#Geo-restriction

[dipnots]

Features of the Most Reliable VPN Services

In today’s interconnected world, where privacy concerns and data breaches are rampant, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have emerged as indispensable tools for safeguarding online activities. However, not all VPN services are created equal. While some may offer flashy features or enticing deals, the true mark of reliability lies in a set of core features that distinguish the best from the rest. In…

[witness-and-wind]

one of these days wanna talk about game mechanics as storytelling. and worldbuilding

[serenatechie]

How to Implement Geo-Fencing and Licensing Restrictions in Global OTT Streaming

Introduction

As the OTT industry expands across borders, enforcing territorial content rights has become crucial. From blockbuster films to regional shows, content creators and distributors must ensure that their media is available only in licensed regions. This is where geo-fencing and licensing restrictions come into play.

Whether you're building a global OTT streaming platform in India or launching region-specific content, these mechanisms help avoid legal issues, protect licensing deals, and ensure viewer trust. In countries like India—and even at the state level such as Tamil Nadu—understanding and applying regional rules is essential.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how OTT solution providers, live streaming platforms, and VOD platform providers can implement and optimize geo-fencing strategies for global OTT delivery.

Understanding Geo-Fencing in the Context of OTT Streaming Platforms

Geo-fencing is a digital boundary that restricts access to content based on a viewer’s physical location. OTT platforms use IP-based or GPS-based geolocation technology to control which content is viewable in a specific region.

For example, a global OTT streaming platform might license a movie only for viewers in India. Through geo-fencing, viewers in the US or UK would be automatically blocked from accessing it.

Geo-fencing is crucial for:

Enforcing content rights in regional markets like Tamil Nadu

Managing international licensing deals

Controlling regional advertising campaigns

Adhering to censorship regulations in different territories

OTT platform providers in India must integrate geo-fencing with their OTT video solutions, VOD solutions, and live streaming solutions to ensure seamless yet compliant content access.

Implementing Licensing Restrictions Based on Territorial Rights

Licensing restrictions are set by content owners who allow specific platforms to distribute content in limited territories. These rights vary by:

Country

Language

Platform type (TV, OTT, web, mobile)

To enforce licensing:

Tag content with licensing metadata that specifies where it’s allowed.

Use geo-IP services to detect user location in real time.

Dynamically restrict content using smart video players and CMS logic.

For example, if a Tamil-language movie is licensed only for viewers in Tamil Nadu, geo-fencing and licensing restrictions in Tamil Nadu must be activated through rules at the player and server level.

OTT platform providers in India like Innocrux and other global OTT streaming platform solution providers offer APIs and admin tools to set and update regional licenses.

Technical Infrastructure Required for Geo-Fencing and Licensing Enforcement

Implementing geo-fencing at scale requires a strong technical backbone. Here’s what your OTT architecture needs:

IP Geolocation Services: Accurately detect user location via services like MaxMind or IP2Location.

CDN with Edge Rules: Distribute content globally while enforcing geo-fencing at the edge level.

Policy Enforcement Engine: A rule-based system in your OTT CMS to apply restrictions dynamically.

Integration with DRM: Secure content access and prevent unauthorized sharing or downloads.

Real-Time Monitoring Tools: Track access patterns and log location-based access violations.

Whether you’re looking to build OTT platforms, build live streaming websites, or launch VOD services, geo-fencing must be embedded in your custom OTT solution development roadmap.

OTT Platform Architecture for Managing Global Content Access

To manage licensing across multiple regions, your OTT platform architecture should support:

Multi-Tenant CMS: Handle different territories, partners, and licensing rules independently.

Geo-based Video Delivery: Use adaptive CDNs to direct traffic regionally.

Rules-Based Content Access: Combine geo-fencing, licensing metadata, and DRM enforcement.

Regional Monetization Logic: Display localized ads or subscriptions based on user location.

A white-label OTT solution should allow full customization of these features. Global OTT streaming platform solution providers in India build such architectures with a focus on speed, scale, and regulatory compliance.

Challenges in Geo-Fencing and Regional Licensing in OTT Streaming

While geo-fencing is essential, it's not without challenges:

VPN Circumvention: Users can use VPNs to bypass regional restrictions, violating licensing rules.

Inaccurate IP Detection: Location detection can fail, especially with mobile carriers or satellite ISPs.

Overlapping Licensing Territories: Managing licenses across languages or overlapping countries can be complex.

Content Delivery Delays: Geo-fencing adds latency in real-time streaming.

Regulatory Differences: Content allowed in India might be banned in another country.

To overcome these, OTT solution providers must:

Use advanced VPN detection

Update IP databases regularly

Leverage AI-driven location analytics

Platforms offering IPTV OTT solutions or looking to build live streaming apps must especially address these challenges due to real-time content needs.

Best Practices for Effective Geo-Fencing and Licensing Compliance

Follow these industry best practices to implement geo-fencing effectively:

Enforce DRM and Geo-Fencing Together: Combine encryption with location controls to ensure no one outside the target region can access or share the content.

Regularly Audit Licensing Rules: Revisit content rights monthly to ensure expired licenses aren’t active.

Invest in Smart Video Players: Players must read geo-metadata and block streams based on it.

Use Granular Controls: Restrict by country, state (like Tamil Nadu), or even city-level if required.

Choose a Reliable OTT Solution Provider in India: Local vendors better understand regional compliance needs.

If you're researching how to build a live streaming app, build live streaming web applications, or how to build an OTT app, these practices should be part of your system architecture.

Legal and Regulatory Considerations for Global OTT Streaming

OTT streaming platforms must consider:

Content Licensing Agreements: Contracts with studios and creators that dictate regional access rules.

Telecom and Internet Laws: Especially in India, where laws about data localization and censorship apply.

Consumer Rights Laws: Inform users about regional availability and avoid misleading promotions.

Geo-fencing and licensing restrictions in India must align with federal broadcasting guidelines, especially if you're planning content distribution in Tamil Nadu or other states. Consult with legal experts when you build OTT platforms from scratch or expand globally.

For businesses, understanding how to get fencing license approvals, both digitally and for content boundaries, is part of ensuring long-term legal compliance.

Conclusion

As OTT platforms become more global, geo-fencing and licensing restrictions are no longer optional—they’re essential. Whether you're launching a live streaming solution, a VOD platform, or an OTT TV solution, enforcing territorial rights protects your content and business.

Partnering with a trusted OTT solution provider or VOD platform provider is critical. Providers like Innocrux specialize in delivering end-to-end OTT solutions, custom OTT development, and white-label OTT solutions that support robust geo-fencing mechanisms across devices and regions.

So, if you're wondering how to build a live video streaming web application or how to build a VOD platform with global reach and local compliance, start by integrating smart licensing tools, legal frameworks, and regional delivery mechanisms.

[petr-1980]

🌍 Accessing Czech TV Abroad: A Seamless Streaming Experience

Living abroad often means missing out on local content from back home. Recently, I discovered a method to stream Czech TV channels, including ČT iVysílání and OnePlay, while residing in Spain.

I stumbled upon this insightful guide: Best VPN for Spain: How to Watch ČT iVysílání and OnePlay. It provides a step-by-step walkthrough on setting up a VPN to bypass regional restrictions.

Highlights from the guide:

VPN Recommendations: The article suggests reliable VPN services like NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN, which offer Czech servers and robust streaming capabilities.

Setup Process: Detailed instructions on installing the VPN, selecting the appropriate Czech server, and accessing the desired content.

Additional Tips: Insights on ensuring a stable connection and avoiding potential pitfalls.

After following the guide, I opted for NordVPN, connected to a Czech server, and was able to stream ČT content without any issues.

For fellow expats or travelers missing Czech television, this method is a game-changer!

[firstoccupier]

How Good is a VPN for Hiding Your Actual Location?

In today’s digital world, protecting our online privacy has become very important. One popular method of doing this is by using a VPN, which stands for Virtual Private Network. A VPN helps people hide their actual location when they use the internet. But how good is it at this? Let’s explore what a VPN is, how it works, and how effective it really is in hiding your location. First, let’s…

[ultim4kiptv]

The Ultimate Guide to IPTV: What It Is and How to Stream Seamlessly

In recent years, IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) has become one of the most popular ways to stream live TV and on-demand content. Unlike traditional cable or satellite television, IPTV offers users the flexibility to stream TV shows, movies, and live broadcasts via the internet. Whether you're a cord-cutter looking for a more affordable option or someone who loves the variety of content available online, IPTV is a great solution.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain what IPTV is, how it works, and how you can set it up to enjoy seamless streaming. Plus, we’ll explore IPTV subscription options and provide tips for enhancing your streaming experience.

What is IPTV?

IPTV stands for Internet Protocol Television, and it’s a system where digital television services are delivered to users through the internet rather than via traditional broadcast methods like satellite or cable. With IPTV, you can access a wide range of content, including live TV, sports, news, and on-demand services like movies and TV shows.

Unlike regular TV signals that are transmitted via satellites or cable lines, IPTV uses your internet connection to deliver content. This means that as long as you have a stable internet connection, you can enjoy high-definition streaming anywhere, anytime.

Why Choose IPTV Over Traditional Cable or Satellite TV?

There are several reasons why people are shifting from traditional TV services to IPTV. Let’s take a look at the advantages:

1. Wide Range of Content

With IPTV, you have access to thousands of channels worldwide. You can watch content from different countries and enjoy regional and international programs that are often unavailable on cable TV.

2. No Long-Term Contracts

Unlike traditional cable providers that require long-term contracts, IPTV services are often available on a month-to-month basis. You can choose from a variety of subscription options and cancel whenever you wish.

3. Cost-Effective

IPTV services are often more affordable than traditional cable or satellite TV. This is because IPTV providers don’t need to maintain the expensive infrastructure that satellite TV providers do. By cutting out the middleman, IPTV services can offer a better value.

4. Access from Multiple Devices

With IPTV, you aren’t restricted to a single device. You can stream content on your smart TV, smartphone, tablet, laptop, or PC. This flexibility makes IPTV the perfect choice for people on the go.

How to Set Up IPTV: A Step-by-Step Guide

Setting up IPTV is straightforward, but it requires a few essential steps. Follow this guide to get started.

Step 1: Choose an IPTV Service

Before you can start streaming, you need to subscribe to an IPTV service. There are many IPTV providers available, offering different packages that range from live TV channels to on-demand content. Be sure to choose a service that suits your viewing preferences and budget.

If you’re looking for a reliable IPTV provider, we recommend checking out Ultim4K IPTV, where you can access thousands of channels in high definition, including premium sports and movies.

Step 2: Get the Necessary Equipment

To enjoy IPTV, you’ll need a compatible device. Here’s what you’ll need:

A smart TV, set-top box, or streaming device (like Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, or Apple TV)

A stable internet connection (preferably 10 Mbps or higher for HD content)

An IPTV app or IPTV receiver (depending on your chosen service)

Step 3: Install the IPTV App or Set-Top Box

Most IPTV services offer apps for various devices, so you’ll need to download and install the relevant IPTV app for your device. Alternatively, if you're using a set-top box, follow the provided instructions to connect it to your TV and internet.

Step 4: Start Watching IPTV

Once your device is set up, log in to your IPTV account and start streaming. You can browse through live TV channels or search for on-demand content. Enjoy seamless streaming with high-quality content!

Tips for Enhancing Your IPTV Experience

To make the most out of your IPTV experience, here are some tips to help you optimize your setup:

1. Ensure a Stable Internet Connection

Since IPTV relies on your internet connection, a fast and stable connection is essential. For HD and 4K content, you’ll need a connection speed of at least 10 Mbps. For 4K streaming, aim for 25 Mbps or higher.

2. Use a VPN for Extra Privacy

If you want to protect your online privacy while streaming, consider using a VPN (Virtual Private Network). A VPN encrypts your internet connection, ensuring that your streaming activity remains private and secure.

3. Get the Best IPTV Subscription Plan

Choose an IPTV subscription plan that meets your needs. Some services offer packages with different channel lineups or on-demand content. Find one that fits your entertainment preferences and budget.

4. Regularly Update Your IPTV App

Ensure that your IPTV app is regularly updated to fix bugs, improve performance, and provide new features. Most IPTV services offer automatic updates, but it’s a good idea to check for updates manually from time to time.

Conclusion: Start Enjoying Seamless IPTV Streaming Today

IPTV is revolutionizing the way we consume TV and video content. With the flexibility to stream live TV, sports, and on-demand content from around the world, it’s no wonder that more people are switching to IPTV as their primary source of entertainment.

If you’re ready to start streaming with Ultim4K IPTV, head over to our website to explore our subscription options and find the perfect plan for you. You’ll be able to enjoy thousands of channels, including premium content, with high-definition quality.

For more tips on setting up IPTV or for help with installation, check out our IPTV Installation Tutorial.

External Links for Further Reading:

Wikipedia on IPTV

Reddit IPTV Community

X - IPTV Support Discussions

[sawontheboss4]

Boost Your Privacy: Why Proxy Matter in the Digital Age

Introducing While the internet can open up global possibilities, it can also be a minefield of proxy-related privacy issues and access restrictions in today’s interconnected world. A safe, unrestricted, anonymous browsing experience is necessary because companies and people depend increasingly on digital platforms. Proxies are a powerful solution that protects your privacy, lets you access…

[dragonowlie]

computer mana please come back to me...

computer mana...

computer mana come back to me

[funforahermit]

so anyway i'm v excited about all my new rhys darby related shirts and hoodies and i hope they'll arrive soon 😌

[bradsbackpack]

Digital Security on the Road: Why a VPN should be in your Travel Bag

As we travel more and more, more travellers than ever rely on the internet for a wide range of activities. Whether that’s communicating with friends and family, staying up to date on your instagram, and even working if you’re a digital nomad. While accessing the internet has become easier than ever before, it also comes with an increased risk of cyber threats, particularly when travelling. Thats…

[azen13]

CW: Yandere Themes, Power Imbalance, Mind Control

⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆

Yandere!Zhongli, despite his nature as the Archon of Geo, isn't as restrictive as one might think at first. Quite the opposite, actually. He'll say it himself, as he forces you to stay still in his strong arms, trapped inside his Adeptal Domain. He wishes he could give you more privileges, but he simply can't trust you.

Of course, you press him about this, you say he can trust you. With no other option but to fight for any scraps of freedom you can get, you're willing to grovel on your knees for anything, as much as you hate yourself for doing so.

At the sight of your desperation, Zhongli has to mask the way the corners of his lips twitch up, eyes predatory, draconic instinct seeping through a human facade. With the flick of a hand, a thick roll of paper pops into existence in front of your head. The very end of it unfurls, revealing what looks like a place where a signature is written.

For a contract.

Sign it, Zhongli says, and he will grant you multiple privileges listed in the contract: he'll allow you to leave his Adeptal Domain when possible, write to your family and friends, leave you alone for a set time if you so desire, and more listed in the contract.

Your hand itches for the crystalline, amber pen floating next to the contract, beckoning you to write your name, but you control the urge. You've already been played for a fool by a foe you once called a friend, and you won't fall for his foul ploys any longer.

So, you pull the contract to unfurl it. The paper flows like water, gushing across the floor like a wild stream down the bed to the floor, across the bedroom, through the door, into the kitchen, continuing on, and on, and on. It seems like days go by until finally, the contract is fully unscrolled.

Zhongli is less than pleased at your wariness, a disappointed sigh echoing through the still room. He had hoped you would be less uncooperative, but he will allow you a day to read the contents of the contract. After all, time is of the utmost importance, even for the immortal.

You glare at the god, but know that you cannot allow anger to cloud your mind. With only a day to read such a dense document, there's no time to spare.

When you look down to start reading the contract itself, though, your eyes widen in confusion.

The words on the paper are almost kaleidoscopic, warping and twisting and forming new phrases every second. One moment, you think you can read "the"; the next, those same letters have become "remain". Looking back up, Zhongli has a pitying smile on his face. "Dearest treasure, do you see now that this game is a fruitless endeavor?" He asks, a hand reaching to brush against your jaw, sliding tenderly across your skin. "I would not lie to you about these things. I have never lied to you," he says.

For a moment, you almost mistake his tone as kind, like you almost mistook everything about Zhongli—a polite, cultured gentleman who turned out to be a possessive, obsessed dragon—until you realize how patronizing his words are. You want to curse him to the Abyss and back, but hold back your hatred. "I'd prefer to read the contract." You look back down, and begin attempting to decipher the undulating paragraphs.

Hours pass by, and you've made no progress. Through it all, Zhongli has stayed by your side, whispering cloying words in an attempt at disarming your defenses. You've managed to stay strong in the face of his unending patience though.

But while you're smart, Zhongli is a god, with thousands of years of knowledge ingrained in his mind. And he knows eventually, one argument will break you down. So, he keeps trying.

"Time is running out, my sweet. But before this offer disappears, I will give you one last chance to sign," he says. "Besides, even if I am being dishonest about the contents of the contract, can things really get worse than this? At least by signing the contract, there's a chance your circumstances may improve."

His logic is sound, drowning out the dissonant thoughts scrambling your mind. You hate the idea of agreeing with Zhongli, but at this point, it's hard to see a reason not to sign it.

With trembling fingers, you pick up the pen. It's slightly warm in your hand, the way a rock in the afternoon sun would be. Smiling like he knew this would happen all along, Zhongli makes a motion with one hand, causing the contract to begin rolling up. After waiting several moments, all that's left unrolled is the space where you will sign your name.

The pen slashes against the paper, marring it with an ink-black scar that reads your name.

Then you feel it. The lightness in your chest, as though you're untethered to the world around you. Thoughts in your mind begin to pop like soap bubbles, fear dissipating into pure nothingness. You can hardly hear your spouse chuckling over the absolute blankness blanketing your mind.

Yes, Zhongli would allow you many more freedoms now. After all, you had sold your mind, body, and soul to him. Escape was impossible. You were clay in his hands, and he would mold you into a perfect, obedient lover.

[vibelladonna]

❛ 𝒷𝓊𝓁𝓁𝓈𝑒𝓎𝑒 ❜ 𝜗𝜚 𝑔𝑒𝑜 𝓍 𝑔𝓃!𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹𝑒𝓇

𝓈𝓎𝓃𝑜𝓅𝓈𝒾𝓈: Geo had always noticed you, ever since Crowe started bringing you around. Despite his cold demeanor, Crowe believed that with the right lesson, you and Geo could become friends. But Geo wasn’t one for making friends easily.

Maybe an archery lesson could help?

𝒸𝑜𝓃𝓉𝑒𝓃𝓉 𝓌𝒶𝓇𝓃𝒾𝓃𝑔: 18+ NO KIDS (Adults Only) This content contains mature themes unsuitable for children. Please respect the creator's intentions. 

𝓉𝒶𝑔𝓈: geo x gn!reader, enemies to lovers, slow burn (but with tension), forbidden attraction, hidden feelings, forced proximity, mutual pining, power struggles.

The crowd murmured restlessly, the air thick with the smell of freshly cut grass and the faint buzz of collective anticipation.

The university’s annual archery competition was in full swing, each shot landing with a crisp, satisfying thud, and every competitor getting their fair share of applause that blended into one long, loud hum.

But then, the name cut through—Subaru Oogami. The Archer.

Or as a few called him, Geo.

It was like a cold wind, sharp and unavoidable. Geo. The name floated through the air like a secret, whispered by those who knew what it meant. 

The guy who didn’t need to say much but somehow had a way of making people feel his presence—respect, fear, or both, depending on who you asked. No flash, no fancy entrance—just the weight of that name, like it was carved into the very air. It wasn’t just the name. It was the reputation. The aura. 

The guy who seemed to hold the calm of a storm inside him, someone who looked like he was seeing right past you, straight into nothingness. No cheers. No applause. Just a crowd collectively holding its breath, wondering what would happen next.

Geo stood at the edge of the competition grounds, his tall frame draped in sleek kyūdō gear that made him look like he belonged in a different world. His long-sleeved undershirt fit snugly against his body, barely peeking out from under the short-sleeved white shirt he wore, tucked neatly beneath his loose-fitting hakama pants. The pants flowed easily with every step, moving like they had a life of their own. 

The whole outfit gave off this quiet, powerful vibe—like someone always ready for anything, but never in an obvious way. His presence was subtle but commanding like he could take on the world without lifting a finger. 

Every step he took was smooth and precise—like he’d done this a thousand times before. His archery gloves, worn from years of use, fit his fingers perfectly. They protected him without restricting—allowing him to move with precision. The drawstring of his quiver hung loosely by his side, the arrows clicking softly against the wooden shaft as he shifted his stance. 

Geo’s aquamarine eyes were sharp, scanning the target in front of him. They weren’t just focused; they were like a hawk, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. His messy bowl-cut hair framed his face, giving him an edge of calm intensity that stood out against the buzz of the competition. 

He was different from the other competitors. 

While everyone else was bouncing with excitement and nervous energy, Geo was like a rock in the middle of a storm, unaffected, laser-focused. The noise of the crowd, the heat of the moment—it all faded away for him. Everything, for a brief second, became quiet, and the only thing left was the shot he was about to make.

His expression was cool, and controlled, but behind those sharp eyes, there was something deeper. A quiet focus that most people would never understand.

With each step Geo took toward the archery line, the air seemed to freeze, like time itself held its breath. Every movement he made was deliberate like he was following some silent, internal rhythm—his body and mind locked in sync, caught in a quiet battle with something only he could understand. The bow was already in his hands, like an extension of himself. 

Firm, but relaxed. He gripped it like it was part of his very soul, and with each small adjustment of his feet, every shift of his shoulders, it was as if he was locking into place, preparing for something only he could foresee.

He pulled the string back with ease, the feel of the archery gloves brushing against the cool wood sending a brief shiver through his fingers. Everything else seemed to fade away as his senses honed in on that single moment. For a split second, his mind was elsewhere—somewhere deeper, as if the weight of the bow in his hands was a familiar comfort, something he'd done a thousand times before.

It was like a switch flipped, and suddenly, the noise, the people, the energy around him disappeared. He closed his eyes briefly, taking in the tension in the air, the weight of the bow, and the quiet hum of his own breath. Everything blurred for a second—the target, the crowd, even the field itself—and he was left in a space that was entirely his. 

This was his world. His sanctuary.

It was like the universe had shut out everything that wasn’t important, leaving only the sound of his heartbeat and the deep, steady pulse of his focus. His body knew what to do, and his mind knew where to go. He didn’t have to think. This was muscle memory, pure instinct.

And, for a second, he didn’t need to look around to know that everyone was watching him. They always did. Being Geo had a way of making people take notice, whether he wanted them to or not. But none of that mattered right now. At this moment, he was somewhere else—lost in the rhythm of the shot, lost in the calm that came with blocking everything else out.

The sound of the crowd faded to nothing as his gaze slowly drifted across the field, scanning for something only he could sense. His eyes—calm, yet sharp—locked onto you. 

You. 

The one person who knew him, even if it was only on the surface. It wasn’t something he had expected, and yet there it was. Your presence—a quiet but undeniable weight—settled on him. And for reasons he couldn’t explain, that small shift in attention caused something to snap inside him. 

His heart picked up, a quickening that caught him off guard. His breath tightened in his chest, and for a brief, maddening second, his focus wavered.

A faint blush touched his pale cheeks, the slightest warmth betraying the cool mask he tried to wear. He quickly shut it down, forcing his expression back to its usual intensity.

But at that moment, something had changed.

The target in front of him wasn’t just a target anymore. It was more than a challenge—it was a manifestation of everything he was feeling, everything he had been trying to bury.

His fingers, once so controlled, now felt the weight of something heavier. Something intangible. Something that had nothing to do with the bow in his hands or the competition at all. 

His breath hitched, and for the briefest moment, the world around him came crashing in, as past and future collided in the space between his heartbeats.

The arrow’s tip points toward what?

His grip tightened, the string of the bow pulled back, and his eyes didn't leave yours. The noise of the crowd seemed to disappear like they were just background noise, irrelevant. All that mattered was the stillness between the two of you. You were standing there, quiet, observing—he could feel your presence more than he could see it, and it threw off his usual rhythm.

Geo’s expression flickered, just for a second, a rare crack in his usual stoic facade. For the briefest moment, time seemed to slow down—like the world had pressed pause just for him to finally notice something that had always been there. Something about you, something unspoken, unsettled him in ways he wasn’t prepared for. It was like all the things he'd tried to suppress—the confusion, the fear, the longing—rushed to the surface, and it felt like this single moment could carry all of it. 

The bowstring snapped with a sharp ‘zing’, cutting through the silence as the arrow soared through the air, almost weightless. In the time it took for the sound to echo, it was already embedded firmly at the center of the target—a perfect bullseye.

The noise it made was almost too simple. Too perfect. 

Geo let out a breath, a bit heavier than usual. His bow lowered, his chest still tight, as his gaze finally pulled away from you. His eyes shifted, searching for something, but maybe he wasn’t sure what exactly. He couldn’t say what had just happened, not even to himself.

The arrow, the shot—it wasn’t just about the target anymore.

It felt like something had cracked open inside him, as the walls he’d built around himself had finally started to crumble. 

For that split second, Geo had let go. Just a little. And now, standing there, he wasn’t sure if it was the release of the arrow or the connection he felt that had made him feel��� unmoored. But only the archer knew what that shot really meant. And Geo wasn’t sure he could explain it even if he tried.

After the university's annual archery competition, the atmosphere was still thick with adrenaline, the lingering buzz of Geo's perfect shot still echoing in the air. It had been an impressive performance—one that had captured the attention of everyone watching, especially when the arrow found its mark at the very center of the target.

But now, as the competition wrapped up, there was no rush. 

No more applause. No more spotlight. 

Instead, the plan was to grab dinner at a small, less-known place downtown. It wasn’t exactly the kind of lively, rowdy spot that most people in their circle would gravitate toward, however, Jericho Ichabod—nickname Crowe had insisted on it. Crowe had a way of convincing people to do things, even when they didn’t fully want to, and he had his reasons. "You need to have fun,” he’d said to Geo earlier, the first to suggest they grab a bite to celebrate. "Fine dining, but chill. No crowds, no noise."

It wasn’t exactly Geo’s ideal evening, but again—Crowe was persistent, and when Crowe made plans, Geo found it easier to just let him lead. Besides, the fewer people around, the less chaos to deal with. He couldn’t say no to the idea of fewer interruptions, and fewer conversations to navigate. And maybe—just maybe—it wouldn’t be as bad as it sounded. 

But as they made their way down the dimly lit street toward the restaurant, Geo found himself slightly… disoriented. The usual noise of his friends, their constant chatter, was absent. It was just him, Crowe—his first friend in college—and you. 

You again.

Geo wasn’t sure what to make of your presence yet, despite knowing you had become a part of their small circle. Sure, you had started out as a quiet observer, someone who didn’t seem to care much for engaging. But after Crowe had worked his usual magic, weeks of persistence had turned you into a friend.

Even if Geo wasn’t entirely convinced of how you fit into the dynamic, he had to admit there was something between you and Crowe—something that felt… different. 

The streetlights overhead cast long shadows on the sidewalk as they walked in silence for a few moments. Crowe, ever the social bird, was walking ahead, speaking animatedly about some student council event he had recently been involved in. 

His voice was light, full of energy, as he moved easily between topics—something about deadlines, and then about a recent meeting he’d had. It was the usual, yet the way Crowe spoke, how easily he could command attention without even trying, had always amazed Geo. He watched Crowe’s back, his hands tucked in his jacket pockets, as he listened intently to his own words.

Geo walked behind Crowe, not quite as keen to engage, his eyes instead flickering from the pavement to you. 

You were walking beside him, the subtle tension in your shoulders telling him you weren’t too interested in Crowe’s latest ramble. Geo caught the way you narrowed your eyes every now and then as you listened to Crowe, like you were waiting for him to pause and give you space to speak. 

But you didn’t. 

Instead, you stayed quiet, seemingly content with the rhythm of the conversation, even if your impatience was obvious.

Geo had always found it strange how easily Crowe could get people to listen, even when they were uninterested. He’d told Geo once, in a rare moment of quiet honesty, how long it had taken for you to even acknowledge him.

A month, maybe longer, before you finally seemed to see him. Geo often thought about that, about how people could drift in and out of each other’s lives without making a sound, and yet when Crowe entered, it felt like an undeniable pull. 

It wasn’t that Geo disliked you. Not really. It was just… there was something about the way Crowe had wormed his way into your life, how quickly you’d become part of his world, that left Geo feeling a bit like an outsider.

A third wheel in a story he wasn’t sure he belonged to.

You didn’t talk much—same as him, really—but there was something about your presence that always felt just a little too loud for his liking. 

Maybe it was the way you didn’t need to speak to fill the silence, how your quiet seemed to hold weight, or maybe it was just the way you were. Geo wasn’t sure, but he could feel it. 

You weren’t as easy to ignore as the others.

The street was quieter now, the hum of the city fading behind them as they walked down the sidewalk. Just a few more blocks to go. The restaurant was tucked away between two larger buildings, its lights glowing softly like a hidden gem. 

If you didn’t know it was there, you’d walk right past it without a second glance. That was the thing about places like this—they didn’t shout for attention. It was the kind of spot Geo liked. Quiet, understated, and a little bit out of the way. It felt fitting somehow like it matched his mood. He didn’t need anything too flashy, nothing that screamed for attention. 

As they got closer to the restaurant, Geo felt a bit of that familiar weight start to lift off his shoulders. Maybe it was just the low-key vibe of the place, or the thought of a night with less noise, less chaos—just a simple meal. It wasn’t exactly his ideal evening, but he could almost appreciate the idea of something more... low-key.

Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad after all.

"Almost there," Crowe said, his voice bright and full of energy as he glanced over his shoulder, totally unaware of the quiet tension that hung between the three of them. "This place has the best-grilled foods. You’ll love it."

Geo couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow. He wasn’t really one for rowdy places, but Crowe’s version of “chill” often meant something a little different. He shot a quick glance at you, noticing how you looked less interested in Crowe’s excited chatter and more like you were just waiting for the moment to pass. You didn’t seem annoyed—just bored, like you were tolerating the conversation but not really invested in it. 

Crowe was too wrapped up in his own excitement to notice the dynamic between the three of them. 

Of course, he didn’t. 

For all his charm and social prowess, there were times when Crowe got so caught up in his own words that he missed the little things. Geo knew that better than anyone—he’d watched it happen enough times to recognize it.

As they neared the door, Geo slowed his pace for a second, taking a brief moment to let his gaze wander over the soft, warm glow of the restaurant’s interior. It wasn’t exactly a fancy place, but there was something comforting about the low lighting and the almost intimate atmosphere that seemed to promise a calm, quiet evening.

It felt like a far cry from the usual chaos, and once, again Geo found himself a little grateful for that.

But still, something was gnawing at him, some feeling he couldn’t shake. Maybe it was the fact that it was just the three of them, or maybe it was the unspoken distance that seemed to grow between him and you. 

Whatever it was, Geo couldn’t quite place it. 

The restaurant’s warm, dim glow was a stark contrast to the cold night outside. Shadows danced across the wooden walls, illuminated by the faint flicker of candles on the tables. The grill’s aroma hung thick in the air, a blend of charred meat, smoky spices, and something subtly sweet.

Crowe stood just inside the doorway, bouncing on his heels slightly, clearly in his element, while Geo lingered behind him, arms crossed and eyes scanning the room like he was sizing up potential threats instead of deciding where to sit.

“So, Geo,” Crowe started, turning slightly toward him with a grin, “think you’ll ever show me how you hit that perfect bullseye? Or are you just going to keep letting me flounder like a beginner every time you practice?”

Geo raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed by Crowe’s theatrics. “It’s not something you can just ‘learn,’ Jericho,” he replied, his voice cool and flat. “It’s muscle memory, discipline... and knowing when to stop talking and focus.”

Crowe laughed, completely undeterred. “Ah, so I’m doomed then,” he said, throwing a dramatic hand over his chest. “Guess I’ll have to stick to being a mediocre archer forever.”

You stood off to the side, silently observing the exchange. Crowe’s casual energy clashed with Geo’s reserved demeanor in a way that was oddly entertaining. Geo didn’t seem annoyed, exactly, but his aloof responses made it clear he wasn’t about to engage beyond necessity.

And yet, somehow, Crowe’s antics seemed to chip away at his walls, even if only slightly.

Before long, a waiter approached the three of you with a polite smile. “Your table’s ready. Right this way,” he said, gesturing toward the back of the restaurant. 

The table was a small, rounded booth tucked into a cozy corner, away from the noisier parts of the restaurant. Crowe slid in first without hesitation, claiming the outer seat on one side, and Geo followed closely behind, stopping just shy of the other outer seat. 

“Well, there you go,” Crowe said brightly, gesturing toward the center spot as he looked at you. “Best seat in the house.”

You paused, caught off guard by the situation. “Wait,” you said, glancing at Geo. “Shouldn’t *you* sit in the middle? I mean, this night’s supposed to be about you, after all.”

Crowe opened his mouth, probably ready to fire off some overly chipper response, but Geo beat him to it. His voice was calm, clipped, and carried that distinct air of finality. “Social etiquette says the woman sits in the middle,” he said, his aquamarine eyes locking onto yours, sharp and steady. It wasn’t rude exactly, but it wasn’t friendly either—it was just Geo being...well, Geo.

Then, without another word, he moved to the side, making it clear that his decision wasn’t up for debate.

You stood there, debating whether to roll your eyes or laugh. His tone had this weird way of making it sound like an immutable fact rather than just his opinion. He wasn’t pushing you around, not really, but he had this knack for making you feel like fighting it would be pointless.

Finally, you let out a soft huff, your lips twitching into a tiny smile you couldn’t quite suppress. “All right then,�� you said, brushing past him to slide into the booth. The leather seat was cool against your legs, and as you settled in, you were acutely aware of Geo taking the spot next to you, his presence quiet but impossible to ignore.

Crowe, on the other hand, plopped down on the opposite side, completely unfazed. “See?” he said, grinning as he gestured around the booth. “Perfect seating arrangement. Now, about that situation, I mentioned earlier…”

As Crowe launched into yet another story—something about student council drama involving misplaced paperwork and an almost accidental fire—you found yourself half-listening. His voice filled the cozy booth, but your focus kept slipping. 

Out of the corner of your eye, you kept catching glimpses of Geo, and you couldn’t ignore the way he carried himself. 

He leaned back in the booth with an almost practiced ease, one arm resting along the edge like he owned the place, the other hand casually resting on his knee. His posture was relaxed, but his presence was anything but. The dim lighting cast shadows over his sharp features, making his aquamarine eyes stand out even more as they flicked toward you every so often, briefly but deliberately. 

It wasn’t hostile—no, that wasn’t quite it. But it wasn’t inviting either. He had this way of looking at you like he was trying to figure out a puzzle, something complicated and worth the effort. And yet, his face betrayed nothing. 

Was he still hung up on earlier? The way you’d questioned him about the seating? Or maybe he wasn’t even thinking about you at all. Maybe he was just tuning out Crowe’s rambling, his mind a thousand miles away, like it so often seemed to be. You couldn’t tell, and that was the part that stuck with you. 

Meanwhile, Crowe filled the booth with his usual energy, his voice animated as he recounted some absurd story about the student council’s latest drama. He gestured wildly, his laugh echoing off the walls, completely oblivious to the quiet tension on his left. 

But Geo? He didn’t need to say a word.

His silence was—well, silence like he was holding something back—not for lack of words, but because he chose to. And in that silence, it felt like there was a conversation happening between the two of you, subtle and unspoken, a charged current just under the surface.

You wondered what it would take to get through that wall of his. Or maybe the wall was the point. Either way, the quiet weight of his presence next to you felt heavier than anything Crowe could ever say.

Suddenly, Crowe’s voice snapped you back to reality, your name cutting through the soft hum of the restaurant like a flash of light. You blinked rapidly, your focus jolting to his face as you tried to shake off the haze of your thoughts. “Hm?” you mumbled, your tone vaguely guilty as your eyes widened slightly. 

Crowe leaned forward, tilting his head with a mock-serious expression that somehow still radiated his usual playful energy. “You okay? You’ve been kinda quiet. Zoned out, huh?”

“Zoned out?” Geo cut in, his voice laced with that signature dryness that made every sentence sound like a critique. He didn’t bother to look up from where he was neatly folding the edge of his napkin. “More like questioning the meaning of existence while stuck with us.”

You shot him a glare, the corner of your mouth twitching despite yourself. “Oh, I’m sorry. I was just so mesmerized by Crowe’s tale of administrative heroism,” you deadpanned, your tone dripping with mock sincerity. 

Crowe gasped, clutching his chest in exaggerated offense. “Hey! That story was a masterpiece! Paperwork catching fire isn’t just drama—it’s an art form. You’re just jealous you weren’t there to witness my genius in action.”

You tilted your head, as if deep in thought, before finally nodding with mock gravitas. “You’re absolutely right. I’m devastated. Next time there’s an office supplies apocalypse, make sure I’m your first call.”

Geo’s lips twitched, the faintest hint of a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. He didn’t laugh outright—that would be too much effort—but the amusement flickered in his aquamarine eyes as he briefly glanced your way before reaching for his water. 

Crowe, naturally, wasn’t done.

He leaned closer, resting his elbows on the table as his expression turned overly earnest. “Okay, but for real, what were you thinking about? You looked so... deep in thought. Like you were composing an epic sonnet about steak skewers or something.” 

You sighed dramatically, leaning back in your seat as if the weight of your thoughts was unbearable. “Maybe I was just savoring the peace before you two started tag-teaming me with your sarcasm.” 

Crowe threw his hands up in mock surrender. “Tag-teaming? Please, this is just playful banter. A gift, really. You should be thanking us for keeping things lively.”

“Oh, absolutely,” you replied, rolling your eyes. “Nothing says lively like existential commentary and a guy pretending to be a one-man comedy show.”

Geo finally spoke up again, his tone effortlessly cutting. “Better than the alternative: you sitting there staring at nothing like a malfunctioning robot.”

You opened your mouth to respond, but Crowe beat you to it, bursting into laughter so loud it drew a glance or two from nearby tables. “Okay, okay, truce!” he said, still chuckling. “Let’s just agree that we’re all a little weird and move on,” Crowe exclaimed, laughing as he threw up his hands, his voice cutting through the tension like a beam of light. His grin was infectious, but you couldn’t help glancing at Geo. 

For a brief moment, your eyes met his aquamarine ones, and there was something subtle in his gaze—amusement, maybe, or just a flicker of acknowledgment. Either way, it was enough to make you nod along.

“Fine, truce,” you said, half-smiling as you turned back to Crowe. Geo gave a short, almost imperceptible nod, leaning back in his seat like he hadn’t just silently agreed to the same.

The waiter returned shortly after, asking if you were all ready to order. After a quick exchange of dishes and drinks, the waiter jotted everything down with practiced efficiency and disappeared into the low-lit interior of the restaurant.

That’s when the real silence set in.  

Crowe was in his element, filling the air with stories, jokes, and random tangents that somehow all connected in the end. He gestured wildly, his energy relentless as he bounced from topic to topic. And while you were listening—at least partially—you couldn’t ignore the quick glances Geo kept sneaking your way.

You weren’t much better. Every so often, your eyes drifted to him, catching the way his fingers tapped lightly against his glass or the faint furrow in his brow as Crowe rambled on. There was something in the quiet glances, a shared understanding, even if neither of you knew what to say.  

And Crowe noticed. 

Oh, he noticed.  

His gaze flicked between the two of you mid-sentence, his grin faltering for just a moment before bouncing back with even more enthusiasm. But inside, the wheels were turning.

No way was he going to let his two closest friends stay this closed-off around each other. Sure, Geo wasn’t the most social guy, and you weren’t exactly easy to draw out, but still—this was unacceptable.  

Crowe leaned forward suddenly, slapping his hand lightly on the table, startling you and Geo from your silent exchange. “All right,” he said, his voice carrying a mischievous edge that immediately put you on alert. “This? This isn’t gonna fly. You two are way too quiet. It’s like I’m out with statues or something.”  

Geo raised an eyebrow, his tone dry as ever. “Maybe we just don’t feel the need to compete with your... performance.”  

“Oh, don’t even,” Crowe shot back, pointing a finger at him. “I’m not saying you have to entertain me, but you could try talking to each other. I mean, come on—what’s the deal? You’re both my best friends, but you act like you’re allergic to each other.”  

You opened your mouth to protest, but Crowe held up a hand to cut you off. “No excuses! Geo, say something nice about them. And you—say something nice about Geo. Go on. I’ll wait.”  

Geo sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose like he was already regretting every choice that led him to this moment. “This is ridiculous,” he muttered.  

Crowe smirked, leaning back with an air of triumph. “You know what’s ridiculous? Two people sitting here acting like strangers when I know you get along just fine. So let’s hear it. Compliment each other, or I’m gonna start making stuff up—and trust me, you don’t want that.”  

The challenge hung in the air like an awkward cloud. You couldn’t decide if you wanted to laugh, groan, or slide under the table and pretend you didn’t exist.

One thing was painfully obvious:

Crowe wasn’t letting this go anytime soon.  

With a sigh, you shifted your attention to Geo, silently cursing Crowe for putting you on the spot. What were you supposed to say? That he had great posture? Compliment his impeccable ability to look like he wanted to be anywhere else?  

Geo, sitting across from you, looked like he was seconds away from walking out. His expression was the definition of "done," though you could tell from the subtle twitch of his brow that he was debating whether to humor Crowe or let the silence speak for itself.  

“Well?” Crowe pressed, grinning like the chaos agent he was.  

You rolled your eyes and decided to get it over with. “Fine. You’re observant,” you said, your tone flat. Then, because you couldn’t help yourself, you added, “Annoyingly so.”  

Geo’s eyes narrowed, his lips pressing into a thin line as if he were debating whether to dignify that with a response. “Annoying?” he repeated coolly. “Is that supposed to be a compliment?”  

Crowe nearly doubled over laughing, smacking the table with his palm. “Oh, wow,” he wheezed between chuckles. “Such genuine praise. You two are practically inseparable already.”  

“Shut it,” Geo muttered, shooting him a glare sharp enough to cut steel.  

You smirked, unable to resist the satisfaction of seeing him bristle. Getting under his skin was too easy—it was like poking a bear that barely tolerated human interaction.

And yet, despite his irritation, Geo leaned forward, his aquamarine eyes locking onto yours with an intensity that made you pause.  

For a moment, the world around you faded as the two of you stared each other down. His gaze was like a magnifying glass, dissecting every inch of your expression, searching for some crack in your armor. But you held firm, unflinching under his scrutiny.  

Then, just as you were about to say something snarky, Crowe’s voice broke the tension. “Okay, Geo, your turn!” he announced, clapping his hands together like a coach rallying a team.  

Geo leaned back in his seat, exhaling sharply through his nose. “Do I have to?”  

“Yes, you have to,” Crowe shot back, grinning like the devil himself. “Come on, show some effort. It won’t kill you.”  

Geo’s gaze flicked back to you, and for a split second, something unreadable flashed across his face—annoyance? Resignation? Whatever it was, it didn’t last long. His jaw tightened, his irritation clearly growing by the second as Crowe leaned forward expectantly, waiting for him to say something. 

Geo let out a deep, measured sigh before finally speaking, his voice flat and devoid of enthusiasm. “You…” he started, pausing like he was forcing the words out through sheer willpower. “You have a sharp tongue. And you’re… not completely useless.”

The silence that followed was almost deafening. 

You raised an eyebrow, barely able to suppress the grin tugging at your lips. “Wow,” you said, voice dripping with sarcasm. “I’m utterly swooning. Compliments like that could sweep anyone off their feet.”

Crowe, ever the instigator, immediately jumped in, clapping his hands together like he’d just witnessed the grand finale of a performance. “Not completely useless?” he echoed, his tone full of exaggerated disbelief. “Geo, that’s practically poetry coming from you. I’m touched.”

He pressed a hand to his chest, his expression mock-serious as he shook his head in faux admiration. “Look at you, throwing out compliments left and right. You’re gonna ruin your reputation as the ice king if you keep this up.”

Geo leaned back in the booth, his aquamarine eyes flicking toward Crowe as if summoning every ounce of patience he had left. “Don’t push it,” he muttered, his tone carrying just enough amusement to soften the edge.

Crowe, of course, paid him no mind. He turned to you with a wide grin that spelled trouble. “All right, your turn! Hit him with your best compliment—something that’ll knock him off his pedestal.”

You smirked, your eyes meeting Geo’s for a brief moment before you tilted your head, putting on an exaggerated show of contemplation. “Hmm, let’s think…” you said, drawing the pause out as Geo’s brow furrowed slightly, a mix of suspicion and resignation creeping into his expression. “Well, Geo, you have this amazing ability to make everyone around you feel completely insignificant. It’s almost... an art form.”

Crowe doubled over in laughter, practically wheezing at your retort. “Oh, that’s good. That’s so good.”

Geo gave you a flat look, but the tiniest twitch of his lips betrayed him. “If I’m the ice king,” he deadpanned, “you’re the queen of unnecessary commentary.”

You leaned back, a satisfied smile tugging at your lips. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

Crowe, still recovering, wiped a tear from his eye. “You two are something else. I swear, if anyone walked by right now, they’d think you’ve been doing this for years.”

Geo let out a quiet huff, reaching for his glass of water as if to signal he was done with the conversation. Meanwhile, you sipped your own drink, your grin lingering as you watched him try—and fail—not to look irritated. Crowe, however, wondered if he’d stirred the pot a little too much. 

That look of tension between you and Geo? 

It might’ve just deepened. 

But before he could say anything, the waiter arrived with everyone’s food, sparing him the awkward task of diffusing the mood. As plates were set down and appetites took over, Crowe seized the opportunity to shift gears. “Hey, Geo,” he began, his tone as casual as ever, though you could already tell he was up to something. 

“You know what I was thinking about earlier? Clubs on campus, one of us here isn’t in one at all.” Crowe glanced over to you in mid-bite, caught off guard. 

“Me?” you asked, the words muffled through a mouthful of food. You quickly grabbed your glass of water to avoid choking, earning a soft chuckle from Crowe. He nodded, leaning back with mock seriousness. “Yeah, I recall you’re always going straight back to your apartment after classes. You need to, you know, socialize—make some connections, live a little.” 

You raised an eyebrow, glancing at Crowe like you were questioning your life choices for the second time that evening. “And what does Geo have to do with it?” he asked, his tone as dry as ever.

Crowe grinned mischievously, gesturing between you and Geo like he was orchestrating some grand plan. “It’s simple! Geo’s been to, like, every club on campus at least once. He’s practically a walking tour guide for extracurriculars. So, Geo, why don’t you tell them about your adventures? Sell them on a club or two—something to get them out of their hermit cave.”

You blinked, caught between amusement and disbelief, your gaze bouncing between Crowe’s wide grin and Geo’s expression, which now read as a mixture of mild horror and resignation. It was clear he was already regretting going out tonight. “Wait, you’ve been to all the clubs?” you asked, raising a skeptical eyebrow, your voice laced with playful disbelief. 

Geo sighed deeply, setting his fork down with exaggerated care as if bracing himself for the inevitable. “Unfortunately, yes. I’ve had the… privilege of being dragged to most of them,” he said, casting a sharp look at Crowe. “Thanks to our very enthusiastic student council rep over here.” His tone was dry as he gestured toward Crowe. “And let me tell you, half of them aren’t worth the time or effort.”

Crowe immediately threw up his hands in mock offense. “Oh, come on, you found at least a couple you liked. Don’t lie, Geo.”

Geo’s gaze shifted to you, and for a moment, there was an almost conspiratorial flicker in his aquamarine eyes. “If you’re really interested, I can save you time and energy by telling you which ones to avoid entirely,” he said smoothly. “Or,” Crowe interrupted, leaning forward with a grin, “you can show them around! Perfect solution.” 

“No,” Geo replied flatly.

Crowe raised a finger, ready to argue, but you crossed your arms and chimed in before he could get a word out. “I agree with Geo. I’m pretty sure he’s got better things to do than play tour guide, like training in his own club.” 

“Exactly,” Geo said, nodding slightly as if you’d just made the most reasonable point of the evening. “Archery takes up most of my time, and I need to focus. Training for nationals isn’t exactly easy.” Crowe leaned back in the booth, looking amused but not at all deterred. “Aren’t you already good enough? You literally hit a perfect bullseye today.”

“Not good enough for what I want to achieve,” Geo countered, his tone firm but not defensive. “There’s always room to get better.” Crowe’s grin widened like he’d just thought of the perfect retort. “Fine, then. If you’re so focused on archery, why don’t you teach *them*? You’d kill two birds with one stone.”

Geo blinked, visibly caught off guard. “What—” 

You started to interject too, but Crowe steamrolled over you, his enthusiasm ramping up. “No, think about it! Perfect eyes and great posture—practically natural at everything they try. Right?” He shot you a knowing look like you should already be on board with his plan. 

You frowned, caught somewhere between embarrassment and exasperation. “I didn’t sign up for this,” you said, glaring at Crowe. “Exactly. I didn’t either,” Geo added quickly, clearly siding with you. But Crowe was relentless. “Oh, come on! What’s the harm in trying? You might actually enjoy it. Plus, Geo’s a great teacher, even if he’s too humble to admit it.” 

Geo sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “This is exactly why I don’t let you plan things, this dinner was a setup after all,” he muttered—you overheard; something couldn’t help but smirk a little at his frustration, though you weren’t sure how you’d managed to get roped into this in the first place.

Crowe, as always, had a way of turning even the simplest conversations into elaborate schemes.

Geo groaned, leaning back in his chair as he shot Crowe a withering look. “Jericho, you’ve got to be kidding me. Teach them archery? Do you have any idea how ridiculous that sounds? Teaching someone who probably hasn’t even held a bow before would be a complete waste of time.” 

Crowe leaned in, smiling. “You’re saying that, but you’ve got the patience of a saint when it comes to teaching techniques. Admit it, you’d be great at it.”

Geo snorted, crossing his arms. “Patience doesn’t mean I want to waste it. Archery isn’t something you just pick up on a whim because someone thinks it’s a fun idea. It takes focus, practice, and actual skill. No offense,” he added, glancing at you with a look that was far from apologetic.

You raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. “Right. Because I’m clearly so inept that I’d trip over the bowstring or something, huh?” 

“It’s not about tripping,” Geo replied, his tone clipped. “It’s about the fact that you don’t just try archery. It’s not a hobby you can half-commit to. The discipline alone takes months to develop, and most people can’t handle that level of precision.” Crowe chuckled, clearly enjoying the tension building between the two of you. 

“I think he’s just scared you’ll outshine him,” Crowe said casually, earning a sharp glare from Geo. “That’s not it,” Geo snapped. “It’s about practicality. If they’re so interested in clubs, you can show them something they’re better suited for. Archery isn’t—”

“Not suited for archery? Let me guess,” you cut in, crossing your arms as you leaned forward, meeting Geo’s sharp gaze head-on. “You think I’d be completely hopeless, don’t you?”

Geo’s aquamarine eyes narrowed, his tone turning slightly defensive. “I’m saying it’s not as simple as you think. Archery is about control, precision, and dedication. If you don’t have those, you won’t last a day.”

“So, you’re saying I don’t have control or precision?” you challenged, your voice laced with sarcasm. “You’ve barely even spoken to me—let alone know me personally—and you’ve already decided I’d suck at it? That’s some impressive insight, Geo.”

Geo released an exasperated sigh. “It’s not personal. I’m just being realistic. You don’t just walk into a sport like archery and expect to be good at it. It’s not worth starting something if you’re not willing to go all in.”

“And you don’t think I’d take it seriously?” you shot back. “You don’t think I could commit? What, because I’m not you? Because I didn’t win nationals or whatever?”

Geo tensed, clearly unprepared for the directness of your response. “That’s not what I’m saying—”

“Then what are you saying?” you pressed, refusing to let him off the hook. “Because it sure sounds like you think I’m worthless at archery before I’ve even had a chance to try.”

For a moment, the table went completely quiet, the kind of silence that wasn’t exactly comfortable. The tension between you and Geo was practically tangible, like an invisible thread being pulled tighter and tighter. Soon, Crowe broke it with an awkward laugh, leaning back in the booth as if he’d just witnessed the setup on himself.

Maybe you and Geo becoming close is gonna be harder than he thought. “Well, Geo,” Crowe said, a teasing grin spreading across his face, “looks like you’ve backed yourself into a corner. What are you gonna do now?”

Geo’s jaw tightened. He didn’t like being pushed into situations, and everyone at the table knew it. He exhaled sharply, his aquamarine eyes flicking between you and Crowe with that same mix of irritation and begrudging patience he always wore when dealing with his closest friend’s antics. 

“Fine,” he muttered, his voice low and gruff, the words leaving his mouth like they’d been pried out against his will. “If they want to waste their time proving me wrong, I’ll give them one lesson. But don’t expect me to hold back when I tell you exactly what you’re doing wrong.”

The corner of your mouth curled up into a smirk. “Deal,” you said, your tone carrying just enough bite to match his. “And don’t expect me to back down when I prove you wrong.”

Geo’s eyes narrowed, the sharp aquamarine gleam locking onto you with laser focus. For a second, it felt like the entire restaurant had faded away, leaving just the two of you in this strange, silent battle of wills. But behind the sharpness in his gaze, there was something else—a flicker of intrigue, maybe even a shred of grudging respect. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to make his next words come out less cutting than usual.

“We’ll see about that,” he said, his tone still sharp but lacking its usual finality. He wasn’t dismissing you, not entirely.

Crowe, ever the instigator, clapped his hands together with a loud, delighted slap. “Perfect!” he declared, grinning from ear to ear. “Who knows, Geo—maybe they’ll end up teaching you a thing or two!”

Geo rolled his eyes, but there was no venom behind it, just mild exasperation. “Doubtful,” he muttered under his breath, though the corner of his mouth twitched like he was fighting off a smirk. 

Crowe looked between the two of you with a knowing look, clearly thrilled that his meddling had worked yet again. “This is gonna be fun,” he said, practically bouncing in his seat. “Geo versus the unstoppable force that is our dear friend here? I can’t wait.”

Geo shot him a flat look.

“You’re making it worse.”

Crowe just shrugged, completely unapologetic.

“What are friends for?” 

As the conversation shifted, the challenge still hung in the air, unspoken but undeniable. Geo is irritated, and Crowe is happy. And you? Well, you weren’t about to back down now, not with him looking at you like that.

The late afternoon sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the campus as you trudged your way through the day’s final class. Your backpack felt heavier than usual, but not because of the books. No, it was the anticipation of what was waiting for you off-campus: Geo’s lesson.

Your phone buzzed just as you crossed the main quad. It was Crowe, his message short and almost suspiciously cheery.  

Crowe: Can’t make it. Student council stuff. You’ve got this! Have fun~

You stared at the screen for a moment, the words sinking in like a lead weight. “Of course,” you mumbled bitterly. “Crowe gets to bail while I’m stuck dealing with Geo alone.”

Perfect. Absolutely perfect.  

Crowe’s directions had been vague at best, his usual mix of enthusiasm and half-baked details leading you down a winding path off the main campus. You weren’t sure what you’d been expecting when you agreed to come, but as the bustling noise of campus life faded into the distance, you realized how isolated this part of the grounds was. 

The path opened up to a secluded archery range, tucked away like a well-kept secret. Here, the only sounds were the rustle of leaves in the breeze and the occasional birdcall in the distance. 

It was almost peaceful—almost. 

Adjusting your bag, you let out a resigned sigh when your eyes landed on Geo. Of course, he was already there. Early, as always. Geo didn’t seem like the type to tolerate lateness, especially not for something as precise as archery. He stood at the far end of the range, his figure as rigid and composed as ever, a stark contrast to the gentle sway of the trees around him. 

His archery gear only added to his intimidating presence. The dark folds of his hakama pants flowed slightly as the wind caught them, and the white keikogi jacket he wore was tied perfectly at his waist, without a crease out of place. It was traditional, formal, and yet somehow Geo wore it like armor like every movement he made was deliberate and controlled. 

The simplicity of his outfit only highlighted the sharpness of his features—the sharp line of his jaw, the slight downturn of his mouth, and the way his aquamarine eyes seemed to cut through the air.

The afternoon sunlight filtered through the branches overhead, casting dappled shadows across the range. When the light hit Geo’s eyes, they gleamed like polished glass, catching your attention even from a distance. He didn’t look at you, at least not directly. His focus was somewhere else, directed at the targets lined up in neat rows ahead of him. 

His expression, though, was as unreadable as ever—a mix of boredom and mild annoyance that seemed permanently etched onto his face.

You stopped a few feet away, unsure whether to announce yourself or just wait. Geo didn’t seem to notice you, or maybe he just didn’t care. His hand rested on the curve of his yumi, the traditional Japanese longbow he always used, his fingers brushing over the wood with quiet confidence. The bow looked like an extension of him, part of the practiced, methodical precision that defined everything about Geo. 

The Dojo range itself was simple but well-maintained. Rows of targets stood at varying distances, their surfaces worn from years of arrows hitting their marks. A small shed off to the side housed spare equipment, though it looked like Geo hadn’t touched it. His quiver was propped neatly against a wooden post nearby, its contents organized with the same care as everything else about him.

You remembered the first time Crowe had introduced you to him. Geo hadn’t said much, but it was obvious he wasn’t thrilled about the interaction. His eyes had barely glanced your way before flicking back to Crowe as if dismissing your presence entirely. 

Not that it had bothered you much. 

You didn’t know him, and frankly, you didn’t care to. Geo wasn’t exactly the warm and welcoming type, and you weren’t about to waste energy on someone who didn’t want to make friends.  

Still, as you approached the range, you couldn’t help but feel a pang of irritation. “Why does Crowe always push me into these situations?” you mumbled, watching Geo draw an arrow from the quiver at his side with practiced ease.  

He still didn’t acknowledge you at first, too focused on whatever internal rhythm guided his movements. It wasn’t until you dropped your bag onto the bench with a dull thud that he turned his head slightly, glancing at you from the corner of his eye.  

“You’re late,” Geo said, his voice flat and clipped, barely sparing you a glance as he adjusted his stance.  

You raised an eyebrow, crossing your arms. “I’m not late. You’re just early.”  

Geo let out a sharp exhale, shaking his head before finally turning to look at you properly. His dark gaze flicked over your attire, unimpressed. “You’re not even dressed properly.”  

You blinked. “Excuse me?”  

He gestured toward the small wooden shed beside the range. “Go change. There’s a kyūdō uniform inside.”  

Your brows furrowed. “Is that really necessary?”  

Geo clicked his tongue, clearly already running out of patience. “If you’re going to learn, you’re going to do it right. Not in whatever you threw on today.”  

You stared at him, debating whether to argue, but the unyielding expression on his face made it clear he wouldn’t budge. With an irritated sigh, you turned on your heel and stalked toward the shed.  

The uniform was neatly folded inside—a crisp white keikogi and a dark pleated hakama. Slipping into it took a moment, the unfamiliar fit slightly stiff against your movements, but once you tied the obi into place, you had to admit… it felt different. More focused. More disciplined.  

When you stepped back onto the range, Geo gave you a once-over before nodding, apparently satisfied. “Better.”  You rolled your shoulders, ignoring the way his gaze lingered just a second longer than necessary. “Happy now?”  

His lips twitched, something between amusement and exasperation. “That remains to be seen.”  

As he turned back to the target, you caught yourself wondering—for the first time—if maybe Crowe had known exactly what he was doing by sending you here.  Geo adjusted his stance, the soft rustle of fabric breaking the quiet. “You’re going to stand there all day, or are you actually planning to learn something?”  

The challenge in his tone was subtle but unmistakable. You narrowed your eyes, stepping forward onto the range. “Fine. Teach me what you’ve got.”  

Geo’s lips quirked again—maybe a smirk, maybe just irritation. Either way, he motioned for you to step into position.  

Geo didn’t waste time with explanations. 

He simply handed a bow into your hands, stepping back as if to observe. “Draw,” he instructed, his voice devoid of patience. You frowned, gripping the bow tighter. “A little guidance would be nice.” 

He scoffed. “The bow isn’t complicated. You pull the string, and you let go.”  

You shot him a glare but held your tongue, mimicking his earlier stance as best as you could. The bow felt heavier than you expected, the string biting into your fingers as you clumsily nocked an arrow. The tension was foreign, unfamiliar, but not entirely unpleasant.  

Geo clicked his tongue, stepping in before you could even attempt to aim. His presence was sudden—closer than you expected. The faint scent of woodsmoke and something sharp, like metal, clung to him. Without a word, his hand reached out, rough fingers grazing yours as he adjusted your grip with practiced ease. The contact was fleeting, but firm.  

“Too tight,” he muttered, prying your fingers slightly apart. His thumb brushed the inside of your palm, pressing there until you adjusted accordingly. “You choke the bow, you choke your shot. Too loose, and the string will bite back.”  

You exhaled slowly, suppressing the urge to snatch your hand away just to be difficult. Instead, you focused on the weight of the weapon, the way his fingers lingered just long enough to make sure you had it right before he shifted position.  

Then, he was behind you.  

Not hovering, not crowding—but there, a steady presence at your back. His hand found your shoulder, fingers pressing firmly between your shoulder blades. “You’re hunched,” he said, low and matter-of-fact. His palm slid downward, smoothing out the tension coiled in your posture until your spine straightened on instinct.  

You swallowed, forcing yourself to stay still as he nudged your arm into place. His breath was steady, and measured, as if guiding you to match his rhythm.  

Then, just as quickly as he’d closed the space, he pulled away.  

“Draw.”  

You obeyed, pulling the string back. The tension fought you, your arm trembling slightly under the unfamiliar strain. Geo sighed. “Weak.” Your jaw clenched. “I’d like to see you do better.”  He huffed out something that was almost a laugh. “I do, every time.”

Your jaw clenched. “I’m literally holding a weapon I’ve never used before.”  

“And it shows.” His voice was edged with something between frustration and amusement. “Breathe. You’re fighting the bow. Let it work with you.”  

Easier said than done. Still, you inhaled slowly, exhaled, and loosened your grip just a fraction.  

Geo watched carefully. “Better,” he admitted. “Now aim.” You stared down the arrow’s shaft, focusing on the target ahead. Your fingers itched to release, but you hesitated.  Geo’s voice dipped lower. “Don’t think. Just shoot.”  

You exhaled sharply—and let go.  

The arrow shot forward, slicing through the air—before missing the target entirely, landing somewhere in the grass beyond. Geo let out a short, dry laugh. “Pathetic.” You turned to glare at him. “Helpful.”  

He shook his head, expression unreadable. “Again.”  

Your jaw clenched, irritation flaring. “Quiet,” you muttered, eyes locked onto the target ahead. “I’m trying to think.”

Geo huffed out a laugh, stepping just a little closer, his voice a murmur against the side of your face. “You think too much.”

You swallowed, tightening your grip. “I think just fine. It’s you who’s making it impossible to focus.”

Geo scoffed. “It’s like you not to listen.”

You narrowed your eyes but kept them on the target. “No one wants to hear what you think about them, Geo.”

His response came swift, steady, and without hesitation. “I don’t need to think.” His tone dropped slightly, taking on something almost unreadable. “From the moment I met you, I knew you were nothing but trouble.”

That made you turn your head slightly, just enough to catch the sharpness in his gaze. You exhaled sharply, returning your focus forward. “Because I’m buddies with your closest friend, Crowe? That’s all it takes for you to decide who I am?”

Geo didn’t hesitate. “You don’t follow the rules.”

You scoffed. “Oh—your rules.”

He didn’t argue, but the weight of his stare was heavy. “Maybe Crowe was wrong about us,” he muttered, voice quieter this time. “Maybe this—whatever he wanted—was never going to happen.”

Something in your chest twisted, frustration bubbling over. You let the arrow drop, turning to face him fully. “I tried,” you snapped. “I tried harder than you’ll ever give me credit for. But you judged me before you even tried to know me.”

Geo held your gaze, unreadable as ever. But this time, he didn’t have a sharp remark waiting.

He tried to cling to his cold exterior, to the distance he had carefully placed between himself and the rest of the world, but your words had wedged their way through the cracks. He clenched his jaw, his fingers flexing at his sides as if trying to suppress whatever was bubbling to the surface.

And that silence felt louder than anything else.

Finally, he exhaled through his nose, glancing at the bow still in your hands. “Are we done arguing?” he asked, voice quieter now, less sharp. “Or are you actually going to let me teach you?” You huffed, shifting your grip on the bow. “I don’t need your help.”

His lips twitched, almost like he was suppressing a smirk. “You sure about that?” You turned away, resetting your stance. “I’ll figure it out myself.” 

Geo let out an exasperated sigh. “You’re impossible.”

“And yet, here you are.” He muttered something under his breath, probably in one of the five languages he spoke, before stepping behind you again. “Fine,” he said, almost to himself. “If you won’t take my help, I’ll just do it anyway.”

Before you could protest, his hand was on yours again, adjusting your grip with precise, deliberate movements. His touch was rough, practiced—impatient but careful. He guided your fingers into place, ignoring the way you tensed under his hold. 

Then, without warning, his other hand pressed against the small of your back, straightening you. The sudden closeness sent a jolt through you, but he didn’t acknowledge it, his focus locked onto the bow. “Pull back,” he instructed, his voice quieter now, just beside your ear.

You hesitated, then obeyed. His hand moved to yours again, his fingers curling over yours as he helped you draw the string. The tension was still there, but with him guiding you, it felt different—easier, steadier. His breath was even, controlled, as if waiting for the moment you got it right.

And then he stilled. His grip on you loosened slightly, his body hesitating in a way that was barely noticeable—but you noticed. He had gone quiet, his usual sharp remarks absent. You glanced up at him, only to find his gaze already on you. His expression, always so guarded, was softer now. Not quite open, but not as closed off as before.

And then you saw it—the brief flicker of something in his eyes, something almost uncertain. You swallowed, unsure of what to make of it. But before you could dwell on it, his fingers flexed over yours again, his voice regaining its usual cool edge. “Breathe. And let go.”

You did.

The arrow flew, slicing through the air with a sharp whistle before landing dead center in the target. 

A perfect bullseye.

 For a moment, you just stared, breath catching in your throat. Then, realization hit. A grin broke across your face, and without thinking, you jumped up, excitement bubbling over. “I did it!”

Geo barely had time to react before you turned to him, still beaming. His brows lifted slightly, as if taken aback by your sudden joy. But he didn’t step back. Instead, his eyes flickered over you, something unreadable settling behind them. And then, in the quietest voice yet, he muttered, “Not bad.”

It wasn’t much. 

But coming from Geo, it meant everything.

Your excitement was impossible to contain. You bounced on your feet, still grinning at the perfect shot you had made. “Did you see that? I nailed it!”  

Geo crossed his arms, watching you with an expression that was torn between mild amusement and his usual irritation. “You got lucky.”  

You scoffed, turning toward him with a smug smile. “Oh, admit it, I did good.”  

He exhaled sharply, shaking his head. “I literally just helped you.”  

“Yeah, yeah,” you waved him off. “But it was still my shot.”  

Geo rolled his eyes but didn’t argue. Instead, he leaned down slightly, his tone teasing for once. “Don’t let it get to your head. One bullseye doesn’t make you an archer.” You lifted your chin. “Maybe not, but it’s more than you expected from me, isn’t it?”  

He stilled for half a second, his expression unreadable again. You could tell he hated that you were right. Before he could respond, the loudest, most obnoxious *grrrgle* echoed between you.  

Silence.  

You blinked. Geo stared.  

Then, the realization hit—you. Your stomach had just betrayed you in the worst way possible.  

A beat passed before Geo exhaled through his nose, shaking his head. His shoulders trembled just slightly, and then—he actually laughed. A real, amused, almost warm laugh, low and unexpected.  

You gasped dramatically. “Did—did you just laugh?!”  

Geo schooled his expression almost immediately, crossing his arms as if that would erase what had just happened. “No.”  

“You so did!” you accused, pointing at him. “Oh my god, you can laugh!”  

His face twitched, but he held firm. “You’re imagining things.”  

“You’re such a liar.”  

He turned, walking toward another room inside the dojo like the conversation never happened. “Come on. Before you pass out from hunger.”  

Still smug from catching him laughing, you followed him inside, the transition from the cool air of the range to the quiet stillness of the dojo making you acutely aware of just how much closer you were to him now.  

The space was dimly lit, the scent of aged wood and faint incense hanging in the air. Geo moved with practiced ease, setting his bow down with a careful precision that mirrored the rest of his movements. You also placed yours down, stretching out your arms with a satisfied sigh.  

“All right,” you started, smirking toward him. “So, when do I get my official ��Geo Approved Archer’ certificate?” Geo didn’t even bother dignifying that with a real response. He just leveled you with an unimpressed stare, arms crossed, shoulders loose, exuding that perpetual air of someone who had no patience for your antics. “Never.”  

You scoffed, opening your mouth to fire back, but before a single word could leave your lips—he moved. 

Fast.  

Too fast.  

The world tilted before you had a chance to process what was happening. One second, you were standing confidently, the next, your back hit the smooth wooden walls with a force just shy of rough. The air left your lungs in a sharp gasp, but you weren’t given time to recover.  

Geo was over you, one hand braced against the wooden wall beside your head, the other catching your wrist before you could even think about pushing him away. His knee pinned your leg down just enough to keep you still without hurting you, his body hovering close, too close—heat radiating from him, steady and unmoving.  

Your breath hitched. “What—”  

He didn’t answer. Not immediately.  

Instead, his gaze flickered over your face, sharp and unreadable, like he was taking in every tiny detail—your parted lips, the quick rise and fall of your chest, the startled flicker in your eyes. His expression was as guarded as ever, but there was something beneath it now, something decisive.

Slowly, his fingers lifted, curling beneath your chin, tilting your face up toward his. “You talk too much,” he murmured, voice low and thoughtful, like he wasn’t even speaking to you but rather to himself as if confirming something he had already known for a long time.  

Your heart slammed against your ribs. “And you’re too—”  

You never got to finish.  

Because Geo kissed you.  

It wasn’t hesitant, wasn’t questioning—it was firm, demanding, undeniable. Like he had been waiting for this moment, holding back for longer than he cared to admit. His lips were warm, the press of his body grounding, keeping you in place even though part of you had no intention of escaping.  

His hand slid from your chin, fingers brushing along the side of your throat, tracing the faint hammer of your pulse as if he was taking note of how much he affected you. His other hand loosened its grip on your wrist, moving instead to splay against the wall beside you, like even he wasn’t sure how much control he had left.  

And you—pinned beneath him, breathless, caught in the sudden, overwhelming reality of this moment—you didn’t push him away.  

You pulled him closer. 

When he finally pulled back, his lips barely a breath from yours, his eyes burned into yours, searching for something—regret, hesitation, doubt. But you knew he wouldn’t find it.  

“Well?” he murmured, voice laced with something smug.

You swallowed, gathering whatever composure you had left. “...Still think Crowe was wrong about us?”  

Geo exhaled slowly, his lips twitching just slightly at the corners. His thumb brushed absently against your skin as if committing the feel of you to memory.  

“Maybe not.”

Geo wasn’t hesitant. He wasn’t questioning. The moment his lips crashed against yours, it was firm, demanding—undeniable. Like he had been waiting for this, holding back for longer than he cared to admit.  

The press of his body against yours left no room for escape, but you had no intention of running. His lips were warm, his presence overwhelming in the best way.  

His hand slid from your chin, fingers brushing down the curve of your throat, tracing the rapid pulse beneath your skin as if committing it to memory. His other hand, once pinning your wrist, flattened against the wall beside you, like even he wasn’t sure how much restraint he had left.  

You barely had time to catch your breath before he dipped lower, his face burying in the crook of your neck. His breath was warm against your skin, sending an involuntary shiver down your spine.  

“I thought you hated me,” you murmured, barely able to form the words.  

Geo huffed the sound somewhere between frustration and amusement. “I thought the same of you.”  

His lips ghosted over your skin, and your fingers curled into the fabric of his shirt, gripping him like he was the only thing anchoring you. He had always been sharp edges and cold words, but now—now he was heat and pressure, and the way he held you felt like he had no plans of letting go.  

“Turns out,” he murmured against your skin, “we were both wrong.”  

Then, without warning, his teeth grazed your neck, sinking in just enough to draw a gasp from you. The sensation shot straight through you, your head tilting back against the wall as your grip on him tightened. A deep, satisfied hum rumbled from his chest as he had just confirmed something he already knew.  

Your reaction only seemed to encourage him. His hands moved to your waist in one swift motion, lifting you effortlessly. Your legs instinctively wrapped around him, and before you could process how easily he handled you, your back was pressed against the wall, his body keeping you pinned in place.  

Geo’s gaze flicked up to meet yours, something dark and knowing swirling in his eyes. The corner of his lips twitched, just barely.  

“Bullseye,” he murmured.  

Your breath hitched. “Cocky bastard.”  

A small scoff, his grip tightening on your waist. “You like it.”  

You wanted to argue, but his lips were on you again, stealing any chance of protest. And at that moment, you knew—he was right. 

Bullseye indeed.

[bunnibaby-love]

Would it be too much to ask for a Zhongli x Bunny!Reader heavy SMUT fic? 🥹

🐰 Zhongli x Bunny!Reader 🐰

♡ female reader + size kink + manhandling + power dynamics

Shameless bunny sleeping at the statue of lord of geo. How dare you disrespect Morax?

Zhongli rather found it amusing. Seeing you curling your tiny body on the lap of his statue. From his distance, he can see the twinkle of your eyes admiring his statue with a little pout.

He's maybe quite jealous of his own statue. Why put yourself in that uncomfortable position when he can just take you in. Surely you can warm his lap

He approach you when he saw you at harbor docks looking for food they can spare you. Poor bunny. He invites you over at his place so you two can enjoy treats and tea.

You didn't even pay attention on his vivid eyes while he shares a tea with you. You started getting sleepy after the treats and he offers you sleep on his bedroom. Guilible bunny just don't have any sense of danger

From your peripheral vision, you can see the consultant taking off his suit and reveal his black and gold arms. It's fascinating so you stares at it

"Cute bunny..i really admire such beautiful creatures" he carees your bunny ears and you can't help but purr "But you...are very naughty" He grips your jaw, forcing you to look up at him with widen eyes "Sleeping on the statue of morax...that's disrespect. Why did you do that?"

You feel scared of his strong aura but also feeling butterflies on your tummy "Don't have home....im lost..." you pout with your pink lips "M'like the statue...it's comfy and warm..." you blush while confessing the sin you did while he just chuckles

"Do you recognize me?" You met your gaze with his cor lapiz eyes "..Morax? but...no..morax is dead" even though you are from Inazuma, everyone knows Morax is decease

"The god is infront of you.." you can't speak and can tell he isn't lying "You deserve a punishment for disrespecting a God..." You feel your body cold with how intimidating he actually is

He sat on the bed and look at you sternly "Lay down like how you did with my statue" you hesistant but he instanly pulls your tail causing you to just command him

You curls up on his lap but he turns you around making you lay on your stomach on his lap. You can feel the roughness by him holding your tail when he spanks you "Wah..! no...hurts!" Your pleadings only goes to deaf ears as he smack your ass two more times

"I assume you aren't wearing anything at all under this dress of yours" He's right. You hate wearing undergarments it feels restricting your movements and it just feels better

You heard a rip of fabric and it's your dress he casually throws around. He make you sit on his lap and slap your clit that made your body shiver

"Ride it my love" you blush with his words he really knows how to get you. He's very big, thick and veiny! Can you even take his tip. "Be a good girl or i'll pinch your clit again" You bite your lips as you start to sink down to take all of him

It's so hard taking him full on your cunny. You starts to ride him slowly enjoying the initimation but it doesn't look like what Zhongli is planning

He grips your hips and lays you down without pulling away his cock. He quickly pounds you rough and fast "No...more...too big!" you whimper and cry as you try to grab his chest but your hands just got slap "Behave.." he growls and you can't help but just take everything

You feel a sudden emptiness when he pulls out and make you on all fours. Your knees are giving up on you and you can barely balance yourself but he doesn't mind. Putting his weight behind you and pushing all the way his cock again to resume his pace

"Im cumming....please....let me...Morax..." you softly purrs as you are close to release but he pulls away again leaving you empty "no please...i'll be good..." you kneel beside him and gave him your lovesick eyes and puts you again on his lap "daddie....i can't...take it anymore...!" you shake your hips on him

He kiss you and you feel his forked tongue claiming your lips at the same time his 3 fingers enters your cunny as he fingers you fast and rough, taking all your moans on his mouth

A pinch on your clit and you squirted all over him. It's like you're soul got taken after the hard orgasm

You still pouted as you didn't get to cum on his cock and you look at him again with doe eyes "Bunnies can never be satisfy..." He chuckles "Kneel and worship your God"

[thebomb-thebird-andtheburntbitch]

w.count: 2k - he who is the most patient also yearns the most

zhongli met you for the first time when you came to the harbor on a extensive, work-related trip. some sort of negotiation at the port with certain shipment partners and possible trade opportunities. you had come from port ormos in sumeru, so he imagined you would get moving onto inazuma for the same thing before long. as luck would have it, you never made it that far before the nation of electro closed its borders. so, at that point, you were now essentially stuck in land of geo for the foreseeable future.

he had run into you when you were appraising some goods that had come in with a group of merchants ; those specific good were on your list to inspect to see if they would offer anything worth decent mora. perhaps it was fate that when he had passed behind your back, he heard you murmuring something about not knowing enough about a certain vase's story painted it on with aged, chipped paint. zhongli was the walking know-it-all of liyue, so of course without prompting, he flit over to your side and explained what you were looking at for you (after scaring you since you didn't hear him walk up beside you and instead of a proper 'hello' he just jumped straight into the explanation).

from then, he would often see you at the docks. clipboard in hand or a ledger of some sort that you would be reviewing. on the rare occasion, he would just see you strolling around with nothing on your hands so he took it upon himself to occupy the free time you seemed to use by relishing in the sea breeze.

you had been in liyue for over a year when zhongli's heart dropped deep into his stomach. his very core filled with dread as you inform him that since inazuma had finally lifted their restrictions, your work would soon resume as usual. you would soon be relocated to the far-off islands of electro. the tea he had been delightfully sharing with you previously now tasted too bitter on his tongue to continue drinking at the news.

"will you ever return?" his voice was quiet, not nearly as confident and proud as he usually was. it resembled a child asking if their best friend who was due to move away would ever visit them again.

the relationship you grew into with zhongli was special to both of you. he treated you so well and educated you in things you were clueless about. you confided in him and when liyue was at risk of drowning, you were the one who he ran to first when all was settled. you still remember that night so vividly.

you were at the harbor- as usual- but instead of working, you were helping pull stranded milieth out of the sea or helping people getting further inland as the waves violently warned you of doom. when the ocean calmed and the storm clouds that plagued the sky dissipated, you felt a weight off your chest. as you checked around to make sure people were alright, you were quickly snatched away by your wrist. being dragged off to a more secluded corner of the harbor docks behind a stack of, now storm weathered, crates.

zhongli had never understood the phrase 'word vomiting', but what he told you behind those damaged and rain-soaked crates was most definitely so. his gnosis had just been traded, no longer in his possession, and he could finally, finally tell you everything. it definitely wasn't how it was supposed to happen. his whole identity spilled in the span of a several ramble while shakily holding onto your wrists like you'd float off to sea if he didn't anchor you down next to him.

"of course i'll come back." you reassure him. his hand releases it's soft grip around his teacup and lays the back of it on the table like it had given up on keep any sort of grip on anything. you understand his silent offer and place your palm on top of his. "i promise. as soon as my work in inazuma is finished and i get everything completed in sumeru, i'll come and visit you as often as i can."

feeling your pulse on the junction under the heel of your hand, he knew you were being truthful. of course, you hadn't lied to him before so he would believe anything you said regardless of the circumstances; though perhaps that was his own personal bias in a way. you could tell him you were the reason the sun rose every morning and he'd believe you- you shone so brightly in his eyes, so naturally that must be why.

you chuckle from across the table and he looks at your quizzically. you tap your fingers rhythmically across his wrist that's covered in brown fabric. your opposite arm comes to rest its elbow on the table and your palm supports your cheek.

"what me to make a contract just so you feel better?" zhongli blinks before he's craking a smile back towards yours.

"you jest too much."

"do i?"

"it's endearing."

your 'contract' is just sealed as an earnest promise he'd keep in his chest until you come back to him. on the day of your parting, zhongli kisses the back of your hand, your knuckles, and your cheek.

"for safe travels, swift work, and my sincerities," he had justified. you returned his affection with a kiss to the underside of his jaw.

"for no reason other than i want to." zhongli kisses your lips for the very same reason before you board your ship that takes you far, far away from him. he doesn't account the time he spent watching your ship sail further away with his hands behind his folded ever so neatly back until it was completely out of sight. he stares at the horizon and almost wishes that it would bring you back.

it doesn't.

it doesn't.

so, zhongli waits.

the lord of geo has been alive for millennia, so the passage of time was something inane to him now. a few years is attuned to that of a blink in the grand scheme of his long, long lifetime. however, those years he spent without you at his side or in his shadow felt like centuries.

mortals squander their time, fleeting at it is, and they know they will never live forever. they will fill it with new things every day because it could be their last- they would never know when their time would come.

"it's been a long year" or month or day; all those phrases zhongli hears and agrees to in mundane conversations- but mostly just so he can identify and align with the masses as an unquestionable human. he never understood those phrases. yesterday was as long as today and will be as long as tomorrow and so forth.

the years you spent gone with only letters sent back and forth between the both of you made him feel closer to morality than anything else before. the days did feel longer. the years felt dragging. the months felt stretched. it felt like time was slowing down, dawdling and twiddling its thumbs while he was stuck suffering in its demanding sluggish waves.

it made him feel human. the terrible impatience for something or someone to come back home. the agony of the wait and the suspense on if it would happen at all. and while he wishes to feel closer to mortal life and connect to his people in such ways- this way- this game of time just made him irritated.

zhongli didn't remember the last time he had felt impatience so thick, but it began gnawing at his insides with the last letter he had received.

'my work has finally concluded, so i'll be coming back to liyue as soon as i send this letter out to you!'

those were your final remarks penned by your hand before it made it into his. when did you send this? a week ago? two? he didn't know. you neglected to date it. every day he goes to the harbor, checking morning, noon and evening to see what ships have sailed in and if you'd be on one. or perhaps you would be coming from sumeru by means of the west by the chasm, coming on foot and would simply waltz into the city.

zhongli didn't know and each day felt longer and longer.

it turns out, the horizon did bring you back to him. it just took it's sweet time in doing so.

out on the harbor once again, a ship was docking, and he saw you before you saw him. the back of your head moving as you help people unload their cargo and help them off the ship before you dismount yourself. it had been years since he had seen you, but he would never forget what you looked like. the features that wouldn't change.

walking- gaiting- down to the harbor's lowest levels was the giddiest he had probably felt in his whole life. antsy. his chest was a mess, it felt like farmers were tilling into his insides. as he stood off to the side of the dock, mindful not to block anyone's path into the harbor. his foot tapping, and hands opening and closing in repetition just for something to do with all his antsy jitters.

you must've spotted him when he was lost in his own mind since it was his name coming from the voice he memorized years ago that turned his head. you were leaning over a stack of crates that you were previously helping unload, waving so enthusiastically he was afraid you'd swing your arm into someone's head.

zhongli is someone who is very aware of affection in public areas with lots of eyes darting around. he was reserved in a way that he feels his affections were best left to the privacy of him and his choice partner. this day was an exception since the moment you were within his reach, you were crashing into his chest, and he was holding you prisoner there.

he could feel your pulse under his hand that held behind your neck to keep your head pushed against his chest. your warmth from the sun that had bathed you the morning voyage back to him. the smell of the sea breeze against your clothes and skin.

it was evident that you had changed over the years- an evitable happen stance he expected. you were only human after all. but you were still the same as he remembered. you were comfortable and warm and safe and here.

when zhongli finally returned some freedom to your range, which wasn't very far since his hands still settled comfortably on your hips, he mapped out exactly how you changed in comparison to his memories with his roaming gaze.

"how long will you be staying?" he asks.

"how long can liyue put up with me?" you answer and you feel his chest rumble in a chuckle under your palms that rest there. "i'm not sure yet. i plan on staying at wangshuu inn for the time though."

"nonsense." zhongli shakes his head and one of his hands leave your hip to brush the back of his knuckle against your cheek down to the corner of your mouth. "my home has more than enough space to accommodate your presence."

"i was going to ask," you pout and feel your face get hotter, but it wasn't because of the sun, "but i didn't want to feel like i was imposing."

"please do. you're more than welcome to 'impose' on me anytime you wish." you give in quickly much to his delight. you hoist your bags up, which he promptly takes from you without so much as breaking a sweat, and offers you his other arm. "we have much to catch up on."

when hu tao hears that you had come back to liyue, she suddenly isn't so upset that zhongli never returned to work that day.

[usagiarchive]

angel of the codeine scene — [06] who i am, who am i?

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sypnosis. [ 1.3k words. no warnings. ] — as the dream gets more vivid, so does your will to discover who you truly are to Xiao.

usagi's note: i didn't attend my class today, so here i edited this early just because hehe, also wdyt aby my new theme (ily clorinde)

You dream of him once again.

Xiao.

And you know it really is him because you hear what he says this time. He talks to you the same way he did when he told you not to leave him again.

It's unfamiliar to you, the tone he speaks in, you don't know it's name, you don't know what to make of it, but you can feel it in the dreams.

And this time, when you wake, you remember bits and pieces of the dream. Some still slip from the net of your mind, but you remember those that linger.

This time it was in a field.

(Xiao was walking beside you, it felt like you were watching a show. You couldn't hear what he was talking about, but the place you're in was familiar.

And you know you've seen this while on patrol with him.

You can see his mouth moving but you can't hear what he's saying.

When he turns to look at you and smiles…

You wake.)

It leaves you more frustrated, being so close to finding out who Xiao really is to you- or rather who you are to him, but the dream remnants keep slipping and you're forced to leave the dream memories.

You have to find answers.

…

Verr sees you at dawn, fully dressed and carrying a satchel of your books and papers.

“Oh, where are you going, sweetheart?”

You halt in place, “The harbor, Miss Verr, I’m going to meet Baizhu-yisheng,”

Her eyebrow raises, “This early?”

“It's an emergency,”

“Wouldn't it be faster with your Adeptus?” she asks, but before she could finish with her question, you were already out of the room.

“Bye, Miss Verr!”

…

See, lying to the woman who took care of you constantly when Xiao wasn't around did make you feel very guilty. But you weren't exactly sure if Xiao would allow you to talk to Ganyu alone.

The past few weeks he has been more present, he eats with you now, asks how your lessons with Baizhu have gone, he keeps you closer during patrols.

After that… kiss (as you've learned from Baizhu, who was very surprised to have learned that Xiao was the one who initiated), he has been somewhat closer to you. More allowing of touch and help.

But he still does not talk much and the dreams get more and more vivid as the time passes.

At the bridge of the harbor, you felt the restrictions Morax had told you about, it was a miracle you even made it this far.

You could see the gold threads in your veins pulsing with light under your sleeves as you fought to walk all the way to Ganyu’s workplace.

Your body and mind keeps telling you you should turn back, return to Xiao, be by his side. But you know you have to get answers.

The dreams are dreams, and as you've told Morax, it has to mean something.

The man of course did not answer your inquiries, only telling you that he'll tell you in due time, sometime soon, he says.

The moment you make it, Madame Ping is there. She urges you to sit as she sees your barely conscious form, as she retrieves Ganyu for you.

The headache feels like you're about to split your head.

…

Ganyu is more than happy to tell you what she knows, but it also leaves you at a dead end.

“We were in different encampments during the war,” she explains, “I stayed with Madam Guizhong, while he stayed with Rex Lapis,”

She puts a finger to her chin as she thinks, “Though I did hear from Indarias that he had a human with him most of time, he became um… what's the term, a bodyguard! Yes, he became a bodyguard for them,”

“Did… did you know anything else about them?”

Ganyu shakes her head, “No, sadly, after that news, the Great War descended rapidly, and I lost contact with Xiao and the other Adepti for a while,”

“The next time we met was when Rex Lapis was hailed as the Geo Archon and we were rebuilding Liyue,”

You stared down at the cup of tea at defeat. The headache was even worse and Ganyu noticed it.

“Hey, are you sure you don't want to take this back to Wangshu Inn?” she asks.

“No, he'll know I'm here if we return,”

“Can't he sense you?”

You shake your head, “No, I learned how to conceal adeptal energy from Morax-shen,”

Her face goes into surprise, “That's… very impressive, wow, not even a millenia old and you've already mastered it?”

She smiles at you, “You're learning well,”

“Thank you,” you smile, then sigh, “I still haven't found out who that human was to him…”

It's Madame Ping that speaks now, “The human was a healer,” she began.

She pours another cup of tea for her and Ganyu as she continues, “The reason he was assigned to them was because healers were the first to be killed off.”

“In a war, it makes sense to do such a thing to ensure brute force and violence would hail victory,”

She places the teapot down, “The Conqueror of Demons fell in love with that human.”

Ganyu shows surprise as everything clicks for you. But it doesn't make sense, if they fell in love with that human, why am I having dreams about their time together?

“She died during the war,” Madame Ping tells you gravely.

“Oh.”

“How cruel,” Ganyu whispers.

A new voice joins the discussion, “After the war, he was assigned to Wangshu Inn as his base of operations,”

“Morax-shen!”

He smiles, “I wasn't informed there was a tea party,” he says as he takes a seat.

You say nothing as you watch him sip on the cup.

“Will you tell me now?”

His eyes flit to you, “I suppose it is time,”

…

He feels the pull of the life bond the moment you're out of the radius.

Why? he keeps asking his mind, Why would you leave? Where would you go? Did you leave on your own or were you taken? Why would you leave him again?

He can't find you, he can't sense you, and he's going insane. Xiao warps to the highest point of Wangshu Inn and desperately tries to find you.

He can feel your anguish, the pulsing of your veins, but he can't sense where you are.

Just come back. Please, just come back.

He can hear his heart thrumming in his chest, his throat tightens, and he- he realises this is exactly how he felt when he couldn't find you.

When he couldn't save you.

“Xiao…” the wind carries your voice to him.

Just like last time.

“...Find me where we last departed…”

What?

…

Morax has told you the truth.

What exactly is wrong with Xiao, but that he has no idea how to treat it, only to temper the symptoms.

Who exactly you are to Xiao, how you were that human from half a century ago, how you died during a camp invasion as they were busy fighting off in the North.

How you were made specifically for Xiao. Not only so that you can heal him, but also because you were his lover.

It made sense. A god wanting his warrior a chance to rest. To live the life he was unable to when he wasin the war.

Rex Lapis was a merciful god.

He tells you where you died.

…

Xiao find you in the same river where you died in his arms.

He stares, not knowing what to do.

Was this punishment? Did he really piss his god off that he was given you and you were to be killed again in front off him? In the same place you were taken from him all those years ago?

Instead he hears you hum a song he has not heard of in a long time.

A song he taught to the past you.

Lover's Oath.

He takes one step forward and the water beneath his feet makes a splash.

You turn.

The breath in his lungs disappates.

“Xiao,” you smile, “I'm back,”

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usagi's note: im so happy i might finish editing the last three parts of this later or sometime over the weekend anyway pls tell me what u thought abt it, and as always take care!! o⁠(⁠(⁠*⁠^⁠▽⁠^⁠*⁠)⁠)⁠o PLEASE NOTICE HOW I WROTE THAT U CALLED HIM XIAO INSTEAD OF XIANSHENG.

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