Tags: Zhongli / Childe (established), flirting, CHINESE NEW YEAR!!!! (Lantern Rite), more flirting, childe doing idol worship but his idol is Zhongli
“Why is it even though it’s the year of the snake, all the decorations I see are of Rex Lapis?”
“Mm, is that the reason our living room’s been redecorated as an altar?”
“Amongst other reason, yeah.”
Zhongli smothered a chuckle at the cheeky grin Ajax shot his way. It was no exaggeration that their living room has become synonymous with an altar as of late—he’d asked Ajax to pick up some decorations for the upcoming Lantern Rite in the hopes that it would bring his foreign lover some interest in the holidays that he’d missed in prior years running between nations at his archon’s demand. After a fitful vacation that’d gone south in Fontaine, Ajax had surprised him by showing up unannounced after work with the excuse that the other harbingers weren’t looking for him for the next week or two.
It was surely a coincidence that Ajax was staying with him rather than the Northland Bank’s dormitory, of course. It went without saying the fact that Ajax was staying for the first week of Lantern Rite before his ship would be scheduled to take him back, just about as long as he could stretch an additional vacation, was coincidental as well.
Zhongli missed him already.
“What’s the point of a holiday if we don’t celebrate it fully, you know? Besides, I don’t want to hear any criticisms about overdecorating from you, Mr. I-buy-ten-things-every-trip.”
Zhongli sniffed. “There is no shame in purchasing quality craftmanship at a fair price.”
“Say that to me when you’re the one footing the bill next time.”
“I will refrain from commenting on their quality,” Zhongli acquiesced. He turned to survey the room, eyes roaming over the blur of red and gold assaulting his eyes; the vast majority of the decorations did indeed feature Rex Lapis, which truthfully made an abundant percentage of lantern rite decorations sold this time of year—from a purely business perspective, zodiac animals were seasonal and liyue’s deity was not. He believed Ajax that the amount of décor dedicated to Liyue’s fallen Archon might have surpassed expectations, but he was hard-pressed to believe that the amount was so much more that Ajax had somehow managed to not bring back a single snake themed piece.
It was much more likely that Ajax had gravitated to pieces depicting him, even unintentionally. The thought brought with it both easy joy and a flustered stammer of his heart.
It would be easier to chalk up the urge to redecorate on the certain level of gaudiness brought about by a cluster of colors that’d reasonably fit more in a night market than a household.
“Perhaps we could start with moving some of these banners to the kitchen,” Zhongli said. “The lights can be strung in each room rather than gathered above the windowsill. The lanterns are very charming, but they needn’t be so crowded; let us remove half and distribute them evenly amongst the bedrooms.”
Ajax snorted. “What happened to refraining from commenting?”
“From their quality, I have no complaints. I can see the care you took in selecting these pieces,” Zhongli answered honestly, arm rising to brush along the silk spun tassels hanging from a lantern. The soft fabric caressed his palm and he smiled, a vision of the wrinkle between Ajax’s brows and the way he’d worry his lip over picking the one he’d deem worthy to bring home surfacing in his mind. “You did an excellent job.”
Ajax flushed, the praise obviously pleasing yet unwilling to relinquish the battle yet. “So why change it?”
“I believe it’d be more auspicious to prioritize quality over quantity.”
“Uhuh.” He rolled his eyes, stepping in close to rest his chin on Zhongli’s shoulder. Ajax’s arms closed around his waist, and Zhongli’s shoulders relaxed as the warmth of Ajax’s torso seeped into his back. A finger prodded his side, making him jump. “And the truth?”
Zhongli smiled, abashed. “The clustered colors appear a bit… gaudy. Ah, Ahahajax!”
Zhongli squirmed as wriggling fingers dug in under his arms, lips sliding open in startled laughter as his arm snapped back from the golden tassel to feebly protect himself. It meant little with Ajax’s hands firmly comfortable under the bend of his arms and he yelped as they buried themselves in the enclosed space, giggles falling free from his mouth. He should’ve expected this from Ajax the moment his lover had wrapped his arms around him, but the décor had occupied his mind too well.
“Come onnn,” Ajax prodded, dragging out the word as he fluttered his fingers along Zhongli’s ribs with ease to a squeak. “It doesn’t look that bad, right? Can’t we just leave it as is?”
“It’s nahahat—it’s nahahaa gohahaood!”
“What’s so bad about it? Can’t be so bad if you’re smiling like that.”
“Yohahahu’re the cahahause!”
“Aw,” Ajax cooed, mocking. “Aren’t you so sweet?”
Zhongli shook his head, cheeks flushing at the teasing purr in Ajax’s voice and the meaningful drag of his knuckles over the bumps and ridges of his ribs. One hand climbed up to his neck, eliciting a weak shout as he twisted his head away from the sensation only for it to follow along, tickling the sensitive skin. The other wormed it’s way down the front of his torso, teasing at the hem of his vest and dipping between his buttons to poke at his bare skin. “Wehehehe can leahahve hahahahalf of it! Stahahahp!”
“Half? After all my hard work hanging all of this? What happened to admiring great craftmanship, huh?”
“What craftmanship—waHAHAHAit, nAHAHA!”
Ajax’s wandering hands found themselves home at a very familiar place by this point, kneading away at Zhongli’s sides. His legs wobbled as Ajax dragged him closer, fingers intent on tickling at all his known weaknesses, and Zhongli laughed openly as he fell back against both the sofa and Ajax’s body; the sofa scraped against the wooden floor, a sharp noise cutting through his giggles, and Zhongli gasped as Ajax shifted above him to grab at his hips. “Enohahangh!”
“Hmm… I don’t know…”
A laugh, gentle, met his ears as Ajax prodded his hips. Zhongli peered through squinted eyes wrinkled in mirth as the shadow of Ajax’s face fell over him, usually dull eyes twinkling in amusement, reds and golds swirling in his vision between blinks. Zhongli heard himself stutter, warmth crawling along his torso, and though he squeezed his eyes shut once more the image resurfaced in his head unashamedly. “AhahahHAHAJAX!”
“Giving up already?” Rapid pokes to his hip earned a squeal as Ajax chased his giggles with a crooked grin. “We can keep the decorations how I want, then?”
“FiheehEHEHENE!”
“Just fine?”
“Yes, yEHEHEHes, okaHAHAy!” Zhongli batted at the hands, feeling tears prick at his eyes. “StAHAHAP!”
“Yes, yes, fine.”
Ajax’s fingers continued to torment him for a moment longer, dancing along his torso to weakened giggles, until the sofa shifted once more as he rose from Zhongli’s body. He sucked in the next breathes greedily as the phantom feeling lingered, curling onto his side to rub at his wet eyes. A jingle met his ear and Zhongli turned, blinking up to see Ajax standing in front of a lantern, the same that he’d admired the tassels on before he’d been so insistently tickled.
“Ajax? What’s wrong?”
“Nothing really.”
Hm, very convincing. Zhongli smoothed out his wrinkled shirt with one hand as he rose from the sofa, feet padding softly on the floor until he met Ajax’s back. His arms closed around the other in a mimicry of Ajax’s embrace and his lover stiffened, shifting uneasily, and Zhongli chuckled; as much as he desired to tease Ajax back, there was no need to tickle the answer out from him when waiting a minute or two would work just as well. He hummed as Ajax squirmed in place, mouth pulling rather comically, until Ajax sighed and pulled at the tassel to another jingle.
“If it’s really that ugly, I can move a few pieces. I guess.”
Zhongli raised a brow, leaning over to peer at Ajax’s face. “Oh? I thought you were adamant on decorating however you pleased.”
“Well,” Ajax paused. “It’s your house.”
“And the truth?”
Pale cheeks reddened as Ajax averted his eyes. “There’s no point to all this if I’m the only one who likes it. I didn’t spend all this mora for me, you know.”
No, Ajax hadn’t, had he? Zhongli’s eyes twinkled as he cupped Ajax’s warmth cheeks to a surprised stutter, and he leaned over to kiss soft lips. He broke away just as quickly, smiling at the familiar way Ajax chased after him, a short sound scaping him; his hand slid over Ajax’s, tugging it loose from the tassel to wrap around his fingers instead. The same hands that’d dug into his sides mercilessly rubbed against the grain of his palm now, needy, and Zhongli chuckled at the ease with which Ajax shifted between moods, so like the element he wielded.
“It seems that my fondness of it increases with exposure.”
“Yeah?”
Zhongli hummed, leaning back to better admire the look of Ajax against a background flush of Liyue’s colors. It did still feel a bit much, vivid reds and eye-catching golds in such proximity to the cool tones of Ajax’s skin, even more so considering that much of said gold was shaped in his liking; however, he could just as easily picture another moment when it’d be appropriate to drape Ajax in those colors, in his symbols. Not in the present, certainly not anytime soon considering the hectic schedule of his lover’s duties, and yet the promise of it lingering on the horizon was enough for Zhongli to smile, tugging Ajax into another kiss.
Hello!^^ May I ask if you would be willing to write a ff about lee!Zhongli?
A/N: I AM SO SORRY!! I got so busy that I never got the chance to answer this, but here it is at last! The inspiration for this, although it's late to bring this up, is Zhongli avoiding Neuvillette like he is a disease during lantern rite. Like I said, extremely late, but I love the idea of two old dragons being friends! If you don't like the pairing, feel free to ask again and I'll be happy to oblige! :)) I hope you enjoy!
Warnings: Tickles! If I need to add something let me know!
Word count: 1.4k
Lee: Zhongli
Ler: Neuvillette
Prompt: Zhongli avoiding Neuvillette
♡~~~♡~~~♡
Old man Zhongli wasn't scared of much. Nor did he ever run away from his problems. But something that was keeping his dignity in line must have snapped the moment he found out Neuvillette was in town.
Now of course, he wasn't scared of the Hydro Dragon. No, that wasn't even close. For starters, he was over 3000 years younger than Zhongli. He was also still a baby in dragon standards. Zhongli could easily beat him if the time came, right?
Of course, Zhongli wouldn't fight him, the two were actually friends. The problem is that at the moment, Neuvillete has a certain… dislike for the archons. Okay, no. Dislike doesn't cover it. It's more like hatred for the archons. And unfortunately, Zhongli was still considered an Archon in Neuvillettes eyes.
You may be thinking: ‘Hey isn't Zhongli in his human disguise all of the time? Couldn't he pretend he's not Morax like he does all the time?” And yeah, he could… if Neuvillette wasn't as smart as he is. The Iudex would figure out the old man's bluff within five minutes of a conversation.
The solution to this problem? Avoid anything and everything involving the Hydro Dragon. Sounds easy, right? It's not. Especially when the traveler insisted that Zhongli attend the tea party Childe was throwing for Lantern Rite.
Zhongli, the poor old man, couldn't resist this offer if his life depended on it. He was a sucker for tea no matter what he had to endure. So there he was, sitting very uncomfortably across from the Iudex as he sipped tea.
“So, Zhongli, was it? Isn't it strange we had yet to see one another until now?” Neuvillette pondered, drinking his water. “A man as well known and important as you would've been bound to see a visitor such as myself sooner, no?”
The old man shuttered slightly. “My apologies, Iudex. I have been quite busy as of late.”
“Oh yes, I'm sure. Preparations for Lantern Rite, correct?” Neuvillette set his glass down to look at the man across from him better.
“Yes, yes. Liyue gets quite busy this time of year. I'm sure you understand?” Zhongli searched the room for an out. Childe had earlier convinced the traveler to spar with him, so they were out and about doing that. Furina and Hu Tao had clicked and were chatting about Clestia-knows-what, so they wouldn't help him. The only option he could think of was Xiao… and that was unlikely. Not because Xiao wouldn't help him, more so that he didn't want to put the younger one in an uncomfortable situation.
Speaking of uncomfortable situations, Neuvillette stood from his place on the couch and offered the brunette a hand. “Care to join me on a walk?”
Zhongli nodded, not wanting to be rude. He took the youngers hand and stood. They walked out of the tea house and into the starlit streets of Liyue. They made small talk until they reached the mountains outside of the city. That was when Neuvillette spoke about something other than water types.
“Allow me to ask a question?”
“You may,” Zhongli answered wearily.
“How long are you planning to keep up this charade, Morax?”
Zhongli paused and gazed over at the Fontainian. “Why, I don't think I know what you mean.”
Neuvillette shook his head. “Why are you playing innocent? I'm sure you don't think I'm not intelligent enough to realize that you are not some mora-less old man who works for a 19 year old girl?”
“Now that is not what I said, good sir. I understand what you're getting at but I am afraid you are false in your observations.”
“Lying is not a good look on you, sir.”
“Why would you believe that I am Rex Lapis? I fail to see any similarities between him and I.” Zhongli was starting to run out of ways to get the Hydro Dragon off his back.
Neuvillette paused to think before his eyes lit up and he smirked. He got closer to the old man, throwing an arm around his shoulder. “You may be right. Excuse me and my accusations. However, I would like to test and see if there's one similarity between you two. Permission?”
Zhongli hesitated. “Permission granted.”
All of the sudden, Neuvillette lunged at the archon, taking him to the grass with ease. Zhongli yelped, partially trying to fight Neuvillette off of him. In the end, Neuvillette was sitting on the olders thighs with his hands pinned under his knees.
Zhongli gained his composure before speaking. “May I ask what you think you are doing?”
“I am simply showing you a similarity between you and Rex Lapis.”
With that, Neuvillette experimentally squeezed the archon's side. Zhongli, much against his dignity, squeaked. The blue haired man visibly lit up at that, continuing to lightly claw at the olders sides.
Zhongli attempted to dull his reactions before he spoke. “Why ihis this necehessary?” He choked out.
Neuvillette grinned triumphantly. “I am simply pointing out something you and Morax both have in common. What is so wrong about that?”
“Yohou knohow-” the brunette interrupted himself with an undignified shriek as the younger scribbled on his ribs.
“What I know,” he paused to poke the archons chest. “is that you are lying to me, and clearly the only way I can get you to admit it is through this. I remember this working on Rex Lapis quite well.”
Zhongli had fought back the redness creeping to his face. When was the last time Neuvillette did this? He'd thought back, finally coming to the memory of around 300 years ago when Zhongli had visited the other dragon after learning he'd become the Iudex. Zhongli had found a way to get on Neuvillettes nerves, to which he'd responded by doing this exact thing.
“Ihi still cahannohot say ihi knohow what yohou are tahalking ahabohout.” A bold faced lie.
“You tell yourself that all you want. How long did it usually take for you to give? Oh yes, I remember now,” he said mischievously.
Zhongli attempted to face his attacker, but ultimately didn't get the chance. Neuvillette had apparently remembered very vital and rather embarrassing information about a certain archon's thighs. Specifically how horribly ticklish they are. This hit Zhongli the second Neuvillette experimentally poked his thigh.
Here comes the begging: “Waitwaitwaitwait, Neuv- Neuvi please! No!”
“Neuvi, huh? I have not heard that nickname from anyone other than Rex Lapis. Are you gonna give up, or do I still have to make you?” Neuvillette teased.
“Lohook ihi- NO!”
Neuvillette turned and sat carefully on the olders stomach, causing him to set Zhonglis arms free. Afterwards, he had started to squeeze all around Moraxs thighs, eliciting an adorable squeak from the man.
“No? You are not going to share the truth with me?”
The younger only shook his head, switching from squeezing to pinching and spidering. Zhongli fell into low laughter as he tried to think his way out of this situation. That's when it hit him: the most amazing plan ever! If he recalled correctly, Neuvillette was still ticklish himself.
Zhongli blindly reached for Neuvillettes' side and Squeezed it. The Iudex yelped and fell off of the other dragon. Zhongli quickly sat on his waist to keep him down.
“I must admit, even while knowing I am Morax, that was brave. An idiotic kind of brave, but I will give you credit.” He said once he caught his breath.
“Alas, you admit it. May I kindly ask you to get off?” The younger asked, hoping that Zhongli wasn't planning for revenge.
“After that show you put on? No way. Don't you remember the outcome last time you pulled that on me? I remember telling you that-”
Neuvillette blushed slightly. “Turnabout is fair play. Yes, yes, I remember.”
Zhongli grinned and started to squeeze Neuvillettes sides with no mercy.
“Chongyun! Chongyun, guess what I just saw!” Xingqui yelled once he saw the older.
“What? Is it a ghost?” He asked excitedly.
“No, no. I just witnessed Zhongli and that visitor from Fontain-”
“Neuvillette,” Chongyun interrupted.
“Yes, I just saw them having a tickle fight!”
Chongyun gasped, “Oh my Archon! That's actually endearing.”
“I know!”
♡~~~♡~~~♡
A/N: if you liked this fic, I have a ton other's you might enjoy! Check out my masterlist to see if anything piques your interest!
I ran out of room for links on my intro post so I actually have to make one of these now.
Brat! - Lee!Venti Ler Zhongli and Raiden Ei
Brat
a/n: HAPPY BIRTHDAY ZHONGLI I LOVE YOU SO MUCH BUT WHY DOES YOUR BIRTHDAY HAVE TO BE DURING THE BUSIEST TIME OF THE YEAR
summary: zhongli just wants ajax for his birthday
———
"Xiansheng, please!"
"I don't see the problem. I'm happy to just have you."
"NO!"
He couldn't resist the chuckle as the scowl on Ajax's freckled face grew more distraught, frustrated as Zhongli continued to tease him along. "It's simply because I've lived a long life by now, Ajax," Zhongli explained amusedly, though this did nothing to temper the other's reactions. "At this point, there's nothing I'd be happier to have for my birthday than my lov-"
"No- No! Stop saying that!" Ajax huffed, interrupting Zhongli yet again, his body fidgeting impatiently from where it straddled Zhongli's waist on the shared mattress. "It doesn't work like that, Xiansheng!"
"Why not?"
"It just- It just doesn't, okay?" Ajax's cheeks puffed, face flustered in a way that Zhongli has never experienced before. "You can't just- I mean, that doesn't even make sense as a birthday present."
"It does to me, though?" Zhongli tilted his head against the pillow, feigning ignorance to keep himself entertained, but there was some truth to his words. Six thousand years was enough for any man to collect any gift under the sun, after all.
But new experiences with someone new... now that was novel and exciting.
"No.." There was the sound of a groan as Ajax placed his hands to his face frustratedly, before sweeping them upwards to brush his bangs back, meeting Zhongli's gaze with determination. "I want to get you something," his finger landed pointedly on Zhongli's chest. "Maybe like a tea set, or something. Anything. It's only fair."
Zhongli paused, before smiling. "I would like my lover, Ajax."
"Ugh, no! How about a fancy party?"
"A fancy party.. for just the two of us perhaps." Zhongli laughed as Ajax inhaled frustratedly, balling his fists in the air.
"Stubborn old man," he muttered with dramatic exhale. "Okay, fine, fine, I'll give what you want, but you should know there are.. many sides to me."
"Oh? Do tell."
"Well first, there's me, Ajax!" he held up one finger before pointing to himself, eyes squinting with the biggest grin. "Cutest boy to ever grace Snezhnaya, of course."
"Mmmm," Zhongli nodded, processing his thoughts. "In the present, yes, but I have lived over six thousand years by now and have had the pleasure to meet.. many people. Don't you think that before meeting you, it's possible I might have met someone else that is, hmmm, even cu-"
"Zhongli, don't."
"Alright."
"Second," Ajax held up two fingers this time, "there's Childe, also me! The handsome and irresistibly charming Snezhnayan diplomat that everyone falls head over heels for instantly, even the geo archon himself!"
That never happened, but Zhongli nodded along anyway.
"And third," Ajax held up three fingers, "there's Tartaglia, another me! Strongest weapon of the Tsaritsa and number eleven of the Fatui Harbingers, feared by all on the battlefield!"
Strongest harbinger, yet only number eleven? "Very impressive," Zhongli's voice betrayed his own thoughts.
"Thanks!" Childe beamed proudly, before getting back to business. "And do you know what's the fourth?"
Zhongli blinked, thrown off by the fact there was more. "You need four names?"
"Xiansheng, that's the not point," Ajax rolled his eyes exaggeratedly, "but c'mon, aren't you curious who the fourth might be?"
"Errr.." Zhongli was sure the cogs were visibly turning his head, perplexed by this new reveal of information. Had he potentially missed something during their usual chats..? No, no, six thousand years is more than enough to time to learn yourself well and Zhongli was absolutely sure such an important detail would not simply fly by him so easily. A fourth name..
"I can give you a hint, if you'd like."
And had Zhongli been his warier self, he would've caught the little glint present in Ajax's eyes, yet the older man found himself so caught up in learning this new layer potentially unknown to him that his earnest interest proved to be his downfall, Zhongli's own eyes finally widening in realization once finger taps drummed along his sides.
Zhongli already knew this side of Ajax.. too well.
"W-Wait, a-ahahahaha!"
"Have you figured it out, Xiansheng?" Childe's eyes never left Zhongli's, even while speaking, observing as Zhongli's expression morphed from shock to that of a giggly fit.
"Y-Yehehes! Y-You dohon't need to do thihihis!" Zhongli managed between snorts, crumbling in only a few seconds. His hands pushed frantically at Ajax's own, but Zhongli was fighting a war lost many times before, the usual tactics employed against him. Just as one hand would tease his stomach, the other would poke at his rib cage, followed by a gentle squeeze to his side, sequenced one after the other to draw out the little squeals of laughter both have grown familiar with.
"No, no, Xiansheng," Childe chided him, expertly pressing his thumbs into the underside of his ribs to apply just the right amount of pressure for breathy wheezes, "you wanted me for you birthday.. and the tickle monster is also me."
The tickle monster — the one being that never failed to bring a smile to Zhongli's face, even on the most stressful of days, always there to brighten both their days in the simplest of ways.
Zhongli really should have just gone with the tea set.
Lee Zhongli honestly has the most aura of all lees
Lee Zhongli sounds absolutely adorable!
In fact, here is a little something for such an occasion. Enjoy!
★・・・★・・・★・・・★
“So, is it true?” Childe asked for what seemed like the tenth time in a short span of a few minutes and Zhongli, once again, chose to reply with nothing more than a sip of his tea. They had met up for their weekly visits, Zhongli’s suggestion, where they would enjoy each other’s company along with a nice tea. Today proved troublesome, however. “Come onnn, you can’t even confirm with a nod? Anything?”
“A juvenile question deserves no answer.”
“How is it juvenile? I heard from that bard from Mondstadt that you’re ticklish and I’m curious to know if such a statement is true!”
Zhongli glanced up to the curious redhead, a stern look upon his face giving away no indications if the statement was true or not, much to Childe’s frustration. Of course Venti was involved, that little imp was always causing grievances, even when he was no where to be seen.
“You would choose to believe the words of a young, drunken bard?” Zhongli asked, there was a small tug at the corner his mouth, a smirk showing his amusement.
“If they hold merit, then yeah, why not?” Childe matched the smirk, taking it as a challenge, something the Harbinger loved above all else.
Zhongli sighed, his gaze wandering out to the streets of Liyue Harbor below their tearoom. Perhaps if he tried to ignore the persistence long enough, Childe would give up. But then again, this was Childe he was talking about, this man never gives up.
“So, which is it?” Childe’s voice spoke very close to Zhongli’s ear, startling the former Archon out of his daze. “Are you going to tell me? Or do I need to find out for myself?”
His words sparked something within Zhongli, certainly not fear but a certain nervousness in which he almost loses his composure. He clears his throat, closing his eyes in a display of confidence.
“There really is no need. If it will truly satisfy you to know, then I will confirm that just like everyone else, there are places on my body that you would deem ticklish. Nothing more than the average person, however. I don’t know why this information is of importance to you but I’m sure now that you know you will stop-”
A pinch at his side caused Zhongli to interrupt his sentence with a startled yelp. A yelp of all sounds, how humiliating. The colour red flushed to his cheeks almost immediately and his eyes narrowed in Childe’s direction, face to face with that shit eating grin he knows so well.
“I think I hit the jackpot!” He cheered, bringing his both hands Zhongli’s sides and tickling him. “Come on, xiansheng, lets hear that pretty laughs of yours!”
Zhongli had barely any time to process what was happening, the sudden tickles sent him into immediate chuckles, and he found himself trying to squirm away from Childe’s merciless fingers.
Zhongli couldn’t even remember the last time he was tickled, he had almost forgotten the sensations it would bring, how easily one’s composure would crumble at just simple ministrations.
He didn’t hate it, strangely. Not only was Childe’s expression softened into a warm and cheerful smile at this new discovery, but he also too felt himself at a place of joy and serenity. It was something so simple but genuinely enjoyable.
He lets himself laugh as he felt those fingers travel higher to his ribs, his eyes closing as his laughter rang out. Childe almost had to stop tickling to take in the beautiful sight, a small blush tinting across his face at the man’s beauty.
After a few more moments, the tickling had finally come to stop.
Zhongli leaned against Childe, having lost balance from his squirming and was thankful that the tickling had now come to an end, for now at least, he was sure Childe would take advantage of this new knowledge again.
“Are you… satisfied… now?” Zhongli questioned, trying to regain his breath from the laughing that had not been heard in such volume for years.
“For now? Yeah,” Childe giggled, allowing the former Archon to use his body to lean on. “Though as for later, we will see.”
“I’m glad you enjoyed yourself,” Zhongli smiled before sitting back up to pour them both a new cup of tea. “I shall have to pay that bard a visit after this, however.”
Childe laughed. “I would have most likely have found out sooner or later anyways.”
“True as that may be, it was him that put the idea in your head to begin with, was it not?” Zhongli looked out as the breeze started to pick up. This emitted a chuckle from Zhongli, he knew that said bard was listening and was now nervous to feel the wrath. “But for now, it’s my turn to ask.”
Ngl kinda wanted to make this one longer, but i thought it was a good stopping point...who knows though, maybe I'll come back to it
*Warning for feet lol
===========================================
“Are you quite done?” Zhongli raised a brow to the ginger. The archon was currently wrapped in a blanket, only his head and feet poking out, thanks to his boyfriend’s playful antics. It had started just a bit ago, Zhongli ignoring Childe’s taunts to rile him up, simply resigning himself to relaxing on the bed. But Childe didn’t stop, resorting to wrapping the man up tight in a blanket, hoping he’d have no other choice than to finally acknowledge him.
“Ah, so I’m not invisible…” Childe rolled his eyes, laying next to the burrito-fied man and poking him in the cheek.
Zhongli twitched his head away and glared at the harbinger, though it had no bite to it. “You never were, you have simply been…I think energetic would be the right term.”
“Just because you’re old doesn’t mean I’m energetic. Everyone my age is like this.” He sighed, fluttering his fingers over the other’s neck and ear.
“I am not old- Ajax get me out of- Ack! Stop that!” His head flinched away again, eyebrows creasing together as Childe’s playful fingers tickled his exposed neck. “We can go out so you can expel some of your energy.”
The redhead hummed to himself, looking up at the ceiling as if he was contemplating an answer. “Nah, I’ll have way more fun here.” He chuckled to himself, kissing Zhongli’s cheek before getting up and walking to the foot of the bed, settling himself next to the wiggling feet, loafers and sheer socks forgotten in the entryway.
Zhongli’s eyes widened, toes curling and shaking his head. “Childe, don't even think about it.”
“Think about what?” He asked innocently, lazily dragging a finger up and down the trapped man’s sole, from his heel to his toes and back.
“Chihihihlde! Y-Yohou knohohow-”
“No I don’t.” He answered, far too quickly for someone who was truly clueless about what he was doing. He added a finger to the other sole, both feet wrinkled from the toes curling tightly down, though they quickly uncurled and spread out whenever the long fingers tailed up to scratch beneath them.
“AhAhaHAjahAx! StaHahAhAHp!” the ex-archon pleaded, covering one foot with the other, his laughter becoming more frantic as he tried to wiggle around on the bed, trying to escape the tight security of the blanket.
“No, you’ve been ignoring me for the past hour, so I feel it’s only fair that I get to spend an hour with you…” He chuckled under his breath, skittering all ten of his fingers over a single sole, moving back and forth from foot to foot depending on which one was protecting the other.
“NOhOHoHoHOhOHO!” Zhongli yelled, his head falling back onto the soft pillows as he was forced to deal with the fingers crawling over his feet. His head rolled back and forth, hair already a mess on the pillows.
“Yes~” The harbinger teased, grabbing ahold of the toes and bending them back, making sure they weren't in the way as he scrubbed his nails along their bases. Zhongli’s feet twitched in the strong hands’ grasp, trying their best to escape the scratching nails.
“AHAHAJAHAHAHX! PLEHEHEHEASE!” Zhongli begged, beginning to work up a sweat trapped in the warm blanket. Tears started to leak down his cheeks, legs twitching and feet trembling as Childe thoroughly worked them over, not sparing an ounce of mercy.
“As I said, an hour. It’s only been, I’d say, ten minutes? Another fifty to go~” He purred, a devilishly mischievous shine in his eye as he held the feet hostage, now raking his nails up and down the trapped sole rabidly, as if he was scratching an incessant itch.
The archon could only beg and laugh as sweat and tears of mirth soaked the pillows, trying his best to claw his way out of the blanket. Childe truly had no mercy as he scratched and scrubbed the helpless feet, trying and failing to wiggle as he held their toes back tightly with one hand. He wasn’t anything if not a man of his word, so Zhongli should prepare himself for the next fifty minutes…but he’s a god, so if he truly hated it, he could get out easily, not that he would make the younger man aware he actually enjoyed being trapped like this, even if just a tiny bit.
a/n: ler!childe, lee!zhongli — from the augtickletober2024 list!
———
Sunlight poured through the curtains, washing over the overly cuddly duo, their bodies not only heavily mixed in with the sheets, but themselves, an amalgamation of limbs and pieces unrecognizable at first glance. And the first to stir fluttered his eyes, acclimating to the soft glow of sun presiding over the room, allowing its embrace to roll across his skin. With a groan, Zhongli breathed a heavy sigh, ready to wipe the sleep from his eyes, only to realize his arms were locked in place, squished to his body by.. a different kind of embrace.
"Uhhg, hah... Ajax," came the low grumble, a stark difference from the composed voice he wielded so well. The other was gripping him so tightly, his chest practically glued to Zhongli's back, arms wrapped as if Zhongli was in danger of rolling off the bed. Zhongli could feel the steady exhales tickling the back of his neck, prompting him to shift his head, though this didn't alleviate the issue.
"Ajax," Zhongli called softly, yet still no response. He himself was an early riser, but Ajax was something else, often rising before the crack of dawn to get his daily exercise in. If Zhongli managed to step out of bed before he could return, a piping cup of ginger tea would be awaiting his return, but if Ajax made it back first, Zhongli could expect to be greeted with a hearty breakfast. It was very unlike the other to still be in bed at this hour and Zhongli started to worry if he might be ill.
In an attempt to free himself, Zhongli gave a little push to his arms, exerting force against Ajax's own, only for the opposing arms to constrict Zhongli's body in tighter embrace, pushing back against Zhongli's arms.
So he was awake.
"Ajax," this time with his usual tone. There was no doubt the ginger could hear him now.
"Mmmmm.."
"Come now, let's not waste the morning."
"You came home late.."
So that's what this was about. It wasn't as if it was planned; long nights at the funeral parlor were sparse, but not unheard of. And to reward themselves a day's hard work, per Director Hu's recommendation, the two went took to Third-Round Knockout for the night, drinking through the late hours as Zhongli listened to his boss with his nonsensical rambling. Upon arriving home, a lukewarm bowl of soup was left for him on the counter and Childe was already passed out in the bedroom, body sprawled out over the mattress, to which Zhongli took to tucking himself under his arm when he too was ready to retire for the night.
And now, he found himself caught in between both arms.
"Sorry, Ajax," Zhongli craned his neck in an attempt to face the other. He'd pat the ruffled mess of hair.. if only he had control of his arms. "Had to stay out late last night."
No response.
"Perhaps," Zhongli drew out, mentally thumbing through solutions to appeal to the moody ginger, "we can walk to the farmers' market together?" Yeah, that should work. Ajax loved the farmers' market, always finding himself excited over the constant array of new things he'd find, or different ingredients he could use to cook with, and Zhongli loved watching him. It'd be a good time.
There was a shift in the sheets and a low whine from behind Zhongli and for a brief moment, Zhongli figured his offer might've worked.
"Ten more minutes."
Zhongli wasn't quite sure how to feel about this; five minutes would've been acceptable, but ten? A bit excessive in his book.
"How about five?" he bargained.
"Mm-mm," Zhongli could make out the sound of him shaking his head. "Ten."
"Ajax.." Zhongli knew this game. Ten minutes he'd push for, which would then become fifteen, then twenty.. Zhongli wasn't falling for it.
He opened his mouth to push back, but a sudden sensation stopped him in his tracks, caught in his throat to produce a mishap mixture of a grunt and a gasp.
And then a second kiss. "Do you not like me anymore, xiansheng? Is that why you didn't come home last night? Why you want to leave me now too?"
And then a third and fourth kiss. "N-Nohoho," was all he could utter, gaspy giggles spilling out as he attempted to scrunch his neck, feeling Ajax's lips meander against his skin.
Fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth. "Or maybe you're seeing someone else, hm? Another harbinger? Is it because I'm only number eleven? Who is it? Dottore, Scaramouche, Capitano?"
This made no sense; he didn't even know of these people or their existence, but Zhongli could barely argue back, Childe's fingers now pressing into his stomach and sides, forcing Zhongli to curl up and attempt a fetal position, only for Ajax's legs to now wrap around his own.
"Or is it a normal civilian? That would make it easy for me," Childe giggled with mischief. "I could stop them from seeing you— snap their arms, maim their legs, maybe even use them as a snack for my old friend, Osial."
"NahaHAHAhaha, Ajahahax! Okay, okahahahay!" The combination of rather morbid humor and tickling, both from Ajax's fingers and kisses, were enough to finally create an outburst of laughter and Zhongli wiggled around as much as he could, but the ginger had made his stance clear— they weren't leaving this bed.
"So, ten minutes?" Ajax had quit with the tickling this time, choosing to nuzzle his nose into the side of Zhongli's neck instead.
seriously do y’all get this feeling of wanting your fav to get tickled all helpless and unable to do anything, you just want them to be treated good and ESPECIALLY i feel like i dislike seeing anything involving him as a ler
HELLOO i scrolled through your fics and i only saw things about aether/venti/xiao and anemo boys in general, so i was wondering if you could write something about Zhongli! Idk if you’re willing to since yk yk i saw that you particularly like anemo boys, but if you’re actually willing to: May I ask you to write something about Lee!Zhongli and maybe some geo characters or even only one as the Ler? :)
~sam
Finding Out an Archon’s Secret
Request(s):
Up above^
—
I’m the person who asked for Itto and Zhongli, I didn’t notice I misspelled not once but twice💀 Anyway it was ler Itto and lee Zhongli😭 dyslexia hitting hard rn
—
Summary: Itto lands in Liyue and Zhongli finds himself in a tough situation to not reveal his well kept secret.
A/N: I finally finished this fic and I really am sorry for how long it took to get it written. I am not that well versed with writing tickling for characters other than who I really like (Anemo Boys, Lyney, Gaming, Sethos). I’ll be honest, I procrastinated with this fic and its research, trying to make it as good as my other writings. I could’ve written something short to satisfy these requests, but I like to indulge my readers (and myself) even though it takes more outta me. So yeah, for characters I’m not familiar with, it will take time. Hope you enjoy reading this one!
Word Count: 1928
Bonus Word Count: 239
—
On board The Alcor, Arataki Itto, along with his gang and Kuki Shinobu, arrived at Liyue Harbor.
“Liyue! It feels like it was yesterday when we had our beetle fighting event here,” Itto reminisced.
Shinobu hummed in agreement as they thanked Captain Beidou and got off the boat.
“I’m bringing the gang with me to find some ways we can make Mora overseas. Don’t cause any trouble while we’re gone.”
“Pfft. Me? Causing trouble? Shinobu, I am the responsible One and Oni. I can handle myself just fine.”
Itto grinned at Shinobu, leaning against some crates…before they toppled over.
“AAH!”
Itto fell to the ground, wincing as he got up with the help of Shinobu while the rest of the gang helped with putting the crates back.
“You were saying?” Shinobu’s eyes had a teasing glint in them.
“Ahaha,” he laughed, scratching his head. “I'm a responsible On- hehehey!”
“What am I going to do with you?” she chuckled, scribbling her fingers along his abdomen for a moment before stopping.
“Just be careful and try not to topple more things over.”
“Okahay. Ihihi wihill,” residual giggles slipping out of him.
They exchanged their signature glance before Shinobu called the gang to follow her, leaving Itto at the harbor.
“What to do, what to do…” he scanned the harbor trying to find anything interesting to do when a tall figure caught his eye.
The figure with his dark brown hair tied in a ponytail stood at the fish stall, strands of hair dancing in the gentle breeze.
“He looks familiar.”
Another figure, short with teal hair, walked up to the other. Itto immediately recognized him and sped his way to them.
“Little Dude!”
“I-Itto!?” Xiao quickly handed the bouquet of Qingxin that he was holding to the other man before being carried into the air and engulfed in a hug.
“Still short huh?”
“You big Oni,” Xiao couldn't even be mad at him as his contagious joyful attitude got to him, making him smile.
A chuckle was heard beside them as Itto put Xiao down. Looking at the figure’s face, Itto finally recognized him.
“Ohhhh, Zhongli!”
“Indeed. That is me. Our paths cross again, Itto.”
“Drop the formalities dude! We are bros!”
Itto wrapped an arm around his waist, boisterously laughing and attracting the attention of others.
“Um Itto, I know you are happy, but please tone it down.”
“Oh, heh. Sorry.”
Itto quieted down a bit and they all worked towards Zhongli’s abode talking along the way.
“What’s the bouquet for? Are you asking someone out?”
Zhongli choked on his breath, almost dropping the Qingxin, and Xiao started blushing.
“Xiao? I wouldn’t have thought you were the person to be getting flowers.”
“Y-Yeah, it’s mine,” he said, grabbing the Qingxin from Zhongli’s outstretched hand. “I mean, I’m getting it for someone.”
“Who’s the lucky person?”
Xiao’s blush deepened and he started fiddling with his glove.
“It’s for A-Aether.”
Itto’s eyes widened, and he clenched his hand in shock, which was still on Zhongli’s waist, making him double over with a surprised laugh that went unnoticed by the two. Unfortunately for Zhongli, Itto started drumming his fingers as he and Xiao talked. Their conversation was lost to him as he was holding back giggles and laughter from spilling out. The Oni’s tight grip prevented any subtle movements that the retired Archon could try to use to get away.
Unbeknownst to anyone in Liyue, besides Xiao and Childe, the Geo Archon is extremely ticklish. So, having Itto drumming his fingers across his hips was driving him up the wall.
“Aether is definitely a lucky guy. Just follow your heart. You got it in the bag, Xiao,” a sincere grin spread across Itto’s face.
“Thank you, Itto.”
They both shared a glance and faced Zhongli, about to ask what was on his mind when they saw his flushed face.
“Zhongli!”
Itto let him go as Xiao went to examine him.
“Was it my body heat? I didn’t know I was hugging you too tight. I’m sorry!”
As Itto was muttering apologies, Xiao guided his hands to Zhongli’s head and then to his neck, checking his temperature to see if he had a fever.
“Do you feel un-”
“Hmphehe!”
A muffled giggle slipped out of him when Xiao’s hand brushed against his neck. A knowing look passed Xiao’s eyes as he tried to hold back a smile, understanding why Zhongli’s face was flushed.
“Calm down, Itto,” Xiao started, “He’s fine. He just needs a little water, and he should be good. The heat was getting to him. Bring him back home, his house is close by. I’m going to be with Aether now. Just be careful with taking care of him.”
“Okay, I can handle him. You are talking with the responsible One and Oni after all.”
He hoisted Zhongli onto his back and gave Xiao a thumbs-up.
“Good luck with Aether. You got it Little Dude!”
Xiao shook his head fondly before vanishing.
“My house is over there,” Zhongli pointed to a nice-looking building in the distance.
“Hold on tight Zho-Bro. Oni coming through!”
Before Zhongli could say anything, Itto was dashing through the streets of Liyue and arrived right at his front door.
“We’re here!”
Zhongli took out a key and handed it to him so he could unlock the door. When they got in, Itto set him on the couch and went to fetch some water.
He was left with his thoughts and all he could think of was Itto tickling him. The unbearable sensations would rack through his body as Itto found his spots one by one and reduced him into a laughing mess. Anticipation tingles started to spread through his body, and he groaned.
“Reduced to feeling ticklish all over just by a simple drumming of fingers. Oh Itto.”
"What did I do this time?"
Zhongli jolted up into a seating position, his wide golden eyes meeting curious, amber ones.
"Oh, uh," he stuttered, struggling to find words in his flustered state. "Y-Your Oni speed is most interesting. I haven't seen anything like it in a while."
Itto joyfully chuckled. "Oh, that's what you were thinking about! These guns aren't just for show."
He started flexing his muscles and Zhongli let out a quiet sigh of relief, narrowly avoiding sharing his secret. He took a sip of water from the glass Itto brought.
"Oh yeah," Itto stopped and walked over and sat beside him. "How's your temperature?"
Before he could respond, Itto brushed his hand along his neck just as Xiao had done. However, this time, Zhongli jolted and grabbed his hand.
"Oh shoot. Are you hurt?" Itto asked with worry.
"No, no," he reassured him, willing the redness that he knows is on his cheeks away. "You just... caught me by surprise is all."
"Oh, ahaha," Itto laughed. "I tend to do that all the time."
Zhongli let go of his hand, assuming Itto was done, but Itto slid his hand gently to rest on his neck. Zhongli slightly squirmed, a smile forming on his lips as Itto murmured to himself about the temperature.
"Hmm, I think you're fine," Itto said, pulling away. "I'm no doctor but- why are you smiling?"
Zhongli didn't know what to say, panicking as he saw the wheels turn in his head.
"I-uh-eh-"
"You're ticklish, aren't you."
It wasn't said as a question but as a fact.
"N-No!" he squeaked loudly. Seeing Itto smirk made him realize his mistake. "I-I mean- AHAHAHA!"
"Ohoho~" Itto grinned devilishly after squeezing his hips. "I didn't think you of all people would be ti-ck-lish."
He punctuated each syllable with alternating squeezes on his hips making him let out a guffaw of laughter each time.
"GAHAHA! NEHEHEHA! HAHAHA!"
The archon pushed at the Oni's frame to no avail. He was no match for him as he straddled his hips and went to town on them.
"IHIHITTOHOHO! WAIT! WAIT! WAHAHAIT! AHAHAHA!"
Zhongli can't even say a coherent sentence as Itto pinches his hips.
He whacked his hand against Itto's arms only for Itto to grab them and raise them over his head.
"Didn't someone tell you it's bad to hit someone?"
"Didn't someone tell you to not tickle others so suhuhuhdenly!? AHAHAHA!"
Zhongli shook with unrestrained laughter as Itto scribbled his fingers over his stomach.
"Ihihitohoho!"
He tried curling forward, yanking at his arms and desperately trying to pull them down.
"NahahAHAHA! Lehehet meHEHehe gohohoHOHAHA!"
Itto roughly skittered his fingers making the poor archon let out a guffaw of laughter. He tried to curl in on himself, but his captor's grip was too strong.
As the minutes ticked by, Zhongli's attempts at escape weakened. Being restrained under an all too eager Oni who doesn't look like is stopping anytime soon made him even more sensitive.
"Not here, not there. Make up your mind, would ya?" Itto said, smirking all the while as he squeezed his sides with his free hand.
The man beneath him squealed with laughter as he shed tears of mirth, wiggling around trying to avoid his touch. Try as he might, the Oni's hand was able to seek his spots to elicit his deep laughter.
Itto finally let go of his arms and he huffed a sigh of relief, the tickling finally over.
"I got you by surprise, didn't I?~ Hahaha!" Itto teased.
"PLEHEHEASE! PLEHEHEHAHAHASE!" Zhongli pleaded as evil hands squeezed his sides. "IHIHIHITTOHOHO! YOUHUHU'RE GOHOHOING TOHOHO KIHIHILL MEHEHEHE."
He pushed against Itto's arms, hands, face, anywhere he could reach to deter him, but Itto persisted in making him fall into a crumbling, laughing mess.
And suddenly, he felt it.
"AHAHAHAHA!" he shrieked, feeling thumbs massaging his hip bones. "IHIHI- GAHAHAHA!" he brought his hands to his face, laughing uncontrollably as those thumbs rubbed in slow, circular movements and ignited the ticklish nerves. "NEHEHE- HAHAHAHA!" he tried rolling off the couch to escape Itto's grasp.
"And where do you think you're going, hmm?"
Only to be dragged back and have his sides squeezed mercilessly in punishment.
"WAHAHAIT! I- BWAHAHAHA NOHOHOHOHAHAHA!"
This continued on for a few more minutes until Itto sensed that the mighty Geo archon was at his limit. He slowed down to a stop and lifted the tickled-out archon.
"Eheek!"
"Relax, I'm not going to tickle you unless you want me to~" he wiggled his fingers against Zhongli's form.
"Nohoho mohohore!"
"Haha, I'm just messing with you. Just going to sit you up properly."
As residual giggles left his mouth, Itto made space for them both on the couch and refilled their glasses.
"That was fun, wasn't it?" Itto asked, grinning from ear to ear at him.
Zhongli couldn't help but smile too as he nodded his head.
"Yeah, it was."
They sat in comfortable silence as Zhongli's breath evened out.
"We gotta do more of this sometime!" Itto joyfully expressed, breaking the silence.
"I don't mind," Zhongli chuckled. "It has actually been quite some time since I laughed like that."
“Sooo, you don’t mind if I do it again right now,” Itto smirked, wiggling his fingers at him.
“Nohohot nohohow!” Zhongli laughed, batting his hands away.
“Just kidding, hehehe.”
“…”
“How about now?”
“No!”
As they conversed, in their minds, they looked forward to another opportunity to do this once again.
—Bonus—
Childe and Shinobu burst through the front door of Zhongli’s home after hearing reports of screaming coming from there. They were met with the sight of Itto clawing at Zhongli’s belly and Zhongli throwing his head back in laughter. Both Childe and Shinobu sighed in relief before taking down the Oni.
“H-Hey!”
“How dare you tickle my Zhongli?!”
“I thought you said you’ll keep out of trouble!? Tickling the Geo archon of all people? I shouldn’t be surprised at how you get into these situations.”
“What do you mean by that!? I don’t get myself into any situaHAHATIOHON! WAHAHAHAIT! AHAHAHA!”
Zhongli watched from the couch as Itto got wrecked by Childe and Shinobu, chuckling at the excuses Itto was making.
“Ooh! Perfect!” Hu Tao practically sprinted towards the trio as Itto screamed bloody murder as he saw Boo Tao peeking behind her and a coffin coming his way. Childe and Shinobu scrambled for safety and Zhongli dived towards Hu Tao.
Suffice to say, a lot happened that day in Liyue.
Thank you for reading! A question for y'all, would you like to have a balance of plot and tickling, like this fic, in the future or just jump into the tickling?
Their breaths were in sync, the beat of steady inhales and exhales perfectly aligned to permeate the air, as if the very room awaited his answer. Every thought carried the same message to leave behind the approaching scenario that loomed over the two, yet there was a rosy warmth pooling at the pit of his stomach, spilling over to betray better judgment, yearning to indulge him.
He gave a final tug of the familiar scarf, sensing the strain of threads encasing his wrists, one last test to its makeshift hold. Arms still strung over his head with the weight of the other straddling his waist, he allowed himself to relax into the mattress, welcoming the inevitable.
Ready.
"Really now?" he could make out the amused scoff. "You seemed a bit hesitant just a moment ago; what changed your mind, Xiansheng?"
Zhongli bit his lip, confronted with a question he lacked an answer to. Despite the cloth laid over his eyes, the image of that expectant smirk was clear in his head. Who was to say exactly? The eagerness that had flared into Childe's eyes when Zhongli had initially agreed to play along into his special interests was off-putting in a peculiar manner. If anything, there was a certain allure that drew Zhongli in, capturing his interest to peel back the layers, dig deeper in discovering new colors behind Childe's personality.
There was always something to fascinate him.
Given Childe's impatient nature, the hasty kiss that soon followed should have hardly come as a surprise, granting barely a shred of time for Zhongli to ponder. The drive behind Childe's actions didn't go unnoticed, the manner in which his tongue demanded entry and the way his body forcefully pressed Zhongli into the mattress indicated there was a vision to his actions, leading the older man along to his end goal — and Zhongli let him, relaxing back into the mattress as his mouth was met with the cherry tart taste flavor that lingered on Childe's lips, his arms loose in their restraints, awaiting Childe's next move.
It nearly went unnoticed; too preoccupied with attending to Childe's embrace, had Zhongli's body not reacted on its own accord, he would've missed the graze of Childe's fingers, nothing more than a faint whisper against his skin, yet Zhongli knew Childe — give him an inch and he'd gladly take that mile. The subtle intake of breath was all Childe needed to ditch the initial timid approach and Zhongli soon felt himself disengaged from the kiss, allowing for Childe to properly focus on the task at hand, digging into the bare sides with renewed purpose. His personal past escapades were never disclosed, but Zhongli could tell — could feel the experience, the skill in those movements. The tips of his fingers lit a spark at Zhongli's nerves and Childe knew exactly how to fan the flames.
Arms contorting in the scarf, Zhongli threw his head back, laughter pouring out incessantly. Childe's hands were tenacious, withstanding the countless attempts to sway them; no matter which way his body twisted, Childe followed, his fingertips seamlessly bound to Zhongli's skin.
"Mmm.. you sound nice, Xiansheng," Childe whispered, almost as if refraining from distracting from the main event.
Did he, though? It was just his laugh, something that the other had most certainly heard many times by now; the breathless pleas and erroneous squeals were more obnoxious, if anything. Then again, compliments from Childe were a dime a dozen, yet there was something.. peculiar about this one. It flustered him to no end, Childe finding his laugh.. appealing — he couldn't fathom why and still, his ears tinged scarlet, procuring a noticeable heat rising within him.
And the sensation pumping through his veins brought forth a fuzzy atmosphere in his head, akin to indulging in sweet vermouth, further catalyzed by Childe's movements. They bore into his sides, kneaded at his chest, played with his hips, provoking and pleasing, as if hoping to not only satiate Childe's needs, but Zhongli's as well. His body synchronized with those hands, chasing the thrill, the vigor they brought him, conflicting with his own limits. He wanted to laugh, wanted to relish in the way Childe's hands explored the surface of his skin, feel the trickle down his spine as he arched his back, propagating this undiscovered sense of pleasure that washed over his brain, leaving his body high, numb, past his limits with only one option.
"REHEHEHED!"
His voice ripped through the room, slicing into the air cleanly, filling the space that was once occupied with flowing laughter with the sound of syncopated sighs as Childe brought his hands to a gentle flow, streaming them up and down Zhongli's torso in methodical motions. His arms fell lax in their restraints as he steadied his breathing, the occasional giggle released into the open when Childe's fingers slipped past a particularly sensitive spot.
"Not bad, not bad." The area of the mattress shifted around him and Zhongli felt the tip of Childe's nose touch his own, before their foreheads met as well, followed by Childe's own short laugh. "You did better than I was expecting, Xiansheng. Round two, hm?"
Zhongli breathed hesitantly, giving himself a moment to ponder. It was a strange experience, no doubt, but if it meant participating kept Childe happy, then maybe..
Not to mention the tiny voice that seemingly pushed Zhongli in that direction.
"Well, thank you for indulging me," Childe said, clearly not allowing Zhongli's silence to deter him. "I had fun.. and I hope you did too."
I've been busy with a lot of things lately, so I'm sorry! Its been like what, two weeks?? but it feels like eternity. For me and probably you all (I kinda feel pressured to get something out to you all because my recent fic gained popularity but also internet time feels much quicker, people are more expectant if that makes sense. Probably just me and maybe the community here is more chill than other social media platforms. What is your stance?) I'll create a post covering my life in a bit but here's the sneak peak, enjoy!
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"Hmm, I think you're fine," Itto said, pulling away. "I'm no doctor but- why are you smiling?"
Zhongli didn't know what to say, panicking as he saw the wheels turn in his head.
"I-uh-eh-"
"You're ticklish, aren't you."
It wasn't said as a question, but a fact.
"N-No!" he squeaked loudly. Seeing Itto smirk made him realize his mistake. "I-I mean- AHAHAHA!"
"Ohoho~" Itto grinned devilishly after squeezing his hips. "I didn't think you of all people would be ti-ck-lish."
He punctuated each syllable with alternating squeezes on his hips making him let out a guffaw of laughter each time.
"GAHAHA! NEHEHEHA! HAHAHA!"
---
Quick poll, would any of you want to see the handwritten stuff of my works in the future? Look at the image below.
Yea
Nah
Voting ended onJul 19, 2024
I know, my handwriting is terrible so no problem if you say no. I'm used to hearing it from my parents 💀. It'll just have little author's notes, annotations, and some stuff that doesn't make it to the final fic.
lee!Zhongli and ler!Foul legacy Childe headcanons? >\\\\<
[notes: HI ANON omg sorry it took so long, smth abt this ask clicked smth inside of me and I really wanted to write a drabble/fic instead of just headcanons. I also had some motivational annoyances along the way but eventually, I finished!! Hope u enjoy!]
Pairing: Lee!Zhongli, Ler!Childe (can be seen as platonic or romantic)
Warnings: tickles, mention of stabbing but its not actually stabbing, probably a bit ooc, unedited, no beta
Word count: 930~
Zhongli was in the Golden House since he needed some materials from Childe, but being the stubborn and cocky harbinger he was, he didn’t want to go down without a fight. That’s how the former geo archon found himself in this troublesome situation.
“For the last time Childe, I will not be fighting you.” Zhongli states in a stern tone, crossing his arms across his chest. He is currently standing face-to-face with Childe in his Foul Legacy form. Unlike Zhongli, Childe is stood in a fierce fighting position, he is more than ready to spar the ex geo archon.
“Come on now Mr Zhongli, you used to be one of the strongest archons of the seven, surely fighting me would be no issue.” Childe’s loud, distorted voice booms across the large empty hall. “And besides, even with your current power, you would still be able to take me down within seconds! so, what's the harm, really?” Zhongli sighs and closes his eyes in fake annoyance, he really did want to entertain Childe’s excitement, it was just that Zhongli might really hurt him.
“Like I said for the past 15 minutes Childe, I will not-“ BANG! It took Zhongli a few seconds to realise what had happened. Childe had wrestled him onto the ground within seconds! Zhongli found himself on the floor with Childe sitting on top of him, his large body towering over Zhongli’s, not to mention how Childe had somehow managed to pin both of Zhongli’s arms with only one hand.
“To think that the geo archon could be taken down this quickly and easily, have you dulled your skills Mr Zhongli?” Childe teased. Had Zhongli really let his guard down this much with Childe? He was quickly taken away from his thoughts when he felt on of Childe’s clawed hands rest on his side. “N-now h-hold on, Childe…”
Childe only smiled, or… Zhongli assumes he did. “Now then Mr Zhongli, how about telling me where you’re sensitive.”
The fatui harbinger experimentally tweaked Zhongyi’s sides, earning him a high pitched squeak coming from the older man. “MhHg! C-childe… I’m w-warning you...”
“Well then, guess I’ll have to find out the harder way” Zhongli felt butterflies as Childe’s claws started to slowly brush against his sides, the sensation wasn’t intense enough to make Zhongli laughing, but enough to make his start giggling uncontrollably. Zhongli tried to hold in his laugh as much as he could, not wanting to give Childe the satisfaction of victory. “You should just let it go and start laughing, Zhongli! You’ll feel a lot better if you do, you know?”
He bit his tongue and tried to remember his most serious memories, ANYTHING to try and get his mind off of the maddening sensations. He tried thinking the fingers tickling him were instead stabbing him, and it worked… for exactly 6 seconds. That was when Childe moved from gently scribbling his sides to squeezing Zhongli’s hips.
“G-Gah! AhahaHAHA! C-Chihihile!” Zhongli bucked his hips, hoping he would be able to dislodge Childe’s hands, which was completely ineffective as Chile was currently more than double Zhongli’s size. Despite Childe’s previous teasing, he chose to remain silent, which was surprisingly much worse. “Ch-ChihihihiHIldeehe- GAHAhahaHA!” Zhongli attempted to buck his hips to dislodge the tickle hands, but with a massive armoured soldier on top of him, there really wasn’t much he could do but laugh.
Childe moved his hands to scribble at his ribs, gently digging his clawed fingers in between the grooves of each of his bones. Zhongli’s laughter grew louder as the harbinger moved his fingers higher and higher, dangerously close to his armpits. Although this is not his worse spot, it certainly was very ticklish for Zhongli.
“My, my, you certainly are very ticklish considering the centuries that you lived.” Childe chuckled, he let go of the older man’s arms, Zhongli immediately slammed him arms down, locking them in place next to his sides, however the harbinger was faster. He brought both of his hands to Zhongli’s hips, rubbing small circles on the bone.
Zhongli’s laugher increased an entire 3 octaves as his worst spot was tickled mercilessly by the larger man. His usually deep and charming chuckles turned into loud and uncontrollable laughter within a couple of seconds of tickling. The discovery of Zhongli’s worst spot seemed to have excited Childe, if you looked close enough, you could almost make out the excitement light up in his eyes.
“GAHAHAhahahAHA, Ch-CHIHIHihihLDE! STOHOHOP AH-AHAT OHAHANCE!” Tears of mirth started to build up in his eyes, he could feel his cheeks and ears turning Jueyun chili red. He tried pushing at Childe’s hands, but with the size difference and how much weaker Zhongli had gotten from the tickling, it proved ineffective.
Childe, although he could be seen as a monster at times, he wasn’t exactly evil. With the years of tickle wars he had with his siblings, he knew when it was time to stop. And thus, the torturous fingers slowed to a halt, removing themselves from Zhongli’s giggly body. The giggly man immediately curled up into a tight ball, twitching and still giddy from the ghost tickles. Whenever, he closed his eyes, he could still feel the claws mercilessly tickling his body.
At this point, Childe had returned to his original form, he took a seat next to Zhongli’s curled up body. “You know, XianSheng, I think today’s sparring match was really enjoyable! We should do it again some time.” The ginger smiled and walked away, leaving Zhongli to take a break alone. Maybe he wasn’t opposed to this idea, at least he knows that no one would get injured during this activity.
“No, quite the opposite. I like feeling the wind on my waist.”
Zhongli shivers, “I could never do that.”
“Oh, no? Why not?”
“Well, ever since I stepped down from being an archon. I’ve been acclimating myself to the life of mortals. And…hmm…”
“…I was listening.”
“No, I’m aware, I’m just- trying to describe it.”
In Zhongli’s chambers, Childe was wandering around and he found that Zhongli just wears the same outfit each day. He has exact copies of it in his wardrobe. Childe couldn’t fathom this- it has to be comfortable, or else he wouldn’t bother.
Zhongli found his words, “I took off my coat and rolled up my shirt once because it was hot in the funeral parlor and Hu Tao poked my exposed side. It made me jump. Why is that?”
Childe’s eyes widened, “oh?”
“Why do you look surprised? Is this not a normal reaction to that sort of stimuli?”
“Aha- no, no it’s not,” Childe lied.
“Should I see Baizhu-?”
“No-! Ahem, no, I know the treatment for it.”
“You do?”
Zhongli was beyond skeptical, not buying it at all.
“Teucer had this problem too, and I cured him. There’s an easy Snezhnayan treatment.”
“Ah, I see.”
Zhongli thought about it for a moment, and it seemed plausible, after all Childe wouldn’t throw Teucer’s name around like it meant nothing.
Zhongli cleared his throat, “very well then, may you cure me?”
Childe’s eyes flickered with mischief, “of course, I’d be happy to.”
Childe approached Zhongli, “roll your shirt up again and raise your arms.”
Zhongli did as he was told.
“Okay, brace yourself,” it took everything out of Childe to not smirk.
Zhongli widened his stance, bracing himself, expecting pain.
Childe kneaded Zhongli’s sides and the former archon bursts with laughter. A tingling sensation flooding his body, causing him to drown with laughter.
“Wai- hahahahahaha-! Wait, this- hahahahahaha!”
Zhongli’s arms trembled as he tried to keep them up.
“And you said Hu Tao poked you?”
“Y-yes, hahahahah!”
Childe switched to poking Zhongli’s sides and stomach. Zhongli laughed heartily, making a sound as strong as geo.
Childe pokes Zhongli’s belly button and the former archon’s arms come crashing down.
“Nahahaha- s-sorry- haha…”
Childe smiled, “are you okay?”
Zhongli nodded and cleared his throat again, “ahem, I’m fine.”
“Treatment requires multiple sessions, so let me know when you’re ready for the next session.”
“Really, why?”
“Um- because it takes the body time to recover. You got pretty winded at the end there, no?”
“Hm, I suppose so. Mortals are so fascinating.”
“Yes, indeed.”
“What is this condition called, by the way?”
“Th-the condition? Uhhh…”
“Hm?”
Childe was in hot water, “it’s called being ticklish.”
“Ah, what a fascinating word, tell me more, please.”
“It’s when you’re sensitive to tickles.”
“What is a tickle?”
“Like a poke or a tease to a certain spot on the body.”
“Ah, I should read up on this, if it affects mortals so much…thank you.”
“No problem,” Childe smiled, “glad I could help.”
Zhongli lowered his shirt and found his coat, “shall we go do something before Hu Tao summons me?”
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