if grace and zeno were lovers what do you think there relationship would be ?
Hi, nonny! What do you mean "if", they are lovers, at least here in my realm of fluff and happy endings!
Sorry it got kinda long lmao, turns out I have big Feelings about them...
I think it would be pretty intense and full of feelings, very sensual, but in a quiet manner. I am a firm believer in Zeno falling first and harder, but not fully realizing what exactly it is that he's feeling. I think he tries to view her as a means to an end, a key, but it doesn't fit from the very beginning; there's a longing in him, a wish to prove himself a living god, something above human, above a lab creation, and no matter how much he seeks this proof in power, the real answer is hiding in belonging. There is a designated place for him in the world, something he was made to do, to fulfil, but he can't help but crave something of his own.
And then there appears Grace that seems like the only being in the world that could understand him, because they're of the same cloth, right? Created with a specific purpose, the same purpose, actually, to be fitted into one big scheme like two puzzle pieces.
If Zeno ever thought he had a soul, he would probably see her as his soulmate.
He's instantly drawn to her. He wants to be good for her. He wants her to follow him into the grand plan on her own free will, wants her to listen to him, to understand him. He doesn't like seeing her in distress, he is desperate to make her feel like with him she is where she really belongs, because that's how she makes him feel. He's protective of her, but not posessive, intense, but unaware where that intensity is coming from. He really doesn't understand why he has the urge to gentle his voice around her, why his eyes follow her every move, why he feels sick at the thought of physically forcing her to do anything or hurting her.
I think Grace notices it all, at least subconsciously. She is obviously overwhelmed and not quite processing everything properly at first, but I think there is no point where she is scared of him. Anxious, confused, antagonistic at some point, sure, but she picks up on that softness Zeno isn't aware of himself. I think she attributes it to her being useful to him at first, just to have a logical explanation, but she inevitably feels that it isn't enough. It doesn't explain the way he looks at her, the way he talks to her, the way he lights up when he speaks of her being the central part of his plan.
So I think after all's done and they're picked up from the rubbles, Grace is the first to offer compassion to Zeno. He isn't dangerous to anyone now, but people are still wary of him, like a snake with venomous fangs ripped out; and Grace isn't. She feels sad for him, because she knows herself what's it like to feel that the whole world is threatening you, from how her anxiety made her feel for years. She can't help but replay in her mind every moment he spoke softly to her when he could've been harsh or intimidating. Without fear, she sees someone she could help.
While Zeno is lost and trying to find himself now that his "designated" place is no more, Grace is there, giving him - the irony - hope. Seeing her thrive in her own life makes him try to build himself up into a functioning human again. Seeing him try to become someone makes her feel like she had really beaten the curse that followed her her whole life. They're each other's inspiration and supporting hand; a step towards healing from one of them helps the other.
I don't know how long it takes them to realize what's going on between them, but by that point they're neck-deep in it already. So the official start of the relationship is a weird balance of shy attempts to explore something for the first time (mostly on Zeno's side, since he'd never felt anything like it before, but I think for Grace this kind of huge feelings and deep bonding is new too) and the overwhelming feeling of familiarity and like they've been together for months or years.
I think Zeno is folding at Grace's every word, sometimes literally, like she has her hand wrapped around his spine and can manipulate it to make his rigid shoulders soften and slump into her embrace. I think they both get flustered around each other a lot, mostly because Zeno's feelings are just that big and Grace gets hit by them every time like it's the first, and he struggles to keep them under control (the longer they're together, the harder it is for him to keep the stoic indifferent image). I think Grace likes to hold his wrist, just above the glove, where his pulse is always a bit too quick because she's touching him. I think Zeno offers her a hand to step out of cars and drapes his coat over her shoulders to keep her warm or grounded in unwelcoming environments. I think he always dips his head when she talks to him to give her his undivided attention, and she reaches for him with her body even when she can't keep eye contact.
I think they're quietly, subtly tactile, often sitting just right so their shoulders or knees touch, holding pinkies, standing close enough to feel the warmth of the other seeping through clothes. I don't think there's any big power dynamic if we don't account for Zeno being a fucking simp really soft for Grace; she's not using this accidental power she has over him to get something from him, really, it's just there, and if he loses all bones in his body just because she asked him to be nice to people and gave him a cheek kiss, well. That happens. He retaliates by making her flustered with whispers into her ear from behind after he regains his ability to speak.
I think they're romantic as fuck, but also not in a loud way. It's in the glances, the little touches, the dates - I think they have a lot of them, actually, even if they're already living together. The world feels safe and welcoming when they have each other, so they go explore it; or sometimes they do it at home. But they do spend quite the amount of time together. I think they do a lot of "being in the same space, doing each their own thing". I think Zeno still has a thing for watching Grace go about her day, but at least now she's somewhat aware of the watching. I think Grace loves telling Zeno things, just stream of consciousness, relaying her day or whatever; helps her get her sometimes scattered thoughts straight and makes her feel heard, because boy does he hang onto her every word. I think Zeno loves how they look together and is the reason they have plenty of photos. I think Grace, who didn't like sleeping in one bed at first, grows to love having his arm around her as she drifts off.
I think Zeno is a complete moron around Emily and has little to no idea how to treat a child properly; he's not bad to her, but he speaks to her like she's an adult, and she has no idea what to answer, so if Grace leaves them together for too long, they'll just end up staring each other off. Considering Emily's vision is still pretty bad (stop taking blindness away from little girls), it's extra stupid. He does grow to love carrying her in his arms though. And he turns to mush when he sees how sweet Grace is to Emily. Grace finds it all hilarious and keeps encouraging him to spend time with Emily.
I think Grace loves the stability. Zeno does have some temper, but it's never directed at her and is easy to diffuse; he is extremely reliable and steady, he doesn't know everything, but he learns quietly and is always ready to offer support when needed. I think Zeno loves the sense of belonging. Grace isn't what he first thought she is and there is no grandiosity about her life, but he feels whole with her, soft and calm, and she's always there to soothe his easily irritated mind.
Grace makes Zeno want to see the world the same way she sees it, through kindness, compassion and hope. Zeno makes Grace want to step into the world the way he moves in it: with confidence, knowledge of her worth and a desire to do something.
I also think their sex is great; probably full of body worship and exploration, cheek kisses and hand holding. I think their whole relationship is full of cheek kisses, actually.
All in all I think their relationship looks like soft, quiet romance, but the underlying foundation is insanely strong and intense and kinda world-changing for both of them, especially for Zeno. Those are some Strong Feelings, I'm telling you.
anyway, thank you for asking and sorry for the yapping, they're very dear to me because of how hopeful their relationship is. it's like the opposit of doomed and it's perfect for me. they're gonna have a great and happy life.