“Kisses” with Zhongli in dragon form except he can’t kiss so he licks and nips at your skin gently, or he’ll nuzzle his snout into you which unfortunately tickles lots. It’s soothing to have such immense weight against your frame. The pressure soothes you and you ease into the feeling of lazy, warm puffs of breath rolling over you in gales. Unfortunately Zhongli is no stranger to cuteness aggression and it manifest worse in this form due to how cute and small you look beneath his large frame, so he erratically slithers out of your arms to “kiss” you. You giggle when he nudges his snout under your shirt to drag his forked tongue against your tummy and try and wriggle away instinctively to no avail. You try and push away when you feel the quick puffs of hot air against your skin as you fight pearls of laughter. When you think he may let up he dives back into nipping at you—albeit very tenderly as his canines are sharp. When his urge to smother you dies down he’ll cuddle up with you. Luckily he has a good reign on his instincts because he’d be doting on you all night if not.
Sometimes you’ll look an exceptionally tasty morsel and he’ll have to restrain himself. Never in all his years has someone made a well tempered man as him crack so easily! When you happen to nuzzle into his smooth scales and thick fur he has to huff and avoid your stare to not open his maw and take a chomp at your plump skin. You just look so pleasing to him! Can you blame him?
I never realized/comprehend how old the archons actually are u til you think about their age in rl terms
Nahida was born 500 years ago. To put that in real life terms, if you went back 500 years you would find yourself in 1526 ad. About the time of the renaissance.
If nahida was real she would have been about to meet Leonardo da Vinci. Nahida would have been around to see the start and fall of the Ottoman Empire.
Furina is at least 500 years old meaning if furina was a real person she would have been able to meet Louie the 14th and she would have been centuries old at that point. Furina is older than the first opera.
Mavuika is about 500 and a few decades. Meaning that she was around when horses to North America. And that makes her in modern day funnier. This women who could have watched Shakespeare plays
The Roman republic was started about 2,534 years ago.
Venti is about 2,600 years old. Meaning that if venti was real he would have lived through to meet the eutrusisns, 3 Punic wars, the start of the Roma empire, the fall of the Roman Empire.
Ei was said to have lived before the archon war so she’s about 3000 years old but probably older. Meaning that if she was a real person she would have been born doing the collapse of the Bronze Age. she has lasted as long as the Mayan empire .
The pyramids are about 4,000 old. Mammoths finally died out 4,000 years ago. The wheel was invited around 5,000 years ago.
If Zhongli was real he could have meet a mammoth, saw the pyramids be built, and wittiness the creation of the wheel. This guy would have been 2,000 years old when the xia empire was founded (one of the first empires in china) .
Don’t get me started on Nicole that girl was probably around when farming was invented and phanes probably saw the Cambrian explosion take place.
Summary: Y/N wakes in Teyvat, only to be branded an imposter by those they once worshiped. Forced to serve the false god who stole their identity, they endure in silence — until one small mistake reveals a divine truth no one was ready to see.
Part 10 (previous) Part 12 (next)
Disclaimer: Some parts of this story may not follow the official Genshin story logic. Please enjoy it with an open mind!
Vanarana Dreamscape
Bowls of oddly glowing soup surrounded you.
And Aranara. So many Aranaras.
Arachatora pushed a carved wooden spoon into your hand, beaming.
“Soup time!”
You eyed the bowls with suspicion. “Is it… safe?”
The little Aranaras nodded with absolute confidence.
“Yes!”
“Very safe!”
“Only sometimes make Nara see colors!”
You stared at them.
“That doesn’t sound safe at all—”
But they crowded around you eagerly, their tiny faces expectant.
You took a cautious sip.
…It was good.
Actually really good. A warm, soothing heat spread from your chest, easing the lingering ache deep in your bones. The little Aranaras gathered around your lap, humming soft melodies that resonated with you. One curled beside your hip. Another sitting on your left shoulder. One climbed atop your head and settled there.
“I could get used to this,” you murmured.
Arama chimed happily, “Yes! Creator rest here so big, scary Naras not find you!”
You froze.
“Big… scary Naras?”
Dozens of Aranara nodded at once.
“Search everywhere!”
“Loud!”
“Very rude!”
Another added dramatically,
“One Nara stepped on nice mushroom. Nice mushroom now dead.”
You winced.
“I’m… sorry about the mushroom.”
The Aranara nodded solemnly, accepting your apology as though you personally bore responsibility for every ill-mannered traveler in Sumeru.
Arachatora lifted another bowl of glowing soup.
“More?”
You laughed weakly.
“I think I can handle one more.”
Vanarana Reality
Cyno and Scaramouche followed the tiny Aranara deeper into the forest.
The little creature dragged its oversized fruit through the forest floor with determination. Every few seconds, it glanced back to make sure the “Scary-hat-man” wasn’t about to vaporize it.
Scaramouche noticed.
“I can feel you staring,” he snapped.
The Aranara squeaked and sped up.
Eventually, it stopped before an enormous plant. Round, veined with soft light like a massive glowing seed.
“There!” it declared proudly.
Cyno scanned the clearing. “I don’t see anything.”
The Aranara pointed.
“Creator is behind door!”
“…What door?” Cyno asked.
The Aranara pointed harder at the tree.
“That one!”
Cyno stared.
“…That is a tree.”
The Aranara nodded vigorously.
“Yes! Tree-door!”
Scaramouche dragged a hand down his face.
“Wonderful. At this rate, the Creator will ascend back to Celestia before we find her.”
“No!!” the Aranara shrieked. “Creator sleeping inside!”
Cyno froze. “Inside?”
The creature nodded.
“Big bright Nara in dream-space! Aranara protect! Very important!”
Cyno closed his eyes, reaching out with his senses.
There—
Faint. Warm. Familiar.
A divine energy signature.
“So they really are here…”
The Aranara shuffled forward until its tiny hand brushed the glowing tree, then turned back to them, chest puffed with pride.
“Aranara go now. Bye!”
Cyno stepped forward. “Take us with you.”
The Aranara blinked in confusion.
“No-no! Dream-space for Creator only. Naras cannot go.”
“Wait—” Cyno reached out.
Too late.
The entire plant glowed.
And with a tiny chime, the Aranara simply… vanished.
Scaramouche rested a hand on the Tree of Dreams, mimicking what the creature had done. But nothing happened. He clicked his tongue.
“I hate this forest.”
Edge of Gandharva Ville
Nahida floated a few inches above the ground, her awareness spread across miles of forest. A familiar spike of irritated electro flared in her mind—Scaramouche.
They’ve reached the barrier, she realized, expression furrowed.
Alhaitham noticed instantly.
“They’ve encountered a problem?”
Nahida sighed. “The Creator is safely within Vanarana, deep in a dreamscape. The entrance has a natural barrier, impenetrable to anyone not invited in. Cyno and the Scaramouche can’t proceed.”
“So we’re at a stalemate,” Alhaitham summarized.
“Precisely. I’ll need to go myself. This situation is far too delicate for brute force.”
She turned toward him. “Can you secure the area? I do not wish for any unwanted ‘expeditions’ slipping through.”
Alhaitham nodded.
“Very well. I’ll handle it. I trust you know what you’re doing, Lesser Lord Kusanali.”
Just as he finished, a tall figure emerged from between the trees, amber eyes catching the fading evening light.
Nahida straightened. “Morax. I trust your journey was pleasant.”
Zhongli inclined his head.
“Lesser Lord Kusanali. My apologies for the delay.”
His gaze drifted toward the dense green ahead.
“The tremors of divine energy are growing stronger. I have been monitoring them closely. I have come to escort the Creator.”
Nahida’s expression cooled.
“The Creator came to Sumeru of her own accord,” she said firmly. “It is not for us to dictate her movements. Especially now, when she rests. Your past with her … may unsettle her.”
Zhongli’s jaw tightened, a rare flicker of tension breaking his composed mask.
“That was an unfortunate history, one for which I bear responsibility. I intend to seek forgiveness, of course. But her presence outside Liyue is stirring unrest among the people. Moreover, the Creator’s well-being is paramount. I must ensure she is being cared for.”
Nahida stepped forward.
“We will ensure her safety.”
Zhongli replied "I have seen her injuries firsthand. I will be better able to help her."
Alhaitham, standing a step behind the Dendro Archon, intervened politely. “That presumes your methods—your protection—are inherently superior. There is no evidence of such. And given that your discernment failed once before, what makes you think it will be better now?”
Zhongli turned his gaze toward him.
“Acting Grand Sage, my devotion to the Creator spans millennia—”
“—and yet,” Alhaitham cut in, “You could not recognize the Creator for what she truly was in your own domain. I admit our faults, and I’m sure the other nations do as well, for not investigating further when her grace first arrived.”
Nahida raised a hand, the glow of her aura flaring gently.
"Enough."
Her small frame radiated quiet authority.
“Your devotion is sincere, Morax, but devotion can become possessiveness if it ignores the will of the one you claim to protect. The Creator is not a symbol to reclaim. She is a person—frightened, overwhelmed, and exhausted. To force your hand now would only compound her suffering.”
Zhongli’s eyes softened, just slightly.
“…I do not wish to frighten her.”
A long, tense silence stretched between them.
At last, Zhongli exhaled.
“…Very well. For now, I will hold back.”
He opened his eyes again, amber glinting with resolve.
“However, should her condition deteriorate… I will act.”
ֶָ֢𖹭 zhongli was, at first, a little fascinated with you.
there were both many and little things he had seen in the world to this day. people whose greed turned them to a whole different person, whose insecurities and fears slowly killed them from the inside. he has seen men giving themselves up to power and to the consequences of wielding it, succumbing to cruelty and immorality at the expense of others and their very own souls.
to him, it was rare to see a soul who remember their past life, much less to learn from it.
“i wasn't a very good player, i must say,” you confessed softly to him one day. "still... i should have been more grateful about my life, uneventful as it was."
for once in his life, he was wearing nothing but a simple short-sleeved shirt and dark pants, both of your feet bare as you laid at the grassland of guili plains.
and ironically enough, you knew of him through a... game?
it is reasonable, he mused, though with a bit of perplexity. a soul must exist in any way, shape or form in the cosmos. otherwise... we will cease to exist.
“i surmise this experience must have struck you as most peculiar,” his eyes softened, “it is little wonder then... that you perceived my true nature as the geo archon."
"please, don't speak so formally to me," you shook your head. "you're living as a human now, correct?"
zhongli felt slightly chastised, a sense of bashfulness. as one of the gods in this world, he felt obligated — out of his sense of duty — to be as hospitable as possible to this foreign outlander, especially after you were deemed safe and friendly.
however, he knew that was just his own perceptions getting in the way of your growing friendship and understanding of your own person. he knew you grew up in liyue harbour, knew that you were as much of a citizen as today's liyueans. yet, in his heart, knowing what he knows, he couldn't help but perceive you as someone of the same ground.
"that's correct," he nodded.
"then how about we drop the honourifics?" you smiled at him encouragingly, "you can call me [name]."
a couple of butterflies flew around you both, flapping their colourful wings. zhongli's amber eyes widened just a little, and though he would never admit it, his heart opened up a little more than usual.
he closed his amber eyes and smiled serenely, “zhongli.”
your smile, to his gaze, was equivalent to the warmth and comfort of the sun.
Warnings: Smut!! Thigh riding, spanking (?), dom/sub dynamics, teasing Zhongli is a warning, praise kink. (Let me know if there are any more!)
Summary: Zhongli x gn!reader. Mr. Zhongli is an absolute tease to our dear reader. He drives them absolutely mad. But they never act on their feelings, too shy to say anything. Sometimes matters are better taken into one’s own hands, that’s what Zhongli thinks when his teasing finally comes to fruition.
Word count: 1.6k
One would assume, given his unwavering resolve and direct demeanor, that Mr. Zhongli preferred to remain curt and straightforward in all matters he oversaw. He had a tendency to get a tad bit distracted when a subject piqued his interest, questions preluding an array of personal insights that could often go on for hours if he went uninterrupted. In terms of business and most everyday occurrences, he usually handled matters promptly and without delay.
So why then…why did the man who allowed no room for error or blunder have to be such a damn tease?
The brush of fingertips across your bare arm as he passed you by, turning around as he gave you the stunning combination of an apology paired with his astonishing smile. The look he sends you when he catches your gaze admiring his sturdy frame. The lingering kiss he leaves on your knuckles when he bids you farewell, the piercing amber of his eyes doing unspeakable things to you.
For the longest time you didn’t give these instances much thought. You were lonely and a tad bit touch starved, of course you would latch on to the barest hint of affection the distinguished gentleman spared you. They were baseless little gestures that you allowed to fuel your silly little fantasies.
Never did you instigate these interactions, you wouldn’t dare. And yet, they had begun to become more and more frequent…and more intimate. Fleeting touches became longer, the chaste and polite kisses to your knuckles trailed slightly upward, including just a little bit of teeth. To make matters worse, your clumsiness decided to reveal itself at the worst moments. Tripping over small rocks or ledges you could have sworn weren’t there when you had walked these roads before, landing yourself right into the awaiting arms of Mr. Zhongli.
These moments are your favorite. Once you were able to rid yourself of the embarrassment of falling, you would glance up into his eyes. You always felt so cherished in his arms, so saved, loved even. You would let him cradle you for just a moment more than was considered appropriate, pretending for just a second that this wonderful man was all yours, that his gaze held just a tiny bit of tenderness when he looked at you. That he, for a moment, craved your love as you yearned for his.
You would always pull away first, apologizing profusely. Without fail, he would take your hand in his, brushing his gloved thumb over your knuckles, the roughness of fabric against your skin would be followed by the softness of his cool lips. Every time you tripped he would be there, your thoughts and feelings doomed to repeat every time. Your desires were more concerning after each time you fell. You wanted to jump him, beg him to hold you closer. Instead, you fled, hiding your awkwardness.
After one particularly heated instance had you tripping and falling atop him, the gifts started. He sent you a bouquet of assorted flowers as an apology for not being able to catch you this time. You tried, in vain, to refuse his gifts. You reasoned that you fell on him in the first place, it should be you apologizing. Not only did he overlook your apologies, but he sent you more and more gifts until you finally accepted his own apology. And then, when he could no longer fall back on that excuse, he found creative ways of getting you to accept more.
They were not extravagant, nor were they expensive. He knew you well enough to know that you would reject them instantly if you felt they had caused him financial grief. Instead, he stuck to small things that he saw while taking a stroll, things that caught his eye and made him think of you.
Although, ideally, he wanted to deliver these gifts personally, sometimes his schedule wouldn’t allow for that. He would have to mail them to you along with a well written note detailing what he felt when he picked out these gifts for you, how it reminded him of you. You kept these notes, all of them, hiding them away in a drawer to keep them safe and cherished…and hated. Despised. You loathe them for what they did to you.
They made you hope. Hope for something more…you wanted more.
“You want more? Well, my dear, why didn’t you say something earlier? You poor thing, no wonder you’re so desperate.”
A pleasured whine escaped you in response, interrupted only by your labored breathing and aching thighs. At this point, you weren't quite sure you could manage to make any other noise.
“You really must learn to be more direct. If you had only told me from the beginning, I wouldn’t have to be teaching you this lesson, now would I?”
Lesson? Is that what he called it? This was pure torture, being forced to grind yourself down onto his thigh, fruitlessly chasing your own pleasure. You hadn’t a clue how long this torment had gone on, but you had been struggling to draw closer and closer to release for what felt like hours. Despite Zhongli preaching directness, he seemed awfully eager to delay you. Just as you neared your high, just as your soft moans turned to higher pitched whimpers, he stopped you.
Mr. Zhongli was a help and a hindrance, which he seemed rather proud of. When he wasn’t ruining your orgasms, he was guiding your hips front and back along his thigh, admiring the wet spot you left for him. Which was, perhaps, the most humiliating thing about this…engagement. Both of you were fully clothed, which felt more debauched than if you were properly undressed for the occasion.
Frantically, dashing all semblance of manners and self control to the wind, you wrapped your arms around his neck, using his broad shoulders as leverage to arch your body against his, seeking better friction to buck your hips into him. You felt his fingers dig into your hips, ceasing your movement effectively. He fixed you with a chastising look when you glared at him.
“That was rather bold of you, dear. You’d do well to remember yourself…” Zhongli warned, a gloved thumb caressing your side as he held your hips in a sturdy grip.
“I’m learning. I’m being direct.” You growled through gritted teeth. You narrowed your eyes as a smirk slowly made its way to his lips. You had never seen him look so devious, just as he had never seen you so depraved, nor so angry. He would be lying if he said he didn’t enjoy the effect he was having on you.
“It’s certainly a good start. However, you lack grace.”
Before you could refute his jibe, he landed a swift smack to your rear, pulling a startled squeak from you. Up until this point he had only been harsh with his words, even then the dulcet sound of his condescension were made to sound like the world’s sweetest love poem. In a way, they were. After all this was quite the confession.
“You make a good point however. You’ve been working diligently to bring yourself pleasure for…” He maneuvered his head slightly to get a look at a ticking clock. “...roughly 2 hours. Oh dear, I hadn’t meant to drag this out for so long.” His expression was remorseful but his tone was anything but. While you were here, panting and struggling against his grip, pleading for just a bit of relief, he was staring down at you with adoring eyes. It almost made you stop…almost. To see such tenderness, the flicker of such devotion…it made you want him all the more.
Emboldened, you decided to show him the fruits of his labor. Utilizing the hold you had on his neck, you pulled Zhongli down for a passionate kiss. Despite the madness he had put you through, you wanted him to feel all the emotions you had been hiding from him for all this time. After a moment, when you felt that he had not returned your kiss, you parted, worried.
Zhongli, calm and collected Zhongli, was blushing. You could see it there as he looked at you, wide eyed with burning cheeks. You made sure to graft this image into your memory, because it didn’t last long. Back came that tender look.
“My my, it looks like you did learn a thing or two. Perhaps I should reward you for your quick learning? You did such a wonderful job, my darling.”
Oh yeah. Here it comes. You eagerly began to buck your hips against his loosened grip, grinning happily at the thought of finally getting some release. That grin disappeared all too quickly, turning into a grimace when he stopped you once again.
“I’m afraid that, for the time being, you will also have to endure the lesson of patience. I have an appointment to keep. But I will be back before long. If you are able to practice your patience, as I have been forced to for nearly every single one of our interactions, I promise that your continued pleasure will be my priority for the length of tonight. Are these terms agreeable?”
Although you wanted to slaughter this beloved man at the moment, you couldn’t help but nod.
“Good. Then a contract is formed. Wait for me, my love. The pleasure you have given yourself in these hours will never compare to the pleasure you will be gifted if you are patient. Now, goodbye, for now. And do remember that patience includes having the discipline to not touch yourself in my absence. I will know.”
A/n: I posted this on a separate account of mine a couple years ago, so if you recognize this that is why!
I forgot to post this here but hi I redesigned the archons for the funsies
Venti I left him almost the same just some longer pants, Zhongli I wanted him to look like a regular Liyue npc bc he’s supposed to be cosplaying as a mortal and Raiden Shogun I gave her a more shogun esque attire
Summary: Self Aware Archons and their companions react to you crying as you stare at them in the character screen, they try to comfort you but all they hear you say is "I wish you were here with me."
Warnings: Reader is crying, possessive behavior, immense anger, violent thoughts
A/U: Self aware genshin AU
A/n: IM BACK FROM THE DEAD GUYS!!! This is platonic on Nahida's end
VENTI
He was devastated as you gently sobbed, staring at his character in the character menu. He only wished to play you a song to ease the pain you were feeling. Who or what could make a God, no, the creator cry? He was more upset the more he thought of the possibilities of what made you break down.
“I-I…wish you…were with me.”
As those words spilled out of your mouth, all choked out with sobs following each word, Venti could feel a tear roll down his face. Venti pulled out his lyre, doing one of his idle animations in hopes of cheering you up. On his side, he was playing you the most relaxing tune in all of Tevat!
But it was blocked by the code. You could distantly hear it, however, if you listened close enough. You drift off as you focus on the secret melody, leaving Venti with a solemn smile. Seeing your peaceful sleeping face brought the Anemo Archon a sense of calm.
As your screen dimmed due to inactivity, the more he wished to hug and comfort you. He couldn’t wish for anything more than to wipe your tears away and comfort you. He gently slowed the tune as your screen turned off. There was only one thought he had, and whispered out to comfort himself.
“One day, no tears will be shed when I’m with you, my dear god.”
ZHONGLI
He didn’t understand when you just started sobbing when you stared at him in the character menu. He started to panic the more you cried staring at him. Something in him broke the longer he heard you cry. He thought he had did something wrong to hurt you, but that suspicion was broken when you spoke through broken sobs.
“I wish you were with me…”
That’s when his heart shattered. He started to mumble to himself, a mix of comforting words directed at you and words comforting himself. The more you focused on him, the more you could hear him speak outside his code. Out of anger, he did his idle with his little rock spinning around him.
He wished it hit whoever, or whatever, had hurt you. Seeing you cry brought this strong protectiveness over you. Seeing you this fragile was new to him, and the fact that the creator could be sad slightly scared him. He wished for nothing more than to be there to comfort you.
Due to the exhaustion of crying, you started to fall asleep. The more your screened dimmed more and more as you dozed off to sleep, Zhongli could only imagine one thing in his mind. He mumbled it out loud, and you smiled as you could faintly hear it.
“I will protect you soon, there will be no need for you to feel any more tears roll down your pretty cheeks.”
XIAO
The fact that such a higher being such as yourself could cry surprised him. And him not being able to handle human like emotions didn’t help either. He only stared in disbelief and guilt as he couldn’t be there for you. He’s asked those around him what he should do when someone close to him cries, but never thought he needed to try the advice he was given with you.
Your broken sobs did so much to his already aching heart. And hearing you scream into a nearby cushion made him even more angry. He wanted to purge whatever or whoever did this to you. You stared at his character, he was doing his mask idle due to his increasing anger and sadness watching you, which had only increased as you mumbled to him in broken sobs.
“I w-wish y-you were h-here with me.”
His anger only increased, he tried so hard to keep his adeptal energy under control. Nothing could stop his racing mind and what could have happened to you out of playing the game. He wanted nothing more than to keep you safe. Seeing you in this much pain, straining to talk as you sobbed into a cushion, didn’t help his urges.
He calmed down as he saw your sleeping face. You dozed off, and his eyes were stuck on your resting eyes. A wave of peace had cleared his angry head, his fists now relaxing. As your screen dimmed, his voice was faint and soft.
“Nothing will make you cry ever again when I’m around, I swear it.”
EI
Your tears fell as you stared at the Raiden Shogun, the puppet, in the character screen. Sensing your saddened presence, Ei had switched her consciousness to see what that matter was. Her eyes widened as you stared at her with a heavy breath and shaky eyes. She didn’t understand what had gotte you so upset.
Seeing you cry hurt her so much as she stared at you through the puppet’s eyes. Ei wanted nothing more than your happiness to last for eternity. Her electro energy was becoming too much, while her consciousness possessed the puppet you had stared at. Her electro ball animation seemed a lot more aggressive than normal as she heard your screaming voice.
“I wish you were here with me!”
She felt touched at first that you wanted her with you. She wanted you with her too for so long. But your scream made her anger even more prominent. She couldn’t bring herself to look away as you choked back sobs, your breath uneven. The more you calmed down, the more she started to relax.
She saw your exhausted, tear stained face and felt her heart, outside the puppet, long for your embrace. She wanted nothing more than for you to be in her Plane of Euthymia, where no one would ever hurt you. Your soft breaths made her smile as your tears stopped. As the screen dimmed, her soothing voice spoke.
“You will be safe with me soon enough, my dearest creator.”
YAE MIKO
She seemed confused at first as you were stuck on the character menu. But seeing your tears made her quickly understand what was going on. Someone had hurt you, and they needed to be dealt with. Your crying got louder and she couldn’t help her growing anger.
Just as you stuttered out words, a bird had flown to her finger before her very angry fox spirit friend tried to bite it. She may have been smiling, but her anger was bubbling over. Hearing your weak and stuttering voice speak pulled her attention away from her angry fox spirit. She felt so honored to hear those words from you.
“I-I w-wish y-you w-were w-with m-me.”
She had to hold herself back from electrifying everything right there in the menu. She was so focused on who had done this to you, she had started to plot. She wanted to humiliate and hurt those that had disgraced you. No one should be treating a deity of your caliber with such disrespect.
Yae Miko smirked as she saw you shrink and fall asleep on the place you were sitting. The more the screen dimmed, the more her eyes glowed with mischievous intent. She hummed to herself as she plotted the demise of those that made you cry. Her voice was smooth as she hummed her words through her teeth.
“My my, your protection will soon come from the familiar of the Electro Archon my dear god, so please have patience with me~.”
NAHIDA
Nahida wanted to understand why you felt so sad. She was only a baby Archon after all, she looked to you for guidance on human emotions seeing as you had similar ones. But your crying to her had worried her, as she was ill-equipped to help. Nothing in her mind mattered, only you smiling down on her and giving her your happy aura.
She thought of so many ways to try to cheer you up. She did her string to people idle, trying her best to remind you that she is your friend and is there for you. She did what she could, trying to show you how much you were cared for. Her heart broke as she realized her efforts weren’t working.
“I wish you were here with me.”
She smiled up at you, noticing how the tears stained your face. She was so grateful that a deity like you wanted her, even if she was an inexperienced Archon. She had worshiped you greatly, and only wished to see you smile. Her mind wasn’t on those that had hurt you, but on you feeling better at the moment.
Seeing you fall asleep brought a smile to her face. You being asleep brought her hope that she could finally meet you in your dreams and bring you comfort. She looked at your now relaxed face, your screen dimming. Once you had fallen into a calm slumber, her voice spoke in hopes to bring you reassurance in your sleep.
“I promise to protect you in your dreams, so no more tears, oh wise one!”
WANDERER
You were staring at him in the character menu, as tears rolled down your face. It scared him, thoughts of worry and panic, thinking he had done something to displease you. But the more you just stared at him, the more he could tell that it was something else that bothered you. Anger replaced the panic as you started to sob.
He never understood how human emotions worked, and a deity like you having those emotions were new to him. The more your soft sobs caught his ears, the more uncomfortable he felt. He started summoning his anemo ball, doing the start of his idle, but the anemo ball kept getting bigger the longer he held it. The anemo energy then dissipated as he was surprised by your mumbling.
“I wish you…were…here with me…””
He was caught so off guard when you said that. He felt like it wasn’t fair for you to say that out of nowhere, especially when you were this sad. He thought you were joking, you wanting a puppet like him to be with you to help bring you comfort. He looked into your eyes and saw the exhaustion in them.
Seeing you fall asleep in front of him was like a gift. He knew it would help you feel better, but something in him wanted to cuddle you while you drifted off. Anger gripped him once more, how could anyone make you cry was the only thought in his head. Subconsciously, he spoke, hoping you heard him.
“Those lousy vermin don’t deserve you. They will know their place once I’m with you.”
FURINA
Furina never understood how to handle someone crying, especially since she was one to bottle up her emotions and hide them away from others. But seeing you like this made her softly smile, it meant you trusted her to be emotional and raw. The next emotion that came barreling in was anger. Anger at those that had made you so sad.
Her mind raced as she tried to think of a way to cheer you up from the other side. She started holding her water seahorse as she was doing her idle, trying to cheer you up. Her face was left with a shocked expression as she held her water seahorse closer, not ready for you to mumble out to her.
“I wish you were here…with me.”
Those words made her eyes flutter to yours. You wanted her, no one else, her to be with you as you cried. Her ego and stature wad boosted as she straightened her posture. She wanted to reach a hand out to your cheek to stroke your tears away.
Her sense of justice was strong, and she’d bring anyone to justice in your name. Especially if they had made you cry like this. The screen dimmed as she was so focused on your crying state. She was so caught up in her theatric mind, she didn’t notice either you falling asleep and her loud proclamation that you swore you heard.
“I will make laws just to make it so if anything makes you cry, they will have to stand justice in front of the Hydro Archon herself!”
NEUVILLETTE
Neuvillette wasn’t ready for you to stare at him in the character menu with teary eyes. He wasn’t new to tears and sadness, but your sadness was something fresh to him. He wanted to do something about it, wanting to bring those to justice if they had hurt you. Little droplets of rain started to fall around him.
He did his rain idle as his sadness increased, seeing you stuttering through your cries. He was saddened that the one being he looked up to felt so much sadness. There was a guilt as he felt happy that someone as important as you could have vulnerable moments. The surrounding rain in his idle poured harder as you stuttered out something softly in your tears.
“I w-wish you w-were h-here with m-me.”
He couldn’t stop his rain animation after hearing you speak. Your vulnerable voice and stutters made his eyes widen, he couldn’t bring himself to think that you could be this hurt. It worried him as he only wanted to be with you. He wanted to comfort you properly and not from the confines of code and screen that held him.
The rain started to stop as he saw you falling asleep. He understood that you had a raw emotional moment and only thought that sleep was much needed. He thought of ways to bring those that made you cry to trial, not sure how they would get there in the first place, however. The screen dimmed more as he only stared at you.
“Those who made you cry will be judged by the Oratrice itself. So save your tears, my lovely god, for when we can cry together.”
Do not repost or translate without my explicit permission! Reblogs are welcome!
This is a direct continuation of Rex Lapis & The Mortal, please read for full context.
Warnings: Angst to happy ending (?), idk some of y'all might like it, obsessed!zhongli, manipulative (?) zhongli.
The mind is a funny thing because it had been almost more than 5 decades, and Zhongli still had thoughts on your passing. You were devoted, he knew, but perhaps that was all he really knew about you. Truthfully this realization made him disgusted of himself, to have simplified you to something even below human, a label.
He still remembers the inner loss he felt when you'd parted from this world. All of a sudden he began feeling lonely without the sound of your morning prayers to grace his ears, without the little trinkets you'd leave for him that he'd still take a peak at, and your back as you scurried away after speaking with the adepti.
Perhaps it was because Zhongli felt it was him primarily responsible for your death, but your words of admiration lingered to him and they prompted him to question his own sense of admiration for Guizhong. Was it really love? Was she but a close companion? He hadn't even committed to her as much as you had to him.
As they say, being immortal superficially seems quite a blessing. However, remaining alone with ones own thoughts can drive even the most sane individual insane. Maybe, that's why when he caught sight of someone—no—you. He felt relief course through his veins.
Thank Celestia, he thought. A second chance, and a chance he had long thought over. His obsession, previously just lamenting on the past with tea now became crafting a future with you, permanently by his side.
You were identical to your past form: same body, same smile, same gestures, everything down to the single strand of hair atop your head. It was like his memories were reanimated in real time, all of a sudden even the world seemed to regain its vivid hues.
He was not the Geo Archon anymore, but a simple funeral consultant. Of course, he still knew how to harvest information, and in no time at all he'd learned of who you were (at least in this life.)
You were born in Fontaine, having been fortunate enough to be accepted into the Akademiya in Sumeru. Where you recently graduated from, and in an effort to gain more research grants you arrived to Liyue with fellow peers to discuss with Lady Ninguang herself.
Already having quite the name to yourself, you were a notable researcher and talented alumni of the Academy. Which is why they hired you as one of their top research negotiators straight out of school.
As such, it wasn't difficult for Zhongli to meet with you. Well, it was more of an "accidental" meeting since he just "happened" to be indulging with Lady Ninguang over tea.
Lady Ninguang was laughing at one of Zhongli's stories when her gaze averted towards you, a smile tugged at her lips, "hello, oh Zhongli this is one of the researchers I mentioned in passing—your name—y/n, was it? A pleasure seeing you here."
You were a bit flustered, this wasn't exactly how you'd planned your second meeting with Lady Ninguang. Truthfully as a skilled negotiator you had also aimed for your tactic of "accidental meetings" with to-be investors. It was an excellent method for forming a business bond and joyful friendship.
Nonetheless, this was a positive sign for you, knowing the more is the merrier for your position. Quickly straightening up, you regained your composure. "Hello! Oh goodness, the pleasure is all mine Lady Ninguang—and?"
"Zhongli, funeral parlor consultant," he quickly stated, offering to shake your hand. Zhongli was just as pleased as you in that moment, "may I join you guys in sharing tea?" you asked.
Lady Ninguang of course was not against it and Zhongli was delighted to invite you to sit down. You were quick to learn that despite this gentlemen's seemingly regular profession, he was quite knowledgeable about the land of Liyue.
"His stories are always fascinating, I think you can see why tea time tends to drag on!" Lady Ninguang states laughing, you are chuckling as well, "you're quite the informed man indeed Mr. Zhongli."
"You both flatter me, it is a great honor to be with such a talented business woman and refined scholar," Zhongli says, his voice smooth and polite. So polished in a manner that you could fall asleep, comforted by the sweet embrace of his words.
In other words, the tea time was a success as Lady Ninguang mentioned how she looked forward to speaking with you again. Furthermore, you made a new friend who would be particularly useful in allowing you to understand Liyue's culture.
Zhongli was elated, although he did not show it, of the development of your and his friendship. He wasn't really sure how he'd be able to more deeply connect with you, but it seemed he didn't need to be worried. Your position as researcher made him, who could act as your guide in a foreign land, a highly valuable network.
Thus, the development of your relationship with Zhongli again. Friendly tours turned into casual meetups, which turned into bonding moments of understanding one another. Ultimately, you found yourself missing the idea of returning to Sumeru.
Zhongli was a very handsome man, his dark deep brown locks perfectly fanned his face and tailed him as he walked. His golden amber eyes glowed with an intensity you couldn't quite figure out. His overall demeanor was wondrous, inciting a curious form of yearning within you.
You were no fool, you understood that you were physically and mentally attracted to him. No doubt because of his beauty and pleasant mystery. However, you couldn't let a man who you'd only known for around 3 months stand in the way of your career success.
Therefore, you had decided that it wouldn't hurt to return to Liyue as soon as it was convenient for you. "I will likely be back in around a month Zhongli, I hope that we can continue our friendship as I greatly enjoy your presence."
Zhongli's eyes filled with joy, "As do I, I hope to see you soon again, please stay safe on your journey."
You were blissfully unaware that Zhongli was in fact, not content. He didn't enjoy the thought of not having you by his side, for his peace of mind.
He also began thinking of methods to woo you over, but he didn't want to risk dooming you with a life of misery. Although he now loved you, was it really love?
It ought to be said that at times obsession and affection are almost impossible to differentiate. Zhongli of all individuals would know this and despite his desperate want to have you beside him. He decided that one month was an adequate amount of time for self reflection and preparation.
When the first day of the new month was ushered in, Zhongli had felt he'd reflected enough. He had come to the conclusion that he did have romantic feelings for you, with you constantly afloat in his mind.
Zhongli knew the matter would be settled based on how you reciprocated his feelings, but that was definitely going to happen no? He'd appeared as the perfect suitor, a man of adequate standing, highly educated, and he knew that few stood to rival him in terms of power.
Furthermore, he made sure to keep in touch with you throughout your time apart. With letters of his days, new interests, and curiosity towards Sumeru. Always met with your soft ramblings, happenings, and even pictures of the Akademiya that he found endearing.
It already felt like you were separated lowers, who were now reunited much to Zhongli's delight. You had successfully secured funding, of course due to your natural talent, but Zhongli did vouch for you with full confidence to Lady Ninguang.
A web was woven then, silky and soft, but that was how Zhongli would always treat you. You only deserved the greatest, he didn't want to take away your hard work after all. He connected the dots, created a bind, that'd hold you in Liyue without you ever knowing.
"What do you think about a permanent position, here in Liyue?"
"What?" you'd expressed, surprised. "Lady Ninguang has asked the representatives of the Akaedemiya on whether they could have an individual that would oversee the funds, updating her on its uses. I know this may seem rather rash, but she mentioned it to me in passing. I believe that you would be a perfect candidate."
The bait, set and dangling, would you take the chance? Zhongli raised the porcelain tea cup to his lips, taking a sip as he monitored your reaction. You weren't ever an expert at hiding your facial expression and he could see the nervousness in your figure.
It had always irked you a bit how Zhongli seemed to see through you. His golden irises painstakingly beautiful in capturing the light, seemingly now catching you. This opportunity was perfect, so much so it didn't seem real.
Your contemplations whilst away, the fleeting looks, loving glances, the urge to lean close, you knew then, Zhongli was interested in you too. This could be your shot at a life with him, a perfect balance between your mind and heart.
You responded with a shy smile, a soft blink before your lips parted to speak, "I will speak with Lady Ninguang about the position." There, done.
Since that fateful day, everything was picture perfect. Isn't it strange, how even though your prayers were answered it seemed like an overabundance of bliss? Such a strange paradox that would occasionally flood your senses, a mix of pure joy and nervousness at your now ideal life.
Shaking your head, you softly fiddled with your fingers as you stared into the mirror in front of you, at your reflection. You were donned in a beautiful white wedding gown. It turns out, your soon-to-be husband adored you very much.
Utilizing his countless connections to create "the wedding you deserved," he said, kissing the top of your forehead after you two officially became fiancés.
The wedding date was set only 3 months later, and quickly became well known news to what seemed like the entirety of Liyue. The location, a popular wedding venue that takes many years to schedule a date!
Everything was very lavish, but not overly so. You'd been the one who told Zhongli not to go overboard, you were content with the love you both had for one another. Nevertheless, your soft white wedding gown was still custom-made.
Created from the finest silks from overseas, with intricately woven symbolic laced patterns, and with carefully imbued gemmed diamonds. Your veil, hand-made, gently fell over your face catching the light and beautifully displayed your features.
It was like a dream, walking down the aisle, greeting your parents, thanking internationally prominent guests, and cutting the cake with your beloved. Goodness, you yourself were shocked when representatives from all regions of Teyvat made it their top priority to attend your wedding.
It had been half a year since you and Zhongli had married, life was enjoyable. You guys had settled into your humble abode and adapted to each other in private quite well. It was a common routine you both had with each other, knew by heart.
You'd returned on Wednesday, groceries in hand as you entered your home setting the goods down on your kitchen counter. With a huff you wiped some sweat off your forehead from the journey, only to shriek slightly when Zhongli quickly—instantly—appeared in the door frame.
"Oh goodness Zhongli, you scared me!! Is there something wrong?" you asked, suddenly worried. There was tension in the air, and you couldn't help but feel something was off. It felt as if gravity around you had gotten stronger as Zhongli walked toward you, a shiver making its way up your spin as he stalked closer.
Zhongli hadn't said a word, and you couldn't help but feel uncomfortable as his eyes, like that of a predator marking its prey, glanced at your hand. You only stopped trembling when he carefully cupped both your hands to his face.
His demeanor instantly shifted to one more familiar, your whiny husband. "My dear, did you lose your wedding ring?" he asked, pain evident in his eyes.
In that moment, your mind instantly pieced everything together, he must've felt hurt over the fact you didn't have your wedding ring on! Laughter escaped forced its way out of your mouth in relief. "No way I would! I'm sorry Zhongli if I scared you, it's on the nightstand, I think I took it off to shower and forgot to place it back on," you rambled.
Your cheeks were flushed, you were quite embarrassed with the truth. Honestly being married is such an important aspect of your life now, you could completely understand his pain. Before you could continue with a longer apology though, he'd slipped the ring back on your finger.
Now content, your husband began nuzzling your neck, hugging you close to his body. You naturally hugged back, whispering, "I love you, please forgive my forgetfulness."
Zhongli softly began to thread one hand through your hair, before rubbing your back in comfort as his other arm kept you interlocked around the waist with him. "Do not fret, I will always love you just as you love me," he states in a matter-of-fact tone.
Little did you know, unbeknownst to you, the look that currently crossed over your husband's face. An expression of cold calculation, planning, and possessiveness, (not at all like the joking expression you'd imagined.) Zhongli didn't ever want to let you go, but he did not want to scare you. He was after all a god, and obviously noticed your trembling much to his displeasure.
Now, Zhongli decided his careful affection and traps didn't seem enough. The possibility of you leaving him was not one he would entertain. Then, a brilliant idea came to his mind as he released you from his embrace.
Instead, he began grabbing your hips and leaning his face inwards to mouth kisses along your neck. You were flustered, face red as you let out soft squeaks to his antics, excited for a night of passion. Yes, Zhongli thought, he believed this was the answer, the last web to entangle you in tonight, which he'd knot tightly.
