#archon morax

[aokami-cosplay]

[hyacinthian-chateau]

may I request sharing a pot of tea with Zhongli? Reader is doing the brewing in this case. Bonus - if it the first time they try perform [chinese] tea ceremony. Whether that develop into something else is up to you.

Sangfroid.

-- Pouring the amber liquid into the awaiting porcelain cup, you can't help but watch as the other party brings it to his nose to take a whiff. Taking a few moments to relish its fragrance, the brunette tips the porcelain cup towards his lips slowly, and you fight the shiver crawling up your back as he releases a small hum of appreciation.

Characters: Zhongli (ft. F!Reader)

Notice: Suggestive.

╰ ☆☆ ╮

You kept a watchful eye around your surroundings while trying to navigate the area surrounding Luijing Terrace. With the way you kept looking left and right, you received a few odd looks from people but you easily ignored it. Upon reaching the gallery that led to your workplace, you quickly made your way inside and briefly gave the posted Millelith a wave. Usually, you would stop for a few minutes to chat with Jinzhong but you would rather be within the confines of your quiet office.

"I would love to stop and chat-" You give the man an apologetic smile as he merely grins understandingly. "-but the boss would have my head if I don’t get everything sorted out today."

"Of course, of course. I wouldn't want to keep you from your duties." Jinzhong nods his head as you begin to make your way inside the building. "Have a lovely day and don't work too hard."

You hear the soft click of your heels against the stone floor as you hurriedly walked in. Once in front of the door to your abode, you release a small sigh of relief before finally going inside. Opening the windows, you allow the cool breeze into the stuffy room before approaching the small table adjacent to your desk. You begin your ritual of preparing the new blend of jasmine tea--courtesy of Director Hu--before settling down to begin your work.

Your thoughts drift towards the cheerful and lively head of the Wangsheng Funeral parlour. You can't help but remember the young woman fondly as she occasionally drops by to retrieve a few legal documents while sharing a cup of tea and some pineapple cakes. Although most people considered the young lady to be slightly eccentric, you still thought her to be a hard-working individual who thoroughly enjoyed her occupation—also, she made good conversation whether it came to Liyue’s history but also traditional poetry.

Furthermore, there was her mischievous demeanour which you considered to be harmless most of the time. But there were also occasions where her pranks went a little too far which led to either laughable situations or horridly embarrassing ones--either one making your stomach hurt from hysteria or anxiety. Unfortunately, you were the latest victim last week after she had coerced you into telling her one of your deepest, darkest secrets: You fancied a staff member of her’s—to be specific, it has been the handsome funeral consultant.

“Eh?” The crimson-eyed girl stared at you. “By consultant you mean—“

“Who else would it be?” You roll your eyes before picking at the half-eaten dumplings on your plate. “In most people’s eyes, he’s the ideal partner.”

“If you like listening to an old man rambling whatever comes to his mind then, yes.” Hu Tao spins her hat in her hand as a small grin becomes more prominent. “What else do you like about him?”

And you tell her.

You tell her how you found him endearingly charming as you catch him hesitating to knock on your office doors with a sheepish smile every time before inviting you to tea every other day. How he holds unto your much smaller hand as you both walk down the slopes of Liyue’s mountainous landscape to find the perfect spot to admire the view. Or how he makes your heartbeat erratically when he graces you with delightfully deep laughter when you both successfully haggle the price for a certain item from the merchants.

The young director of the parlour seemed to be immensely satisfied with your monologue, her blossom-shaped eyes brightly twinkling with mischief. You easily disregard how her face lights up like a Mingxiao lantern during one of Liyue’s festivals as you finally decide that you had gossiped enough for the night

“Awh~” Hu Tao whines softly as she rests her cheek against her open palm, grinning. “I think he may like you as well.”

“He does not.” You answer immediately before taking a final sip of your cool tea. “He would never.”

“Only one way to find out then.” The lively maiden hides her smile behind her cup of tea, eyes darting to something behind you.

“What are you so excited—“

“What if he’s listening in right now?” She asks out loud enough for the people seated nearby to hear.

You froze in your seat as the Director across you merely grinned. After a few seconds of silent terror, you realized that Hu Tao was merely making fun of you. You roll your eyes at your companion and begin to reach for your coin pouch, intent on paying the bill for both of you to halt the young woman from teasing you any further.

“Very funny, Director.”

“Oh, but I’m not joking.” The troublemaker giggled as she shifted in her seat to stare at the person behind you expectantly. “Won’t you prove her wrong, Zhongli-sensei?”

Before you could even gather the golden coins in your pouch, you heard someone chuckling and another clearing their throat a table or so from your own. The latter's voice was dangerously familiar and it made you pause ever so slightly to glance from behind you.

And there he was. The man you had been gushing about a few minutes ago was sitting with a ginger-haired individual whom you didn't recognize, citrine-hued eyes met yours for a good few seconds. You feel a surge of heat creeping up your cheeks as you avoided the consultant's gaze before gradually feeling it travelling down your back. Never in your life had you vehemently wished for lightning to strike you down that very same moment--Death seemed like a much better deal rather than having to face the overwhelming mortification you were experiencing.

It must have been karma or bad luck that clung unto you explaining why you were being placed in such a scenario and like any normal person, you dealt with it--By legging it out of there. Before anyone could get a word in, you found yourself standing up and scooping an absurdly large amount of coins from your pouch and onto the table before taking off. Even as you ran through the busy streets of the harbour towards your residence that night, the breeze did nothing to cool your hot cheeks.

That incident had been almost a week ago and now that you thought about it, you must have looked quite rude; blindly escaping in whatever direction without even a greeting or farewell. Fortunately, Hu Tao took it all in stride, showing up at your office within the next day with some legal documents in hand. The troublemaker only lightly teased you for leaving her behind but mercifully didn’t bring up the topic of Zhongli.

Speaking of the said man, You had been avoiding him for the whole week, pretending to be out of the office every time he would pass by. Initially, you had convinced both Miss Ganyu and Keqing to deal with anything related to the parlour but it seemed that even your co-workers were beginning to grow weary of the extra duties, even promises of bouquets of Sweet Flowers and bowls of Golden Shrimp Balls weren’t enough anymore. Suffice to say, you couldn’t possibly get away with brushing off your responsibilities any further.

Finishing the initial stack of documents in your hold, you eyed the tray that housed another pile of envelopes and papers before reaching for your cup of tea. Glancing at the nearby clock as you take a sip, you finally decide that there was no point in dawdling with your paperwork when you hear a soft knock on your door.

“Come in."

The gentle sound of a bell chiming accompanied by a pale blue-haired maiden made you pause—It was Miss Ganyu. The secretary timidly stuck her head into your office, looking slightly apprehensive before speaking.

“I have a visitor for you waiting outside.” You stiffen and stare at her anxiously. “They are—uhm—requesting to meet you immediately.”

“After lunchtime.” You glance at the Cryo-user who glanced behind her then back at you with apprehension. “But if they’re from the parlour I’m not here.”

“E-eh…” She stutters and before you could repeat yourself, you heard another voice coming from behind the large wooden door.

“Then I shall take an appointment after lunch, Miss Ganyu.”

Oh no.

You find yourself stiffening at the deep baritone, you recognized that voice even in your sleep and you immediately feel your heart rate picking up. Sending the Qixing’s secretary a distressed look, you tried to convey your thoughts but it seemed that it was useless as she returned it with an apologetic smile. Watching in horror, the half-qilin Adeptus closed the door to your office before softly apologizing to the visitor with her. Soon the sound of two sets of footsteps faded as both the consultant and Ganyu made their way to what you presumed to be the exit. Silence settled within the confines of your room and you can’t help but sag against the back of your chair.

Avoiding Zhongli had never been an option taking into consideration that he was—still is—an acquaintance of yours but also his profession meant you would have to face him eventually. There were only a few more hours until lunch and with the amount of paperwork on your desk, you couldn’t escape nor dally otherwise Lady Ningguang would have your head. As if awaiting your execution, you silently continued slowly finishing what seemed to be the third stack of forms in front of you.

It was the sound of a pair of footsteps stopping at the front of your door that keeps you on edge. You stare at the door for a moment as a knock is heard, contemplating if you should have hidden underneath your desk and pretended you weren’t in. The deep voice calls out your name before you finally resign yourself to your fate and permit him to enter.

The consultant remained clothed in the same dignified attire of brown, amber, and black yet you always find yourself drawn to the mysterious yet elegant air surrounding him. The man stands a few steps away from your desk and you greet him, intent on keeping your composure this time around.

“Good afternoon,” You motion for the man to take a seat on any of the multiple empty chairs in your office as you get up to brew a fresh pot of tea. “To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit, Zhongli-sensei?"

“Director Hu Tao sent me to retrieve some paperwork.” He picks the usual seat on the couch right beside the side table that housed a small lamp and a few trinkets.

“Ah, of course.” You wait for the water to boil after placing the clean tea leaves into the teapot whilst readying the porcelain cups on top of their respective saucers. “I could have sent it this morning to save you the trip.”

“I do not mind.” You hear him shift on the couch as you carefully plate the almond cookies you had received yesterday. “I was hoping to speak to you since last week.”

The plate within your hold almost escaped unto the polished floors if not for your quick reflex to catch it. Quickly depositing the fine china onto a tray, you try to keep an amiable expression before settling it on the table in front of the consultant. You busy yourself with serving your guest a cup of tea, careful to avoid his curious gaze then moving on to gather the necessary documents he needed. Neatly placing them into an envelope, you slid the parchment across the table with a passive smile.

“Here you go.”

“Ah, Thank you.” The brunette supplies elegantly as he takes a sip from his cup of tea before meeting your eyes. “You seem quite skittish these days, my dear.”

“You’re mistaken.” You try to convey your thoughts, wishing that the man would take the hint and leave quickly instead of him taking his sweet time. “It has been an unremarkable week.”

“Oh? Then I haven’t been seeing you sneaking around rather suspiciously around Luijing Terrace in the mornings?” You can’t help but feel your cheeks colour as the consultant flashes you a knowing smile. “My eyes haven’t been deceiving me, have they?"

“Curses.” You huff under your breath before finally deciding to sit down across from the man to help yourself to some tea. “Don’t you have better things to do in the morning?”

“I cannot help that you were in my peripheral vision.” You try not to roll your eyes as you finally take a sip of the jasmine tea. “Neither can I help to overhear other people’s conversations.”

"I never thought you were the type to be concerned with other's thoughts."

"Mnn…That is true." You catch him looking down at the amber-coloured liquid before his eyes snap up to meet yours rather abruptly. "But I am more interested in your opinion."

You almost spit the tea out. You could almost feel the sweat on your back forming as you struggled to formulate a remark. Opting to take a sip from your cup, you stare at the intricate carvings on the wooden table in front of you, trying vehemently to remain composed. He was surely hinting about last week.

"My opinion isn't that important." You returned his stare with a smile. "Besides, I'm sure you have better things to worry about."

You wanted to laugh as an elegant brow rose ever so slightly on Zhongli's handsome face as you deflected the topic at hand once more. As long as the man remained moderately congenial, which seems more than likely, you could waste the time away and keep him from inquiring any further on your slip up last week.

"I shouldn’t be worried about you refusing to see me at all?" You hear the concern in his gentle tone that it almost sways you to answer him truthfully. “Must you lie so blatantly?”

“W-why are you so engrossed about what happened last week?”

“I was indeed taken aback-” His voice is quiet as he gingerly holds unto the porcelain cup while those bright golden orbs pinned you in place.

“-But I cannot help but think I had done something to make you act out in such a way."

Damn it. You knew Zhongli had a way with words and always acted considerate towards but at this rate, you’ll continue to misunderstand and you need to put a stop to it before your heart gave out.

“It’s rather complicated.” You began as you avert your eyes while resting your cup on the table before you. “Also, I would appreciate it if you didn’t treat me so nicely.”

“And why shouldn't I favour you?”

"Because I am merely an acquaintance, Zhongli-sensei." You reply tersely before sighing softly. "I do not want to confuse your goodwill for affection."

A short silence followed. It was cowardly but you weren't brave enough to meet those golden orbs as you anticipate being rejected. There had always been a part of yourself that hoped that the lingering touches and smiles meant something but the more pragmatic side won every time--You were business collaborators and nothing else. At most, whatever personal relationship you shared would disintegrate and the both of you would carry on with life, like responsible adults. You would learn to accept that.

“Perhaps, I hadn’t been forthcoming enough.” That rich baritone interrupts your train of thoughts and you can’t help but look up to see the sincere look on the consultant’s visage. “But my affections had never been misguided.”

"Erm…I don't quite follow."

“I am captivated by you.”

“Eh?”

“Ah, perhaps enamoured would have been a better word?”

Had you been still nursing your cup of tea, you surely would have choked and made a mess. Regardless, it takes a few moments longer for you to process his words, trying to decipher the man's thoughts and intentions. Had you misheard or maybe hallucinated? The confession had caught you off guard, you couldn't help but freeze in your seat and blink owlishly at the man who wordlessly leans closer. His lithe form draws closer from across the small table between you two, effectively taking hold of your much smaller hands.

“Were my words not sufficient?” Your lack of response seems to greatly amuse him, citrine-hued orbs glowing faintly. "Would you rather I prove it with actions instead?"

“No! I mean-! Yes! The-the words are m-more than enough!" You stutter and grow warm as the man chuckles. "A-also, must you be s-so close?”

"Preventative measures." You feel slender gloved fingers slipping in between your own smaller ones with grace. “My lady is quite notorious for making swift escapes."

You groan internally, trying to ignore the teasing tone all the while struggling to make sense of the current situation. Here you were, precariously sitting with the man you had been pinning for in the last few years and who had also very succinctly admitted his infatuation towards you within the last hour. Archons, it felt like your head was swimming.

Had you potentially fallen asleep whilst you were writing out a report halfway? The man in front of you wasn't physically in your office and this was all an elaborate dream. Even your mind was plagued by the handsome funeral consultant. Ah, maybe you could use this as an excuse to go home earlier than usual--

"I can assure you this isn't a dream.”

Your thoughts are easily derailed as the brunette draws gentle soothing circles in the back of your hand. You could barely muster up a reply when Zhongli tilts his head to the side, his mouth tilting upwards ever so slightly at having caught you.

"Wait. You heard me?”

“Yes, Dearest.” You can’t help the groan that leaves your lips whilst attempting to hide your face with your other hand. Thankfully, the Geo-user remains quiet as you struggle to compose yourself for a minute.

"I-I can't seem to hide anything from you."

"Mnn…As I said before, I am enamoured with you."

The lean fingers that interlocked with yours remain in a firm hold as if the man in front of you refused to let you pull away even for just a moment. The gentle tug of your hand forces you to meet his gaze once more.

"I have spent forever and a day gazing at nothing else but you."

There is a softness in his deep voice and you are caught off guard the second time around. You watch in surprise as the elegant man closes those captivating eyes and at the same time raised your connected hands to brush his lips against your knuckles. The act was chaste, almost reverent-like that it left you speechless. You cannot help but feel an overwhelming sense of love as you remain on the edge of your seat.

"Now are you going to keep running away?"

"N-no." You barely manage to answer.

You barely register the gloved hand of the funeral consultant releasing your own. The brief loss of contact was somewhat disappointing but it was rather short-lived as the same hand caught unto your wrist. The man had risen to his full height and towered over you, flashing you a small smile all the while gazing at you almost adoringly underneath long lashes.

"I'm glad to hear that."

The golden rings that adorned his fingers both grazed your warm skin and caused goosebumps to appear as you feel the appendage slowly travel higher up until it cupped your cheek. You watched in a daze as the man leaned in closer, bending his head down only stopping a hair's breadth away before asking in a whisper.

"If you wish for me to stop, now would be the time."

You say nothing but the wistful, pleading look in your eyes was enough of an answer. He is gentle, moulding his lips softly against yours until you finally had enough courage to kiss him back slowly after closing your eyes. The sensation leaves you breathless and as you press an open-mouthed kiss albeit hesitantly, the man above you made a sound akin to a low growl before parting his lips.

It felt like an eternity before the two of you finally parted, the sound of heavy breathing filled the office as you stared at the Geo-user in a muddled stupor. The sound of your erratic heartbeat filled your ears as you struggled to even your breathing. You barely hear the soft tolling of the small wooden clock hanging on the nearby wall, signifying the end of an hour.

"Ah, I'm afraid my appointment has ended."

The warm hand that cupped your cheek slid down to rest against the side of your delicate neck as you finally open your eyes to meet mirthful golden hues. Archons, this man will be the death of you.

"Worry not. I shall be back, later on, to accompany you home if you would like."