#zhongli is dying in the background

[devoutajaxfollower]

Born to hehe haha, forced to study

[maehwajuuuu-chu]

[Miuna • Punk Exorcist]

Summer’s humidity settles against skin like a sticky hug with light rain thrumming against the paper umbrella. Zhongli observes small hands fidget with a vision, a faint blue glow flickering from its glassy exterior. The child is rather insistent on looking away from him with mud covering her scowling expression and scraped knees.

“A vision,” he comments, a measured gaze with a hint of curiosity rolling across his face. “Is that not something to be happy about?” “What’s there to be happy about it?” she snaps back, fingers curling around the gift into a shaky fist, “My brother is stuck in another region now after nearly dying and this got dropped on me on that exact day. It’s nothing cool or legendary, just stupid. ” “Surely, he would be proud, no?” The girl sniffs, wiping at her eyes before muttering in a quiet voice, “…He is.” “It’s still a useless rock to me,” she abruptly continues on, tossing the vision and angrily gesticulating at the air. “I couldn’t fight those knights off and he just TELEPORTED me out of there so I wouldn’t get caught.” “Perhaps it was the conviction that mattered,” Zhongli simply interjects, placing it on the grass next to the child. He passes the umbrella to her, the rain sinking into his scalp and drenching through his coat. She flinches before hesitantly latching onto the wooden handle. Watery eyes peer out from under, a mix of child’s naivety and distrust glimmering through. He gently smiles as her, holding out a gloved hand. “And perhaps, you need someone to talk to over a hot cup of tea.” _ _ _ OKAY THE MENACE IS FINALLY OUT, I REPEAT, THE FERAL CHILD IS FINALLY OUT. Gods, I adore her. Ah, the shenanigans now begin. Fr Rai and Miuna being the most gremlin siblings ever (I love them, I adore those two, gods the amounts of ANGST I DUMPED ON THEM). Also rip Timmie's pigeons, if my Ganyu wasn't enough, there is now a rogue child eying them intensely. -> Got the drip marketing background from @/chie_zuu on twitter!

[kuyurasu]

Dearest Lost Lovers,

Sincerely Your Children

Genre ; Romance, Fantasy, Angst, Angst-with-a-happy-ending, Fluff, Smut

Note ; Y/n is a male. His personality may not align with yours but it's easier writing a lore story with Y/n having a full personality. He is also to have a pyro ability + be a descendant of a Phoenix. Y/n is referred to as Rhys in his past life but is the same person and has all his memories. The children are more mature than in reality due to the circumstances of wartime.

I will say this again; Y/n's personality may not align with yours. It is a rude, mean, and blunt personality.

Trope : 'I hate everyone but you.'

Timeline : Before Archon War, During Archon War, WAY After Archon War, but before Morax's 'Death.'

Warnings ; Fluff, Angst, Smut, Smut with Plot, Safe + Healthy (Non-Toxic) Yandere, Y/n Death + Reincarnation, Descriptions of gore + tons mentions of death.

Soft/Playful degradation, praise, body worship, slight religious themes but not too bad, foreplay, soft sex turned rough, desperate, teasing, playful, Y/n is a major simp basically, oral, breeding kink(?), and more prob. Use of Y/n.

Switch/Dom Reader, Top Male Reader.

WC : 13163

Characters : 73406

Read time : Approx. 88 min.

Pairings ; Zhongli/Morax x Seme-Hybrid!Y/n

~◇~◇~◇~◇~◇~◇~◇~◇~◇~◇~◇~◇

A story was told hundreds of years ago during wartime to soothe the cries of children.

Centuries later, those children remember the story and are more determined than ever to reunite the lost lovers.

~◇~◇~◇~◇~◇~◇~◇~◇~◇~◇~◇~◇

"Gather around children, I will tell you a tale lost long to time." The cloaked individual spoke. His deep and silky voice caused the many children to shush each other excitedly and sit on the ground.

The hiccups of tears of some still sounded, but by the promise of a way to escape, it quieted.

The dark, unknown man smiled gently at the endearing display of the youth. His sigh carried in the winds as he made sure the fire was still fighting, and the large blanket dropped perfectly on the children. "Now then… This will be a story you children will long to hear the next part and pray you never forget, for this is a tragic love story, to remind those who are lost, that it is not the end." He chuckled when he saw the apprehension of waiting.

A girl, no older than 6, called out, "Sir! What is this story about?" Her plump little red cheeks from the cold squished together, making her look more adorable.

The hidden man got comfortable once more, "This story is about two lovers. One forever too long-lasting, and one that can not stay. Are you ready, little ones?" He waited until he saw their adorable heads eagerly nodding before beginning his story.

"Long ago, there was a boy.

He was born in the grasses of Sumeru and was very cute, much like all of you," the children and him started laughing at his comment, "and was very happy.

His name was Rhys.

He drank from the clean streams, hunted his own food, and-"

"What happened to his mommy?" A lisping boy at around 5 years asked with a sad look in his eyes.

The cloaked man coughed a bit before smiling. "Well, little one, Rhys was much like you, burdened by having no one. But, much like you, he didn't let that hold him back." The children gave a look of pain at the memories of their loved ones leaving them. They were suddenly reminded of the sounds of war in the distance.

"But he had his forest anyways. He tended to it and grew to consider even the trees part of his family! He could even talk to them."

There was a collective spark in each of the little one's eyes, happy the boy wasn't too much like them. Cries of pain from an unknown God in the background were muffled by the cloaked man continuing.

"His mother made him from the softest feathers and a dying eternal flame…" He whispered, now hugging the boy, comforting both of them, and gesturing to the fire in front of them, for it too, was dying.

The 5-year-old gladly attached to the man's waist.

"The fire gave him a life that branched off to eternity, now that it had a reason to burn. The little boy learned how to string a bow, make his own arrows, use his gift of fire, and even become one with the forest he resides in. And you know what?" The children repeated the last word with starry eyes. "Rhys had beautiful wings. They were bigger than me!"

"Bigger than you?!" Said a different child, one of the youngest.

He chuckled.

"Yes, bigger than me, child. Rhys grew over time and lived longer than many mortals. Even the trees that grew were as old as he. He loved living in his forest and enjoyed each day to the fullest…"

The boy reached down, filling his hands with water from the creek and bringing it to his mouth. The sounds of crickets, buzzing, and chirping filled his ears. All he was accustomed to in the twelve years of living in the thick forest.

He quickly straightened at the sound of a twig snapping, though. His trained, bright eyes scanned his surroundings. He wasn't used to being the prey.

His wings spread out, forcing his body to be powerful and ready to fly. The boy felt no fear, knowing that this was the way of the wild.

Soon enough, a baby ocelot sprung from the bushes and began to nibble on the arm of the boy.

The stress and intimidation seeped from his bones and muscles. "You have much to learn," he laughed and began to pet and play with the animal. "What have you found now?" He mused, watching as the ocelot began to lead the boy away.

His wings fluttered around him, pulling into a careful coil behind his back to not stand in the way of many trees and other obstacles.

The ocelot skipped ahead, showing a scene that Rhys had never thought he'd see in his life. The grass was sunken and darkened colored, withered beyond recognition. The trees were making noises he'd never heard before, begging for help in a distorted way. Even the boy felt his body begin to wear down, a feeling deep in his chest that urged him to leave. It felt difficult to breathe and made him dizzy while inhaling anyway.

Rhys covered his mouth as he staggered towards the glowing red in his vision, something warning him to get rid of it. This thing was the one causing all of this and to protect… his for… forest…. He had…

To…

…

Ge…t, rid o…

…of it…

"And then, just like that… Rhys fainted under the pressure of the Withering." The cloaked man clapped his hands. "Now, little ones, let's get you to bed." There was a chorus of protests as the man led them back into the tent the children shared. "Now, now, don't worry. I'll be back."

"Please, Mr. M, can you pleaseee continue? We really aren't tired!" On cue, humorously, the girl yawned. The other children agreed, but the man was persistent in their rest, so he came up with an idea to keep their tears at bay and the pain in their hearts to disappear.

He smiled as he tucked them in the blankets, "Hm. I'll tell you what, little one, if you can stay awake… I guess, I can continue." He shrugged, making it seem like they had worn him down and won.

All the children agreed instantly, happy they convinced their temporary guardian.

The man adjusted his hood, keeping it hiding most of his face. "All right… We are in agreement. You children must stay awake to hear the story." He smiled, the only thing the children could see from the darkness of the fabric.

"Rhys had woken many months later, but nothing was the same ever again. He turned cold and bitter as if the withering had corrupted his mind instead of his body. Turns out, that guess wasn't far off."

The cloaked man kept the fire but shielded the eyes of the young from its brightness.

"Those who had saved him came weeks after he discovered the withering zone. Lying there, absorbing the darkness day and night. Once they cured the surrounding land, Rhys remained unconscious. The Mortals didn't know they had forgotten to kill one branch of the withering, forcing it to go into the boy's body. Nor did they know how to treat an immortal who had been sullied." A collective gasp surrounded the children in their slow-blinking eyes, making the man chuckle.

His body came in contact with the ground as he sat, beginning to pamper the closest kid near him, it turns out it was one of the quieter children, so he took extra care in making her comfortable and willing to not suppress the emotions that she took great care in hiding.

"The withering simply made a darkness form in him… Incurable. What was a bright, caring boy turned sour. He didn't care for the forest no longer and was incredibly lonely-"

The man stopped, seeing the now slumbering children in the tent. There were some, still fighting it off, but with a final last-ditch effort, they too felt their eyes become too heavy to handle. It was surprising both how long they lasted and how little he resumed to lull them to sleep. He stood before leaving. He had much to do in the war.

Many years after the corruption of darkness in Rhys, he became fully grown. He didn't talk to the animals or the trees, uncaring of what they had to say now. He needn't worry about the withering of his home because of the humans.

He felt as if he was so desperately longing for a friend, but a storm was inside him. Cursing and angry that talking to anything and anyone wasn't right, aggression coursing through his veins of self-isolation that he half bothered to tend to.

Even still, he couldn't be bothered with the longing in his chest as he gazed upon the man that held a spear to his throat.

Rhys eyes were fixated on the hidden man with a faux interest to try and mock and pretend to be normal. The God in front of him, though, wasn't convinced.

"Hybrid mortal, one has trespassed into the lands of Adeptus," his voice was stern and heavy, not to mention how guarded and professional it was. As if he was preparing for any reaction from the mysterious stranger.

Regardless of the beginnings of the war, Rex Lapis knew this… Being in front of him was no threat. The smell of anger and resentment was radiating off him, but none towards the God himself. The smell had soaked the winged man's very being. It was confusing and made Red Lapis ponder why this man was hiding such emotions as the smell had been resonating in this one's body for years.

Rhys sighed, eyes devoid of interest and positivity of any kind as he boredly looked around. "Is that where I am?" He mused lazily. "Caring for a thought, god?" The hybrid chuckled and shook his head. "I am Rhys of Sumeru. No mortal blood runs in my veins, worm. Don't insult me with pathetic lowness of mortality." The man glared with ice in his eyes, the spear doing nothing to push back the attitude.

If he had met the God under the pretense of before the withering, perhaps fear and respect would be present. Or perhaps pride in being considered a resilient creature such as a mortal.

The little girl, whose mother had died not even 3 weeks ago, gasped out. "Rhys would totally get defeated by Rex Lapis!"

Another child, a boy this time, turned to look at the other. A mixture of surprise, mock confusion, and disagreement on his face stared at her as if she grew 3 heads. "Are you kidding me? Nuh uh, Rhys would smash any God, right? He has wings!!!" He turned to his new friend with a smile, happy he agreed as well.

Thus began an entertaining debate of which of the higher beings would win, making the cloaked man laugh. "Now, children, what do you think the god said next?" He questioned, curious about what they thought.

"I think he's gonna get mad!" Other children agreed with the speaker.

"Oh? Why do you think that?" He smiled.

A hum of coyness was played by the kid, "wellll, I wouldn't like it if someone was that rude to me! My mama told me not to!" Cue puffed-out cheeks.

"Well, that's very true. One should not be disrespectful, but what this God did may surprise you, dear children. Now listen up…"

The God raised an eyebrow and withdrew his blade. He held it within Rhys' vicinity to not play games as he observed the man with a newfound purpose. "You are a cursed being, are you not?"

Rex Lapis could tell. Of course, he could. The cause may have been long gone from the man's body, but the effects were staining the reality of being. It was a curious infection to cause such death of personality to the point of no return, even turning what was to the complete opposite. It wasn't something to take lightly.

For once, since the two began this interaction, the winged man showed surprise and anguish. "You would be correct." He sighed.

Rex Lapis tilted his head, the hood still hiding the mass proportion of his face. "And what caused that, might I inquire?" The true intentions being hidden from the other, an inquiry though, wasn't what Rhys wanted. A mysterious being, in his business, wasn't on his agenda.

The familiar anger burned like a bright reborn flame as the question settled in his ears. Rhys didn't know this man. He didn't know what he wanted, nor what he would even do with that information. He was a trespasser, and someone who could pose a threat to both mortals and gods alike, this couldn't be amicable.

The darkness curled and snarled, perhaps hissing in the ear of the man. Reminding him of the reality that owns him.

"Why so friendly, God?" Rhys' eyes turned threateningly as he backed up a few paces and crossed his arms. "One has no business to discuss this with you. I will begone." The man forced his body to leave the area through the power of his wings. The feathers dripped onto the ground as they carried Rhys towards the way of the unknown.

Rhys couldn't help the wariness he felt towards anyone. The feeling of distance was both soothing and burdensome. An inescapable death of eternity. Perhaps that was what his creator had wanted for him, to be lost and cursed as he could only long for what he couldn't have. Even now, he wished his mind would allow him to care enough to make a friend, to turn around, and beg the God to allow friendship to form from the roots of rock. Even worship him just to get a fraction of love.

Perhaps that was what his creator meant to happen when casting him aside once the withering took hold of his bones and skin.

"Noooo… why did he leave? They were supposed to be friends!" Whined a girl, unfazed by the quite literally death encounter between the two in the story.

Between their harsh exchange, it was confusing as to why she formed the thought that they would become friends.

Her brother sighed dramatically, "Honestly, Rhys is a meanie. Why can't he just… I don't know! Ask for help? Can't the God get rid of the um… uhhh…."

"Curse?"

"Yes, the curse!" The children looked over for answers as the elder softly chuckled, a bit awkward but still liking the interest the kids displayed. Happy they weren't paying attention to the gruesome circumstances they were in.

He sighed with a smile, "Well, the Withering was hungry. It was so hungry to live that it decided to eat what was precious to Rhys. His happiness, love, and passion. His personality. It made it so deep that even with help, nothing would bring what he used to be back." The kids gave a sound of acknowledgment. "So, when there wasn't much happiness left, what was left?" He asked, raising his palms upwards to inquire about an answer.

"Sadness!"

He snapped his fingers, accidentally causing a mountain to crack in the distance, and pointed to the answer. "Yes! But also all the other negative emotions. Yet, unknowingly to Rhys, there was enough left. Just barely enough for only one other person. One friend. That one friend would be like a cure. An addiction. Someone that with a mere touch could bring forth good, and happy feelings back.

Now, my little travelers, when you get stressed and you just want to rest or eat, who would you go to?"

A boy raised his hand, and when urged to answer, he did, his voice soft and carrying to all the little one's hearts. "My dad..!" Many of the orphans nodded, still feeling the pang of pain from the memories of the screams of terror and tender moments of what they used to have. When life was simple.

"Yes, your parents. Or guardians. They tend to you and make sure you're comfortable. Safe. Well, Rhys didn't have that anymore-"

A timid girl copied the boy, raising her hand to interrupt the man.

"Yes?"

"W-Would… Wo…. Would that m-make you ou-our gua-guard-... guardi-.." The little girl had been birthed with the incapability to speak well like the other children, yet the man in front of her waited patiently, knowing to wait for her. As if he didn't have anything to do but wait for her to know the words, how to form them. So safe, it brought many of the children to tears. The thought of having someone for them even after the deaths of their family caused such depression.

The man stood and walked to the orphans, holding them and rocking as many as he could in his arms. His heart softly broke at the display of such broken and damaged youths. He wished he could do more. The hiccups of such despair, and he could only hush and pray this war ends with his victory. That he could protect his people, bringing much-needed peace and closure.

"Take your time, my children. For no matter how long you take, I will be waiting patiently for you to walk, for your words to find you. If you ever need help, I can promise to find you and tell you the stories of old." He promised. "I will be there guiding you, even if you have no one else."

The girl found her voice, "Are you our g-guardian?"

"Yes, child. And I promise to find you a home and be there for you." He soothed and whispered sweetly.

Hiccups came from the children from how heavily they despaired and the true reality of how cruel this war was, no matter how much he remembered the very story he was telling and the ending that taught him a thousand lessons.

Rex Lapis wouldn't allow anyone else to be taken from these children, like how someone else had been taken from him.

"Let us continue, shall we?" He choked back the tears forming in his heart, as it was breaking by the day.

There were some nods, but to continue calming them all down and keep them quiet from the gods wishing them harm, he would have to continue anyway.

Rhys felt something was off. It wasn't the same feeling when he felt like prey or being hunted. The feeling was more abstract and felt like he was going insane from how he didn't understand where or why it felt like someone was watching him.

He made it back to Sumeru days prior, and all was well until he woke up this morning. It wasn't like many mortals were coming by and observing him, and even if they did, Rhys knew how to make quick work of disappearing or noticing them. Outsiders that hadn't lived in his forest for as long as he had wouldn't stand a chance from his observations.

A single twig snap, even if it was several feet away, he could hear it. The rustling of bushes, trees, leaves, any abnormality, he would be notified.

He hated being observed like some lab rat, yet why couldn't he find the cause of this feeling this time? No matter how many tricks he pulled, he couldn't catch the stalker in the act.

It frustrated him to no end until he finally had enough at the end of the day.

The sun was setting, and Rhys had just finished, quite angrily, making a campfire and roasting some food, all while mentally preparing himself. Of course, he didn't want to admit it, but he would assume that this feeling was from the very same god he encountered before. He just had a gut feeling that couldn't be shaken that whatever burning sensation of stares in the back of his head was from the very same he met just a few days ago.

The God probably intended to wait until he had lowered his guard, maybe thinking that whatever feeling this was all in his head, then pounced. Well, he can't say that's not what he would do either.

"If you're just going to watch, you better get used to never having an opening until the end of days." Rhys glowed with anger, his eyes slightly shaking from the number of emotions he was feeling that couldn't be described as anything pretty. "So either show yourself or I'm going to hunt you." He impatiently took a big bite out of his food and glared at whichever direction of the forest. Any being in the forest knew that being hunted by Rhys, meant no return.

A single branch snapping was all it took for Rhys to puff out his wings, surrounding himself in a protective flaunt. Not only to make himself appear bigger but to warn the person, he was aware of their every movement.

The same god as before, Rex Lapis, stepped from the shadows of the forest. His face was now illuminated entirely by the fire, giving a gold-like filter over him. It was hypnotizing for Rhys as a dumbfounded look spread across his face.

Rex Lapis had no weapon, no hostility, and above all else, a hunger in his eyes that screamed an unknown emotion. "One assumed you knew where I was all along." He smiled, watching as the man across the fire was just as on guard, if not more.

"I could feel your gaze," Rhys responded simply. "Now, what do you want?"

"I wish to inquire about your curse and heritage. And also, to offer a contract."

"And did Rhys answer?"

"Oh, yes. He did. Quite truthfully, actually. It was a wonderful encounter for both as the darkness in Rhys accepted the divinity of Rex Lapis and slowly lessened its hold. Their contract was beneficial to each other. Rex Lapis needed a one-man army, and Rhys needed a friend." The cloaked man answered, gazing at the children as they walked and walked.

Their feet were burdened by sores and blisters from the number of terrains they had wandered so far. Any time the children took a break, the man soothed their pain as best as he could. Any means he tried, though, would ultimately result in more wounds on their feet from the long and tremulous walk.

"And then what- ow! Happened next? I'm okay!" The boy responded instantly once the man had become attentive to the sudden ounce of pain.

Through the skillful work of bandages on the heel, the man continued, "Hm. It was most curious indeed. Rhys felt his burden become lighter when around the God, and eventually sought him out when the anger or loneliness became too much… And Rex Lapis began to be the same. Longing more and more, even without the contract."

A girl helped her cousin up and stabilize the swaying child before the elder stepped in and took the sick one in his arms. "S-So, Rhys was good? All better?" She questioned, trailing after him while clutching onto the loose part of his clothing near his leg.

"Well, sadly no, children. But, luckily, Rhys had Rex Lapis, and Rex Lapis had Rhys." For a little while, at least, the man held his tongue to that information. "Rhys was truly just for the God to see and experience. He was very much the same, but with his god friend, it was as if only then could he feel happiness."

"And what of Rex Lapis? Did he begin to like Rhys more?" They gasped, "Do they like each other? Like, like-like?" The child started to skip in their walk while imagining the possibility. This tale was intoxicating to listen to.

The children didn't notice the stuttering step in their guide's walk, nor the brightening cheeks on his face as he cleared his throat. "W-Well, Rex Lapis… was also attached to Rhys, but listen, dear children… This war we currently are in. It was just starting then. Rex Lapis did like Rhys and enjoyed his lovely quiet company, but…" He sighed as the memories of the one he swore not to lose passed through his eyes. "Rex Lapis did Like-Like Rhys. But not at first, I bet you could tell." He smiled sadly when he heard the children laugh. "They drank tea together, hunted with one another, and in wartime, Rhys became the warrior the god wished for. More, than that, Rhys became the object of Rex Lapis' affections." He continued to describe their day-to-day antics, connection, and even the tiniest things that most would have forgotten to mention.

One of the older kids spoke up, "So wait… If Rhys was a hybrid… Bird… Did he, uh, make nests?" He gave an incredulous look.

The man laughed loudly, "Actually, yes. Quite an interesting question." The man shook his head, thinking. "Rhys was said to be a descendant of a mighty being. One is not quite reaching divine Godhood, but close. So Rhys being a child of such a being would make sense he wasn't quite mortal nor God. Wouldn't you say?" He mused both to himself and the children.

"So, the two become the best of friends?"

"Duh! The two liked each other!"

Rex Lapis smiled before being reminded of quite the definition of friendship between him and Rhys.

Pants and groans filled the air as the two got fed up with the intense amount of pressure between the two. Fighting for dominance all the more, until one of them finally got the upper hand. Rhys leaned down in his ear as he shifted to finally make his god feel so full, "Care for a thought?... I'm going to ruin you. Worship you until you feel dizzy and know I'm your favorite devoted follower. I'll ruin our friendship."

"Y-Yes… Before they began their… Partnership, that is." He coughed a bit, awkward at the memory at such an inappropriate timing. Luckily, his body didn't react too strongly to the reminiscence.

A child quickly skipped ahead, being beside the guide now. She glanced up and had a nervous face, "S-So, what happened?"

The man could tell what the underlying question was, and it honestly soothed him slightly that as happy as everyone was to listen to their new favorite story, there was something that went wrong. There had to be. The emotions of sadness radiated off of the man every time he subtly mentioned that such moments between the friends did not last. Children were so perceptive. Their high-strung emotions aided in detecting the smallest changes even the cloaked man couldn't hide.

"Rhys' curse brought upon many who sought him harm, and thus, he met his demise at the hands of mortals. It was said that he would return one day, but… a curse befell the winged man. The two shall never seek each other purposefully. For if they did not, finding one another by themselves would bring the demise upon Rhys once more." He sighed, depressed at such a fate. "Many were jealous of the power Rex Lapis and Rhys had combined, so they cursed them to never intentionally seek one out."

"W-Well, what about us?!" A boy yelled out.

"Yeah! If we find both of them and bring them together, everything will be okay, right? They-... They can have each other again!"

A chorus of confirmation from each child, they were all feeding each other off of hope and determination to have the two once again meet.

"Listen, children. It is noble of you to hope to rejoin these two lost lovers, but… Rhys is no longer living. He shall be reborn, but I am unsure it will be… in… in your lifetime." He attempted.

Yet he was already too late to try to falter their plans.

This tale was woven into their minds now, weaving and spinning like an addictive hopeful drug that they desired to make come reality.

In their time of need, they found comfort in their God and a being lost to time and blood, just like all of their loved ones. It would be cruel and unjust for the God, as mighty as he is, to live on without his happiness forever as well. Perhaps that, too, is the karma they deserve once the war is concluded.

The children promised each other in a contract under Rex Lapis' name that night. The winds were untouching as the tent secured them tight, and the man outside unhearing as they swore this future would happen. May it be one life or a thousand, the children promised to pay back their unforeseen and unknowing parents by bringing them back. After all, the curse never said that an outside party couldn't bring them together.

The dinner plates clicked as the orphans glanced at nothing in particular. The spaces between each other in their seats, the cutlery that was rusting, anything but talking. What did they have to talk about anyways?

All their ages ranged, and they didn't know how to relate to one another. Some newcomers were new orphans, so that meant no talking about their pasts, who wanted to console a sobbing kid when they were all crying on the inside? Some were siblings or cousins, they stuck alongside, simply finding comfort by being next to each other. Others were tortured by nightmares long after being an orphan. So, they were left to idly glance at each other, never meet another's eyes, and be awkward.

It wasn't supposed to be like this. Some used to have parents, some here since birth, how can they have anything relating to one another other than being alone?

The Rite of Descension was upon them in two days, so they could easily avoid each other then, but until that time, everyone was for themselves.

"Alright, children, off to bed." There were no protests, not even a sigh, as they stood from their chairs and began to walk up the stairs. Girls to one half, boys to another. To sleep for hopefully, dreams and not nightmares.

But that night wasn't going to show dreams, but memories.

"Gather around children, I will tell you a tale lost long to time."

Screams in the background.

"Rhys had beautiful wings. They were bigger than me!"

"Please, Mr. M,"

"Mr. M!"

"Yes, your parents. Or guardians."

'They-... They can have each other again!"

"We promise to bring the two lovers back."

Gasps came from the waking children as they scurried out and looked into each other's eyes.

All of them knew what this meant. Every single one of them met at just the right time, right before Rex Lapis came down their only chance. Their memories came back in this lifetime meant,

Rhys was back.

They nodded at each other with smiles and tears going down their cheeks. The eldest kid among them, a girl, smiled and gave a determined nod. "Let's make a plan. We only have so long!" She said excitedly.

The kids nodded and ran off to get anything they would need. Any scrape of Mora they had, coming together as they set out for the materials.

They came together, "This plan, I call GTCR! Get-The-Couple-Reunited!" The kids laughed and ruffled the boys' hair as they sat on the creaky wooden floor and got to work.

The dull talks of Liyue made Y/n sigh boredly. None were of interest to him, not like they were ever, but at least sometimes they provided drama and entertainment. Today? Nothing.

There was Madam Ping, who often talked of the flowers, that was talking to some poor bystander, and wasn't paying much attention to him as he desired some entertainment. Any, really. Some teenagers were kissing in the alley close to him, his heightened hearing granting (cursing) him to hear the disgusting sounds of their beginner lip-smacking. Lastly, of course, a few adults were talking about Rex Lapis on the bench.

Playing mortal was quite fun at times. The audacity they display unknowingly in Y/n presence, and even their hilariously pitiful hopes and dreams.

It makes him laugh.

How insipid they could be at times.

"You have a nasty scowl on your face Y/n." The old lady scolded as she walked back over to him, hands behind her back.

He glared up at her with such malice it would cause anyone to think he wanted her dead. Not that Y/n could help it. Hatred and anger came easily, happiness and relief, less so.

Madam Ping reached forward and pinched the flesh on his cheeks and began to play with it with laughter as his face turned even sourer. "Such a handsome young man shouldn't be seen with such a foul face." She smiled and let him go finally.

"Can I go now?" He dismissed her words, focusing on the pavement as if it owed him money.

The madam laughed and shook her head playfully as she went to the stall and began to search for something. Y/n felt dread build in his stomach as a headache began to form at her meaningless words.

"...-this to Granny Shan, near-"

"I know who she is, hag. Shut it. I have a headache." Y/n scowled, standing up and taking the toy materials from Madam Ping before rubbing his face exhaustedly.

Madam Ping gave a worried face to the man. "Rhys-"

The fire that had been dormant sparked for a moment, almost showing the immortal blood coursing through his body. "What have I told you?-"

"Slip of the tongue, now shush child.

Y/n," she corrected, "Perhaps you should rest. Hibernate, perhaps? You haven't found anyone to break the curse, and… And Rex Lapis hasn't been seen since last year. Maybe you sho-"

"I do not care for how long it takes me. I shall be reunited with my Archon."

"You've given enough. You helped us win the war. Even in death, your very soul influenced the tides. You may rest, even if it hurts, as the help you've given us is unfounded." She whispered, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. Sheltering, attempting to at least, for whatever bad thoughts he was undoubtedly forming.

Y/n brushed her off and gave a fiery look directed at her. On cue, she felt the sheer fire behind that look, the burning of power he held at his fingertips. He wasn't even attempting to use his ability. The fake vision swung on his person with little care.

It made her wonder how he hasn't reached godhood, and how strong he would be as a god if even with a mere look, and his very presence while deaf could make mortals scream. She continued to ponder as she watched his retreating form.

-

Granny Shan was always nice to Y/n. When he had been reborn again in this life, she had technically raised the devil. Assuming the child, which was a grown ancient being in a toddler, was an orphan and took him in.

He wasn't… Terrible to the old lady. Never great or even that good, but compared to many, he wasn't.. bad. Y/n was secretly, deep down, relieved that Granny Shan knew that too. That his cruel behavior was never intensively directed toward her. It doesn't excuse his hostility, but she didn't mind. The old hag told him so multiple times, somehow knowing he was worried deep down.

"Hey, woman, I got you some shit from the Madam." He gruffly said, going behind her stall and placing the supplies on the table. The old woman smiled and waddled over to the man and began to look at everything he brought over.

"Ah! This is perfect…" She grinned, "I'll be able to make much more kites. Y/n, won't you be a dear and help me make some?" By the words of the old lady, the man scowled and had pure malicious words at the back of his throat, the swirling darkness causing him to cough and try not to say anything. He wanted to curse her out, to walk away and tell her to do it herself, anything to keep her from getting close.

If only he had-

"... Whatever." He mumbled roughly, walking near the stand, swallowing the urge.

He's done it for decades, he can handle it surely for a while more.

"Now then, in a little, the Rite of Descension will be finished, and the festival will begin." The old woman rambled to both him and herself, beginning to make the kites and other toys. "There will be a few kids coming here to get some toys." He hummed absent-mindedly as he matched the woman's movements.

"The Rite of Descension? That's today?" He asked, sadness creeping into his bones. "I didn't… Realize." No wonder those adults were talking about Rex Lapis. He was so absorbed in his head lately, that he didn't realize the most important and crucial day was almost already done.

Granny Shan had pieced together that her adopted son wasn't like any of the other children, and eventually, when he never aged past a certain time, she figured he was something inhuman. She, too, could feel the unbridled power lying beneath the mortal skin, a pathetic layer to hide the ruthless power, so perhaps it was only a matter of time before she figured it completely out.

She smiled and handed him a part he needed, "Indeed. Time flies." She sighed happily, choosing to ignore the expression Y/n gave. Knowing he wouldn't answer anyways.

The man paused and looked up at the sky, knowing somewhere he missed him again.

"Pst!"

Y/n furrowed his eyebrows as he looked down and around the area confusedly, before coming up empty and going back to his work.

"Pst!" The voice whispered a little time after.

He sighed and once again looked around, this time more frustrated and honestly wanting whoever was making that noise to stop.

"Pst! Over here!"

He glanced at Granny and when he realized she hadn't been paying attention, even worse, that she was zeroed in on her project, he knew that he would have to solve this himself.

With a final, annoyed sigh, he began to walk over to where he heard the whisper.

Maybe he was getting rusty. Back in his younger years, he could smell a creature's intention just by them being slightly near. The tiniest emotions were detected in an instant. Now, he had to hunt them down first?

What a drag.

"Pst! Yeah! Over here!" Y/n now figured it was a child, and as he walked past a building, looking behind it, he figured out that it wasn't just one child, it was more than 10. All ranging in age up to what seemed to be nine years old. The one who was whispering to him had a missing front tooth, about eight years old, he would guess, rough-cut ginger hair, and dirty clothes.

"The hell you want kid?" Y/n crossed his arms. His eyes squint slightly to show annoyance even though he didn't necessarily feel any at this moment.

Surprisingly.

There wasn't any fear, nervousness, or even intimidation from any of the children as they whispered to one another.

"Is that him?" "Could it be..?" "Are you sure?" "I didn't expect him to be so tall!" "What are you talking about? He said Rhys was taller than him!" "Yeah, but where are his wings?" "Maybe we got it wrong?" "No way! Look at his eyes!" "He looks just like the legends."

"All right, shut the hell up brats. Now, what do you want?"

"He has the attitude too…"

He sputtered, confusion swirling and making him almost dizzy. "The hell you talking about?!" His annoyance came back as shock officially registered when the brat felt the gall to tell him he had an attitude.

One of the little girls went to another and grabbed a scroll, which, definitely looked stolen. She unfurled it and waddled over and showed it to Y/n. His eyes cautiously slid to the paper which showed a winged man, him, hovering above mountains as Rex Lapis raised a hand for his spears. "I-I-Is-Is thi-this y-y…" He waited, his face saying he was bored but not minding the wait, this seemed to cause a stir around the children that 'it is him.' "Y-You?" She points to the winged man.

"So what if it is?" Y/n gruffly said.

"Rhys!" "It is him!" "I told you!" "We've dreamed of meeting you!" "Quick, we have to hurry!" "Just wait for a second, jeez!" "Why didn't you come to see us?" "Maybe he was busy?" "Wait! Sir!" One boy that had originally opposed the idea of Y/n being the ancient being raised a hand.

He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, "Wait a second kid. I don't care for your yapping, but I am not Rhys anymore." Y/n glared at no one in particular but he managed their attention with ease. As if they wanted to listen to him with those puppy eyes.

"Wait, what do you mean?" Some kids also whispered and even seemed so disheartened.

Y/n sighed and straightened his back. It wasn't like anyone would believe these snotty, gross, possibly orphaned kids. "It's just as you said, brat. I don't have wings anymore." He turned his back to show the hollow carving of where his wings were supposed to be, the shirt he was wearing barely doing anything to hide it.

"B-But, how?!"

"I don't know how you heard about me," some of the kids' eyes sparkled like they were dying to tell him, "but you should've learned of my curse and first death." They nodded. "Humans captured me, took my wings forcibly, and I eventually died from blood loss. When I was reborn, and all the lives after, including this one, they didn't grow back." He shrugged.

The kids took a moment to glance around at one another and even whisper to the closest one near them. They sighed before getting that determined look back into their eyes. "Well, whatever! You are Rhys aren't you?"

"Yes..?"

Instantly they grabbed ahold of any limb, or loose clothing, and began pushing and pulling him in a direction. "Mission; GTCR, Part 3, Get New Rhys-"

"Y/n."

"-Y/n, complete! Now on to Part 4! Is Group B doing their part good?" A little girl running from the distance with an older girl in tow quickly joined the tuggers and nodded with a thumbs up.

Y/n felt extremely uncomfortable and borderline sickly as he didn't want to go anywhere with these kids. He had to get back and help Granny Shan, not play with these kids and help with whatever they were scheming. They knew his real identity, and even though he told himself that no adult or older person would believe them, there were too many to deny they could be telling the truth. Fuck.

He grunted after the two girls joined in the pulling as he limblessly followed them. "Is no one going to tell me what is going on?!" Y/n called out, looking around for any of them to tell him.

"Nope! I'm good. Do you wanna Hiroko?" A boy said.

"Uh," she glanced at Y/n with a cautious face, "I didn't think he'd be so scary! How did he even be able to look at him?!"

"Hey!" Y/n almost sounded wounded.

"How about you Asashi.?"

"Um, nope, not me either..? Yuki?"

"Just one of you tell me what the hell is going on or else I will actually try to walk away." The children squeaked, knowing that trying meant using any amount of strength.

Yuki, the stuttering kid, shook her head and looked pleadingly at one of the older ones, a boy, and gave a weak smile to him.

The boy sighed and nodded as he tugged Y/n's finger once more. "We are finishing a contract we made… a while ago." He mumbled at the end, obviously not wanting to tell the full story.

Y/n faked gasping, mock happiness and glee on his face as he dramatically spoke, "And that answers all my questions! Thank you soooo much."

"Add, 'Didn't know he was so sarcastic' to that list."

"Oh, you little sh-"

Y/n was cut off by the tallest kids covering his mouth and eyes as they quickly began to make him sit down at a certain point, hidden by the shadows.

"Keep your eyes closed!" "Don't move!" "No, this is how you do this." "Ohh…" "M-M-Mak-M-Make sur-sure h-he is-is-is good f-f-f-for h-him." "We are, thank you, Yuki!" "I think the other team is dressing him as well." "R-Real-l-ly?" "Aw, lucky!" "I wish I got to do that.." "What colors did they decide?" "You'll see!"

The muffled protests of Y/n were quite ignored as they began to put on a certain type of clothing on him, wrapping him up like a present in those clothes, and even tidying up his hair.

He can't believe he was allowing this. No, change that, Y/n can't believe what was happening. Wait, what even was happening? Just… a grown-ass man, that has abilities beyond the mortal mind, is getting bullied and forced to do this? Is he even being forced?

Eh, not really. More boredom and laziness spurring this on.

"Alright done!" They pulled away from him and he looked down to see what they did, he was quietly impressed. They had put on a layer of festival clothes over his thin normal wear. The colors were deep and bold, celebrating the colors of Rex Lapis in his Adeptus form. Oranges and reds, highlights of bright golden yellow, and of course, a dark and rich chocolate brown as the base. He looked like was one of Rex Lapis' worshippers.

Y/n smiled, showing his pride in being a loyal devotee to the god who made his heartache.

He sighed and stood up, turning and looking over every spot while all the kids stayed quiet and watched him. They looked eager and hopeful. Perhaps they wanted praise. "It looks…" some leaned in a bit closer, overjoyed they noticed a strained smile on his face. "Fine." He finished with possibly the most effort he could afford.

They cheered and sighed with relief as they began to congratulate each other. "Wait, I merely said that it was fine. You don't… want something more?" More appropriate praise? Actual praise deserving of what they had done to him?

"No it's okay Mr. Y/n, we already knew about your curse! I'm sorry the bad thing ate your happy emotions."

"W-What.?" He asked, not understanding what she meant by that, but was quickly caught off guard when the children promptly grabbed hold of him yet again and began pushing and pulling. Y/n let out an exhausted sigh but followed along with their antics begrudgingly.

They talked to him happily and even though their little waddles to get him somewhere were taking a while, he permitted conversation. They seemed delighted regardless of how dry and dismissive he was.

They asked about what his past lives were like, what he was doing now, and even what he was doing for work. For such tiny and young kids, they sure were nosy. He told them of his time in Inazuma in one life, two more in his homeland Sumeru, a few in Snezhnaya (he found out there, tropical beings should not go to a winter-fucking-wonderland), some in Liyue, and his previous one in Fontaine. Oh, and one in the middle of nowhere. Probably Natlan.

He didn't tell them how he had died horribly in each, too impatient to wait until the curse was broken to see Morax, which, ultimately, led to his demise in each life.

Y/n noticed they dragged him almost everywhere in Liyue before another girl came up, paused, and looked at him before nodding. This sent all the little one's into a frenzy as they began to practically haul his ass away, once again. This time, Y/n had a tiny smile on his face directed at the children.

"Operation GTCR in motion!" The kids laughed and shook their heads.

Y/n noticed they began to shake with excitement as they began reaching their destination. A grand tree stands in the center of the plane of land, a lake coursing through with a bridge crossing it.

Asashi gestured for Y/n to lean down and purely out of curiosity he did. "Now!" The children tackled him and began ruthlessly covering his sight with a blindfold, tying his wrists with rope, and making sure no one would hear the bewildered noises the ancient being made.

Soon, he was standing where he presumes was under the tree, alone. Ever since his sight and wrists were bound, he had to rely on the noises surrounding him. No children, no footsteps, no breathing other than his own, and no animals scurrying about. That was what was odd. After living in the forest for a good portion of growing up, noises were always a good sign. Lack of it meant there was a predator near.

If he had to sit here and pretend to be an innocent person that just got jumped, he would. Purely to not have to work with Granny Shan and be uncomfortable selling toys to people.

"... this way!" "Please keep your eyes closed!" "Careful, watch this step."

Wow, and they were so rude to him but whoever they were making him play fucking tea party with, they treat them like they were fragile and royal? They shoved him multiple times! He probably had a bite mark somewhere!

"Where are-" "Shhh!" The kids chided, all of them desperately trying to hush the man's voice. Y/n knew that voice, somewhere. His ears shifted to attempt to detect the tiniest details about the newcomer, his hands squirming with nerves and restlessness. The children seemed to notice the hybrid's sudden attention shift, quietly praying once they did. Knowing he was trying to hear where he knew that voice from.

The children quickly moved and set up something in front of Y/n and quickly backed away. Confusion crossed his face once more as his eyebrows furrowed and started to reach out to the quickly leaving kids. "W-Wait where-" "Shhhh!!" They covered his mouth and he felt the man in front of him shift as if he recognized, or thought he sounded familiar, him as well. This energy as well, something was screaming at Y/n to remember.

"Alright!" A girl called, really far away, "you can take off your blindfold Mr. M!" Y/n felt even dizzier at who was in front of him, this all was baffling and confounds even him. Mr. M? He doesn't know any fucker by that. And here he was thinking he knew who this M guy was.

There was slight shuffling from the man before a tiny gasp before what Y/n can assume was a hand covering his mouth.

"Alright, what is going on?" Y/n growled out, starting to get seriously frustrated. He picked up on a tearful, almost mournful chuckle, before feeling his cheek get cupped by a hand. Y/n instinctively flinched away but before he could spit colorful words that would surely cause some looks, the agony that haunted every waking moment washed away at the graze of touch from the person in front of him. Y/n had never felt anything like it other than when his skin touched Rex Lapis. That tiny touch was euphoric and made him want to cry and cry with relief.

His heart started to race and pound in his chest as he desperately grabbed the hand that started to pull away and place it back on his face. His breath came out heavy as the overwhelming feeling of love, happiness, hope surged through him like a wave. That one touch made him nearly faint, this consistent hold made the hybrid forget everything. His name was forgotten, all of them, all the moments he wished he could erase, was erased, only this. This was everything. Living was purely for this. "Fuck… Don't move." He mumbled, a whimper at the end of his tone. The whines of loneliness in his heart went away the slowest, but as if being called like a moth to a flame, it not so slowly disappeared.

The man in front of him chuckled and placed his other hand on the side of his face and began to softly stroke the skin beneath his fingers with his thumbs. Even without sight, he knew.

"... My Archon," Y/n whispered affectionately, voice breaking at the end. Confirming it out loud was something else entirely. Shattering.

The Geo Archon chuckled, "Haven't I told you not to call me that?" He whispered back, noticing the sudden change of demeanor of Y/n.

Mr. M meant Morax. Fucking hell. His god. His Archon. His entire heart and those tiny little fucks knew it. Planned this entire thing. He is the god's most loyal follower, his muse to late-night activities, and yet he was ashamed, ashamed he couldn't realize it instantly it was him simply by the sounds of his breathing. His footsteps. Even if it had been years since his most recent past life, he should've known.

A sigh escaped Y/n as he lifted his wrists to show he wanted out of his confinement. He could criticize himself later, all that mattered now was showing his god his devotion. "Please?"

Morax sighed, albeit a bit shaky, "I can't remember the last time you said please, even in my presence."

"..." Getting no usual snide response out of Y/n, Rex Lapis gazed down and looked at the bound wrists and smiled. The limbs were shaking to be free, yet even at the terrible tie, and is completely capable of snapping the rope, Y/n restrained from doing so. He needed his god to slowly touch and maneuver the material, all to let him be free. It was subtly one of the more endearing things he's done for Morax.

Rex Lapis finished untying the restraints and just as he did so, the rope barely even beginning to fall, Y/n enraptured the Archon in a bone-crushing, desperate hug that shattered both of their hearts. Reunited at last. Forever this time. "Rhys?" Still, though, the Archon was shocked by his loving display.

"Damn those sneaky kids." He would have to invite all of them to dinner and let their little bellies be filled with the finest food before finding them the nicest, best homes. Even then, they would always have a home wherever Morax and he would go.

"They did complete their contract." The God whispered back, slowly undoing the piece of cloth hindering the hybrid's eyes, knowing what would happen when they got home, once he let the man take in the view. Moraxs' hair was prettily made up by the girls and boys, clothing matched the color of fire that was always dancing in Y/n's eyes, a sign of his true form, that beautiful intense red. Even the red and orange flowers in Morax's hair. All for his future husband.

Y/n opened his eyes as soon as the cloth got an inch away, blessing both of them with each other. "You should know, my love, I got by Y/n now…" He murmured, brushing away with his thumb a stray tear on Morax's face.

A hum came from Rex Lapis, "When on leave, I tend to go by Zhongli Xiansheng." On leave? How cute.

"That'd mean I'd be Y/n Xiansheng." He bumped their foreheads together and began to rub them together lovingly. Like a cat.

Zhongli gave a surprised look as he looked up at the serene and lovestruck hybrid, "You wish… to marry me? So soon after seeing each other once again?" He whispered so quietly, even the children eavesdropping in the not-so-far distance couldn't hear.

Y/n gazed at every little detail on his boyfriend's face, "Certainly. Think of it as a contract. One that shall never be broken. I have been far too absent in our lives, and if it is alright with you, I'd rather not spend another minute separated for a long, long time." He closed his eyes. "I'd wake up screaming for years, decades after I left you all those times. Remembering constantly that I love you. My heart and my soul have been yours since the first contract, and being away even for a fraction of a second is too long and my body knows that. I think of you in every waking moment, wanting you to talk to me, to advise me, to command me, whatever the circumstances. I remember your delicious tea, and no matter how much I tried to imitate it, yours is the only thing I want. You'd lay with me under the stars and play with my wings, make me feel whole and me again. You complete me." He sighed, opening his eyes once again to see the crying Archon, "and if being hasty to marry you means we are one again, I would recommend being married right now. Only those little children are to be the witnesses to our… contract."

Zhongli tried and failed to speak, his heart thundering in his chest as he screamed yes, but the tears and emotions consumed him as he crumbled. Rhys, or Y/n, comforted him until the very last hiccup. Kissing away each tear and whispering 'I love you's' until he was ready to respond once more.

"Of course, my Y/n. You are not alone in your declaration. I've been yours ever since the beginning." He smiled and chuckled at the overwhelmingly relieved sigh from Y/n. "Were you honestly thinking I'd reje- Mmf!"

His words were shut down by the sudden kiss Y/n enforced, closing his eyes instantly yet smiling when he heard the 'ew's' and cheers from the children before hearing them all run off as they separated.

"So eager for me, and yet we haven't done anything." Morax teased.

"I think, even if you stood in the corner of a room, alone, I'd be just as eager."

"Is that so?"

A familiar smirk graced Y/n's face as he reached up, touching the colors of his old self on Zhongli. "Care for a thought, My Archon?"

He already knew what that dirty thought was, after all, it has been years.

-

He had barely been touched in the centuries following his lover's death. Morax, the feared and gruesome God in the war that had led hundreds of groups of grieving children, didn't necessarily like being touched. Specifically, he didn't like being touched after Rhys' passing. He had gathered the highest death toll compared to any other being and had that one crucial detail.

Centuries passed in a flash, and no matter how many times he attempted to resist touching himself, in fear of forgetting how much better Rhys did it, he somehow ended up biting one of his many pillows, sweat dripping down his back, pleasuring himself by vividly imagining it was his dead lover and lord, the effect that had on his body. Sometimes, rarely, when Morax was utterly desperate he would get rougher with himself. Those times felt so much like Rhys, he would be pleasuring himself for days, overstimulating himself to the max.

He would tug on his hair, his cock, even plow ruthlessly in his lonely hole, attempting to feel anything like how the hybrid made him feel. Sometimes, he could feel the ghost of a grip on his throat as his fingers imitated what should've been Rhys' dick.

What he wouldn't give to be ruined by his lover again. To have him yank at the gods body, manhandling him however he wants, to utter filth of worship and degradation directed to both of the desperate men.

Those were such delicious and sinful fantasies that left the archon crying on the pillow both in loyal love and desperation. Eager to be reunited.

Y/n, or Rhys, the one he had so desperately wished would pleasure his divine body, was now here. Taking a painfully long shower. Making 'Zhongli' writhe in the sheets, the very sheets he had coldly cuddled to Y/n's pillow and hump.

He never had the heart to get rid of it. Not when the tiniest bit of his smell still lingers.

The door of the bathroom opened and revealed the usual shameless attitude of his lover, Y/n had barely tried to hide his midsection with the tiniest towel. Zhongli never used said towel, too tiny, and had forgotten it existed, figures Y/n would find it.

He left this out with his story to the children, but considering Y/n had been raised by none other than the whispers of trees and animals, he never considered clothing a necessity. Or rather, he never considered it necessary when Morax was around.

With nimble fingers, Y/n quickly lost the towel and in silence began to analyze the growing size underneath the boxers of Zhongli. They both lost their clothes, tangled limbs scampering through the house before falling onto the bed, gasps of need escaping both but suddenly Zhongli was cold and missing his body on top of him.

Their separation does nothing to soothe the ache.

Y/n simply smiled and sent him to shower while he got the bed 'ready.' Ready meant, making the bed into a nest. Pillows and blankets, covered and dripping his scent after being deprived of it for years.

Then he went to shower, leaving his beloved lover squirming in the nest. Mere boxers that had soon been soiled.

Y/n tilted his head before his eyes began to blaze with fire at the view of the boner in between Morax's legs. "My dear, you look absolutely pitiful. Might I worship you?"

Zhongli wasn't unfazed by his words, the bottom of his lip wobbling with the anguish at filling this need. His head bobbed down in need, affirming he did want this. Not just wanted but needed. A requirement.

"Please." He whispered, eyelids lowering.

Y/n gave a soft smile instead of his usual smirk, before walking over. He climbed into their nest, careful not to disrupt his hard work of making it perfect for his fiance.

He would marry this man. He would be there for him forever and ever, even after the fall of Teyvat, even when they both ascended to Celestia. Anything. Anything for his beloved Archon. This nest was just the beginning of his devotion.

Now that the Y/n was relieved of the blasted curse, no more death and coming back just to wait until he could one day see his beloved one. He'd be staying right here, in his arms. If Morax told him to fuck off and never come back, he would bury himself and do just that. If he told Y/n to choke on his cock for hours, or days, he would warm his dick with his ready, wet mouth.

Y/n's warm body came in contact with Zhongli, heating the both of them instantly. So much so, that it felt like an inferno had lit their hearts on fire.

"First," the hybrid whispered, "I'll kiss every inch of your body, then my favorite, I'll kiss every part of your dick, to the point you're weeping for me." Each kiss would be a searing show of love and devotion. He began at the ankles, Zhongli's pretty little pale skin there, slowly working his warm lips up, and up. Calf to thigh, to the sensitive flesh that transferred his lips to his waist. The weeping dick between Morax's legs begging to be played with, but regardless of the tiny whimpers leaving his mouth, Y/n pretended not to hear. Moving to the other leg and beginning his sweet sugary torture there instead.

He needed to reinstate the memories of the touch he scarred on Morax's body anew. Have his scent on every corner of him, a proof of ownership, Y/n was his, and the same goes the other way around.

"P-Please," Zhongli whispered again, needier than before if that was possible. Watching Y/n slowly pleasure him in the tiniest way possible was making him dizzy.

His back slightly arched in anticipation all the more when a kiss was placed on his v-line. The tingling sensation going straight to the drip that slid agonizingly slowed down his rock-hard length. A whine escaped, loud and impatient to get onto the real pleasure from Morax, causing those pretty red eyes to slowly meet the God's eyes.

A shiver ran down both their spines.

"Archons, you're so pretty my love." His kisses continued, and the searing licks up his abdomen weren't too playful anymore. The eye contact persists the entire time while infecting his body. "Don't beg, my dearest love…

My heart, you won't ever have to beg for something from me…" The licks and kisses, sometimes a nip, continued as he finally got to his neck and handsome face. Their noses brushed as Zhongli pulled him up. Their lips grazed one another, bitten and red. Waiting for each other to devour.

"My Archon," Y/n whispered as his hand began to wrap securely around Zhongli's neck. Not for the breath play they love oh so much, which surely hasn't changed, but for acknowledgment he is here. And staying. "For it is I who would get on my knees and beg. Even if I ruin you."

"Y-You better get to work as I still hold my wits. I don't want you to beg, I wish for you to love me." His smooth voice rattled at the start but leveled soon after. Morax made a quick movement, grasping Y/n's chin and forcing him to watch helplessly as he spread his legs, moving them up to be perfect for the hybrid to place his hands under his ankles and destroy his insides. "It's been a while, love, I need your scent inside of me."

Y/n eyes began to glow a bright brilliant red in pure unparallel lust and want. His hand started to squeeze Morax's throat gently, reminding him not to act too bratty or hasty considering the hybrid was already trying to be tame as to fully enjoy this leisurely pace they were at. They may even be here for days before either one's desires are even remotely satisfied. Good thing none of the Adeptus or outsiders can enter this Adeptus realm without permission, for if they did after noticing Rex Lapis' and Rhys' sudden disappearance, they would surely have a sight. Their strongest Adeptus, Archon, and oldest being, on top of a cock he had been thirsting for. Such a sight Y/n wouldn't allow anyone the pleasure of besides himself.

Morax's hiccups of choked-up moans as he cries, his whines, his bounces, his thin little waist, all of it was for him only. Predatory instincts demanded their bodies to only be for each other.

"God, I want you so bad," Y/n mumbled, more to himself as he resumed his kisses of torture on the Archon. On his neck, collarbone, sternum, and stomach, before finally the tip of Zhongli's dick. "Imagining it isn't enough. Won't ever be enough.."

"Tell me," Morax whispered, wanting to know exactly what the man who was dying to suck his dick wanted, what he was daydreaming of.

A sigh escaped both of them as a lick up the underside came, before sucking at the drips of pre coming from the top. "I want to enjoy you. Again, and again… Enter you, and bring you bliss until you're satisfied. Imagined such a fantasy for years."

The God hummed pleasantly as he watched Y/n go back down as start pleasuring. He sighed, licking his lips as well. "I won't- hmm~ be sat- fuck! Be satisfied for quite a long time."

"I'll have to work hard then."

"It appears so.." he grunted, "then again, I imagine you won't be sated for a while either." The only noise confirming that suspicion was a deep throaty chuckle as Y/n parted his lips, opening his mouth for Morax's appendage, before plunging it down his throat. A gasp stuttered from Zhongli's lips before his back began to arch up and down as moans slipped from his tongue. It was so delightful that Y/n felt his hips automatically thrust in response.

Zhongli's eyes wandered down and noticed the issue that he so brazenly didn't hide. A weak smirk graced his face, which wasn't missed by the hybrid that was giving unworldly pleasure to him. Y/n's eyes sparkled with fire as he watched Morax get high off the power that Y/n relented to him. Such a powerful being at his face willing to do anything, as his hand clasped into his hair and began to guide. Y/n liked it, seeing the resolve of his god get heightened before getting destroyed when he realized his pleasure needed to be controlled.

He popped his mouth off Zhongli's cock and licked his lips greedily. Groaning at the pleasure. Morax shivered, furrowed his brows, and stared at the erotic scene. "How filthy. You shouldn't…"

"Shouldn't what, my dearest?" He purred, maneuvering Zhongli's body to lay on his stomach, ass in the air just right. "Hm~ Were you pleasuring yourself in that lonely shower?" Y/n glowed in satisfaction seeing the loose hole not even resist the slipping of his fingers. His tongue lulled out and dripped saliva all around the fluttering mess and ass.

Zhongli couldn't even talk as a wild blush came across his features and embarrassment corrupted his tongue, no longer capable of responding to the teasing words so Y/n continued.

"Did I excite you so? The kisses, the pulling at your waist." Two fingers were swallowed whole as he inserted them quickly. Hardly going slow. "You were oh-so eager for me, only to be disappointed when I pulled away. You knew we would be here for hours yet my Archon couldn't wait? Sticking your fingers up your little hole, trying so hard to stretch it…" he sighed happily when he noticed Morax squeeze his eyes closed, and start trembling at the beginning harsh thrusts of Y/n's fingers.

After pressing against his sweet spot with a powerful thrust, the squirming male squealed. He started to babble and lose his mind. "Aw, already? We haven't even started my beloved." The pyro vision user chuckled evilly.

"P-Please, Y/n-..." His handsome voice trailed off as once again, he was left trembling once he felt the utter tenderness, and love on the tiny pecks and kisses as his lover worked him open. His attention crumbled from what he was going to say and became absorbed in the smoothing touches of his precious fiancé.

Y/n slowed the temporarily quick pace of his fingers in exchange for an intimate pace. One that still made Zhongli shake.

"Need-Need to open you up-" He tried to rid the thoughts of rushing, which could cause Zhongli discomfort.

"N-No! Please! J-Just pleasure me, you said you were going to- Ah, fuck.. Said you were going to worship m-me..!" He eyed Y/n's pretty cock that had been dormant in any of his actions, yet still had an angry, desperate cherry-colored tip, and a sheen of pre at the top, no doubt from rubbing against the bed during their… antics.

Y/n nearly growled animalistically as he straightened up, moving Morax's limble body to be in a handsome mating press. The hybrid's instincts to breed screamed in his head as his mate lay in his nest, laying in a perfect mating press. Perhaps he could indulge that image in his head, Zhongli stuffed to the brim with his cum.

A huff from his god caused Y/n's attention to come back to reality, his cock twitching still at the image in his head, which didn't go unnoticed. A longing whine came from Morax as his hips lifted impatiently to get the hybrid tempted to just enter him already.

"I'm doing it my love, Archons, you look so pretty." He mumbled the last sentence as he moved swiftly to where the head of his dick was only slightly pressing against the entrance.

Zhongli's eyes glowed a brilliant gold as his hips thrust down, forcing Y/n to enter with a whine. Both gasped at the feeling of becoming one again. Their souls intertwined and twisted as a steady and smooth thrust came from Y/n, not stopping once until his pelvis met the flesh of his lover's ass.

Their collective groans echoed in each other's ears as Y/n leaned down and rested his elbows on either side of Zhongli's head. His face was buried in the God's neck as they both had to steady themselves at the buzzing feeling of reconnecting their bodies after centuries.

Y/n felt everything melt from his head and anything that had weighed and stressed him over the years washed away as he felt the delicious stretch, squeeze, and warmth of his god. He mumbled words of worship and prayer in Morax's ear, said man flinching before moaning and shaking at the tender words of endearment. Zhongli grabbed the messy hair buried in his neck and began to tug on it. A signal to start moving.

Y/n kissed all over his lover's face as he withdrew his hips. A whine of pleasure and pain rumbled in the back of the full man.

A sigh escaped both their lips as a tender and sweet pace began. It wasn't rushed or urgent yet, as they both had plenty of time to spare, but lingering bits of need still lasted as their eyes met. Quiet and peaceful moans escaped both their lips at the drag and warmth they gave each other.

The heat of being squeezed made Y/n dizzy with lust and appreciation.

And the agonizingly slow but delicious drag of the dominant man's cock sent the god into near delirium.

A whisper of adoration escaped the thrusting male before a mumble of an apology.

He withdrew everything in a mere fraction of a second before slamming into Zhongli. The sudden thrust caused everything sweet and kind from their thrusts before was shattered as skin harshly slapping on skin echoed, groans, gasps, and yelps coming from both of the men.

"O-Oh Rhys! Fuck..!" Morax called out the old name of his lover, forgetting everything as his heart thundered in his chest from the force of the thrusts. Pounding into him without restraint.

The pleasure was boiling hot as he writhed and squirmed, trying to hold onto anything as his insides were being rearranged. Soon, the god was left into a trembling and babbling mess for Y/n to enjoy and listen to.

His thrusts sent spikes of pleasure up his spine as he leaned down, his ear near Morax's gasping, bitten, red lips. "Y-Y/n!" A scream of his name got his attention. After a few more harsh ruts that had their eyes rolling in the backs of their heads, a coy smile that screamed male arrogance came from the hybrid.

While wildly thrusting, never stopping their pleasure, he chuckled slowly, groaning with pleasure at the back of his throat as his eyelids lowered, "Yes, my love?" His rasping voice enticed a response.

"Archons-!" His head was swimming too much, what he was going to babble about long disappearing as he greedily moved his hips to match the ruthless thrusts Y/n was eagerly giving.

A tiny chuckle sounded, "I've made your head empty so quickly. How cute and pitiful love. I should ruin your body more, until you're begging me to stop because it became too much, hm?"

"Fuck! Dammit, m' gonna cum! Gonna c-cum for you, plea-" A particular thrust completely directed at his g-spot caused pearly white strands to pour out of the man, not noticing the predatory gaze Y/n was failing to hide.

He wanted more of that sweet smell, for Rex Lapis to come undone again, and again.

"How cute." He whispered, continuing his thrusts of pure torture as the high he's been looking forward to approaching rapidly. "Gonna want my seed? I can fill you up, gonna do it… promise my love." Zhongli merely nodded dumbly as overstimulation clouded his mind, spit and tears mixing down his face.

He hiccuped, feeling a second orgasm approaching. "Need it-!" The shocks or pleasure cause him to moan and gasp.

A firm hand gripped his cock before suddenly jacking Zhongli off with such urgency he knew the hybrid was close and wanted them to climax together. "M' gonna fill you up, my scent is… fuck! Ahh…" He smirked and lazily began thrusting once he knew they were on the very last edge to cumming. "S' a pretty face y'r makin'. Scent you until we die." that last comment Y/n made caused Morax to gasp at that imagery, fucking like rabbits.

His warm cum filled the Archon, while a shudder came over him, cradling him in his arms while the aftershocks still consumed them. Y/n would be damned if he pulled out right now, his little gift would spill out and he wanted to be in the comforts of Zhongli's hole right now, before he got hard again, cockwarming him.

"Y/n…" Rex Lapis whispered, placing his hands on each side of his face while making the delirious man look him in the eyes. "Welcome home." And gave him a tender kiss.

At the words, a tear of pure happiness slipped from his cheek, the depression they'd both been subjected to washing away as they cuddled in the nest. "I'm home."

-

After many, many, many rounds that left them only more hungry for each other, they lay in the ruined nest, clothes, and coverings nonexistent as they gazed at one another. Sleep was evident in each other's eyes as they whispered sweet nothings to each other.

"I think…" Zhongli licked his lips lazily, his eyes fluttering closed before opening to try and continue, "when you died, the first time, I wanted to cleave out my… Heart." He whispered, causing Y/n's own heart to clench painfully. "But, I knew you'd be back. And even after saying that each time, it still hurt…" By now, the god had given up trying to keep his eyes open. "I missed your blatant disregard to divine beasts… how you'd look at me when you'd hunt me food as if you were hoping I'd love it…"

Y/n smiled loosely, his own eyes slowly going closed but fighting it better than his beloved one, wanting to gaze upon his features just a little bit longer. "It's a mating ritual…" He whispered, twisting their legs together more, torsos pressed more up against each other.

Zhongli hummed, chuckling quietly, "So sweet…"

"What else did you miss about me.?" His eyes closed while making sure his low voice reached the man.

"I… missed your nests… how you'd groom me in the evenings, fix up my hair." He sighed. "How you…… Would warm me up when I was cold. N' set trinkets put where I'd find them, like keys, rocks, and others… especially when I fed you. So many things…" He sighed, burying his face finally in Y/n neck and settled. Soon enough, his breathing went slow as sleep greeted him, along with being lulled by the scent of Rhys.

Y/n kissed the top of Rex Lapis' head as his breathing steadied. His final thought being, 'Thank you, my children.'

AN : fucking finally done. Been working on this for like… 2 months. Draft after draft of not being good enough. ANYwaysss. Thxs for reading, don't lmk of any spelling mistakes bc I ain't going to correct them anyways lmfao, I'm too done with this one shot to even care at this point ;-;

If you'd like me to do a pt 2, possibly about Rhys finding his wings or getting married or smth, maybe even make Zhongli horny for Y/n and riding him(yummy), but do lmk of that. Who knows. Thinking about doing a Dottore, or Diluc one-shot.

Requests are open, idc the length, jus know I work at my own rate. Just look at my do's and no's but I'm generally a laid-back person.

[thatdeadaquarius]

I just reread your Language Barrier AU and the ballpoint where reader was pissed because these fuckers just couldn't help but talk like Zhongli-

MINCE YOUR WORDS.

IN ONE SENTENCE.

PREFERABLY 5 WORDS OR LESS.

EXPLAIN IT TO ME LIKE I'M RAZOR.

Argh, God. I'm getting mad just thinking about it. 😤 Imagine in a fight and these dudes just sttaight up blurted a fucking 5 book-length, hard bounded soliloquy- I cannot-

No, Venti, Kazuha. You cannot use Haikus-

No, Cyno, you cannot use jokes either- but that is debatable-

And Oh. My. God. I kept thinking about when fighting and y'all kept throwing words (like when using a skill) and I'm just here standing, bracing myself SO HARD trying not to laugh (also irl). And then maybe now and then some mistranslation on Reader's mind since they use JP VA since the start of Genshin (assuming they play?) are new to Teyvat's Language:

'One with the Floor!'

One with the what?

'Shake your ass, sir!'

Cue spitting tea-

(Sorry, that's just me mishearing things 💀) But like at those times, Reader is the one dying of laughter lol. Imagine them explaing to Beidou that they thought she said 'Power of the ending Hotdog' instead of 'Power that ended Haishan'.

Aight, imma just.. go.

*imma send this anonymously because im shy, but do know that I love bread 🥖

Also @2:20

For you 🤲🥨🍩🥧🥐all the bread for the superior ask, anon

I could definitely see myself saying "ONE SENTENCE. U HAVE TO RESPOND IN ONE SENTENCE ONLY." then they manage to still make it a whole 40 word sentence 💀

^^ Confused Bakugou gif is literally u being shocked bc u keep mishearing everyones bursts on the battlefield LMAO SHAKE UR ASS SIR THAT ONE TOOK ME TF OUT ANON

☆

"Speed of Bite!" (Keqing's Speed of Light lol)

"I will have whore her!" (Zhongli's I will have order 😭)

"Time for... Execution!" (Diluc's time for retribution lol)

...

You in the background like: 🧍‍♂️... tfs wrong with yall, u glitched??

◇

They're like, physically incapable of making your kind of simple blunt sentences

Like i think some people would get close: Albedo, Xinyan, Klee, Qiqi, Sayu (rlly likes it bc it lets them be lazier), Cyno (maybe at first but then he would like, explain for 10 min after every simple sentence what he meant like his jokes 😭), Hu Tao, Heizou, Lumine/Aether, Xiao (can kinda get close but he gets frustrated and then rants for 30 minutes lmao), Razor (holds the title for the closest to your simple speech,👏👏LMAO PPL ACCIDENTALLY THINKING HES A GOD)

♤

People who will never get it, not even if ur in battle & ur life depends on it LMAO:

Zhongli (he rlly wants to but habits over thousands of years r hard to break 🙏 rip), Yun Jin, Xingqiu, Kuni/Babygirl, Venti, Kazuha, Sucrose, Shenhe, Kokomi, Ei, Nahida (tho it was a valiant effort), Noelle, Alhaitham, Sara, Ningguang (she doesnt want to even try lol), Mona, Fischl, Jean, Ganyu, Eula, Barbara, Diluc + Kaeya (unsurpringly both of them are tied for being the worst attempts at speaking simply 💀, guess its just that fancy etiquette training, its too hard to break) 😔

♡

Yeah, ur pretty much begging the ppl who can get close to ur speech to constantly translate everyone else

Rest in peace traveler, theyre like the first person u turn to,

(Paimon is also kinda bad at speaking simply, closest shes gotten is when she demands food lol)

☆

Idk how good this was, but THANK U FOR THE ASK AGAIN I AM ALWAYS READY TO HEAR OTHERS MAKE MY BRAINROT WORSE OVER LANGUAGE GENSHIN <3

ALSO I CANT BELIEVE U SENT ME THAT CYNO JOKES VIDEO PLEASE ITS SO LONG IT WAS SO FUNNY I STILL HAVENT WATCHED THE FULL THING

Feel free to send another in whenever i love talking to yall ♡

Cheers,

🌒🌊🌧Aquarius♒️🌌🌘

♡ the beloveds:

@karmawonders

✨️✨️✨️✨️💖✨️✨️✨️✨️

[reilliane]

✤ Universe: Remedy ✤ Concept: To save he who is damned to the deep a/n: four simple words, lovelies; chasm archon quest, beta!xiao. aditionally, fluff! ROMANCE! WE'RE TALKING BETA XIAO GO GET SUM-/smacked. angst is only for like, the first few hundred words.

Who would've thought? A Yaksha such as he...

The cold wind embraces him in the harshest of manners, the sensation a desperate pull towards the depths of the Chasm. He can almost chuckle.

... Finally falling to his demise.

It's peaceful. The thought is saturnine but he isn't lying by any means. He feels much more peaceful than he initially thought and he, daresay, is fine to go this way.

After all, he has saved the Traveler and the group of misfits along with her. He has at long last ascertained the identity of the nameless Yaksha, he has no lingering regrets nor dampening worries.

Oh, what a lie.

He has one regret; [Name], Frostborne Beast, Subduer of Curses.

A fellow Yaksha.

His lover.

It is unlike him to leave his post without any warning, but the moment he learned about some suspicious—marginally supernatural—activity in the Chasm, he rushed.

Whilst fully cognizant of his plans and urgency, he only ever alerted Zhongli and the Goldets of his exodus. Now, it isn't like he didn't want to inform his comrade, but it's more of a case of couldn't.

[Name] wasn't in Liyue, an uncommon thing to consider for a fellow Adeptus and Yaksha. She visited the land of Mondstadt for a personal mission pertinent to her background and hasn't returned since.

And Alatus can't afford to wait. The best he can do is to relay his message to the Goldets. Then he left.

Look what's gotten to him now.

He's rather upset and, to be frank, in pain.

A usual occurrence, but his discomfort as of the moment leans more unto heartache. He can't bear to imagine that he's actually leaving without so much as a goodbye.

The feeling is extra bitter, more so since he promised a life of sincere tries; to try and love despite the karma, and to try and love despite the danger it brings them.

He's longed and pined for centuries and here he is, fleeing, vanishing—dying.

He will reunite with his brothers and sisters, yes.

But what of [Name]?

That reclusive, surprisingly endearing woman, to be left alone as the last Yaksha? The thought brings him immense guilt and he realizes for a fact that... this isn't how he wants to go.

Not in this state.

He doesn't wish to die this way, without having seen her.

He doesn't wish to die this way, leaving her to carry on the memory of her comrades alone.

But what can he do? He's emptied the reserves of his power and exhausted his might. All until he's but a puppet being cast deeper and deeper in the tenebrosity.

The surface light is but a small speck now, even. It's too late.

Alatus can only whisper his genuine apologies and heartfelt confessions in hopes of them being carried to his lover as he feels the surge of darkness start to gnaw from within.

With a final murmur of her name, he shuts his eyes.

...

But then it has gotten cold—no, the Chasm's always been cold—to the point of getting shivers. It feels like winter has arrived.

And it has.

Alatus opens his eyes to the sight of a myriad of snowflakes kissing his skin, splaying frost from the tips of his fingers toward his bare torso.

It might appear like a normal sight if not for the fact that he's falling down fast, yet the snowflakes are falling somehow faster. As if it is being willed to.

The gasp is barely able to leave his lips following the rise of his realization, for amid the ribbons of silver and sapphire, a ghost-like figure is summoned.

Beckoned from the call.

Arms appear from the envelope of frost around his form and strands of [c] billow from the snowflakes gathering just beneath his chin.

“Alatus,”

It all happens in the blink of an eye.

“I'm here.”

He is enraptured with the atmosphere of winter, held in her embrace until he becomes feathery light—then everything is turning white.

The very next second, he's perceiving the touch of solid ground, though he can't quite wrap his head around it yet. For still, he finds himself trapped in the lasting press of the serene snow.

It's bright, he realizes after a moment. He's at the surface.

He's not dreaming.

“Alatus.” he hears it a second time.

With a quick swivel to his right, his eyes turn owlish, stupefied as his breath leaves him. Even though he's seen the same being for the past centuries, his heart never fails to race as though he's laid eyes on her for the first time.

“[Name]…”

Snowflakes are just starting to dispel from her entire mien, cascading into nonexistence from her [c] tresses and leaving a touch of blue in her [c] eyes.

He can still feel her wintrous aura. One that's more fervid than cyclonic, which is a surprise in itself.

[Name] does not hide her displeasure under any circumstance, and despite this situation being likely to result in her fury... she does not encompass any ire of some sort.

Instead, the most telling of her chagrin is the crease between her brows and her pursed lips. She strides toward him with clear intent.

“What were you thinking?” she chides, voice low and icy, “If you hadn't called my name- archons, you're so-… !”

Ah, Alatus notices after a timid pause. He did say her name- he did not expect to be heard, however. As far as he knows, she wasn't anywhere near Liyue to begin with.

Oh, but then again, he knows not to underestimate the might and capabilities of a Yaksha. Especially her, someone he's bonded with on a level much more profound than simple camaraderie.

With a swipe of his tongue over his lightly dry lips, he works around his disbelief and works up a smile.

“Well, I did! And you saved me, right?” Alatus beckons his lady to come closer with an open hand, only for it to be slapped away in haste. “There's nothing to be-”

“You're an idiot as always!”

He yelps when his bicep is smacked, left mildly stinging with a warning of frostbite, though it fails to deter his elation. In fact, he only resumes his bout of chuckles.

Dropping his joy is not in the plans for now. There is absolutely no way he's going to slip how he's actually spooked at the idea of having escaped death.

Really, he'd hate to dampen the relief on his fellow Yaksha's face.

Lost in his bubble of thought, reality reels him back in the form of a particularly heavy slap on his arm that has him flinching with a pout.

“Ow, okay, that's actually beginning to hurt- woah!”

Alatus is unprepared for the brusque pull that sends him careening to the woman, almost sending them to the floor if not for the secure hold on his shoulders and his hand on the asphalt.

His exhale is shaky as he blinks and stares against the narrowed [c]s mere inches away. He can't start to wonder about the close distance when he's still astounded at the sudden careless action.

He dips his head down an inch, their noses almost touching as a frown surfaces on his face. “What was that for- mmph?!”

Heavens, he isn't prepared.

The spike of heat in his abdomen, lurching to his heart and creeping to his neck and cheeks- it's all too sudden. A feel of apricity covers his lips, tender at best.

Almost immediately, he no longer mulls about the stygian cage of the Chasm.

Enjoyment lasts only for a brief second—even though the kiss lasted longer—what with his delayed reaction, and [Name] pulls away. She no longer appears exasperated, just relieved.

“Thank you,” she breathes, “For calling me.”

For some reason, she's wearing her emotions on her sleeve today, and just seeing it causes butterflies within him.

It is usually the other way around. Not like that's what his mind is geared on as of the moment.

Still dazed from the kiss, he locks onto a single thought.

More.

To satiate his wishes, Alatus chases to close the distance again, tingling lips desperate to get a feel of the nipping cold and make it warm.

He has no explanation for his impulsive craving, maybe it's because it's a long time since he's kissed his lover? Or perhaps because it's the first time she initiated the display of affection?

Regardless, he desires more and he surrenders into it—but the finger against his lips forbids him from getting what he wants.

“Don't get ahead of yourself,” the austere bite has him sighing in defeat. “Might I remind you that we are in a public place, still? And you've some business left to do. The Traveler is coming.”

Resigned, Alatus withdraws to fall on his bottom, his second sigh one of playful hurt. “I'm inclined to say that my dear is much more important business.”

“Flattery will get you nowhere.”

He huffs in protest. “It did! Took me five centuries, though.”

[Name] rolls her eyes with a scoff, and although the gesture comes off as sardonic under the first impression, he knows it to be untrue.

He isn't blind to that smile, no matter how small!

The tiny curl is mirrored on his face.

Then, in the silence, he takes his lover's hand in his and squeezes it in gratitude. He just knows that If he decides to depend on his voice to convey his message, it will take him until the next morning to finish. So he resorts to his touch.

Even if neither of them voices out their own fears of the situation prior, it is perfectly understood and quelled in the assuring entwine of fingers.

The sound of rushing footsteps rips through the heartfelt moment, however. It incentivizes them both to stand and pat themselves off any dirt to appear presentable just as the Traveler and Paimon turn around the corner.

Lumine has a face of utter relief when she sees the pair of Yakshas, and Paimon's already begun to exclaim things in hysteria.

Alatus flinches at this, prepared for the floating pixie's sermon, to which [Name] chuckles at.

Their hands part away, heavy with reluctance but alas, there is business left to do.

“Hey,” he whispers, “Before I get told off, can you-”

Aware of what he wants, the female Yaksha turns away with a firm and frosty, “No.”

Her cheeks are pink, though, and Alatus snickers at the pretty sight.

Chagrined for the nth time, [Name] sends him a frown and says that a sermon from Paimon is the least thing that he should worry over. After all, he's had it coming after that stunt he pulled.

He doesn't understand something, though.

“'Least thing I should worry over'?” he echoes, genuinely floundered.

The statement only implies that there's something else, something greater that he should be concerned about. But what?

[Name] glances at the approaching Traveler before setting her gaze back onto him. There's a fire in her usually subdued eyes that tells of her repression, then, with a tap on his chest, she snarls.

“Fret over it when daylight has faded. The night is long and ours, I'll be waiting.”

She disappears in a burst of snowflakes before any question can be risen, leaving the man in a tiny world of wonderment.

Lumine arrives before a screeching Paimon does, confusion evident on her face. “What did [Name] say?”

Humming, Alatus crosses his arms over his chest and shrugs.

“That I should worry when evening-” he pauses, the cogs in his head twisting and turning until- “... Ah.”

“The night is long and ours. I'll be waiting.”

Lumine doesn't know why the Yaksha lets out an undignified squeak, face suddenly a shade of red that puts jueyun chilis to shame.

a/n: yes, something is definitely implied in the ending. 'poor' alatus? ;)

I drew something for this from Lumine's perspective!

@cherryflushz @e7t3 @scarlet-halos @lordbugs @nebulaera @annoying-and-upset @hanniejji @applepi1415 @tjjjrsj @azirajane @hey-comrade-hold-stil @limelightsuperhero @chloeloe @loptido @windyventi @nejibot @ganyuqrt @justrinnn @yasunamilk @alana5021 @koi-chairowo @uwu-dreams @01-407 @yvechu @mininji

[iidahoe]

LEFT IN DUST

zhongli / immortal! reader

contains: angst , fluff

tw: mentions of a dead friend

word count: 2.1k

There you sat, in front of the tomb of your beloved friend, the glaze lilies in full bloom. A singular tree grew from the ground, the flat terrain around it seemingly blending into the background.

Tears streamed down your face, never once did you think you'd be without her. You sat on your knees, your face buried in your hands as you sulked over your loss. The inseparable trio now separated, for good.

"Morax I- I'm so sorry!"

The words slipped out without your command, the man behind you gently rubbing your back. It was you who he had trusted to protect her, it was you who thought you could protect her. But the one day you decided to leave to check on your own small civilization, she was assassinated. You blamed yourself for everything, even if it wasn't in your control. Hundreds of years of friendship, wasted, just because you left her for one dreaded day. What even happened? Everything was so quick that you couldn't register, one moment you were leaving, and the next you were standing over her dead body. You could see the god who killed her in spite, so why didn't you seek revenge yourself? Why did you have to ask Morax, why did you have be so weak?

Pessimistic questions swarmed your mind, making you unable to stop crying. He kept telling you it wasn't your fault, but then why was he also crying? Why was he consoling you when he should be blaming you? But you knew he wouldn't, he was way too humble for his own good. The brawn wielding god he once was disappeared over time, he was now so caring and appreciative of everything around him. Perhaps it was the influence of Guizhong, but what could he do if she wasn't here anymore? What could you do if she wasn't here anymore? Neither of you had imagined what it would be like if one of you ever went missing. I mean, you were all immortal for gods sake, you'd live forever, right?

But alas, the dreaded archon war had torn all your dreams down, the big city of had once dreamed of building was now merely a memory left in dust.

"Y-Y/N you know it's not your fault, I wouldn't have been able to do anything either"

He spoke the best the could, his voice breaking every now and then as he, too, had tears flowing out of his eyes uncontrollably.

The wind blew relentlessly, perhaps the far off anemo archon, too, was experiencing hardships of their own. You had no clue, what you did know was that the archon war was over, your dear friend taking the last spot in amongst the seven. The element of geo, was now his to call his own. But he would never, he couldn't take the title all for himself. Even if you weren't geo wielding or even a proper god, he felt as if it belonged to you as well. But titles are just titles, both of you knew this, friendship among the three of you was much more greater in your hearts than a mere title.

But now only two remained, for how much longer though? Will another of you die off? Will one of you leave the other to suffer for eternity? You weren't sure at all, only fate could tell. But you were glad for one thing at least, that the war hadn't stolen both the people dearest to you. A loss is a loss, but if it had been both of them, you didn't know what you would do. What, would you go asking other gods to put you out of your misery? They probably would without hesitation, still harnessing the jealousy from loosing their chances at becoming one of the seven.

"But it is! You— you left me to protect her.. and I couldn't"

Your voice was abrupt at first, dying down as you realized the weight of your own words. The atmosphere seemed to be even gloomier, everything just seemed so wrong. You wanted it to go back to how it was before, before that damn war.

"How about we go somewhere else, staying here any longer will only discourage us.."

His voice was weak, but so was your whenever you spoke. Just days ago you three were talking happily, the war raged on but you were safe together. Strength in numbers, right?

"Alright"

You kept your head down low, your cheeks stained with freshly cried tears, his were too. Where could you go? Where did he have in mind?

"..Just follow me, that's all"

It was a bit odd coming from him, usually he'd be direct and straight to the point. But you didn't doubt him, so you agreed without hesitation. Both of you trusted eachother full heartedly.

The journey from the mountains to flat land took awhile, but it was all worth it. Even if you had to leave her grave at Mt. Aozang, you were glad he brought you somewhere more cheerful.

Had Guili Plains always been this beautiful? Or perhaps it was because the sun had set and the moon's light shone brightly; catching onto every petal and stem of the lilies littered across the ground. Sure there was a lot of them on the mountains, especially near her grave where you had planted them, but those were nowhere near this. The beauty of the field mesmerized you, yet the abandoned villages on the side gave you slight guilt. But that was for later, right now you could bask in the moonlight with a god who you held very dear.

The god before you seemed to be lost in thought too, his golden–brown locks seemed so beautiful where you stood. His rich eyes swirled in golden tints, practically glowing with the moon's borrowed light.

"...I'm glad"

You began, unsure of what you were going to say. Perhaps you should follow the flow and let your thoughts spill out into the open, for him to hear and for you to stop on.

"..For you bringing me here, I hadn't known it could be this beautiful. If I'm being honest, this reminds me of her.. in a good way"

Your words were heart filled, he knew that, and he was glad that they were. A soft smile grazed his lips, he was happy that he was able to bring some sort of relief to his friend, and himself too, in a way. Even if he had visited this place a lot before, it seemed more beautiful with you by his side. That was one thing he could agree on with you.

"Then I'm glad you feel that way, I do believe we both needed a break from everything"

The truth, that's all he spoke. And you knew that. You bent down to the ground, admiring the lilies.

"These truly are beautiful, no wonder she held them dear to her. How fragile they are, too, almost like those humans. But it seems as the humans too, are relentless in their own way"

You could only hear a hum in agreement, you and he both knew the nature of the humans. Yet you both didn't know how she had cared for them, such odd creatures they were. Trampling each other for benefit of their own, you were sure they did this after death too. Greed overwhelmed the poor folk, but it did so with the gods too. The human and inhuman both had their own ways of spreading pain amongst each other, whether it be on purpose or not.

You gripped the stem of a singular glaze lily, plucking it out of the ground easily. It's colour seemed to fade slightly the minute you did that, maybe it needed song? But you didn't sing, and the only song you did know was the one she would hum everyday. Her lullaby as soft as ever as she tried to calm the pain of the humans she loved oh so much, down below. But that'd be too sorrowful to hum right now, and you didn't exactly want to ruin the mood. So, you decided against it.

"Here, bend down a little"

He crouched down somewhat, knowing what you were about to do, yet he welcomed it gratefully.

You raised yourself up slightly, grabbing a hold of his shoulder to lower him even more. You cupped his cheek, getting a good look at him for the first time in a long time. His eyes were as golden as ever, the rich colour laid across his iris effortlessly. You just now realized how beautiful they were, hundreds of years you had known him and just now you came to realize. His sharp nose looked even sharper up close, if that was possible. And last of all, his soft lips. They looked like they were in anticipation of something, something that neither of you would mind. But maybe it wasn't the right time for that.

"You know, you are quite handsome from up close"

Your closeness made it easy for you to see the tint of red on his cheeks, his eyes breaking away for a second; only to return with even more anticipation. But it was rather a gaze that admired you, a gaze that reminded you of how close the two of you were. Figuratively and literally. But it was evident neither of you were going to back away.

Your mind finally remembered your previous intentions, to place the glaze lily in his hair, just like Guizhong used to. In fact, she'd place a glaze lily in whoever's hair she saw fit. She always seemed to have an endless supply of them, that will definitely be a memory of her that you'll miss.

Your hand wondered over to the side of his face again, brushing the hair aside ever so slightly to make room to the flower. Your eyes drifted to the flower, it's colour seemingly more vibrant than before. Maybe it was just your eyes, but when the mood lifted, it seemed as if everything around you did as well.

You placed it in his hair, the flower tilting and flopping over as you did so, but you didn't mind; and neither did he. It was a memory of how she had always done it, not the same but close enough. Her hands always seemed to have a magic touch to them, a touch that none of you would ever be able to perfect. Not that you wanted to, it was hers and hers alone.

"Ah, you always were such a tease, Y/N"

As those words escaped his lips, it reminded you of your actions and hat you had just said before. A red tint also settling on your face as you realized. A small laugh leaving your throat as you did so.

"I guess I still am"

Your words were happier then when you were thinking about Guizhong. It seemed as if the dark cloud you were stuck in before was lifting itself slowly as you basked in the moonlight with your dearest.

"Then how about we finish what you decided to start?"

Now the red on both of your cheeks grew as you realized what he was suggesting. His words were quiet as he, too, was embarrassed at asking such a thing.

His hands found their way to your cheek, cupping it gently. You leaned into his hand, your eyes half lidded as you enjoyed the new warmth that met your face.

"May I?"

Your eyes opened, filling with hopeful desire, you nodded. Wanting it as much as he did.

His hand lowered itself to under your chin, raising your head as he leaned closer. A small smile playing on his features as your lips met. His lips were soft; as you thought they were, yet they held a certain roughness that seemed so welcoming. In all honesty, this moment felt like magic.

His lips gently pressed on yours, softly and so delicately. It made you forget about the previous events as you just lolled in the moment. Your body feeling relaxed yet agitated with happiness at the same time. His hands were gentle with you as well, as if you'd break if he was a little too rough. They made their way to your cheek once more, leaving your chin to fully embrace you.

You never wanted this to end, this moment would be engraved into your memory forever more.

Breaking away mere inches from your face, he smiled; forehead against yours. Together you were right now, and together you were going to be in the future. That was both of your hopes, this new found happiness would surely stick with the both of you.

[sunlightocean]

Death’s Lover

Request :  How about some genshin characters meeting a Male Reader who's also a Reaper who takes the soul to the afterlife he also dresses in all black and has a cloak with the hood up and also a lantern that he puts the souls in

Fluff / Angst??? : ☁️

Warnings : None

Author Note : Xiao favoritism? Nope. None. Nadda. Zero.

Also, watch this video. It’s a beautiful story about a kind reaper who helps guide animals into the afterlife.

“How is that you, the one who guides those into the afterlife, manages to love one who sends them to the afterlife?”

- So let me address this,,, Xiao is going to be insecure as F*ck.

- He literally killed millions, and most of friends died??? And yet you manage to love him?? And you’re the reaper of death??? Archons is his anxiety going through the roof. 

- He feels so guilty and subconscious of himself. After a killing spree, and you send the spirits he just killed to the afterlife? Rex Lapis give him mercy.

- Hug Xiao. Comfort him. Tell him it’s okay. He needs reassurance after what he’s gone through. Hold him close and let him no it isn’t his fault.

- You know how his karmic debt makes him here the voices of the dead and them mocking him for killing them? Yeah, don’t let them do that to Xiao. Shoo the spirits away. 

- Although he feels like he isn’t deserving of love from you, prove him wrong and smother him with love. Please.

“Mind helping me with the upcoming funeral?”

- Death couple coming through. No wonder she got you as an s/o.

- She loves it when she witnesses you sending her “customers” to the afterlife. She describes it as “a ritual worth dying for” 

- Death puns. Lots and lots of death puns. (Imagine Xingqiu and Chongyun putting up with all the dark jokes you two make)

- I imagine that you would be pretty good friends with Zhongli. You probably know his identity as well. (with the help of Guizhong, read his lore if you don’t know who she is)

- Aka, best death couple, lotta death puns tho

“As the Prinzessin der Vertrteilung, it is a given that you, the one who guides the poor souls of the unfortunate to the gateways of Celestia be vowed as my partner in love and life.”

- Black clothes aesthetic. That is all I can think about.

- Oz really likes you. He’s glad the Fischl found someone that can love her, even through her odd words and fancy actions. (Does anyone else love Oz? His voice is super smooth-)

- I imagine you two binging over books, especially ones about grim reapers guiding people in the afterlife. She uses references in the books to describe you. <3

- Defend her from all those people who make fun of her. Threaten them that you won’t be greeting them in the afterlife. How dare they make fun of your Prinzessin. >:(

- Call her “your princess for a lifetime”, and you’ll fluster her. She’ll struggle to respond in her usual wording with her brain in override. Oz will just chuckle in the background.

- 10/10, Black clothes couple + talking bird. Odd yet cute couple of Mondstadt.

“How are you able to collect spirits at night without getting tired or sleepy?”

- She’s very interested in how your abilities, but she’s too shy to ask.

- Probably got teased by Kaeya or Lisa a couple of times, scratch that, a lot.

“Aw, how cute! Getting a goodbye kiss before work? You really are the perfect couple~”

“Lisa please-”

- Asks you if you can send off the Knights that died in battle to the afterlife peacefully.

- Pls, make her sleep, she needs it. Use your lantern to make a soft soothing glow to help her sleep

- Beautiful relationship, she love you, you love her, perfect.

[miyatsumhoe]

Genshin Detective AU Detective! Fem reader x Various!  <zhongli, xiao, childe, scaramouche, heizou, diluc, kaeya> cw; proof read who?

Synopsis: You’re a fucking genius detective! Like literally! A good one! Your captain calls you a prodigy! Age 25 you already made ur name known and climbed ranks. Made it to newspaper headlines and the evening news! The only problem with you is you don’t want to accept your promotion.

Zhongli <Police Captain> Your captain. He used to teach at the academy but now you’ve been working with him for two years. He’s your favorite senior! You admire him so much, the skills and intellect he shows are incomparable. But what caught your eye is his demeanor. Whatever he do he’s always this calm and collected guy, he really contrasts your colleagues who either breaks down or yells “fuck this job i’m not paid enough for this shit.” So it really caused the souls of all the officers who witnessed his fit when you denied your promotion to Detective III.. He didn’t yell or anything but his face shows it all. That’s what make everything so scary.

“Y/N. I know how you clutch those cases of yours with hunches but think rationally for once, I’m not saying this as a friend nor senior, but as your captain. You’re talented, i hope you won’t make this opportunity pass again. It’s an order.”

Xiao <SWAT Sniper/Observer> A long time friend and colleague. Same division different unit. You’re from CIU (criminal investigations unit) and he’s from SWAT. You two are childhood friends, you were classmates in elementary but you two got into different classes in middle school and high school. You used to show your love for anatomy and stuffs so he got really surprised when he saw you at the police academy he’s like “wtf why are you here?” and got somehow more grumpy that you hid secrets from him. As an officer he’s very timid, and got those ‘fuck off’ expression so co workers and criminals both hate him. He doesn’t attend get togethers but he’s very diligent at work, very loyal to the law and captain. He’s in SWAT so danger is automatically present everytime, whenever enemies got the upper hand on their team he tends to sacrifice himself (which is ‘very foolish’ team operator’s thoughts not yours) He knows why you declined your promotion, the reason goes way back and you ended up telling him when you entered the academy when he got so upset with you. He’s an adoptive son of the captain btw.

“I already told you not to pull anything in front him, you may be close with the captain but you don’t know him to the extent as I do. You don’t want to taste his wrath. Also It’s already been seven years, the people had moved on too. Maybe it’s time to let him and the case go. You deserve better…someone who won’t hold you back.”

Ajax <Highschool Boyfriend> A guy in your past. He’s popular, you're a background character and somehow you two met etc. traditional cliche B-rate romcom stuffs blablabla. The thing going on with you two are more than friendship, highschool was fun because of him. Though your relationship with him was a secret because of a thing he has going on (that you don’t exactly know about.) You two used to sneak around the science lab during lunch time and after school. Childe truly loves you, he just can’t keep secrets from you no matter what. Instead of lying he tells you his problems vaguely whenever you asks him. He wants to protects you and his family, when it came to the point where everything is so messed up he decided to ‘k-word’ himself. Which you didn’t believe bc it’s not like him at all! Like dying is out of his bucket list, also you met him in the bridge 4 months after his so called burial wearing all-black like a random sus person. He handed you a bracelet he’s supposed to give you on your birthday and key you didn’t know what for and yelled “you shouldn’t use that pretty head of yours to worry for an asshole!”  then he was suddenly shot in the chest and fell in the river like a lunatic when you try to catch up to him.

“Cowards run from their problem, and courageous people faces them. I would say i’m neither and also both. Does that explains it? Told you those books aren’t making you smarter hahahaha why don’t you just stop attending your night classes and focus on me hmmmm? Because no matter how much you study, no book in this world can describe the feelings i have for you. Argh! Damn that smile! My heart feels like it’s going to burst, can you prescribe me a kiss doc?”

Heizou <Detective I> He’s a new face to you. So you got really surprised when you found out that he’s ur co worker! You actually thought he’s a random ass civilian snooping around your unit until he showed you his badge to proved you wrong. From what you heard from Kojou Sara is he’s a detective too. Though he’s a rank lower than you, but he’s a genius! Like you he refuses to be promoted because he likes the crimes, the chases, and the thrill of the frontlines. He refuses to be  promoted until he becomes a “true detective” according to him. He’s known for solving cases in a peculiar way, apparently he’s the type to just vanish into the wind without a word to his superiors and would just reappear declaring ‘case solved’. It’s a headache. What ties you to him is when he was punished for disappearing for 6 months for that one drug case. He ends up cleaning everything up including your office where he found Ajax’s case. He pestered you to let him in the case saying he knows someone who can be a lead. You didn’t expect to see a higschooler Ajax look alike in the front of your house at 10 am in the morning. Wait- Is that Teucer?!

“There’s a reason why everything i handle has a 100% succeeding rate, and if you want too know what lies behind this, you must do everything in my way. You are not alone in this case anymore! Just shut up and take my hand Detective! It’s about time for you to trust me too.”

Kunikuzushi <Ajax’s friend slash neighbor> As a a detective, you very much exploited the idea of the phrase ‘keep your friends close but your enemies closer’. It becomes handy on missions and in real life situations, sometimes being a star officer makes you feel you always have the upper hand. You would never expect that would backfire to you. You have known Kunikuzushi since highschool because of the fact that him and Ajax are well known friends with complete opposite personalities. He’s infamous for his stingy foul words, mean attitude and unexpectedly high marks. But you get along well with him surprisingly. 

It’s rare for anyone to move in your neighborhood without being paid a sum for the pricings are quite high… that’s why everyone is eager to know who just moved in the biggest house in the neighborhood! (it’s next door)  It didn’t surprised you much to see it’s kunikuzushi, you already knew he’s loaded when you met him. I mean his mother used to be a mayor in their city. But while catching up with him you can’t help but suspect him. He said he hate his mother and he didn’t accepted a cent from her, so he ends up having an office job after college. He lives lavishly for a ‘normal’ office guy. You used to think he dresses well, but any fashion expert could tell at first glance he’s wearing designer clothes head to toe. He’s really nice as a neighbor, he let your visitors wait inside his house whenever you’re still asleep or still out (most likely some of your co workers and of course teucer) Xiao says he’s smells like bad news like your ex while Heizou would describe him as a two faced whiny scum bitch when he first met kuni. He was ‘bribed’ offered with food and ‘he’s incredibly nice about it didn’t suit his face at all!’ unbeknownst to you this guy works for the Fatui. He’s the 6th harbinger, alias ‘scaramouche’. One of the faults for Ajax’s disappearance. But hey! Atleast he didn’t lie that he works as an office guy.

“Good morning Y/N! Are you heading out now? Do you want a ride? Oh… by the way Ajax’s death anniversary is coming up, i heard you’re still the one handling his case from the officers who visited your house yesterday morning. Seven years had passed already but I just want to tell you if you need a shoulder to cry on or a someone you can vent to, i am always here. Just like old times… don’t you miss it? The comfort of someone during your hardest times? Unlike my other services, my arms are free of charge you can pull me a hug anytime you want. :)”

Diluc <CSI Team Leader> You don’t have a lot to say about diluc to begin with. He’s a very uhm quiet guy. Diluc and the captain has some bond, maybe it’s because of their personalities? Other than him you don’t see anyone that close to him. Well if you’re going to describe diluc in some words you can say he’s your dream guy. He’s everyone’s dream guy it’s actually illegal to look at him. I mean have you seen him?!?!? Sometimes you just stare at him from your office window, he’s so dreamy with his high pony tail, his build and tiddies popping under that white dress shirt, and damn that glare of his-wait is he looking this  way?!

Well there’s his looks, but he’s more than that! You got to know him on this one office party where you felt uncomfy because all the attendees are male and they’re all drunk asf gladly diluc accompanied you through out the night! You found out despite having that stand offish attitude he’s actually a fun and good guy! He’s a huge gentleman and fucking filthy rich too. Who knew he owns a huge ass winery? After that night you two just clicked and started hanging out whenever you two would like to meet. You already stayed over his place a lot of times already. While spending the night, you accidentally found out him and kaeya are brothers due to the hanged frames at the wall. You actually don’t know what’s your relationship with diluc, if ur being honest rn you would say you would like to try dating him, and he feels the same way too. It’s just that the both of you has a lot of baggage to unpack before you two can actually take it to the next step. For now you’ll just be contented to  the subtle glances and hangouts with each other.

“Is it a bit selfish to say that i don’t want you thinking about work or anyone else while we’re together? You’ve been busy with your cases lately. now, can i have you for myself?”

Kaeya <Detective II> Kaeya. He’s that person in ur work  that u either like or hate. It’s just that he’s a very complex person! Being in the same rank and all you always see his face. No, it’s not that kaeya’s ugly. Actually he’s one of the hottest guy in ur unit and u’ll srs get on bed with him if he just asks but it’s his fucking attitude and laziness. It’s a huge turn off! Especially when he makes you do all the paper work while he drank his life away and you spend your night in ur office. Also kaeya’s a huge flirt. He flirted with you when you were first new at work and this being kaeya and all you actually fell for his charms until you saw him doing this to everyone even the criminals he interrogates which is kinda annoying and killed the sparks that actually lit up. Well, those are the least of your problems when dealing with kaeya. He’s been much more annoying lately, butting on all of your businesses and all. He even buts into all of your conversations whether it’s with diluc, xiao, with the captain or even ur neighbor! He’s everywhere! In kaeya’s defense it just irks him that you’ve been running around and talking to everyone but him lately, while ur 24/7 living rent free in his mind. What’s with the sudden change? It’s not like you’ve found out he’s been working as a double agent right?

“I’m a mind reader and yes I will sleep with you- aw you won’t? Ok damn girl chile, there goes my 576 chance ig”

[purmpkle-heart]

Happy birthday, old man!

Characters: Zhongli, Childe, Teucer mentioned

Zhongli kinda being forced to get dressed as Father Frost (aka Snezhnaya's Santa Claus), established relationship between Zhongli and reader and they call each other 'dear' -w-. Overall fluffy with kisses at the end + tiny food mention and Childe is kinda the wingman :D

A/n: I kinda had this idea since I learned (a few hours ago) that our Geo daddy archon has his birthday on December 31 and thus this thing was brought to life :³ A bit rushed and not proofread, but made with love :D

｡.｡:∞♡*💜 More of my writing

— Please! I promised Teucer to meet Father Frost before he gets sent home and you're the only person I can count on, — Childe held his palms together, looking at Zhongli with pleading eyes.

— Come on, you'll just need to dress up and give him some gifts that Childe prepared, this can't be that bad, — you placed a hand on your parther's hand and looked at him with an excited glint in your eyes.

— It seems that I hold no power over this decision, — Zhongli took another sip from his little cup and placed it down with a loud chink, — Even though it is, in fact, my birthday today.

— Ask anything! — Childe was quick to change his tone as he took out a few red/white pieces of clothing out of the bag he brought with him.

— Is that a... beard? — you stood up from your place and came closer to the pile of clothes, leaving a visibly surprised Zhongli behind. You picked up a fake white long beard and turned to your partner.

— Absolutely not, — Zhongli stated as you and Childe snickered at the image of Geo Archon himself wearing a fake beard and a silly red hat.

— Come here, dear, — you came back to your partner and grabbed his hand, tugging to come closer. He sighed and stood up, following you to the clothes pile. It won't be that bad. He's just gonna dress up, give presents and then never remember this situation ever again. It's not that hard, right?

Zhongli stood in front of a tall mirror, questioning his relationships as you were giggling right next to him and Childe was dying from laughter in the background. Although you tried your best to hide his hair under the hat, it was still visible and contrasted wildly with the pure white beard on his face, which made him unrecognisable. He had a red coat with thick fake white fur lining. Same theme for mittens, hat and, of course, felt boots.

— H-how-- How do you feel? — you looked up at Zhongli, tears forming in your eyes as your cheeks start hurting from smiling and giggling so much.

— This is ridiculous and embarrassing, — he sighed helplessly and looked back at you. A chuckle escaped his mouth and he carefully cupped your face, drying off the tears with his mittens, — But I can take it. As long as I can hear your precious laughter, dear.

— Aw, stop it, — you escaped his hands and hugged him, hiding your face in red fabric. You felt his chest rumble as he chuckled softly once again.

— I'm still here, loverbirds, — Childe wasn't laughing maniacally anymore. In fact, he wasn't even in the room and his voice was coming from the corridor. He wasn't absent for long: he came back into the room a few moments later with a big wrapped box and placed it on the table, looking at both of you proudly, — It's for Teucer!

— What's inside? — you poked your head out of Zhongli's chest and looked over the box.

— Eh, another plushie with some Liyue sweets for him to take home, — Childe plopped his hand on the box and smiled, — Nothing special, but he'll like it.

Meeting with Teucer went surprisingly good. Zhongli turned out to be a very good gift giver and child excitement reciever. But no matter how well he handled it, the minute both of you hid in your house he quickly removed the red hot clothes and excused himself into the bathroom. You were waiting for him patiently, preparing an order to a local bakery for his birthday. A little dessert; semi-sweet chocolate-orange cake in the shape of those stones he could summon out of boredom. It was quite expensive, but because Childe was a nuisance today, he agreed to help.

— Heya, comrade! — you jumped on your chair from that sudden phrase.

— Ch-Childe! Nobody taught you how to knock before entering?! — you hastly folded the piece of paper in half so it would fit into a letter and turned to the tall man.

— Oh sorry, I didn't know writing orders is such an intimate thing for you, — he laughed at your angry expression, — Relax, comrade, I'll knock next time. Here, — he took out a pair of tickets and handed them over to you, — Two tickets for a night boat ride along Liyue coast. Count this as a birthday gift for Zhongli.

— Oh, um. Thank you, — you took the tickets and read info on them. Then placed them on the nearby shelf and looked up at the redhead, who got lost in thought for a moment, — You got rejected?

— Yea-- — he fell back into reality and swiftly crossed his arms on his chest, — H-hey! Nobody would dare to reject me, comrade! How about you mind your own business.

— Alright, alright. Thank you again, — you smiled to him and he scoffed, leaving the house. You know he wasn't mad at you, though, he was just being dramatic.

— Who was that, dear? — you heard a voice behind you as you closed the door, this time locking it.

— Our plans for the evening! — you turned around only to be met with the image some would kill to witness. Zhongli just left the bathroom, towel on his hips, his strong arms with usually hidden brown-gold patterns now all visible. You froze in place, quite enjoying the view for a good minute while he dried his hair, — What did I do to deserve you?

— I ask myself the same question, — Zhongli placed the towel on his shoulders and looked back at you, — So, what are those 'Plans for the evening' you were talking about?

— HAPPY BIRTHDAY, OLD MAN!

Zhongli turned around and saw Childe, waving to both of you from the harbor. He smiled, waved back and returned his gaze back at you.

— That was too much Childe for today, — you giggled, hiding your mouth. Zhongli nodded and looked up at the starry sky, closing his eyes.

You nudged yourself closer to him, clinging onto his arm, and closed your eyes too. Tracing your fingers mindlessly along his gloves and sleeves of his coat that hide the patterns only you had the luck to see. You felt his other hand lightly brush against your cheek and gently lift your chin up. You opened your eyes and immediately drowned in his hazel eyes.

— May I kiss you, dear? — you hesitate a bit to process his question, but then you nod and first feel warm lips press against yours, then his tongue entering you.

Light of the stars reflected from the water, blinking with each little wave. Lights of Liyue were shining like gold behind the boat. And today, maybe just for a little while, you felt like the world has stopped to let you and your partner savor the sweetness of the moment.

[dilucids]

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤLove in cameras ━━ Genshin idol! au

newbie! idol!reader collaborating on a photoshoot together with idol! genshin characters

includes beidou, rosaria, childe, zhongli, diluc and xiao

( back on that idol au grind. also, the sheer amount of 'male reader' shit on this app that involves incest makes me genuinely tear up and take a shot everytime i say 'shot', you'd be drunk enough to hook up with zhongli dragon form. )

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ〔 BEIDOU ━━ UNCROWNED QUEEN OF THE OCEAN 〕

━━ one of the most nerve-wrecking things ever because she's simply so intimidating and good at what she does.

━━ you're literally shaking in your seat as she takes her solo shots, watching her lean on one leg, placing the other by her side, stretching her arms all the whilst making eye contact with the camera.

━━ she just looks so professional and you're afraid you won't be able to live up to her and ruin the entire shoot since even though you're both idols, she's been in more magazines as a senior group compared to you.

━━ when you switch for your solo shots, she seems to sense how nervous you were ( although you weren't really hiding it much with your shaky knees and annoying tapping your foot. )

━━ she places a hand on your shoulder and gives you a smile and a thumbs up, telling you you'll be okay.

━━ you realise she wasn't as menacing and stoic as she was in magazines and slightly relax.

━━ helps you relax by offering support behind the camera!!!

You lean sideways a little, allowing the thin material to fall off your shoulder a little as you glance back at the camera, lips slightly apart. Your stoic facade is broken almost immediately when you hear Beidou hollering and clapping in the background. You begin to laugh in suprised shock as the staff around the set follow her example, the shuttering of cameras now longer heard as it is replaced with clapping and whooping.

You grow a little embarrassed, glancing over at Beidou for help but she seems proud, stood there with hands on her hips and a satisfied grin. You realise she isn't going to help you out so you attempt to calm the set down with thanks and bows until you're continuing with the shoot.

━━ beidou has a very large presence, so it's very hard to have magnetism next to her but you somehow make it work.

━━ compared to your solo shots, your duo shots have a pirate/knight theme.

━━ with beidou in a pirate getup and you in a knight getup, it was obvious to see that this was some type of old ancient rivalry between the two groups and you two were meant to potray that anger and tension.

━━ due to you being new to this type of scene, she'll take the lead, making sure that her pose allowed you to fit in perfectly, whether it be far away, close, a sword to her throat, you splayed on the floor and her leaning in with her sword next to your head. ( thank god that shot was meant to focus on beidou cause with her that close to you, you couldn't keep a straight face. )

━━ of course even with such a theme, fan service is everything! so some of the poses are a little more touchy touchy and if she can tell you're nervous, will immediately lighten the mood and assure you you're doing well.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ〔 ROSARIA ━━ THORNING BENEVOLENCE 〕

━━ like beidou, will naturally exude professionalism and skill.

━━ unlike beidou though, she'll probably ignore your nervousness or bluntly tell you to toughen up if you want to make it, it sounds harsh but you know it's her own way of advice giving.

━━ her poses are less showy than beidou, more elegant and graceful as she rests her hands on her waist or cross her legs over each other over the arm of the chair and look back at the camera.

━━ will watch you, probably assessing your style, as you take your solo shots and if she notices your embarrassment ( she definitely does ), well she doesn't stop.

━━ will somehow converse with the photographer about poses she thinks will bring out your potential and it works, she has an eye for these things apparently and a lot of photographers like her style of modelling.

As you step back, allowing the staff to move props around, you glance back at the director of the shoot and Rosaria stood before the screen, showing off the photos. They seem to be deep in conversation, the only giveaway about the tense conversation however was the director's furrowed eyebrows and lips pressed into a tight line, Rosaria had no expression on her face.

The director seems to give up after Rosaria says something, pointing at the screen with her arms crossed, walking away with a shake of his head albeit the smile of being challenged. You immediately look away when she peers up at you, catching your eyes for a split second; you knew she had been shamelessly staring at you but it was quite embarrassing to be caught yourself.

"Here we go," snaps you out of your embarrassment and you're back to sitting on a black throne lined with gold, posing for the shoot.

━━ it's awkward before the camera is on you two as you stand on the set but once the camera is on? you two flow so perfectly together.

━━ rosaria would allow you to take the reins, allowing you to do what you felt was natural and would simply follow. ( another one of her ways of easing newbies into the modelling scene. )

━━ if your pose is a little awkward though, she'd quietly tell you to move certain ways and try not to overpower you ( but if you were overpowered, that'd be your own fault and you should try harder. that's her motto. )

━━ it actually surprises you how good she looked with a spear in hand and how well it suited her.

━━ it was kinda nerve-wracking to be working with rosaria but you absolutely loved it and would kill to work with her and have her guidance again ( deffo should ask for her number for future guidance!! )

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ〔 CHILDE ━━ 11TH FATUI HARBINGER 〕

━━ looks professional on camera but is surprisingly childlike off camera.

━━ why is his little brother on the set wearing a pj mask costume again? right, he had to pick him up from school earlier than usual cause teucer said he was sick and wanted childe to come so he got use his older brother's reputation to get closer to that female teacher he liked. as for the pj mask costume, he wanted to fit in with the shoot theme so the poor stylists had to pull out some slightly too large, dusty halloween costume they found somewhere for him. great.

━━ other than that, childe is great at what he does, amazing at facial expressions like *whistles*, terrifyingly good at making the expressions asked of him. ( can cry on command actually (( learnt to entertain his younger siblings. )) ).

━━ you're intimidated by him at first but when you guys are taking a small break between his shoot and yours, you get to see him play around with his teucer and oh my god.

━━ he's literally carrying teucer above his head, teucer posed as superman with one arm sticking out and the other on his hip as he carefully runs throughout the set.

━━ when it's actually your turn, he will secretly hype you up with teucer.

"Pretty," Teucer mutters under his breath as prop flower petals are being thrown up as you pose under them. Childe smiles a little as he ruffles his younger brother's hair, "isn't my partner the prettiest?"

You're oblivious to these comments, focusing on the camera that was following your every move but your eyes glance over to the two brothers ever so often, finding their closeness rather endearing.

"They're prettier and nicer than your last partner," Teucer huffs, thinking of the previous collaboration he had attended with another celebrity, although she was a little too flirty with Childe for Teucer's liking. "Momma said you have to find a good person, big bro" Teucer reminds aa Childe smiles amused. "Are they a good person?" Childe thrusts his thumb over in your direction.

Teucer hums, thinking carefully with his chin in hand before nodding, beaming at Childe. "I'm sure they'll fit in nicely with everyone!" Your future had just been planned and you had no say in it at all.

━━ as for duo shots, it's another enemies theme but it's more of an assassination theme with childe holding a bow, perched on a higher stage than you.

━━ took ten minutes for childe to figure out how to look good with a bow in hand, with an eye scrunched up like he was actually aiming at you. ( of course he wouldn't have succeeded if not for teucer shouting advice at him off set with his hands on his hips. )

━━ he swears he almost feels the adrenaline of the scene as if his life was actually on the line when you shoot him a glare like directed.

━━ you two get on pretty well off set as well! you joke around as props are being moved around or make up is being fixed for either of you.

━━ you feel bad when you actually stab him with the fake sword, but he plays through with it, acting like he was dying.

━━ play fighting with teucer as an evil overlord ( still wearing his pj mask costume ) mind controlling childe's lover ( you ) into thinking he was the enemy ( teucer came up with the plot ).

━━ slipped his number into your pocket as you two were posing.

━━ teucer also got to keep his pj mask costume!!

━━ posts a picture of you messing around with teucer on his instagram.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ〔 ZHONGLI ━━ VAGO MUNDO 〕

━━ probably the most professional out of them all.

━━ his poses are quite simplistic as he models the suit, hand in his pocket, fixing a cuff link, checking the time, simply casting his gaze to the side but he still holds a very large presence on set.

━━ would calmly converse with you as if you two had been friends for a long time, with a small smile on his face.

━━ if he can tell you're nervous, he'll tell you small anecdotes about anything and everything. when it's your turn, he give your shoulder a small squeeze and nod at you.

━━ talks to the director about poses as well, has a keen eye about what prop should be used and the positioning of them; you're suprised he isn't the director of the shoot.

━━ when you thank him for his help on the sidelines, he'll shake his head and tell you it was due to your talent and that he was only creating opportunities for them to naturally shine.

━━ was literally made for the camera, just the way he poses, the way he holds himself; god, it would've been a crime if this man had never been placed front page of a magazine.

You're entraced by the way he moves━━ subtle ways, like placing one foot ahead of the other, a hand in his pocket, looking down at the watch on his wrist. He's amazing. You could watch him for ages; he was like a sculpture made by the Gods, their most prized possession. What else could explain his sharp jawline, the bangs framing his face, his long hair pulled back into a low ponytail?

"You're staring," a staff member nudges you with a small smile, you snap out of it right away, slightly embarrassed at being caught. She laughs however, waving you off, "it's okay, we were all like that at first." You nod awkwardly, her words not helping at easing the embarrassment filling you.

You're talking with a staff member when he comes striding towards you, appearing behind you and scaring off the makeup artist with a mere smile and gracing you with a hand on your shoulder. "You're up next, good luck."

━━ mentally prepare yourself to be within a five metre radius of this man for the next hour or so.

━━ whether you're weak to pretty faces or not, i assure you, this man will honestly be the death of you if your guard is down even the littlest bit.

━━ the theme of this shoot? ceo/secretary and it does make sense━━ no it would make sense, if you were the secretary, not the ceo. but apparently fans like this type of power dynamic ( assuming you're shorter than him ) and so for the future of your careers you persevere.

━━ zhongli stood clad in a suit, next to you with his hands behind his back and you sat down at a desk, eyebrows furrowed like you're examining paper work or zhongli pouring you a cup of tea. you're pretty sure this is some odd dream at this point.

━━ you only persevere until zhongli has to pose as if he was fixing your tie.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ〔 DILUC RAGNVINDR ━━ DARKNIGHT HERO 〕

━━ intimidating. intimidating. intimidating.

━━ did you wrong god in some type of way in your past life because being watched so openly as you pose for the camera for such a man, naturally exerting power, with eyebrows furrowed was one of the most terrifying things ever.

━━ his poses are similar to zhongli's but he puts a little more back into it, dignified aura as he crosses his leg, or one hand holding his hair up into a high pony as the other is near his mouth, using his teeth to pull the bobble off his wrist.

━━ also more open to differing hairstyles! unlike zhongli who only keeps his hair in a low ponytail, diluc can comprise with a low pony, high pony or even a messy bun.

━━ good balance of praise and constructive criticism; will tell you if you're doing good but will also tell you if you could improve in certain areas or even help with poses.

━━ diluc has amazing chemistry with everyone, he fits naturally into other people's style of modelling and can alter himself or his partner to fit if necessary, he also has a large presence on camera and sometimes accidentally overtakes when he gets too into the shoot.

"Calm down," you step back in reflex when you hear Diluc's voice just behind you, "your nervousness is plastered all over your face." You make a sound of acknowledgement and bow your head, "just take a few breaths and imagine you're at home in your mirror bathroom." It scared you that he knew infront of your mirror bathroom, you were the most confident but thanks to his help, you were able to ease yourself into modelling.

"You did well," he smiles at you when you come off the set, patting you on the shoulder. You smile back, "thanks to your advice," you redirect the compliment back at him. The short interaction ends when you two have to change into your couple costume.

━━ unintended sexual tension 👫

━━ was supposed to be casual poses, really easy ones with you two sat on steps with a respective cigarette in hand as friends but somehow,,,,, you two looked like y'all had fucked a second before hopping onto the set.

━━ so, the director took the inherent sexual tension and put it into use; changing just seeming like you were smoke buddies into poses where you two leaning into the same flame to light up your cigarettes. ( close ups of you two staring into each other's eyes over the flame! )

━━ kept lesser tension packed photos though and the one above^^ just as a small treat for the fans.

━━ he definitely posted a picture of you ( tagged ) behind the scenes on his instagram with no caption though.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ〔 XIAO ━━ CONQUEROR OF DEMONS 〕

━━ more reserved, if he has a problem with the way you do things, doesn't say anything and just makes a certain expression with his face.

━━ his poses vary, he's able to adapt to each and every theme that's given to him and usually plays it safe with poses. he's usually modelling for makeup brands so he's very good with close ups, or hand and face poses; also is very used to working with many people but often never attempts to befriend.

━━ if you initiate conversation, he'll use dry replies or even attempt to leg it out of the conversation, only because he's a little shy or doesn't really understand social rules after a while, he'll given into your conversations and try to reply normally.

━━ i feel like he has mints with him no matter where he goes so expect a "do you want a mint?" halfway into your conversation.

━━ definitely is trusted with the music that plays in the background as you guys work. xiao is literally globally known for having one of the best music tastes and often makes songs hit the 'top 100' even if it's been out for years.

━━ it takes him a little while to get used to a new partner so give him a few test shots to get your vibe checked and he'll adapt!

You try hard to ignore the song in the background, but it's stuck in your head. Watching Xiao placing his fingers gingerly on his face as he peers to the side, the camera zooming into his face, you tap your foot along to the beat━━ you've never heard this song before but it really suited your tastes.

"Excuse me," you call out to a staff member who was walking past, he stops and nods at you, pulling down his headphones, "do you know what song this is?" He shakes his head however, leaving you with disappointment but not before he tells you that this was Xiao's Spotify playlist. You nod and thank you, immediately finding Xiao on Spotify to see all his different playlists for different moods.

You never understood why fans chose to listen to their idol's playlist because some of their music tastes was just trash but Xiao had genuinely good taste and it kinda suprised you.

━━ close proximity poses since you two are modelling for a makeup brand; some shots are just headshots with you two practically sat ontop of each other.

━━ some poses are torso shots, where you're both holding the product. there was a pose where you got to act as if you were applying eyeliner onto xiao's eyes and there was definitely a period of time when xiao couldn't stop blushing.

━━ he absentmindedly hums the song in the background as you two wait on set for the director to finish their conversation with the photographer.

━━ posts a picture of himself that you took whilst he was asleep and tagged you before the photoshoot was released so fans started speculating the weirdest shit and he never bothered to clear it up, just waited until the photos were released and hoped someone in his fandom was smart enough to connect dots.

[imalwaystiredzzz]

C3: Sisyphus happy. Yan Zhongli x Reader

Warning: Yandere behavior, unhealthy relationships.

< Sisyphus happy. chapters >

“You are still the kindest thing that ever happened to me, even if that is not how our tale is told.” ― Nikita Gill, (Persephone to Hades) Great Goddesses: Life Lessons from Myths and Monsters ══════════════════════════════════

Step by step by step. Any more and you would collapse, exhausted to the very core of your soul. You’d give anything to stop, to sleep, to rest on a shade of a tree.  In this realm, there is no god. There is only the boulder upon your back and prisoner set to carry it and the nightmare of this is that you can’t.

The dreams flow like the sands of time, holding for a moment and gone the next, blown by the wind, unforgiving to anything. Not even you.

“You should rest a bit more,” Zhongli would say, picking a dress that you would be wearing from an extensive wardrobe that he got you after moving to your new house while you sit on the dresser feeling as if this has happened before.

The white silk easy and comfortable on the skin in this summer heat is welcomed with open arms and you smile at him as thanks. While it is as simple, fitting for someone in your standing, the traditional embroidery, intricate symbols of the land decorated by the long body of a dragon, made it fashionable and familiar yet never having worn it before. A perfect fit on your small frame Zhongli would admire without looking, busy brushing your (h/c) hair. “I would dare say that it would even be better if you simply relaxed indoors with this heat.”

“Isn’t that like asking you to skip the day and stay with me.” You would slyly comment after he is finished, holding his hand and giving you the shubi(comb) to be kept in the drawer. Yet another gift that he has given, your lovely husband never failed to spoil as even a simple comb is adorned by jewels and a symbol of the geo. 

“Trust me dear, I’d rather see your face than have another conversation with Barbatos.” He brushes a strand and kisses your forehead before going to the kitchen so you may prepare his tea. You chuckle, thinking back to the nights that he would complain, long and trouble about his flighty acquaintance from the city. The drunkard from Mondstandt, who shirks his duties and plays around. ‘A disgrace to the arts,’ he would even grumble. 

Even in summer when the sun is high with its sweltering long days and short nights, the mornings have never changed. You slowly and carefully put the leaves on the pot, as Zhongli talks about a child that he has recently taken in. “I do not know how to handle a child, and he seems to be suffering from chronic pain…” His voice, drawled in the background like static in your head; everything slowing and blurring like an oncoming headache as you notice something in the bottom of the pot. 

The city who was protected by the god of geo, had loved and adored him, to the point that they would engrave it on their crafts it seems, you think staring at it wondering when exactly did Zhongli get this yixing teapot. It seems as if a long time has passed, so long that even you have begun to forget. 

“Zhongli, when did we get married again?” 

He stops and as if time had known a master so did the world. Neither the creak of the wood as he stood, nor the pads of his familiar footsteps and the shift of his clothes make a sound.

The walls have ears and the earth keeps your soul, the wind whispers as you begin to suffocate in his presence, the whole house feeling familiar yet foreign, like the back of your husband as he walks away.

Your heart is filled with regret, the sound of a closing door has resumed the ticking of a clock, while you are left in the kitchen, thoroughly alone with an empty cup and unfinished tea, left to pick up pieces of your routine with a question left unanswered. You stare at the catalyst of this disaster, only to find a plain pot and a headache from trying to remember what you were looking for. 

It's always in summer, when uncomfortable heat makes your joints hurt and head light, that an unusual day occurs, it is as if you were dreaming, and any moment you would soon wake to begin the day all over again. Yet you don’t and you hate this season even more.

It ends with you retreating to the garden, welcoming and always familiar with it’s peaceful quiet where you find yourself in solace. “This is solely yours,” Zhongli once said, the first and last time that he has stepped in the garden that he had made especially for you. 

Here you are safe. Here the plants sprout from the ground and nurtured to life with your own two hands are a pillar to your reality. Here, you are (y/n)(l/n), a simple herbalist and the ache from being under this heat on your skin that turns red, the pain in your bones as it creaks from crouching to be near the ground, the soil and leaves in your hands is familiar.

It is with plants harvested and crushed to medicine, intricately and methodologically, where you find yourself. 

You are (Y/n) (l/n). You are a herbalist as was your father and mother whom  you clung and learned from their hip since you understood how to speak, and you try to remember what permeated the air as they came home in the dusk. 

Did your mother’s warm hands perhaps carry the scent of flowers from all the Qingxin petals or had your father smelled of miasma from the dying?

The mountain with its afternoon air, for the first time, never felt so lonely that you had wished for the sun to come down for any company. 

“Maybe we should visit my parents.” You say while eating Jewelry soup, an offering of sorts for whatever happened earlier. He is quiet again, sighing when you spoke before he replies, “I’m unsure if you can make the trip, you are aware how sickly you are, right? I would have loved even to show you an opera.”

“What if they visit us, instead?”

“(y/n), you know how they’ve grown old, I’m worried for their fragile bones.” 

Lies. Lies. Lies. Something whispers in the back of your head as you stare at him, gouging for any hints that it is indeed a lie, yet his impassive face and sharp amber eyes brimming with sympathy tells otherwise; then there it was again a deja vu moment as if you’d had this conversation before and you are drowning in your own head. 

“Maybe one day when you are feeling better.” He kisses your hand, tender and long, holding it tightly as if it was painful to let go, as a silent apology. It pulls you out and grounds you, immensely thankful for his presence thinking where you would be without your husband?

“I’m sorry. “ Guilt overwhelms your heart and you do not tell him that you barely remember your parent’s face, rather you opt to look at the hands that clasp yours, like a prayer as he sighs almost like a hiccup to his impassive facade, and you think that he is simply exhausted from work and the long journey it takes everyday, simply because you needed to be here lest you compromise your health. Everything, everything he does is always for you, yet here you are pestering and giving him another headache when home is supposed to be where one rests their weariness. 

Tonight, it is you who blows the candles and let the house dissolve into the pitch black, until you are blind and all you can do is feel and hold his weary body against yours. Your husband who is always unmoving, adamant and akin to a pillar rather than a person who knows how to hide his emotions in little cracks, feels like a stranger in your arms as he silently falls apart, yet still speaks no words and hides his face in the dark.

And then you sleep, closing your eyes as another season passes, like a dream blurring in and out of focus. Forgetting the tiniest details, but Zhongli. 

Your dear husband who is the only constant. Your dear, beloved husband is always there smiling and telling you stories about memories long passed and if you looked in the corner of your eyes, he looks at you like you were too. 

You are (Y/n) (l/n).You are a gardener. You don’t know nor understand why those words repeat in your thoughts like a broken prayer of a sinner who has long been abandoned by his god. It is whispered like a plea, filled with sorrow and regret. The weight of these emotions bore on your fragile shoulders as if you were carrying a boulder on an uphill road and yet you cannot stop your steps. 

[lazycatmeowsalot]

immortal au scenes part 1

Summary: Aether is self-sacrificing and the people he met and befriend just wants him to think of himself because he's precious and irreplaceable. Background: This is from the immortal au, couple of snippets about Aether's interaction with the characters and how they view his lack of care for his life.

your life is yours

"You shouldn't have done that," Venti cut off, unusually solemn and pained that Aether thought that he might have done a mistake.

"The Harbingers are granted power and authority by Tsaritsa to steal my ghosis. A direct shot from them aimed at an archon, even as weak as I, will kill a mortal."

"But I'm not just a human, Venti," Aether knew and understood where he's coming for but he's different. His golden eyes turned dimmed and haunting. "It's okay. I want to save your life even if it meant—"

The archons of freedom stopped him with the intense glance of a divine and he emphasized, "Your life is yours, Traveler. Immortal or not, it's yours. You have to care for it."

i want you to live

"Why do care?" Aether doesn't understand the gods in Teyvat because in every world he and his twin had traveled, gods had described their immortal as unnatural and deemed them to inexistence. "No one cared before. I'm fine with my life."

That's a lie. Mother and Father cared, they cared too much. Lumine also cared, she cared so badly that she broke. And the other people here, they cared for his useless self and never wanted him to die.

Zhongli shot him a look that made him remember the age of this archons. The retired god of contract was a clueless mortal that sometimes, Aether forgot his guard. Times like these made him remember that the brunet was no ordinary human or god.

"It's your life that will be your payment in our contract," the geo archon stood firm in his decision. "You wishes to have cooperation with me and I want you to live as if your life matters. That is the only exchange I am willing to take."

you are irreplaceable

"Is your life that worthless to you?"

Aether stared at the adeptus, who slammed him against the wall and wondered how many people would be against him saving them. "You were going to get hurt—"

"I am always going to get hurt," Xiao snapped angrily, his eyes glowing and flashing. "I am prepared for that and it's merely a inconvenience for me but it's different from you hurting."

"Xiao, I...," the Traveler wondered if he told the other about his immortality, then maybe it would lessen his worry. But Paimon, Venti and Zhongli knew and it only made them worry more. "I am stronger than you think. I can handle the pain if it means saving you."

"You are not unbeatable. It's idiotic of you to think that you're irreplaceable," Xiao glared at the stubborn blonde. "I won't allow you to die."

live if only for them

"It's not in my position to say this," the taller blond started and Aether blinked at the seriousness in Dainsleif's eyes, mixed in an unmasked longing and pain. "But your lack of care for yourself hurt those you wish to protect."

"I had a companion like you before and I always regret not saying this to her, but I wish to protect her. I want her to live. Smile and look at the world as it is."

The Traveler grew quiet because it seemed like the mysterious man was lost in his own world and he felt that Dainsleif needed to take this out of his chest. That and Aether wondered what he meant.

"She once gave up her life for mine," Aether froze at that, immediately thinking of his sister but his mouth couldn't say anything. The man looked so broken and so lost in memory that he feared to ask anything.

"I tried to talk her out of it but things just happened. We got separated and she never knew how much it hurt when I embraced her dying body in my arms..."

[mrpenguinpants]

Have you heard Xiao's growl? What do you think of it? Ugh the poor boi has suffered so much 😭

Quick edit: I wrote this first part before listening to jp growl if you’re confused. I went on a complete tangent I’m sorry anon haha. 

---

If the “growl” is his ptsd idle voiceline then yes. I’ve heard it way too often. And I’m a horrible person because it makes me laugh every time. I play windowed because I usually need to tab out and do other things (fucking crying in gbf right now. My crew wants everyone to get minimum 150M honours. Can we please fucking calm down, it’s midterms). But genshin is just running in the background and even if I’m tabbed out, sound will still play. So I’ll be dying on the grind train and I’ll hear Xiao dying in the background and honestly, same. 

It just comes out of no where and I can’t help it. It’s such a weird guttural sound that it makes me laugh. I can at least say it doesn’t annoy the piss out of me. Every time I use Childe and I hear “You know, there are better ways to seek out our enemies”- shut the fuck up Childe. But it’s also super awkward as well hearing some guy dying in my left ear. 

I’ve only played in cn but going back to listen to other languages. English was okay? I don’t really like the english voice the same reason I don’t like Klee and Razor’s english voice. I have nothing against the voice actors because voice acting is hard but it’s just not my style. It sounds so awkwardly forced? Which is weird because Xiao’s “normal talking” voice I actually really like in english. When it’s less raspy and forced. I think Klee is the best example. I know people think her english voice is cute and but it just sounds too much like an adult forcing their voice (which it is) to sound like a child and its really obvious. So it’s this huge difference that makes me not like it. 

This isn’t me hating on english, I actually prefer a lot of character’s english voices over other languages such as Mona (I love smug mona), but I think it mainly stems from the fact that I have only heard english for most of my life. All my Chinese interactions were from family. I think once you know and hear a language enough you can pick up on inflections and just, how people normally talk, that when people emphasis things in how they say things, it’s so obvious. It could also be that imo, english is the most expressive compared to the other languages. Which isn’t a bad thing at all, like I said before, I love Mona’s english voice because of that. 

Every other language sounds pretty generic. I love jp’s talking voices across the board (there isn’t a single jp voice I dislike) but that’s because I don’t know jp enough to pick up on emphasis or “voice acting” that everything just sounds generic to me. Korean is actually really nice, Paimon’s korean voice is my favourite, but I am so unused to hearing korean that the language itself kinda bothers me? It was the same when I found out genshin had a chinese language option. I’ve never heard chinese in a game before, that when I made the switch, it made me super uncomfortable but after playing genshin for so long I’ve gotten used to it that it doesn’t bother me. 

But getting back on track, Chinese sounds like he has actual gutteral pain and I will never get over it. It makes me laugh even more when I remember Zhongli wanted to give him pain meds. Korean sounds better but HOLY FUC- JP. Ahem. Okay, remember when I said I thought chinese xiao was slept on? I mean, that’s still true, but I might switch to jp just for this. It’s so different from the other languages because he sounds mad compared to suffering. Honestly, I feel like English and Japanese voice him as as this self-berating and anger issues person but is honestly a really calm person when he isn’t getting ptsd. That he’s mad at being possessed in the first place.

Meanwhile, Chinese and possibly Korean make him out to be this “calm before the storm” sort of vibes. Pretty relaxed but he’s actually dying on the inside. Actual, physical pain. That instead of being angry at being possessed, he’s still dealing with those physical and mental side effects of what he did. If that makes sense? This is all my opinion tho. 

Side note:

When you're doing the ritual for his story quest, he says "close enough" when you finish. But in chinese he says [马马虎虎] (im like 99% sure this is what he says) or "mǎ mǎ hǔ hǔ". The literal translation is {horse horse tiger tiger}. It is used to describe something that is neither outstanding nor terrible; just so-so. Or a haphazard management of something. But Xiao most likely meant that  although the ritual arrangement seems haphazard and a bit clumsy, it's still doable and can make do with.

I love that xiao talks so informal then as soon as he starts the ritual he sounds like fucking zhongli. HE'S SOOO RUDE IN ENGLISH I love it. 

[stargazer-balladeer]

Awww Zhao saying "Yasa" is super cute! TT^TT What if he called Xiao "Wow"😂😂 he's trying but he can't the sounds right just yet.

😂😂 THAT SOUNDS SO FCKING ADORABLE-

“Xiao. It’s sh-iao-“

“Wow!”

“No, repeat after me. Sh-iao-“

“Wow!”

Y/n and zhongli dying in the background like usual while xiao continues to argue with his toddler son-

[kae-karo]

Fanfic Ask Meme

Q!!

ahh hello dear!! for context (x)

Q: Do you have any discarded scenes/storylines/projects?

oooo very good question! i try to live under the philosophy of 'never say never', in that if i've given smth some thought, i'll never say that i'd never come back to it, but i do have a handful of ideas that i've definitely set aside for the time being. i'm a firm believer in following wherever inspiration strikes, so if i'm not vibing with an idea at the moment, i'll set it aside and return to it if/when i feel like it or get some new ideas (or fresh brainrot lmao)

and i say 'never say never' because i first had the idea for 'here's our own hands against our hearts' back in may of 2021, and i didn't even start writing it til september, and ofc i didn't finish/start posting til december

so, in no particular order, some concepts i've set aside for the moment and hope to return to some day:

(bnha) immortal baku who's stuck with the only other immortal, deku, to help him figure out how to break the curse of immortality. on par with canon, baku very much detests deku :) enemies to lovers style

(genshin from here on out) struggling artist kaeya who lucks into an encounter with renowned art connoisseurs zhongluc, healing and self love ensues

murder husbands zhongchi from the 'to love (and be loved in return) universe, both the getting-together past aspects and the plot after kaeluc's story

a kaeluc tarot fic that follows the progression of the tarot major arcana as inspiration for plot points during a canon-divergent au

Lovesick Fool expanded modern teyvat au, zhongchi getting together fic

dragon zhongli x phoenix diluc

a scene from hoohaoh (x) where childe and diluc talk about how diluc's father might've come into possession of a delusion - it felt a little more heavily focused on some diluc trauma and healing that didn't quite fit with the rest of the story

diluc tricking his roommate kaeya into thinking he's a hot tinder date coming over soon so kaeya will actually clean the house, but kaeya...actually falls for this 'date' pretty hard...

actual pirate kaeya with stowaway childe - canon-divergent au where kaeya's sort of captain of the mond fleet, docked in liyue when childe's escaping the millileth

xiaoven where xiao finally chases after the little spark that floats away from him in his idle only to discover that it's venti

the actual original scene i had in mind that 'to love (and be loved in return)' (x) began to revolve around was a soft kaeluc scene in the hidden-away library where kaeya first showed diluc his magic, and it's also where they first kissed 'for real'...ofc, that never made it into the story, as it evolved quite a lot in other directions lmao

tl(ablir) actually had a LONG history of struggling with the main plot in the background - i went back and forth on crepus being the main antagonist, kaeya's father being the antagonist, the abyss being the antagonist, and so on. intentional and unintentional, in some cases, it went on quite a lot, but none of those concepts really fit the story i wanted to tell

oh another from tl(ablir) - kaeya getting just a little Too Drunk and diluc pushes him too far, implies that he doesn't care about his people (this ended up not fitting well with what i'd established between them). this was going to be his dialogue for the scene:

they have been dying since before i was born i know that they're dying they're dying right now and i can do nothing to stop it. do you think it even occurred to me to refuse your father's offer if it meant helping my people? do you think i drink for FUN? you must think me immeasurably callous if you assume i do not care that my people suffer for our ancestor's mistakes. you must think me heartless, then. and i'd rather be, than face for even a moment the overwhelming grief of so many dead while i sit here in your cushy palace, comfortable and safe

there are also some other ideas that i haven't quite decided to set aside just yet, but who knows when exactly they'll crop up lmao

send me fic asks!

[solaethxr]

-VITA MORS

summary; my thoughts on life and death, zhongli experiences a loss

cw; death, angst with no comfort

a/n; i used to write a long time ago, this is my first time posting something in years

life in itself has no meaning. on its own, life is worth nothing. it takes from others in the expense of itself. a selfish thing.

zhongli had found them there, a trail of blood marking where the incident happened. propped against a tree, a hand on the wound and eyes that had the last flicker of life wavering in them.

he wouldn’t have left them if he wasn’t confident that they could protect themselves. they were much more powerful than people let on, and he trusted them as a fellow warrior himself. what he didn’t predict was the fatui that would attack them out of no where and who would unfortunately win the battle.

their bodies were scattered around the background, zhongli didnt know if they were alive or not. he didn’t care as he brought their weak body close to his, tears threatening to escape his somber eyes. your name slipped out of his lips like a mantra, his hand caressing their eerily cold cheek.

“hey…hey its alright,” they uttered, smiling at him through their blurry vision. they couldnt see him right, they couldnt see his face as his eyes bore into theirs. they just wanted to see his face clearly once more, but even death wouldn’t grant them that one thing.

in his hands, he held his entire world, his galaxy and universe “i can’t loose you too,” his low voice shook the ground with his emotion, eyes now pooling at the seams. life was a fickle thing, it would be roaring loudly with pride but could be as easily snuffed out like a useless flame. but life was cruel to beings like zhongli who didnt age and who had done terrible things in a life long since passed. he sees fires constantly snuffed out while his rages on even when he wishes it would die out.

zhongli had taken thousands of lives at the expense of himself. he was a selfish being, alive now because his strength willed it. maybe this was karma for all the life he wasted, that he now will walk the world alone for eternity no matter how many people he will meet. he will forever sit at a table of his friends, alone, until the sun collapses and swallows him whole.

how cruel death was to you, a mortal who did no wrong. surely, this wasn’t an exchange that was worth it? an innocent life over maybe five lives of the fatui, the type of people everyone in teyvat strived to get rid of. but how hypocritical of him. he made a contract with one of them. zhongli had no right to feel hatred for the fatui.

all they did was smile at him and hold his hand with theirs, uttering some soft words to him “ ‘you will shine like gold forever in my memories,’ you said that once, right?” how could they say that to him. memories are one thing, but them as they were was so much more precious. there will and never will be someone like them. who looked, talked, and acted like them. who had the same experiences as them. unlike zhongli, they were a breathe of new life, a being who was born out of love, not war like he was. how beautiful that was, and how depressing that he couldn’t protect it. a being of war will never be able to hold something of pure light.

he nodded meekly, the blazing sun beating on his head and back which was giving him a headache. “see…I won’t be truly gone, i’ll be here…forever,” they whispered, the final embers of their fire dying out. they were gone, and zhongli knew it. he knew it, yet he cradled them more carefully than he did when they were alive.

life in itself has no meaning. on its own, life is worth nothing. it takes from others in the expense of itself. a selfish thing. death gives meaning to life, as it gives what life cannot. death gave meaning to yours. you lived life fully with no regrets. but without you beside him now, zhongli’s life means nothing. because death will never come for him.