man holding you hushed you with a gentle gesture.

"Shh, not now," the voice interrupted, firm yet reassuring, preventing you from continuing.

Looking around, you noticed the bodies of the men lying on the floor. He'd already dealt with them? The realization struck you with surprise and disbelief. Tears streaked down your cheeks as you looked up at him, trying to comprehend the situation.

To your astonishment, he smiled—a rare sight that momentarily erased the recent chaos. "Am I that handsome?" he joked, catching you off guard. "Are you truly Mister Zhongli?" you asked, your tone serious, considering his usual demeanor that seldom allowed for such warmth.

His laughter filled the room, and in your flustered state, you pulled away from his hold, cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "Thank you, Boss," you managed, bowing slightly to convey your gratitude.

"Clear the area and dispose of these bodies," Mister Zhongli commanded his men before turning his gaze back to you. "May I hold you?" he asked softly, his expression gentle. You hesitated for a moment, caught off guard, but before you could respond, you found yourself enveloped in a hug from your boss.

"I may not be an expressive man but one thing is sure, you are dear to me, milady," Caught off guard by his sudden display of vulnerability and protectiveness, your breath hitched as he whispered, rendering you speechless. "I was careless and because of me, your beautiful neck got to taste the consequences of my carelessness," His hand traced the red marks on your neck. His intense gaze made your heart race with both fear and an unexpected flutter of something else. You gulped, not expecting such a turn, your heartbeat fastening from the sudden proximity.

"I vow to protect you, mi amor, I vow to kill anyone that touches you," he declared in a low, dangerous tone, his eyes ablaze with a fierce determination. "No one will harm you again. I want you to be touched by me and only me..." His lips brushed against your hand gently, his eyes never leaving yours. "Please mi corazón, be mine," he pleaded, his forehead resting against yours, his touch tender yet his gaze unwaveringly intense.

You sighed, feeling torn between the complexities of the situation and your unexpected emotions. Who were you to deny such a passionate declaration, regardless of his occupation and the risks involved? His intensity and the depth of his feelings left you conflicted. Maybe, just maybe, you were willing to embrace this new, complicated reality, consequences be damned.

[mymegumi]

A SERENADE OF DEVOTED EARTH ෆ 09:46

⠀ this is part one of my series & if you’re looking for the rest/masterlist, just click the link above <3

there is little to do.

you are only nine years of age, and somehow, you’ve run out of things to do. your nanny, of whom you’re currently in the process of getting fired because she said that you were a woman and women ‘didn’t get themselves dirty, that’s a boy’s job’, has lost you again for the third time today, already, and the sun has just barely finished it’s rising cycle. you love being easily lost.

your father had told you that you had to be around in the early light of the day, as there was an important meeting you needed to be around for. you’re not sure how it can be important and include you—you can hardly even go anywhere in the manor without needing supervision.

you’d heard talk around the castle of the arrival of someone important—more namely, the arrival of a young boy that you’d be meant to marry. your parents are married and they hardly even seem to like each other, most days. you think that being married means a general dislike of each other, but you’re not really sure. you’ll have to ask the nanny when she finds you again (if she finds you again).

most of the time, to avoid being in the general discomfort that is the unnerving attention from either parent, you spend your hours wiling away in the gardens.

you love the outdoors, much to your mother’s dismay. she had hoped you would take a finer interest in mastering the pianoforte or even sewing—a womanly skill indeed—and while you had skill in those activities, a love for them you lacked. they did not interest you, not the way the outdoors did.

there was just so much more to do—climbing trees, digging holes, scavenging rocks, and even just enjoying the sounds of the fauna and flora. oftentimes, you would sit on a rock near the castle’s pond, and just observe. you’d found that there was so much life, if one just looked and listened for it. no one to rush around and tell what to do, no nannies that didn’t know you any better than your own parents did.

life is easy, outside.

climbing a tree, for example, is just a series of knowing where to put your hands and your feet so you don’t fall. some branches might look like they’d be good to hold your weight, but you must tug and pull on them first, to test that they are sturdy. just as people are, they can seem good on the outside, and really be rotting on the inside and let you down, where you’d tumble to the ground and break a bone. not that you were speaking from experience.

you pull yourself onto a large offshoot of a tree branch, something you think a squirrel or perhaps very large owl might want to perch on, and you look below you.

you very nearly startle yourself off of the branch at the sight of a young boy standing beneath the tree, looking up at you with an inquisitive look.

“how did you do that so quickly?” his words are soft and the wind is brushing his hair across his forehead and you seem to have lost the memory of how to breathe.

even from where you are perched on your tree branch, you can tell he stands at least a few inches taller than you, if not a half-foot taller. his eyes seem to glisten in the early morning light, a dark amber color that seemed to cut through to your soul. they looked as though they were pools filled of the warmest, softest maple syrup and honey—sickly sweet.

you’ve never really looked at anyone the way you’re looking at this stranger before you—you’ve never had a reason to. however, this little boy is soul-crushingly, heart-achingly pretty and you can feel a seed of jealousy, of wanting him and wanting to be him. you bet his parents love him effortlessly. he seems the type to be good at anything he touches, to wake up and have his hair be ready for the day without even the touch of a brush.

your face twists, each emotion playing across your features in quick succession; your father had once said you lacked the skill of hiding your emotions. “i’m just that good at it.” you settle yourself against the tree’s leaves, hoping they will provide a sense of comfort and mysteriousness.

“it’s impressive.” the compliment sends a pleasing sense of shivers down your spine; your parents were loathe to praise skills that they had determined had no real-world use. you’d fought hard for them to be proud of you, and sometimes, despite all you’d done, you fell short.

you try to turn your head away so he can’t see your smile, but the way his cheeks start to turn rosy mirrors your own.

“thanks.” you puff a strand of hair away from your face, turning your attention back to the young boy. “who are you? i live here and i don’t think i’ve ever seen you before.”

“i’m zhongli of house morax.” he straightens his back, as if remembering he has to be dignified in your home. he, then, counteracts his poise by giving you a lopsided smile—some of his teeth are crooked and it makes your heart flutter. “i’m here ‘cause i’m supposed to be meeting the daughter of the lord here. she wasn’t ready, though, so my dad told me to walk the gardens while i waited.”

you blanch. this was the boy you were meant to marry?

his face is soft, his skin a pale cream color that his dark brown hair seems to make even paler. he’s a bit scrawny, lean and tall, moreso than bulky and stocky. you hadn’t known what to think of the son of the house of morax, but he seems kind.

kindness was something you valued in your friends, and maybe things wouldn’t be so bad if you were to marry him. though, did marrying him mean you’d have to dislike him? you don’t know if it would be possible to dislike a face so sweet looking.

“well,” you started, picking at a piece of tree bark, “i’m the daughter of the lord of this house. so i guess, you’ve met her, anyways.”

his smile brightens minutely, hands lacing behind his back. “it’s lovely to meet you.”

being the sole reason for and sole recipient of his smile makes warmth gain in your cheeks, “y-yeah. nice to meet you, too.”

“my lady!” you jerk your head towards the balcony that overlooks the gardens, a few hundred feet away, at the sound of your nanny’s shrill yell. “how many times have i told you to stop running away!”

from below you, zhongli laughs. it draws your attention and you think you’d be magnetized to his laugh no matter what. “i think you’d better get down, to save your poor nanny from suffering an aneurysm.”

you harumph, slowing starting to make your way down the tree. “i’m getting down, but only because i want to. i don’t even know what an aneurysm is.”

his eyes twinkle as he responds. “i don’t either. i read it in a book once.”

the two of you share a small smile as your feet are firmly planted on the ground again, zhongli helping you down with an outstretched hand. with a gentle hand, he brushes a green leaf from your hair.

“will i see you again?” you ask softly, looking up at him now and confirming the fact that he is taller than you, if only by a few inches.

he contemplates, moving towards the balcony. “i hope so. i’d enjoy seeing you again.”

“i would, too.”

your nanny snatches you, then, scolding you on running off on your own and reprimanding you for climbing trees again—as you’d been told last time that there would be absolutely no more of that!—but you’re not paying attention to her. instead, you’re watching zhongli, who is happily talking with his parents and nodding sagely at whatever his father’s advisor says to him next.

turning back to your father, who’d descended the steps next to you, you just happen to miss zhongli’s gaze falling onto you.

perhaps marriage isn’t supposed to be completely unhappy.

ʚ reblogs greatly appreciated! ɞ

[thesparklingwriter]

35: fin

gif banner signifies that you should read the written portion

taglist | masterlist | smau navi

“Welcome!” You smile as you let Itto inside. Having been the only person in the group to have already been to your place, he arrives sooner and pulls you into a crushing hug. You have the foresight to keep you injured arm out of his reach, and to not tell him the real reason why you invited everyone over. Of course you love and miss your friends, but the real purpose of this meeting has been a hard secret to keep.

“I’m so happy to see you up and about,” he grins. “Where’s moneybags?”

“In his room,” you smile. “He’s finishing up some stuff. He did agree to make steak, though.” Itto grins widely at your words, about to hug you again when the door knocks.

“That must be everyone else. Just as I was about to call dibs on the amount of steak…” He says, opening up the door. Your friends barrel through the doors, holding gifts, food and in Ei’s case, a plant.

Wait… EI? You had planned ot speak to her separately, certain that she would be preoccupied with other important matters to come. Not even that, you thought she would eb too uncomfortable with such a public display fo appreiciation that you resolved to ask her in private.

“What are you doing here?” you squeal when you catch sight of Ei behind the plant.

She inclines her head. “I was told you weren’t expecting me. I couldn’t have that.” you pull her into a hug, avoiding the houseplant, and she does her best to hide her smile. It has been a while since she last saw you this happy. And it has been a while since she saw you uninjured.

“I am glad to see you all are well,” Zhongli says as he removes himself from his study. He stops by your side, smiling amicably at everyone. Even Aether, who seems uncomfortable under his heavy gaze, returns the smile. The weight of accepting that his sister was responsible for his injuries, that her intentions had been more than that, that he hadn't seen the signs earlier… It’s weighing heavily on him. He didn't fight for his sister when she was charged, even after she requested him to be a character witness. His only regret is that Lumine didn't bring Commedia down with her. He hopes that by the time she’s released, enough will have changed to ensure she doesn't even try anything.

Zhongli hangs behind as everyone heads towards the main sitting room, catching aether before he can catch up with everyone else.

“You are not responsible for your sister,” he says simply, and Aether inclines his head.

“That doesn't mean I'm not embarrassed.”

“You don't have to be embarrassed. You can miss your sister. You can mourn her future. It doesn't mean that you condone her actions.”

A screech from Itto has Zhongli readjusting his position so he can clearly see the rest of you in the sitting room as he chats with Aether.

“She tried to kill you.”

“Tomorrow was never promised anyway,” Zhongli says. “Perhaps I needed reminding so I don't take everything for granted.”

He sees you laugh as you whack the back of Itto’s head, your smile brighter than the sunrises he used to watch with you when you were younger. He needed this to learn to not take you for granted. 

“When’s the wedding?” Aether jokes, tracking Zhongli’s gaze back to you.

“In the summer.” He replies, serious as ever. “Deciding when has been the easiest part. Saying no to the idea of a dance number was the hardest.”

“She’s got you dancing?” Aether asks. The thought of it is absurd to him.

“Maybe I'll surprise her. Perhaps you should let yourself smile again. No one in this room blames you for your sister’s actions, and they never will.”

Silence falls between the two men until Itto’s voice rings out.

“Ayo, moneybags! How come you won't let me be the flower boy by myself?”

You laugh at his antics, smiling brightly.

“Sorry! He bullied it out of me.”

Aether gulps. He couldn't accept an invitation to the wedding. He couldn't take a role at the wedding. It felt too wrong.

“I know she would love to have you there,” Zhongli says quietly.

“I think it’s better if I don’t.”

© 2023, thesparklingwriter. please do not copy, edit, repost, or translate.

notes: miaow i resisted the urge to do this in two parts... despite everything i'm happy with this. i think they deserve a happy ending. (an ending!! finally!!! you all scream) the year has been crazy and honestly i'm just happy to be on the other side of this project, this year, and everything else

i do wanna do another smau but i'm gonna finish it before i start posting :3 if you want a cameo theres a link at the end of this project navi for the info i'd need to make you a twt account in universe!! this rlly helps me flesh out posts n such so if you feel like it pls fill it out!

no this has not been proofread, yes i will do it tomorrow, yes i love you all and thank you so much for being so patient with me.

taglist: @shadowheads-shitshow @sharkiestory @roxie-miya @starbbearie @luminescent0 @kay-stryker @auraficial @whatamoodhoney @gautier-lei @medusuu @aixaingela @theblueblub @kika-a @je-suis-argent-miel @loveperfectionchaos @vanitasbrainrot

[patootle]

[bricommissions]

hi, i’m sen (she/her, 25) and i’d like to request a genshin impact matchup!

my romantic preference is that everyone’s hot, please help. i’m a shortstack musical theater kid stuck in the body of an accountant. i love going down research rabbit holes; i enjoy solving problems and hunting down the misplaced puzzle piece that throws everything else out of balance. but i burn out very easily when doing that, and am actively trying to learn balance. i burn out easily in general, honestly. social engagements require a lot of recharge time in bed after.

i err on the side of politeness in social settings, but my sense of humor is so sardonic it generally comes across as too blunt. still, i try to keep my friends’ spirits lifted with bits and goofs. i also fluster easily and am probably very teasable, lmao.

this is probably more information than you needed/wanted, so i’ll leave two more nuggets: i love spicy food and iced coffee, and my love language is acts of service. i was going to leave three nuggets but couldn't come up with a third, which may be a nugget in and of itself :D

thank you so, so much in advance! we've dm'd recently, so please let me know if there's anything you need from me during the process!

hi hi dear friend sen !! thank you for commissioning me for a paid match-up ♡ your contribution to my writing career & helping me pay my bills means the world to me. thank you so much from the bottom of my heart ♡

DRUM ROLL, PLEASE . . .

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

YOUR MATCH IS : ZHONGLI !!

right away, i could see connections that would blossom between the two of you !! so for the sake of immersion, let's dive into this hypothetical scenario of you living in the world of teyvat ...

you're a traveler who likes to go from nation to nation, but liyue is the destination you travel to the most. you're paying the beautiful nation a visit, & everyone is happy to see you again. you enjoy third round knockout & their delectable beverages. after settling into an inn on the harbor, you immediately head there & order an iced coffee & a small appetizer of the spicy variety - two of your favorites !!

however, for the first time, there is someone sitting at your usual table that you don't recognize. it appears your schedules have finally lined up. this is where you first meet zhongli.

right away, you two hit it off. the conversations never seem to end & he is very curious to learn more about your travels. at one point, some regulars sit beside the both of you & politely tune in. the talk extends into the night ... one key thing you notice is that when you chime in with a rather blunt joke, no one laughs ... except when zhongli suddenly barks out a laugh, clearly a fan of your humor. judging by the reactions of the other tavern-goers, a laugh like this is rare. their faces are quite shocked. it's obvious he's laughing with you & not at you. it gets you a little flustered, but not in a negative way.

the two of you talk into the late hours of the night; long after everyone has left & third round knockout has closed. when the people on the street become fewer & fewer, you both realize it's time to go.

"allow me to walk you back in exchange for your wonderful company tonight, sen," zhongli would insist. & he does walk you back to the inn !! ... for reasons tooootttaaaallllyyyy unrelated, you decide to stay in liyue for a while longer.

what follows is you spending more & more time with zhongli. you take walks amongst liyue's breathtaking nature & solve ancient puzzles out in the wild; not so much for the treasure, but for the intellectual challenge your brilliant minds can team up for. whenever you feel that infamous sensation of burnout, you'll both sit in comfortable silence & enjoy the views ... yes, views ... zhongli is a very hot guy, after all.

he certainly finds you attractive, too. he has a faint blush on his cheeks whenever you're around. hu tao, who you meet in passing due to them being co-workers, is quick to point this out to you when he isn't looking with a wink & a nudge.

zhongli never expected to feel such a way for a mortal, & yet his heart races every time he thinks of you. he adores your focused expression when you speak with him about your research, or the passion in your eyes when you speak about your musical theater days.

on that fateful day when he approaches you with a bouquet of qingxins behind his back & a tender murmur of "sen..." —

well, i'll leave the rest up to your imagination !!

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

THANK YOU FOR READING !!

if you're the person that sent this & are unsatisfied with the results, feel free to shoot me an ask or dm !!

if you'd like to receive one of these yourself, PLEASE DM ME !! you can commission a match-up like this from any fandom for just $5 !!

( i did put a little more pizazz into this one because i was tipped, thank you sen ♡ )

if you liked my writing, please consider commissioning me !! i am in dire need of help with bills & buying myself a bed that doesn't kill my back & body. i offer writing commissions such as custom character x reader fics, oc x canon character fics, comfort character emails, ship fics, & more ♡

CHECK OUT MY PINNED POST !!!!

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

[chickenkupo]

Holy fuck, am I actually working on updating my Reader x Yandere Zhongli fic?

Why yes, yes I am.

Haven't heard about this and are interested? Check out the story so far, here!

Fun fact: this was my first ever fanfic post on AO3, and it blew me up so quick. I'm so thankful to you readers for giving this a shot!

Also, forgive the pacing, poor wording and all that. This was legit my first posted fic, and I've learned so much since then, so some parts might feel cringe, or maybe that's just me (;´༎ຶД༎ຶ`)

[the-reader-insert-gazette]

A Lifelong Contract (Part 2) - F!Reader x Zhongli

Request Column ( @quaildoodle ) - Genshin Impact

As Zhongli adjusts to the intricacies of living among humans, the Reader begins to realize just how much about him remains a mystery.

[ Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 ] ✒️ Word Count: 6093 🏷️ Relevant Tags: Mortal!Zhongli | Domestic life | Wedding Planning Phase 1 | White Lies 🗒️ Request Details: [Comment on Part 1] part two PLLLEEEAAASSSSEE I BEG OF THEEEEE 👹👹👹

The morning light filtered through the thin curtains of [Name]'s shop, casting a warm glow over the workspace cluttered with half-finished glasswork and scattered notes. The scent of brewed tea lingered in the air, mingling with the faint trace of osmanthus that always seemed to follow Zhongli.

[Name] was already at work, sleeves rolled up, hands deftly shaping molten glass into delicate form. The steady flicker of the furnace illuminated her focused expression, brow furrowed as she carefully adjusted the shaping tongs. Zhongli, seated at a nearby table, quietly observed as he sipped from a porcelain teacup.

It had become a part of their routine—these quiet mornings spent together before the rest of the world woke up. She would work, he would sit with her, sometimes reading, sometimes simply existing in the space between them.

He had spent centuries alone, never imagining that his days would unfold in such simplicity, and yet, this—watching her work, sharing silent moments over tea, listening to the way she muttered to herself when something didn’t go as planned, was something he cherished more than he could ever put into words.

[Name] huffed, straightening up and stretching her arms over her head. “Alright, that one’s done,” she said, wiping her brow with the back of her hand. “What do you think?”

Zhongli set down his tea and stood, stepping closer to inspect her latest work. It was a glass lotus, each petal curved with delicate precision, the surface catching the morning light in shifting golden hues. He tilted his head slightly. “Exquisite craftsmanship, as always.”

[Name] scoffed, bumping his arm lightly with her elbow. “You say that every time.”

“Because it is true every time,” he replied smoothly.

She smirked, shaking her head before leaning back against the worktable. “You’re lucky I like hearing it.”

Zhongli allowed a small smile, reaching out to brush a stray strand of hair from her face, his touch lingering just a moment longer than necessary. [Name] rolled her eyes but didn’t pull away.

They had yet to tell anyone about their engagement.

Not because they were hiding it, though the thought of seeing some of their friends react was admittedly amusing, but because they had simply settled into it. No grand announcement, no rush to change anything. They already spent their days together, already moved in and out of each other’s spaces so naturally that little had changed aside from the understanding that this was how they would remain.

[Name] tapped her fingers against the worktable, studying him. “You’re thinking again,” she mused.

Zhongli huffed a quiet chuckle. “I do that often.”

“Yeah, but usually you narrate half of it aloud,” she teased, nudging him. “What’s on your mind?”

He considered his words carefully before answering. “How long we intend to keep this between us.”

[Name] blinked, then smirked. “You getting impatient?”

“Not at all,” he said, though there was something amused in his gaze. “I simply wonder how long it will be before others take notice.”

[Name] crossed her arms. “I mean, we’re not exactly secretive.”

“No,” he agreed, “but some may take longer to realize what is already in front of them.”

She snorted. “You mean Childe.”

Zhongli exhaled, shaking his head. “He does tend to be… enthusiastic in his observations.”

“That’s putting it lightly.” [Name] shook her head, amused. “Yeah, I give it maybe another week before someone figures it out.”

Zhongli hummed, thoughtful. “And if they do?”

She shrugged. “Then they do. Not like I’m gonna start flashing a ring around and making a big speech about it.” She nudged him again, smirking. “Unless you want me to.”

He lifted a brow. “That would be rather uncharacteristic of me, no?”

She grinned. “Exactly.”

The quiet settled between them again, easy and warm. Zhongli reached for his teacup once more, and [Name] returned to her work, the sound of glass shaping filling the space between them.

Neither of them needed to say it, but they both knew.

It started subtly—small shifts in space, little adjustments that neither of them acknowledged outright.

A book left on her nightstand. A neatly folded coat hanging beside hers near the door. His favorite tea set nestled in her cabinets alongside her own mismatched collection of cups.

[Name] hadn’t questioned it at first. It was only natural, given the circumstances. They were engaged, after all. It made sense that he would begin to settle into her space just as she had into his presence. And yet, Zhongli never outright said it. Never formally declared the decision.

Not until she found him standing in her storage room, arms crossed, staring at the shelves like they were a puzzle he hadn’t quite solved.

[Name] leaned against the doorframe, watching him with mild amusement. “You thinking of taking up residence in there? Because I gotta say, I expected you to have higher standards.”

Zhongli blinked, glancing at her as though only now realizing she was there. “No, merely… considering space allocation.”

She snorted. “Space allocation?”

He gestured vaguely to the cluttered shelves, currently stacked with spare tools, supplies, and a handful of trinkets she hadn’t bothered to sort. “It would be more efficient if certain essentials were more readily accessible.”

[Name] tilted her head. “Certain essentials like… your stuff?”

There was the slightest pause. “…Perhaps.”

A slow grin crept onto her face. “So, you are moving in.”

Zhongli nodded. “It is the most logical course of action.”

She smirked. “Uh-huh. ‘Logical course of action.’ Not because we’re engaged. Not because we’ve practically been living together already. Just logic.”

He gave her a dry look. “I was under the impression you preferred practical explanations.”

[Name] grinned, stepping past him and giving the shelves a light tap. “You wanna move in? Just say it.”

Zhongli regarded her for a moment, then sighed, shaking his head with faint amusement. “Very well. I would prefer to stay here.”

She nodded, satisfied. “See? That wasn’t so hard.”

“I believe it was harder than it should have been,” he muttered, earning a snicker from her.

[Name] crossed her arms. “Well, in that case, we should probably get started on figuring out where to put your stuff.”

“There is not much to move,” Zhongli said, glancing back at the storage shelves. “My belongings are few.”

She hummed. “Right, because you don’t own your house—Childe’s been footing the bill for your place this whole time.”

Zhongli closed his eyes briefly, clearly not eager to be reminded. “Yes.”

[Name] tried—and failed—to suppress a laugh. “Oh, he’s gonna love hearing that you’re finally moving in.”

“I do not believe he will find it surprising.”

“No, but he will be dramatic about it.”

Zhongli sighed. “That is an inevitability.”

[Name] grinned. “Looking forward to it already.”

Living together meant adjustments.

Not big ones, necessarily—Zhongli had already spent most of his time in her home, and his presence had long since settled into the rhythm of her days. But now, with the understanding that this was permanent, the small shifts in their daily lives became more noticeable.

Like how his voice was the first thing she heard in the mornings, already preparing tea before she even dragged herself out of bed. Or how she no longer had to remind herself to pick up osmanthus flowers at the market—somehow, they were always already there, neatly arranged in a vase by the window.

And, of course, there was the matter of learning how to live together.

[Name] realized early on that, despite his composed nature, Zhongli had never had to manage certain aspects of daily life before.

She figured that out the first time she asked him to sweep the floors.

It had been a normal evening. She was finishing up work at her glassblowing station, wiping down the workbench, when she gestured to the broom leaning against the wall. “Hey, can you sweep up?”

A simple request. A straightforward task.

Which made it all the more surprising when she turned back a few minutes later to find Zhongli standing there, holding the broom in both hands, staring at the floor.

[Name] blinked. “You, uh… need a moment?”

Zhongli hummed slowly. “I am determining the most efficient sweeping pattern.”

She snorted. “It’s sweeping, Zhongli.”

“Indeed.” He tapped the broom lightly against the floor, contemplative. “But dust follows air currents. A poorly executed motion may result in redistribution rather than removal.”

[Name] quirked a brow at him. “Are you seriously strategizing sweeping?”

Zhongli met her gaze, unbothered. “Would you not prefer it to be done well?”

She dragged a hand down her face, shaking her head with a laugh. “Just sweep, Zhongli.”

To his credit, once he actually started, he was meticulous about it—though she strongly suspected he had memorized the entire shop’s airflow in the process.

Still, despite moments like these, he adapted quickly. Whether it was helping with household tasks, learning the rhythm of daily chores, or adjusting to the reality that living together required a shared sense of responsibility, he took it all in stride.

One night, after another ordinary evening spent side by side, [Name] leaned against the kitchen counter, watching as he carefully set a freshly cleaned teapot on the shelf.

“So, be honest—is living with me as hard as you thought?”

Zhongli considered this for a moment before answering. “It is… different.”

“Good different or bad different?”

He turned toward her, golden eyes steady. “Good.”

[Name] smirked. “Even with the chores?”

He huffed a quiet chuckle. “Even with that.”

She shook her head, amused. “Well, in that case, congratulations. You’re officially domesticated.”

Zhongli lifted a brow. “I was unaware that was the goal.”

“Too late now.”

He exhaled, shaking his head, but his lips curled in faint amusement. “So it seems.”

[Name] studied him for a moment, then tilted her head. “You regret anything?”

Zhongli held her gaze, something warm and certain in his expression.

“Not a single thing.”

The warmth in his voice settled into [Name]’s chest, quiet and steady. She searched his face, waiting for any flicker of hesitation, but there was none—only certainty, only him.

A slow smile tugged at her lips. “Good.”

The evening stretched on lazily after that, the weight of the day ebbing away as they moved through the quiet routine of tidying up. Zhongli rinsed the last of the teacups while [Name] wiped down the countertops, the air filled with the soft sounds of water running and fabric brushing against wood.

By the time they were finished, the world outside had settled into stillness—lanterns swayed in the faint night breeze, the muffled sounds of the harbor now distant.

[Name] stretched, rolling her shoulders before leaning against the table. “I don’t know about you, but I’m not moving from this spot for the next hour.”

Zhongli, ever composed, simply picked up the kettle and poured another cup of tea. “Then I shall keep you company.”

She huffed a quiet laugh, shaking her head. “Should’ve known you’d say that.”

They moved to the sitting area near the window, the cushions soft beneath them as they settled into the low evening glow of candlelight.

[Name] curled her fingers around her cup, letting the warmth seep into her palms. The comfortable silence stretched between them, familiar and unhurried.

Zhongli studied her, eyes laced with quiet amusement. “You look tired.”

She hummed. “Not tired tired. Just… settled.”

He inclined his head. “A good thing, then.”

She took a slow sip, letting the tea warm her from the inside out. “Yeah. It is.”

Zhongli took his own sip, his movements precise, unhurried. Even in the stillness, he carried himself with that same quiet grace, as if every action had a purpose.

[Name] watched him for a moment before shaking her head. “You ever just do things without thinking?”

He raised a brow. “What do you mean?”

“I mean, like…” She waved a hand vaguely. “Not strategizing every little thing. Just letting it happen. Living in the moment.”

Zhongli set his cup down. “I do, occasionally.”

[Name] smirked. “Oh yeah? Name one time.”

He met her gaze, and the flicker of warmth in his eyes sent a shiver down her spine.

“…This.”

She stilled.

The weight of his words lingered in the air between them, settling over her like a second layer of warmth.

[Name] let out a quiet breath, tilting her head. “Didn’t think I’d get that serious of an answer.”

Zhongli’s lips curled faintly. “You asked.”

She let out a huff of laughter, shaking her head. “Fair enough.”

A comfortable quiet stretched between them again, the candlelight flickering softly against the walls. The air was cool, the breeze drifting in through the slightly open window, carrying the scent of salt and distant lantern oil.

[Name] sighed, shifting to lean against his shoulder. “You mind?”

Zhongli didn’t answer right away—he simply reached for the blanket draped over the side of the chair, shaking it out before placing it over both of them.

His voice was quiet when he finally spoke.

“Not at all.”

[Name] closed her eyes, listening to the rhythmic sound of his breathing, the slow rise and fall of his chest.

She could get used to this.

She was used to this.

And as the night stretched on, with no rush to move, no need for words, she realized something.

She had never once doubted that he would stay.

The market hummed with life, a steady rhythm of voices, footsteps, and the occasional clang of metal as vendors arranged their wares. The scent of fresh herbs and spices mixed with salt from the harbor, the occasional flicker of incense trailing through the air.

Zhongli moved through the market with quiet purpose, basket in hand as he selected ingredients for the evening meal. He took his time inspecting the produce, his fingers brushing lightly over the smooth surface of a lotus root before placing it carefully with the rest of his selections.

It had become something of a routine—choosing ingredients, considering flavors, thinking ahead to the quiet evening that awaited him back home.

He had only just turned toward the next stall when a familiar voice rang out from behind him.

“Now there’s a sight I wasn’t expecting to see today.”

Zhongli blinked, glancing over his shoulder just as Childe approached, hands tucked into his pockets and an easy grin on his face.

“Childe,” Zhongli greeted, inclining his head.

Childe’s eyes flickered toward the basket in Zhongli’s hands before his smirk widened. “Groceries? You finally getting tired of letting restaurants do all the work?”

Zhongli adjusted the weight of the basket against his arm. “A more personal approach to meals is preferable now.”

Childe huffed a quiet laugh. “Huh. And here I thought you’d be the last guy I’d run into at the market.” He tilted his head, his expression shifting from amused to thoughtful. “Actually, now that I think about it… haven’t seen you around the usual spots lately. Figured you were just keeping a low profile, but…” His grin returned, eyes sharp with realization. “You moved in with her, didn’t you?”

Zhongli met his gaze, expression calm. “…That would be correct.”

Childe let out a low whistle, shaking his head with a chuckle. “No wonder I haven’t seen you at the place I’ve been covering for you.” He crossed his arms, studying him. “So? How’s it been?”

Zhongli considered the question carefully before responding. “It has been… an adjustment.”

Childe barked a laugh. “That so? You? Adjusting?” He clapped Zhongli on the shoulder, grinning. “Man, I wish I could’ve been there to see it. Let me guess—chores?”

Zhongli nodded, his lips curling into a soft smile. “Among other things.”

Childe’s grin softened into something a little more genuine. “Bet it’s been nice, though.”

Zhongli met his gaze, something unspoken passing between them.

“…It has.”

Childe huffed another small laugh. “Yeah, I figured. Not every day you get to see a guy like you going full human experience.” He nodded toward the basket. “What’s on the menu?”

Zhongli glanced at the ingredients before replying. “A dish she once mentioned enjoying as a child. I thought it would be a suitable choice.”

Childe’s grin widened. “Oh, you’re really in deep.”

Zhongli arched a brow. “You say that as if it is a bad thing.”

“Nah.” Childe waved a hand. “I think it’s great. You’re happy.” His expression turned warm, a flicker of something fond in his gaze. “And you deserve that, old man.”

Zhongli regarded him for a moment before inclining his head. “Thank you.”

Childe smirked. “Well, if you ever need advice on domestic life, you know where to find me.”

Zhongli hummed, amused. “I will keep that in mind.”

Childe stepped back, giving a lazy salute. “Alright, I’ll leave you to it. Just don’t forget—when the wedding rolls around, I better get an invite.”

Zhongli gave him a sidelong glance. “That is inevitable.”

Childe’s grin widened. “Good. Now go make her a damn good dinner.”

And with that, he strode off into the market, leaving Zhongli to watch him go, the faintest trace of a smile lingering on his lips.

The comforting glow of lantern light filled the home as Zhongli stepped inside, setting the basket of fresh ingredients on the counter.

He had barely begun unpacking when [Name]'s voice carried from the next room.

“So,” she called, stepping into the kitchen with a knowing smirk. “Childe stopped by, mentioned he saw you at the market earlier.”

Zhongli glanced up, unfazed. “As expected.”

[Name] leaned against the counter, crossing her arms. “Yeah, he figured things out real quick.”

Zhongli hummed. “That does not surprise me.”

She huffed a small laugh, shaking her head. “Not me either. He was grinning ear to ear when he showed up—said something about how it finally made sense why he hadn’t seen you lately.”

Zhongli set down the bundle of scallions, regarding her with quiet amusement. “I assume he had much to say on the matter.”

“Oh, plenty.” [Name] reached for an apple, turning it over in her palm. “Asked when the wedding was, said he was happy for us, then immediately invited himself to the guest list before I even confirmed anything.”

Zhongli exhaled, shaking his head. “Predictable.”

“Hey, at least he was excited. Honestly, it’s kinda nice.” [Name] tossed the apple lightly between her hands before setting it back on the counter. “Made me realize we should probably start figuring that out for real.”

Zhongli inclined his head slightly. “You are referring to the invitations?”

“Yeah.” She pushed herself upright, stepping closer. “I mean, we haven’t exactly hidden it, but we haven’t officially told everyone either. We should decide how we wanna do that.”

He considered this for a moment. “It would be wise to inform those closest to us first.”

[Name] nodded. “Agreed.” She tapped her fingers against the countertop. “You thinking something simple? Just letting people know directly?”

“That would be the most straightforward approach,” Zhongli replied. “And preferable to allowing word to spread through secondhand accounts.”

[Name] snickered. “Yeah, I’d rather avoid that kind of chaos.” She rested a hand on her hip. “Alright. So, we let people know, and we start thinking about the actual invites. Guess that makes it official.”

Zhongli’s gaze softened. “It has been official since the moment you accepted.”

[Name] blinked.

Then, slowly, a smile tugged at the corner of her lips. “You always know what to say, don’t you?”

He reached for the cutting board, setting it between them. “Occasionally.”

She tutted. “Modest.”

They moved into a quiet rhythm after that, working side by side to prepare dinner. The steady sound of chopping vegetables, the slow simmer of broth filling the space—it was familiar, comforting.

[Name] glanced at him as he arranged ingredients with practiced care. “You know, this is the kind of night I wanna remember.”

Zhongli looked up, meeting her gaze. “And why is that?”

She smiled, small but certain. “Because it’s ours.”

Zhongli studied her for a moment, something warm settling in his chest. Then, with quiet sincerity, he nodded.

“Yes. It is.”

The following days passed in a steady rhythm, carrying with them a quiet shift—one that felt both momentous and completely natural.

[Name] had never been one for grand announcements. Neither was Zhongli. The news spread not through fanfare or sweeping declarations but in simple, intentional moments.

She handled her side of things first—writing a handful of letters, sending word to her family without making a production of it. There was no great ceremony, no long-winded explanations, just a quiet acknowledgment of the life she had chosen and the person she would share it with.

Zhongli, however, had a different set of people to inform.

And so, they made their way through Liyue, stopping at the places that mattered most.

They started with Madame Ping.

Evening light stretched over Yujing Terrace as they arrived, the air carrying the faint scent of tea and blooming flowers. She greeted them warmly, her knowing gaze flickering between them as she motioned for them to sit.

“You carry yourselves with purpose,” she observed, pouring tea with steady hands. “What is it you wish to say?”

[Name] chuckled, exchanging a glance with Zhongli before answering. “We’re getting married.”

Madame Ping’s smile was slow, pleased, as though she had been waiting for them to say it aloud. “Ah,” she mused, taking a sip of her tea. “That is wonderful news. And yet, I cannot say I am truly surprised.”

[Name] huffed. “I feel like everyone’s going to be saying that.”

Madame Ping chuckled. “Because it has always been clear, my dear. But a wedding—now that is a rare and precious thing.” She glanced at Zhongli, something knowing in her gaze. “You have chosen to step forward into something new. That is no small thing.”

Zhongli inclined his head slightly. “It is a choice I make with certainty.”

Madame Ping nodded approvingly. “Then you will find joy in it.” She turned back to [Name]. “And I suspect you will keep him grounded in it.”

[Name] grinned. “That’s the plan.”

They stayed a while longer, drinking tea and talking of simple things, before eventually making their way into the city proper.

Telling Hu Tao had been inevitable.

The moment they stepped into Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, she already knew.

“Ohohoho,” she cackled, practically bouncing toward them. “I knew it! The two of you? You’ve been stuck together for ages.”

Zhongli sighed, “You are not incorrect.”

Hu Tao folded her arms. “So? When’s the big day?”

[Name] rolled her eyes. “We’re still figuring that part out.”

Hu Tao wagged a finger. “Well, whatever you do, I better be involved. Maybe a haunted banquet! Ghostly guests?”

Zhongli gave her a flat look. “That will not be necessary.”

[Name] laughed. “Tell you what—we’ll consider it.”

Hu Tao beamed. “That’s all I ask!”

And then, just for a moment, her teasing melted into something more genuine.

“In all seriousness,” she said, nudging Zhongli lightly, “I’m happy for you, boss. You deserve this.”

Zhongli met her gaze, something steady and grateful in his own. “Thank you.”

Hu Tao winked. “Don’t get too sentimental now.”

[Name] smirked. “Yeah, Zhongli. Don’t get too sentimental.”

He simply exhaled.

From there, the news spread easily.

At Wanmin Restaurant, Xiangling nearly dropped a ladle in excitement, and Guoba, upon hearing the news, wrapped his small arms around [Name]’s leg in what she could only assume was a congratulatory hug.

Then there was Ganyu.

They found her in the Yuehai Pavilion, surrounded by neatly stacked documents, reviewing reports as she always did. At first, she barely registered their presence, glancing up only briefly.

“Oh! Hello, you two. Can I help with something?”

[Name] hesitated, giving Zhongli a sidelong glance before speaking. “Not really. We just came by to tell you something.”

Ganyu blinked at them, lowering her papers slightly. “Oh?”

Zhongli spoke with his usual composure. “[Name] and I are to be wed.”

The words hung in the air, the calmness of his voice almost making it sound like a casual update rather than something life-altering.

Ganyu, however, froze.

For a moment, she simply stared, as if the meaning of his words was still processing. Then, her lips parted slightly, and—

“Rex—”

She caught herself, her entire body tensing as her eyes went wide.

[Name] furrowed her brows. “What?”

Ganyu coughed, bringing a hand to her mouth, her cheeks visibly pink. “I—I just—wow, that’s wonderful news!”

[Name] narrowed her eyes slightly. “Uh-huh.”

Zhongli remained composed. “Thank you, Ganyu.”

She nodded, still visibly flustered. “I—yes! You two are—well, you’ve been together for so long, but this is—” She breathed, collecting herself. “It’s really lovely news.”

[Name] tilted her head slightly. “You almost called him something else.”

Ganyu stiffened. “D-Did I?”

[Name] squinted at her. “Yeah. Sounded like—”

Zhongli placed a hand lightly on [Name]’s arm. “Ganyu has simply known me for a long time. There are nicknames from the past that sometimes slip.”

[Name] hummed, not entirely convinced, but didn’t press the matter.

“Alright,” she said finally, letting it go. “Well, at least someone’s actually surprised.”

Ganyu nodded vigorously. “Very surprised!”

She truly was terrible at lying, but [Name] let it go—for now.

The next visit took them beyond the city, where Xianyun had made her home in the outskirts of Liyue Harbor.

She greeted them as they approached, her human form as refined as ever, arms folded as she regarded them both. “You arrive with purpose,” she mused.

[Name] smirked. “That obvious?”

Xianyun hummed. “I have known you both long enough.” Her sharp gaze flickered toward Zhongli. “Speak, then.”

Zhongli inclined his head slightly. “[Name] and I will be getting married.”

Xianyun was silent for a moment, her expression unreadable.

“I see,” she mused, shaking her head slightly. “And here I thought you had committed yourself to solitude.”

[Name] smirked. “Guess he figured out he liked me better.”

Xianyun chuckled. “A rare feat indeed.” She studied them both before nodding. “It is… unexpected. But not unwelcome.”

[Name] tilted her head. “So, you approve?”

Xianyun hummed lightly. “It is not my place to approve or disapprove. But…” Her lips curled slightly. “You will keep him interesting.”

The last stop was Wangshu Inn.

They found Xiao on the balcony, watching the distant mountains. He didn’t react when they approached, only glancing at Zhongli when he spoke.

Xiao turned slightly, golden eyes sharp. “What is it?”

[Name] crossed her arms. “We’re getting married.”

A pause.

Xiao blinked.

Then, very slowly, he tilted his head. “…You?” He glanced at Zhongli, as if to confirm it was actually true.

Zhongli nodded.

Xiao huffed, crossing his arms. “Hmph. Unexpected.”

[Name] smirked. “Not unwelcome though, right?”

Xiao glanced between them, then shook his head. “…No.” He hesitated, then added, “It is… good. That you have chosen this.”

Zhongli inclined his head. “I have.”

[Name] studied Xiao for a moment before tilting her head. “How do you two know each other, anyway?”

Xiao’s shoulders tensed slightly, but Zhongli responded smoothly, “We have shared paths for some time.”

[Name] narrowed her eyes slightly.

She was starting to think there was a lot about Zhongli’s past she didn’t know.

By the time they stepped back into their home, the city outside had settled into the quiet hum of evening. The warm glow of lanterns flickered against the walls, their soft light casting a golden sheen over the space. The day had been long—visiting friends, sharing the news, handling the quiet logistics of letting their families know. Yet, rather than feeling exhausted, [Name] felt lighter.

Zhongli set the empty basket from the market near the kitchen, rolling his sleeves back down with slow precision. [Name], meanwhile, stretched her arms above her head, rolling her shoulders as she leaned against the counter.

“Well, that’s done,” she sighed, a small grin tugging at her lips. “Not gonna lie, it feels kinda good to have it all out in the open.”

Zhongli glanced at her, his expression as calm as ever, but there was something warmer in his gaze. “A necessary step.”

She sighed. “You would call it that.”

She wasn’t sure why she had been expecting some sort of shift after telling everyone, as if saying it aloud would somehow change the way it felt. But in the end, it hadn’t. It was still them, still steady and certain, just with the weight of unspoken things now comfortably settled between them.

[Name] exhaled, nudging his arm lightly. “I’m starving. What are we making?”

Zhongli hummed, considering. “I had planned for something simple. You mentioned wanting dumplings the other week.”

[Name] blinked before realization dawned. “Oh, you actually remembered that?”

Zhongli gave her a knowing look.

“…Okay, yeah, dumb question,” she muttered, but she was grinning. “Alright, then. Let’s make it together.”

Zhongli moved with his usual quiet precision, gathering the ingredients while she prepped the cooking station. They worked side by side, the easy rhythm of their movements speaking of familiarity rather than effort.

He reached for the knife first, carefully slicing vegetables with measured precision. [Name], watching from the side, snorted.

“You cut things so evenly. It’s actually kinda unfair.”

Zhongli didn’t look up. “Precision is important in all things.”

She huffed. “Yeah, well, it makes my chopping look like a crime scene.”

Zhongli, ever diplomatic, merely said, “Your technique is… expressive.”

[Name] laughed. “That’s the nicest way anyone has ever insulted my knife skills.”

His lips twitched ever so slightly. “It was not intended as an insult.”

She smirked. “Mhm. Sure.”

Still, she took her own knife and got to work, a bit more mindful of her cuts this time. Their quiet chatter filled the space as the dish slowly came together—the scent of simmering dumpling, the soft crackling of oil in the pan.

At one point, Zhongli moved behind her to reach for a sauce jar, his presence warm and steady at her back. [Name], without thinking, leaned into him slightly, letting their shoulders brush. He didn’t pull away.

If anything, he lingered just a second longer than necessary before stepping aside.

[Name] smiled to herself, stirring the pot idly. “You know,” she mused, “this is nice.”

Zhongli glanced at her. “Cooking?”

She hummed. “Yeah. And this. Just… coming home, making dinner together.” She tapped the wooden spoon against the pot. “It’s not fancy or dramatic, but it's enough.”

Zhongli studied her for a long moment before nodding. “Yes. It is.”

[Name] leaned against the counter, watching as he carefully plated the food. “We should do this more often.”

Zhongli set the dishes down with practiced ease. “That would not be a difficult arrangement.”

She smiled. “You mean it’s a contract you can get behind?”

His golden eyes met hers, warm and steady.

“Yes.”

Her breath hitched slightly, but before she could overthink it, he extended a set of chopsticks toward her, his expression expectant.

“Eat,” he said simply.

[Name] huffed a quiet laugh, shaking her head as she took them. “Yeah, yeah. I’m getting there.”

They settled in at the table, the evening stretching out around them, quiet and certain. No grand celebrations, no overwhelming emotions—just the easy, steady presence of the life they were already building together.

The warmth of the meal settled between them, steam curling lazily from their bowls as the evening stretched out, soft and quiet. The occasional clink of chopsticks against ceramic filled the space, a steady rhythm in the lull of conversation.

[Name] sighed in satisfaction, setting her chopsticks down. “Alright, I’ll admit it—this turned out way better than I expected.”

Zhongli glanced at her, a faint hint of amusement in his expression. “You had doubts?”

She smirked. “I have eyes. I saw how worried you looked while I was chopping.”

His lips twitched. “I was… observing.”

She rolled her eyes, leaning back in her chair. “Sure. Whatever lets you sleep at night.”

Zhongli merely took another sip of his tea, unbothered.

[Name] let the quiet settle for a moment, watching the way the lantern light flickered softly over his features. There had been so much happening lately—telling people, preparing for the future—but now, with just the two of them here, she found herself thinking about something else entirely.

She tapped her fingers idly against the table, tilting her head. “You know… I don’t actually know a lot about your life before we met.”

Zhongli set his teacup down, his expression unreadable. “Is that so?”

[Name] nodded. “Yeah. I mean, I know the basics. You worked with the Funeral Parlor, spent a lot of time wandering Liyue, always had a weirdly dramatic way of talking—”

“I would not call it dramatic.”

“Right, because saying things like ‘Contracts are the foundation of all civilization’ is completely normal dinner conversation.”

He only laughed softly as he shook his head, unable to deny her statement.

[Name] grinned but didn’t let the topic drop. “Anyway. You’ve always been kind of a mystery. I just never really pushed before.”

Zhongli studied her carefully, golden eyes steady. “And now you are?”

She shrugged, picking up her teacup and cradling it between her hands. “I dunno. Guess I just realized that we’re… planning a whole life together, and there’s still so much I don’t know about yours.”

Zhongli was quiet for a moment, his gaze lowering slightly as though weighing his words.

“There is much to tell,” he admitted, voice softer now.

[Name] smirked. “So tell me.”

Zhongli exhaled lightly, leaning back slightly in his chair. “Where would you like me to begin?”

She considered that for a moment. “How about before you came to Liyue Harbor?”

His fingers drummed against the table—a subtle, thoughtful motion. “I have spent much of my life traveling,” he said eventually. “Before settling in the city, I wandered many regions, learning, observing. Liyue has always been my home, but the world beyond its borders has its own lessons to teach.”

[Name] leaned forward slightly. “What kind of places?”

Zhongli’s gaze flickered, as if recalling something distant. “The mountains of Jueyun Karst, for one. There are places there that have remained untouched for centuries, where the wind still carries the echoes of the past.”

[Name] watched him carefully. There was something about the way he spoke, not just with nostalgia, but with an intimacy that felt… different. Like he wasn’t just recalling these places but had been part of them in a way she couldn’t quite grasp.

She rested her chin on her palm. “And before that?”

Zhongli’s grip tightened around his teacup for only a fraction of a second before he loosened it.

“I spent time among scholars, traders, those who shaped the city long before it became what it is now.” He chose his words carefully. “I have seen Liyue change, watched it grow into the nation it is today.”

[Name] furrowed her brows slightly. “You talk about it like it happened forever ago.”

He hesitated. “Change is often slow. When one remains in a place long enough, history begins to feel… closer.”

She narrowed her eyes, something about his phrasing catching her attention. “How long have you been in Liyue?”

Zhongli met her gaze, unreadable as ever. “A long time.”

It wasn’t a lie. But it wasn’t quite the whole truth, either.

[Name] tapped her fingers against the table again, thoughtful. “You know, I’ve heard people in Liyue talk about you before. The way they describe you, it’s like you’ve always been here.”

Zhongli remained still.

[Name] tilted her head. “You ever think about leaving? Going somewhere else?”

“I have traveled far in the past, and would be willing to travel again. But Liyue is where I belong.” He said, his voice was steady, but there was something deep beneath it, something weighted in a way she couldn’t quite place.

She studied him for a moment longer, then leaned back slightly.

“Alright,” she said, but the question lingered.

She knew he wasn’t telling her everything. Not a lie, but not the whole truth either.

Still, she smiled at him, shaking her head. “You’re a real piece of work, you know that?”

Zhongli arched a brow. “Am I?”

“You dodge questions like a professional.”

He chuckled, shaking his head. “I prefer to call it selective storytelling.”

[Name] snorted. “Yeah, yeah.” She pushed her empty bowl aside. “Well, one day, you will tell me the full version.”

He met her gaze, something unreadable flickering behind his golden eyes.

“Perhaps,” he murmured.

[Name] reached across the table to nudge his hand lightly with hers. “Fine,” she said, squeezing his fingers briefly. “I can be patient.”

Zhongli studied their joined hands, then curled his fingers slightly around hers.

“So can I.”

And for now, that was enough.

Editor's Note: YOUR WISH IS MY COMMAND👹 But actually though, thank you for the request I hope you enjoyed! I'm writing this in a way that allows for future parts/further development. So who know's this might turn into a mini-series 👀

[actually-mentally-ill]

finding out making up whole detailed scenarios with fictional characters in your head is a “sign of mental illness”

[shujichii]

your husband had a very convenient advantage over you.

and that would be picking you up— whenever and wherever.

falling asleep anywhere other than your bed was never an issue, not with him around. because rest assured— your very strong, very responsible and very devoted husband, has made it his mission to pick up his beloved wife and deliver her to safety and comfort.

you fell asleep on the couch while reading a book or watching a movie? no problem, he had already anticipated it. cue him carefully picking you up bridal style, grip firm but gentle, your head comfortably cradled against his chest. then, he'd start walking to your shared bedroom with slow steps— but not before staring at your sleeping face for a moment with a painfully tender gaze and pressing a featherlight kiss to your temple. everytime you woke up, you would find yourself neatly tucked in bed with him holding you close to him or simply gazing at you in quiet awe, like you were the very embodiment of beauty itself. (to him, you were, even if you disagreed.)

now, that's not the only place where his strength came to use. whenever you decide to act stubborn and bratty, you'd best be prepared for a pair of large, steady and warm hands to suddenly settle themselves on your waist, hoisting you up over his shoulders like a sack of potatoes. he'd go on about his day just like that as if he didn't have a living, breathing, adult-sized human creating a fuss over his shoulder. he'll only put you down when he feels like it. or maybe if you manage to bribe him with some affection… (spoiler; it always works.)

another time would be when you're feeling particularly lazy to get up from bed in the morning. you don't want to get up? that's fine too, he'll let you latch onto him like a koala— your arms lazily looped around his neck, legs around his waist, and his hand keeping you steady while he casually takes a sip of his coffee with the other. that's his life now. happy wife, happy life.

however, there was also a time when he had you questioning your entire existence. you were standing in front of a drawer, very much distracted by an item in your hands. it just so happened that your husband needed to get something from the said drawer. his solution? extraordinary. lift you off the ground by your waist, relocate you to the side, get his drawer business done and casually go on and about with his day. you only processed this a minute later and he had no idea why you kept on staring at him like he had personally rewritten the laws of the universe itself.

long story short, he loved picking you up— even during times when it was unnecessary. why? because he simply could. and also because it was the perfect excuse to have you in his arms yet again.

♡ nanami kento, kamo choso, ryomen sukuna, gojo satoru, geto suguru, fushiguro toji (jjk), sylus, zayne, xavier, caleb (lads), wriothesley, alhaitham, neuvillette, diluc, itto, kaeya, childe, zhongli (genshin), rengoku kyojuro, uzui tengen, tomioka giyuu, himejima gyomei (kny), ukitake jushiro, kuchiki byakuya, kyoraku shunsui, kurosaki ichigo, ishida uryuu, abarai renji, hitsugaya toshiro, jugram haschwalth (bleach), your favorite.

[vortexbloom]

I think I‘m gonna start making Moodboards.

[priestessame]

Sumeru historian reader! that has no idea about Zhongli being rex lapis.

gender neutral reader📜 fluff-📜crack

It had been a while since Zhongli had wanted to court someone that badly.

Other than being oh so lovely to look at, it was hard not to fall for a scholar like you. Sharp and eloquent, a trailblazer of a historian. This made it difficult to figure out a way to approach you... more personally. And recently Rex Lapis had found himself wondering the same thing. To understand how to tread across the line of friendship into something more intimate occupied all of his thoughts.

So when he heard you were taking a class on Rex lapis he was positively gloating.

"I think it's a brilliant idea." He assured you, pressing down a giddy smile. Because if you fell in love with the stories of Morax, half his battle was already won.

It was all he could think of as he sipped his tea today. Anytime now you would be joining him here, bright eyes gleaming with reverence as you spoke of the beloved rex lapis (Or so he hoped).

He knew your love for the dendro archon, he knew you often spoke of her kindness and deep wisdom. Well, in that case, (nothing to brag), but surely Rex lapis possessed those qualities as well. If anything, he was walking history himself. You were sure to find him just as benevolent.

Ah, Zhongli thought, he would take such pleasure in seeing your smile as you spoke of him with the same love. Maybe it was childish of him to feel that jittery over it, but he tried to remain nonchalant.

With lunch time approaching, more people flocked into the tea shop and Zhongli swiftly placed an order for a adeptus temptation. That way it would be hot when you arrived.

As if on cue, your voice called out to him. Zhongli straightened at that sound. Your excited figure made its way to his table, he noticed that you carried reading supplies from your class. He read a few titles off the bat, The oldest adepti, The Lord of commerce, The archon king. He brightened up at once, you had read the best of the literature on him. Pleased, he decided to probe it out of you.

"I see you have come from your seminar." He said, easing into his seat.

"I am curious as to how you view the Lord of Geo now." he completed, a small smile slipping on his lips as he waited for what was next to come.

Most historians he encountered echoed the same thought- awe and respect for the geo archon. After all, the literature painted him as iron-fisted yet just, compassionate yet feared, a revered patron of art and a warrior-

"He's just a glorified thug." You grumbled, sitting down beside him.

Zhongli's jaw slacked, the knowing smile stuck halfway on his face froze as he stared at you, more than a little bewildered at your lack of reverence. well, this was... new.

"I'm telling you Xiangsheng, if it wasn't for Guizhong, he would have remained unruly and stupid." You continued, " I don't know why they hail him like some Nobel dude, when he was basically a tyrant for most of his life."

Zhongli smiled queasily, "Dear, historical texts are often subject to the interpretation of historians." He tried to explain, "D-did you not read any literature on him? surely that couldn't have been as bad.."

You just shook your head, pointing the fork at him and making him gulp. Although the action was just to emphasise your point, to the consultant it felt like an accusatory needle being pointed at him. "Lieuyan records and fiction tend to blur over each other, I can't help but feel that he was just some rock headed idiot that is painted as someone cultured."

You stuffed another mouthful of the stir fry, "And after all-" You continued, "what kind of Archon is scared of seafood?"

Zhongli bit back his tongue, He fumbled with the tea cup, grappling at ways to try and win you over, "Well.. that's not exactly how the events unfolded..."

"They are all secondary texts after all, Rex Lapis never really wrote any autobiographical texts himself." Zhongli tried, feeling a little like he was strapped to a mast of a sinking ship.

"That only proves that he was never sophesticated to begin with." You huffed back, Zhongli choked back a cough.

You shrugged, not wanting to waste precious time with Zhongli on talking about Rex Lapis, "I think the people of liueye view him through rose coloured glasses, I'm sure he was some traditionalist in provocative clothing that went about screaming sacrilege for anything new."

"- well that is subject to - wait- I beg your pardon, P-provocative clothing?" Zhongli yelped out in the end, embarrassment creeping up his neck.

"Just look at him!" you said, "Torso out, barely clothed, even his posture seems rather vulguar, purely in comparison to the other Archon statue's..."

You rested your chin against your palm, "Hm, i wonder if he's seen as an erotic figure, his iconography surely hints at that."

You looked up to see Zhongli looking absolutely horrified. He buried his face in his hands, "T-that's just preposterous."

"Is that so?" You replied casually, surprised that the Zhongli you knew didn't have much to add on the topic. "Because the poem by Bai Qiyue, mentions that he had a harem of at least a thousand beautiful women and fathered-"

You yelped as Zhongli spit out his tea.

He coughed as you scampered to hand him a handkerchief. "Xiangsheng! are you alright?" You asked, and Zhongli waved his hand dismissively,

" E-even if- " He coughed out, "Even if Rex lapis did have an...erm... colorful past, I'm sure was never some philanderer with a harem of a thousand."

"Oh." You mimed out, not understanding why Zhongli was the one suddenly acting flustered. It wasn't like you were dissing him. Of course, if the man you looked up to was still iffy, you just had to go further to drive the point home.

"Then there's the ambiguity around his death." You contented, shaking your head, "The records are awfully scripted, in spite of being recent. If lieuyan scholars weren't so moony eyed about their archon, they might have actually noticed how skeptical the whole thing is!"

Your eyes narrowed, too caught up in your conspiracy theory, "To die so easily... I can't help but wonder if Morax was truly that weak of an archon, or if it all was.." Your voice trailed away

"Or?" Zhongli asked curiously, his amber-gold eyes held your gaze. In that moment you lost your train of thought, a little enchanted with how warmly his eyes sized you. It often happened when your eyes met, you would notice how his iris was pure molten gold, like the late sun on the dunes. You hummed out a sigh, pushing the skepticism away, If there was a god of wealth, he should look like that, you thought.

"Doesn't matter." You replied, tossing your hair back, "In the end I am a historian, not some fanatic that should go off on mere theories."

Zhongli chuckled, "Very well." He replied, realising quickly that he would have to court you as Zhongli. Maybe then, when he did reveal his identity, Rex lapis would be treated more kindly.

Buy me a coffee ⸜(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )⸝♡