#tao angst

[kwanisms]

Focus on Me — h.zitao

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➮ dom!Tao × brat!Reader

wc: 9.4k (I have no shame. I blame you anya)

summary: After you spent the last two years regretting your decision to turn down Tao's offer in Shanghai, the universe has graciously chosen to give you a second chance when he shows up at your friend's wedding. The question is, will you take it?

genres/themes/au: angst, smut, fluff; strangers to lovers, mature themes; non idol au, ceo au

warnings: adult dialogue, female reader, alcohol consumption, sexual content (18+ mdni), see smut warnings under the cut!

permanent taglist: @yoonguurt @wonderfulshinee @candidupped @dejavernon @violagoth @tigermoonbiss @katsukis1wife @luvsooby @thesolarplanetarysystem @salty-for-suga @devilsmatches @dmnspiit

exo taglist: @cixrosie @anyamaris @briannabk22 @is4b3ll3s @plants-w0rld

special tags: @wooyoungmybelovedhusband @kpop-stories-21 @stardragongalaxy

join my taglists: permanent | group

a/n: I don't really have much to say about this except that Anya made me do it with a little encouragement from Aera and Sar lol this is the last part though. I'm not doing anymore for this series lol with that being said, thank you so much for reading and as always, this is a work of fiction and all characters are not reflective of their respective irl counterparts. for entertainment purposes only. banner made by me. I do not allow reposts or translations of my works. All my works are ©️ kwanisms.

smut warnings: oral (f receiving, m receiving), facefucking (f receiving), unprotected sex (wrap it before you tap it!), dom!Tao (and he's got a big dick still), brat!Reader, edging (f receiving), choking kink, impact play (light slapping - f receiving, heavy spanking - f receiving), dirty talk, punishment (f receiving), praise, use of pet names (baby, baby girl, pretty girl, sweetheart, princess, kitten, slut), creampie, definitive daddy kink, dacryphilia, I think I got everything but as always, if I missed anything, please let me know!

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“Y/N!!”

Turning on your heel, you hurried back to the small hallway where Bai was hiding behind a wall, pacing quickly while hyperventilating while Gwen held her bouquet. You glanced at your other friend who shook her head. “I have no idea,” Gwen said, holding her hands and both hers and Bai’s bouquets up.

You walked over, taking Bai’s hands in your hands. “Talk to me,” you whispered, forcing her to stop pacing. “What’s going on?”

Bai let out a long sigh before she launched into explanation. Most of it, from what you could discern, stemmed from her insecurities and the fear of being left at the altar. That was an easy fix.

“There’s a major chance that Jun is going to get cold feet,” Bai said tearfully. You offered her a kind smile. “He’s already at the altar waiting for you, girl,” you replied, giving her hands a gentle squeeze.

Bai looked up, meeting your gaze. “Really?” You nodded in response. “I just saw him before I came back here.” Bai smiled, relief flooding her features. She turned to look at Gwen. “I’m sorry for worrying you,” she said, taking her bouquet from the blonde.

Gwen shook her head, wrapping an arm around Bai's shoulders. “What are friends for if not to stand by you on the best day of your life while you have a panic attack?” Gwen asked, making Bai burst into laughter. You pulled out a small white handkerchief and carefully dabbed at Bai's eyes so as to not ruin her makeup.

“Come on,” you said, handing the handkerchief to your friend.

“You’ve got a man to marry!”

Tao glanced up from his watch as his driver pulled onto the street, the navigation system announcing their arrival time. The buildings around were all old brick buildings with recently remodeled interiors, including the ceremony venue from what he’d been told.

It had been a long time since Tao had seen his cousin. He hadn’t had much time for extended family since becoming CEO of his grandfather’s company. He had weekly dinners with his parents and grandparents but that was the extent of his family visits.

As the car pulled up to venue, Tao checked over his appearance one last time before the door opened and he casually got out.

He glanced around the area as he buttoned his suit jacket before thanking his driver and heading up the steps towards the doors. He was greeted by a man and woman he never met who smiled warmly at him. “Hello,” the woman said as the man, Tao assumed to be her also greeted him with a bow.

Tao bowed back, greeting them both.

“Are you in the groom’s family?” The man asked. Tao nodded in response. “I am. I’m his cousin,” he answered, pulling the invitation from the inside pocket of his jacket and handed it over. He waited patiently as the man looked over the invite before handing it back.

“We are the parents of the bride,” he introduced. “It’s nice to meet you,” he added with a bow. Tao returned the gesture, thanking him and his wife before heading into the venue. The main hallway was carpeted with a pair of large cedar doors that no doubt led into the grand ballroom where the ceremony was to be.

Stepping inside, Tao was surprised by the enormity of it all. It was a beautiful open room with high ceilings and large glass windows along one side letting in lots of natural lighting.

The bride’s parents had spared no expense, the decor made the interior look like a magical forest. A massive spread of garland hung from a structure a good eight feet above the floor. The greenery was littered with pastel flowers in various colors. Pinks, purples, blues, yellows scattered amongst the green looked like a cascade of flowers flowing from above.

Fairy lights adorned every stationary surface.

The backs of the chairs were draped in beautiful light pink gossamer tied into large, extravagant bows and the aisle had a similar light pink carpet rolled out leading up to the altar where a round archway stood, the same green garland with pastel flowers covered every inch of wire.

Tao was asked again by an usher which family he was here for and was shown to a seat in the fifth row on the groom’s side. He took his seat, unbuttoning his jacket as he got comfortable and glanced around as more people filed in and filled the seats little by little. He noticed a few familiar faces and greeted family as they came up to see him.

It didn’t take long for the seats to fill and soon the doors at the back were closed to prepare for the arrival of the wedding party. Soft music played from hidden speakers overhead and no doubt at the ends of the aisles in the large fake planters full of even more greenery.

The groom made his way down the aisle to wait at the altar for the bride and Tao could see just how pleased his cousin looked. He imagined anyone would be happy on a day like this.

The groomsmen hadn’t arrived yet and it left Tao wondering if they were going to walk the bridesmaids down the aisle. His assumption was wrong as the groomsmen came down the aisle not long after and took their places. There were three and based on the color of their ties, Tao assumed the one closest to Jun to be the best man.

The doors were shut again as the music continued to drift from overhead and the planters. Tao hated to seem impatient but he couldn’t help, checking his watch. It seemed things were right on schedule and he decided to open his program while he waited for the next part of the wedding party.

He was glossing over the names of the wedding party when one in particular caught his attention. ‘Y/F/N Y/L/N.’ His eyes widened as he read it. ‘Could it be?’ He wondered but ultimately decided it couldn’t be. And he had no way of confirming because he’d never learned your last name.

The doors opened and Tao looked over his shoulder as the ring bearer made his way down the aisle and stopped near the front to give the rings to the best man and then went to go sit with his parents as the two flower girls made their way down the aisle, leaving pastel flower petals in their wake.

Finally, the two girls were seated and the maid of honor headed down the aisle to take her spot, followed by the bridesmaids. The first was a very pretty blonde woman who happened to look very familiar but upon looking at the second bridesmaid, Tao was sure his heart stopped.

There you were.

You smiled as you gave Bai a thumbs up, one last wish of luck and encouragement before you stepped out onto the aisle and started down the walkway behind Gwen who was already halfway down the rows of seats.

You matched her pace, smiling as you caught the eyes of some of your friends in the crowd as you made your way to the front. Your walk only lasted a couple moments and soon you were standing before Gwen as the doors were shut to prepare for Bai’s grand entrance.

You glanced around the audience, eyes skimming over the faces of each guest as the music reached a crescendo and your eyes landed on a face you never thought you’d see again. Let alone staring back at you.

‘Tao?’

The last person Tao expected to see walking down the aisle at his cousin's wedding was the woman he met two years ago in Shanghai. The woman he spent most of the night talking to. The woman he brought back to his hotel and slept with. The woman who turned down his offer to stay with him in Shanghai.

Yet, there you were, looking just as radiant as the last time he'd seen you. Not much had changed. Your hair was a little different but other than that, you looked exactly like he remembered.

He watched as you walked down the aisle, beaming at your friends and mouthing hello to a few as you made your way to the front. When you finally reached the altar and took your place behind the maid of honor and in front of the blonde woman, you started to look around.

Tao felt his heart start to pound as your eyes scanned the crowd closest to him and just when he thought maybe you’d skipped over him, your eyes met his and he knew.

He knew you knew he was there. He knew you could see him.

It had been two years and time seemed to stand still the moment your eyes met his. His breath caught in his chest as the music around him reached a crescendo but he almost couldn’t hear it. Like it was distant. All he could focus on was your eyes and the way they bore into him. Into his very being, into his soul.

And as soon as the moment began, it ended, your eyes tearing away from his gaze as you turned to look at the back of the room. Tao snapped out of his trance as those around him started to stand up in preparation for the bride’s march.

He watched as Jun’s fiancee, no doubt one of the girls you’d been with in Shanghai, walked down the aisle. Tao could see just how much love she had for his cousin in her face and her eyes as her father walked her down the aisle.

As they passed the row Tao sat in, he chanced a glance at you and found you were already looking at him but once his gaze met yours, you were quick to look away and back at your friend as she reached the altar.

The rest of the ceremony passed in a blur for Tao and try as he might to focus on his cousin’s vows and the exchanging of the ring, all he seemed to be able to watch was you though you didn’t look his way for the rest of the ceremony.

Shock couldn’t describe how you felt seeing Tao again for the first time in two years. You had assumed you probably would have never seen him again. For the rest of the ceremony, you kept your eyes on the bride and groom but you could feel his eyes on you.

The vows and ring exchange passed in a blur but you were able to perform your duties just fine. Walking back down the aisle proved to be easy as well, keeping your eyes forward as you walked with Bai’s brother, Cheng, and out of the room to the hall where you were quickly ushered to a waiting limo.

You were glad to be shuttled off to the reception location first so you would have a chance to compose yourself. ‘Maybe he won’t even be at the reception.’

If only you were so lucky.

Once you arrived at the reception, it was a flurry of photographs and champagne before the guests arrived which didn’t take long. You were chatting with Gwen, sipping on your champagne when the first shuttle arrived with part of the reception guests.

Bai had promised that not all of the ceremony guests were attending the reception and she was right. About a third of the guests from the ceremony were not in attendance at the wedding reception but it was still not a small party by any means. 

And of course, as the last of the guests boarded, you happened to catch a glance of Tao talking to Jun’s mother, her small hand resting on his forearm as he walked her into the main room.

You turned away to await the announcement of your best friend and her new husband but couldn’t help sneak a peek at Tao who was watching you with rapt attention. ‘Damn it. Why can’t he be a little less obvious?’

The MC picked up his mic and announced the couple of the hour.

Bai and Jun walked into the room, hand in hand as the crowd applauded. As soon as they were in the middle of the crowd, the first dance started and you watched adoringly as your best friend and her husband danced together on the floor for a couple minutes before other couples joined them.

Gwen asked if you wanted to dance but you shook your head, saying you needed to grab some food as you were starving. Gwen managed to snag one of the groomsmen and pull him onto the floor while you made your way over to the hors d’oeuvre table, picking up a small plate as you did.

Tao watched as you chatted with your blonde friend that he definitely recalled seeing in the club back in Shanghai. He watched as you shook your head and your friend walked off, grabbing one of Jun’s friends and pulling him onto the dance floor while you made your way around the crowd.

Tao excused himself to his aunt and made his way around the crowd, following your movements as you headed for the snack table. He should have known. That would be his move as well.

You were loading some snacks onto a small plate when he approached you. Just as he opened his mouth to speak, the song ended and with it the first dance to tumultuous applause. As the clapping died down, Tao tried again but was interrupted once more.

“There you are!” A voice said, causing both you and Tao to turn as Jun approached with his new wife in tow. Tao offered a friendly smile to his cousin. “It’s been a long time,” Jun said greeting Tao.

“You’ve been so busy lately,” Jun continued. Tao nodded in response. “It would seem you have been pretty busy lately too,” he joked nodding towards Jun’s bride. “Right,” Jun said quickly. “You haven’t had a chance to meet Bai yet,” he said, putting his hand on the small of the woman’s back.

“This is my g- well, it’s wife now,” he said. “Bai, this is my cousin, Tao.”

The noise that came from beside Tao as he was introduced to your friend caught not only his attention but that of the bride and groom. “Oh Y/N!” Bai said excitedly. “I wondered where you snuck off to.” You offered a sheepish smile, showing the plate you’d filled.

“Can’t drink all this champagne on an empty stomach,” you replied. Tao looked down, eyeing you up as this was the closest he’d been to you in two years. You looked incredible, the lilac dress Bai no doubt had taken great care in choosing, fit your body so well, showing off your figure as it hugged you.

“Sorry,” Bai said suddenly. “Where are my manners? Y/N,” she added. “This is Jun’s cousin Tao, though you must have overheard,” she said with a smile. You nodded. “Yeah,” you answered flatly.

You tore your gaze from Bai’s sincere smile to look at Tao who was giving you a half smirk and you were desperate to smack it off his face but you knew this was not the time nor place to hash things out with the man. Not at your best friend’s wedding.

“It’s nice to meet you, Y/N,” Tao said with feigned interest. You narrowed your eyes at him. “Likewise,” you said shortly before turning to Bai and Jun.

“Congratulations,” you said, giving them both very sincere smiles before excusing yourself to eat your snacks.

You had hardly gone a few paces before Tao caught up with you. “Look Y/N,” he said softly but you turned to face him angrily. “What the hell are you doing here?” You hissed at him, sounding every bit as pissed off as you looked.

“Jun is my cousin. We were like brothers growing up. I couldn’t miss his wedding,” he answered calmly. “And Bai is your best friend, so you had to be here too,” he added. “It’s not a big deal,” Tao said softly. “As far as anyone knows, we’re simply acquaintances now. No need to bring up the past if you don’t want to—”

“I don’t want to,” you retorted, hotly. Your answer was so quick and you could have sworn you saw a flash of pain across Tao’s face before it was gone before you could blink. “Fine,” he replied cooly before turning and walked away through the crowd.

You turned away and headed out of the room, uncertain if the heat you were feeling was from the crowded room or your anger.

You found a nice quiet space to eat your food and sip on your champagne where you wouldn’t be disturbed. The yacht had left harbor already and was cruising on the ocean, the [city] skyline a blur or bright lights and colors from this distance.

You let out a sigh as you took another sip of your champagne. A server walked by, offering to take your now empty plate and another glass of champagne. You thanked them and decline the alcohol knowing if you were going to get through this night unscathed, you needed to keep a clear head.

You were looking over the water when you felt arms circle your waist. “Why is my best friend sulking out here?” Bai asked softly and you turned to face her, giving her a smile. “Just needed some air,” you answered. “And space to eat my food.”

Bai looked around, checking over her shoulder before she spoke again. “I need to ask you something really important,” she said softly and you nodded, waiting for her to speak. “What do you think of Tao?”

You had been dreading this since you saw him at the ceremony and even more so when he walked onto the yacht. You hated lying to Bai but you couldn’t exactly tell her the truth. Not tonight anyway.

“He’s okay,” you answered softly. “I don’t really know him.”

Bai gave you a cheeky smile. “Do you want to?” You narrowed your eyes at her. “Why are you asking?”

Bai sighed before launching into an explanation of how Gwen has been eyeing Tao ever since she noticed him and how she, Bai, knows Gwen is too much of a partier and player and from what Jun has told her about his cousin, that’s not Tao at all.

“So I thought, maybe, I could link the two of you up and Gwen would move on,” Bai finished and you sighed. “I don’t know, Bai,” you answered. “I’m not really comfortable with him.” Bai sighed heavily. “Well, I told Jun I’d try and try I did,” she said sadly before perking back up.

“Now get back in there, I wanna dance with my best friends!”

You chuckled as Bai dragged you back into the reception, pulling you onto the floor where Gwen joined you and the three of you danced together.

Tao had just finished dancing with his aunt when he noticed Jun standing off to the side with his groomsmen and walked over, greeting Jun’s friends. It wasn’t long after that the others dispersed, no doubt on the prowl for girls to dance with. Tao waited before speaking his mind.

“How well do you know Bai’s friends?” He asked, drawing his cousin’s attention.

“Okay, I guess,” he answered. “I know enough,” he added with a laugh.

“What does that mean?” Tao asked innocently, thanking the server who brought him a glass of whiskey. “It means I know enough about them to give you a basic assessment,” Jun answered as he took another glass of champagne.

Tao took a sip of his drink and nodded. “Okay,” he said as the alcohol moved down his throat. “I’ll bite.”

Jun chuckled, turning to look at his wife and her three friends. “Julie is easy. She loves romance novels and movies. She’s very sensitive and cries when she gets drunk,” Jun said, leaning towards Tao, pointing to the maid of honor who wore a different color of dress than the other two.

“Okay,” Tao said with a nod. “Don’t go for her. She’s very sappy and not into one night stands,” Jun added. Tao laughed with a nod.

"Noted."

“Gwen, the blonde, is your typical party girl. Loves to drink, loves to party, always has a raging hangover the next morning. I bet tomorrow she’ll be wearing sunglasses to breakfast,” Jun explained as Tao watched your pretty blonde friend take your hand and twirl you around.

“What about Y/N?” Tao asked, attempting to sound nonchalant. Jun turned to his cousin, eyeing his expression. “Don’t even think about it,” Jun said with a laugh. Tao turned to look at him. “What?” He asked.

Jun shook his head again. “She had this one night stand in Shanghai like two years ago,” he started to explain, Tao’s breath catching in his throat as he listened. “Really fucked her up from what Bai said. She fell into a depression when they came home. Bai said she’s never seen Y/N like that before. It only seems like she’s just gotten over it.”

Tao tuned out the rest of Jun’s words, keeping his eyes trained on you. The way you danced so carefree with your friends, laughing, and twirling in their company. He’d only ever seen you that happy at the club before he approached you.

Had you really been that torn up after rejecting him? Tao had half a mind to walk over and apologize, ask to talk to you in private but what he saw next made his blood boil. Two of Jun’s groomsmen, Cheng and Ming, had approached you and Gwen while Julie and Bai danced together.

Cheng asked Gwen to dance which she accepted. Ming however asked you to dance and it took every ounce of self control Tao had in his body to keep from launching across the room and snatching your hand from Ming’s as you accepted his invitation. He’d never experienced such strong jealousy before that moment.

He watched as you started to dance with Ming and Jun’s voice came into focus again, almost as if Tao went temporarily deaf and his hearing was coming back.

“Ah now that’s a good match. Ming is a great guy. Y/N needs something like that after what happened. Someone to keep her grounded,” Jun said with a smile. Tao tried not to roll his eyes. He excused himself to get another drink and turned away from the scene before him.

He hated seeing you in the arms of another man though he knew he had no right to be. It just sucked, the whole situation sucked. He ordered another drink from the bar and thanked the bartender when he poured him a double whiskey, neat.

Tao slammed the alcohol down and tipped the bartender before turning away and noticing that a new song was playing and you were still dancing with that guy. Tao hovered at the bar, watching you as a second dance turned into a third and then into a fourth before you excused yourself.

He watched as you exited the room once more and gave it a couple moments before following casually.

Outside, the air was much cooler and the salty breeze offered a nice reprieve from the hot oven like situation in the ballroom. So many people gathered into one spot and then add alcohol into the mix was a recipe for an extremely hot crowded room.

You leaned against the railing at the stern, looking over the edge at the water below as the yacht trudged on. You inhaled deeply and sighed. Maybe you should call it a night and go lie down in the bridal party suite. It was a room you were to be sharing with Gwen and Julie while Bai and Jun spent the night in their suite.

You heard footsteps approaching from behind and let out a chuckle. “If you’re coming to drag me back to the party, think again,” you called out as the person you assumed to be Bai or Gwen behind you stopped.

“That’s not what I had planned,” a familiar voice said. You turned to see Tao standing behind you, hands tucked in his pockets. Neither one of you said anything for a moment before he nodded to the space beside you.

“May I?” He asked. You shrugged your shoulders and turned to look back over the black water with the elongated reflection of the moon dancing in the waves. Tao squeezed himself into the space next to you, scanning the ocean before you.

“It’s so peaceful out here,” he noted softly. You nodded without a word, taking in the scenery. “Why are you out here alone?” Tao asked suddenly. You shrugged again. “Just needed some fresh air,” you replied.

“But why alone?”

You looked at him, your brow furrowed. “Not that it’s any of your business, but I just needed to clear my head without anyone pestering me,” you snapped before looking away. Tao waited as you sighed and glanced at him.

“I’m sorry,” you said softly. “I have no right to go off on you like that,” you continued. “You were just asking me a question.”

Tao nodded silently. “And I’m sorry about snapping at you earlier. I was just…” you trailed off as you stared out into the endless sea. “You ever feel like sometimes you’re back into a corner and you have two options?” You asked, looking up at him as he looked back at you, studying your face.

“You can either accept your fate or lash out? Like a wild animal?”

Tao nodded, still watching you as you spoke. “That’s how I felt earlier. Being forced into this corner and having no way of escaping you, so I lashed out,” you explained. “For that I’m sorry. I’m sure this is just as weird for you as it is for me.”

Before Tao could stop himself, he blurted out the question that had been weighing on his mind for part of the night. “Did you never tell your friends about me?”

His question seemed to take you by surprise because it took a couple moments before you could answer. “Obviously they know about the one night stand and your offer for me to stay with you in Shanghai,” you finally answered.

“But as to who you were? No,” you answered. “I never told them.”

Tao tilted his head like a curious animal. “Why?” He asked simply. You shrugged your shoulders again. “I didn’t think I would ever see you again,” you replied. “This was the last place I expected to run into you.”

Tao nodded with a chuckle. “Yeah, me neither,” he answered. “Seeing you during the ceremony was unreal.” You glanced up to find him already looking down at you. “I thought I was imagining things when I saw your name in the program. Of course, it could have been a different Y/N. I didn’t know your family name until today.”

You said nothing, merely listening to him talk. “At first, I thought I’d been given a second chance,” he said with a smile before it dropped. “But then I thought that you wanted nothing to do with me. I thought the universe was just testing me.”

Your heart sunk at his tone. He sounded so… heartbroken.

Had he really wanted to see you so badly? Did he know what you went through after you left Shanghai two years ago?

“But then I spoke to my cousin,” Tao continued. “And he told me what you went through when you went home after Shanghai,” he added, turning to look at you.

Your stomach twisted into knots. Jun told Tao about your depressive episode? Why would he do that?

“And it got me wondering. Maybe I wasn’t the only one suffering,” he continued, turning and taking a step closer. “Maybe, just maybe, I wasn’t alone—”

A voice interrupted the two of you.

“Y/N?”

You both turned to find Ming walking over. “Bai asked me to come check on you and see if you were alright,” he said, eyeing Tao who simply gave Ming a cold stare. “You alright?” Ming asked. You nodded, giving him a small smile. “I’m okay,” you replied. “This is Jun’s cousin Tao. We’re just talking.”

Ming glared at Tao and moved forward to hold out his hand. “Let’s go back inside,” he said, not taking his eyes off Tao who glared back. You gently pushed Ming’s hand away. “I’m okay, really,” you said with a smile.

“Tell Bai I’m just fine out here and I’m with Tao,” you added.

Ming looked as shocked as Tao felt but hesitantly accepted your decision and turned around, heading back towards the bow of the yacht.

You turned back to Tao, the same kind smile on your face. “What were you saying?” You asked softly. Tao froze. What had he been saying?

“You said something about maybe you weren’t alone?”

Tao nodded, seemingly remembering what he was going to say.

“I thought that maybe I wasn’t alone in missing you, missing what we had back then.” You nodded. “You have no idea how much I regretted turning your offer down,” you replied, much to Tao’s shock.

“Then why did you?” He asked. You shook your head. “Does it matter now?” You asked. Tao nodded. “It matters to me,” he answered, closing the distance between you. “Why?” You asked softly.

“Why would it when we both know how this ends,” you murmured, turning away from Tao to look over the railing at the water below. “It doesn't have to end like that,” he responded softly, only looking up to meet your gaze once you turned your head to look at him.

The dark look in his eyes sent chills down your spine. It was similar to the look he'd given you in the club two years ago. He slowly closed the distance, his body pressing against yours. Your eyes shut involuntarily as you relished the warmth coming from his body.

“Tao,” you warned, forcing your eyes open and reminding yourself where you were. "We can’t." You let out a sigh as one of his hands moved up, taking your chin in his hands and tilting your head back, thumb moving to brush over your bottom lip. “And why is that, baby?” he murmured, ducking his head to press slow, deliberate kisses against your cheek and down to your jawline.

“We’re in public,” you reminded him as his lips moved further still, kissing down the side of your neck. “That can be changed easily,” he answered, his other hand moved to your back, pulling you against him as he pinned you against the railing. “Tao,” you whined, your own hands resting against his chest.

“Fuck, say my name again,” he whispered against your skin. You tried to push him back and create space between you but Tao growled, the hand on your back moving down to grab your ass as he pressed himself further against you.

“Push me away again and I’ll take you right against this railing for anyone to stumble on,” he warned.

Your thighs clenched together under your dress as you felt his hardening cock grind against your thigh. You let out a weak moan as his hand found its way to your neck, fingers gripping tightly.

“Tell me to stop and I will,” he said, eyes meeting yours in a heated gaze. “Tell me to leave you alone now and I will. When the boat docks, I will step off onto the dock and you'll never see or hear from me again.”

Your stomach dropped, the idea of never seeing Tao again too much to bear. “N-no!” you half shouted. “Don’t go.”

Tao’s grip on your neck loosened. He studied your face, eyes looking into yours and then dipping down to look at your lips and then back up. You weren’t sure who moved first but the next moment, your fingers were fumbling with his jacket as he pulled you away from the railing and towards an unlocked door.

You moaned into his kiss as he guided you through the door, kicking the door shut and locking the door. You made quick work of his suit jacket and were undoing the bow tie he'd probably spent a good amount of time to look neat and presentable.

Once the tie was gone, you started to unbutton his shirt, moaning as his teeth sank into your shoulder while his fingers fumbled with the zipper and straps of your dress. “I need this to come off,” he growled impatiently as he managed to get it unzipped and started to push off you, letting the dress fall to the floor, pooling at your feet.

Your cheeks burned as Tao took in the sight of you before him. The hot pink lace adorning your skin was enough to drive any man wild. His fingertips skimmed over the lace and your skin, bumps erupting under his touch before he grabbed you by the neck roughly.

“Did you wear this for someone specific, baby?” he asked. You shook your head. “I just love the color and the lace,” you admitted, running your fingers over the edge of the lace of your bra cup. Tao’s hands replaced yours before running down to grab your waist and pull you closer. “So you weren’t expecting to get laid tonight?”

You shook your head again.

Tao tilted his head, fixing you with an intense stare.

“Not even by that guy you danced with, right in front of me?” You opened your mouth to respond but Tao stopped you, taking your chin in his hand. “You have any idea how pissed I was, baby?” he growled deeply. “Seeing another man putting his hands on you?”

You tried to answer him but he gently shook your head. “Uh-uh, baby. You speak when I say you can,” he snapped with a stern expression and narrowed eyed.

“You’re already in big trouble.”

His hand moved back to your throat and guided you away from the wall and towards the bed. “On the bed,” he said, letting go of your neck and moving to lock the door. When he turned back and saw you still standing by the bed, Tao let out an exasperated sigh.

“Are you going to make me force you onto the bed, kitten?”

You stared at him as he walked towards you slowly. “Did you hear me?”

You nodded, glancing from him to the bed and back, making a show of it.

Tao stopped just a couple feet from you. “I gave you an order, kitten,” he said, his voice dangerously low.

“On the bed. Now.”

The tone of his voice shifted and you were quick to obey, climbing onto the bed. You realized your heels were still on but as you moved to take them off, Tao’s fingers closed around your ankle. “Keep them on,” he whispered. You withdrew your hands and waited for further instruction.

“Oh you look so pretty like this,” he murmured, taking your chin gently in his hand and tilting your head back to look up at him.

“Are you going to be a good girl and listen?” he asked, his voice sweet and soft. You looked up at him through your lashes and nodded slowly. Your lips parted as his thumb brushed over the plush of your bottom one. “Look at you,” he said, a hint of amusement in his voice.

“Doing what I want without being asked.” He clicked his tongue in approval.

“Such a good, obedient slut.”

A soft gasp escaped your lips as the word left his mouth. Tao raised a brow, looking down at you. “Too much, baby?” he asked. You shook your head, arousal pooling in your panties. You liked it much more than you’d like to admit.

“Good,” Tao answered, standing over you with his hands tucked in his pockets.

“You were a bit bad earlier,” he continued. “Dancing with that guy, knowing I was watching. That really made me mad, baby girl.” Your walls clenched around nothing as he spoke, feeding into what he knew you liked from last time.

“You know what happens when you make me mad?”

You shook your head silently, keeping your eyes fixed on Tao. His face broke into a gentle smile. “You get punished.”

Your breath caught in your throat as your heart pounded in your chest, blood rushing to your core and your face at the same time. ‘Punished?’

You said nothing, waiting for Tao to give you permission to speak. “I assume you have no questions then, kitten?” he asked, the amused tone back in his voice. You shook your head. “Perfect,” he replied, pulling his hands from his pockets and moving to undo his belt. “On your hands and knees, baby,” he said as he unbuckled his belt and started to remove it.

You were hesitant, eyeing the belt in his hands before moving into position. The idea of him using the belt to punish you was better than you could have imagined and made your arousal grow, starting to spread and soak your panties.

“Ass to me, kitten,” Tao said softly. You shifted, making sure your ass was right in front of him. You felt his hand run carefully over your back end, smoothing over the lace and your skin gently. “Such a pretty ass you have,” he murmured.

“It’s a shame I have to mark it up.”

You barely had time to look behind you before a sharp stinging hit your ass and you cried out. Tao grabbed your panties and pulled you back. “Keep quiet,” he growled. “Unless you want everyone to know what a slut you are, getting punished on a yacht during your friend’s wedding reception.”

You pulled your bottom lip between your teeth. “I’ll make this quick,” Tao said, smoothing his hand over the sore spot. “I won’t draw it out,” he added.

“Count them for me, sweetheart.”

And you did. After each swat from his belt, you counted.

One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six.

The number of minutes you danced with Ming.

When he was done, your ass was red, sore, and covered in lines that were starting to welt slightly. “Talk to me, Y/N,” Tao said softly. “Green, yellow, or red?”

Your arms shook, as did your thighs, your head ducked as you held off tears. “Gr-green,” you stammered. You heard Tao move around behind you, his footsteps leading away before returning. “I’m gonna remove these now,” he said, giving your panties a slight tug.

You winced as the lace scratched your sore skin. “Sorry,” Tao whispered as he pulled your soiled panties down. Once removed, Tao pocketed them and picked up a small bottle of cooling gel. “This might burn a little but I promise it’ll help,” he added as he squeezed a good amount of gel onto his fingers and started to carefully rub it into your reddened skin.

You whimpered, body trembling as he made sure to cover all the marks.

“I think I went too hard,” he muttered but you shook your head. “No,” you gasped. “It was perfect, daddy.” You turned your head to look back at him. “Like you said,” you continued, meeting his gaze. “I was a bad girl and needed to be punished.”

Tao clicked his tongue, fighting the urge to smile as he closed the cap on the tube and tossed it into the bag he retrieved it from. “Whose room is this?” you asked suddenly as he wiped his hands clean.

“Mine,” he answered. He must have noticed your surprised expression because he laughed. “You really thought I’d bring you into some stranger’s room?”

You chuckled lightly, the stinging and burning sensation dissipating as whatever gel he used soaked into your skin.

“That gel is amazing,” you noted as Tao moved behind you again. “I use it when I’m sore after a workout,” he replied as he started to undo the top couple buttons of his shirt. “Can you move?” he asked. You carefully sat back, feeling no pain or burning. “Good,” he answered.

“On your feet baby.”

You climbed backwards off the bed and stood carefully. “Come here,” you heard Tao said softly, one of his hands gently taking you by the elbow and turning you to face him, his other hand coming up to cup your cheek as his lips met yours with a groan.

“I still don’t think you’ve been punished enough,” Tao murmured, the hand on your arm moving around your back, pushing you against him. “You don’t?” You gasped, heart pounding when he shook his head.

“No. In fact,” he said pulling back to look over your face, thumb gently pulling down on your bottom lip. “I’d like to put this pretty mouth to use.”

You waited for his instruction and when he placed his hand on your shoulder and firmly pushed down, you followed, allowing him to guide you to your knees.

“Get to work,” he said, nodding down at his zipper.

You slowly reached up, tearing your eyes from his gaze as you unbuttoned his pants and started to pull the zipper down. You glanced up to find him watching you carefully. “Keep going,” he encouraged.

You made a show of tugging his pants down, stopping halfway down his thighs and leaving only his dark blue boxer briefs between you and his hard cock.

Your hands slid up his thighs, moving to take hold of his hips as you looked up to meet his gaze once more. You wordlessly moved one of your hands over his erection, pressing your palm over it and starting to slowly circle, massaging as you maintained eye contact.

Tao kept his composure, watching and waiting for you to continue.

Slipping your fingers under the waistband of his underwear, you slowly pulled them down until his cock sprang free, just as big as you remembered, the tip red and already leaking precum.

Pulling his underwear down to meet his pants, you grabbed his length in one hand, fingers wrapping around the shaft and carefully stroking him. You used your thumb to spread the bead of precum at the tip and watched as his eyelids fluttered, lips parting. You were enjoying watching him react until one of his hands grabbed your wrist tightly.

“Don’t tease me, baby girl,” he growled. “Or I’ll make your punishment even worse.” You obeyed with a nod and as innocent a look as you could muster.

“Open your mouth, princess,” Tao ordered. You opened your mouth for him, even sticking out your tongue without him asking. He seemed to like that.

“Good girl,” he cooed, moving his hand over yours on his cock. “Keep that mouth opened wide for me.”

You did as he said as he guided the head of his cock past your lips, the weight heavy on your tongue. You tried not to moan as his cock glided against your tongue.

The last time you were together, you hadn’t gotten the chance to go down on him so this was new territory. You were sure your wetness had seeped out and that you were dripping onto the carpet as the head of Tao’s cock reached the back of your mouth.

You felt his fingers tangle in your hair. “Start moving, sweetheart.”

You did just that, Tao’s hand there to guide your head how he liked. He was gentle with you, considering the size of his cock and this being your first time going down on him.

Keeping your tongue flat, you started to take control, moving your head of your own accord, at your own rhythm while Tao kept a tight hold on your hair. “Oh fuck,” he groaned, looking down to watch his cock, coated in your spit, disappear in your mouth. “I regret not having you do this before.”

You placed both hands on his thighs, bobbing your head and filling the room with lewd, wet sounds. You could feel him meeting your movements with tiny thrusts, grunting with the effort of trying to hold back.

You pulled off him, taking his cock in your hand and stroking him quickly. “Don’t hold back,” you murmured, looking up at him. He looked down to meet your gaze. “Don’t hold back?” He asked, slightly perplexed. You nodded.

“Fuck my face if you need to. Use me to get yourself off, daddy.”

Tao let out a groan as you took his cock back into your mouth, your own spit starting to dribble past your lips and down your chin. The grip on your hair tightened as Tao held your head still.

“Tap my thigh three times if it’s too much, okay?” You nodded best you could, humming in response. Your hands on his thighs as you braced yourself, Tao gave you a measured and tentative thrust.

When you didn’t react, he thrusted a little harder, the head of his cock hitting the back of your throat. You gagged but motioned for him to continue.

“Shit,” he groaned, guiding your head as he thrust into your mouth.

“I had no idea you were such a dirty little slut.”

You moaned around his dick, walls clenching around nothing as you no doubt spilled onto the carpet beneath you.

Your knees were starting to burn from the cheap, low-pile of the carpet but you ignored it. You didn’t want to interrupt Tao and have to receive more punishment.

His thrusts grew, each time the tip of his dick hitting the back of your throat with a wet gagging sound as your throat tried to accommodate his size.

“Fuck,” Tao cursed. “You really are gonna let me use you, huh?”

You moaned again, the vibrations making Tao buck his hips.

“God look at you,” he said with a chuckle. “You look like a wreck.”

You glanced up at him as he continued to fuck your mouth. “Your makeup is completely ruined,” he noted. He forced your head further down, holding you in place as you gagged around his cock not once or twice, but three times. He pulled your head back, your saliva spilling from your mouth and down your chin, falling onto your chest.

“Such a messy fucking slut,” he growled. “I’m gonna enjoy ruining this hot mouth.”

He guided your head back to take his cock again and repeated the same thing, guiding your mouth along his cock, thrusting into your mouth and holding you in place as you gagged, tears rolling down your cheeks and no doubt ruining your expert applied makeup.

“Come on, baby,” he growled. “I know you can take more.”

Your body jerked, gagging as he pushed your head further, forcing more of his cock into your mouth and pushing past and into your throat. You gagged again, vision blurring as tears spilled from your eyes.

After what felt like minutes but was more likely only a few moments, Tao pulled your head back, the sting on your scalp making you moan loudly.

“If I waited any longer,” Tao panted, looking down at your tear and spit stained face. “I was gonna cum.”

You whined, wanting him to cum in your mouth but Tao lightly slapped your cheek. “Get up,” he ordered. You took his hand, allowing him to pull you shakily to your feet. Tao’s hand disappeared between your thighs, deft fingers finding your slit, dripping with your juices.

“God, you’re so fucking wet, baby,” he groaned, fingers moving along your slit. “On the bed now,” he instructed, pulling his hand back.

You sat back, only wincing slightly as he unbuttoned and removed his shirt, his pants and underwear following quickly.

“Lie back,” he ordered, dropping to his knees at the edge of the bed as your back hit the sheets. Using his hands, he spread your thighs, eyeing your glistening core with a look of hunger and desire.

Spreading your folds, he leaned in and gave a light lick, groaning at the taste of your cunt. “God, I missed this,” he muttered, giving you another slow lick, making sure to tease your clit.

“Tao,” you whined, back arching off the bed.

“That’s not my name, you know,” he muttered, chuckling against your skin as he littered kisses and bites along the inside of your thighs. “D-daddy,” you whimpered as the tip of his tongue toyed with the sensitive bundle of nerves.

“That’s better, baby.”

With each lick, suck, and kiss, he had your thighs twitching, threatening to close around his head but of course, he’d never let that happen with his strong grip on your thighs.

It was easy for him to draw moan after moan from you with just his mouth, licking, sucking, and groaning into your pussy. You propped yourself up on your elbows to glance down between your thighs at him, finding his eyes closed as he lost himself completely in your taste.

Your head fell back against the mattress with a mewl as your toes curled, your orgasm hovering just over your head. “D-daddy please,” you whimpered, one of your hands moving to comb through his locks. He grunted against your cunt, still lapping at your juices as he teased you closer and closer to your high.

“You wanna cum, pretty girl?” He asked softly, voice deeper and huskier than it had been before. “You wanna cum on my tongue?” You nodded frantically.

“Yes daddy, please!” Tao chuckled, pulling back from your soaked center and wiped his lps on the back of his hand before crawling over you, kissing his way up your stomach and stopping to pull down the cups of your bra, taking one of your pert nipples in his mouth as his tongue brushed over it, suckling softly.

His other hand kneaded your free breast, groping and gently pinching your nipple between his thumb and forefinger, rolling it lightly. Your back arched into his face, thighs tightening around his waist as you rolled your hips, seeking friction.

Tao pulled back, teeth lightly grazing your nipple before he peppered kisses along your collar, up the side of your neck and to your lips, taking you in a searing and passionate kiss. Your hips continued to look for friction, finding it in his cock gliding between your pussy lips and rutting against your clit.

“You want this?” He asked softly, his voice barely above a whisper. “You want daddy’s cock?”

You nodded, hot tears of frustration threatening to spill from your eyes as you begged him. “Please, please, please,” you chanted, your soaked and aching hole chasing his cock. Tao let out a dark chuckle before reaching between you to position his cock at your entrance.

“So eager,” he murmured as he barely pushing into you, sinking the head of his cock past your wet folds. “So needy,” he continued, pushing a little further, his girth stretching you out so deliciously.

You let out an unrestrained, wanton moan as he continued to slide further and further into you, unrestricted, your velvety walls hugging every ridge and vein of his length, sucking him in.

“Fuck, I forgot how good you feel,” he groaned, resting his forehead against your chest as he bottomed out.

“So tight and warm.”

You moaned loudly again, trying to pull his hand away when he covered your mouth. “You’re so loud,” he grunted as he gave you a measured thrust,” chuckling as the tears in your eyes started to spill, rolling down your temples and disappearing into the sheets.

“Oh look at you,” he murmured, amused. “Crying for me? Miss me that much?”

You whimpered as his thrusts picked up, his skin hitting yours and filling the room with the sound of wet slapping as his cock pounded your tight heat. “Gonna fuck you so good. Fuck you so hard you can’t walk,” he groaned in your chest.

He raised his head, littering kisses along your neck. “‘M gonna fuck you so good you only want this dick from now on.”

Your legs tightened around his waist, locking him in place as he continued to ram into you, each drag of his raw cock against your walls sending you to a higher plane of existence, an intense heat spreading from your stomach to your fingertips and toes.

You weren’t going to last long and Tao knew it. He could hear it in the increased pitch of your moans. He could feel it in the heat radiating from your skin. He could see it in your eyes as they rolled back.

“That’s it,” he murmured, watching your face as your orgasm approached.

“Be a good girl and come on this cock,” he groaned, your fluttering walls hugging him so nice and warm as your climax neared.

Your fingers tightened in his hair, nails scraping his scalp as you scratched down his back with the other hand, your hips trying to meet his with each erratic thrust as he helped you ride out your high by chasing his own.

CUT

You toppled over the edge, coming with a string of curses and his name. “Oh fuck, daddy, I’m coming,” you mewled, stars swarming your vision and your head going fuzzy. A warmth gushed out of your abused hole as Tao continued to pound you into the mattress.

“Fuck, fuck, shit,” he hissed as his hips stuttered only for a moment, before he slammed into you one final time, coming with a moan of your name before he realsed his thick hot load into your cunt, filling it almost to the brim as his hips finally stilled.

You both laid there, panting heavily as you tried to catch your breaths, Tao’s cock still buried deep in your pussy. You could feel his release start to spill out of your hole, wincing with a whine as he pulled out of you and collapsed onto his back beside you, staring up at the dark ceiling.

“How is it possible for it to be even better the second time around?” He huffed, shaking his head as he brought a hand up to wipe his forehead. You giggled, turning your head to look at him.

“That good, huh?” You croaked, your voice hoarse from moaning and calling his name. He turned to meet your stare, a cheeky smile crossing his features. “I’ve been blown away both times,” he answered. “It’s like you have an iron vice down there,” he joked, making you whine and roll into him to hide your face.

Tao laughed, wrapping an arm around your waist and pulling you into him. “You know,” he said as his laughter subsided. “I’ll bet everyone is wondering where you went,” Tao murmured, pressing kisses to your jaw and cheek.

“They’re probably wondering the same thing about you,” you replied, giggling as his kisses turned tickling, pulling you against his sweaty body.

“Ugh, you’re so sweaty,” you whined as he cupped your cheek, pulling your lips to meet his in a surprisingly tender kiss. “They can wonder for all I care,” Tao whispered when he finally broke the kiss.

The silence that fell over the both of you was much more comfortable than it had been before and you watched as Tao played with your fingers, lacing his own with yours while holding you close to him, your cheek resting against his chest.

“You know,” he said softly, breaking the silence and making you look up at him.

“My offer still stands.”

Your brow furrowed. “What offer?”

Tao looked down to meet your gaze. “My offer to spend time with me in Shanghai,” he answered. Your cheeks burned as you felt your stomach churn. This hadn’t ended well the last time and you hated when history repeated itself.

The longer you stared at him and he at you, the more you realized that his offer would always be open ended. It was clear there was an attraction between you but there was something else in his eyes. Something more than hope.

You couldn’t put your finger on it but you knew what it was.

I guess since I turned you down last time,” you started, looking at your intertwined hands.

“I could give it a chance,” you finished, watching as he pulled your hand closer and gave the back a kiss. “Are you going to tell your friends?” He whispered, hoping you would say yes. When you nodded, he felt relieved.

“Not until tomorrow though,” you answered. “Let Bai and Jun enjoy their night before we bring our drama into their lives. Tao snorted but said nothing to argue against your point.

“Fine,” he answered, thumb stroking the side of your hand tenderly.

“But tomorrow,” he added.

“For tonight, just focus on me.”

[theaceofshovels]

There is something to be said about the connection between man and shark…

Couldn’t be me, making a joke about giving Izzy a Blahaj and then proceeding to think about whole au based on the emotional significance he puts on this stupid shark plush.

Bonus:

I decided he would go to great efforts to make the shark to different things and then ask Lucius to draw it in order to immortalise it. Lucius, while sceptical at first, eventually goes alone with this after realising what the shark means to him. The shark’s name is Eddie btw :)

[m1d-45]

the scottish play

summary: some things are better left unknown.

word count: ~3.1k

-> warnings: spoilers for liyue story quest, reader dies (again). blood mention. zhongli probably cries off camera

taglist: @samarill || @thenyxsky || @valeriele3 || @atsukawolfcat || @thehoneymushroomhealer || @imyme20 || @bittersweetorpheus || @vampirecatsw || @willburzone || @some-mildly-happy-human || @yourlocaldrugdealerbutfancy || @inmyprinceerafr || @depressed-bitchy-demon || @kithewanderingme

<< first part || < masterlist >

you should have known better than to trust liyue.

a rock hits your shoulder, kicked down from the ledge behind you, and the abyss mage in front of you shouts a cry lost amidst the hilichurls’-

“YA!“

clubs are grabbed and shields are raised, the electro shooter taking your wrist roughly and pulling you away. you hear human voices behind you, calls to get them! and that’s the missing artifact! nearly drowned under your heartbeat in your ears. the electro hilichurl pushes you behind the grenadier before grabbing its crossbow, hastily beginning to load it. in the camp, you can see an archer up on the stone ledge—the same one you entered from—as well as four other millelith guards in the camp itself. an electro-infused bolt skims the cheek of one, a spear narrowly blocking the swing of a club, two have to ditch their weapons and roll to dodge to mitachurl’s charge-

the grenadier’s calloused hands pull you out of the way of an arrow, one that lands in the sand and quivers with force. the hilichurl pushes you away, waving its hands for you to run.

if you’d have paid more attention to the fight, you’d have noticed the hilichurls were fighting defensively to give you time.

you turn on worn, hole-ridden shoes, doing your best to take in air as you run down the path. this area of liyue is sparse, with no weaving pathways to hide in or trees to cover you. there’s nothing for the earth to shelter you with, and other than bringing more dust into the air around the archer, it’s just as helpless as you are.

there’s a building set besides a crack in the huge wall besides the path, a fork approaching quicker than you’d like. the path continues forward, toward trees, but it’s a long way to the small forest..

you turn. an arrow bounces off the stone just behind you as you do.

immediately you recognize your mistake, spotting first spiked walls, then rippling red banners, then the archer towers they’re attached to and the guards climbing down the ladders on them.

the crack you saw seems to open into a larger area, with trees you’ve never seen before, so you take the risk that the millelith can’t climb all that quickly with their armor and keep running. it’s not like you would have survived turning back anyways; they’re the ones with the archer towers.

a guard makes it to the ground just as you pass, throwing aside his spear and running after you. an arm loops around your waist, then another over your arms as you fall.

the weight of the guard on top of you knocks out the air from your lungs, leaving you dazed. he quickly gets off and pulls at the arm with the ring on it as you desperately try not to breathe in dirt.

you fuss, trying first to close your hand into a fist then hitting at his with your other. it works, the ring falling to the dirt, and though you try to follow it with your eyes you quickly lose it in the light of the sun.

the guard starts to wipe desperately at the dirt and you take the opportunity to run into the crack, pulling a random bundle of things you hope are medical supplies off a nearby cart as you do. the guards shout at you, but you keep running, taking a set of confusing turns before coming across a small campsite. there are tents and rudimentary walls, but you decide to shove yourself into the space between a stack of crates and a wall, holding your breath.

footsteps thunder by, slowing to a stop not too far from where you’re hidden. you clutch at and attempt to cover the white in your arms, turning it towards the wall as far as you can without moving the crates. you don’t dare move to peek between the boxes, simply sitting in your little corner and hoping beyond reason that they won’t think to search in the most obvious area.

“what?”

“where’d they go?”

“find them!”

your heart thuds in your chest and you have to fight to keep your breathing quiet, pressing yourself further against the wall as the guards search the small camp.

the floor tips and spins beneath you, the world blurry and hazed from dehydration and exhaustion, but you stay hidden as boots stomp by again, listening to the irritated words from one of the guards as they pass.

“we must report this to the qixing.”

zhongli walks through liyue harbor, one hand holding a folder and the other one clenched in a fist. he can feel the stares of people as he passes, the new whispers on their tongues, and he sets his jaw, picking up the pace.

he’s used to the stares. people pointed him out as odd, eccentric, the funeral consultant that everybody knew yet didn’t know why, or where he was from. the stranger that somehow knew alarming amounts of liyuen history, the new worker at the parlor who puts up with the director, the one with a vision from liyue yet seems adept at using it nonetheless.

stares are regular, until they’re not.

the empty space on his lower back where his faux-vision once was affects him more than it should. maybe because it feels like a real one, now, since he hasn’t been able to manipulate geo ever since it turned against him. the lack of pressure, the missing weight of glass and gold, no matter how papery the front it put up, bothered him. it wasn’t real in any sense, it was utterly worthless, it didn’t glow or have any connection at all, and yet.. it still refused to obey him. touching it felt like he was cutting his palm open over and over despite the lack of physical injuries, and when he tried to have hu tao reattach it to (a new) chain, it only stabbed at him through his clothes.

it was fake. it shouldn’t be possible.

but he couldn’t tell anybody of his plight.

nodding a greeting at the blacksmith, he continued his journey across the harbor.

“-consultant for-?”

“-where’s his-?“

“-did his vision-?”

questions flew in the space between people, gossip lighting the way between lampposts. he knew they were watching. he didn’t know why it unnerved him so much.

zhongli kept walking.

two millelith guards are standing duty near the bridge, and he listens in on their conversation as he passes.

“-hear any updates on the situation?”

“no, only that they’ve gotten to the chasm. it’s to dangerous for the qixing to send-..”

hm..

he files the information away.

zhongli openes the door to the parlor, nodding in greeting at ferrylady. perhaps he should pay the chasm a visit on the chance that the guards were speaking of what he hoped they were.

you wouldn’t be too much of a challenge—he is still, after all, morax, the god of war and contracts. he’d signed on the dotted line when he took his first breath, signed to be the warrior of his god and to stand by their side for as long as he lived. it was a deal he could easily uphold, and one he’s not going to fail.

he’s served his god all his life, and he refuses to allow such disgrace to befall their name.

perhaps if he’s lucky, he’ll be the one allowed to slay you…

he shakes the thoughts of bloodshed from his mind, knocking twice on a door marked ‘director’. when he hears permission to enter, he wastes no time in pushing it open.

hu tao’s eyes brighten when she see’s it’s him, the pen in her hand twirling around her fingers in her excitement. “zhongli! you’re back quickly.”

he nods, stepping forward to hand her the folder. “the negotiations went easier than anticipated.”

her eyes suddenly narrow, hee hand retracting from the folder. “did you say what i told you to?”

“yes, director, i kept the price within the range you specified. i was simply commenting on the simplicity of the transaction; who knew it was so easy to-“

the air shifts, a presence materializing from a cloud of black and teal smoke at zhongli’s side. hu tao yelps, her chair skidding backward.

xiao catches the pen she throws at him with ease.

zhongli pulls it from his hand, the director having finally registered what happened.

“wha- who- you? y- you can’t just appear in my office like that!”

xiao paid her no mind, turning to zhongli and bowing, the latter easily dismissing the action.

“what news do you have?”

“i have scoured all of liyue and have yet to find a trace. in addition, b-… venti has not felt their presence upon the wind, and considering the tightening of security around the harbor thanks to the millelith, i can only assume they have either gone to sumeru through nantianmen or lumberpick valley, or they are in the chasm.”

the words of the millelith from earlier echoed in zhongli’s mind, a plan swiftly forming.

“i see. thank you, xiao. i will leave at once.”

with a nod, the adeptus vanishes back into a cloud of smoke.

“zhongli? who was that? and where are you going? who were you talking about?”

zhongli set the folder on her desk, the pen placed on top. “all in due time, ms. hu. until then, i’m afraid i must depart.”

“you can’t-“

“i promise that appropriate compensation for my leaving early will be arranged, and we may speak on the topic when i return.”

“‘li-“

“goodbye, director.”

black and gold fabric twisted around him as he turned, the empty chain across his back glinting in the light of the office. while he had some regret about leaving so harshly—he’d surely receive a rant about reliance when he returned—it was quickly drowned under his determination.

his god was calling, and all he’d ever wished for was to answer.

you stumble into a tunnel next to a blue waypoint, walking in as far as you can manage before crumbling to the floor. you have to go. to hide. you don’t know how many ‘lives’ you have left, and you’re not keen on finding out, not with the qixing on your tail.

you drag yourself next to a shining chunk of cor lapis, gritting your teeth at the pain.

how did it come to this?

to running from the millelith, hiding in the chasm of all places?

you breathe heavily as you sit against the wall, the sudden shift from relaxation to running for your life taking a toll. you put your hands on the floor to shuffle further against the wall only to wince, moving your palm to see what sharp rock you’d landed on.

except it wasn’t a rock. the ring, the one the dendro slime gave you, is sitting peacefully on top of the dirt like it belongs there. still clean, still shining, the gem without a scratch you can see as you lift it up. the tunnel is only lit by sun streaming in from around the corner, and though it makes it hard to see imperfections on the gold, the light only highlights the wear on your figure. your clothes are tattered and worn, reduced to scraps, that ring the only thing of passable quality. how ironic, that the thing in best condition was the one you never should have taken—where would hilichurls even get them? did you think about it at all?—and the one that almost got you killed.

again.

you couldn’t hold it against the millelith, really. you didn’t know where it came from or why. it didn’t look ancient to you, the gold still glimmering in the faint light, and the gem wasn’t large enough to be of any importance, but maybe it was. maybe it was some artifact that was really rare or highly sought after. maybe it was the dropped ring of some important ruler. maybe it was the wedding band of one of the workers here.

maybe you were just making excuses because you couldn’t find it in yourself to hate them.

..wow, this is kinda pathetic.

you do your best to wrap your wounds with the bandages you swiped, mumbling a quick thank you that they were bandages, no matter how covered in dust from your journey. between your shaky hands and the severity of the wounds, though, you don’t know if you’re actually doing anything of benefit. not to mention you’re still lying on the floor, in a dusty tunnel in the chasm.

dirt and rocks dig into your skin and wounds, scabs breaking as you curl up further, too caught up in your pain to hear the footsteps approaching you.

or maybe you do hear them, and simply don’t care.

you never had the highest level of self-preservation.

zhongli has lived for eons.

he’s seen it all.

nothing surprises him anymore.

….nothing should.

but as he approaches the tunnel the millelith had told him of, as he walks and hears hitched breathing and choked words….

his knuckles are white around his polearm.

he turns the corner, stepping around a wooden support. dust stains the air as if trying to hide you from his view, but can still see. torn clothes, your hands wrapped in dirty bandages that are more likely to get them infected than protect, and you’re… you’re crying.

as he watches, you look up, matted hair falling into your face. you’re sitting next to a chunk of cor lapis, the ore looking like it’s glowing brighter than normal. in the golden light, he sees the tear tracks streak through the dirt on your face, and something like pity twinges in his chest.

something like a laugh leaves your cracked lips.

“morax…”

you knew?

you knew him?

how?

his posture tensed, but you only sat up straighter, leaning on the wall behind you. it was hard to tell if that was blood on the floor or just shadows cast by the ore nearby, but you were obviously weak.

you licked your lips. why hadn’t he moved yet?

“i don’t mind dying, you know. not if it’s you.”

you sounded weak, voice hoarse and painful, like your throat was lined with glass.

and yet�� him?

why?

how did you even know him?

surely… surely you weren’t the same person as before, in wuwang hill, right? you weren’t the one who looked up at him with eyes that glittered not with tears but with admiration, your gaze sweeping over his face with such emotion. you weren’t the one that, even as he pointed his spear at your heart, dared to whisper a compliment?

…what did it matter? you… you deserved to be slain. he couldn’t be swayed simply because you looked like his god.

his hand almost didn’t want to obey as he leveled his polearm at your neck, noting the exhaustion with which you relaxed further into the stone. your eyes fluttered shut, your hand landing closer to the light of the ore. he could see a ring on one of your fingers: gold, archaic, likely stolen from a ruin nearby. how pitiful that an artifact would be ruined by you.

the golden point of his blade leveled against your skin, seeming to buzz with excitement in his hand.

he should make it quick.

in his hesitance, you spoke. “you want last words?”

to ask somebody on death row for the worst of crimes for last words would probably be itself a crime elsewhere. giving you the opportunity to take advantage of him while he was vulnerable—though he doubted you had the strength for that…

a small smile crossed your face.

he swallowed. his hand wavered.

“if you wish.”

why did you seem so familiar?

he was starting to shake.

it didn’t matter that you looked like his god. you were the imposter, you were the fake, but being here with you…

why was he hesitating?

this was a sin against his god, to allow such a devil to walk his nation. and to dare to feel sympathy for such a-

“i don’t mind if i die.”

but your voice-

you spoke so softly with his weapon pointed at your throat, every bob of your skin threatening to tear itself across its edge. and yet, you continued, leaving him no choice but to believe your statement.

“i don’t know why you want to kill me, but i don’t. really.”

in the golden light of the lapis and whatever extra was coming around the corner, your skin broke.

what were you saying?

why couldn’t he listen?

he was entranced by the bead of blood, almost shimmering in the light, rolling down your neck.

he had to kill you.

he had to.

why didn’t he want to?

“it’s a good day to die.”

that was a lie, the skies were gray and threatened rain, the earth itself irritated and rumbling with an anger you couldn’t sense. the only reason you said that was because you didn’t know.

he found himself believing it anyway.

“kill me, morax.” the way you said his name- “i’m… i’m sure your god would be proud.”

what did you know of his god?

in the instant anger overcame him, he pressed vortex vanquisher forward, pushing until he hit stone. you flinched, blood rolling down his weapon and falling into your lap in waves. to his surprise, it didn’t stain the blade dark with crimson, instead…

no.

he told himself it was the light.

no.

your eyes fluttered, struggling, and he compared the shade of the ring on your finger to the one on his weapon. even in the tinted lighting, they looked the same.

no.

it was impossible.

even as he tore his weapon away, a futile attempt to undo his actions, he knew it was impossible.

“kill me, morax.”

and he had, he had, and now he wanted nothing more than to take it back, dirt staining his knees as gloved hands fluttered over the wound as if it would magically stick back together.

“i’m sure your god would be proud.”

[naomeii]

Purr-fect.

─Pairings:Cat!Zhongli x F!Reader

Content : Fluff, COMPLETE BRAIN-ROT, I might or might not be writing for others too based on this concept, if u have particular character in mind, don't be shy to send a req!, modern au

Synopsis : Zhongli turns into a cat- that's it, literally

Y/n couldn't help but feel a flutter in her chest every time she saw Zhongli in the crowded hallways of their high school. He was her senior, an enigmatic figure with an air of sophistication that left everyone in awe. The first time he had tutored her, Y/n found herself captivated not just by the subject matter, but by the gentle way he explained things, his voice resonating like a calming melody.

One day after school, Y/n found herself nervously approaching Zhongli's desk. "Um, excuse me, Zhongli-senpai," she stammered, her heart pounding in her chest.

Zhongli looked up from his books, his amber eyes meeting hers. "Ah, Y/n. Is there something you need assistance with?"

She fumbled with her words, feeling her cheeks heat up. "I, um, I was wondering if you could, you know, help me with this math problem. It's giving me a hard time."

A small smile graced Zhongli's lips. "Of course. Sit down, and we'll go through it together."

As Zhongli patiently explained the problem, Y/n couldn't help but steal glances at him. She admired the way his hair fell gracefully over his forehead and the focused expression he wore while teaching.

"Do I have something on my face?" Zhongli asked, catching Y/n staring.

Her cheeks flushed even deeper, and she shook her head vigorously. "No, no! I was just, um, really concentrating on what you were saying."

Zhongli chuckled softly, finding her nervousness endearing. "Very well. Let's continue."

Unbeknownst to Y/n, her best friend Hu Tao was observing the entire scene from across the room giggling to herself. Later that day, as they walked home together, Y/n couldn't contain her excitement.

"Hu Tao, you won't believe what happened today! I got to spend time with Zhongli-senpai, and he helped me with math!"

Hu Tao grinned mischievously. "Oh, spill the details! Did you make your move?"

Y/n blushed furiously. "N-no, I couldn't! I was too nervous. But he's just so amazing, and his voice is like a warm hug, and…"

Hu Tao laughed heartily. "You're head over heels, aren't you? Hmm You both would be a great match."

As the tutoring sessions continued, Y/n found herself growing more comfortable around Zhongli. Despite her initial nervousness, she realized that Zhongli was not only a brilliant tutor but also a patient and understanding mentor.

Once, as they sat side by side working on a particularly challenging problem, Y/n was completely engrossed in her notebook. Zhongli observed her intense concentration, his own fascination growing. As she furrowed her brow in deep thought, a stray strand of hair fell over her face.

Unable to resist the urge, Zhongli gently reached out and tucked the errant strand behind her ear. Y/n's heart skipped a beat at the unexpected touch, and she froze, her cheeks flushing a deep shade of red.

"Uh, thank you," she stammered, trying to regain her composure.

Zhongli merely smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "You seemed a bit distracted. I thought it might help."

Breathless and exhilarated, Y/n rushed to find Hu Tao immediately after her tutoring session with Zhongli. Bursting into their usual meeting spot, she couldn't contain her excitement.

"Hu Tao! You won't believe what just happened," Y/n exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of joy and nervous energy.

Hu Tao looked up from her book, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Spill it, Y/n! Did Zhongli finally realize you're the one for him?"

Y/n blushed furiously, her heart racing. "Well, not exactly, but something incredible happened! We were solving this difficult problem, and then Zhongli, he—"

Hu Tao interrupted with a teasing grin, "Did he confess his undying love for you? Did he declare that you are the missing piece of his soul?"

Y/n giggled, shaking her head. "No, nothing like that. But he… he touched my hair! Like, he tucked a strand behind my ear!"

Hu Tao's eyes widened, and she let out an exaggerated gasp. "Oh, the scandal! Zhongli making moves! Tell me everything!"

As Y/n recounted the tutoring session and Zhongli's subtle gestures, Hu Tao listened with a mixture of amusement and excitement. She couldn't resist teasing her friend relentlessly.

"So, what's your next move, Y/n? Are you going to confess your undying love to him under the cherry blossom tree?" Hu Tao teased.

Y/n rolled her eyes playfully. "Oh, please! I don't even know if he likes me like that. But it felt… special, you know?"

Hu Tao leaned in, a sly grin on her face. "Special, huh? Well, you better keep me updated on this love story. Who knows, maybe I'll be planning your wedding soon!"

The next day, as Y/n excitedly headed to school, she couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment when Zhongli was nowhere to be found. She looked around the familiar spots where they usually met, hoping to catch a glimpse of his tall figure or catch his distinctive amber eyes in the crowd, but he was conspicuously absent.

Feeling a bit downcast, Y/n trudged back home after school. Lost in her thoughts, she wandered through the streets with a hint of melancholy in her steps. However, fate had a surprise in store for her.

As she turned a corner, her eyes caught sight of a small cat sitting by the roadside. The cat had a regal air about it, with amber eyes that seemed to mirror Zhongli's. Intrigued, Y/n approached the feline cautiously.

"You look just like Zhongli-senpai," she murmured, reaching out to pet the cat. To her surprise, the cat purred contentedly, rubbing against her hand as if it understood the compliment.

Y/n couldn't help but smile at the adorable creature. She looked around, expecting an owner to appear, but there was no one in sight. It seemed like the cat was a stray, left to wander the streets alone.

A spontaneous idea struck her. "You know what? If you don't have a home, I can be your Zhongli," she said, scooping up the cat into her arms.

The feline seemed to enjoy the attention, nuzzling against Y/n's neck. Taking this as a sign, Y/n decided on the spot. "From now on, you're my little Zhongli. How about that?"

The cat, seemingly in agreement, let out a soft meow. Y/n giggled, feeling a warmth in her heart.

As Y/n tried to bathe the cat, she quickly realized that her new feline friend was anything but cooperative. Every attempt to bring him near water was met with agile jumps and a swift retreat. After several failed tries, Y/n sighed in defeat, watching as the cat diligently licked itself clean.

Tired but amused, Y/n decided to continue her day. She settled at her desk, the cat now comfortably on her lap, its eyes following her every move with curiosity. Y/n, being the talkative person she was, couldn't resist continuing her one-sided conversation about Zhongli.

"You know, little Zhongli, you're lucky you don't have to deal with exams and high school drama. Zhongli-senpai is probably somewhere out there, unaware that he's become the subject of my daily gushing sessions," she mused, absentmindedly scratching behind the cat's ears.

As she rambled on, Y/n picked up the cat, holding it close to her face. "Are you Zhongli?" she asked with a playful grin.

To her surprise, the cat seemed to nod furiously, a comical sight that made Y/n burst into laughter. She couldn't believe what she was thinking—Zhongli turning into a cat? It seemed too absurd to be true.

"Imagine if you really were Zhongli. That would be the most ironic twist ever. The great HANDSOMEEEEE Zhongli reduced to a tiny, fluffy cat," Y/n chuckled, holding the cat in her arms.

The cat, now giving her a deadpan look, remained in her arms.

Y/n woke up with a start as the persistent tapping on her face continued. Groggily, she opened her eyes to find the cat furiously pawing at her. Confused, she checked the time and gasped. She was late for school!

"Ugh, why didn't my alarm go off?" Y/n muttered, rushing to get ready. The cat, seemingly understanding the urgency, slipped out of the room as Y/n hurriedly got dressed.

Later, as she raced through her morning routine, the cat reappeared, sitting patiently by the door. Y/n couldn't help but smile at the adorable sight.

"Thanks for the wake-up call," she said, giving the cat a quick peck on its forehead. To her surprise, the cat seemed almost shy, its gaze dropping as if bashful.

Y/n quickly grabbed a piece of bread for herself and another for her newfound feline companion. As she placed the bread in front of the cat, she chuckled. "Never had a breakfast buddy before, especially one with fur."

The cat tentatively approached the bread, sniffing it before taking a small bite. Y/n couldn't help but find the whole situation amusing. It was like having a quirky sidekick to accompany her on this unexpected adventure.

"Okay, little Zhongli, wish me luck at school. Hopefully, I won't be too late," Y/n said, giving the cat one last pat before heading out the door.

As Y/n entered the school premises, she couldn't shake off the disappointment of not seeing Zhongli once again. Her usual excitement for the day was replaced by a lingering concern for her mysterious tutor. She decided to confide in Hu Tao during their lunch break.

"Hu Tao, have you seen Zhongli-senpai today? He's been absent for two days now," Y/n voiced her worry.

Hu Tao, ever the cheerful friend, tried to reassure her. "Oh, don't worry too much, Y/n. Maybe he's just under the weather or caught a cold. These things happen to the best of us."

"But two days in a row? It's not like him," Y/n mumbled, her thoughts lingering on Zhongli's absence.

Hu Tao grinned mischievously. "Maybe he's secretly planning a surprise for you. You never know!"

Y/n rolled her eyes at Hu Tao's playful suggestion. "You and your wild imagination. Anyway, speaking of surprises, you won't believe what happened. I found this stray cat, and it looks exactly like Zhongli!"

Hu Tao's eyes widened in surprise. "A cat that looks like Zhongli? Now that's intriguing. Tell me more!"

During their conversation, Y/n decided to do something special for her newfound feline friend. After school, she headed to a nearby pet shop and bought a pretty collar, adorned with a tiny bell. She thought it would be a fitting accessory for the cat that bore a striking resemblance to Zhongli.

Once home, as she opened the door, she was greeted by the sight of the cat waiting patiently. It seemed to sense her arrival and trotted over, its tail swaying with excitement.

"Look what I got for you!" Y/n exclaimed, attaching the collar around the cat's neck. The bell jingled softly, and the cat tilted its head, as if appreciating the gesture.

Y/n slumped into her chair, staring at her unfinished homework with a heavy sigh. Today, the weight of worry for Zhongli and the nervousness about her own feelings had left her feeling particularly unmotivated. She glanced over at the cat, her newfound confidante, and began to pour out her thoughts.

"You won't believe the day I've had, little Zhongli. Zhongli-senpai hasn't shown up for two days, and I'm getting more and more worried. What if something's happened to him? It's not like him to be absent for so long," she lamented.

The cat blinked at her, its eyes filled with an odd mix of understanding and curiosity. Y/n continued, finding solace in the company of her feline friend.

"And then there's this other thing," she confessed, fidgeting with a pencil. "I've been thinking a lot about… well, about Zhongli-senpai. I'm afraid to admit it, even to myself. What if he doesn't feel the same way? What if it ruins our friendship? It's driving me crazy!"

As she rambled on, the cat sat there, listening intently, as if comprehending every word. Y/n chuckled, realizing the absurdity of talking to a cat about her romantic concerns.

"I mean, who am I kidding, right? Confessing my feelings to Zhongli-senpai would be like trying to scale a Geo construct with my bare hands—impossible!" she exclaimed, throwing her hands up in mock exasperation.

The cat, however, continued to gaze at her with those mysterious amber eyes. Y/n couldn't help but feel a strange comfort in the silent presence of her furry friend.

"Maybe I'm just overthinking everything. People come and go, feelings change. But you, little Zhongli, you're a constant. A fluffy, silent companion who doesn't judge or question. Maybe I should take a lesson from you," she mused, scratching the cat behind its ears.

The cat, seemingly content, purred softly.

The weekend rolled in, bringing with it a welcome break from the routine of school. Y/n decided to spend her free time doing something she loved—baking. The kitchen was soon filled with the delightful aroma of cookies and pastries, and the cat, ever curious, jumped around, occasionally sniffing at the tantalizing scents.

As Y/n kneaded the dough, she couldn't help but think about Zhongli and how he might enjoy the sweets she was preparing. She voiced her thoughts aloud, looking at the cat, who seemed to be listening attentively.

"I wonder if Zhongli-senpai has a sweet tooth. I mean, who wouldn't love these delicious treats, right?" Y/n chuckled, watching the cat with a playful grin. "Do you think he'd like them? Maybe I should make something special for him if he ever shows up again."

The cat, in response, leaped onto the countertop, nudging a bag of flour with its paw as if giving its approval. Y/n laughed, finding the cat's antics endearing.

"Alright, alright, you win. I'll make some extra for Zhongli-senpai, just in case," she declared, reaching over to give the cat a playful pat.

The cat, seemingly satisfied, observed the baking process with keen interest. Y/n couldn't help but enjoy the domestic scene, the warmth of the oven, the comforting presence of her feline friend, and the anticipation of sharing the treats with Zhongli.

As the weekend unfolded, filled with the aroma of freshly baked goodies and the playful antics of the cat, Y/n couldn't shake off the hope that Zhongli would return soon.

As Y/n drifted off to sleep, her exhaustion caught up with her, and she found comfort in snuggling with the cat. Unbeknownst to her, the cat sensed a change in the air, a shift in its feline instincts. Silently, it slipped away from Y/n's embrace, leaving her undisturbed in her peaceful slumber.

The next morning, Y/n woke up to an empty room. Confused, she looked around, calling out for the cat. But there was no response. Dejectedly, she got ready for school, hoping the cat would return.

Surprisingly, as she approached her classroom, there stood Zhongli, looking somewhat nervous. Y/n's heart skipped a beat at the unexpected sight.

"Zhongli-senpai! You're back!" she exclaimed, a mixture of surprise and joy in her voice.

Zhongli nodded, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Yes, I wanted to apologize for my absence. I've been dealing with some matters, but I'm here now."

Y/n couldn't help but notice the subtle change in Zhongli's demeanor. There was a nervousness in his eyes that she hadn't seen before.

In a moment of vulnerability, Zhongli took a deep breath and confessed, "Y/n, there's something I've been meaning to tell you. I… I like you. A lot. More than I initially realized."

Y/n's eyes widened in surprise, her heart racing at Zhongli's unexpected admission. The realization dawned on her, and a smile crept across her face.

"Zhongli-senpai, I… I like you too," she confessed, her cheeks tinted with a blush.

The two stood there, a moment of shared understanding and newfound connection. Zhongli, with a gentle smile, suggested, "How about we walk home together after school today? There's something I'd like to discuss with you."

After school, the atmosphere between Y/n and Zhongli was a bit shy, both feeling the subtle awkwardness of being a new couple. As they walked, Zhongli couldn't help but feel a twinge of nervousness. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the collar with the tiny bell, the same one Y/n had given to the cat.

Y/n noticed the collar and smiled. "Oh, is that for your cat? It's quite mischievous but adorable. Does it belong to you?"

Zhongli chuckled, a blush creeping onto his cheeks. "Well, you could say that the cat was… me."

Y/n blinked, processing his words. "Wait, what? You were the cat?"

Zhongli nodded, a mix of embarrassment and amusement in his eyes. "Yes, it's a long story. I'll explain everything."

As Y/n processed the unexpected revelation, Zhongli continued, "You see, I was an accidental subject of Albedo's experiments from the Science class. Long story short, I turned into a cat. Meeting you in that form was a pure coincidence."

Y/n couldn't help but burst into laughter, finding the idea both absurd and amusing. "Zhongli-senpai, you're quite the funny man. A cat? Really?"

Zhongli's blush deepened, and he cleared his throat. "Well, it's a complicated situation. I didn't expect to meet you under those circumstances."

Y/n couldn't believe the twist in the tale. "So, all those conversations I had with the cat were actually with you?"

Zhongli nodded, a hint of sheepishness in his expression. "Yes, it seems you shared quite a lot with me."

Y/n, feeling a mix of embarrassment and amusement, wished the ground would swallow her whole. Zhongli, sensing her discomfort, gently took her hand. "I'll explain everything, I promise. It's quite a tale."

[anonbinaryweirdo]

"try not to cry when im gone" hu tao x reader

(angst, hurt/comfort? she still dies tho lol), reader having bad thoughts, sloppy transition, hu tao comforts reader, reader cries, one or two mentions of zhongli

gn reader, unspecified pronouns or descriptions for reader. writer cried

imagine an immortal reader, who knows of their fate with Hu Tao, but has yet to accept it with a full mind

or at all, really.

you sit there, teacup heavy in your hand as you stare at the fire ahead. once again were you reminded of your immortality, but your mind could only immediately drift off to your lover, who was the opposite.

a human. a mortal.

she was bound to die, and you would have to live on, without her, one day. it was inevitable. you wouldn't even know when you'd see her new face again, decades—maybe even centuries later. you probably wouldn't even get the chance to meet her in her new life.

you sigh, just thinking about it. setting down your cup and running a hand down your face, you hold your breath. maybe this was a dream. you'd wake up one day, with identical grey hairs, wrinkles all over. maybe you could be buried next to one another.

alas, you were so lost in thought, you didn't even notice the extra presence in the room, until you felt a pair of hands covering your eyes, the metal of the rings she adorned just barely grazing your skin—yet, you could still feel how cool it was.

"guess who~!" came a giggle from behind. you could never get enough of hearing it, a smile making its way onto your face almost immediately as it rang through your ears.

you couldn't help laughing a little, rolling your eyes behind her palms. "welcome home, Hu Tao," you greet, as normal. it was genuine, the way you felt around her. especially whenever you got to welcome her back under the roof you shared. a place you both cared for, and could call your home. although, you were quite certain that home was only really found whenever you were with Hu Tao. without her to live there with you, it'd merely be a house. not a home.

Hu Tao skips over in front of where you sat, a small grin on her face. you could tell she was a bit tired, though. yet, her lips were still quirked up, despite the fact. you loved it. "were ya missing me already, butterfly?" she asked, looking over you. "because, i must say, you looked mighty bored and lonely before I snuck up on you."

and, as though it were an automated response, you respond quickly, "I'm always bored and lonely whenever you're gone." and it was true, as 'sappy' as it sounded. you needed someone like Hu Tao in your everyday life to lift you up, even when you weren't particularly feeling 'blue'.

"well," the director hummed, helping herself to straddling over your lap, wrapping her arms around you as she rested her chin on your shoulder. your hand moves to take off her hat, setting it aside before moving your fingers through her hair. she closed her eyes, melting—ironically enough—into your touches. "I can't blame you," she continued, chuckling a little, "I mean, without me, you'd be miserable. oh, what would you do without me?" you knew it was a joke, but still.

it was true.

your hand paused in her hair, and your expression slowly fell to what it was before she walked through that door. can you imagine, having to life without her? having to live, what you could only hope wasn't for the rest of your life—from the time your eyes flutter open at the crack of dawn, and when they close into peace once more when moonlight illuminates the land—without her?

you couldn't even begin to imagine what life would be like, if you hadn't seen her smile everyday. true, yes, her smile wouldn't be there every second of the day... no, she had her days when she felt so little about herself, and that smile turned upside down into something else. there were even times her eyeliner would smudge down her face in streaks. but, she still managed to smile. seeing her face was enough.

unfortunately, for you, the girl happened to take notice of your silence, and looked back at you with big red eyes, mixing with both curiosity and concern—even as she tried to play it off. "hey, now, " she laughed lightly. "why the long face? you look like a little puppy, hehe. am I boring you, or something? I don't think I've ever seen you so—"

her voice died down as she saw the way your eyebrows scrunched up, her eyes looking over your face. she saw how sad your eyes look—and how they weren't as bright as she loved them. the way you stared down at your lap, biting the inside your lip. you were deep in your thoughts, and they didn't seem to be happy ones. she didn't like that.

"...hey," she spoke quietly. she cupped your face, making you look at her. and, instantly, you were lost in those eyes.

who wouldn't get lost in them, honestly? they were so pretty, so very magnificent in so many ways you couldn't even begin to explain. and those stars...those stars were the cherry on top. they shined so bright, brighter than any real star could ever. but...eventually, even stars come to their ends, right?

"butterfly...whats the matter? why do you seem so blue?"

she was so sweet. you couldn't help it,arms caging around her in a desperate hug. you were certain, that, letting go would result in her not being there anymore. like she'd turn into particles, and fly out the window. you didn't want that. you couldn't have it.

"[name], what—" "im not ready for you to die."

the words flew past your lips before you could stop them. you squeezed your eyes shut as you nuzzled your nose further into her hair. you inhale deeply, the breath coming out in a shaky sigh. as much as you felt like wanting to, you couldn't cry. especially not here, in front of her, right now. you wouldn't dare let her see you so weak. so—

"is that what this was about?" Hu Tao inquired suddenly, making you hold your breath. your answer—the silence and a tremble of your shoulder—was enough said.

her arms wrapped around you, and it was enough for you to breathe. "don't cry," she hushes you, tenderly rubbing her palm up and down your back. "I don't want you to be sad when I'm dead. in fact, I want you to be happy."

your eyebrows furrow, and you lift your head, looking up at her. "what?" you question, not believing what she just said. "how can you...how can you even say that with a straight face? if I lose you, t-then—"

"then you'll be okay," she cuts you off, kissing your forehead. she leaned back. and smiled. "you'll be fine when I'm gone, because I know you'll be at peace with knowing that I'm resting well, knowing that it was I that you created memories with, and not anyone else in either of our places."

you sat there, listening to her voice. it always was so lovely, wasn't it?

"I'm going to be watching over you as a ghost," she promised, "and once you feel that familiar air, you'll know it's me."

"you should also be at peace, knowing that I'm resting well...because of you. you were the reason for my true happiness, and for that, I..." Hu Tao huffed, taking your hands in hers. "I should be the one crying over my death. I mean, I won't even get to interact with you—I'll be transparent! which is absolutely awful, I mean, can you imagine me going a day without your arms around moi? really."

she smiled as you managed a little laugh at her attempt to brighten the mood. "there it is!" she cheered, softly. "see? that's exactly how I want your face to look, during my final breath, and every moment after, okay?"

you sniffled, leaning into her palm as she strokes your cheek with her thumb, wiping away your tears. "no promises," you whisper, turning your head to kiss her palm. she groans, "well, at least try. what type of person would you be to not at least make an effort to live up to something?"

you shake your head, rolling your eyes. your hands find their way to her waist, and you lean up, capturing her lips. she returned your kiss, not backing away until you do. and that's not until you hear a small pattern of quiet thuds on the window, catching both of your attention.

"hm," she hummed, "it's raining pretty hard." Hu Tao chuckled, holding you close, "I'm glad I got home in time, or else I'd be drenched."

"yeah.." you agree.

you sigh, staring at the ground. "I'm the one getting drenched," you mutter under your breath. you could vividly recall that conversation. it was one of the good ones.

you feel a hand on your shoulder, but you don't turn to look. "I'm sorry," says the consultant of the wangsheng funeral parlor, sympathizing with you.

you don't answer immediately, but he can make out a quiet 'thank you' as he leaves to give you your space, allowing you to stare at the stone in peace.

you look up, closing your eyes as the rain falls down on your face. "I wonder if you can see me yet," you whisper.

a smile graces your lips, feeling a gust of wind push past you.

you chuckle dryly, tears getting mixed in with the rain. another gust of wind.

"..i tried, didn't I?"

and then another.

Oliver is a little bitch tell me why I cried

[nqmonarch]

Hanahaki Disease

Hanahaki disease is where when one person has an unrequited love flowers grow inside their lungs and they begin to cough them up. In some versions flowers also start growing on their body. Eventually they die, unless if their love becomes requited, they go through surgery (which leaves them either emotionless or with no memory of the person they love, depends on the story), or (personally I'd say) if they fall out of love with the person.

As someone with self confidence issues (and some shit in the past) I can't really imagine people falling in love with me. So I'm always like damn if this is real and I got transmigrated I'd be dead in 5 seconds.

Characters: Raiden Shogun x Reader (onesided), Hu Tao x Reader, Baizhu, Traveller, Zhongli

Ever since the first time you'd seen her, she'd been a symbol of light, of beauty, of eternity. She was everything right in the world and you were simply made to follow her will. You enlisted in her army, followed her will stripping innocent souls of visions, yes, you felt guilt but... the Shogunate knew what was best. She had to. You'd seen her peerless genius, bared witness to her skills with the sword. She was terrifying and even more so beautiful.

It was by chance you met the traveler, someone on the run from the Shogunate and her army, someone you were supposed to capture at all costs. But you didn't. Instead you looked on with a quirked eyebrow as they tried hitting some electrocubes to make them all light up. They looked like an absolute idiot, you couldn't help but laugh. How could you kill someone like that? So you gave them a small hand to help them escape, thinking nothing of it. But they continued to make trouble. Until it finally happened, the Shogunate went back on her decree.

You felt relief, guilt, so many emotions flood you at the news. It appeared even the wisest could make mistakes. Then it happened. The traveler had spotted you while walking through the streets of Inazuma and invited you to join them on a walk. You obliged, willing to amuse the funny little blonde haired person. What you hadn't expected was for the Raiden Shogun herself to join you.

You were absolutely awestruck, her eyes looked even more alive up close, and the small awkwardness she showed at what normal people did was absolutely charming! Her love for sweet things was adorable, and you wished you could kiss her cheeks and lie on her lap as she sipped dango milk. You didn't say a thing when you were with her. Instead your eyes darted to her every few moments, with anticipation, and when they darted away a small blush normally graced the tip of your ears.

That was when it all went wrong. A day afterward you felt sick and couldn't contain your coughs. Your supervisor gave you the day off, telling you to rest and get better soon so you could return to fighting. You laid in bed, assuming that all of recent work you'd had to pick up was the cause of stress which lead to you being sick. But then with one particularly aggressive cough you felt as if a shock echoed through your body, and on the covers of your bed laid a strange looking flower.

It was light purple, soft to the touch, and shocked you slightly whenever you touched it. You'd wondered if you were hallucinating, it seemed beyond belief. But then it happened a day later and the frequency and quantity of these shocking flowers increased. They weren't even flowers. Amakumo fruit was their name, a rare plant that could only be found in Seirai island. Concerned, you visited doctor after doctor hoping to find a cure or reason that the plant was alive in your body. But you found nothing.

When the first stem began to grow out of the vein on your elbow you panicked. With anxiety and worry you sought out the traveler, they'd been to many places, perhaps they'd seen something like this? You had to get healed as soon as possible so that way you could return to serving her. So you could dedicate your life to her. Your heart throbbed painfully at the thought and you willed away any unsavory feelings. The Raiden Shogun was meant to be admired from a distance, feelings such as love and lust had no place for one of her soldiers. Not like you were on her level anyway.

The traveler perplexed at your condition suggested they bring you with them to Liyue where they knew of a skilled doctor named Baizhu; eager, to return to your life of servitude toward the one you love you followed them without a second thought.

The green haired man was peculiar, there was a white snake wrapped around his neck comfortably. But you could tell he knew what he was doing, from the minor touches to check your breathing and heart rate, to the line of patients outside his door he seemed like a professional. He was probably your best bet at this rate. He seemed confused as well and after the initial examination told you to come back tomorrow, where there'd be another one.

On your way out a short girl with long brown hair in two pony tails approached you, a friendly smile on her face. You would've had a positive impression of her if not for the card she handed you. Wangsheng Funeral Parlor...? 50% off your coffin if you order ahead of time?

You stared up at her with dead eyes and furrowed brows as she kept a welcoming smile on her face, "You won't find any other funeral services like it! Get 50% of your coffin if you order before you die!" Neither her voice nor wide eyes carried any malicious intent but--

"Is something wrong with you?" What the hell was with this girl? "Do I look like I'm dying?" Even if you were, that was still incredibly impolite of her.

"Well," She paused and leaned forward, elongating her neck and stretching her back to get a better look at you, "No glow, a bit ashy actually, straight posture but it's a bit stiff, not really healthy, and just exiting Bubu Pharmacy? You could be and I'm trying to poach customers from Baizhu."

Her nose crinkled ever so slightly as she continued voice slightly less upbeat, "Ugh, that guy..." Her voice was barely audible but either way her words made you upset.

You shoved the business card back in her hand, "Don't say such reckless things just because of some drama you have with him."

You felt a small shock in your ribcage, you didn't even flinch, you'd gotten used to such feelings. It made your body feel itchy and jumpy like every individual cell wanted to run out of your body and leave you with nothing. You let out a small cough, feeling the electricity jump up your throat leaving behind a small burning sensation, the smell of seared flesh faintly in your nose. A small petal landed in your hand but you were quick to close your hand around it.

You should leave before it got worse. Your expression wasn't pleasant, permanently furrowed eyebrows, and a scowl. You were stuck wasting your time trying to cure yourself so you could serve the Shogunate better. A shock of pain jolted through your body, nearly bringing you to your knees. It didn't. You were trained better than that. Yet here you were, looking like a fool, if the Shogunate could see you now she wouldn't let you serve a day in your life. You would always be classified as a disappointment to her.

Another jolt, even stronger, and with it came an onslaught of coughs. The girl from earlier looked on at you worriedly and approached again. You would've pushed her away if not for the continued assailants of pain, shock after shock, and cough after cough racking your body. You gripped onto your arms in a hope to stabilize yourself but found yourself kneeling on the floor, shaking, nails digging into your arms and drawing blood.

The girl was talking now, at the very least she seemed concerned, as concerned as someone that just offered you a deal on buying your own coffin could be. You couldn't hear what she was saying. Only the continued crackle of electricity. Why did it suddenly get worse? You didn't have time to ponder any questions as the pain overwhelmed you and the world went black.

Hanahaki disease. That's what Baizhu called it. The disease of unrequited love. You loved the Shogunate, something you never should've done, you reminded yourself. You'd voiced your thoughts once to the curious brown haired girl from the funeral parlor, Hu Tao.

She only looked at you quizzically, "You can't control love!" She objected, crossing her arms a smile still on her face, "Just live life to its fullest, enjoy it, and accept everything that comes over you!"

"Strong words from someone that isn't coughing up flowers brimming with electricity," You replied, but your words held no malice.

Baizhu couldn't find a way to cure it, his only hypothesis being that if the person you loved loved you back then it would end. As if the Raiden Shogun would ever love you in any way. You didn't want to show her this pathetic version of yourself, anyway. And where did that leave you? Surprisingly, at the funeral parlor.

Hu Tao had welcomed you with open arms, her employee, Zhongli was also fine with you staying. Of course, you didn't just free load you helped out, trying to do heavy labor where you could. You assumed you'd be the strongest because of your training but the sickness had taken it's toll on you, and vision users were freakishly strong. For such a small girl Hu Tao could lift, a lot.

She would often creep up behind you in an attempt to scare you, not that it had worked yet she was still trying to come up with a way to do so. You would scold her, and return to your work, which was often just basic maintenance of the funeral parlor now, dusting, cleaning, it was mundane but you didn't want to freeload. Then the three of you, Hu Tao, Zhongli, and yourself would eat dinner. Zhongli was normally quiet aside from a few sentences, those few sentences alone made you suspicious of him though. How could one person be so knowledgeable? Of course, once you saw his poor mora management all of your suspicions dropped.

Dinner mainly consisted of Hu Tao and yours banter. It was nice. You had to admit she was growing on you, in a different way to all of the Amakumo fruit. A few had begun to sprout out of your body now, you knew each day that passed you were lucky. Your coughs got worse and so did the electric shocks, it didn't help that your body was becoming more frail from lack of use.

Hu Tao kept you company though whether through asking you out for food, "Yo! Afternoon! Let's get lunch! Xiangling's got a new dish!" The dish ended up burning both Hu Tao and yours's tongues. Too spicy, apparently using the seeds of a Pyro Regisvine had that effect. Although, it was funny to see Hu Tao jump at the heat.

Then she would make you go to performances, "Yun Jin has a show today! I asked for some tickets, I'll introduce you to her too!" Hu Tao somehow knew everyone.

And as your friendship strengthened she read you poetry.

"You write poetry?" You were disbelieving at first, but she took no insult from your words instead placing her hands on her hips proudly.

She read some for you, the topics varying from the feeling of elation to death. The two of you knew you were dying soon. In a few days you were bedridden.

But you didn't want to leave so soon. It wasn't just about serving the Shogunate but the past few weeks, the dinners, the people you had met, the stories you had heard. You selfishly wanted more of that. You told Hu Tao you'd face your death honorably, that you would look toward the future, and wait for her to escort you to the afterlife. That you wouldn't fight death.

One night you cried though. You held her slender hands in yours, relishing in the warmth, and feeling guilt at each electric shock that went through your body and reached hers.

"I don't want to die," You confessed. "I feel like, only now, have I truly begun to live. Why is it that I barely had any time to enjoy this?" Your words were choked up and your shoulders hunched as you leaned toward her.

You looked into the usually lively amber eyes, which held a lighter star in them. They were the most beautiful thing you'd ever seen. "I wish I could spend more time with all of you. I wish I could spent more time with you," You spoke quietly.

You didn't wait for her to reply and instead removed her hands from hers, and placed your hands on her cheek. Your lips touched hers, hesitant, cautious, exploring unknown ground. You could've sworn you were in love with Hu Tao. But your body was already bound by the flowers of the Shogunate, you'd long ago taken your vow and it couldn't be revoked.

Hu Tao kissed back though, she moved slowly at first before reaching a hand out to hold onto the back of her head. You didn't want to open your eyes and see her expression. You could feel the tears running down your face, you could feel her parched wet lips on hers, and for a moment you didn't feel any of the pain, any of the shocks.

And as you were immersed in the kiss of the woman who moved your heart you didn't notice as the flowers fell off your body, and landed on the ground softly without a sound.

I did not mean to make this so long.

[multiphandomunnies]

exo

reactions

idol gf has a wardrobe malfunction

*T* gf has self harm scars

bf decked out in merch at fansign

Mc makes fun of idol gf

how would exo cuddle

*T* gf comes out as F to M

college au

you send an inappropriate photo as they’re at practice

imagines

xiumin

winters promise

boyfriend xiumin!

half asleep

single dad!

falling in love

suho

lay

bf! lay

baekhyun

blushing

pantone 18-1018

chen

christmas special

chanyeol

falling prolouge

snapdragon

bf! chanyeol

instagram

kyungsoo

morning kisses

kai

(*M*) first time

tulip

bf! kai

sehun

orchid

jealous

luhan

don’t wait

tao

unexpected

[covenantofthedeep]

forcing a smile and waving goodbye ☆

feat. | xiao, childe, hu tao, and raiden shogun summary | breaking up w them :( a/n | it's been so long since i've written angst omg

hu tao |

she's been together with you for so long that she can hardly remember days without you. her life's been split into two sections; With You and Without You. Without You is cold and dark, a cave in her mind where she vanishes during the night and doesn't emerge till noon the next day.

she remembers how, before she met you, she was just there--incomplete, always bouncing around, always tailing people. she was just that girl at the funeral parlor that somehow knows zhongli. she was just hu tao. she remembers how, just two weeks after you two had started dating, she'd become hutaoandyn. she'd become important.

when you sit her down at your perfect mahogany-colored dining table, your perfect hands cupping a warm, steaming tea, your earnest eyes staring into hers, saying i don't think this is working out anymore, she is convinced it's a nightmare. she lets the words flow over the top of her head, holding her breath so she wouldn't cry. she doesn't say anything (are there even words for this awful pain?), just swallows her burning tea and stands up. the chair makes an awful squeaking noise, probably scratching up the floors you love so much. and she thinks, i hope they get scratched up so bad that every time you see them you think of me. and then she had feels ashamed, and petty. she forces a smile and she waves goodbye, and then slams the door.

she sits in the car for what felt like ten years, tears dripping onto the steering wheel and the seat, her shoes in her hand, her nose burning. the sky is gray, the ground is gray, the clouds are taunting her. her fire is gray, the funeral parlor is bleak. there is no joy in steamed fish. there is no joy in pranking people, not without you.

glaze lilies bring to mind your love for puns, the way she would wake up every sunday morning with a fresh bouquet and a note pinned to them on her bedside table. her heart splits a little when she eats jueyun chili chicken, because it was your favorite. when it comes around to your birthday, she takes a long bath and cries until her throat is raw and her eyes are red and swollen. on her birthday, despite the party that her friends throw for her, she wonders if you're remembering her the way she remembers you.

xiao |

xiao has never been good with feelings, but he is completely head over heels in love for you. he would sprint in front of a moving train for you. he would stab himself for you. he would rip out his heart for you, except you've done it first.

words shouldn't be able to hurt this much, especially words coming from your mouth, your mouth which usually says, i love you, xiao. except this time, it's saying, maybe we should rethink our relationship. i think we need a break. and he knows that you aren't meaning to hurt him, just trying to move on, just trying to make yourself feel better, but that doesn't console him. he tries to make himself feel angry as you're talking to him, but he can't. it's as if he won't feel anything ever again, just the painful pressure in his head, the ringing of your voice in his ears.

do me a favor and break my nose, or tell me to go away, he screams at you, but just in his head. he loves you, still. he feels like a broken nose would hurt less than this, your patient, sympathetic smile, your cried-out eyes that show that you still care too. you reach for his hand, but he feels like your touch would burn, maybe it would make him shatter into a million pieces like glass. do people do that? do adepti do that? does anything alive do that at all?

he feels like he's drowning, like something's holding his head underwater. it's making your face all fuzzy. or maybe that's the tears in his eyes, or maybe he's tired. maybe he's so tired he's hallucinating the whole thing. but that would be too good to be true, because you're standing up and squeezing his shoulders and walking off.

he guesses that you won't have any more tea dates. and with that, he hurls his cup to the ground and watches it shatter.

raiden shogun |

raiden is unaccustomed to love, which is why it hurts more when you're breaking up with her. she had told you that she wasn't the right person to love, that she could hurt you, that she wasn't perfect. you had kissed her and told her that she was wrong, she was lying, of course she was perfect. despite her protests, she had fallen in love with you; your smile and your chin and your cheeks and your forehead. your hands, which hold hers.

she wants to slap you, make you hurt the way she does. she wants to kill you for how you made her love you and then you're making her stop. but of course, she can't stop. how could she ever not love you? you take her face in your hands and she melts, she slumps away. she tries to deny it to herself (of course you still love her!) but it feels like she's ripping away, like just a small gust of wind could strip her away to her skeleton.

bleakly, in her haze, she wonders if there's someone else. someone else who's stolen your gaze as she once did, who you think about at night and whisper stolen words into their ears. but then she thinks about you, and she realizes that would not be the case. you would be doing it because you would think that she wanted it, that she wanted space.

you kiss her cheek, and she thinks numbly, maybe if she was better at love, this wouldn't happen.

childe |

childe had never thrown himself into love as fervently as he did with yours. you could make him smile when he felt like he was dying, and your laugh had taken up a space in his brain reserved specifically for you.

he loved how the light dappling across your face could bathe you in such an ethereal glow, as if you were blessed by the archons. and, he guessed, sometimes you were. it's uncanny, the way your face showed no emotion as you took his hand and whispered, i think we need a break. his heart had shattered then, into a million pieces that dissolved into his body. maybe he could never fix it.

he stares at you, so blankly, you wonder maybe if he hasn't heard you. then he says, what? so softly, so sadly, it almost splits your soul apart. he thinks, probably, that no one will make him as happy as you did. perhaps he will never be happy again. this thought scares him, it rattles him, he never wants to forget your face.

he's never cried over someone before, but he does now. and the sight of his tears shock you, as if you've been dumped into an ice-cold bath and can't breathe. he's sobbing, hands curled into tight fists, waving you away, telling you to just go, please go, please, please go. you don't want to leave him, but you know his sadness will turn to anger and he will lash out. you press a kiss to his temple and he shouts, fuck off! fuck off and go!

as he watches you go, he thinks that simply "fuck off" might be too kind.

[worriedvision]

Family reunion - Alhaitham

Gender neutral reader, reader is Alhaitham's sibling. Mentions the reader being disowned at a young age, but the reader does have a good family in Hu Tao and Zhongli.

--

At a young age, you didn't remember that much. You did recall a test you took, one that you got too bored to do. The other kids around you seemed to know what the questions meant, but you were struggling to process the answers in your mind.

You vividly remember the way your parents winced, not saying a word to you as they turn away from you. Your grandmother giving you a sympathetic look, your brother reading a book in the corner of the room. You can't remember a single time he looked at you, and you couldn't remember why.

The next day, someone in funeral wear showed up. Turns out, your parents signed you up for joining the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. Your grandmother had your bags packed, and you look up at the lady who had come along to collect you. After taking a look back, you see Alhaitham once again not caring about you. Head in his book, your grandmother not telling him off for refusing to see you out.

The Funeral Parlor, it turned out, were situated in Liyue. It stung, realising your parents didn't even want you in Sumeru. You let them down that much.

The staff that worked with you didn't let you think this of yourself, however. They taught you well, training you up to be staff when you grew up. When Hu Tao became the funeral director, you were surprised to see a new face suddenly show up. He wasn't stupid, like you were when you were first there, and he actually helped you realise that you weren't stupid.

"Are you having problems with revising?" Zhongli asks, sitting next to you as you attempted to cram information in from textbooks.

"Nothing is staying in." You whine out, Zhongli shaking his head.

"Of course nothing is staying in. You're overexerting your mind." Zhongli states. "I'm sure there are other methods of study you can catch on to much better than this."

He helped you find the way that worked, you found. You successfully passed the course required for you to officially assist in more complex ceremonies.

--

"_, _"! Hu Tao cheers. "How would you, my butterfly, like to go to your homeland to do some business? See, we're running low on customers, and Sumeru is close to Liyue!"

"...You want me to kill someone?" You joke, Hu Tao chuckling before continuing.

"Zhongli is going to come along with you. The old man really wants to see it for himself." Hu Tao whispers loudly, earning a glare from Zhongli himself. "Advertise the business, and you'll be rewarded!"

That was the conversation, you only agreeing since Zhongli was going to be with you. You saw him as someone who you could trust, a man that knew better than you knew. He told you all sorts of stories about plant life, history, it kept your mind off the possibility of seeing your brother. You just knew Haitham would be in Sumeru, building a good name for himself.

You, thankfully, didn't see him for most of the visit. The adventurer's guild decided to take the discounts you offered, courtesy of Hu Tao (excluding the 'casualness of a casualty' manner Hu Tao delivered), and the Eremites promised to keep you in mind if they ever needed the business.

Last stop, an appointment with the Acting Grand Sage. You didn't know who the man was at the time, Zhongli not aware either. As the both of you waited, Zhongli asks you about your memories in Sumeru.

"All I remember is being disowned for being too stupid." You state, Zhongli taken aback by your stern words. "Sorry, should have worded that more nicely." You trail off, Zhongli shrugging to himself.

"How long ago was that?" Zhongli asks, curiosity peeking it's head into the conversation.

"Hmm...I can't pinpoint it. It was when I was really young, I'll tell you that much." You respond.

Before Zhongli can reassure you of anything, the Acting Grand Sage was calling for you two. The moment you see him, it's like a punch to the face.

It was your brother.

--

Zhongli landed up doing all the talking, sensing your discomfort. Alhaitham didn't recognise you, probably because he never once tried to look at you, so he was concerned with your presence.

"Is this the funeral director?" He asks, Zhongli shaking his head.

"No, this is-"

"I think I'll just wait outside for you, Zhongli." You cut him off, knowing he was about to reveal your name. "I think you're better with words than I am."

Before Alhaitham and Zhongli can reassure you it wasn't an issue, you fail to hide your anger as you storm out. Your brother didn't even recognize you! Seeing him was seeing what your parents wanted of you. It truly stung.

In your fury, you land up bumping into his roommate.

"Sorry." You spit out, still stomping by.

"...hey, I think I know who you are." The man calls out. "You're Alhaitham's sibling, aren't you?"

You stop in your tracks, slowly turning.

"_, right?" He asks hopefully. "I was wondering what happened to you! One day you just disappeared from Sumeru."

"You remember me?" You ask.

"Of course I do! We used to study together." Kaveh explains. "I'm really happy to see you're well."

"I'm only here for business, I'm afraid." You laugh lightly. "My brother doesn't know who I am, and I think that's for the best. Plus, I'm sure Zhongli will get on better with him."

"I was going to get my key back from my roommate, but it appears that won't be necessary yet." Kaveh cheers, you smiling.

"Let's catch up."

--

Unknown to you and Kaveh, both Zhongli and Alhaitham heard the entire conversation. Zhongli looks over at Alhaitham, processing the words, and Alhaitham's not showing any reaction.

"Well then." Zhongli clears his throat, pulling out the pamphlets Hu Tao made up. Alhaitham reads over the words, not commenting on the borderline offensive humour sprinkled in, and looking at Zhongli.

"And I suppose you have a contract you wish for me to sign if I were to agree?" Alhaitham asks, Zhongli smiling as he hands the contract over for him to read.

Several minutes of silence, and Alhaitham still hasn't said a word.

"What happened with your sibling?" Zhongli asks, Alhaitham flinching at the question.

"They simply failed to meet my parents expectations." He states, pulling out a pen to sign on the dotted line.

"You don't seem to-"

"Why would I care? I didn't exactly form any connection with them, and I haven't heard from them since the day they got evicted from the house." Alhaitham explains factually.

"Did you feel anything for them?" Zhongli asks, some aggression seeping out.

"I don't know them personally, I'm sorry if that offends you." Alhaitham hums out, passing the paper over. "I don't see the problem here. I did not grow up with them."

"...I don't want you near _." Zhongli warns.

"And what does that have to do with anything I have just said?" Alhaitham asks. "Is there anything else?"

Zhongli sighs out, getting up with the paper before leaving the room without another word. After looking at the contract, Zhongli realises he could raise the prices of the cost for their funeral services with a smirk. He knew if he explained his less than enjoyable interaction to Hu Tao, she could find some humour in Alhaitham being screwed over thanks to failing to read the contract entirely.

But for now, Zhongli looked forward to meeting your friend.

[akiraruru]

Poor bunny

Included: Hu tao, fem! Bunny! Reader

Content warning/s: teasing, light degradation, fingering

A/n: i made a redo of an old fic because that fic was shit.

Ask from @/zhongli-solos: Can i request for a dom Hutao x sub reader smut, where Hutao fingers and fucks the reader by using her pyro vision to make the reader's heat even worse?

You were completed bare while Hu tao was fully clothed. You were sat on Hu tao's lap, your back laying on top of her chest as you breathed heavily. She starts fondling with your breasts, pinching your pebbled nipples due to the cold air coming from the open window all the while Hu tao is sucking and licking at your neck leaving purplish hickeys that's sure gonna be hard to cover up.

"Hu tao.. pleasee need you so bad"

You whimpered as she continued her stimulation.

"You gotta be patient, [name]"

She says in an almost demanding tone, you whine as she starts to caress your waist down to your hip, her left hand stills at your waist while her right hand travels to your inner thighs rubbing and soothing the area that was close where you wanted her fingers to be. You bucked your hips forward into her hand to get it closer but she pulls away as she cooed at your failed attempt.

"Aww you poor little thing, you're that needy huh"

She cooed while her hand caresses you cheek, one of her hands starts to fondle with you breasts again as while the other finally touches your pretty little pussy. Hu tao's finger ran up your slit and gathered some of your fluids.

"So wet already"

You whimpered as she starts rubbing your clit in gentle circles and her other hand pinches softly at your nipples. Hu tao inserts two of her fingers in you and curled them up, hitting just the right spot that makes you moan as your back arched.

"Ngh! Hah.. more, m-more please..!"

You moan while Hu tao continued to thrust her fingers in and out of you, curling her fingers to hit your oh so sweet spot that makes you moan every time she hits it. Hu tao then started to warm up her hands using her vision which made you moan out of pleasure.

Hu tao grabbed your chin to make you face her as she kisses you passionately, muffling your moans. One of her hands continues its way upwards to your ears, softly massaging the soft area, whilst fingering you and picking up her pace. Your ears twitched as hu tak continued her movements. She moved her hand down to gently circle your clit, her mouth continuously kissing and leaving hickeys at your neck, all of her actions makes you whine and moan as your sensitive body couldn't take it.

" I'm close, please [name].. Please "

You whimper while moving your hips forward to get more friction.

" Please what? Hm? Did I already fucked you stupid by just doing these? "

" please, 'need to cum..! "

You whined at her as she slowed down her fingers, upset that you couldn't get what you want. Hu Tao chuckled at your actions as she sped up her fingers again, bringing you close to climax. She kept on curling her fingers upwards to that spongy spit you couldn't reach with your tiny fingers.

" I'm c-cumming.. ! "

Your back arches as you orgasmed, your juices spreading across the white sheets, her hand drenched in your cum. She brings her fingers up to your lips.

"Lick them clean for me, dear"

You sucked and licked hu tao's fingers as she rubbed your ears gently, patting your head as a silent praise.

Likes, follows, reblogs, and any kind of feedbacks are appreciated!

[fortheloveofarchons]

Xiao turned into a bird and Aether takes care of him

C.W.

- Kiss and make up - Potion making - Xiao | Alatus being a birb - Hu Tao, Zhongli, Paimon and Verr Goldet mentioned in this chapter

.

.

.

The letter that Aether had received back in Wangshu Inn seemed like an urgent letter, with only a few sentences written on the paper.

I have heard that you are currently back in Liyue. It is of great timing for you to come to the Wangsheng Funeral Parlour immediately. As for the issue at hand…  I’m afraid it’s about Xiao. 

“Aether! Slow down!” Paimon flies from behind, trying to catch up with him. “Paimon can’t fly that fast…” 

Aether ran as fast as he could, sweat beading out of his forehead, his legs slowly getting tired. Yet, his mind persists. The moment Aether runs up to the red bridge in Chihu Rock, he sees the familiar building with golden-red pillars and green roof tiles. 

Along with a familiar lady with the plum blossom hat and the man with dark brown hair. 

“Mr Zhongli! Director Hu Tao!” Aether chokes out his words, his hands holding onto his knees to steady himself. Raising his head, he sees that Hu Tao’s expression remained unchanging: A gleeful smile on her face. 

As for Zhongli, his geo-coloured eyes flicker to worry. 

“What happened–” Aether asks on an exhale. “Where’s Xiao? Is everything okay?” 

“About that…” Zhongli points to Hu Tao’s hat. Aether turns to her, his eyes narrowing as he attempts to decipher the cryptic message. Hu Tao’s eyebrows rose along with her smile, and she took her hat off, flipping it upside down for Aether to witness. 

With a raised eyebrow, Aether takes a step forward, only for his eyes to become wide. 

A round-bodied bird, whose feathers are adorned in shades of teal, with the familiar purple diamond mark on its forehead. 

“Xiao?!” Aether immediately grabs the hat with his hands, watching as the little bird is resting peacefully inside Hu Tao’s hat. 

Paimon takes a look from behind, only to cover their mouth in shock. “Wh– What happened?!” 

“Again, about that…” Zhongli lets out a sigh, rubbing his forehead in frustration. “Do you remember when you and Paimon conducted an alchemical business selling different kinds of potions?” 

“Oh yeah!” Paimon replies, nodding their head enthusiastically. Their head could only recall the amount of mora they have earned. “We sold a lot of potions, and we learned a lot of things!” 

“Then, do you remember when Director Hu Tao had made a bulk order on the ingredients?” 

Paimon scratches their head, trying to understand the meaning behind this question. 

Aether steps in and replies on Paimon’s behalf instead. “She ordered a large batch of a variety… but…” 

Aether’s mouth fell open as the gears clicked in his head. 

“D– Don’t tell me…” Aether turns to her, his lips becoming slack as his terror grows. “Did you try to make your own potions and use them on Xiao?!” 

“Hey, hey~” Hu Tao closes her eyes as waves her arms defensively. “For the record, I was trying to be experimental for my business. Business is slow these days, so I thought if I try to conduct a few harmless potions it would be beneficial for my work! And– I could gain more customers!” 

“Director…” Aether’s entire body became impossibly still, his hands clutching onto the under brim of Hu Tao’s hat. “Your business is about conducting funerals!” 

“Aiya~~ I was trying to sell some healing potions for them!” Hu Tao clenches her fists, shaking her hands in protest. “I know my business tactics have been off, so I wanted to try something called… reverse psychology! If I were to sell these healing potions, this would make my clients feel safe when they think about Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, and perhaps I could repair my relationship with Doctor Baizhu with these potions as a peace offering.” 

An imaginary black and white thread forms into a convoluted tornado in Aether's mind, trying his best to understand how that would really work if the healing potions came from a business that deals with death. 

“I…” 

Zhongli makes a subtle cough, covering his mouth. “Point being, it appears that after the consumption of Hu Tao’s potion, Adeptus Xiao had temporarily transformed into a little bird.” 

Aether’s golden eyes glint with hope from hearing that word. 

“Temporarily?” Aether asks, taking a step forward to Zhongli. “You mean… Can he be saved?” 

“It would take time, but yes.” 

Zhongli stretches his arm out to the interactable wooden board, a sign for the two of them to chat privately. Giving a short nod in return, the two of them walk over to the board while Paimon bombards Hu Tao with more questions. 

“Although I was an archon back then, I had to ask Madame Ping and Cloud Retainer for advice before you came.” Zhongli folds his arm, a signature move by the man who used to be the Geo Archon. “They’ve said that since the potion is pretty much harmless, Xiao would be able to revert back to his original self by today.” 

“Then… Why summon me here?” Aether asks. Just then, the bird wakes up from his nap, and blinks at Aether. Once, twice, thrice, then immediately flies up, making chirping noises before he rests on Aether’s soft hair. Aether couldn’t help but let out a laugh, his heart now in a steady beat from Zhongli’s reassuring words and Xiao’s activeness. 

“I need you to take care of him for today. Director Hu Tao and I had to deal with the sticky mess that she made in her office.” Zhongli’s head turns to stare at the two of them, with Paimon’s bickering and Hu Tao’s argumentative verses, it certainly raises a few eyebrows from the passersby. “It would take a while, and I trust that you are careful and delicate with animals.”  

“Uh… Yes, very delicate.”  

A sweat drops down from Aether’s chin, thinking back to all those times when he slaughtered some Sumpter Beasts with his blade for some raw meat, freezing fishes with his cyro elemental powers so he could make some grilled fish, and killing the pack of pigeons that resides on the bridge at Mondstadt. 

That petrified look on Timmy’s face was priceless. 

“Moreover, since this concerns the guardian yaksha, it's best to solve this issue for those that are close to him.” Zhongli gazes softly at Aether’s eyes. “And you, dear traveller, are one of them in Xiao’s heart.” 

Aether’s cheeks were already pink from running, but Zhongli’s sentence pierced into Aether’s heart, making his face bright red like a Jueyen Chili.  

“Is that so..?” Aether fans his face with his hand. 

“I suppose it’s about time we should take our leave.” Zhongli walks over to Hu Tao and Paimon, giving one more glance to Aether. “When Xiao returns back to normal, inform us.” 

“I will!” Aether makes a salute pose like those Favonius knights back in Mondstadt. Zhongli lets out a deep chuckle in return, and turns to Hu Tao. 

“Director, shall we head inside to clean up the mess?” 

“Let’s!” Hu Tao turns to Aether, her hand raising for her hat. Aether then returns the hat to her, and Hu Tao neatly puts it back on, but not before she adjusts the position on it. She lets out a hum in satisfaction once it settles neatly on her head. 

“Mhm~! Take care of this silly little adeptus for me, will you?” Hu Tao gives him a wink before she bids farewell with a wave. 

“Alright…” Aether turns around, but not before he hears a little bit of a conversation between Hu Tao and Zhongli. 

“...It’s just a potion to make him a lil’ bit tired for him…” 

“...It’s still wrong, Director…”

Tired? Tired from what? Aether ponders the question, but shakes his head in resignation. Meanwhile, Paimon flies next to him, looking up at Xiao resting on his head, then down at Aether, who is giving them a criminal offensive side eye. 

“Don’t ask too much.” Aether folds his arms defensively. “Zhongli just wanted me to take care of him for a while.” 

He then walks off with Xiao the little bird, while Paimon is scratching their head in confusion. 

“Uh… Paimon hasn’t even said anything yet…” 

Full chapter down below!

[taojjang]

i wanna write angsty argument reactions but i genuinely can't think of a reason why seunghan would start an argument 😭 my baby is too sweet...

[theaceofshovels]

Womp womp 👎

[m1d-45]

death, rebirth, new life

summary: uh zhongli gets nerfed, you get some new friends, xiao has a crisis of morality(?)

word count: ~3.2k

-> warnings: major spoilers for xiao lore, like very major. spoilers for liyue archon quest. not much else

-> lowercase intended!

taglist: @samarill || @thenyxsky || @valeriele3 || @thehoneymushroomhealer || @imyme20 || @bittersweetorpheus || @vampirecatsw || @willburzone || @some-mildly-happy-human|| @yourlocaldrugdealerbutfancy || @inmyprinceerafr || @depressed-bitchy-demon || @kithewanderingme

<< first part || < masterlist > || next part >>

zhongli allows his weapon to fade back into golden dust, his mind involuntarily comparing it to the way you dissolved before him.

they were quite similar. after he’d pulled away his polearm, you had sent him a final smile as your body disintegrated into white flakes, much like his spear had, the water rushing back to fill the space you’d left. it had surprised him, because he’d expected you to fall into the black smoke that hilichurls did. unless he had made some sort of…

no, he tells himself, shaking his head. you deserved it. to wear a face that wasn’t yours, to defy his god so, his actions were entirely jus-

a spike of pain drives into his lower back and zhongli reaches behind him with a hiss, feeling for whatever’s hurt him only to land on the glass of his fake vision. it stings through his gloves, and he’s quick to yank it off, uncaring as the string it’s hung on snaps. the small gems on it scatter, but he’s focused on the glass in his hand.

or, rather, the floor. his hand still hurts from the pricks of invisible needles it stabbed into his skin, and he wasn’t keen on holding it any longer.

“what’s wrong?” hu tao comes up to his side, hand landing on his shoulder. “are you okay? is your vision?”

“it’s nothing.”

discretely, he tries to turn a pebble on the floor in front of him. he tells himself it’s nothing, he knows it’ll work, he just needs the confirmation for himself, since if a fake vision could react like that..

“hey, don’t worry about it. the dead need to stay that way. whoever that was, i trust your judgement. i’m certain you did the-“

she cuts herself off with a pained cry, her shoulders jerk back as her hands reach for her back, her face twisting in pain. zhongli takes a step over his ‘vision’, turning her by the shoulder to see what he knows but doesn’t want to believe.

her vision is glowing brightly, the diamond-shaped gem heating up the metal around it. he wastes no time in removing it from the clip holding it in place, though he has to drop it as well from the heat. it burned her jacket, and she’ll certainly need a new one, but that’s not what he’s worried for.

after all, the stone hadn’t moved.

the sun stung your eyes through your lids, forcing you awake if only to move to a more shaded area. the ground beneath you was hard but not harsh, warmer than wuwang hill by a long shot. you were tempted to stay, to allow yourself to slip back into sleep…

something squishy bumped into your right arm.

you pushed your eyes open, pulling at the numb strings of muscles in your arms to help yourself up. you were sitting in a stone… building would be too generous. there were four pillars and a roof, with a ramp to your left and a staircase in front of you.

and immediately to your right, the object that bumped you earlier, is a small dendro slime.

wide orange eyes peer up at you, the sight cute enough for you to forget your aches.

“hey,” you mumble, reaching a wobbly hand to nudge against its side. the slime chitters, hopping into your lap, and you notice something shining in the leaves atop its head. it doesn’t seem bothered, only pressing itself further into your hand with a chirp that nearly sounds apologetic.

“don’t be sorry.” you move your hand to pet over the stems on top of it, the slime’s eyes slowly beginning to close. you feel something hard beneath your palm, and move to see what it is. in the center of the slime’s head is a small tangle of grass, something golden shimmering in the center. you’ve never looked really hard at the models in-game, mostly because they’re always attacking you, so you’re not sure if this is meant to be there or not. maybe they’re like crystalflies, with a core in the middle? but why be exposed…

the slime chirps in your lap and you move your hand away, a ‘sorry’ on the edge of your lips when it stretches to move the tangle between your fingers. did it want you to fix it?

you tilt the slime towards you, but you don’t have a chance to try. as you watch, the tangle undoes itself, cradling a golden ring between the stalks. it looks about your size, with a small blue gem embedded on one side. the slime makes a soft noise, the ring sliding forward as it tilts.

“for me?”

you picked up the ring at its affirmative trill, sliding it onto your finger. it fit as good as it looked, surprisingly. where had the slime gotten a ring your size, let alone know it would fit you?

the slime looked up, seeking a response, and you smiled.

“thank you, little guy. it’s beautiful.” the slime visibly grew happy, hopping lightly in your lap, and you couldn’t help but laugh. it looked so excited, orange eyes beaming as it twirled itself into a little circle. how could they be enemies?

“where’d you get this?”

your question didn’t dampen its excitement—a surprise, since you expected it to have stolen the ring—and it only hopped off your lap, moving halfway down the staircase before looking back at you.

using the pillars to support yourself, you stood, wincing at the combined pain of old wounds and sleeping on rock. as you carefully move down the steps, you hope that the slime wont lead you to some poor merchant’s cart.

the small slime hopped along a dirt path, and you took the time to look around. behind you to the left was a large pit, for lack of a better word, a tree growing in the center on a platform surrounded by water. if you had to guess, you were probably still in liyue, just more south. the horizon was dotted with spires, and you think you see something like the jade chamber off to the left of your current path. it’s hard to tell, given the distance, but…

the sounds of humanoid chanting reaches your ears, and you startle for a moment before hearing the trademark woo! of an abyss mage. the slime stops, checking on you, but you just give it another smile as you continue to walk. so it got it from hilichurls, then? odd, but better than stealing it from somebody. it was in remarkable condition for being from hilichurls, though…

the slime leads you onto some rocks, and you can see the camp just below you. an abyss mage turns as you approach, the red film of a shield beginning to appear around it before it recognizes you. it was a small camp, only a handful of hilichurls around, and they all crowd you as you climb down the rocks.

the abyss mage chitters in a language you don’t understand, its red ears flopping as it gestures. it finishes with a deep bow, looking up at you, and your face twists in apology. luckily, it seems to get it, pointing to you before waving you into the camp. you take its hand and let it lead you to a crate to sit on, watching as it turns to the rest of the group and says… something. nonetheless, the hilichurls seem to get it, all nodding. the abyss mage puts its hands on its hips, satisfied.

the dendro samachurl says something to the large mitachurl, who nods, hefting its rock shield and standing near the entrance of the camp. the samachurl then pulls over another hilichurl as it walks to you. its staff is more at eye level with you than it is.

the samachurl chitters beneath the mask, and the hilichurl besides it—you assume, based on prior experiences—translates.

“unu boya ika zido mosi aba nunu,” it says, pointing further down the path, where you can barely see a wooden structure.

now, your hilichurl isn’t the best. in the beginning, you learned somewhat, but definitely not enough to know the entirety of what it just said. you catch the word for enemy and some sort of time word you think means later in the day, so that together with the gesture.. you’re hopefully assuming that it means later in the day there will be enemies, likely the millelith, over that direction.

you nod. the hilichurl seems proud of itself.

the samachurl continues, much shorter this time, and the hilichurl holds out a hand.

“muhu mita?”

ah. those ones you know just fine.

you accept the offer of a meal and let it walk you to a rock near a campfire, listening as they talk to each other. they bring you food and share more amongst themselves, the electro shooter waving its bandaged hands in a story you didn’t try to decipher. the heat of noon begins to fade after an hour or two, and though the campfire is now embers and your wooden plate is empty, you’re content.

the dendro slime from earlier sticks close to you, shifting as close to the dying fire as it dared whilst being out of range of the jumping sparks. it wasn’t particularly cold, only around 3ish by your best judgement. the sun still shone in the sky, washing over sand and stone and the things that sparkled under it. there was nothing to worry over, nobody near, and the mitachurl and pyro grenadier were still guarding the entrance. it was a welcome respite.

you hope it’ll last.

xiao pulled his polearm from the body of a hilichurl, picking a tuft of matted red hair from the jade edge. the shattered remains of its mask fell to the floor as its body dissolved, but he just stepped over it, dismissing his weapon. the boy from qingce was uninjured, the hilichurl grenadier had fallen, and his work here was done.

“-jianguo, what are you doing out here? you should know better than to wander near wuwang hill!”

xiao rolled his eyes, hoping the fading debt of the hilichurls would dissipate faster. he couldn’t leave without endangering the child or his mother, but he wanted to leave earlier sometimes, if only so people would learn not to wander into areas they didn’t belong.

“but mama, all the hilichurls fled to wuwang hill! our charms worked!” the small boy triumphantly held up a small piece of paper, sloppily colored gold with some sort of crayon. shaky black penmanship made a crude imitation of a sigil of permission, a hilichurl’s mask in the center. or, at least, he assumed that’s what it was. children…

“no, jianguo, hilichurls don’t listen to your sigils! just… just stay away from wuwang hill, okay? say your thanks to the nice man who saved you and let’s go home.”

the boy turned, wide eyes fixed on him, and xiao checked that he had absorbed enough of the karma for it to be safe before teleporting away.

he landed on unfamiliar dirt, haunting trees surrounding him. judging by the blue wisps floating around, he could guess he was in the forests atop wuwang hill.

his question was why.

normally, he teleports away to the next source of concentrated karma to ensure it doesn’t end up infecting the people of liyue. but this… he knew wuwang hill had hilichurls and cicin mages, but certainly not a high enough concentration, right?

‘…all the hilichurls fled to wuwang hill!’

unless something called them here.

with one hand on his mask, xiao drew his spear and started to walk.

the forest was oddly quiet. the leaves themselves seemed to stay still, the only noise being made by his shoes upon the path. there were no cicins, nor their mages, nor hilichurls of any kind. yet what was left of his tattered soul was called up the path, some remnant of an instinct telling him to let go of his polearm.

he gripped it tighter in response.

the stone steps ahead seemed to taunt him, seeming to stretch further and further away as he walked. whatever intuition tugged at him felt like it was tied around his soul, tying up the scattered pieces to drag around. it.. was less irritating than it should be, something that frightened him more.

every step he took highlighted the rips across his heart, the scars of karma accentuated. but it wasn’t the surveying gaze of a predator looking for weak points, the invisible eyes prying into his soul neither threatening or aggressive. it felt like he was being assessed by a doctor, like he was young and still being fostered by morax, like he’d gotten into a scuffle with bosacious and he was being scolded even as his arm was being bandaged, the warm mug of tea in his hand soothing the ache in his knuckles-

water on his cheek drew his attention, and he was quick to wipe it off his face, glancing at the sky. he didn’t remember any stormclouds coming in, and the skies seemed..

clear…

…

xiao set his jaw and kept walking, determined to keep his mind on his task.

the stone was cold beneath his feet, the seelie court glowing as the seelie inside buzzed. xiao turned the corner, ignoring the weird feeling in his chest. it had to be nothing. it had to be just some random memory that he was reminded of because of the trees, or the air, or… anything.

xiao walked up the second set of stairs, stopping at the top in shock. the pathway across the pool in front of the domain was covered in wildlife, everything that was missing from the forest condensed into one space on the path. birds, butterflies, even a crane and an electro cicin, all gathered around a small space.

he slowly took a step forward, confused by the display. to see so many animals getting along, crowding such an area as wuwang hill..

xiao continued to walk, his foot splashing into the water above the path harsher than he intended. he froze, making sure he didn’t disturb anything, but the gathering remained. he quickly made his way over the tree in the middle of the path, ensuring he landed quieter this time. as he closer, the details of what he was looking at slowly filled in. between the legs of cranes and over the heads of crows, he could see that a portion of the stone was a different color than the rest. the water above it also refused to move, the ripples from the various animals not moving it an inch.

the birds finally moved when he got close enough, flapping over to the opposite side of the discolored stone. xiao crouched at the edge of the still water, mindful not to get himself wet.

the stone, and water to some extent, thin as it was, was stained a yellowish color. the path looked newer, less worn, the water above it clearer.

his frown deepened the longer he looked at it. he’d never seen anything like this, any substance that froze water while it was still liquid and cleaned it of any dirt whilst never dispersing. he never saw so much wildlife, for lack of better words, getting along like this. the cicin confused him further- it also linked back to what he’d heard, that hilichurls had been called back to wuwang, but he’d yet to see one.

the slashes across his heart pulsed as it beat, reminding him of their presence as he tried to focus. the string tied in his chest pulled him forward, to reach and sink into the shallow pool of gold. he shouldn’t, it was dangerous, he didn’t know what it was or what effect it had on him—he should leave now, in rationality, because he was already being affected. if whatever this was was strong enough to affect him, a yaksha, then surely it was a danger to the villagers nearby..

then why didn’t he feel like it was a danger? why, though his heart burned with the remains of his karmic debt, eternities of slaughter, did he feel lighter?

questions remained unanswered as the pull strengthened, the animals around him growing bold, risking being near him for the chance to crowd the shimmering water. he checked that there wasn’t anything or anybody lying in wait—the chance of this being a trap was too high to ignore—before hesitantly dismissing his polearm, making way for a large raven to land beside him.

xiao stared at the bird, watching as it kept its body entirely out of the odd zone while still sticking close. did it not feel the same pull as he did? was this water meant for creatures such as him, with lifetimes worth of sin on their shoulders? was this where the hilichurls vanished into?

his heart beat against his ribs, the cuts of karma pulsing with it. this water, this stone, he had to be affecting it somehow. though he made sure that his shoes were outside the boundary and that his hands didn’t touch inside it, it was hard to deny the way whatever was dissolved in the water was attracted to his end. it had formed a gradient, the sheen across it darker on his end. he felt a need to reach out, to hold his dirtied past to this cleansing water and be clean of it. no matter how impossible. no matter how irrational. no matter how hard he tried to tell himself it was outlandish and would only get him into trouble, no matter how strong his will or how many rips crossed his heart.

…when xiao gave in and touched the golden stain, one of the tears healed.

the water’s shine faded in an instant, quickly turning back to clear as the stone beneath it aged before his eyes; animals around him rustled and cried, feathers ruffling as they came to their senses and took flight, leaving him with his hands over his sternum and a bright light beneath his skin.

feeling like one of the birds himself, xiao sat in a daze, his mind racing as he tried to rationalize what just occurred.

what was that? what had happened? why did he feel so light? why was his mind covered in warmth and memories of his time with the yakshas, with morax, with the traveller, why was he so- so free? what happened to the chains of karma crossing his limbs, binding him to his nightmares? what happened to the voices repeating his sins as the worst song ever played, where did the pain and the aches and his debt go? how could this water heal what the adepti could not? what morax could not?

clutching the healed seam of his soul, alatus fled.

[dusty-daydreams]

Isaac is standing up for himself and I love to see it

[xcyphoz0a]

The Rite of Parting

Gender neutral reader, angst TW/CW: mention of death Character(s): Hu Tao Word count: 281 Proofread: n/a | You wouldn’t have guessed that this rite of parting would be hers. | A/N: @astronetwrk , for the dragon's roar event!

The day seemed to be gloomier than ever.

It was morning. Yet the sky seemed to rain its sorrows, as if reflecting your own turmoil and wave of overwhelming confusion and pain.

You can see the funeral parlour staff crying, keeping their sobs to themselves, eyes saturated with redness and faces folded into pain.

Zhongli’s face seems all the same–but you could tell how his amber-like eyes glow a sad, dying shade of orange.

And you? Oh, poor, pitiful you. Eyes soaked in a teary, red mess, nose and eyes tingling with the continuous onslaught of pain, posture hunched into a ball– everyone knew that it was you that took the news the worst.

In your hands was the dish that she loved to make the most– Ghostly March, she called it.

You tried your best to make it like how she did, but you knew that this would never be like hers. It was a mere copy that you tried so desperately to create.

The dish slightly trembles along with your shaky hands as you slowly make your way towards the offering table. 

Clink goes the sound of the dish hitting the stone table as you retreat back towards where Zhongli stood, your head lowered, eyes closed shut.

The ceremony continues, as you finish saying your respects, watching as several of the staff of Wangsheng pay their own, and you swear you could feel the soft embrace of Hu Tao’s again, once more–the little ghosts that surrounded her greeted you with a little wave as they flew towards the grey sky.

And you know–you know so well, that this would be the last that you’d ever see of her again.

taglist : @chaoffee @sunnidear @solstarz