#rex x reader angst

[rex-rambles]

➤ HELLO DARLIN' (SMAU + FIC)

pairing: daniel ricciardo x countrysinger!reader

summary: you and daniel have a falling out - can an old loretta lynn song bring you back together? (inspired by 'Hello Darlin' by Loretta Lynn)

wc: 1.6 k

warnings: angst with a happy ending :) faceclaim: megan moroney

➤ MASTERLIST

Liked by kelseaballerini, dollyparton, and 1,361,092 others

yourusername Thank you, Nashville! Needed some of that hometown healing

↳ kelseaballerini 💙 💙 💙

↳ yourusername my favourite VIP

↳ fan54 seeing you live was unreal!! missing you already

liked by yourusername

↳ fan105 anyone notice Daniel wasn't in attendance??

↳ fan29 he's at the Singapore Grand Prix

↳ fan243 he didn't even like the post

f1gossip Fans noticed that Daniel Ricciardo and long-term partner @/yourusername have unfollowed each other on Instagram.

↳ mclar_win NO, PLEASE NO

↳ fan105 Daniel has to be in the wrong here, the songs she wrote for him were so sweet

↳ fan29 the break-up songs are going to be next level

↳ f1-fanatic so you're telling me he's single

↳ fan12 so you're telling me SHE'S single!!

_

_

Liked by kelseaballerini, zachlanebryan, and 1,418,122 others

yourusername I promise I'm getting work done this week, just you wait

↳ kelseaballerini recording? without me?

↳ yourusername you know you're always welcome 🫶

↳ zachlanebryan can you come open the studio door?

↳ fan44 OH MY GOD

↳ fan243 the collab I have been WAITING for

↳ fan98 stay away from her

Liked by yourusername, kelseaballerini, and others

triple_j On this weeks 'Like a Version', country singer @/yourusername puts her own spin on Loretta Lynn's 'Hello Darlin'. Giving us a behind-the-scenes look at why she chose the song, she explained that her love for old country songs, and her own overuse of the word darling, made it a perfect fit. Only this time, she isn't the one apologizing - the listener should be. 

↳ kelseaballerini you're so talented, I can't believe you @/yourusername

↳ yourusername it was an honour to sing with y'all!!

↳ fan98 you can't tell me this isn't about Daniel. 

↳ fan243 I'd bet real money on it

_

_

You were aware it was all a matter of circumstance. The wrong words, the wrong day, the wrong emotions. It had felt like the past month of your relationship with Daniel, he'd been pushing you away, devoting himself to his racing with a vigour you'd never seen before, forgetting every other responsibility he had. 

Then, one random Tuesday afternoon, it had all snapped. All the years you spent together turned into one sentence: 

"Who cares about your music?" 

You were aware it was all a matter of circumstance, but that didn't make it sting any less. Daniel had tried to backpedal, to apologize, but the worst was done. Until he could get his head out of his ass and realize what he was doing to the people around him, you weren't going to be a part of it. 

Didn't mean you didn't miss him any less. Kelsea had stayed up with you at ungodly hours of the night as you poured your heart out to her, how the man who meant so much to you had changed. She'd been the one to show you that he'd been dropped from F1, that he was retiring, and the world slowed a little, and started to make sense. 

Sitting here, waiting for him now, you wonder why he didn't say anything. He'd been racing a long time, sure, but look at Fernando - who knows the age limits of F1 drivers. It had never occurred to you that he was working so hard to save his seat, but that still didn't excuse his behaviour. 

The Nashville heat was evident, even this late at night as you sat curled up on your balcony. If you strained, hard enough, you could make out the music of some bar nearby, a nice old tune if it weren't blasted at such a volume. He said his plane was getting in at 11, and as the clock got closer to midnight, you wondered if he'd actually show. 

He always kept his word, it wasn't like he'd say that and disappear, but this was the first real rough patch you'd hit, and neither of you was really sure how to navigate it.

"Hello, darlin'?" You bolt up, peering over the railing and down to Daniel in the street, blue bouquet of flowers in hand. He had always been one for little romantic gestures, and even after everything, it still hadn't changed. "You know, I'd serenade you, but you are the singer in the relationship, and I don't think the paparazzi need to hear that." 

"I mean, they might appreciate the show." It's old banter, like nothing had changed, like the last time you saw him you hadn't stormed out of his hotel room sobbing. You both realize that you'd slipped into old habits like worn boots, and end up staring at each other for a bit too long. 

"You going to let me up?" Something unknowable passes over Daniel's face as he says it, and you silently nod, moving back into your apartment to buzz him up. You knew he had the spare key, had spent enough nights here to know your keycode, but it was still nice of him to ask. 

In an instant, he's at your front door, and this close, you realize just how much you missed being in his presence. That song wasn't just a random choice. You had listened to it on repeat after everything you went through, and realized every word was about Daniel. Only, you weren't sorry, besides that it all went down the way it did. You're sure he felt the same way, and he holds out the bouquet with a small smile. 

"They're a bit crushed, since they're from England." 

"England?" You let him into the space, setting the flowers down on the kitchen counter to deal with them later. Last you checked, he'd be in Singapore, or maybe back home in Australia.

"I had to finish my offboarding." He admits quietly, still not moved from his place just a few steps in from the door. "They got some celebration stuff they want to plan for me, too, but yesterday made it official." 

He was no longer an F1 driver. You're not quite sure what to say, knowing how much love he put into the sport, but also the relief that it's all over. He did his best, he was moving on, but it still didn't make it hurt any less. "When do you have to go?" 

"The end of the week." Four days. That's how long you had him for. "I've booked a hotel, just a few streets over." 

"What?" Then, it dawns on you again why he's here in the first place. "Oh." 

"I was a dick." Daniel finally begins, setting down his backpack as he approaches you. He stops, the kitchen island between you, and you know if you look into his eyes any longer you're going to cry, so instead, you focus on staring at the flowers he brought. "I was so involved in the end of my career that I ignored how important yours was, and that wasn't fair of me." 

"Why didn't you say anything?" You knew he was stressed, you knew how hard this must have been for him, so why wouldn't he let you in? Every time you went through something, he was right there, listening to you, ready with solutions, or to just validate you.

Why didn't he think you'd do the same? "I didn't really know, but I had a hunch. I thought...if I said anything, it might come true, but I guess it did anyway." He lets out a weak laugh, before slowly moving around the counter to stand right in front of you. "I never should've said what I did, and I hope you know how grateful I am for your music, and everything you've written about me, and I'm so proud of all that you've done."

If the sight of him alone wasn't going to make you cry, his words most certainly were. You immediately step forward, wrapping your arms around his torso and pulling him into you, and you bury your face into his sweater, revelling in the smell of him. "I'm not going to lie and say it's all okay," Your voice is muffled by the fabric, and you pull away so he can hear you better. "But I understand what the pressure is like, darlin'. The only thing is I make sure to talk to you about it, rather than try to hide it away." 

"I'm just sorry. So sorry."  Then, the first tears fall, and you unloop your arms from him to wipe at his cheeks, holding him there as he tries to take deep breaths. Seeing him like this hurt more than the distance, knowing that it got to the point where he pushed you out before he could even think to pull you close. You should've been there for him, and the guilt of missing his last race still hangs over you. "I wish you were there for my last race." He continues, taking a deep breath, and your vision blurs as you blink away your own tears.

"I wish I was there too." You whisper as Daniel's hand comes to cradle yours, pulling it away from his cheek to press a kiss to the palm. "I'm sorry about your seat." 

"Ah, well. I've finally got some free time on my hands." He cracks a small smile, and you can't help but smile back. If there was a silver lining, in all of this, it was that Daniel was now a whole lot more free for you, and you needed to make up for lost time. "I hear there's this great country singer touring right now, might go see her." 

That pulls a laugh out of you, shaking your head as he lets your hand drop. "Oh yeah?" 

"Yeah." Then, with the reality of everything hitting again, his eyes dip to the floor as he admits, "I really...I'm really going to miss racing." 

"I know, love." You link your hand with his, pulling him away from the counter and toward the couch, and you force him to sit. You stand before him, holding his face in your hands, and wiping the last of the tear stains away. "But I'm here whenever you need me." 

"Yeah?" This would never have ended in heartbreak. There was no universe where you and Daniel didn't repair everything you went through, because that's just who you were. You made mistakes, and you fixed them together because even hurtful comments in the heat of the moment can't break your love for him. 

"Yeah. I told you, you're a hard man not to love, darlin'." He pulls you down onto him, looping his arms around you to hold you close. You press a kiss to his cheek as you relax into him, having missed the ways his arms feel around you. Neither of you speak for a while, just listening to the sound of each other breathing as you let yourself take up space in each other's lives again. Then, when it feels right, you rest your head back against his shoulder to look at him. "I picked up some things for you since we were running low." 

Confusion crosses over Daniel's face as he presses a kiss to your forehead. "Hm?" 

"Shampoo, your toothpaste, all that." Something sparks in his eyes, a realization that, despite the whole apology, you'd already planned for him to stay, already got his favourite things. You might've been hurt, but there's no way Daniel's staying in a hotel, away from you, when that bed's been calling his name since he left. "What? You really think you were coming here tonight for me to kick you out?" 

"I love you, you know that?" Those words always sounded so nice, coming from him, and tonight's no different as you lean forward to properly kiss him. It's a tender thing, kindled only by your time apart, no need to rush into something more than just sitting on the couch and letting each other be.

"Oh, I do." You say against his lips, hand smoothing against his chest. "But, it wouldn't hurt to have a little reminder-" 

Daniel's kissing you again before you can even finish the sentence, and you decide that for the next four days, you're not moving from this couch, and you're not moving from his arms. 

_

f1gossip Making up (or making out)? Though his trip was short, Daniel Ricciardo was spotted by fans with @/yourusername clubbing and karting in Nashville!

↳ fan5 They're following each other again too!! 

↳ brocedes thank god, after losing his seat? I couldn't imagine losing my girl

↳ fan84 i told y'all!! it was nothing

↳ fan243 we better get some good music out of this

_

A/N: know that if I could, I would make country music themed fics about all the racers.

[himasgod]

Morax x Reader

Where Morax manages to win the tournament

A tournament, a curse, a child. Your mother, The Queen Phoenix, holds a tournament across Teyvat to see who will win the hand of her daughter, you, the Princess Phoenix, in marriage. After many weeks of combat, Morax emerges victorious, joining you in a marriage bond, winning your soul, uniting your hearts. However, Guizhong, who was once in love with Morax, will not allow you to lead a happy life while she walks the fertile lands of Liyue.

(Hello everyone and thanks for meeting here once again! I'm going to explain this request that I think you'll love! It will be divided into two parts, the first one, in the scenario where Morax wins, and the second one, which will be a scenario where King Deshret wins. Enjoy!)

The sun shone brightly over the grand tournament grounds in Liyue, a spectacle that drew warriors and spectators from every corner of Teyvat.

The Phoenix Queen, a figure of regality and grace, stood at the highest balcony, her fiery plumage glowing in the sunlight. Her gaze, sharp and discerning, swept over the assembled fighters as they prepared for battle. This tournament was her desperate solution to secure her daughter's future, the hand of the Phoenix Princess, was the prize for the victor.

You watched from a secluded corner, your heart heavy with apprehension. You had reluctantly agreed to this arrangement, although the idea of ​​being offered as a prize unsettled you deeply. Your mother's intentions were clear: to find a worthy protector of the Phoenix bloodline's legacy. But the implications weighed on you; would the winner value you for who you were, or simply as a trophy?

The tournament progressed over days, filled with breathtaking displays of strength and skill. Warriors from Mondstadt, Liyue, Inazuma, Sumeru, Fontaine and even distant Natlan competed fiercely, but two names rose above the rest:

Morax, the steadfast Lord of Contracts and Geo Archon, and King Deshret, the enigmatic ruler of the Sumeru sands. Both men were titans in their own right, their power undeniable and their ambitions inscrutable.

The final match was set: Morax versus King Deshret. The air was electric with anticipation as the two warriors stepped into the arena. Morax, clad in golden armor that gleamed with the essence of Liyue's mountains. Opposite him, King Deshret's crimson robes swirled like desert winds.

The clash was nothing short of legendary. Morax's precise strikes and unyielding defense met Deshret's raw power and unpredictable tactics. The ground shook under their blows, and the audience was left breathless as the battle unfolded.

Finally, with a calculated strike that shattered Deshret's weapon, Morax emerged victorious. The crowd erupted in cheers, but a quiet tension lingered in the air.

Morax's victory was both celebrated and scrutinized. The Phoenix Queen, satisfied with the outcome, arranged the wedding with grand ceremony.

You, though still uncertain, found yourself drawn to Morax's unwavering presence and the quiet respect he showed you.

Months passed, and your bond deepened.

You loved each other.

You gave birth to a child, a precious baby boy who carried the legacy of both the Phoenix Clan and the Lord of Geo. Your happiness, however, was short-lived.

Guizhong, the Goddess of Dust and Morax's closest confidant, watched from the shadows.

Once, she had been a pivotal figure in Morax's life, their bond rooted in trust and shared ideals. But now, she felt abandoned, replaced by the Princess and the family they had built. Her jealousy festered into hatred, and she plotted her revenge.

One fateful night, under the cover of darkness, Guizhong struck. She infiltrated the palace, her knowledge of its layout allowing her to move undetected. She stole the newborn from his cradle, her heart hardened against the infant's innocent cries.

Her destination was Qingyun Peak.

When you discovered yout missing child, you heart shattered. The protective instincts of your Phoenix blood ignited, and you vowed to bring your baby back. Summoning your strength, you pursued Guizhong.

Meanwhile, Moon Carver heard the baby's cries echoing across the peaks. Alarmed, he rushed to warn Morax.

Atop Qingyun Peak, the confrontation reached its climax. Guizhong stood at the edge of the precipice, the infant cradled in her arms. You arrived, your wings blazing with fury.

“Guizhong,” you called, your voice trembling with both rage and anguish. “Return my child, or face the wrath of the Phoenix Clan.”

Guizhong turned, a smirk playing on her lips.

“You took everything from me,” she hissed. “Now, I will take everything from you.”

Without hesitation, she released the infant, sending him plummeting toward the abyss.

You screamed, your wings propelling you forward. But before you could reach your child, a golden blur streaked past you.

Morax, arriving just in time, caught the baby in his arms, his Geo shield protecting them both from harm. Relief flooded through the you, but it was short-lived.

The sight of your child in such peril, the culmination of Guizhong's betrayal, who was being caught by the Yakshas and Xianyun, unleashed a fury within you unlike anyone had ever known.

Drawing upon the ancient power of the Phoenix Clan, you invoked the curse: the birth of the Dark Phoenix of Calamity. Your flames turned black, consuming the air. Your eyes burned with unholy fire as you transformed into a being of destruction.

Morax, cradling your child, watched in horror as his beloved succumbed to the curse. He called out to you, his voice breaking.

“Stop! You must fight this!”

But your rage was beyond reason, your power spiraling out of control.

The skies above Liyue darkened as the Dark Phoenix's flames spread, threatening to engulf the land. Morax, torn between his duty to protect Liyue and his love for you, made a heartbreaking decision.

Placing your child in Moon Carver's care, he turned to face his wife, his spear in hand.

“Forgive me,” he whispered, “I will save you, even if it means losing you.”

Your battle was devastating, and it lasted a whole week.

The clash of Geo and cursed flames shaking the very mountains. Morax fought with all his strength, not to kill, but to subdue you.

Finally, with a strike infused with the essence of his contract to protect and love you forever and ever, he sealed your power, returning you to your original form. The curse was lifted, but the cost was immeasurable.

You lay unconscious and lifeless.

Morax knelt beside you, his heart heavy with guilt and sorrow. He vowed to protect you and your child, no matter the cost.

Although the flames of the Dark Phoenix were extinguished, the scars left on his hearts and on Liyue would never fade.

Many, countless years later, this story was heard by the children running around Liyue Harbor, as Zhongli finished the story with a cup of tea in his hand, slightly trembling.

Your story became a legend, a tale of love that echoed through the ages.

Here is my masterlist, in case you are interested in any more of my work or want to send me a request, they're opened and would help me so much! <3

[hinakazino]

⏳ REX LAPIS & THE MORTAL ⌛️

warnings: pure angst, hanaki disease referenced, zhongli struggling between friendship and love (?), unrequited love, maybe requited if you squint.

Zhongli not knowing how to feel when you confess your love for him. He can't lie, you're quite bold, a mortal daring to express their admiration so valiantly to their god. However, his heart is already taken by another.

Zhongli, or better yet Morax still remises about her. The long lost god of dust, with her soft grey silky locks billowing in the wind, her kind eyes and smile as she greeted him to discuss another of her inventions. Her silhouette atop a mountain in her signature dress and star-imbued sleeves. Zhongli's eyes have a look of gentleness in them you've noticed when she is in his mind. Honestly, you're already grateful enough to be this close to the Rex Lapis, the Geo Archon. You're but a human who managed to capture the hearts of the adepti with your kind nature, happy energy, and curiosity.

But even with all this, you long for more. You wish for the gaze of not just your archon's closest companions but him himself. It is a cruel thing, you're aware, humans and their untamable desires. In the end you ended up confessing, on the basis of not wanting to lie to your god and also why not? It was a horrid mistake.

After a moment of awkward silence, Morax's eyes once soft seemed to have an empty glare. Filled with disgust, anger, disappointment? You wouldn't know, all you registered that day was him telling you to leave and not get wrapped up in fantasies as a human.

That should've been the end of it, is what you thought, and what Zhongli thought. Nonetheless you proved to both yourself and him that it seems humans are quite stubborn. Despite the obvious pain that weighed on your heart from rejection you continued asking for his hand.

Before you had voiced it with the intent of being his equal. Which you soon realized wouldn't suffice. Zhongli wasn't one to sugarcoat his words, "Guizhong, she was the one meant for me. There is no one who can replace her in Liyue and in all of Teyvat. Do not test my patience, you've already stirred up less than pleasant memories little one".

Perhaps you had too much hope, as soon you began degrading yourself to the point you'd offered your hand in marriage not as an equal, but as a worshipper. To this, Zhongli had escorted you to the Guizhong ballista, where he proceeded to explain quite fondly the creator of said machine.

Maybe even Morax himself realized what a heartstabbing punishment this was. Having you listen to him ramble on and on for half an hour about her before ending with the point that this is exactly the key difference between you and Guizhong.

"You have to understand, you are but a mortal, she was a goddess. Your affections would be better directed elsewhere. This is the last I will tolerate this, I bid you a good day".

Zhongli should've been happy, because after that day your presence was nowhere to be found. Well, not exactly, although you had stopped visiting the adepti's and performing your standard rituals for him. The Geo Archon was well aware of all who resided in Liyue and knew you were still there too.

Could it be potentially you had broken into the Geo Archon's heart? No, that was impossible, all he did was feel pity for you obviously. "Why do I keep imagining the impossible..." you repeated to yourself, sitting inside the comfort of your room as you glanced out your window at the lovely scenery outside.

But you knew that even a persons state of mind could change how they perceived the world and right now everything just felt dull. The only memory present in your mind was replaying itself over and over again, it wasn't pleasant.

You're quite certain you'd confessed to Rex Lapis more than 50 times now, pretty much 5 years or more in your life. Yet his last message to you that day was the final straw.

It was so very frustrating, how your feelings towards him just wouldn't go away. You had attempted to build other romantic relationships to no avail. It was suffocating that your emotions just wouldn't disappear, they just couldn't be buried.

Oh but they can, you thought to yourself suddenly, and afterwards your last thought was to find true love in your next lifetime. As on a cool and calm night, you had laid yourself to rest.

The next day, no particular day really. Randomly out of the blue, Zhongli had heard of you once again after you distanced yourself from him.

It confused him, his adepti didn't dwell on his love life much. It was no secret they knew you harbored affections for him. However, that wasn't the reason why he found them all gathered here today.

As he approached them, his fellow adepti had parted a path so he could see for himself the cause of commotion. There, laying on a soft cushion was you.

Lifeless. Dry. Your eyes were softly shut, your face devoid of any emotion with the exception of a small titled smile on your face. But even that Zhongli could tell may have perhaps been his adepti's doing as part of their little ceremony for you. It became quite obvious then that you had decided to end your life due to the pain. Or, maybe the pain had ended you because no one could ignore the obvious flower that now sprouted from your chest. Bright and lovely, standing proud with petals that glowed amber like Cor Lapis.

[admiringlove]

falling stars. the sixth part of @angstober is here! i really loved writing this one, ugh. anyways, happy reading <3 masterlist of the event can be found here.

being immortal was both a blessing and a curse.

zhongli had always been the god of contracts. it was the essence of his existence, a purpose etched into the very marrow of his being. he wasn’t always the composed, reserved man who carried the weight of centuries with quiet dignity, his gaze heavy with the nostalgia of eras long past. no, once, he had been sharp and unyielding—a man who lived and breathed duty. his loyalty to liyue was unshakable. liyue came first. always.

duty was his creed, his unwavering religion. the god of stone and earth, as immovable as the mountains he shaped. whenever his focus wavered, that mantra echoed in his mind: liyue comes first. duty comes first. it was an unrelenting rhythm that kept his soul in check.

but then, somehow, you happened.

you were the anomaly, the gentle rain that smoothed his jagged edges. he never quite understood how you slipped past the walls he’d spent millennia building. the god of contracts, once as steadfast as the stone he commanded, found himself softened—worn down not by time but by your presence. you were like the tide, subtle yet persistent, shaping him with a patience he didn’t know could exist. his rigid mountains melted into quiet hills, his soul drenched in the warmth of your laughter, the soft glow of fireworks, and a nostalgia he had never allowed himself to feel.

and now, for the first time, zhongli questioned where duty ended and where you began. you weren’t just a fleeting moment in his never-ending timeline. no, you were something far greater. you held his entire existence in your hands, like magic woven into your fingertips. you weren’t just his past—you were his present, his future, everything all at once.

and he hates that he’s slowly forgetting you. hates that he's still here, living, while it’s been eons since he last heard your voice, since the scent of you clung to his memory.

your scent. it was the first to fade, slipping through his grasp as the years stretched on. he remembers fragments—how you always smelled of the river, like the waters of qingce village clung to you. you loved the water, always said it felt like home. he’d once joked that you should have been born in fontaine, where the tides ruled, but you loved him long before you knew who he truly was.

you loved your god, and your devotion to rex lapis was so pure, so sacred, that it unsettled even him. most revered him with fear, with trembling awe, but you—no, you loved him as effortlessly as breathing. it's how he'd found you, standing before his statue, lighting incense in the stillness of prayer. he approached as zhongli, hands behind his back, watching as you offered your quiet supplications.

"did you know he's the eldest of the seven?" he murmured, his gaze lifting to the likeness of himself carved in stone. there was something serene in your posture, a calmness that baffled him. most would pray with reverence or dread, but you. you smiled softly as you waved the incense in the air, placing it at the statue’s base.

"everyone knows he's the eldest," you replied, casting him a sideways glance, "but most people don’t realize that barbatos is the second eldest."

zhongli blinked, a flicker of surprise playing at his lips. it was true—his old friend, the carefree anemo god, was the second oldest, though few knew this because of barbatos’ lighthearted demeanor.

"you seem well-versed in the ways of the gods," he remarked, curiosity piqued as he watched you. you chuckled, the sound light and warm. "my father’s a priest. i suppose that’s why. but i think rex lapis is different from the others."

zhongli’s interest deepened. he tilted his head. "how so?"

"you’ll laugh if i tell you," you teased, a grin tugging at your lips before you looked back at the statue, "but i think he’s a romantic. being the eldest must come with so much responsibility. i imagine he’s tired, weary from the weight of it all. from all of us."

zhongli frowned, something in your words striking a strange chord within him. "but that is his duty, is it not?" he asked, his brow furrowing, unsettled by the way your insight crawled beneath his skin.

you simply shook your head, smiling to yourself. "duty and purpose don’t always align, you know. rex lapis is a magnificent god, strong and wise. but i like to think he’s also present in the small moments, like an old friend. sometimes, i talk to him about my day."

zhongli’s gaze sharpened, a mix of amusement and suspicion in his eyes. "do you now?" he asked, voice low. "then perhaps he’s listening."

"if only," you laughed softly, the sound like wind brushing through leaves. "gods are mysterious creatures. i doubt they have the time to listen to a priest’s child ramble on about their mundane life."

if only you had known how closely he listened, how deeply your words had taken root within him, like seeds planted in the fertile soil of his heart. you were like water—gentle yet unyielding—flowing into the spaces between his thoughts, shaping him without him even realizing. after that day, you became something he could never quite shake, lingering like the soft glow of a lantern after dark—an ever-present warmth, like coming home after centuries spent wandering.

he finds you again, unexpectedly, sitting alone by the harbor in liyue city. there’s a heaviness to your expression, your brow furrowed as your eyes gaze out at the endless stretch of the sea, as if seeking solace in its waves. the wind tugs at your hair, carrying the salt of the ocean in the air, and you sigh—a quiet, resigned sound that makes something tighten in his chest. he watches you for a moment longer before making his way toward you.

"it’s you," he murmurs, his voice soft as the breeze, "from qingce village."

your head lifts slowly, and at first, your gaze holds no recognition, dulled by the weight of your troubles. but then, your eyes widen, lighting up with sudden relief. "you! by rex lapis, am i glad to see you."

his amber eyes, with their distinct diamond-shaped pupils, flicker in surprise. he hadn’t expected that reaction. you press on, your words tumbling out with a mixture of frustration and desperation. "this city is impossible. my father sent me here to assist a doctor with medicinal herbs, but i’m completely lost. and not one statue of morax inside the city! not one! where am i supposed to go every morning to pray?"

a small chuckle escapes him, low and warm, and he tilts his head slightly. "that is true. the nearest statue is just beyond the city’s borders, but it can be a dangerous journey. perhaps... you could join me for tea each morning instead. madame ping brews the finest oolong, and we often sit together in the high grounds before i start my day. you might even find your doctor there."

"really?" your face lights up, like the skies of liyue igniting during lantern rite, a spark of hope rekindled in your eyes. "you’d do that for me? include me in your routine, even though you barely know me?"

he smiles softly, settling onto the bench beside you. "you’re fond of rex lapis, aren’t you? so is madame ping. and so am i. i believe you’d make for good company."

"that’s... incredibly kind of you," you murmur, fingers loosening their tight grip on the straps of your bag, a hint of vulnerability slipping into your voice. "i never got your name, though."

he turns to face you, his gaze steady, the sunlight catching the red liner beneath his amber eyes, making them glow with a soft, almost ethereal light. "zhongli," he replies, watching you carefully, as though gauging your reaction.

you take in a slow breath, your eyes widening slightly as you look at him, something shifting in the air between you, fragile and significant all at once. "you know," you say, your voice a little softer now, "zhongli, you have a very familiar face."

he chuckles, the sound deep and rich, vibrating through the quiet of the harbor. "do i, now?" he asks, a hint of amusement in his tone. "i’ll take that as a compliment."

and so, the friendship between you and, unbeknownst to you, rex lapis began. you spoke of him in the way a devout follower might speak of their deity, yet with a warmth, a familiarity, that zhongli couldn’t quite grasp. it was as if, in your heart, rex lapis was not a distant god ruling from on high, but a cherished friend; someone you could confide in without fear. and that comforted him in a way nothing else had. for once, someone revered him not out of awe or terror, but out of love. someone placed rex lapis on a pedestal for reasons beyond his power, beyond his duty. simply because they cared for him, deeply, genuinely.

perhaps that was why fate had woven your paths together. to teach him that he was more than his role, more than the weight of his eternal duty. to remind him that his purpose did not need to be solely bound to protecting liyue until the end of time. there could be more—there was more.

"i don’t think i can love anyone as much as i love the god of geo," you once confessed, after finally mastering the confusing streets of liyue harbor. the two of you were descending the stone steps after your usual morning tea with auntie ping—though now, you had grown fond enough of her to call her that. zhongli’s brow raised at your words, his steps slowing to match your pace, for you were always a little slower, always taking your time. "what do you mean by that?"

"i don’t know," you sighed, your gaze flickering to the distant horizon, "i have this... strange relationship with rex lapis. i love him. i idolize him. i think of him as an old friend, someone i can share my burdens with. but i also feel that... if someone were to love me, it would be hard for me to return the same intensity. i think it would pale in comparison to the way i love him." your voice trailed off, quieter, more uncertain. "it’s strange. like i said, a strange feeling to have. i don’t even know why i’m telling you this."

zhongli’s eyes softened as he watched you, his lips curving into a gentle, knowing smile. "i believe the word you’re searching for is sacred," he said quietly.

you blinked, surprised by his response, and for a brief moment, you narrowed your eyes at him as if trying to figure something out. because that familiar feeling tugged at you again—like a jigsaw falling into place, though you couldn’t quite see the whole picture yet. the way he smiled at you, the way he seemed to understand. it made your heart skip, just a little.

and, without realizing it, you began to favor a certain funeral parlor consultant over the god you once idolized.

he made you smile wider than you ever had, more than you ever did for rex lapis. zhongli had quietly woven himself into the fabric of your life, so seamlessly that it left you baffled, wondering when it all began. your days started to revolve around him—sometimes even your nights. he would tell you stories of liyue’s ancient history as if he had witnessed every moment himself, painting vivid pictures of a time long past. it left you in awe, admiring him more with every tale, until the realization struck like a wave crashing against the shore.

you had come to love zhongli more than rex lapis.

the thought gripped you with quiet terror. the way his eyes would crinkle with a knowing smile, the way his soft chuckles echoed in the silence after you mentioned your god—it all made your heart stumble, beat after beat. he was hiding something, you knew it. and it wasn’t just you who noticed. even auntie ping, with her ageless wisdom, seemed in on the secret. zhongli had once called her an old friend, but just how old, you couldn’t quite tell.

"how did you meet auntie ping?" you asked one evening, crossing the bridge near the funeral parlor, heading towards dinner. he paused, a flicker of hesitation passing through his amber eyes. "i don’t quite remember anymore," he said quietly, "we’ve simply been friends for a very long time. there was another once, but... she’s gone now. her name was guizhong."

"was she beautiful?" the question left your lips before you could stop yourself. "was she clever?"

his soft laugh carried through the evening air. "immensely," he said, a gentle smile tugging at his lips. "we miss her, every now and then."

"did she..." your voice faltered as you stopped in your tracks. "did she pass away?"

he nodded, a touch of sadness lingering in his expression before he resumed walking. you remained rooted in place, pieces of a larger puzzle scattering through your mind. but it was as if your thoughts grew foggy whenever you were near him—like familiarity slipping through your fingers, just beyond reach. zhongli glanced back at you, tilting his head ever so slightly. "aren’t you coming?"

you murmured a soft “yes” and quickened your steps to catch up, brushing away the weight of your thoughts. "how did morax befriend cloud retainer?" you asked, steering the conversation back to familiar ground. he seemed to know so much more about your god than even your father, things lost to time.

and with every answer he gave, you found yourself more bewildered than before.

your curiosity always brought a quiet joy to zhongli, a chance for him to indulge in your questions, your wonder. at first, he thought nothing of it, simply an opportunity to share the knowledge he had gathered over centuries. but slowly, he found himself captivated, drawn to you in ways that puzzled even him. he started accompanying you outside the city, watching you in silence as you lit incense and knelt before the statue of rex lapis. but today, something was different. your expression had shifted, lips set in a thin, guilty line. like a river running cold, your posture stiffened as if weighed by an unspoken burden.

"is something troubling you?" his voice was gentle, though there was a faint edge of concern as he watched you stare up at the stone likeness of the god. you blinked, shaken from your daze, shaking your head with a quiet denial. but zhongli had known you long enough to see through the facade. "you’re different today. while you pray."

your throat tightened, words tangling within you. how could you admit that the man beside you, the one you’d come to know for mere months, had taken up more space in your heart than the god you had worshipped all your life? it was a storm within you, like water crashing through the valleys of your soul, eroding the bedrock of belief you had built.

"i can’t tell you," you murmured, turning your back to him. "this is between me and rex lapis."

"am i not your friend?" his voice was soft, almost too soft. "am i not as close to you as rex lapis is?"

he faltered then, realizing the weight of his words. what had he just revealed? he hoped the slip of his tongue wouldn’t shatter the delicate line he had walked all this time. you were clever—more clever than anyone he’d known—but perhaps your heart would refuse to see the truth.

yet why had he even said it? he was rex lapis, wasn’t he? so why did it matter that zhongli, the mortal, had become more important to you than the god? why did he feel envy, for his own self?

"you are not him," you whispered, a note of disturbance in your voice. "you are mortal. he is my god."

"he is your friend," zhongli replied quietly, searching your face, "and so am i. if something troubles you, something that disturbs your prayer, why not tell me? i don’t want to see you unhappy like this."

"i can’t," you insisted, your shoulders sagging under the weight of it all. "why don’t you understand-"

"but why not?"

"because i’m in love with you!" the words bursted from you, raw and trembling in the space between you both. your voice did not crack with tears, but the defeat in your eyes spoke of an agony deeper than tears could show. "and you’ve taken up more space in my life than my god. and that... that breaks me."

the confession hung in the air, heavy and unyielding, as if the world itself had stilled in the wake of your words.

"oh," he whispered, his voice barely more than a breath. "i am sorry."

he watched as your face twisted in thought, a realization settling behind your eyes, something heavy and final. "i know," you murmured, turning away, your voice distant. "we should head back into the city before it gets dark."

"wait, i must tell you-"

"no, zhongli." you shook your head, your defeat palpable. "i know you don’t feel the same. it’s alright. i shouldn’t feel this way either. i’m supposed to love him more."

"but i do feel the same," he said, his voice suddenly firm, cutting through your words with a softness that startled you. "i feel the same, so why shouldn’t you?"

your mind went blank. his words left you utterly speechless, like the world had tipped sideways. you blinked up at him, confusion written across your furrowed brows, eyes glassy as you struggled to make sense of what he had just said. it felt almost sacrilegious. zhongli stepped closer, his hand finding your shoulder with the familiarity of an old friend. "it is why i want to spend every moment of my life with you. why i want you to stay by my side until my last breath. is that not fair?"

you stared at him, blinking rapidly, fighting back tears that threatened to spill. how could this be real? how could the man who had become your constant, your guide, feel the same way you did? he spoke again, his voice steady and warm, as though wrapping you in a promise. "if you love morax so much, then let’s draw a contract between us. that you will love me with the same intensity as you love him. and in return, i’ll help you love him more. i will tell you stories about him, i will show you more of liyue harbor, i will take you to the temples, and pray alongside you until your last breath—if that is what keeps you content."

his words washed over you like a tide, a promise carved from stone and time. you felt the weight of it, the gravity of his offer. this man, this mortal, who had unknowingly become the center of your world, was offering himself wholly to you—not in opposition to the god you revered, but alongside him, like two halves of the same whole. it was a contract, a binding of hearts, one that felt as sacred as the prayers you had once whispered at the foot of the statue.

and so another chapter of zhongli’s infinitely long life began. but you were not infinite—you were fleeting, a moment in time that would fade. you aged like the finest wines of mondstadt, while he remained the same: tall, revered, handsome. your hair greyed, lines formed at the corners of your eyes, and soon, you grew older than auntie ping. and then, just like that, you were gone.

the scent of you vanished with the passing breeze, the smell of the rivers from qingce village where you grew up, the fragrance of old history books you lovingly stored, cleaned, and kept in your home. all of it—gone.

but zhongli remembers. he remembers every lantern rite spent by your side, watching the fireworks burst in the sky, but always, always watching you instead. the way your eyes lit up in awe at the colors that painted the night sky—he treasures it more than any celebration. and even after you were gone, liyue continued to bustle, unchanged. and zhongli stayed the same.

he lived on, because immortality was both a blessing and a curse. every year, he would stand on the high grounds, watching the fireworks bloom in the heavens with a weight in his chest that only grew heavier with time. and every year, he thought of you—your boundless curiosity, your devotion that never wavered.

he remembers the day he found your letter, tucked away like a relic, jagged edges and all. the curiosity that once led you to him now led him to unfold that paper with trembling hands. your words were simple, but they cut deep.

you had told him to live a long life—how ironic. as if he could do anything but. to eat well, as if you were still there, cooking for him each morning and night. to drink tea with ping, because you knew the weight of his loneliness. and you told him you loved him, as if he didn't already know, as if he couldn’t feel it in the way you breathed life into everything around you.

and then, what struck him most, what lingered in the back of his mind even after centuries passed, was how you signed it.

"thank you for everything, rex lapis. i leave you with love."

it was the last thing he had from you, and yet it was more than enough to keep your memory alive—because in the end, you had known. you had always known.

in his long life, he had done countless great things, and shall do countless more still. as they say: the waters change course, but the mountains move not.

so zhongli continues to live. carrying your love with him like an echo in his heart, as eternal as he was.

© all works belong to admiringlove on tumblr. plagiarism is strictly prohibited.

[euniveve]

(𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐱 𝐆𝐨𝐭 𝐇𝐢𝐬) 𝐑𝐞𝐝 𝐄𝐲𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫 - zhongli

pairings: zhongli x reader tags: angst & fluff (mainly fluff tho with sprinkles of angst), wife! reader, mentioned xiao w.c: 946 a.n: happy birthday my darling husband here's your birthday gift, the drabble that i rewrote; my fellow sibling spouses, enjoy

Your lashes flutter as you look down, your lips carefully pressed against the red paper to leave a cherry-red stain. A soft breath escapes your lip and your gaze shifts back to the jade mirror. Scenes such as this, remind you of your duty to your husband, to your nation– and yet as you glide your fingers, carefully blending the stain to your natural lip colour; your husband, Morax stood behind you and began parting your hair, his fingers already braiding it and arranging into an elaborate updo. 

This is a maid’s job – but the lord of geo has always insisted on doing this task himself; and how could he not? Another minute in your presence and feeling your being under his touch is another minute well-spent. His beautiful wife, his only love.

You watch his thick finger take one of the many golden hairpins on your jewellery box, the intricacies of the designs complimenting the placement of your bun– and your husband’s amber eyes gleam from the light cast by the metal, a soft smile sitting on his lips as he hummed a familiar tune. 

Your heartbeat skips, and you relish sight of his majestic form; his toned arm that’s dipped in gold, his glowing antlers that resemble the warm sun, his rich brown hair that so elegantly drapes against his shoulders and frames the sides of his face–

'Mirrors,’ you thought, breathless and lips parting, ‘really are great inventions', 

"Dearest?" His deep, sweet voice says; vibrating down your spine with warmth, hypnotizing you further into his hold. Ah yes, Morax, the man standing behind you, the god watching over you, is everything he is supposed to be and more.

"Not- Nothing!" You manage to say, flashing him a nervous smile before you shake your head, trying to save face in front of him– a wife should maintain some dignity after all.

Morax chuckled, his calloused fingers finally placing the last hairpin as you reached to take a brush from your vanity and dip it in the porcelain pot of red-stained beeswax. A personal gift from Morax's anemo yaksha, one he so offhandedly gifts after you flick your finger on his forehead, warning him to not take his duties too far. You worry over that boy– the more times he comes to the palace, the more scars riddle his body.

And yet he fights anyway. 

You could only hope that one day, the sweet yaksha will learn to smile again. A smile he once held, a smile like your husband's.

Morax's golden fingers soon find their way to yours, breaking your thoughts and submerging you deeper into his warm comforting embrace. 

"Let me help you, darling," he whispered into your ear, his hot breath hitting the tip, making you shudder from the sensation. Feeling your cheeks heating up from his declaration, you shyly nod and turn your back to face him. 

His finger makes contact with your face and you are instantly reminded of his domain. Like it, the colossus on his fingertips is rough; his hold unmoving despite being so gentle. But you close your eyes and with no hesitation, you place your face safely in his grasp. Morax, the God of Contracts, is capable of many things, but hurting you isn’t one of them.

You feel a cold touch on your forehead, knowing that with careful precision – your husband is drawing a plum blossom, your favourite flower.

"There," he said softly, planting a gentle kiss on your red-stained lips, making his appear to have a slight tint. You stifled a giggle at the sight, brushing your fingers against his lips, moving them slightly and forcing his smile to grow wider.

Morax raises his brow, thinking that you are trying to play with his face – he opens his jaw and tilts his head, breaking out a burst of unexpected joy-filled laughter from you.

"Here,” you giggled, remembering how Xiao too, acts like this when you try to force a smile at him, “lǎo gōng."

The brown-haired man hummed, watching as you tried to tell him what to do with just your face, urging him to mimic your movements. He surprisingly understood, fitting his face on the palm of your hand and closing his eyes; trusting you completely when he felt your fingers taking the brush from his fingers. 

‘Xiao,’ you recalled, ‘could really be his son..’

‘Bright golden eyes… same stubbornness…’

You giggle again, carefully painting the edge of the stone lord’s eyes, the same way as his warrior has his painted.

‘Same behaviours… same selflessness…’

"Open your eyes," you whispered and Morax instantly obeyed, his piercing amber gaze taking in your face inches from his. You smile, shifting from your seat and allowing him to see both of you in the jade mirror.  

And there it was, the both of you. Rex Lapis and his wife. You couldn’t help but widen your smile, blinking slowly as you whisper underneath your breath; "Xiao would love this.”

Then you snickered to yourself, already imagining the look on the yaksha's face when he had seen what you had done. It would probably hold horror and awe, yet still accompanied by subtle gratefulness he would display in between quiet murmurs. Indeed, you should probably talk to Morax about adopting him…

The geo god lets out a small chuckle as he wraps his arm around you, enveloping you back into his warm embrace. His lips kiss your neck, his face buried on its crook. With a nostalgic sigh he takes in the bliss this scene emits. A short pleasure in the inevitable long life of the Geo Archon.

"He'd have to thank you for that, my precious wife."

[kometqh]

𝐖𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐘𝐨𝐮

Captain Rex x f!reader

Word count: 702

Warmings: None. Just a little angst.

A/N: this was eating at my brain all day after seeing a YouTube short. Might write a tiny part 2 might not as I wait for my brain juice to allow me to continue with my other WIP’s (smoot) :) this is also very much unedited, it’s just my brain unicorn farts at 1am.

The night was overwhelmingly bleak. Clouds gathered in clumps, blocking out the millions of stars in the sky. Rex felt anxiety tugging at his heartstrings, playing them cruelly with cold, nimble fingers. He hadn’t seen her in years. He’d put on weight, developed more frown lines, more grey hairs. Gregor had always made fun of him, laughing about Rex needing to start skincare. Would she even recognise him?

A harsh, cold wind pushed past him. Icicles pricked at his skin, ushering him to turn around and never look back. He was too old for this, what if she'd moved on? Started a family?

No. She promised that she would wait.

She was a woman of her word. As loyal as his late brothers. Deep down he knew that she would wait, whether it be days or months or years.

As his shadow fell upon the front door, the clouds parted and a glint of moonlight shone on his back. Finally, some light.

Raising his fist, he hesitated. Did she still live here? What if Gregors intel was outdated?

Kriff it. He had nothing to lose.

He knocked three times, the sound hollow against the wooden door.

He waited, observing his surroundings. The roses had wilted. Her roses were never wilted. She was sharp and precise. Observant. Blood pumped faster through his veins, anxiety boiling over in the pit of his stomach.

Minutes passed and there was still no answer. A cold breeze sent goosebumps down his spine.

He knocked again, to no avail.

“What’s going on?” Rex muttered to nobody in particular, his brows furrowing. Where was she?

His legs moved before he was aware of what he was doing.

The back gate had been taken over by wild vines. The wooden gate tore through the plants, snapping and ripping them in the process. Groaning, the hinges protested against the sudden oncoming force, as though they hadn't been moved in years.

‘I’ll have to fix that later.’ He thought with a small smile.

The garden looked worse than Rex could've imagined. Wild brush and prickly weeds had covered the previous vegetable garden, and more ivory vines twisted and grasped at the structure of the house.

One foot after the other, he trudged through the mess left behind by Mother Nature. When did this happen?

The moonlight had now disappeared behind yet another herd of thick, heavy clouds. Rex cursed as he struggled to see anything. It seemed that the vines and the brush were doing everything in their power to hold him back, grasping and pulling with all their might.

Questions ran rampant, clouding his mind in tandem with his feelings of fear and uncertainty.

What happened? Where was she? Why hadn’t she come to the door?

She couldn't have left. This place meant the galaxy to her.

Rex promised her that they’d grow old together, watching the sunset on the porch, or relaxing in front of the fire pit. He promised her they’d start a farm, buy their own chicken coop and build a barn for some small goats. Did she grow tired of waiting for her soldier to return?

He stumbled upon his answer shortly after.

Hidden deep within the confines of nature was his answer.

A single stone tablet.

Deep down he knew, yet he found himself unable to rip his eyesight away from the engravements on the stone.

‘A beautiful soul rests, a kind and bright life that had been taken too soon.’

His mouth was left agape as his stare bore into the stone, reading the words over and over again, his mind running with all the different possibilities and outcomes. That stone hadn’t been there when he left. That grave hadn’t been made.

And as his sight landed on the neat, faded lettering of your name, he felt his soul shatter into a thousand little pieces.

A cold breeze tugged past him, whispering unheard promises, confessings of love and sincerest apologies that would go unnoticed under the tears streaming from his eyes and the desperate sobs as he grasped at your grave.

Cold, ghostly arms embraced his warm form in the middle of the night, transparent tears mixing with his until the early hours of dawn.

[ddejavvu]

For your Rex requests.

How about being Rex's barrack bunny. Not realising that he's basically staked claim on you. But that's ok, he takes all your attention and time that it's pretty hard to even think about anyone else.

happy may the 4th! send me star wars requests/headcanons and we'll have a party <3

this post is 18+, minors dni.

Rex wishes that being captain of the 501st meant that he got his own room in their Coruscant barracks. Instead, he gets his own set of bunks, which proves absolutely useless when he wants the second person in his own bed, and not the one above him. The metal bedframe is also incredibly sparse, and does nothing to cover the expanse of your nude body, writhing and sweat-beaded on his mattress.

Rex grunts against the column of your neck, warm and littered with hickies of his own design, "Leg up, mesh'la."

Your thigh trembles as you lift it into his waiting palm, and he hikes it over his hip to drive his cock into your cunt at an even sharper angle. It elicits a cry from your throat, still raw from where you'd kneeled on the concrete and sucked Rex dry, and he mashes a hand over your mouth to silence you.

"Easy. Night shift is sleepin'." He grunts.

"Not anymore." A gruff but familiar voice drawls from a set of bunk beds a few meters to the left, "After this round, can we have a couple turns, Captain?"

"Ne'johaa, Fives," Rex snarls, shifting to cover your bare skin with his broad chest, "Don't listen to them, cyar'ika. Nobody but me gets to put their hands on you."

[thatgirlyourejected]

Sagau au part 3

Pt. 2 Pt. 3.5 part 4

Tw. Creator death. first death; killer Morax, A.k.A Zhongli

The creator was surrounded… no, that’s not right… I was surrounded; yes much better. The towering figures of my angered children, pointing their fingers cursing me as an imposter. Maybe I am, I don’t know anymore. Yes this is my body but the soul in it is innocent, they are me and I them. My poor child of light.

“Why can’t I just be happy!?” I cried golden bloodied fingers clawing the grass. “It’s not fair! Just because I have this face that I never chose do you deem me an abomination! I want to live! I want to be happy!” I screamed.

“Silence.”

Echoed the commanding tone of Morax.

“You deserve nothing! You are a heretic from the abyss, who dares to copy our creator, not only their visage; you mock their blood. You truly are an evil beast!”

You sobbed vision bleeding to black, as you took a final gasp of air.

“Next time I’ll be happy”

Was your final thought before you were embraced by the stars, granting you new life.

Asks are open

[naomeii]

Whdbfisjdbfkekdk

Morax coming from a battle to the nest he built for his mate where fox adeptus!reader and little Xiao are. Just family fluff :)

Prob tomorrow I'll ask some angst-

Familial Bliss.

(a/n : IM SO SORRY FOR SUCH LATE RESPONSE I WAS BUSY WITH MY EXAMS AND PRACTICALS! ;-;;;)

—Pairings: Morax x Adeptus!Reader

Content: Pure family fluff

The air was thick with the scent of victory and the earthy tang of blood as Morax, descended upon the nest he had meticulously built for his mate. The grandiose structure, crafted from sturdy branches and adorned with delicate flowers, stood as a testament to the dedication to his family. His steps were deliberate, heavy with the weight of the battles he had fought, yet there was a softness to his gaze as he approached the entrance.

As he pushed aside the woven vines that served as a makeshift door, the warm glow of the interior revealed a scene of domestic tranquility. Y/n, clad in elegant robes that mirrored the colours of autumn leaves, sat by the hearth, engrossed in a book of ancient tales. Beside her, little Xiao, their child, played with a set of carefully carved wooden figures.

The rustle of Morax's robes caught their attention, and both turned to greet him with smiles that mirrored the flickering flames in the hearth. Y/n set aside her book, and Xiao abandoned his toys to rush into Morax's outstretched arms.

"Papa! You're back!" Xiao exclaimed, his voice a blend of excitement and relief. Morax chuckled, a deep sound that resonated through the nest.

"Yes, my little one. I've returned," Morax replied, lifting Xiao into his arms effortlessly. He pressed a gentle kiss to the top of Xiao's head before turning his attention to his mate.

Y/n approached, grace personified in every step. "Welcome home, my love," she said, her eyes reflecting both concern and relief. "Are you hurt?"

Morax shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips. "I am unscathed, thanks to the protection of the Geo. But I have missed you both dearly."

With a tender embrace, Morax reunited with his family. Xiao, snug in his father's arms, nuzzled against Morax's neck, while Y/n revelled in the familiar warmth of their shared embrace. The scent of the flowers that adorned the nest mingled with the earthy aroma of Morax's presence, creating a sensory haven that spoke of love and safety.

The family settled by the hearth, Morax recounting tales of the battles he had faced, while Y/n and Xiao listened with rapt attention. The flames danced in response to their shared laughter, casting a golden glow upon the scene of familial bliss.

[komorim]

borrowed time

-> zhongli x gn!reader

[ synopsis. ] it wasn’t the first time morax has experienced the lost of a dear one. but you were different. you were a mortal, not an adeptus, and he was prepared for your departure from him since the beginning. but along with your relatively short lifespan, there was something else…

‣ when the earth bleeds ⋮ find the masterlist here !!

[ content warnings. ] character death. angst. reincarnation. there’s not a lot to say; it’s not dark content.

[ word count. ] 3.8k

[ author’s note. ] yayy! the second one shot of my pair of one shot collections! i had this almost finished for so long but never got the chance to actually write the last few paragraphs. (i did not mean for the second one shot to come out like a year later…at least im not dead!) this also ended up being a lot more longer than i intended it to be…(this is 3.8k????????????) but oh well, enjoy!

you don’t remember how long it has been after you died. after all, you continued to live your life normally. it was only natural that the exact time passed has become blurry to you.

though you remembered everything that happened after you had died. you remember the voice in your head and explaining the whole circumstance to you, and you remember seeing zhongli around liyue as you continued to “live.”

the whole ordeal wasn’t that complicated actually. simply put, you had such a strong love and longing for your immortal fiancé that it was dangerous to let you just pass on. if you couldn’t resolve the knot of regret that sprouted the moment you died, you would likely turn into a disruptive spirit, and the best way to solve the issue was for you to let go of the things that still tied you down to the world of the living.

the solution was for you to let go of zhongli.

it seemed impossible, and you almost laughed when you heard about the mysterious voice telling you that you had to fulfill your regrets. but your regret was not being able to accompany zhongli for the rest of his long, never ending life.

how were you supposed to resolve that regret?

your first thought was to follow zhongli throughout his daily life, thinking that if you saw that he could live on happily, or better yet, if he could find someone to accompany him like you once did, that you could soothe the agony in your heart. even though the thought of him finding someone to replace you tugged on your heart and made it ache, you found it to be better than to see him live in solitary after your passing.

however, what you saw as you followed him was only the ways that he would force a smile on and push through tiredly through each day. you could tell that he still hadn’t completely digested the reality of your death, and he wasn’t having an easy time too.

you originally thought it risky to follow him around so much, as the geo archon was always someone of high observational skills, but he was rather busy with mourning to notice the silent eyes that watched him day and night.

and even though your original plan was simply to follow him and see how he was doing, you soon became greedy and wanted to be next to his side again. you knew that it would not only cause complications if he found out who you were, but it also would only make the feeling of regret grow larger. and yet you couldn’t help it. no matter how long it truly has been after your death, you knew it was far too long to be away from him.

you missed him. you missed being in his arms, missed taking walks with him, missed the feel of his hand in yours, missed the soft and gentle voice he used when he called out your name. you missed it all.

you tried convincing yourself that because you’re only alive temporarily, the mysterious force had changed your appearance to avoid raising suspicion and he wouldn’t be able to recognize you. you wanted to give yourself every single excuse to justify that it was okay for you to approach him once more.

as long as you left before he found out and you got too attached, you’re sure that it would be fine. you’ll even use a different name to avoid him catching on.

though what were you thinking? you were facing zhongli, a previous archon who had many years of experience and knowledge.

and the knowledge that he had on you was probably the greatest.

you have introduced yourself to the wangsheng funeral parlor consultant as someone who has heard many things about him, and wished to seek information about morax’s past. being as respectful and responsible as he is, he offered to meet after he got off “work,” suggesting for you to see him at third-round knockout. you agree eagerly, happy with any opportunity to be with him.

you arrive early, too excited to do anything else but wait in anticipation, and when you finally see him heading your way, you wave.

“mister zhongli!”

he gives you a curt nod as he takes the seat opposite of you. “hello, did i keep you waiting too long?”

you shake your head and hands, “no, not at all. i just arrived not too long ago.”

you exchange the normal formalities and after a short while of asking about how morax was like and the accomplishments he’s achieved, you ask what you were really wondering. how would he feel at the mention of you? will he brush it off and pretend not to know you, or will he reminisce the time he spent with you while you were on the earth?

“is something wrong?” zhongli asks, expressing his concern for your sudden silence.

“it might just be a rumor…but i’ve heard that morax once had a partner before. do you know anything about their relationship?”

zhongli’s hand stiffens in midair as he was about to take another sip of his tea. he sets the teacup down shortly and looks away, seeming to feel awkward upon your question.

“a partner…? ah, i see. yes, i believe they were quite a harmonious couple. i don’t know much about this as it wasn’t widely recorded.”

it was your turn to freeze as your mind runs wild, thinking about all the possibilities for why he wouldn’t disclose anything. was he ashamed of you? did he not think you were worthy enough to mention? with all these questions consuming your mind, the rest of your conversation with zhongli was short and lackluster.

when you were about to take your leave, you convey your thanks for zhongli’s information and turn away, yet he grabs your wrist gently before you could take another step.

“you…will i see you again? you remind me of a dear companion of mine. i’d like to be in your company once more sometime.”

you smile warmly and nod, “of course, mister zhongli. it would be a pleasure to meet with you again.”

he seems to look relieved as his facial expressions relax. he returns your smile and lets go of your wrist somewhat unwillingly as you finally part ways with him.

though unbeknownst to you, his eyes followed your shape as you walk further and further away.

the next few days were spent with you next to zhongli’s side—so much that other acquaintances of his suspected the possibility of the two of you dating. and when you both walked by yet another small shop immersed in a light-hearted conversation, you hear a man’s voice call out to zhongli.

“mister zhongli!” he approaches the him as you both stop in your tracks. “i see you’re with miss y/n again,” he smiles in your direction, a smile knowing and akin to that of an elder. he nudges zhongli with his elbow and leans closer to him to say something you couldn’t quite make out, but by seeing zhongli’s widened eyes you assumed he was caught off guard.

“oh, no, no. i was simply enjoying an afternoon walk with miss yue.” to his response, the man nodded slowly, expression giving the impression that he was not quite convinced by this answer. though he didn’t pursue the topic any further and quickly left you two alone.

you glance at zhongli a few times as your stroll continued and before you could repress your curiosity properly, you were already asking the question.

“so, what did he say to you?”

zhongli’s eyes stray to meet yours for a short second before he chuckles softly. “i believe he was curious if our relationship has progressed beyond simply acquaintances that can share a topic or two.”

even if you thought you were prepared for it, your light hearted smile still dropped at the idea of zhongli having another partner besides you. even if this body was currently inhabited by you, you knew that it was impossible for zhongli to know that. and thus, in technicality, he would be romantically affiliated with another person.

zhongli, being as perceptive as he always was, noticed the slight change in your mood as he stopped with you. your dull eyes that were spacing out in thought slowly meet his golden ones and you catch the worry behind them.

“is something wrong?”

you laugh a bit nervously, your throat suddenly feeling dry as you swallow, trying to come up with something that can fool him. “yes, i…i just wasn’t expecting that.”

his eyebrows furrow slightly and you can tell that he doesn’t buy it. the air between you two is quiet for a long moment and the next time he opens his mouth, his voice sounds a bit less neutral than it usually is. “does the thought of going on a date with me…bother you?”

you wave your hands in distress, not wanting him to get the wrong idea. “archons, no! of course not! i greatly enjoy your company, mister zhongli. it’s just i was caught off guard.”

he stares intensely at you, and under the pressure that he unconsciously put on you, you finally speak your mind.

“it’s just…i was thinking about how you’re so knowledgeable about morax, yet you know nothing about his relationships. the sudden lack of consistency made me think that maybe you weren’t interested in any form of romance, so i was worried that you-”

“yue, my feelings for you most definitely extends beyond mere friendship,” he says, interrupting your ramble before you got carried away.

his sentence made your heart utterly drop. you had a bitter taste in your mouth and couldn’t think whether to be happy or not. should you celebrate that he could fall in love with you again—even in another body? or should you grieve that he has now completely forgotten your original self and has no more space in his heart for you now that he’s handing it to another? you suddenly felt like your whole world was turned upside down. no matter how much you initially wanted to believe that seeing zhongli happy with someone else would assure you, you know realize that deep down, it truly was you who couldn’t let go of the past.

“i…i’m sorry, mister zhongli, but i must go now.” you hurriedly bow as a form of apology and leave him immediately. as you turned on your heel to almost run away, your eyes stung and the tears you unknowingly kept at bay started to roll down your cheeks.

the moment you settled down by a tree to finally stop and think about the situation, you started to brainwash yourself into believing that you should be happy for zhongli. you should be glad he’s not held back by the memory of you. you should take this chance to let go of him, to finish resolving that knot like you came here to do. though the other part of you pleaded to not just surrender like this, and the internal conflict only grew as you struggled to unify your mind.

so until you could determine a final solution, you decided to just simply detach yourself from zhongli. the frequent meetings were no more as you couldn’t possibly face him like usual anymore; it would only make the mess that is your mind even worse.

though zhongli’s patience wore thin. even if he’s rarely one to be impatient, his attitude always seemed to be different when it came to you.

so after a whole week of you avoiding him like the flu, he finally hunted you down.

when you turned the corner of third-round knockout, you were met with a familiar face and before you could run far, he caught you by the arm.

“y/n. i know it’s you.”

you almost jumped at hearing your real name. you knew that zhongli was smart and hard to fool, but the fact that he actually uncovered your identity is unbelievable.

you turn to face him, and when you saw his distressed eyes and sad frown, you knew you couldn’t lie to him anymore. the moment he recognized your surrender, he pulled you into a hug, arms wrapping around your waist and head leaning into the crook of your neck—an embrace so familiar you would never dream of forgetting it.

“i missed you so much, y/n. please, you can’t even begin to understand how deeply devastated i was when you started distancing yourself from me. my heart sunk at the thought of losing you once more.”

you could feel tears approaching as you returned the hug. “how did you know it was me?”

zhongli pulled away from the hug to hold you at arm’s length, looking at you lovingly. “i could recognize you even if you became a pile of ashes. though it didn’t seem like you had any intention of reuniting with me, so i played along and pretended not to know you as well. but, it appears that it wasn’t the wisest choice on my end,” he sighs, “i should’ve kept you by my side no matter what.”

you smiled. “it’s relieving to know you haven’t forgotten me.”

zhongli’s eyes fill with disbelief, almost appearing offended at the notion. a sad frown is painted on his face as he looks at you softly. “i could never forget you, y/n. you’re the only one i’ve ever held this close to my heart. although you may underestimate your impact towards my life, i assure you that without meeting you, i would’ve turned out to be a less than pleasing person.”

you look away from him, quietly speaking, almost as if talking to yourself instead of him, “i thought you felt differently from the way you denied having knowledge of morax’s partner.”

with how much attention zhongli gives you however, he definitely caught onto what you said. “i was only avoiding the topic since i didn’t want to remind you of the sad times. not being able to give you a proper wedding before you passed was always the biggest regret i had.”

the air is silent for a moment before he cups your face and brings your gaze back to him. he smiles endearingly at you, an idea coming to him suddenly. “how about i give you that promised wedding?”

in the back of your mind, you knew that this body was only temporary, that even if you did go along with the idea, you wouldn’t be able to live with zhongli as a married couple forever. though the offer was too tempting to turn down, so you nodded your head in a silent agreement as you mirrored his smile.

“can we keep it small though? i don’t want such a big audience.” since you knew this wouldn’t last long. you didn’t want zhongli to have to deal with prying questions of where you went whenever your time was up.

“of course, my dear. it will be as you wish.”

so the next few days were spent planning the wedding until the moment came when you heard the celebratory music as you walked down the short aisle. only a few familiar faces were present in accordance to your request of zhongli; you recognized xiao and xianyun and many other friends from your past life and you smiled in their direction. it was evident that they were all happy for you and zhongli, the well known couple of the time.

when you finally stopped to meet zhongli at the end of the aisle, you noticed how he wore the same soft expression that was met with you every time he was in your presence. a few minutes pass as the introductory was given and anything and everything that followed seemed to have past in a blur or sound and colors. your attention was solely on the love of your life in front of you, and nothing was received by your brain until after the classic question was asked and zhongli began speaking his vows.

“in a long time past, we shared our hearts with each other. you accompanied the most important and joyous moments of my long life, only to be separated from me in a cruel joke of fate. i could not do anything as i watched you fall into sickness, and i may have resented the powers that took you away from me. your absence left a void in my soul, and i could only regret that i could not fulfill my promise to you. but blessed as we are, fate has bestowed me with a chance to make those vows a reality in this life as we are once again reunited. with this ring, i pledge to cherish you as i did before, if not more so and longer. i vow to stand by your side no matter the obstacles that we may face, honoring my never ending love for you. today, let us continue the journey that we had started so long ago, and let our fates and hearts remain interconnected throughout this life and beyond.”

your eyes never left zhongli’s as you struggled to match his loving gaze with one of your own. his vow to you composed of too many promises you knew he would be forced to break due to the nature of your stay in the human world. this would not last. you can’t tell if the watery view you had was due to hearing his profound and unwavering love for you or if it was out of sorrow for the knowledge that this was all temporary and won’t be anything beyond that.

though you couldn’t break his heart like that all over again, so you hid the truth inside your heart, even if you knew doing so would hurt the both of you more. you pressed your lips into a small smile and declared your own vows, mimicking zhongli’s in the way that it was filled with empty promises yet very much honest words of how you deeply loved him as well.

your head struggled to remain clear in the short time span that you recited your vows, and by the end of it, you found that you have come to accept the fact that this was all temporary. you knew that it was from the start, so there shouldn’t be so much of a reaction when you’re only just being reminded of the fact.

your rings were then exchanged before your officiant declared the marriage. you smiled at zhongli, genuinely this time, as you finally found peace with the situation you were in. when the officiant finally announced that you and zhongli were now permitted to kiss, you took a small step forward as zhongli’s hands reached out to cup your face. he tilts your face upwards gently, staring into your eyes softly before finally kissing you as your hands rested gently at his sides.

common to loving couples, your wedding kiss lasted rather long. you smiled into the kiss in relief that at the end of this all, at least you were able to officially marry zhongli in this life. yet when you finished thinking about this, you heard that familiar voice in your head.

<it seems that you have let go of that obsession of yours. congratulations.>

the voice didn’t have to spell it out for you. you knew that this means that your borrowed time in the human world was finally coming to an end. you admit, you do feel satisfied now knowing that your broken promise from your last life of marrying zhongli was finally fulfilled. though it didn’t help soothe the ache that came with knowing you had to leave much.

you and zhongli pulled away from each other and you felt your body growing lighter each minute that passes as you turn to face your audience—your friends. you smile at them and walk down the aisle with zhongli as you both thank them for joining the event. though as the reception starts, you pull zhongli aside as you smile at him once again, this time not as worry-free.

“what’s wrong?” his face expressing a curious worry, though it doesn’t override the joy he felt from finally being your husband.

you bring up your hands to cup his face as you try to engrave his features into your soul so that you can recognize him when you officially reincarnate. it was then that zhongli finally noticed you blending into the dark night and his eyes filled with a type of sad understanding.

“you…you’re leaving. is that right?”

you nod softly. “it’s okay. i’m happy that at least i was able to be wed to you once. that’s honestly more than i could ask for,” you laugh gently, “i thought that i would’ve had to leave after seeing you move on. but zhongli, i truly do wish that maybe, with time, you can find another that treasures you as much as i do. although it isn’t ideal for me that you’ve found someone else, i don’t wish for you to spend eternity alone. i…i don’t know how long it’ll take for me to reincarnate or if i will for that matter. so,” you caress his face as he leans into your palm, “please don’t spend too long trying to wait for me. if an opportunity for your happiness presents itself before that, i hope you can take it without feeling burdened.”

zhongli chuckles bitterly, “you’re asking something impossible of me. i don’t believe there is anyone other than you that will be able to make me happy.”

“you never know.”

“i do know,” he insists, closing his eyes as he holds the hand you had on his face with his own, “perhaps i will just spend the rest of my life anticipating your return.”

you shake your head with a small smile, not knowing how to deal with his stubbornness in things he’s set his mind on. though both of you knew that your silence meant you had accepted zhongli’s way of handling this.

your body dissipates to almost nothing, though it seems that the powers above have granted you just enough time to finish your farewell with your new husband.

“i don’t mind if it takes eternity for it to happen, but please return to my side one day.” he pauses for a short moment before speaking softly, “i’m sure that we’ll get our happy ending.”

he looks into your eyes as he sees through the borrowed appearance you wore; he sees through all the disguise that they tried to cover you with and he sees the true you. he smiles with eyes that treat you as the most beautiful thing he’s ever laid his eyes on. it was the last thing that you saw before being blown away with the wind.

zhongli’s eyes linger in the direction that you disappeared in as his eyes turn watery at the realization that he lost you once again. he can only wish that you heard his last few words.

“i’ll be waiting.”

do not copy or repost my works. likes, reblogs, and comments are appreciated.

[1-have-no-idea]

to hold

‘grasp, carry, or support with one's hands.’

character(s): Rex, reader, (mentions of 501st, Anakin, and Padme)

genre: angst, hurt to comfort, fluff, romance

overview: Rex loves you. He does, really, but you and him were wrong. It was against the Jedi Code and just taboo. He wouldn’t want to get you in trouble. But you seem adamant on having him.

warning(s): language, violence, death (two spies), alcohol, slight angst, Rex and reader have a small disagreement, sexual language, allusions to smut, does get a little spicy in one scene but not quite nsfw, making out, grinding, etc…

wordcount: 3599 words

“You know we can’t keep doing this.”

God, you knew. Yes, you knew that, you did. He did too, it was obvious, he was a clone. A soldier. And you were… well, you were a Jedi. It was frowned upon to have attachments, especially personal ones. It was even more taboo to have relations with the clones. The men who fought for the republic and were manufactured. They were built for war. That’s what they were made for, to follow orders and fight. That was it.

That was bullshit. They were meant for more than that, they were human. Not droids, they should’ve been able to have free will and live the way they wanted. However, you didn’t live in that kind of galaxy. Few others shared the same view as you. Besides the clones themselves. Some believed they were destined for more. That they deserved more. They were right. But few seemed to actually believe it. They were resigned to their position, even honored it because that’s what they were made for. Even if some deep, hidden part inside of them cried out for more, something different. And in that case, Rex’s heart cried out for love. A family. Ever since he stumbled upon Lawquane’s family, Rex felt an unfamiliar strong pull to have what the other clone had, he longed for it, he hungered for it. And maybe he didn’t have a family just yet. But he had love. He had you.

“Rex,” he didn’t want to hear that. He couldn’t, he really couldn’t. Because then his heart would ache and he’d hold you closer and start whispering sweet nothings into your ear. But even if you hadn’t said his name like that, he would’ve done that anyway. Guilt and conviction clawed at his heart. The two of you had done it again. Even though both of you knew that the relationship between you and him was… wrong? It was, Rex reminded himself. Against the Jedi code and his orders. You and him were wrong. You only closed your eyes, pressing your soft front against his hard back, arm snaking around his waist and hand gently pressing against his abdomen. And the captain sighed deeply, allowing himself to melt beside you despite his previous words. “Just– just five more minutes, Rex. Just so I can hold you for a bit before you go.” And the clone would have protested. Should’ve. Should’ve removed your arm and sat up and got dressed again. “Please.” And then that one word had him turning around to face you, but he didn’t look at you. Instead wrapping his arms around you and tucking your head against his shoulder while burying his own in the crook of your neck. He’d hold you for five minutes. Only five. Savor the warmth, the tenderness and love and familiarity. Before letting you go. Just like how he always did.

“Okay,” he breathed, holding you just a tad tighter. “Only five.” He repeated, words empty and hollow, rough and calloused palm rubbing soothingly over your back. As if he were trying to comfort you and reassure you that you’d be okay when he let you go.

Because you and him were wrong. At least that’s what he told himself.

_________________________________________________

“General,” “Rex.”

You both acknowledged each other briefly as you walked into the bar. The boys were on a mission, and you and the captain were sent by General Skywalker to a nearby cantina undercover to try and get as much information as you could. And seeing you there, all dolled up even if it was just for a mission… well, Rex could pretend, right? That this wasn’t business and he took you here because he wanted to and had plans because you were his and he was yours and you were gonna walk back home hand and hand like an actual couple and—

“Captain,” he corrected, clearing his throat, moving his eyes down so he didn’t have to see the way your face fell and how you obviously looked hurt before masking it. “Captain.” You repeated quietly. Say his name. Please say his name again, he loved the way it rolled off your tongue so gently, not a number but a name, please, please–

Damn it. Rex sucked it a breath and forced his eyes forward, gloved hand gently gripping your upper arm and guiding you to the bar. “Don’t let any guy buy you a drink. If he does, don’t drink it just in case it’s laced. I’ll keep an eye out for any leads on who the General’s looking for.” The clone ordered quietly, pulling out a stool for you which you sat on while looking up at him and nodding. “I’ll do the same. Be safe.” “You too.” And he almost ducked his head down to peck your lips, but he caught himself before he could, and tore away despite how you had leaned up like it was normal before walking away. A shame, really. You really were expecting that kiss.

You sighed as he walked away, slumping in your seat and resting your cheek on your hand. You really couldn’t take this for much longer. As much as you tried to understand, it also angered you that he was being so stubborn and rejecting every advance you made at one time and then accepting them another. He just couldn’t make up his mind! He was either all in or all out, but you couldn’t do this half-time thing anymore. And maybe you were being selfish. You knew you were, but– but couldn’t you be? Just for once, for once in your life in this hellish galaxy surrounded by nothing but war in pain, couldn’t you indulge in the small pleasures of life? Couldn’t you find solace in this one thing, for once? Even if it was selfish. Just for once, couldn’t you be? Because this hurt. It hurt really bad.

“Hard day, sweetheart?” A voice rang out, snapping you from your lamentful thoughts, and your eyes raised to meet the bartender. A nice looking young person, with an almost knowing look on their face. You seemed to slump more in your chair, small amongst the many beings in the cantina. “No, I’m fine,” you lied, shrugging your shoulders while hunching more over the table, trying to find a more comfortable position to sit in. The bartender rose a brow, a smirk tugging in the corner of their lips. “No use in lying, hon’. I’ve seen that look on many in my time working here,” they explained, before leaning against the counter of the bar, making you sit up. “What boy’s got you all upset? Or girl, there’s no judging here.” They joked, giving you a sly wink and you stammered, unsure whether to relay to them the conflicting feelings and rather on and off relationship you and Rex had, before huffing, deciding to indulge them a bit. “I just–” you cut yourself off, gnawing at your lower lip a little before continuing. “There’s a man…” “Oh?” “Basically, we’re in a situationship, but there’s obviously something more there- y’know? He’s just…. It’s not him, I’m just being selfish I guess-” the bartender shot you a knowing look, before looking around the bar. “Is the dream boy here?” They asked and you gave a shy nod before glancing over to the captain longingly. The bartender ‘oooh-ed’, wiggling their brows suggestively. “A clone, huh? No wonder, I’d wanna keep one of them to myself, too. Heard their packin’ a lot under that cod-piece–” you grimaced and waved your hand to silence them quickly, face flushing in embarrassment at their crude statement. “No- that’s not why, I just–” “Oh, is he lackin’ a couple inches down there-?” “No!” You took a deep breath in, hands up in a pleading gesture for them to just shush. Thankfully, they seemed to take the hint and keep quiet, allowing you to continue. “Me and him have known each other for a long time, and it’s been long enough where we frequently engage with each other romantically, but at the same time, he doesn’t really wanna commit due to our positions.” You explained, and the bartender made a noise of understanding. “...So, it’s somewhat of a friends-with-benefits relationship?” They asked, and you cringed, not wanting to call it that, but there was some truth in that statement. “...kinda, but not really. It’s not that we’re just friends and only use each other for sex, I mean, sometimes we sleep with each other but that’s not our main focus. It’s like we’re in a secret relationship, but it’s on and off.” They sighed, shaking their head. “Well maybe show him what he’s missing out on.” They suggested, and your brows furrowed, lips parting in confusion before shaking your head. “But I don’t want-” they tutted at you, silencing you before sliding you a drink. “You need to relax, baby. You don’t need dead-weight like him burdening you, ‘kay? You don’t have to fuck anyone, although I’d advise you too,” you shot them a withering look and they only snickered before softening their tone, continuing. “But at least drink a little. This is a bar. And I’d hate for a pretty thing like you to be upset in it.” You were quiet, before sighing heavily, giving them a faint smile of gratitude. “Okay. Thank you.” “No problem, baby-cakes. It’s what a bartender is supposed to do.” And that was the last thing they said before they sent you a wink and sauntered off to get somebody else’s order.

You circled the rim of your shot glass, wafting it to you and giving it a small sniff while eyeing it. Once deeming it safe, you tipped your head back and downed it. It burned down your throat, sending heat up into your ears and cheeks, and you grimaced, setting it down with a harsh pant, running a hand through your hair. And then you turned your head to look for Rex once more, but this time, he wasn’t there. You squinted, feeling the familiar lightness of the alcohol, but thankfully it wasn’t strong enough to dull all your senses. Sliding out of your stool, you started looking around for the blond captain, only to spot the exit door slightly jarred open. You felt an odd tug to go out, filled with suspicion and wariness and a tiny bit of dread, and following your gut, you exited the bar and walked outside. “...Captain?” You called out into the darkness, the only light coming from the dim street and house lights. Then, you heard a far cry of pain coming from the alley. Immediately, your blood ran cold. And without thinking, you bolted down the alley. Heart pounding in your ears, you followed the pathway until it brought you to a frightening scene of Rex brawling with someone who looked like a spy based on their clothing. “Rex!” You cried out in fear, catching the attention of both said-clone and spy, who were on the floor bloodied and bruised. Using the Force, you threw the man off him and to the side, only to be tackled from behind by another spy. You yelped in surprise, and Rex gasped. “[name], no!” But it was too late, he was jumped on again and forced to fight the person on top of him while you wrestled with the other. You were forced on your stomach, and then you rolled onto your back, trying to kick the man off you but he raised his fist and brought it down on your stomach hard, knocking the air out of you. Once regaining your breath, you gasped for air, and before the spy could harm you any further, you kicked him hard in the crotch, making him let out a high whimper, before shoving him away, pulling out your lightsaber and turning it on. Rex had long shoved the other off him and socked him hard in the face, and now you and him were back to back. “Are you okay, General?” He called out and you made a noise of agreement. “I’m fine, Captain. Are you?” He only grunted in response, before shooting one of the spy’s who pulled out a gun. And when the other shouted in rage and threatened to pull out his own, you forced him against the wall with the saber held to his throat, Rex crowding protectively behind you to cage the man in. “Who sent you?” You gritted out, eyes narrowing at him. “Fuck off!” He seethed angrily, raising his nose to the air in retaliation. You ignored him, glaring at his insolence. “I’m not gonna repeat myself again,” you declared. “Who sent you.” This time it wasn’t a question. It was a demand. And then, he spat on you, growling. “Go to Hell, whore.” And that was the last thing he said before he bit down on something in his mouth, going taut as his eyes rolled back, body shuddering violently as he was electrocuted before falling limp. You pocketed your lightsaber after turning it off, breathing heavily while shaking your head slowly. “He killed himself.” You murmured. Rex glared at his dead body, before huffing. “If he hadn’t, I would’ve killed him anyway.” He swore low in his throat, wiping the spit off your cheek before checking you over. “Are you okay? They didn’t hurt you too bad, right?” He asked in concern, eyes softening. And this time he let you lean into his hand without pulling away. “No, I’m fine. Just a bit bruised. What about you?” You asked, taking a step closer to see if he had gotten harmed in any way, but he waved you off. “I’m okay. C’mon, let’s go find a place to stay while we wait for the others.” He suggested, letting go of you, making you go cold where his hands had previously been. But you didn’t protest, and instead nodded, following after him.

_________________________________________________

Fshhhh

It wasn’t until late that you found a place to stay. The door slid open with a soft hiss as the two of you entered the small room. Rex was able to find a rather cheap motel for the two of you to stay the night at while you waited for the others. It was a humble place. Brown carpeted floors, plain white walls with one bathroom and a small kitchen in the corner of the room, and two beds and a couch. It was good. Rex started unstrapping his armor, removing the plastoid so he was standing there in his blacks. You did the same, undoing your robes and shrugging off the clothing, leaving you in your breast-band and trousers. And Rex couldn’t help the way his eyes lingered on you in your state of undress. Maker, you were beautiful. Every mark and blemish and scar, Rex adored you. Even if he didn’t say it out loud. He couldn’t say it out loud. He couldn’t. But he couldn’t stop himself from thinking it. You were all soft curves and warmth, and he was hard planes and cold, but in your arms he found home. And kriff, didn’t he want to be home right now. Inside your home. The thought had him shivering, and after the long day the both of you just had, he couldn’t stop himself from slowly strolling over to you, his chest pressed to your back. Strong arms looped around your waist, and he leaned his head down to press soft, fluttering kisses to the side of your neck and shoulder. You relaxed in his hold, not having the strength to tell him no as you tilted your head to the side to give him more access. He pressed a chaste kiss to your jaw before turning you around and walking you backwards until you were sat on the bed, and he slowly started to sink to his knees before you. Not before pressing his lips to yours firmly, one hand cradling the back of your head as if you were going to pull away. You sighed into the kiss, wrapping your arms around his head, fingers gently running down his buzzed hair, parting your lips for him when his tongue ran over your bottom lip. His tongue gently plundered inside your mouth, tangling with your own lovingly before he pulled away with a shuddering breath. He started leaving hot open-mouthed kisses to your throat before sucking a dark mark underneath your jaw. “Rex,” you breathed, and he murmured something in Mando’a into your skin, pushing you back onto the bed and crawling on top of you. He caged you in, his hips flushed against yours while he kissed and nipped at your skin. You moaned softly and wrapped your legs around his hips, bringing him closer to you, and as if on command, the captain rolled his hips down onto yours, grinding his arousal down against you, but it seems as if as soon as he did that, he snapped out of it and realized just what this was leading up to.

“N-no,” he stuttered breathlessly, making you look up at him in confusion as he suddenly pulled up off of you, shaking his head in conviction. “No, I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have done that, we can’t.” He declared, standing up and taking a few steps back. You sat up and felt your heart clench, hurt flickering on your face, before you sighed and it turned into a mix between frustration and resignation. “This is just how it’s always going to be between us, isn’t it?” You questioned rhetorically, and the clone’s lips pressed into a firm line, knowing what you were trying to talk about. “[name], please, you know we can’t do this. It’s wrong, we’ve talked about this,” he tried to reason, but you cut him off, shaking your head. “No, you’re right, we talked about this but I’ve never understood it- Rex, I know our positions are different but does that really have to determine whether we can be together or not?” You questioned rather pleadingly, and he frowned, brows creasing as he averted his gaze down. “Yes, it can get in the way, you’re a Jedi. Attachments are forbidden–” “Anakin and Padme are married and both me and you know that and he’s a Jedi.” You brought up and Rex went silent, jaw clenching. “I’m a clone, [name.]” He stated, as if that meant something. You scoffed, raising your hands in a gesture of thinly veiled frustration. “Is that supposed to matter-? You’re still human, Rex, it’s okay to have feelings–” you tried to explain to him, but he shut down. “We’re not continuing this conversation. We both know this is wrong, and that’s final. Please, General, let it go.” He stated, both begging and demanding. Your fists clenched, looking at him with frustration and hurt before you felt your lower lip quiver. You shut your eyes, before slumping in defeat, opening your eyes and looking down to the floor. “Does this even mean anything to you?” You finally asked in a hushed tone. Rex looked at you like you just insulted him, eyes widening and lips parting. “What?” “Does this,” you gestured between you and him. “Mean anything to you? Or is it just a means to an end? I just— I need you to be honest with me, Rex. Just once. Do you even love me?”

Silence.

Rex looked broken. Yet so conflicted. He was torn. Between his duties and beliefs as a clone and you. “...[name]-” “Rex, please.” Your eyes were starting to water up now, and his heart cracked at the sight of it. Don’t cry. Don’t cry, not right now. Not when you’re trying to talk to him. You told yourself, before sucking in a breath and continuing. “Because if you don’t, then that’s fine– I just, I just kinda need to know before I keep trying for you,” you admitted vulnerably, your tone wavering, and that’s all Rex needed to hear before he scooped you up, holding you close to him as if you were about to shatter. And you weakly pushed against him, shaking your head. “No, no, don’t force yourself, I’m sorry.” You apologized, and Rex pressed soft kisses to your head and cheeks, wiping your tears before they even had a chance to fall. “I’m not. I’m not, cyar’ika, I promise,” he swore, lifting you up so you were standing while holding you close to him. “S’okay. S’okay, I’m sorry I made you cry, m’sorry,” he murmured, rocking the two of you slowly. Slowly, you relaxed in his hold again, but he refused to let you go, adamant on comforting you still. “...I do love you,” he admitted, pulling away just a little to cup your face. “I do. More than you could know. I just…” he trailed off, looked down guiltily. “I wouldn’t want you to get in trouble because of… of me. I’m just a clone. I shouldn’t-” you cupped his cheek, pressing your lips gently to his, before pulling away. “I’d leave the Jedi Order for you, Rex. I’d get persecuted, if it meant I could be with you.” You whispered, and the captain shook his head, leaning into your palm. “Please don’t say that,” he begged quietly, and you hushed him softly. “It’s true.” You stated, pulling him into another embrace, both of you in each other's arms.

Because in this moment, he just wanted to hold you. That’s all he wanted. And this time he wasn’t leaving. Even if it meant disobeying orders and going against any code.

[rosescarlette]

- Gentlemen. -

Zhongli is the type of person who's often described as a gentleman. Trust me this guy has a lot of fame but even he doesn't know how. He just uses his knowledge and skills and boom! He's famous.

Zhongli is the type of person to absolutely spoil you. He just wants you to be happy. Of course grandpa sometimes goes overboard. You see something? You complement it? Congrats! It's yours now.

Zhongli is also the type to be very reserved during the first time of the relationship. Not like the people who just ask him something completely about, "Hey have you-" where he just goes.. "Sorry I have a girlfriend." No. He isn't. He would completely let the person finish their question and then answer them appropriately. If some one were to indeed ask him out. He'd politely decline and just return to his work what he was doing before.

Zhongli also would be quite strict with himself. But hey.. can you really blame him?.. he has no experience during the first moments. But however do expect him to be completely perfect at the dinning matters and etc. He has learned these habits himself when he used to disguise himself as a human to mingle among his people.

He also has immense strength. Trust me no human could ever compare to his strength because he's the archon who dominates over the element geo. So he obviously has no trouble carrying your bags even yourself. No matter how heavy you are.. you're just a feather to him. There would always be arguments like: "Zhongli let me carry my bags myself!!" "Pardon but I will carry these." Yep. Expect him to be formal even when arguing. You raised yourself as an independent woman and he's the gentleman. So.. yep arguments on who's gonna pay for the dinner. Of course he ends up winning. He pays the bill regarding the price. Heck does he even look at it? No. Because his wallet (childe) will always pay for it regardless of the price.

If zhongli sees you overworking yourself to the point where you sleep on the desk itself. He will not hesitate at all to pick you up and place you in bed and tuck you in. He has no problems doing that.

You and zhongli would RARELY get into arguments. Trust me, the only times you'd argue is who is going to pay the bills and all. He always wins somehow.

He is also the type to be the first one to wish you a happy birthday or happy anniversary to you. Because he wakes up quite early and you? Nah you're gonna sleep almost to the point where people would mistakenly arrange a funeral for you thinking you died... /j . This guy has photographic memory so.. he captured every emotion on your face with immense detail. He never gets bored looking at those eyes.

He is also the type of person who'd comfort you very well. If your day is bad you can always go chat to him. He will always and ALWAYS try to make you smile. Your smile is something he would pay anything to see.

You overthink? He's the one to comfort you. You have social anxiety? He's the one to do the talking. You're short to reach? He helps you with it. Any problem you bring up he brings up the solution.

Zhongli wants everything to be perfect. My guy's a rich person. (But somehow broke) He wants everything to be absolutely perfect and no detail should be missed. So expect your birthdays and special occasions and all to be amazingly perfect. Including his proposal is something that has so many hidden meanings that many people have forgotten. Yet it's perfect. In a way where everything is according to you. Which represents you and him.

In the end.. your relationship was perfect with him. It was only date to marry. Trust me. He will only choose you.

Zhongli knows eventually one day he will outlive you. He always had. So he tries his best to always stay near you and capture every emotion of yours. And eventually when you aren't there anymore.. he will forever be lonely. He wouldn't want another person. He himself had set a contract to himself. It's either you or no one. And he follows it. Until it's the end of him.

Your grave is something that can't be found easily. I mean.. he wouldn't let it be known so easily to people. He would try to hide it as much as possible. The area would be secluded. And your grave will the one that has your favorite flowers. However to him. He visits to be with you. Only to be reminded of the fact.. you're gone too.

Despite living so long. He'd always learn talents so who knows if he learns art. Not for anything but other than painting you so you wouldn't be forgotten in his memory so easily. Even with his photographic memory he fears that he would forget. The tea cups on the table will always be the pair where one is empty and the other has cold tea. A remainder again you're gone. He heavily uses muscle memory so it's hard for him to get accustomed easily.

Despite the bittersweet ending. He always loved and always will continue to love you. And if it's his end. He would want to be next to you. And after always hold you in his arms. No matter where he would always find you. Even without his memory. His soul knows you and will continue to find you. So expect many lives of yours to be with him.

In the end he has no regrets. He always wanted to be with you. So it's always you no matter what.

[himasgod]

King Deshret x Reader IV part I

Where Deshret finds out that you are marrying Morax, and goes to great lengths to get to the location and beg for your forgiveness.

(PART IV DONE. I've decided to split this request in two, since I wanted to make it quite long and doing it in one post would be quite long. This part is about Deshret finding out that you're going to marry Morax and the next one, which I'll post in a few hours, will deal directly with the wedding and Deshret interrupting it. Thanks to sailorstar as always and, of course, enjoy <3)

XVII.

The nights in the desert had always been his refuge, a kingdom of endless stars above a sea of ​​golden dunes that only he could rule. The silence, once so comforting, now weighed on his shoulders like a blanket of ice. King Deshret returned to the palace after half a year away, the promise of returning to you still fresh in his mind. He had set out in the hope of bringing you an era of splendor, with Nabu Malikata at his side. But in his obsession with dreams of greatness, he had let himself be carried away by the intoxicating sweetness of the Goddess of Flowers.

When his sandals echoed in the halls, there was no welcome. He did not find you waiting for him with a frown or words of reproach for his prolonged absence. Instead, he was greeted by a desolate palace, as cold as a tomb. The servants avoided his gaze, bowing their heads in silence. Was there something they were not telling him? An inexplicable uneasiness began to stir in his chest.

“Where is the queen?” he asked in a grave voice to one of his oldest servants, whose face was marked by uncertainty.

“Your Majesty… the queen has departed.” The man hesitated, swallowing before adding, “You will find a letter in her chambers.”

The words fell like stones into a bottomless pit. Deshret felt his heart race as he walked through the halls with increasingly hurried steps, almost tripping in his haste to reach the room they once shared. The door, normally ajar to allow the light of the rising sun, was now shut tight. He pushed it hard, almost ripping it off its hinges.

There, in the vastness of the bed he had shared with you, lay a single scroll. Deshret approached slowly, as if the simple act of touching it could trigger a catastrophe. His hands, which had not trembled even in the face of the most fearsome armies, now trembled as he unrolled the letter.

“To King Deshret, who was once my husband: I hereby dissolve our marriage. I am no longer the queen who swore to remain at your side in the eternal dunes. I am leaving, for the fidelity I promised cannot be sustained in the emptiness of a love that has withered.”

The words were sharp, written with the precision of a knife. Each sentence was a reminder of what he had lost in seeking the company of another, of what he had let crumble in his pursuit of power and fleeting pleasures. This was not just a piece of paper; it was the end of an oath he had taken for eternal.

But it was the last line that broke what little remained of his temper:

“I return to my home in Liyue, where the vows I gave you will be extinguished like the embers of a fire that no longer burns. This time, there will be no turning back.”

XVIII.

The weight of your words echoed in his mind as he stood there in the dimness of your empty chambers. You had been so much more than a wife to him: you were the legendary Phoenix Princess, Liyue’s most precious jewel, the daughter of the Phoenix Queen. You had given up your golden destiny alongside Rex Lapis, you had abandoned the fertile valleys of your homeland to accompany the king of a kingdom of sand. And he, blinded by the promise of power alongside Nabu Malikata, had let the glow of that sacrifice fade.

When he was finally able to move, Deshret summoned his advisors, demanding answers. But all he received were evasive glances and empty answers. You had left with a small entourage, taking only what was yours, rejecting all the luxuries he had arranged for your comfort. Your decision had been final, unwavering.

Deshret felt an unparalleled emptiness devour him from within. The great king who had defied the gods was now nothing more than a broken man, a prisoner in his own palace. For the first time in centuries, King Deshret understood what it meant to truly lose. Not by war, not by the betrayal of allies, but by the foolishness of his own heart.

XIX.

A week later, Rukkhadevata arrived at the palace with news he did not wish to hear. She stood before him, compassion veiling her emerald eyes.

“Deshret,” she said softly, “I come with news from Liyue.”

“Speak, Rukkhadevata.” His voice was barely a whisper, as if the mere act of speaking words exhausted him.

Dendro Archon took a deep breath. “Rex Lapis has sent invitations to all the Archons. He is announcing his marriage with the the Phoenix Princess.”

His blood froze in his veins. He felt the world crumble around him, as if the palace walls were about to collapse on him.

“Marriage…?” he repeated in a murmur, unable to process what he heard.

Rukkhadevata nodded regretfully. “She has returned home, Deshret. She has found in Morax the love and stability that you denied her.”

XX.

The days that followed were a whirlwind of anguish. While Nabu Malikata spoke excitedly of the lavish ceremony Liyue was preparing, he could barely hear her. Her words were like a distant echo, lost in the storm of his mind.

He couldn’t bear it. The image of you beside another man, smiling as you once did just for him, consumed him. Morax… his rival, his opposite in so many ways, was taking away what he had cast aside.

“I must see her once more,” he decided, his pride crushed under the weight of his despair. He turned to Rukkhadevata with a plea he never thought he would make.

“Take me to Liyue, I beg you. Let me see her, even one last time. Let me beg her to reconsider, to forgive me… before it’s too late.”

Rukkhadevata watched him, pain in her eyes. She knew it wouldn’t be easy. He knew you had closed your heart forever. But after a long, tense silence, he nodded.

“I will take you, Deshret. But you must prepare for what you will find. It may already be too late. Sometimes, even for the gods, second chances do not exist."

XXI.

And so, the once invincible King Deshret, who defied the gods and dreamed of conquering the heavens, found himself in the position of a broken man, a king who had lost everything because of his own blindness. Now, he was not heading into a battle to win a kingdom, but into a fight for a heart that no longer belonged to him.

As the desert dunes fell behind him and the green valleys of Liyue rose before him, he knew he was facing his final battle. But this time, the price of failure would not be a crown, but the love he himself let slip away.

He was willing to stop that wedding. He was willing to get you back. Even if it cost him his life.

Here is my masterlist, in case you are interested in any more of my work or want to send me a request <3

[furidaimonia]

— ❄️ 𝐖𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑’𝐒 𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐄: 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐔𝐃𝐄

summary: zhongli recalls the fateful tale of when a certain snezhnayan princess was sent on a mission to liyue. fem reader. 682 words.

warnings: none

masterlist

It was another mild, serene day in Liyue Harbor. Ships glided across the sea's turquoise waters, and the market was rife with the usual hustle and bustle. Zhongli felt the gentle caress of Barbatos' breeze as he sat on the patio of the newest up-and-coming tea shop in the city, with notes of chamomile, orange, and Qiaoying's signature black blend dancing on his tongue. He watched with quiet affection as a young man proposed to his lover on the streets below, and the sun warming his face brought forth a small, content smile.

Zhongli had, admittedly, become quite fond of fading into the background and watching the lives of everyone around him play out. He felt a sense of duty to know the ins and outs of every person residing within the city he had personally fostered and protected for centuries. Off the top of his head, Little Xia would start school soon. The ship with the blue sails had caught a large haul of fish and would be allowed to stay in the harbor with their families longer once they returned -- it had been many weeks and he knew their spouses could hardly wait. Hu Tao had seen an increase in business in the past few days. Yun Jin had just completed the production of her newest play. His birthday would be approaching in the coming weeks and with it, the tide of a new year.

Preparations for the lantern rite festival had already begun, and stalls selling both materials for making and completed lanterns could be found scattered down along the waterfront. The man took another slow sip of his tea, but before he could muse further, the familiar babble and laughter of children roused him from his reverie.

"Mr. Zhongli! Mr. Zhongli!" Little Lulu called, running up to where he sat, her playmates in tow.

Zhongli made the timely decision to set his teacup down as the young girl barreled into him, wrapping her small arms around him in a tight hug. Zhongli's smile widened into a surprised grin.

"Little Lulu, how lovely it is to see that happy face. How are your parents?" he asked, gently patting the top of her head.

"Everything's great! 'Cept my daddy forgot my mommy's birthday and their anniversary. But she told me not to tell anyone!" she beamed, and Zhongli's smile faltered ever so slightly.

"Ah... I see," he chuckled awkwardly before gazing at the two other boys waiting patiently for his attention.

"What's the occasion? Surely you didn't run all across Liyue Harbor just to give me a hug."

Little Lulu detached herself from Zhongli's side as Little Fei pouted. "We were playing pirates again, but we couldn't come up with a good story... and then we remembered you're the best at telling stories, so we came and found you!"

"So it's a story you seek, is it?" He said, leaning back in his seat. "Must it be about pirates? I'm sure Captain Beidou has much better tales than I about life on the sea."

"Anything will do!" Little Fei exclaimed, crossing his arms. "We're just bored, but your stories are always entertaining."

Zhongli's lips quirked at the young boy's compliment. "Hmm... have I told you about the Rabbit on the Moon?"

The children nodded.

"I see... well then, what about the Hare and the Tortoise?"

"You've told us that one, too!" Little Meng said, coming up to lean on Zhongli's knee. "We want something new."

"Yeah! Something new!" Little Lulu parroted, jumping excitedly.

The man brought a finger to his lips as he contemplated. Something new... a story he had never told anyone before...

"Perhaps I have the perfect story after all. It took place here, in this very harbor, not far from where we sit now..."

The three children quickly drew nearby stools and took their seats before him, exchanging excited smiles.

Sensing that his eager audience was ready for him to continue, he spoke once more. "This is a story about yin and yang - the fateful crossing of paths between a princess and a god. Shall we begin?"

[omkookie]

⌕ :IKEMEN_VILLAINS

⌕ Dumb ikevil memes

YANDERE

You're not getting away! You're his. / Liam

Insanity / Elbert

ANGST

...

SMUT

Hate sex pt 1 / Roger, William, Alfons. (Angsty)

Hate sex pt 2 / Liam, Elbert, Jude. (Angsty)

So beautiful / Elbert

Pervert!Alfons

The ex doctor / Roger ⚠️ (breeding/darkkk)

I don't think we'll ever be done with you / Jude, Roger, and Ellis together ⚠️ (dark)

[axie-lot]

Time is the best healer

Characters: Morax (zhongli)

Warning: Male characters,Spoiler,mention of death,Discussion. It's the first time I'm writing romance.

Theme: angst with a happy ending

This work was originally written by me in Portuguese, and I translated it using Google Translator, so I apologize for any translation errors

Summary:Long before Liyue became the thriving city it is today, there existed two lovers whose bond seemed unbreakable until a terrible incident tore them apart.

[Masterlist]

The old times… That time that never returns… Where only memories of what happened and those who were present remain…

For those who live for centuries, good memories will be their best comfort… Many years ago, when the seven Archons were still established, during the time of the great war, when it was being decided who would occupy one of the seven seats that Celestia had established. In a region near the sea, located to the east of Teyvat, lived a small nation that was beginning to prosper, the people of Guili, who would later become known as the people of Liyue, even in that cruel time of war. This nation was blessed with the protection of Morax, a god known for his feats of power during this war, and his followers, who made contracts with him and swore loyalty. These followers are known as the Adepti. Well, these same protectors finally had a moment of rest during this violent and bloody war, and so some of them decided to have some fun and distract themselves a little. At the top of the great Mount Aocang, three Adepti were gathered. Among them was a woman known as Cloud Retainer, a tall woman with long hair, who seemed to be in the middle of a friendly argument with a shorter woman known as Guizhong. Between them was a man laughing at this small argument, a man with some features resembling a white tiger, known by the name [name]. And a little further back, almost unnoticed, observing everything that was happening, was the famous Morax, who allowed himself to rest with his companions. He couldn't help but have a slight smile at the corner of his mouth as he observed everything unfolding.

"This Adeptus is certain she created the best invention! Hmm!" — said the taller woman while crossing her arms — "Well, my dear friend, even though I think your creation is good, mine is better, just look at how perfectly it works." — The shorter one said with a smile on her face — "Well, this one does not accept that, so this one thinks we should ask for the opinion of a third party." — Cloud Retainer said while looking at her invention — "Very well, let it be done!" — Guizhong looked to the side until her gaze stopped on the beast-man sitting on a rock watching and laughing — "Very well, [name], you will be the judge!" [name] almost fell off the rock, so surprised to be dragged into the conversation out of nowhere. He stared wide-eyed, pointing to himself with one hand. "ME??!!…why me????" — The man with tiger-like features complained — "You were chosen by this one and by Guizhong, now make your decision!" The two women stared at [name] while he struggled to respond. His eyes darted around, searching for a way to escape this situation, until they landed on a figure who had been watching the scene. He immediately saw his way out.

"Well, I'm not a good judge, but you know who could answer this? Morax himself! That's right, he's much better for this!" "Morax!!! Please help this poor little tiger and be the judge!! I'll do anything!"

[name] ran towards the man who had been observing everything from a distance. The man sighed and said,

"Very well, I will be the judge, but before we make a decision, let's just sit at the table and enjoy the view of Mount Aocang, and also the company of us all gathered together."

Everyone agreed to do what Morax had said, as it wasn’t every day they could gather to enjoy the moment. So they all went to sit at the table, except for [name], since there were only three seats at the table. But he didn't mind, as his favorite spot was sitting by the tree near the table. The four friends stayed there talking, enjoying the break from the ongoing war. They chatted away, the conversation was so good that the two women forgot about the competition, and they were so engrossed in the conversation that they didn't even notice the time passing, as night began to fall. But as the darkness of night started to settle in, the friends began to say their goodbyes, as they all had things to do. [name], already tired, started on his way home, but on the way, Morax decided to accompany the beast-man. The journey was in complete silence; neither of them said a word. They were just enjoying the comfortable silence between them. They walked until they reached a mountain, a mountain they frequented often, as it offered the perfect view of Liyue, a city that was still beginning to prosper. [name] was the first to sit on the edge of the mountain, and soon after, the amber-eyed man sat beside him, pulling the smaller one closer. The two of them stayed there for a while, watching the still small city they protected, until the silence was broken.

"The city looks so beautiful at night… I never get tired of this view. I'm very excited to see what it will look like in the future."

"I'm sure the city will prosper in the future. Well, I'll do my best since it's under my protection and that of the Adepti." [name] let out a small laugh and rested his head on the taller man's shoulder.

"Of course! Since it's under the protection of the great and powerful Rex Lapis!!" — [name] said enthusiastically, but then let out a sigh and spoke again —

"You know, Morax… I love when we have days like these, where we don't have to fight… we can just enjoy the day." — [name] said, letting out a small yawn —

"It's on days like these that I can spend hours talking to Guizhong!! She always shows me her new inventions! We spend time wandering through the lands of Liyue! And she also helps me escape when I play pranks on others!" — [Name] said, struggling to maintain his cheerful tone, despite being exhausted.

"Believe me, my little tiger, I enjoy days like these too." — Morax paused as he spoke, glancing at the smaller figure resting on his shoulder.

"But I will make you a promise, my little tiger, once I secure my position among the Seven, I promise we won't have to worry about fighting anymore." "Do you promise?" — [Name] asked in a sleepy voice. "I promise you."

[Name] finally gave in to sleep, resting on the taller man's shoulder, his tail curled around Morax. Morax smiled at the sight, gently brushing his hand through [Name]'s ears and hair, then kissed his forehead.

"I promise you, my dear little tiger."

War is a tragedy... War always brings suffering and pain... War brings death...

Guizhong was dead.

Guizhong had lost her life in a fierce battle on the Guili Plains, defending her people. [Name]'s best friend was dead! The one with whom he shared everything, the one who always gave advice. [Name] felt a whirlwind of emotions: sadness, guilt for not being there to help her, but above all, anger. His anger was directed at the people of Guili, for Guizhong had died defending them. But why? Why would an immortal give her life to protect creatures with such short lives? Why protect them? They didn’t deserve such protection.

As time passed, [Name]'s anger only grew. He began to despise the beings called humans. In his grief, he distanced himself from the other Adepti, spending more time in his domain. The cheerful demeanor he once had disappeared entirely, leaving behind only a person consumed by rage. His companions grew worried about this strange behavior, attempting to visit [Name], but he always declined, claiming he was busy with work. Over time, their visits became less frequent, as they too were preoccupied with their own grief for those lost in the Archon War. Morax, who had now claimed a position among the Seven and become the Geo Archon, leader of the people of Liyue, who were once the people of Guili, grew increasingly concerned about [Name]'s behavior and the constant refusal to accept visitors. Feeling worried and missing his companion, he decided to intervene.

Morax entered [Name]'s domain, ignoring his warnings that he was too busy, and after a long time, they finally stood face to face. [Name] was completely different from how Morax remembered him—his once lively, joyful eyes were now hollow. They stared at each other in silence, but unlike before, when the silence between them was comfortable, this silence brought discomfort to both. After several minutes, [Name] finally spoke. "Leave, Morax. I don't have time to talk, I'm busy." — [Name] spoke coldly, locking eyes with the taller man. Unfazed by [Name]'s tone, Morax approached him, placing a hand on his cheek. "[Name], tell me what's happening. You haven't left your domain in a long time..." — the dragon-man asked calmly, trying to understand. [Name] pulled away from the touch, which was unusual since he would normally seek it out.

"Nothing's happening, I'm just busy."

"[Name], don't lie to me. Tell me the truth. You haven't even seen how Liyue has grown... the city is magnificent, you should see it. You would love it." — Morax said, more firmly this time.

That was the moment when [Name] finally let everything out. It was the moment he exploded, unable to contain his feelings any longer. It was the moment he couldn't bear the hatred he harbored for mortals anymore. All the rage he had carried alone for centuries—the hatred of the mortals who caused the death of his best friend. "Why should I care about anything those pathetic mortals create?! They're so weak they can't even defend themselves!! Let them die, no one would care, because our sacrifice to protect them isn't worth it! It only brings death to us! And it's all their fault!" As [Name] spoke with fury in his voice, his power, driven by his anger, began to affect the environment around him. The air in his domain grew colder, and the ground beneath his feet started to freeze, with spikes of ice emerging around him.

For a moment, Morax was surprised,not by [Name]'s power, but by his words. He hadn't expected this deep hatred for mortals. But recognizing the gravity of the situation, Morax quickly regained his composure, knowing that calmness was the best way to handle it.

He tried to approach the younger one again, ignoring the environment that had been affected by [name]'s power.

"[Name]…" – he attempted to speak, but was quickly interrupted.

"Shut up, Morax!" – [name] shouted.

With years of accumulated anger, [name] was blinded by it. He did something he had never thought of doing consciously.

"It was all your fault!! You made us Adepti protect those pests! It was all your fault! All the deaths of our kind!! Her death was your fault!"

In a moment of fury, [name] charged at Morax with all his strength, but before attacking him, he stopped. A glimmer of consciousness held him back, for he knew that if he attacked Morax, he would break the contract between them, and breaking the contract meant that [name] would have to pay a price. He knew this would be a bad idea, and another reason that stopped him was knowing he would lose the fight.

[Name] stood still for a moment before taking the opportunity to flee, as he didn’t want to face the taller man. He had many reasons for this,one of them being his hatred for Morax wanting to protect the humans, but also, deep down, because he was ashamed of losing control and nearly attacking him.

Morax, still standing in his place, didn't seem too affected by [name]'s outburst of rage, though his gaze showed a hint of concern. When he saw [name] disappear before him, he didn’t follow. With his years of experience, Morax knew that both he and [name] needed this space, that [name] needed time to clear his mind, and that time was the best remedy for the hatred he was feeling.

Years… Or rather, centuries passed… It has been a long time since [name] set foot in Liyue…

During that time, Morax regularly visited [name]’s dwelling, ensuring it was always in good condition. For the first centuries, [name] traveled between nations, without a fixed place to stay. He would linger in one nation for a while and then move to another, but [name] always avoided contact with mortals, as he still harbored anger toward them.

However, that anger gradually lessened over the centuries. [Name]'s view of mortals began to change when he met one by chance—a mortal who saved his life after he had gotten into a fight and was defeated. [Name] had been gravely injured and was certain he would die. Due to the blood loss, he passed out, but when he woke up, he was lying in a comfortable bed, with one of the "pests" tending to him. He tried to resist, refusing the help, but his body was too weakened by his defeat, so he reluctantly accepted the mortal’s aid, though not without first threatening to kill him if he tried anything and promising to leave once fully healed.

But the irony of fate is truly a divine comedy…

[Name] grew attached to the mortal as the latter helped him recover. He learned that the mortal was a renowned doctor from Fontaine named Lucien. And in the end, [name] didn’t leave after recovering.

A beautiful friendship blossomed

A friendship between a mortal and an immortal who once claimed to hate humans.

"The pest" taught [name] the importance of mortal life.

As the years passed with Lucien, [name]'s hatred toward mortals diminished. He began to understand the significance of mortal life. Unlike immortals who had centuries of life, mortals had a short time to live, and they had to make the most of that small window.

[Name] realized that the strong must protect those who cannot defend themselves.

So, [name] spent years by the mortal's side, protecting him. He watched Lucien find love and have children with her. Love was something [name] had only felt once in his life, and it had been for the very man he decided to leave behind.

When [name] saw Lucien interacting with his beloved, he couldn’t help but think of Morax.

[Name] missed Morax.

But [name] was still too proud to go back.

He stayed with Lucien until death parted them. He saw the man age over time, and [name] witnessed the death of the same man who had made him care about mortals again.

[Name] ensured the mortal had a proper burial, laying him to rest in the backyard of the house they had shared. That day was a sad one for [name], as he was truly shaken by the loss. But unlike when he grieved for Guizhong, this time he didn’t let anger consume him or blame anyone or anything. He simply accepted Lucien’s death.

It was also on that day, after many years, that [name] finally came to terms with Guizhong’s death. He realized that he shouldn’t have blamed anyone for her death, not the mortals nor Morax, because Guizhong had chosen to protect the mortals, knowing the dangers involved. It was her choice…

And so, the years passed. [Name] decided to remain in the region where he and Lucien had lived, helping the people who resided there.

After everything [Name] had been through, he finally gathered the courage to face the past and return to Liyue. The hatred he once held for mortals had long faded, and he realized it was time to look back. He set aside his pride because, deep down, he knew he had been the one in the wrong in this story. He decided it was time to put an end to it.

But there was another reason he missed his old friends.

He missed Morax.

And so, [Name] returned to Liyue. He was amazed at how much the people had evolved. He remembered how they used to be, a small group living in the region. As he wandered through the city, his eyes scanned every detail, his tail swaying in excitement as he explored.

He got lost in the crowds of people coming and going through the city streets. After some time of wandering, he remembered the reason he had come back to Liyue in the first place: to learn more about the supposed death of the Geo Archon. Based on [Name]’s logic, the best place to find information was a crowded spot. He quickly glanced around and spotted a teahouse where a few people were gathered around tables, listening to a man speaking. [Name] made his way over and sat at one of the tables. The first thing he noticed was that the man speaking was a storyteller, recounting the adventures of the Adepti. [Name] smiled at the memories this brought back.

He became distracted, lost in the memories of those times. He had planned to ask the storyteller about the Geo Archon’s death, but suddenly he felt someone sit in the chair next to him. Out of instinct, he looked to see who it was, and when he saw, he froze.

“My little tiger, it’s been a while,” the man with brown hair said, a slight smile on his face.

“Morax...” [Name] whispered in surprise. He hadn’t expected to see him so soon.

“Well, that is my name, but I ask that you call me Zhongli from now on, my dear friend. How’s life? It’s been centuries,” Zhongli said as he began sipping his tea.

“It’s been so long... I wanted to apologize for disappearing...” The younger one spoke in a soft voice.

“Don’t worry, my little tiger. You needed your time.”

The two men continued their conversation, and it seemed as though the centuries of separation had no effect on them. They spoke as if they had never been apart, and over time, [Name] began to relax more and more in Zhongli’s presence. After a while, they left the teahouse,or rather, they left Liyue Harbor altogether,to continue their conversation in peace. As they talked, they caught up on everything they had missed about each other. [Name] told Zhongli about his life over the centuries and how his hatred for mortals had slowly faded. Zhongli, in turn, shared how Liyue had changed during that time.

Finally, their walk led them to the top of a mountain, offering a perfect view of Liyue Harbor. They both sat down on the edge of the mountain, enjoying the view.

“This scene brings back memories,” [Name] said with a small smile.

“Well, my friend, we used to do this regularly, centuries ago,” Zhongli said, gazing at the harbor below.

“Even though I tried to ignore it, I missed this. I missed you. I really missed you,” the young tiger boy said, looking at the other man, his ears lowered.

The man with amber eyes looked at the tiger boy for a moment, then gently held the younger one’s chin. After a brief pause, he pulled [Name] into a kiss. It was a soft, tender kiss, filled with the longing they both felt. During the kiss, Zhongli felt [Name]’s tail curl around his torso, pulling them even closer together. After a long, heartfelt kiss, they finally parted, and Zhongli spoke.

“My little tiger, believe me, I missed you too.”