#god what i would give to take a bath with rex

[lilbitdepressed27]

Can you do a fic where the core four find out Tara is dating a really famous singer (Fem reader) and how Sam would take it?

Tara Carpenter/Fem!Reader

WC: 2.3k

Author’s Note: hope you enjoy, and it’s up to your expectations.sorry for the wait

For the life of her, Tara couldn't understand what or how she got to call you her girlfriend. She remembered meeting you like it was yesterday when in reality it was six months ago. She remembered being in the library trying to study for her final exam, she had lost track of time. When she heard someone somewhat loudly talking on the phone.

The tiredness and the hunger she was feeling (that was making her head hurt) boiled over into anger as she slammed her book shut. Storming up to whoever was talking so loudly. (It's wasn't that loud, it was more of a whisper yelling. But she was irritated.)

"Look Max, I'm in a library. I'm just gonna check some books out and that's it. Oh my god, Rex is outside. Yes I know-Hey, can you talk a little bit quitter some of us are trying to study."

Her irritation was gone the moment you had turned around. Her jaw dropping and eyes widening at the sight of your apologetic face.

You hung up the phone the moment you heard the voice. A wave of embarrassment washed over you. "I'm so sorry that was my ma-mom. My mom. She worries. She's a worrier. Uh sorry I disturbed your study session."

"You're Y/n Y/ln...the singer."

It wasn't long ago that she was literally drooling over a thirst trap about you on TikTok. She gets way too many thirst traps of you on her for you page. Not that she's complaining.

Looking back at that memory, her face still flushed with embarrassment. She couldn't believe she had snapped at you. Although a part of her was kinda glad she did. Cause now here she was dating you. She was happier than ever.

Keeping the relationship a secret was surprisingly easy. With you being on a bit of a hiatus after a long, long world tour. You had so much free time. Time that she loved that you spent with her. Most of the time was spent at your own apartment, she had to lie a few times to Sam. Seeing as Sam didn't know she was dating you.

Being with you had been so freeing. She felt so happy. You made her feel safe, you took her protection very seriously. When going out with her, you always had your bodyguards with you. The men were always prepared and ready. Keeping a good distance to give you both a bit of privacy. Frank and Bill, the ex marine bodyguards were the sweetest but were not afraid to get physical with anyone.

You weren't either, you had gotten verbal with an older woman who wouldn't stop bugging her about the Woodborro's attacks. She had never been more attracted to you, seeing you curse out the older woman. Not even letting the woman get a word in.

"Hey baby, are you done studying now?"

Arms wrapped around her shoulders from behind. The light kisses you placed on her neck. Tilting her head so you had more room as she leaned back in her chair. Gladly accepting your kisses.

"You've been in here for hours, you need to rest. Come on." Moving the chair to face away from the desk. Turning the chair to face you. "Come on. I already got the bath ready for you, I also made us some dinner."

Tara couldn't help but fall more in love. You were always so sweet, caring, just so adorable to her. A completely different person than when you're on tv or with other people. The person in front of her, only she had the luxury to see this way.

"Join me?"

"Without question."

She did more than just relax in that bathtub.

*

"When am I going to meet the person you've been sneaking out to go see?"

It was late in the afternoon when she had gotten home. You were busy meeting with some people to talk about business, till late. You had wanted to make sure everything was set for your long hiatus that you were going to take. She knew you deserved it. After being on tour for almost two years, your world tour made billions and it was one of the biggest tours in history.

You deserved to rest.

So she had made her way home. Opting to just stay there so Sam wouldn't suspect anything. Clearly she underestimated her sister. Cause she had almost jumped a full foot in the air at the unsuspected voice the moment she stepped into the apartment.

"Jesus Sam. I thought you were at work." She tried to ignore the question as she set her keys and bag down before heading to the kitchen. To her dismay her sister followed her.

"Come on Tara. You know I worry, just let me meet them so I can see if I can trust them, and possibly have Kirby run a background check."

With a shake of her head and a laugh, "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Tara you're my sister, I can tell when you're lying." Sam crossed her arms, as she took in her little sister. For the past few months she's seen the change in her sister. Tara seemed more happy, at peace. A complete 180 from how she was when they first moved to New York. Don't get her wrong she loved this change. Tara openly talked about the things that happened in Woodboro with her. Talking about wanting to move on.

But she knew Tara was hiding something/someone. She also saw the love marks on her sister neck that Tara clearly tried to hide.

"It's Y/n Y/ln."

A mock laugh was all Tara got. "Come on Tara seriously. Who's this person."

With a grin in return, "I am serious."

"Fine don't tell me. But I will find out."

*

You had been messing around with your guitar when you heard your doors lock unlatch and open. Only one person had a key to your apartment. So with you knowing who it was you put your guitar on its stand, leaving your studio to meet the love of your life.

"Hey baby." Seeing her was always such a sight you loved. She was absolutely beautiful. Even when she was clearly overthinking something. She had the familiar furrowed eyebrows and pout when she was deep in thought. Gently tapping her nose, her slight jump didn't go unnoticed. "What's wrong?"

Tara leaned into your embrace the moment you brought her into a hug. The feeling of your hand gently creasing her back. She just loved being in your arms.

"How do you feel about meeting my sister and best friends?" At the sight of your smile, her nerves settled.

"Nervous, but I would love to."

*

Tara had been pacing the living room for the past ten minutes. It won't be long till you got here. With you being a big artist, you always wore funny disguises to blind in with the normal crowd. It sometimes reminded her of Superman. Everyone knew Superman, but hardly anyone knew Clark Kent. Which also meant you were going to take a bit longer than usual.

"Tara would you relax. It's not like we're meeting anyone famous. We just want to ask her a few questions and then have Kirby run a background check." Mindy said from her seat on the couch, getting a bit dizzy from seeing Tara pacing. Anika was right next to her cuddled up to her.

She was nervous, it'd be the first relationship she'd be in with Sam around. And she wanted Sam's approval. Sam was her big sister after all. Sam wouldn't care if you were a big artist. It would still take her time to trust you.

*

You were absolutely losing your mind, you don't remember ever feeling so nervous. You didn't know much about the ghostface murders, let alone the stab movies. You didn't really like slasher movies. You didn't do any research, not even when Tara told you what had happened to her. You didn't want to come across any crime photos you were for sure to see. From the scars on Tara's body you knew her encounter with said ghostface (who also happened to be her best friend) had been gruesome.

You also knew that Sam was protective. And you couldn’t blame the sister.

So you wanted to make a good first impression. With a nice bottle of wine. It was also extremely expensive but no one had to know that.

You were in front of Tara's apartment door a lot quicker than you had hoped. You've preformed in front of thousands of people but these, these was your first serious relationship. Your first time meeting a significant others family. Since the start of your career you had always focused more on your music. Never focusing on the many girls that were basically throwing themselves at you.

Tara though, Tara was different. She made you feel so, special, in love. Cared for. She was your person.

Knocking on the door as you took off your hat, wig, face mask and glasses. The door opened and Tara's beautiful face greeted you. You could see the nerves in her eyes but one look at you and she seemed to relax.

"Hey gorgeous, I brought wine. I wasn't sure what to bring, I was gonna call but I was, I'm a bit nervous-Hey it's okay. The wine is perfect." Seeing how nervous you were she pushed her own nerves down. She knew this was your first time meeting a girls family. Something she found hard to believe. She could have sworn you had been dating Renee Rapp. But the blonde singer was just your best friend.

"Come on. Also they might freak out and stare, so be prepared."

You took a deep breath and exhaled trying to steady your nerves. With Tara's hand in yours. You heard people talking in the living room. With your hand in Tara's she lead you to the living room, the voices quickly stopping at the sight of you. You took in the way their eyes widen and jaws dropped.

"Guys this is Y/n, my girlfriend. Y/n those are the twins, Chad and Mindy. Anika who's Mindy's girlfriend, Quinn my roommate, that's Ethan and this is Sam my sister."

You forced your nerves down, the girl Quinn broke the silence. "You're Y/n Y/Ln." the disbelief was heard in her voice. Her eyes refusing to take her eyes off you. It was starting to make you a bit uncomfortable. The way she was looking at you was menacing in a way. Like you were some type of award that she was dying to have. It was an odd look. One that only made you feel so uncomfortable, a squeeze to your hand took your eyes away from the red head to the brunette standing to your side.

Sam had tried to hide her disbelief as she took you in. She herself had been a fan of yours for quite a while now, remembered feeling a bit of disappointment when you had announced your hiatus after your last world tour show. A tour she had sworn she'd try to go to but with everything that had happened the opportunity never came.

You offered a small smile at the tall brunette. She was taller than Tara which was a bit funny. Tara looked absolutely adorable standing next to her sister. Extremely tiny next to her sister and friends. The uncomfortable feeling you had with the red head being forgotten at the sight of your beautiful girlfriend. "It's nice to finally meet you Sam. Your sister talks highly about you."

At mention of that, it had Sam smiling but yet her eye brows raised. Tara rolled her eye in return but yet she was also smiling. As much as Tara told you, how they butted heads. You knew Tara admired her big sister. And based off the look the older carpenter had casted Tara's way. You also knew that Tara's opinion on Sam mattered.

"Thank you, although Tara hasn't said anything about you-Wait yes I did! I told you about Y/n last time you cornered me."

"I didn't believe you!" Sam quickly responded.

“Dude who would? Tara I’m sorry but holy shit Y/n you are a whole lot hotter in person.” Mindy said her eyes still wide in disbelief. Quickly snapping out of it when Anika elbowed her side.

Chad was the first out of the three to stand up, “It’s nice to meet you Y/n, you think you can get us to meet Beyoncé?” He received an even harder elbow to the stomach by Mindy.

At the sound of your chuckle, Tara felt herself relax leaning into your side. Watching you get along with her friends and Sam was all she wanted.

*

Getting to know Tara's friends and sister was fun. Even though that red head still kinda gave you a weird vibe. Thankfully she had retreated to her room. With time it had come down to just you Tara and Sam. Tara momentarily leaving to use the restroom.

“Okay so I know Tara is all about independence and her freedom. So all I’m going to say, treat her right, make her happy and we won’t have any issues.” Sam said, although she still planned to have Kirby run a background check. Yes you were a big star, and even though she was a fan. Her sister’s safety came first.

“I will Sam, I love you sister. More than anything. I take her safety seriously as well. And Tara told me you were probably going to have one of your friends run a background check on me.” At the sight of her wide eyed and the slight redness on her cheeks. You chuckled, “Be free to. I don’t hide anything well maybe my once obsession with supercorp.”

Sam let out a small laugh. Even though you were thee Y/n Y/Ln. it would take time to fully trust you.

:)

[resowrites]

Jurassic Park - drabble request (scheduled upload).

Summary: Henry’s parenting skills get a brush up…

Pairings: AU!Dad!Henry Cavill x Wife!OC/Reader

Warnings: fluff, parenting/family life, banter/British humour, pet names, dialogue heavy, nondescript OC body type/appearance, hastily written/lightly proofread.

WC: <600

A/N: Got a request for more dad!Henry fluff, not sure if it’s supposed to be based on my previous series or not but either way, thanks and please enjoy. **This is a scheduled upload, while all interactions continue to be appreciated, they can’t be responded too at this time.**

Remember, this is pure fiction (as in completely made up), and not in any way meant to reflect reality. My work must not be copied, reposted, or translated elsewhere. Gifs/pics not my own. I hope you all enjoy and thanks for visiting.

Jurassic Park - drabble request.

She'd just come down to fetch the new novel she'd hoped to read in the bath, when a commotion sounded from the other room. "MUMMMMMMMY!!!" She sighed, tucked the book under her arm, and headed for the kitchen.

"What? What's going on?" Their son Hal was sitting at the table with his arms crossed and a thoroughly annoyed look on his face. Henry's eyes batted from him, to her, and back again.

"Mummy, I let Daddy have little bite of To… to… cerpops," both adults bit back a smile, "cos you say it good to share. But Daddy ate the wing! How it sposed to fly now?!"

"It can still fly! Just in a circle--"

"Daddy, shush--"

"But it's not like I ate the head! If I did it wouldn't have been able to fly at all--"

"Daddy, be quiet! Then what happened, Hal?"

"I say 'naughty Daddy,' and he laugh!" Henry quickly looked down, only just disguising a giggle.

"How did that make you feel, darling?"

"Cross!"

"And Daddy, how do you feel?"

"Honestly? Still a bit hungry--"

"HENRY--"

"What?! Besides, I shared half my peas--"

"Did Daddy apologise, Hal?"

"I was about to!" But she looked straight into his eyes and he immediately fell silent. Henry turned towards their boy. "I'm really sorry, Hal. Sometimes Daddy gets greedy and eats what he's not supposed to. Can you forgive me?" Their son smiled and patted him on the arm.

"That's okay Daddy, sometimes I greedy too." Hal stood on his chair so he could lean in for a cuddle. She couldn't help but smile.

"Right, Henry One, Henry Two, can I go back upstairs now?!"

"No! Mummy stay and have ice cream!" She struggled to know how to respond when Henry got up from the table.

"Not tonight Hal, Mummy needs some time out--"

"But she no in trouble!" Both adults laughed.

"Of course, not! Mummy's just tired, she's been very busy and taken care of us all day." Hal thought for a moment.

"But who take care of Mummy?" Henry smiled as he lifted him onto the breakfast counter.

"We do! And that also means giving her a break when she needs one. Now, what flavour would you like?" He opened the freezer drawer and pulled out a tub of Neapolitan ice cream.

"Silly Daddy! Want them all!" She quickly took the tub from his hands.

"You can both have two scoops each--"

"That's not fair!" They chimed. She shot Henry an exasperated look.

"Hal, clear your plate for Daddy then go play with Copper and Kal. I'll be in with your ice cream in a minute." He sighed but did as he was told, getting kisses on the head from both of them as he plodded off to the living room.

"Don't think you're getting an extra scoop just for that…"

"As if that was my intention!" They smirked at each other. "And why am I always Henry Two if I'm your husband?!"

"Because Henry One happens to be our son! And just how many dinosaurs did you eat off his plate?"

"Just half a Tocerpops!" She gave him a knowing look. "… As well as a rogue Pterodactyl and a couple of T-Rexs." She rolled her eyes.

"God help me. And if you eat any of his ice cream as well, God help you." She put the lid back on the tub and made for the stairs.

"Hey, there's no need to take it with you--"

"Course there is, otherwise I'd get none!"

To be updated on when I post please follow @resowrites and turn on post notifications.

@elizabetharegina @fanfictionaddiction99 @luclittlepond @caffeinatedfestivalsheep @summersong69 @ushijimbo @livesinfantasyland @jackjanira @geralts-yenn

[sameheart-sameblood]

All To Myself

(gif by @captainrexs​)

pairing: captain rex x f!reader

summary: bath time with rex usually means trying to get him to relax, but tonight it's your turn to let him help you out

words: 3.1 k

warnings: 18+, smut, bathtime shenanigans (f receiving), rex being the giver we all know he is

a/n: this is purely self-indulgent as i love baths. i would give up all my earthly possessions to take one with rex. this is my first attempt at smut (which is probably obvious lol). kind of didn’t want to release this but got tired of it staring at me whenever i opened word

read on ao3!

Your evenings were usually spent alone. At first, that had bothered you. Rex had come into your life and you wanted nothing more than to be in his presence. The calmness and kindness he exuded was unlike anything you’d ever experienced before. Being around him made you crave his presence all the more, like spice coursing through your system. You knew his job meant he was needed off planet most of the time. But was it really too much to ask that you see him occasionally while he was back on Coruscant? 

As your relationship went on, you got used to it. Being numb to the canceled dinners and missed special occasions was just what seemed in store for someone who loved a captain in the GAR. Which is why you barely batted an eyelash when he had commed you earlier in the day, rushing an apology about not being able to see you that evening. You might be resigned to the fact that Rex’s life was his job but it still didn’t make it easier to stomach the thought of another night alone. 

The two of you had planned an evening on the town, dinner and dancing. Well, at least you dancing while Rex swayed self-consciously next to you. He hated it and yet he never tried to talk you out of going. It was one of the many things you loved about him. It was these things you remembered when your loneliness got the best of you. So what if Rex couldn’t always be around? Whenever he was with you he made you feel like the only person in the world. 

You contemplate calling your friends to see if they’d like to join you for your planned activities. But you’re feeling sorry for yourself and if you can’t be with Rex, then you’d rather just be by yourself. You decide to keep things simple and take a bath. The thought instantly puts you in a better mood. It’s one of your favorite past-times. 

******

When Rex had first seen your bath routine, he’d been in shock. As someone who was usually only afforded about two minutes to bathe, the thought of taking an hours long bath blew his mind. You’d insisted he try it for himself. He watched as you drew him a bath of his own, adjusting the temperature just right and properly dissolving a few handfuls of epsom salts. 

Before leaving him, you’d dimmed the lights, lit a few sweet smelling candles and turned on some light background music. Lowering himself into the tub, Rex thought the experience might be alright. But after a minute, he was ready to get out. He had tried to understand it, really he had. But as someone always on the go, he couldn’t easily relax, constantly fighting the feeling he should be doing something. 

He didn’t begrudge you taking your baths. After all, he saw how happy they made you and he wanted nothing more than to see you content. But for a soldier, the experience felt like an indulgence he didn’t deserve. 

He had shyly called you back into the bathroom. “I don’t think I’m doing it right, love.” You’d gone in to find him sitting there, looking confused, as if expecting something more to happen. “There’s no wrong way to take a bath, Rex.” Sitting down next on the edge of the porcelain, you’d motioned for him to keep trying. He’d sat back, shoulders tensed towards his ears, staring straight ahead, eyes wide, his whole body on alert. 

You had to stifle a laugh as you watched. “Ok, apparently you have found a wrong way to take a bath.” He’d looked so forlorn at his failure that you had no choice but to shed your clothes and get in, taking a more hands on approach to showing him how to relax. He’d liked baths much more after that…

******

Easing yourself into the water makes you instantly relax. Knowing you’ll most likely spend the rest of the night in here, you make sure to get everything prepared that you might need. Feeling cheeky, you also bring over of your favorite vibrator. You’re not going to be getting any from Rex tonight, so might as well try to have some fun. 

You get to catch up on the book you’re reading, feeling satisfied when you finish the last page. Settling back, you let your mind wander, hands playing at the surface of the water. An accidental glide over your breast sparks something in your belly. You pause, then do it again, imagining it’s Rex’s larger, calloused hand teasing you. You grab the vibrator, placing it next to you. 

Before you delve in, you turn the water on to return some of the warmth the bath has lost. 

Over the roar of the tap, you don’t hear the door open. Someone clears their throat and you whip your head towards the noise. Rex greets you, shoulders slumped with fatigue. “Sorry, love, didn’t mean to scare you.” 

And you must look scared too, you’re eyes double their usual size. You glance at the vibrator, wondering if you have time to hide it. Rex isn’t against your use of toys, in fact he encourages them. But you’re still embarrassed at being caught just about to put it to use. He follows your eyes, his own widening slightly. 

“Ah, so it was going to be that kind of bath?” He chuckles, expression darkening slightly as you squirm under his gaze. He just stands there, looking at you. Oh, he’s actually expecting an answer. “Well, I just figured, you weren’t going to be home, and I was bored and lonely and…” 

You’re rambling now but you can’t stop, even as you watch him slowly remove his armor. He does so tantalizingly slow, nodding along with mock sympathy as you continue. 

“I thought I would be alone for the night and I missed you so much, Rex, honey, I miss you.” 

His face softens at your wavering tone, your sincerity written all over your face. He finishes stacking his armor neatly in the corner. “I missed you too.” He strips out of his blacks, folding them as you openly gawk at him. He allows himself a smirk at your neediness. Finally ridding himself of his clothing, he kneels down next to the bath. He runs his thumb over your cheek. “I’m here now. You don’t need to be lonely anymore.”

That night you had first introduced him to proper bath-time, you’d sat behind him, guiding him on just how to really relax. But tonight, he wants you to be taken care of. He motions for you to scooch forward, then sinks in behind you, groaning softly. You settle into each other, just reveling in the closeness for a moment.

Rex exhales a ragged breath and you feel some of the tension go out of his body. “Tough day?” He pulls you closer, your back pressed to his chest. “Just the usual. Nothing I can’t handle.” You know him well enough now to hear the pain in his tone. He feels you tense, knowing you want to ask him to elaborate, always trying to solve his problems. Rex rubs your arms slowly, soothing you “Not to worry. Everything’ll be fine.”

Rex’s hands continue their hypnotic rubbing. Up and down, leaving goosebumps in their wake. You allow yourself to relax once again but don’t let the matter drop. “You had a long day, Rex. Let me help you unwind.” You try and get out of the bath so you can switch places. But he’s having none of it. He holds you gently in place. “Taking care of you will help me relax, love.”

When you had first gotten together and he would say these kinds of things to you, it was hard to believe him. Could he truly be this selfless? It felt in some way like you were taking advantage of him. As your relationship progressed, you’d come to see that he truly meant things like that. Rex had many love languages but his favorite was acts of service.

Sighing in defeat, you settle back against him. He chuckles at your small sounds of mock protest. Rex nuzzles his face into your hair, inhaling your familiar scent of pine and Alderaanian blossoms. For a moment, he breathes you in, forgetting about the world. But as his eyes slowly open, he’s greeted by the sight of your long abandoned vibrator. Rex reaches for it, toying with it. You see what he’s doing and turn towards him. “It’s ok. I’m fine. Let’s just lay here.” 

Your captain may be tired but he’ll be damned if he doesn't fall asleep knowing you've been satisfied. “That’s right. You just lay there. Let me do the work.” The tiny thing clicks on, a buzzing filling the room. Rex lowers it into the water, the vibrations sending out tiny ripples. He pauses hovering above where you need him most. 

“What do you think of when you use this?” You’re so caught off guard by the question that you only let out a confused garble. He gives your thigh a squeeze, chuckling at the state you’re already in. “I haven’t even started yet, love. Use your words.”

After that, there’s no hesitation. “You.” The word comes out in a needy rasp. Rex is right. He hasn't even touched you yet and your body is already wound up so tightly in anticipation that you’re sure you might combust at any moment. “It’s always you, Rex.” You can’t see but his face softens, still so surprised someone would ever care for him like that. 

He rewards you with a lingering kiss on your shoulder and lowers the toy to your already swollen clit. You jolt at the sensation, body automatically trying to get away from it. Rex’s free arm tightens around you, forcing you to stay still and power through the first few seconds of overstimulation. You’re still whimpering, but you soon relax, leaning your head back onto his shoulder. 

He studies your face, your eyes screwed tight and mouth slightly agape. “Is this what you needed?” All you can do is nod but he prompts you to continue, rubbing the vibrator slowly up and down through your folds. Gasping at the new sensation, your eyes pop open to meet his. “I-I…” The arm that had been holding you tightly against him loosens. His hand moves to your breast, massaging gently.

It’s been so long since you’ve had time to take things this slow. Usually he’s only got a few minutes free, leaving time for a rushed rendezvous and nothing more. But tonight you have him all to yourself. No comms beeping to steal his attention, no duty calling him away. It’s as if there’s nothing outside of these four walls and you know it’s an opportunity that won’t come along often. 

Your head lolls to the side as he continues his ministrations. The coil in your belly is tightening quickly but you fight against it, needing something different. Your voice eventually resurfaces, your words on the tail end of a moan. “I- I need you!” Urging life back into your limbs that have since turned to jelly is difficult. But you manage to move your hand to cover his, clicking off the vibrator. 

Rex stills for a moment, trying to figure out what he’s done wrong. Turning your head to look at him, you see his confusion. You reach up to stroke his face, eyes pleading with him. After a moment, you see him understand. It’s something you always want, without fail. He smiles down at you, leaning over you to gently press his lips to yours. 

The vibrator is quickly abandoned on the side of the tub. With both hands free, Rex can really touch you, hands roaming about at his leisure. You sigh contently as his rough fingers trail along the sides of your body, then upwards to tease your nipples. The embers in your belly that had dimmed slightly are now burning brightly once again. He senses this and lowers a hand to your clit. 

At first, he just runs his fingers through your folds. He doesn’t mean to tease, he just hasn’t been able to feel you, to truly appreciate you in so long. But your whine pulls him out of his trance and he begins to rub circles that leave you gasping for air. He begins slowly, making sure you're happy with the direction things are going. 

Rex holds in his chuckle as he peers down at you. Your head has once again tipped back against him. But now, your face has gone slack, no tightness or tenseness to be found. Only pleasure. His free hand moves between your breasts, squeezing, massaging and tugging, making sure neither is neglected. He sees just how much your chest is heaving and decides to give you your reward. You’ve been so patient for him. 

His hand tugs at your thigh, pulling you out of your daze. “What are you - “ He lifts your leg and hooks it over the edge of the tub, spreading you wider for better access. You moan pitifully as the hand that had been rubbing circles delves back in. There’s so much more of you he can touch now and it makes you tremble. He beams down at you proudly, seeing how much this slight change is bringing you closer to the edge. 

You're tensing under him, back beginning to bow. Your sudden movement brings attention to his erection that’s been slowly growing. He can’t help when he automatically begins to grind against you. But Rex knows you well enough now to realize he only has a few more seconds before you're toppling into oblivion. His release can wait. 

Abandoning your breast, his hand slides up to your neck, applying the slightest pressure. You keen at the feeling. It’s not a show of dominance. It’s Rex reminding you that he’s there for you, a comforting presence that makes you feel perpetually taken care of. 

You twist your neck so you can gape up at him. The hand on your clit continues it’s work, doubling down its efforts. Throughout the experience, you’d been gripping the sides of the tub for dear life. But now, you bring one up to cover Rex’s hand that’s enclosed around your neck. Even through your haze of lust, your heart aches at the pure love radiating from his eyes. 

You're too far gone, unable to form words. All you can do is moan and hope he can decipher it. If you weren't in such a compromising position you would have to laugh. Asking someone to be able to decipher your desires without words. But thankfully Rex knows you like the back of his hand. He knows what you're asking, what last thing you need to make you let go. Loosening his grip on your neck, he uses it to hold your face, crashing your lips together. 

The kiss doesn’t break, even as you writhe under him. You try to turn away from him as you come, but he holds you to him, needing to feel you as much as you needed to feel him. The water is sloshing over the sides of the tub, your once full bath almost halfway empty. Rex breaks the kiss, letting the aftershocks of your release play out. 

He rubs soothingly against your thighs, watching as you twitch. You collapse onto him, finally beginning to break through the fog. The ability to form a coherent sentence seems to have left you. All you can manage is a weak sigh of his name. It’s the only thing you can remember and, in all honesty, you’d die a happy woman if that was the only thing you could utter for the rest of your life. 

“Was that what you needed, love?” Rex nuzzles into your neck as you chuckle. “Apparently more than I realized.” The rubbing at your sides pauses. You look to Rex to see what’s wrong and find his face twisted with guilt. “This isn’t right. If I can’t give you the attention you need then I don’t deserve you.” This isn’t the first time you've had this conversation and you're sure it wont be the last. 

But you’re happy to reassure your lover, as many times as you need to. “You give me everything I need, Rex. You’re smart, brave, funny, kind, supportive, sexy.” He lowers his eyes at the last word, smiling demurely. “I don’t know how I got so lucky. You give me everything and so much more. And I mean, if you don’t believe me, just look.” You laugh, gesturing at your bathroom, now in a state of disrepair, water on the floor, shampoo and soap bottles scattered, candles burnt down to messy puddles. 

Rex chuckles but looks contrite, rubbing his neck shyly. “Guess we got a little carried away.” He’s already made you come once, and spectacularly at that. But just the sight of him has those butterflies in your belly stirring to life again. You bat your eyelashes. “Now will you let me take care of you?” He closes his eyes, sighing tiredly. His cock, still hard against your back is evidence enough, but his muscles sag with fatigue.

“I want you more than anything. But I think I have just enough energy to clean this mess and then fall into bed.” Shaking your head, you gently extricate yourself from his arms. You stand on shaky legs as you hold out your hand for him. “Everything else can wait. Let me show you how much I missed you, Captain.” 

His eyes widen, lust beginning to cloud his gaze. You don’t use his title often, knowing how riled up it gets him to hear the word fall from your lips. But you need the big guns tonight, refusing to leave him wanting. Rex grabs for you and lets you lead him through the ruined bathroom and into your bedroom. 

He takes one last look at the state you’re leaving the room in. “But we should really clean this…” You lead him to the bed and softly push him down on to it. He looks up at you with doe eyes as you straddle his hips. “We will, honey. But no sense cleaning up now when we’re just about to make another mess.”

[stargazer-balladeer]

it’s my birthday soon and i’ve always felt lonely during my birthdays— so if it’s alright, can i request headcanons for scaramouche, xiao, and albedo with an s/o who only locks themselves in their bedroom because they don’t feel special enough to even celebrate their birthday? thank you 🥺

S/o’s birthday but locks themselves in their rooms because they don’t feel special [Genshin Impact]

Characters Included: Albedo, Scaramouche & Xiao

Notes: 👁👄👁 the title is so long- i don’t know how to shorten it- hshshs. Btw, HAPPY ADVANCE BDAY ANON-!! I KNOW THAT FEELING ANON- SO UR NOT ALONE 🤧🤧 if you want to talk, you can msg me anytime-! You deserve to be showered with love-! Hope ya’ll like this!

Reader’s Gender: Neutral

Warning: none

[aether, childe, diluc, kaeya, venti]

Albedo

As much as Albedo wants to remember your birthday, he just forgets because of many things running through his mind. Especially when it comes to new discovery. He’ll be so sorry when he remembered that your birthday was today-

At first, Albedo had a hard time looking for you. He asked everyone- yes even Diluc, Kaeya, Jean, Klee, everyone- but no one has seen you. Which made him worried since no one has seen you the entire day—

He would literally tear down Mondstadt trying to find you until he remembered that he hasn’t check your house yet. When he finds that you’ve been locked up in your room the entire day, it literally broke his heart- ;w;

He would feel like it’s his fault that you don’t feel special, like bro- he would have a sad puppy face on. He will put his hands on either side of your face and make you face him-

“You are special. You are like the sun. You are like a (God/Goddess). Even if you don’t feel special yourself, you’re special to me. And since you’re my beloved, my (prince/princess), you deserve all the happiness and love in the world. You deserve to feel special on your special day. So smile, I don’t want to see any tears.”

Albedo would do anything you want, probably to make up his forgetfulness- :p if you want cuddles, then cuddles you’ll get. If you want a cake or something, he’ll try to bake something, no promises though. (Its the thought that counts, right? 👀).

Albedo would use his ability of drawing and bringing them to life. He would draw all sorts of things, bunnies, squirrels, flowers, and others. He knew that you love watching him draw and bringing them to life. It honestly warms his heart knowing you love what he’s passionate about.

If you want, Albedo could talk to you about all the things he found out recently. All of the research and things he discovered. If you ever question some things regarding about what he discovered, he would happily try to explain it. (It’s honestly adorable seeing him explaining the things he discovered in his research- 🤧)

At the end of the day (around 11-), he would cuddle with you while laying beside you. Every so often, he would press a kiss on your head.

“Happy Birthday, my love. May many more to come... the next time your birthday come, I promise we’ll celebrate it together properly.”

Scaramouche

If you think that Scaramouche doesn’t care about your birthday, then you’re right-! 😃 I’m joking- (unless-). He honestly wants to spend your birthday together with you, but his duty as a Harbinger comes first.

Believe me when I say he feels guilty. Leaving you alone on your special day is honestly low, even for him. He would definitely try to finish all of his missions immediately to get back to you. He would do whatever means necessary to finish them all immediately (he might or might not have sacrificed some people in the process- 👀).

You can imagine his confusion when he couldn’t find you anywhere. He already has something set up for you, all he needs is the birthday person themselves. But he couldn’t you anywhere.

Someone better tell him to check your room or else he would literally tear down the Fatui headquarters just to look for you-! He seriously need to manage his anger- 😓

Scaramouche would find it weird to he finds out that you’ve been in your room for the entire day. At first, he didn’t understand why you’re doing this. But soon, he’ll understand. Afterall, he might’ve done that before..

This guy has no manner whatsoever as he just entered your room like he owns the place- one look at you and the next thing you know is that he’s pampering you- like he’ll be preparing a bath for you and choosing an outfit for you (he’s a fashionista, change my mind 😃). Like bro, who are you and what happened to Scaramouche?

“Tsk. You’re quite a handful, you do know that, correct? Making me go through all this effort to comfort you. Now tell me, who put that idea on your head? Was it your family? Was it someone else? I honestly want to murder whoever put that idea in your pathetic head. ‘Not special to celebrate your birthday’? Ha! Don’t make me laugh. Everyone deserves to feel special, even if its for one day. Now, stop being stubborn and enjoy it-!”

Scaramouche would pamper you so much, like his personality did a 180- he would be pressing kisses all over your body and praising you like theres no tomorrow. He would help you dry yourself and put on the outfit he chose for you. If your hair is long, he would help styling it.

He would take you on a fancy dinner date (this guy is also rich, fite me—). He would honestly spoil you lmao- so enjoy it while it lasts- 😃

“Don’t expect this everyday, okay? I’m not gonna put much effort the next time... still.. happy birthday, my beloved. Don’t ever feel like you’re not special when you’re special to me.. if you ever feel sad, come to me. Thank you for putting up with me.”

Xiao

(Yes I’ve remade the Xiao banner again- 🤧🤧 im very indecisive ik-)

Celebrating birthday? What’s that? Xiao honestly didn’t think much of it since centuries pass by with his day of birth passing each time, he never really thought much of it. Never bothered celebrating it.

But when he found out (from Verr or Rex Lapis/Zhongli) that the mortals celebrate their birthdays, he honestly doesn’t have a clue on how to celebrate it. So he might seek the help of Verr or the Traveller.

He does his best. Please give him credit for trying- ;;w;; He’ll try his best to make something for you. It won’t be anything grand. A simple picnic near Wangshu Inn with some Almond Tofu and other food-

So when the day of your birthday came, Xiao is nervous. He doesn’t know if you’ll like the surprise or not. But when he started to look for you, he was confused when he couldn’t find you before growing worried.

Unlike the other bois, he would immediately check your room before tearing the place down- when he finds you there, he’s honestly confused again- (poor bby, always getting confused- ;;w;;). When you explain to him that you just don’t feel special during your birthday, Xiao would get worried and upset-

The first thing he does is hug you. Like this is the only thing he knows about comforting someone- its not like he encountered humans that needs comforting- ;w;

“I.. don’t really know what it feels like to not feel special on your day of birth but.. you’re special to me. Isn’t that enough?”

Like broooo, he looks like a sad puppy- he’s honestly lost on what to do. You might as well need to comfort him too 😅. He would try to shower you with affections before dragging you to the picnic he set up.

He would be so relieved if you like or love the picnic he set up. As much as its embarrassing for him, he would allow you to feed him and, if you let him, feed you in return. He will continue to press some kisses on your face, head and hands. Because, like, u really deserve it- 🥺🥺

He would bring you to the highest mountain just near Wangshu Inn and enjoy the view, and possibly go stargazing with you. I can see him knowing how to make a flower crown for some reason :pp so he’ll make a flower crown out of Qingxin flowers and place it on your head-

“Happy day of birth, my love. Even as more days of birth come, I promise to make you special. Even though it’s not the grandest, I hope that my efforts and love will be enough.”

[x] Main Page || [x] Mondstadt Page || [x] Liyue Page || [x] Fatui Harbingers Page

[fabricated-misslieness]

pairing: zhongli x adeptus male reader

req: no | wc: 830 | cw: suggested nfsw, naked men | part 2 | minors dni

a/n: i researched for this but it really didn’t matter, also not in the mood to write nsfw. anybody can req a part two sometime

Some Adepti may take humanlike forms, but it is important to note that no matter how human they look, they are not like other mortals. The only exception being the Liyue Qixing’s secretary, Ganyu, who is half adepti, half human.

Adepti did not need anything humans needed. They did not need to bathe, eat, sleep, etc. Many adepti did not associate with humans anymore. However, this didn’t mean that they did not indulge themselves in mortal tendencies.

It was common knowledge that Rex Lapis is also an adeptus. 

Though, unlike other adepti, he mingled with the citizens of Liyue. As such, he learned much of their customs, rituals, and rich culture.

For example, humans bathed in hot water, flower petals, and bubbles as a means of relaxation.

He wanted to recreate many of these things with you, an adeptus that, until Zhongli’s recent retirement, had lived in Jueyun Karst for the majority of his illuminated immortal life.

You were only just learning everything that Liyue’s people had to offer. Consequently, Zhongli took it upon his hands to teach you.

Luckily for you, he taught you physically, instead of giving you some long lecture.

Today, you bathed in a river of your former home, the home to the Adepti. Not many humans visited the area nowadays, hence it would be peaceful and secluded.

You couldn't - or shouldn't - contaminate the river with whatever humans used to make bubbles in the water, Zhongli told you it was probably not safe for animal ingestion, so you lacked some aspects in your recreational activity.

Even so, it was quite relaxing. You could see why humans enjoyed it so much.

The only somewhat concerning thing was the lack of clothing. You simply could not understand just how humans could maintain platonic relationships in areas such as public springs.

You associated nudity with pleasure and intercourse because, as Rex Lapis, Zhongli would often take different forms to entertain you - after many centuries of the same form, things tended to get boring.

Apart from that, there was no need to do something such as change your clothing.

So it was a little hard to maintain in your own place when your life-long lover was nearby, fully bare just as you were.

He was beautiful, propped up against a rock, eyes closed and clearly relaxed. The position showed off his strong back, broad shoulders, and tender neck.

No matter how much you stared, the God of Geo would not notice, and it was killing you.

However much you had to struggle, you could keep your hands off him as long - as long - as he did not do anything to affect you directly or otherwise.

That proved to be a troublesome thing.

Zhongli stretched, groaning as some joints cracked and moaning at the overall pleasing feeling. One little gesture and you teetered over the edge.

"Zhongli."

"Hm?" He turns to you curiously. Upon recognizing the ravishing look in your eyes, he smiles brightly. "What is it that you need, (y/n)?"

He knew what he was doing to you and he knew how to make your desire grow stronger. After centuries of being together, he knew everything about you.

“You know what I need, Zhongli.”

“Do I?” He tilted his head away from you, tapping his lip as he thought. “Do I..?”

“Morax.” At the call of his adeptus name, he looks at you again. He sends you a sly smile, turning his whole body towards you fully now.

“You’ve caught me, I do know what you need.” He licks his lips and beckons you over with a finger, “So come get it.”

He stayed in his place as he watched you come to him. The stream merely reached your hip, which unfortunately for him, obstructed his view of one of his favorite parts about you; but it gave him the opportunity to admire the rest of you. His gaze drifted up your abdomen, to your collarbone, up to your lips, and he wanted all of it.

Nudity was indeed a part of his mortal life now as Zhongli, despite that, it was perfectly normal to crave your lover’s touch; especially when they were bare and enticing.

You didn’t know such a thing, though.

The moment you were close enough, the adeptus brought you in for a kiss. Your hands found themselves on either side of him, supporting yourself and encasing your lover. 

Zhongli pulled back, much to your dismay. Before you could blink, he switched your positions. Now, you sat at his spot, back against the rock and he stood over you. He relished in the shocked expression on your face before you both shared a playful, and somewhat flirty laugh.

He hovered just above your lap, aligned perfectly so that you could press into him anytime you wanted to.

But, for the time being, Zhongli took your breath away with another rough kiss. 

Today, you were at the mercy of your mesmerizingly beautiful lover.

[ymiwritesstuff]

Tenderly Perfect

Well, here it is, a Zhongli fic as I promised. I swear this man is doing things to me I can’t lmao. Also I’m not THAT deep in the lore so apologies if some things are incorrect. Anyway hope you enjoy, just some simple fluff with not much plot hehe.

Genshin Impact

Zhongli x Fem!Reader

Summary: Zhongli insists on taking you outside the city for a moment of good food, company and hair brushing.

Notes: SPOILERS FOR THE ARCHON QUESTS!, Fluff

Climbing to the highest point of Mt. Tianheng was the last thing you were expecting that day, though you should have expected as much. You have known him so long, of course he would be the one to suggest something like this. After hearing that you had never been on top of the impressive mountains just outside of the city, he was almost shocked and insisted on spending a day there, enjoying an all too lavish meal from Wanmin restaurant.

Zhongli held your hand throughout the trip, despite it not being entirely necessary, though he did save your face from hitting the ground a few times as the terrain proved to be rather unforgiving with its uneven areas and tiny pits. Being the perfect gentleman he was, he was more than happy to carry everything you brought with you on your little trip in his other hand while never letting go of yours. The action warmed your heart.

“We’ll reach our destination shortly.” He turned to you, a warm smile on his face. “The view up here is among the finest in all of Liyue.”

The way his deep voice spoke softly tingled your insides pleasantly, his hand gently holding yours as you ascended a set of stone stairs. You couldn’t help but mirror his smile, appreciating his efforts of showing you his favorite places in hopes that you would enjoy them as well. With him though, everything was enjoyable. Perhaps it was his divine presence that seemed to make every location that much better.

“I can’t wait.”

Despite learning of his true identity only recently, you had always had this underlying feeling that there was something peculiar about him. The way he spoke of Liyue’s traditions and history as if he had been present in those influential moments, was something you thought about a lot, yet it still surprised you when the truth was revealed.

Zhongli was somewhat uncertain of your reaction initially but was washed with relief when you expressed no hysterical shock or possible hostility. Since then, he has been enjoying his retirement with you with much jubilance.

You knew the journey had come to an end when Zhongli let go of your hand, allowing you to take in the breathtaking view on top of the mountain. Your (E/C) sparkled in awe as they looked around. The entirety of Liyue was visible, the whole city looking so incredibly tiny from so high up. The gentle breeze that hugged your form and swayed your hair was warm and welcoming, and you finally realized why the Lord of Geo wanted you to witness this with your own eyes.

“Zhongli this... This is…” You couldn’t find the right words because nothing would do the stunning view that bathed under the afternoon sun any justice. So you opted to just turn to him, immediately noticing his gentle smile that always made your heart swoon.

“I am glad you like the sight.”

You walked up to him and placed a kiss on his lips, being mindful of the bag he was carrying. After pulling away you glued your eyes on his resplendent golden ones, staring at him in admiration.

“It’s perfect.”

His other hand rested on your waist as you pressed your foreheads together, enjoying the feeling of having each other so close. At times like these, you couldn’t help but wonder what had you done to be blessed with someone like him. One would think that after becoming aware of his true identity as Rex Lapis, you would treat him as such. However, the person before you was Zhongli, just Zhongli, the man whom you had met while wandering aimlessly around Liyue, surrounded by unfamiliarity.

“Shall we begin?” you heard him ask, lightly lifting the bag that held the food you hadn’t even realized you had been craving. The quality of Wanmin restaurant didn’t disappoint, though you wondered if Zhongli had remembered to bring Mora with him when making his order. Though, knowing him, he most likely found another way to pay for the meals as he always did.

“Certainly.”

You helped him place a large blanket on the grass, allowing for a more comfortable experience, before placing the food that was still somehow warm on top of it, your eyes admiring the meals prepared by the famous restaurant. As you examined the sight before you, you noticed something and decided to open your mouth.

“No seafood?”

Your words were meant as a mere joke, as you were more than aware that the Geo Archon absolutely despised having anything from the sea on his plate. Still, to your surprise, he merely looked at you, slightly tilting his head to the side.

“Would you have preferred that? If you’d like it is in no way an issue for me to go back and-”

You cut him off with a giggle, finding his desire to make you happy above all else adorable.

“No, no. There’s no need. This is perfect.” You threw him a smile which he happily returned.

Once all the food had been laid out, you immediately went to dig in, enjoying the delicate flavors of the jade parcels and the juiciness of the meat rolls. With each bite you hummed in satisfaction, all the while enjoying the surrounding nature and the wonderful company.

In the midst of the dining and chatting with the gentleman responsible for this lovely picnic, the surrounding wind seemed to get stronger, as if the playful Anemo Archon himself was messing with it. You only noticed the change in the weather when the wind decided to latch itself onto your hair, causing it to fly everywhere before settling right on your face.

You heard Zhongli let out a chuckle of amusement as you moved your hair away from your eyes, looking at him with slight embarrassment in your gaze. With a soft sigh, you reached for your own bag and took out a hairbrush that you had fortunately taken with you.

“Didn’t think I’d need to use this here,” you laughed softly tracing the designs carved into the handle. It was an old brush but did its job wonderfully.

Just as you were about to start brushing your hair that had become full of knots in a matter of seconds, you felt Zhongli place his hand on top of the one that held the brush. You looked up at him questioningly. 

“May I?”

His voice was gentle as if he was asking with the utmost carefulness. You didn’t understand why though, you were more than happy to accept his offer.

“Of course.”

You gave him the hairbrush and turned your back to him, leaving your messy hair to be dealt with by the Geo Archon. Before he would start running the bristles through your locks, however, he had to inspect the brush closer. His golden eyes looked at the carvings, his mind traveling through Liyue’s long history.

“I recall a time when these handmade hairbrushes first arrived in Liyue. Traveling merchants would sell these at the harbor for a large sum of Mora,” he stated and you listened, always ready to hear his many stories and memories from a time unknown to you. “Only a few made their way to civilians’ hands, and fewer remain today.”

“Guess I’m pretty lucky then, huh?” A smile stretched his lips at your words.

“Indeed you are, my love.”

Zhongli ran his covered fingers over the carvings on the back of the brush reminiscing for a moment as he often did, especially now that he had abandoned his position as Morax. He removed his gloves and placed them beside him on the blanket before finally moving his attention to your (H/C) hair.

“Despite its age, this brush has stood the test of time rather beautifully.”

You felt the brush run through your locks, closing your eyes and enjoying the feeling.

“You mean just like you?” You joked, which earned you a chuckle from the male as he occasionally ran his bare hand through your hair.

Zhongli loved your hair, how soft it felt between his fingers, how it often swayed in the wind, how perfectly it shone. It framed your face perfectly and only enhanced your appearance he was so fond of. It was as if it was touched by a divine being.

He took his time with brushing it, making sure to unravel every knot carefully as he did not want you to feel even the slightest bit of discomfort. Even if you did, though, you wouldn’t mind. The fact that he was willing to brush your hair for you in the first place was good enough and filled you with happiness in its purest form.

His golden eyes, filled with a fondness for your entire being watched as your hair regained its previous state, and even when there were no visible knots, he continued to run his hand through the strands, enjoying the softness that he had restored.

“Beautiful,” he whispered as you felt his hand move to your cheek. He turned you to face him, his touch so gentle one would think it impossible that they were used to make spears out of stone to slay an ancient god. His words, no matter how many times he said them, always made a shade of crimson dust your cheeks.

Zhongli reached for something in the bag that once held all the food items, retrieving a single Glaze Lily, fully in bloom. Your eyes glued themselves on it, staring at the stunning flora in awe.

“I picked this before our departure,” he said as if answering a question you hadn’t stated out loud. “My intention was to merely give this to you, but…”

With gentle movements, Zhongli placed the lily behind your ear, moving a tiny bit of your freshly brushed hair to the side. You watched him, drowning in his loving gaze.

“This just might be the most efficient way of doing so.”

He kept a hand on your cheek and you placed yours on top of it, wanting to enjoy the feeling of his bare hand on your skin. You smiled once more, his words sticking to you. He made you feel so happy, so appreciated, so loved. No words came out of your mouth as you slowly closed the gap between you.

Zhongli returned the kiss, keeping his hand on your cheek while the tips of his fingers grazed the tiniest part of your perfect (H/C) hair that he adored.

[obiwanobi]

okay but,, I can't get this idea out of my head of an au where anakin falls early, maybe halfway through the war– but instead of joining sidious or dooku he runs, terrified of himself, and stays somewhere he can't tear the galaxy apart like the darkest part of himself keeps goading him to. and he's there for a handful of months, and he's lonely and scared– until obi-wan comes to find him. and this man who anakin has loved for so long never stopped searching, razed a path through the galaxy (1/2)

I TOLD you all to stop sending me perfect prompts, god, here’s 3k that could be resumed by ‘it’s rotten work’ ‘not to me, not if it’s you’  because I have no self control:

"Anakin."

It's the first time in seven months that Obi-Wan pronounces his name with hope.

The back of the hooded figure visibly tenses in front of him. Obi-Wan can see his hand clenching around his glass, and his head starts turning in his direction but stops before Obi-Wan can see his eyes. Instead, it's in the Force that Anakin looks for him. It's a small, tentative tendril that crosses the space between them, ridiculously shy in comparison to the enthusiastic maelstrom that usually greets him when Obi-Wan extends his mind to Anakin.

But it's him. Too warm and barely controlled, the familiar flame of a burning pyre that Obi-Wan has never learned how to turn his eyes from.

 Headache-inducing and almost unbearable, have been some words used to describe Anakin's presence in the Force.  The most comforting of infernos, Obi-Wan has always thought.

Anakin feels surprised, and something close to joy colours the Force around him for a fleeting moment. Obi-Wan can feel the corners of his mouth turning up as he sighs affectionately.

"De—"

Then it all turns to panic.

He doesn't even have the time to realise that Anakin has retracted his signature behind durasteel shields the second it touched Obi-Wan's, because the man in front of him is already jumping to his feet, pushing the Twi'lek waiter away, and running for the exit of the cantina.

It leaves Obi-Wan stunned, arm still raised toward an empty chair.

Surprisingly, it's not panic that filled him, or even the persistent fear that if he loses Anakin now, after months of roaming the galaxy looking for him, then how long will it take before catching the smallest clue of his location again? No, this time, the worry and dread that has been his faithful companions for so long, now make way for something only Anakin knows how to infuse into him in the most inappropriate of times: exasperation.

"Anakin!" he yells, making the Rodian next to him jump in his seat. 

Rushing outside, his eyes scan the street, trying to find a tall figure in a brown robe at the same time he stretches his senses through the Force to guide him toward his infuriating former padawan. Not used to the brightness of the twin suns and the constant particles of sand and dust floating around, Obi-Wan is almost sure that the glimpse of Anakin's presence he felt for half a second is only due to his inattention and not Obi-Wan's skills. For once, Obi-Wan isn't going to complain about Anakin's lack of focus: he starts running right away.

Anakin goes through three sharp turns, two attempts at climbing a roof and even one force-jump through the window of a shop, but Obi-Wan is determined to follow him wherever he goes. Even if he has to apologise to every irritated person he pushes out of the way.

"This is ridiculous," he says loudly, when he catches the dark brown robe trying to zigzag between stands, "I don't even know why you're running away from me!"

He thinks he can see Anakin throwing him a look, but with the hood over his face and one of the suns starting to set in front of him, can't be certain. It's only when Anakin seems to miss a turn and finds himself a few seconds later out of the streets, at the edge of a cliff overlooking the desert and its endless dunes, that he realises his mistake.

They're out of town now. There's nothing but the background noise of civilisation left behind, a warm wind sweeping the sand between them, and the twin suns bathing Anakin's silhouette in a glowing light.

"An—" Obi-Wan says, trying to get his breath under control. He's not used to such heat, and all the running, Force-jumping and the sweating really didn't help. Still, he takes a step toward him.

"Don't."

Even if it's just a simple word, hearing the sound of his voice soothes a deep ache that has plagued most of Obi-Wan's nights for the past few months.

Anakin is facing the canyon, the dune sea and the suns, a dark form with a double shadow, only showing his back to Obi-Wan. Even if he doesn't show his face, feelings bleed through his shields, as if he's still a padawan trying to get an awkward hold on the Force. There are confusion and anger, most of it directed at himself, Obi-Wan notes, and an all-encompassing veil of shame. Fear is here too, blending the edges of the mess produced by the cacophony of so many emotions clattering against each other. Obi-Wan can feel Anakin realising the flaws in his mental defences, and the spark of mortification before he hastily tries to rein it all in.

For a second, Obi-Wan thinks he's going to jump down the canyon just to avoid the embarrassment of inadvertently broadcasting his emotions.

"I won't stop chasing you now that I've found you," Obi-Wan warns, before the idea comes to Anakin's mind. The jump wouldn't kill him, but Obi-Wan really doesn't feel like tracking him through rocky canyons, tusken traps and krayt dragons. "I won't stop before you tell me why you're running away from me."

Anakin lowers his head without replying, shoulders sagging. Obi-Wan's feet move slowly. His mind reaches once again toward Anakin's, brushing against him in a wordless question. All irritation gone by now, he adds quietly:

"...And why you didn't come home."

Anakin's shields shudder. "You shouldn't have come."

"Anakin, the Separatists had you as their prisoner for almost a month. Rex told me he saw Grievous dragging your body to his ship himself. The Council waited for their terms of release, and when it didn't come, we thought you were dead."

"The Council," he snarls darkly, "they probably were happy to finally get rid of me."

"You know it's not true."

"No, I don't."

"Do you think I was happy, then?" Obi-Wan retorts, trying to stop the need to grab his robe and shake some senses into him. "Do you think Rex and I enjoyed having to plead with the Republic War Council to give us more time to look for you?"

The dark robe in front of him shuffles a bit. "You took the 501st to look for me?"

"Of course we looked for you! We went through every report of Grievous' flagship presence and got every intel we could gather about your possible location. There was no clue in any Separatist outposts we raided," he adds, focusing on his words to stay composed, and not the memory of becoming desperate enough after another fruitless day to check black markets for familiar mechno-arm's parts. "And we were starting to believe that you were truly dead then, until... Until we found an abandoned facility. With a lot of battle droids destroyed, and Grievous and Dooku dead. Force-choked to death."

Anakin stays silent again.

In the horizon, one of the suns has settled low enough to brush against the dune sea. The light has turned to a deep orange around his silhouette.

Obi-Wan takes a step.

"There was a holorecording."

The only answer he gets is the sound of a sharp intake of air, and an intensity in the Force that always saturates the air when Anakin tries, in vain, to calm his mind.

Another step.

"I saw you taking a starfighter. I saw you leaving the facility, free."

Another step.

"Why didn't you come back to the Temple?"

"There was nothing for me there anymore."

The word stops Obi-Wan in his tracks.  Somehow, one sentence is harder to swallow than months of worry. He's always known that he failed to make Anakin feel at home at the Temple, or make him realise that there might not be parents or siblings in names there, but the feeling of kinship remains the same. But to hear him say that the sum of all these years spent there together boils down to nothing to him, still manages to crack Obi-Wan's composure.

The burn in his throat makes his next words difficult to pronounce.

"Why didn't you come back to me, Anakin?"

"BECAUSE I'VE FAILED YOU!" Anakin snaps, throwing his arms up and his shields down, and finally turns toward Obi-Wan in a dramatic movement of his robe.

The hood falls from his head, and even if the sunset at his back prevents Obi-Wan from seeing his expression, hidden in the shadow, he can't miss his golden hair forming an incandescent halo around his face. The Force has erupted in a bonfire within Anakin, crackling around him in warning to anyone who would approach it, white-heat fever and boundless darkness at the same time.

It tastes like ash on Obi-Wan's tongue.

He pulls his own shields a bit tighter around him.

"Why do you keep asking this question when you know what I've done? Why are you even here? Are you here to kill me? Because I failed you, Obi-Wan! I killed them and I felt nothing but satisfaction! I accepted the dark side, I welcomed it even, it burned through me and it's still burning right now, and I'm incapable of controlling anything, not even my own shields, so no, I couldn't come back and pretend I could still be a Jedi. And now you saw it, you saw everything, so I can't even prete— I can't..."

The swirling of emotions comes crashing down around Anakin so violently that Obi-Wan physically flinches, and it looks like the Force is suddenly cutting down the strings holding him upright. He crumples to the ground in a cloud of sand and dust, close, too close to the edge of the cliff.

There's only the sound of Anakin panting for a moment, long enough for Obi-Wan to gather his thoughts, and take another step.

Only he would be foolish enough to want to touch glowing embers.

"It doesn't change my question," he says calmly, like he's always done after one of his padawan's tantrum. "Why didn't you come back to me, Anakin?"

He thinks he can see Anakin opening his mouth to answer, but only a short derisive laugh leaves his lips before he drags his feet in the dust and turns away from him again.

Finally, —finally—, Obi-Wan is close enough. Stopping just a few centimetres from Anakin's back, his hand instinctively reaches for his shoulder but hovers right before touching it. And then settles there and squeezes. It belongs there, he thinks as Anakin makes a small noise at the back of his throat.

He expects Anakin to shrug off his hand, refuse his touch, just like he's refusing to look directly at him.

But he doesn't.

"I couldn't see you," he admits after a pause, eyes closed. "I don't care about the Council, or the Republic, or anyone else, but I couldn't... I couldn't bear the disappointment in your eyes. I didn't want you to leave me, so I left first."

"Oh, Anakin," Obi-Wan sighs, trying to swallow the affection in his voice. He pauses for a second, relishing the feel of Anakin letting him rub his thumb on his shoulder. "I am saddened and upset, yes. When I watched all that anger unleashed and how you succumbed to it, how you crushed Grievous and Dooku so easily that I could almost feel the dark side through the holo, I felt... I felt heartbroken."

The indignation he expected, or any sort of accusations to shift the blame on something or someone else, doesn't come. Instead, Anakin bends his head and pulls his legs closer to him, like he has just been hit.

"I'm sorry Master," he manages to whisper, face hidden behind his arms and hair, "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry—"

"Listen, listen," Obi-Wan begs rapidly, kneeling next to him. His hand moves from his shoulder to the back of his neck, trying to soothe him. "I was heartbroken for you. You were alone, in a terrible situation, being taunted, electrocuted, tortured. It doesn't excuse what you did, but, Anakin, you disappeared for months after that. You ran away without a word, without an explanation, and I couldn't— I couldn't believe you would voluntarily turn your back on us. I couldn't let the thought that you didn't trust us enough to help you go. And then... you called for me."

"No, I didn't." The muffled, petulant tone makes Obi-Wan smiles a bit. His hand moves up along his nape to Anakin's curls, stroking gently, pushing unruly locks behind his ears.

"You did. Unconsciously, probably, but you did. For so long, I couldn't reach you through the Force, but I kept trying every time I meditated, hoping to catch a glimpse of you, anything to make sure you were still alive somewhere. And one day, I heard you. Far, far away, barely loud enough to recognise, but I heard you. Wishing I was with you."

Anakin's hand clenches in a fist at the words. Obi-Wan ignores it, fingers still running through his hair in a rhythmic movement.

"That's why I've spent seven months looking for you, searching the galaxy for you. Because I wished I was with you too."

Obi-Wan didn't expect the wounded noise that escaped Anakin's mouth, and even less that his admission would cause Anakin to throw himself at him in a fierce embrace. Caught off-guard, Obi-Wan topples and falls on his back in a cloud of dust. In the Force, Anakin's shields come crashing down again, but this time, Obi-Wan doesn't draw back from it. Their bond suddenly bursts open, emotions spilling in all directions and showering him with a chaotic jumble of relief-longing-hope, eventually blending together to only leave lovelovelove.

"Anakin," he sighs, with his usual falsely annoyed and secretly fond tone that seems to be the only way he knows how to pronounce his name. Anakin, heavy on top of him now, doesn't respond, too busy nuzzling Obi-Wan neck. "The cliff is right there, we could have died."

"Don't care," he replies, squeezing his arms impossibly tighter around Obi-Wan.

Obi-Wan chuckles, and he can feel more than hear him hums in appreciation at the sound, face hidden under his chin.

After months of extending his mind through millions of Force-sensitive beings scattered around the galaxy and still finding it empty, there is nothing more reassuring than being smothered by Anakin's presence in the Force. He tugs on their bond a bit, just to feel it, and when Anakin instantly tugs back, Obi-Wan's hand on his waist pulls him closer.

"Would you look at me, Anakin? Just for a second. I have yet to really see you."

There is a short pause and then a long breath against his neck before Anakin puts one elbow on the ground next to Obi-Wan's face, raises his head, and finally, truly looks at Obi-Wan.

"Hello, there," Obi-Wan whispers, as familiar blue eyes blink at him.

Embarrassment tinges the Force and his cheeks pink, and Anakin seems to promptly remember that his shields are non-existent right now and that he's lying flat on Obi-Wan. Obi-Wan watches, amused, as he awkwardly starts to untangle his legs from him and shifts his weight to get to his knees.

"Now, shall we—"

"Watch the sunset with me," Anakin blurts out, then realises what he just said and starts babbling. "I mean, we're already here and it's almost over now, but it's the only beautiful thing on this Force-forsaken planet."

"Oh, I'm not so sure about that," Obi-Wan grins as Anakin's eyes widen. He opens his mouth, thinks better of it and closes it, looking at anything but Obi-Wan. Taking pity on him, Obi-Wan holds his hand toward him to help him get up. "Also, Anakin, the next time you want to punish yourself, please choose to do it on another planet than Tatooine. I don't think I can handle one more day of the suns trying to roast me like an Endorian chicken."

"Yes Master, your fair skin will be my first consideration the next time I turn to the dark side."

"I'm sure it will," he teases, squeezing Anakin's hand as he pulls him into a sitting position.

Anakin rolls his eyes, but quickly ducks his head to hide his reddened cheeks.

And then it hits him.

Right at this moment, seated next to his former padawan, their feet dangling above the desert, easy banter and the quiet tune of their signatures melting into each other again, Obi-Wan is happy. Even if Anakin is still dangerously close to the dark side, even if the war isn't completely over yet, even if he's not going to get away with deliberately ignoring the Council's messages for the past few months, Obi-Wan feels at peace. Content.

Eyes closed, he whispers his thanks to the Force for not taking another one of the most important people in his life away from him.

He doesn't need to look at Anakin to know he's wondering what he's doing, and his smile only grows before taking his hand in his own. Anakin makes a surprised noise, raising his head to look at him. His expression turns almost alarmed when Obi-Wan cups his face, thumb rubbing lightly against his cheek.

"We'll figure it out, Anakin. I won't leave you."

He's framing his face with both hands now, and can’t resist pressing his lips to his forehead. Anakin's signature turns impossibly brighter at the touch, and between the new uproar of feelings tangled together, Obi-Wan notices a tinge of desire and want, that will definitely be analysed later and probably used to tease him a bit more. This shade of red does look lovely on his cheeks, he notices, pleased.

But he will have time to embarrass him further later. Now, Obi-Wan just wants to enjoy the moment with him.

"...Also because I can't. The starship I borrowed has been making a worrying rattling noise since I left the Mid Rim. It's a miracle I arrived on Tatooine in one piece, and there is no way I'm putting another foot in it before you can assure me that it won't explode the moment I activate the hyperdrive regulator."

Anakin bursts into laughter. "Borrowed? Who did you steal it from this time?"

"I would never—" Obi-Wan scoffs, falsely indignant at the accusation.

"Don't lie, Master, it's unbecoming of you."

"I left a very apologetic note behind, if you must know."

Anakin laughs again, and it warms Obi-Wan's heart like nothing has managed to for the past seven months. He leans on his side to rest his head against Obi-Wan's, bumping his shoulder with his. There isn't any space left between them.

"What would you do without me, Master?"

"Crash and burn, probably." 

Basking in the golden light of the sunset, Obi-Wan tries not to burst with how warm he feels with Anakin messy locks tickling his face and Anakin's breath near his ear and Anakin's hand in his.

The last of Tatooine’s suns goes down in front of them. 

The most comforting of infernos, Obi-Wan thinks as the scorching heat of Anakin's signature clings to him too tightly.

He doesn't mind burning at all.

[soobasaur]

can i request a cute seungmin au? maybe based off the song loving is easy by rex orange country? just smth super fluffy 🥺

i (skin) care about you

— a seungmin x reader au

kim!seungmin x gender!neutral reader established relationship!!

« masterlist

before you started to date seungmin you had labeled him as a big tsundere

always giving you an uninterested look as you walked past or initiated conversation with anyone next to him

later you figured out you just had to knock on his shell before out tumbled a soft seungmin

and after a couple months of dating you both had figured out one another’s favorite activities

and for seungmin that was skin care

the boy loved a good spa day

the first time you had went over to his place you were instantly hit my the aroma of mango and citrus

and when you stepped into his bathroom the shelves were stuffed to the brim with multiple products

out of the two of you seungmin wore more makeup then you

often trying out eyeshadow looks on you

he even taught you how to perfect your eyeliner

so it wasn’t a surprise to you when he wanted to relax he would put on some soothing music and a face mask

but recently he started getting you to tag along

and seeing him wearing a cute face mask??

sign yourself tf up there’s no way your missing that

he would never admit to it but seungmin absolutely adored taking care of you

he found more enjoyment in carefully applying masks to you then himself

and don’t get him started on nails!! he loved doing ur nails

and sometimes you guys even had matching nails :’)

it was a great way for you guys to catch up and talk while he tried out whatever new design he had been thinking of on you

he’ll even do your hair for you >///<

you were like his little test subject sjjdjk

and his hands were always soft when you held them since he took care of his skin

and hIS LIPS

were so fucking soft omg

seungmin always said he wouldn’t kiss you if you had chapped lips

but what better way of moisturizing your lips other then kissing your boyfriend !!

spa days also meant taking baths together~

( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

he always had bubble bath lying around and didn’t waste time dumping it in

blowing bubbles into your face to annoy you was his favorite hobby ♡´･ᴗ･`♡

sharing kisses while he washes your hair <3

he also was a god at giving massages

you tried to repay him with the same gesture but he always insisted he should be the one doing it

candles,,,

candle shopping was one of his addictions

you couldn’t go to the mall without him dragging you to the nearest bath & body works and having you smell every single candle with him

flashback to the one time you tried lighting a candle in his house and almost dropped it onto the floor

you were never trusted to again :[[

you always went home with more candles then clothes

he had an whole closet dedicated to storing them

and don’t even try getting him a candle for his birthday

he probably already owns them all (ᗒᗣᗕ)՞

(ur totally not speaking from experience)

all in all, dating seungmin comes with automatic clear skin

fr he was like ur dermatologist

“how is my skin so clear ?!?”

“cus of me,” insert seungmin doing jazz hands

but seungmin always reassured you that you were beautiful no matter what

don’t think otherwise !!

having acne is completely normal :]

seungmin helped you love yourself more everyday and in return you fell harder for him everyday

it was perfect

and one day you’ll get seungmin to admit he loves you more then his fruity scented candle

(⊃｡•́‿•̀｡)⊃

[rokutouxei]

like flashes of starlight

genshin impact | G | 4331 | ao3 link in bio xiao / aether

summary: Xiao’s entire existence is rooted in Liyue, all thousands of years of his life, and when he begins to develop a fondness for a traveler whose journey takes him farther than he can ever imagine, he finds himself seeing his much smaller world, its time and space, a little differently.

--

Liyue Harbor will always be in a state of flux—always changing, always inviting the newness of the world into its docks. History will paint it in vibrant colors, its most beautiful traditions alongside the innovations of ever-changing cultures. But to Xiao, Liyue will always be the same.

His Liyue. His to protect. Rex Lapis’ Liyue.

The fittings may change, but the core is the same.

When he’d first met the traveler, a thought crossed his mind that slowly embedded itself deep into his consciousness. Xiao knew with one glance that Aether was not of Teyvat. The way he held himself; the way he wielded his elemental powers; the mere energy of him was not human, or demon, for that matter. Aether felt like something different, like the night sky, broad and all-encompassing to those on the ground.

Had Xiao’s apprehension not superseded his curiosity, he would have asked: what does Liyue look like, to an outsider like you?

As a fellow outsider, do you see it as I do?

-

Rex Lapis’ decree is simple. Protect Liyue. Vanquish demons. Restore order through slaughter. Purge evil through battle. Nothing more, nothing less. The five yakshas' existence, purpose, and meaning all lie within that framework of being the weaponry by which Liyue is guaranteed safety.

As the last remaining of the five, despite being also assisted by the many remaining adepti, Xiao holds his mission close to his heart.

When the threat of Osial befalls Liyue, both the mortal millelith and Qixing, and the mighty, illuminated adepti come to the rescue. It is not easy to put aside their differences, but in the end they come together to fight for their nation, standing on top of the Jade Chamber, overlooking the monstrous water dragon haunting them all from the past. All are willing to fight until their deaths. But there is another one, standing on the battlefield, that does not need to be there—and yet is there—and does not back down despite every opportunity he gets.

Aether.

Aether is not of Liyue. Aether doesn’t even look like he’s from anywhere in Teyvat, for that matter, the true fittings of an actual wanderer, as if he were from an entirely different world of his own. And yet he is here. Bruised and still injured from a previous battle—he had heard the floating girl that they had come from the Golden House, and a battle with a Fatui Harbinger had led to the summoning of Osial—Aether still stands with the rest of them, ignoring any weariness from previous battles.

“What can I do?” he offers, and the adepti share a look at each other as if gauging the situation. They know. It is not exactly easy to hide that Aether is not like other travelers, other adventurers. They lend him their power. Slowly, gauging how much he can handle of their energies. They convene on the ballista, fighting Fatui and avoiding the strikes of the fallen god, water blasting them painfully.

At some point during the battle, Aether and Xiao meet back-to-back as they dodge from an attack. The former glances at the adeptus with an unreadable smile.

Xiao has long been used to being the strongest one on the battlefield, the one most proficient at killing. But with Aether here by his side—blocking and returning a strike, a Fatui agent dropping to the ground—there is a feeling that fills him about having someone near his equal, if not even stronger, fight with him.

Excitement? Thrill?

The tiniest bit of lax, like he would be safe with him?

So when the ballista cracks open with a particularly hard strike, and Aether has no choice but to obey gravity, Xiao does not fight the instinct to leap between debris to catch him before he lands on the ground.

Only a quiet tsk comes out of him once Aether is safely in his arms, to which the other’s gasp of surprise melts into a brief, sheepish grin.

He'd imagined the traveler would ease his murderous workload—not add to it. And right now, Liyue might be lucky to have a willing outsider to help them out in such a time of crisis, but like this… Xiao wonders if the nation will be any safer with a savior as reckless as him.

-

Aether calls it an offering out of jest. Xiao seems exasperated every time, but he does not reject the plate of almond tofu that gets offered to him anyway. Besides, it tastes different when it’s the traveler that makes it.

It is unfair in a way that Xiao hears ahead if Aether might pass by the Wangshu Inn—related to commissions from Verr Goldet or Huai’an, or perhaps from a brief sighting of him from the mountains of Liyue. But he finds it no sort of nuisance, because that only gives him more time to prepare himself to meet the traveler.

The plates of almond tofu, like all offerings to archons and adepti, are made with a wish in mind. Like this, Aether subtly asks for a sliver of time, a moment with some company other than his floating companion. And the Xiao before Osial, before saving Liyue, well, he would have turned him down, would have thanked him for the plate and then disappeared into the night, but—

Here, he does not.

Instead, he guides Aether up to the rooftop of Wangshu Inn. Here, the history of Liyue unfolds behind Xiao’s eyes, a history he knows like the back of his hand. Jueyun Karst to the left. Dihua Marsh to the right. And should the night be quieter, and Xiao allows himself to stand on the lower floor, there are the broken ruins in Guili Plains, where the war he had fought still rings clear.

Wangshu Inn fills his mind deafeningly with memories, but when Aether is there, all goes quiet.

Sometimes, Aether talks to him. Speaks to him of developments in his journey, or about a notable yet stray monster that he had fought with. Other times, it is mundane stories of his adventuring with Paimon. But a lot of times, Xiao’s company seems to be enough, Aether looking out at the view with an indistinct expression on his face.

It is in moments like these that Xiao recognizes something in Aether that he’s only ever seen in a mirror.

A deep welling of sadness. One that has been sharpened and smoothened and shaped by time.

Is this why Aether smiles at him like he understands his loneliness?

“My sister,” he said once, voice nearly just a whisper, “I’ve never been without her this long.” And that was it. No other explanation. He does not expound on what it means. It feels too heavy to say anything more than that. So when Aether leans his head against his shoulder, awake but not quite in his head, Xiao lets him, letting his questions disappear in an exhaled breath.

Eventually, if the Archons allow them, Aether will know of his secrets in time. And Xiao will know of his secrets in time.

Right now, it does not feel like it is his to ask.

But he can stay, he can keep watch, so that he does.

-

It isn’t that Xiao does not understand what draws the citizens of Liyue—and other nations as well—to the yearly celebration of Lantern Rite, it’s just that such a loud and joyous eruption of fervor has always had a different connotation to him, the one who protects Liyue from the monsters hiding in their shadows.

While Aether explores the newly-decorated streets of Liyue with the enthusiasm of a young tourist, streamers of red and lanterns bathing the city in a beautiful gold, Xiao looks over the harbor feeling like a foreigner. He hates the Lantern Rite. And not only because of the general adepti dislike of mortal life. Of course, he will never be one to complain about his duty, but the pain… The Lantern Rite is flashy and joyful—exacerbating the usual haze of the residual hatred of defeated gods.

On those days, Xiao finds no rest.

(Not that any kind of rest has ever been truly restful, not in what seems like ten thousand years.)

No room to breathe. Only the briefest of moments between fighting tainted monsters that spawn from the ground, his spirit black and blue and choking from corruption.

His one fear is what would happen to Liyue if one day, he becomes unable to fight?

When the karma that weighs down on him becomes too much for him to bear?

He has to continue to believe in his battle, lest he forgets it.

He sees the lanterns and chants to himself, like forcing himself to believe it:

It is worth it.

A camp of hilichurls reek blackness, slowly creeping into the territory of Wangshu Inn. There are innocent people there. As silently as possible, as to not draw any more attention, he quickly clears them, granting no mercy. Their anger dissipates from their bodies and sinks into his skin.

It is worth it.

Their eyes all black now, growling and hissing, a group of vengeful, corrupted treasure hoarder spirits track a caravan carrying stocks of food and materials on its way to Liyue Harbor. They promise sickness and death to whatever they touch. Before the driver and the millelith even notice him creeping by, the spirits are dealt with. When he breathes in, he feels them calling him unforgivable.

It is worth it.

He’s never been partial to crowded areas, not with his constitution being as it is. He’d rather be as far away from other people as possible, as to not bring any more danger than he already must. All of this human experience of the Lantern Rite—peeking in between stalls, checking wares, tasting the festival food, creating lanterns—are for individuals like the traveler.

There is evil out there to be cleansed, he does not have time for “merriment.”

Which is why he does not understand why Aether does not understand.

Why they insist to “bring the Lantern Rite to him”, serve him food that reminds him of sweet, sweet dreams. What they get out of dragging him all the way to the outskirts of Liyue Harbor, if only to overlook the Mingxiao lantern, a quiet reminder of a battle fought what feels like eons ago. The closer they get to the festivities, the more Xiao feels out of place, the more he wants to run.

But he does not, because Aether is by his side. And on the walk to the harbor, he asks Xiao about the Lantern Rite, as if he hasn’t heard about it before. Forces Xiao to form the words with his own mouth. Filling in the blanks when he no longer knows what to say; when he’s forgotten what it truly is now, to the people he is protecting, what happens on the stage while he is on the sidelines.

That the Lantern Rite is a celebration of the new year, a thanksgiving for the previous year’s joys, and a prayer in anticipation for the coming year’s blessings. That the Lantern Rite is a commemoration of its long past, its commercial hub status getting adorned with its intricate history, traders and storytellers coming together to speak of old wars and adepti and long-fallen gods.

Lanterns as beacons in the night, guiding bygone heroes back to their homeland.

Aether could be fair and say it as well, but he gives Xiao a taste of his own medicine and lets it sink in on its own.

This celebration is for you too, Xiao.

And when the traveler is long gone, he and Paimon in the streets of Liyue no doubt looking in awe and wonder at the culmination of the Lantern Rite festivities, Xiao sits on top of the mountainside on the outskirts watching Liyue light up with brilliance.

And he tells himself:

It’s worth it.

This is worth it.

Perhaps on the next Lantern Rite, Xiao wouldn’t mind taking a walk in the city with him.

-

No one prays to adeptus Xiao.

Not in the same way other adepti have served the citizens of Liyue, at the very least. There are no prayers of good tidings and great harvest; no pilgrimages made up to abodes to seek wisdom.

This has never bothered Xiao in the slightest, not in his hundreds of years of service.

It is better off this way. He doesn’t have what other adepti like Mountain Shaper or Cloud Retainer can offer, no knowledge and insight that he finds worth sharing. Even half-adepti like Ganyu would perhaps have more to give to a longing pilgrim.

The only thing Xiao can give is his executioner’s blow.

That doesn’t stop him from hearing them cry. Wishes for death from the most desperate, like silent bells tolling in the dead of the night. Demands for violence that are whispered into the traitorous air, reaching his ears without fail. They don’t have to speak his name for him to feel their prayers.

They twist, turn, mutate into the most horrible of requests, the hatred and miasma from old fallen gods corrupting even the most innocent of pleas, Xiao’s spear materializing in his hand as if on instinct, to kill, to eradicate, to cleanse, to kill kill kill kill—

This is why Xiao does not like to sleep.

Slumber means dropping his guard, letting the swirl of the voices take over him until he’s at his most vulnerable. Sleep is only more cause for trouble.

The yaksha soon learns, however, that sometimes, it is worth the spare openness; his emotions remaining unsaid and yet seen, somehow, because Aether is Aether. Xiao wonders if, to the traveler, he is transparent. Aether does not even flinch when Xiao misses to restrain the growl that crawls up his throat in response to the clamor of pain. Instead, the golden-haired boy readjusts where he’s resting his head on Xiao’s shoulder, and reaches the small distance to place his hand on his. Rubs two, three gentle lines with his thumb on the back of the adeptus’ hand before he promptly falls back into slumber, a well-deserved afternoon nap after a long morning of commissions.

Xiao’s spear dematerializes without a sound.

And, equally quietly, loud in its silence, Xiao rests his head against Aether’s, and closes his eyes.

-

Anger is not an emotion Xiao would associate with Aether, and yet here they are, at the highest peak of Qingce Village in the late afternoon, after he had asked Xiao if he knew someplace quiet where they would not be interrupted.

“I don’t understand,” he says, sat down with his arms on his knees, his head on his arms, curled up in a ball. Xiao stands next to him with his arms crossed over his chest, listening patiently. “She didn’t want to. …I’d finally found her, and yet…” There lingers the quiet kind of anger, voice calm yet cold. On the inside, Aether is trembling with irritation and swaying with dismay. The backlash of betrayal. “We’ve been separated for more than five hundred years.”

I’ve never been without her this long.

For what seems like an eternity after that, Aether is quiet. Understandably so. This is none of Xiao’s concern, at least not in the sense where he would have the duty to step in, and yet the chaos of it is one he could only ascribe to be some sort of nightmare. Perhaps similar to the ones he gets often. He imagines Aether’s world turned cleanly upside down—those he had considered his greatest allies now potentially his worst enemies; and that he had thought was his enemy is under the hand of the one person he trusts the most in the entire universe.

It is heavy.

In the silence, Xiao recalls when there were still five yakshas around. How the mist of karmic pain that entangled around them for eons of dutiful slaughter had begun to choke them, turn them into twisted versions of themselves. He had seen each of them fall from being unable to tolerate the agony.

He worries the same might happen to Aether. He worries that when that happens, he will only be able to watch, the same way he did back then.

That he would have to be the last resort to slay him.

It is only when the sun is long out of the sky when Aether speaks again, his voice hoarse as if he’d been screaming, sobbing openly—“I want to go home.”

Xiao… places a comforting hand over Aether’s shoulder. He knows that Aether would have been ready to go in a heartbeat. That Teyvat and Khaenri’ah are nothing but a blip in the grand canvas of his journeys. And that, unlike him, all permanent miasma and choking with his feet sunk into the ground, unable to move, forever rooted in Teyvat, in Liyue, in his karma, Aether has and always will be like flashes of starlight, beautiful and faint and gone in a moment.

That he would be gone before Xiao learns how to miss him.

The only question the yaksha has is, when he finally goes, if he would take the rest of Xiao’s heart with him.

-

He would have pulled a classic “foolish mortals” had he known no better about Aether’s own expansive lifetime. Like this, then, perhaps they are the same in their foolishness. At least the citizens of Liyue know better than to acquaint with him, their guardian whose only strength is in pursuing death. They hear the mere word of him and they scutter in the opposite direction. It is better that way. It is safer that way.

But Aether does not, and now it is too late.

Xiao stays up late wondering how much of what has befallen Aether is from him. How much of it is his own karma, spread by their bond—whatever sense he may make out of it—and leading to the other’s pain? Aether complains of nightmares, of being in that domain and calling out for his sister, only to be pushed back, thrown off, like he had never been wanted in the first place.

So Xiao sets up for an apology for what he has done, the least he can do for spreading the black miasma that surrounds him into someone unrelated like Aether, but the latter only throws him a look of confusion that slowly evolves into a now-familiar, cryptic smile.

“Why would I want to sever it?” Aether asks, “I’ve never thought of that, Xiao.”

Xiao is quiet, too dumbfounded to say another word.

So instead, Aether puts his hands over his hips and says, “When I am in Liyue, you make me strong, Xiao, knowing you are out here protecting the land as well. I have no regrets about being close to you.”

Then stay, Xiao nearly says.

“What does Liyue look to you,” Xiao finally asks, though he intones it not quite like a question, like he’s still apprehensive about it. Aether turns back toward him, all gold eyes and hair, stars in the night sky.

“Beautiful,” the traveler answers immediately, as if he had long thought of it that way. “Rich in its history, steeped in tradition. And with guardians that look after it long after the people have forgotten them in time. It’s a stunning nation.”

Then stay.

“I know you keep yourself all wrapped in secrecy for the people, but—think about it, everything they do is in debt to you.”

“A debt that does not need to be repaid,” Xiao says. “I only follow through Rex Lapis’ original decree.”

“And that’s exactly why it’s so praiseworthy.” Aether nods to himself. “It’s a negative cycle where only you bear all the consequences. Had they known about you—should they still honor you the way they did then—they would see you as the hero that you are, Xiao. As the hero I see you as.”

Then stay.

Yanxiao avoids eye contact with Xiao but does not hesitate in giving Aether a judgmental look when he orders a plate of almond tofu for breakfast. What the cook doesn’t know is that it’s a reward for a restless night of nightmares, and an apology for a friendship that has always been wanted.

For the something more that cannot be claimed.

As they share the plate of sweet dreams, Xiao realizes, while looking at Aether enjoying a bite, that one day, like everything else that has happened in the past, he might be able to forgive himself—forgive Aether—for what they have done to each other. No grudge can last a thousand years. And should the thousand years pass—well, Aether would have been long gone, and Xiao knows better than to dig himself an even deeper grave for his sorrows.

Xiao has lived more than a thousand years in the loneliness, where there is only his spear and his darkness, but now, bathed in starlight, he feels lost and ill at ease. Perhaps, in a different life, things would not have ended this way, and there would have been compromises to be made, and there would have been promises to be kept. He considers the possibility of a universe where that occurs, if it would be better, if it would be worse.

The young-seeming adeptus searches his heart, only to find no answers.

 -

The prowess of that one mortal Beidou is not one that has escaped Xiao, and once Aether informs him that she would be allowing him safe passage into the closed country of Inazuma, Xiao is certain the traveler would be alright. It doesn’t entirely ease his worries, however, so once the day of departure arrives, he slips into the nearby Guyun Stone Forest to observe the ship as it prepares to sail away.

His mind is so clouded he doesn’t hear Aether approaching him from behind.

“Xiao?”

The adeptus feels a pang in his chest in the other’s tone of surprise; on the other hand, a breeze of thankfulness fills his heart—perhaps he is less see-through than he’d once thought. He turns to the golden-eyed boy with his usual blank face, hoping his mask does not break.

Paimon speaks before he can. “Are you here to say goodbye, Xiao?”

“Hmph.” If he was, he would need more coaxing to admit it. “I wanted to see to it the ship wouldn’t sink before you’ve even left Liyuen premises.”

Aether smiles like he knows what that sentence really meant. Xiao wonders if Aether really understands, or he just likes to believe it is that way. “Thank you.”

He’d promised once, after all, that he would protect Aether, hear his call, for as long as he is in Liyue. Anywhere beyond there… is entirely out of his jurisdiction.

“You know,” Paimon begins, crossing her small arms over her chest, “Paimon thinks it would be great if Xiao came with us. Then I wouldn’t be worrying so much about you getting in weird stuff, Aether.”

Xiao gets interrupted before he can reply. “That wouldn’t be a nice thing to ask, Paimon,” he explains, patting the fairy’s head gently before turning to Xiao. “Liyue is Xiao’s home, he belongs here. I can’t take that away from him—and him away from Liyue. Don’t you think, Xiao?”

Home, huh?

Two pairs of gold eyes meet, and in the other, Xiao sees a longing that he wonders is what foolish mortals would call love.

“May your journeys allow you to reach your sister soon,” is, instead, what Xiao settles with, and Aether pulls out another one of his cryptic smiles. Like he hears the Thank you. Like he hears the Liyue—and I—will always be here. Like he understands the I hope you, too, reach and return to that place where you belong.

Like he knows this is a goodbye, but of a different sort.

Xiao is too far from where they are to be visible when the two get on the ship. They wave vaguely in his direction, his attention called back by a whisper of his name in a familiar voice, carried by the sea breeze. Xiao watches as the anchor gets hoisted, the sails opened, and the ship begins to make its way into the great sea. Once it is out of his sight, he has no way to find out if Aether will be alright.

At dusk, the stars are beginning to come out, perfect for wayfinding. Its deep blueness is all-encompassing, as if cradling Xiao in familiar darkness.

The adeptus raises his head to the wide sky. The god he has worshipped is dead. Only Archons know where his pleas will end up in. But even if he does not know who will hear his wishes, for Aether—he prays.

-

Time is a silly thing. At first, a day feels like a hundred years, and then, a hundred years pass by in what feels like mere days.

What felt like the entire world once is now but a passing memory.

Liyue Harbor will always be in a state of flux—always changing, always inviting the newness of the world into its harbors. History will paint it in vibrant colors, its most beautiful traditions alongside the innovations of ever-changing cultures. But to Xiao, Liyue will always be the same.

Once, there was a traveler that roamed the landscape of Liyue, changing it and influencing it wherever he went. Shifting its colors; turning it upside down; leaving his stardust on it.

Liyue will always be the same.

The same harbor.

The same rooftop on Wangshu inn.

The same cliffside in Qingce.

The places Xiao went to, trying to understand what Liyue looked like to one who had come from the heavens, looking down.

The traveler he wished on stars to.

Xiao still finds him everywhere, in things beautiful and faint and gone in a moment.

[wesimpforxiao]

Say My Name, and I’ll Be There: 2.2

"We're here," Zhongli nodded approvingly as he soaked in their surroundings.  "The hidden pools of Huaguang Stone Forest."

"I never would have guessed something like this was hidden here," Aether marveled at the sight before him.  "This world truly is beautiful."

Indeed it was.  Zhongli had led them to an underground cavern that held glowing pools of water.  The space was illuminated by tens of geo crystalflies floating about, mostly because they didn't know the way out of the cave.  The entrance was at the base of one of the several stone pillars erected into the sky, hidden behind layers of vine.

"Paimon didn't know this existed, either!" Her eyes sparkled as bright as the crystalflies.  "Could you imagine how much mora could be made off of this tourist spot?!"

"These mineral pools date back several millennia.  Many gods used to use this as a sort of vacation spot or to heal injuries received from battles--"  He turned to look at you, "--which is why I thought to bring you here.  The medicinal properties of these pools will remove any lingering soreness in your leg."

"T-thank you, Mr. Zhongli."  You bowed, your face heating up from the awkwardness you felt.

"It's a little warm in here, don't you think?"  Childe pulled at his collar with annoyance.  He had returned from his homeland in order to travel with Aether, so he was still getting adjusted to the warmer weather of Northern Liyue.  Sweat dripped from his brow.

"Indeed, the spring months have begun to warm the cavern.  In the summer, it acts as a sauna." Zhongli removed his gloves and trailed his fingers across the surface of the water.

"Well it's a good thing it's not summer," Childe let out a laugh of relief.  He started unbuttoning his top and removed it altogether.

"T-tartaglia!" You yelped and hurriedly faced the opposite direction.  "You can't just--"  Your objections were interrupted by Zhongli and Aether also removing their shirts.  "You too?!"

"Paimon doesn't see the problem! They're baths, right?"

"Paimon is correct.  Is it not common courtesy to remove one's clothes to bathe and relax?"  Zhongli retied his hair and looked at you from his peripheral vision.  

"I-I mean...you're right, but..."  Your eyes landed on Xiao, who was the only one of your teammates that kept their clothes on.  "I'm the only girl on the team and--"

"I'll cut them if they so much as look in your direction," Xiao conjured his lance and set it beside him to prove he was serious.

"We wouldn't do that!" Aether winced at the echoed sound of the lance hitting the stone floor.  He hopped into one of the three luminescent pools.

Zhongli was indifferent as he lowered himself into another one of the pools.  He watched the crystalflies floating around before closing his eyes.  Childe, on the other hand, scoffed at Xiao.

"I see what you're doing, yaksha.  Trying to play the nice guy so you can get a peek for yourself, are you?"  Sharp eyes lingered over Xiao.

Xiao didn't take the bait and remained silent.  He knew all too well what the Harbinger was trying to do.  

"Hmph.  Thought so," Childe resumed his normal composure and joined Zhongli in the pool.

"You should get in.  You won't have to ride my back anymore."  Xiao briefly glanced your way before picking his lance up and facing the pools to make sure no one--mainly Childe--would try to watch you.

"O-okay," you hesitantly began to move.  You hid behind a large slate of rock and removed your clothes with unsteady hands.  Once down to your underwear, you quickly moved to the empty pool with your back facing your teammates.  You pulled your knees to your chest since the dim light of the cavern was still bright enough to illuminate your bare skin.  

The water was as clear as glass, and you could see a faint blue glow around your wound that was coupled with a ticklish tingling.  The dull ache was gone in nearly an instant.  You were too busy staring at the glowing water to notice that Paimon had joined you.

"Wow, so it really works! Paimon loves this place!"  She plopped herself into the water fully dressed without a care in the world.  "Hey Xiao, are you gonna join the rest of us?"

"I have no need for this luxury," he answered.

"Vigilant Yaksha," Paimon muttered under her breath.

"Paimon! The cabbages!" Aether warned.

"Oh! Uh, right!  Sorry Xiao!"

"This is nicer than I expected," Childe sunk into the pool until only his head remained above water.  "I can feel all the tension leaving my body."

"Yes, it is quite relaxing."  Zhongli answered without opening his eyes.

You finally gathered the courage to ask yourself.  "Are you sure you don't want to join us, Xiao?  It's nice to relax every once in awhile."

"I...have no need."  Childe and Zhongli picked up on the hesitant answer, the latter finally opening his eyes to sneak a peek at Xiao's face.  Did his resolve just weaken over the fact that it was you who asked him?  The yaksha stood up straighter as if he noticed Zhongli's thoughts.  "It is not in my contract with Rex Lapis. I will do no such thing."

Zhongli let out a low chuckle at this.  "Very well then."

I guess it was worth a try, you thought to yourself, still oblivious to the fact that Xiao had actually considered your proposal.  Wait, why did you feel bummed out from his answer?  It wasn't like you were trying to get him naked--though the thought did bring a blush to your cheeks.  

A splash to the back of your head interrupted your embarrassing thoughts.  "Hey!"  You spun around and peeked over the small wall that acted as the barrier for the next pool over.  Childe was grinning mischievously at you.

"Why don't you join us over here?"

"No thank you!"  You flushed red and sunk back into your pool.  You knew he got a rise out of messing with you.  Another splash of water enveloped you.  "Childe, I swear--"

"Oops," he said unconvincingly.

You nearly got up to splash him back, but stopped yourself just before you rose over the wall--you realized you'd be giving every guy in the room a sight to behold if you went through with your revenge.  You returned to your original position with a huff.  "Ugh, just screw off and let me be already!"

So that's the angle you're playing at, Xiao narrowed his eyes at the Harbinger.  Since he was still standing in the same spot, he accidentally got a view of your side rising out of the water.  "I suppose I'll join you after all."

"Oh?" Zhongli opened one eye to address the adeptus.  "What changed your mind?"

"Nothing."

You blushed and looked the other way as Xiao removed his clothes and joined the pool they were in.  He sat so that he was the closest one to you, with your backs facing one another.  He had conveniently sat in Childe's line of fire so he couldn't provoke you further.  A cold look passed over the Harbinger's face before he looked away.

Xiao's actions didn't go unnoticed by the previous Geo Archon.  Zhongli could feel the tension between his subordinate and the Fatui agent and closed his eyes once again.  She may not have noticed, but Xiao has grown rather fond of her these past few months.  His actions speak more than he does.  He stole a peak at the annoyed Harbinger.  This may pose problems for the group though...this may ignite a fuse.  Or perhaps he has another motive for antagonizing the girl?

[just-genshin-things]

With love, your Venti

"You saved my life", he finally gasped out. 

 "Hehe."

Liyue has been quiet those days — like nobody has been there for years. Xiao, due to the silence, was feeling like he was the only person in the world. That feeling made him very melancholic and brought back some memories — if he was to be the last human, nothing would have change. Because he has always been alone.

Xiao couldn't fit it with any people. They were leaving him, every time— death or fear — they were all gone.

Nothing was immortal for Xiao, except his own feelings and associations. Flowers were rotten, animals were dying, people were dying and only the sky was still blue. It has never been and never will it be different. Even if he tries to beg Rex Lapis to return his life, he was stuck with his polearm, watching Liyue and taking care of all mortals.

And he was good with that. If he was to keep his memories of a flute melody, he could do his work for eternity.

How many years have passed since he last heard that sound?

Xiao missed that night and he only ever slept in order to return specifically to that scene. For green bard with two braids.

Liyue was quiet these days and he couldn’t repair that. Only things that he could do was getting rid of any danger to protect the people. He could not sing nor play flute to calm any person down. His bloodstained hands couldn’t create anything beautiful, like he did.

At night, nothing was changing — Liyue was still silent. At least, he killed a few monsters and took bath in the adepti lake to finally get some rest. He must distract himself from his thoughts. The need to hear that melody again was too strong for him — all because of this calm day. The silence took him to remember that night, when negative karma took over his body for his endless slaughter. It was quiet then and nobody was there.

To be honest, Xiao thought he was just about to face the death. Like his comrades did.

He couldn't accept that — he couldn't die that fast, he still had a contract to fulfill, for Rex Lapis. Then Xiao screamed agonisingly, punching the ground with his fist. Maybe Rex Lapis could hear it? Maybe he was already on his way to help him, the last yaksha.

Yet it wasn’t Rex Lapis who heard his screams. Barbatos did.

Then, he heard a flute . A pleasant sound with melancholic and cold breeze. His whole body got relaxed and the mask disappeared. Xiao could finally breathe again with ease, his eyes stopped flooding from the huge pain he had just been in. Negative karma was all gone so fast as if it had never been there.

The archon of wind was gone too before the Yaksha could thank him. Xiao remembered the song and sighed, closing his eyes. That  always made him feel safe and sound. But why was that feeling so real? Did he remember it so well? No, this couldn’t be true...

He open his eyes extremely fast, when he realized that melody was playing right there, in that exact moment. He couldn't believe that. He looked up to the sky and saw a bard sitting one the hill, looking at the full moon and playing the same tune, just like years ago. He sounded longing which was what made the song more than magnifincent.

Barbatos was there, in front of him.

That couldn’t be his imagination or just a dream. Xiao was recalling seeing the archon of wind right there and couldn't believe this. Has he heard Xiao’s pathetic prayers? For many years, he prayed for him to meet again, as all he wanted wanted was to his ballads yet one more time.

Xiao really felt guilty while praying to Barbatos. The threat of Rex Lapis hearing him, being disappointed or angry scared him to the bone. After all, Archon of Geo named him and gave him life, gave him a chance, so why was he to feel closer with lord Barbatos? Could that be due to him once saving Xiao’s life? Rex Lapis also did save him, pulling him out of the Mad God’s trap.

So why was his feelings so deep? Was it because he has never forgotten that one night?

Xiao knew. It was his only chance to met lord Barbatos in a while, maybe in years or even millennials. For himself, for so many years of waiting for that moment. He might regret it, if he doesn't do it. Rex Lapis... forgive me, he thought. He felt like he commiting a crime, a betrayal to his lord. Yet, he couldn't help himself.

Xiao used his anemo vision to teleport to lord Barbatos on the hill. From this distance the melody was clearer and even more gorgerous than before. He felt hypnotised and couldn’t push himself to take a step, just as if he has got in a trap. He was in a trance, a wonderful trance which he could be stuck in forever.

Then, Lord Barbatos stop playing his flute. World had stopped for a while for Xiao, when the bard turned around, feeling someone's presence. But he didn't look scared — just composed.

Xiao has never thought he would be that charming. Wind caressed his face and then he started breathing again. He felt a familiar scent of Mondstandt flowers when Barbatos smiled, looking at him very gentle and satisfied.

"I remember you", he said.

Xiao blinked, when he heard his voice. He was so solicitous and just... delicate, as if he was talking to a close friend. Nobody had ever been like that to him, except for praying people from Wangshu Inn. They knew and trusted him, so it wasn't unusual. But Barbatos was the archon, he shouldn’t  be compassionate to him. Xiao didn't deserve this treatment. He never helped, he had never even made a sacrifice for him, only a quiet prayer said a few times.

He was devoted to Rex Lapis, except for his moment of weakness.

"You saved my life", he finally gasped out.

"Hehe."

Xiao frowned. Did he just... laugh at him? Xiao felt how his fingers tremble, when he clenched his fist on his polearm. His stomach cramped and his throat hurting. Xiao felt so stressed and uncomfy, but still very felicitous.

"I-I mean... thank you, lord Barbatos, you—"

"Call me Venti!", he overtook him. "No need for any thanks! I would do it again with pleasure, adepti Xiao." he said with sweet smile.

He knew my name, Xiao thought. He was in shook, he didn't expect their meeting would be... anything like that. As if it was only a few days that had passed. But the most important thing was Venti always remember that unfortunate night. He had to ask him to get the most significant answer of his life.

Xiao took a deep breath, looking at him very embarrassed.

"Lord Barbatos, why did you help me that night?" he whispered, abashed. Venti narrowed his eyes. Xiao felt like his heart was going explode, when he just threw up his arms.

"I don't really remember." he just said and then grinned widely. "Hey, adepti Xiao, can I ask you for a little favor?", Venti asked just like that.

"Of course, lord Barbatos', Xiao muttered, still shocked with his answer. He just... don't remember? He waited for his reply for several dozens of years just to hear that? He didn't sleep at nights, missing his melody and thinking about their possible reunion, yet he wasn't disappointed? Was it because he could just be with him right now?

"Buy me some alcohol, please", he said imploringly. "You look older than me".

"What?".

Xiao thought that if they were to meet again, Lord Barbatos would give him the most bloody and difficult mission in his life.

But then, he just asked him to bought him alcohol. That’s it. Without any hook. Without any contract. As if they were friends long time friends and Xiao owed him a favor.

"Alcohol, please. Maybe a beer? Or Liyue wine? I don't know, what is most popular liquor in Liyue. Can you show me, Xiao?" he smiled again, as he hid his flute in his bag.

"Of course, Lord Barbatos. I'll show you the finest alcohol in the most luxurious place", he said very seriously. If he have to do anything for him, he have to do the best he could.

"I told you. Call me Venti."

"Yeah... Venti." Xiao bit his lips. "But... Why are you in Liyue, if you don’t mind me asking?".

"Just going to meet my old friend and share some new gossips with him", he smirked and walked past him. Xiao shuddered, but didn’t say anything. He was constantly unsettled, feeling like it was a stupid dream. But Venti's touch on his arm; warm and delicate was real and brought him back to earth.

"Everything okay?", he asked gently, looking in his eyes. Xiao felt warmth covering his cheeks.

"Yeah, please hold on to me, Lord Barbatos".

Venti nodded as he tightly grasped Xiao’s foream and hand. Then, everything became dark and blurry.

"Yahoo, Liyue Harbor!", Venti said, when they had landed on the balcony of Wangshu Inn. Xiao let go of bard’s hands and sighed, looking at him.

"Is not a Liyue Harbor. We are in Wangshu Inn".

"Ohh... Why?".

"Because it is the only place where I can buy you any alcohol, lord Barbatos", Xiao answered him. "I'll take you to Liyue Harbor tommorow. First, you have to get some rest".

"Thank you for taking care of me, adepti Xiao", Venti smirked. "I'll put in a good word for you with Morax".

Xiao lightly blushed and quietly coughed.

"Thank you, lord Barbatos, but please don’t bother.. Actually, Rex Lapis hasn’t contacted me in years".

"I'll beat him up for that, don't worry!", Venti laughed, but then realized, that Xiao look turned a little dark when he mentioned the Archon of Geo. He quickly changed subject. "So, shall we have a drink?".

"Can I?", Xiao asked, startled.

Venti narrowed his eyebrows. He knew that Liyue’s culture is a little more respectful than in Mondstandt, but little did he know it was that much of politeness. He sighed and licked his lips.

"Of course you can, Xiao", he smiled. "It's like a date".

Xiao looked at him, he seemed so uncertain, that Venti felt like he didn't get his jokes, not making him laugh at all. Zhongli, you really don't care about your protégés, Venti though.

Venti knew that Xiao was a lonely spirit who didn’t have many friends, It was as clear as day, even at the first glance. He felt a little anger boiling inside him, when he realized the Geo of Archon didn't really pay attention to his adeptis, his prayers and guardians. Maybe he did that several years ago, but definitelly not now. It’s like he left them alone.

Venti used to always take care about Vennessa, as he is doing now with the knights and guardians of Mondstandt. He tried to make his people feel happy and safe. He of course knew that Zhongli had some specific methods, but didn’t he notice how badly he ruined the last yaksha? It's certainly not his bussiness and country, but Xiao... was very different. Venti didn't help him for no reason, but it wasn’t for Xiao to know, at least yet.

"Let's take a sit", Venti finally said. Xiao nodded and took him to his favorite place on the balcony. The scenery is really amazing, Venti thought, as he now remembered how impressive Liyue looks at night.

"I'll go to the chef".

Venti sighed, when Xiao headed inside. Maybe he shouldn't have asked an adepti for help like that. Although, Morax wouldn't mind. If the adeptis decided to choose their own path, he surely wouldn’t have anything against it. At this point, Venti was lucky that he met Xiao. It was relieving to meet him healthy after all these years.

Venti wanted to stay in Liyue a while—Mondstandt was really safe and independent those times, so he could take a small break. But had his priorities, he needed to try Liyue local alcohol first. He looked at Xiao, who was back from the kitchen. He sat in front of him and Venti saw that he took off his sleeve and the rest of his armor.

"Where is the rest of your clothing?", he asked.

"In my room. Should I go and put those back on, Lord Barbatos?".

"No! I was just... asking.", Venti laughed nervously. "I'm glad to know you feel safe around me".

"Of course I do," Xiao murmured, "You saved my life".

"It's not a big deal, trust me", he smiled. "I just like playing flute. If you want, I can play something for you later".

Xiao looked at him and Venti could to God (to himself?) that he seemed like a small puppy. Maybe he's a powerful and immortal adepti, but he's also a human. Even if he denied it, he still had weaknesses and things that he enjoyed. Venti was glad that he noticed it and smiled to him.

Xiao didn't answer, as a staff member of Wangshu Inn came with the order. Venti choked on the air, seeing it.

"Is something wrong?" Xiao asked calmly.

"It is too much!", Venti answered. "I just asked for alcohol, like one beer or a bottle of wine. Not every position on the alcohol card", he gasped, yet his eyes glowing with admiration.

Xiao raised his eyebrow.

"I didn't know what you like, so I asked for all of this".

"That’s not good. We can’t drink all of this". Venti said. "As much as I want to, the outcome might kill me".

"Wait. Alcohol can kill Archons?".

"... You’ve never drunk alcohol before, right?".

"That's for humans. I don't care about any of that".

Venti burst out with laughter.

"Let me show you what you missed", Venti said with a twinkle in his eye. He picked up a bottle of vodka and put it away. "That's not for us. It's Snezhnayan speciality, it could kill us both. First, you can try some beer".

Xiao sighed and took a glass of berry beer, looking at it with disgust.

"Okay".

Venti poured himself some wine made from lotus heads. It’s going to be a long night, he thought, when he noticed the aversion on Xiao’s face caused by sipping his drink.

Two glasses of beer and one bottle of wine later, Venti started regretting the fact that he invited Xiao to drink with him.

"I must protect Liyue", he hiccupped.

"I know, but first you need to go to sleep", Venti stated, holding on his slim waist tightly, not wanting him to fall on his face.

"Where is my polearm?", he asked.

Venti groaned, leading him to the room. Xiao had a smaller capacity than Venti thought, but on the other hand it was obvious. After all, he never drank before.

"Where is your room?".

Xiao looked at him tired eyes. For the first time Barbatos felt guilty for inviting someone for a drink. It always ended up funny, but Xiao was the guardian of Liyue. He didn't care about humans and things like liquor or meals. However, Venti still though that Xiao is more human than him. He was just hiding it very well.

"Here", he whispered, pointing at the nearest door on the right side. Venti nodded and tightened his grip on adepti’s waist. Finally, he led him to his room and looked around. What he saw was a very simple bedroom, as simple as it can be, with dark curtains and some antic decorations. Surprisingly, Xiao had many books and lectures. He felt a familiar scent, which made him blush.

He really keep it, Venti thought with a little smile. He looked at barely conscious adepti, who seemed very innocent in that state.

"Venti," Xiao suddenly spoke up, when Venti seated him to bed. "Can I try to play on your flute, please?".

"It is a bit unexpected, but sure", he smirked, stroking his head. He pulled out the flute, looking at Xiao.

He didn't seem like he could play any instrumment, but he could certainly try. Xiao had small and slim hands, a bit rough, but it didn't bother him at all. Actually, it was an advantage.

Venti sighed, playing a simple melody to show him what to do. Then, he just gave the flute to him, looking at him with cheering smile.

"Here you go. Just try it".

Xiao did the same thing like Venti, putting flute onto his lips. His fingers moved on the holes, creating a very clumsy, but cute song. Venti laughed, then started helping him with the holes. After that, it sounded a bit better. Venti smiled, enjoying the sound and looking gently at Xiao.

Then, he realized something.

"It's like an indirect kiss, don’t you think?", he asked him with spark in his eyes.

Xiao stopped playing, sighing. His cheeks blushed a little bit, giving flute back to Venti.

"It's like a date, after all.", he whispered.

Venti was speechless, his cheeks turned soft pink like silk flowers. He had not expected this, his heart started beating faster.

"You’re cute when you’re drunk", Venti laughed, pretending he didn't get shy. He got up from the bed, but Xiao suddenly grasped his hand. Venti startled, his face was still blushing, looking kindly at the adepti. For a moment, it was silent.

"I'm sorry, Venti", He looked at him with pure trust, having a very sleepy look on his face. "Can you play me a lullaby before you leave, please? I won’t ask you for anything else".

He was surprised by the question, but he immediately nodded and smiled to him. Venti was not able to deny him hanything, when he looked like that. "Of course, Alatus".

Venti reached out for his flute again and sayt on bed. Sheets smelled like Xiao, like the flowers that grow on top of the Liyue mountains. He didn't remember what they were called, as they wasn’t common in Mondstandt. Venti inhaled slightly and started playing.

It wasn't a ballad from that night. It was a new song, that he created specifically for the Guardian of Liyue. Venti made it that moment, thinking about Xiao and his ethereal eyes.

The same eyes, different color, but the same determination, had his old friend. An old friend, who helped Mondstandt gain freedom, but never saw it. When Venti missed him badly, he was playing that song, the one that helped Xiao that night.

And he did that, because Xiao reminded him of that person. They both were just as willing to sacrifice themselves, even If it was going to kill them.

When Venti stopped playing, he noticed Xiao long gone into the dreamland. He sighed and headed back to the balcony to drink some more. His head ached, when he took a long sip. Why were people dying so fast? Why couldn’t he stop the world? Even if Xiao was not affected by the passage of time, he could still die.

This is why Venti did not come near him for several years to visit, knowing that his feelings could kill him.

Xiao didn't say a word to Venti, when he woke up the next day. He wouldn’t admit to his head hurting and throat burning so bad. His hair was messed up, eyes looking very sleepy.

"You have a hangover", Venti laughed, looking at him. They were sitting on the same balcony as the day before. "Drink some water, you will feel better".

"I don't have hangover. I'm not a human", he said resentful, even though Venti was right.

"Then you don't want my water?".

"...I do".

"Here you go, my Xiao".

Xiao grasped on his glass of water, chugging it all down. When he finished, he looked at him with a little embarrassed look on his face. Venti smirked at him, shrugging his shoulders, as if nothing happened.

"I've got experience".

"I see", Xiao sighed, feeling much better. He refused to admit to not remember a single thing. "I hope you enjoyed the last night".

"Of course I did! I played you a lullaby", Venti chuckled.

And we kissed indirectly, but it was still a kiss, he thought, smilling. Xiao looked at him, surprised. He regretted that he couldn't hear that again, because he didn't really remember anything. He had fell asleep just like that, lulled by his sad ballad.

For the second time in his life.

What a shame.

"I see. Thank you, Lord Barbatos".

How could he agree to get drunk with an archon? Xiao felt disgrace. Although, if he refused, he would actually feel the same, because refusal to an archon was just ill-mannered. In addition to that, he was an adepti. He just hated human’s creations like alcohol and any stimulants, which bogged down minds. Xiao knew that this drinking session was the first and the last in his life.

Though, if Venti asked him again... No. Certainly no.

Xiao just hoped that he would never be in that position again.

"I told you. Call me Venti. Just Venti", he said, rolling his eyes. "After breakfast, are we going to Liyue Harbor?".

Xiao broke out of his thoughts and nodded, sighing. Venti grinned at him. "I cannot wait to see Morax", Venti stretched out his arms, looking very happy on his face. "We are best friends".

"I never heard about it".

Venti looked at him gloomily. His eyes turned dark, but he still smilling. He was looking literally sadistic. Xiao shivered, frowning his eyebrows. Maybe he shouldn't have said that, looking at his scary reaction.

"Long story short", Venti sighed, his aura was deadly and cold. "He used to be a villain to me. He once said he didn't like my music. So I brought tornados to Liyue. Then, we became best friends!".

Xiao’s eyelid twitched, when Venti came back to his charming version. He was looking like he enjoyed that old memory, even if he had almost turned Liyue to dust.

The adepti has never truly understood archons, so why did this one’s joke made him want to laugh? Xiao snorted and turned his head with his cheeks slightly blushed.

Xiao spoke up, a bit uncertain.

"Pack your bags, lord... Venti", he looked at the mountains from viewpoint. He made a decision. "We're leaving".

Archon of Wind smirked at him and left him to gather his luggage. Among with other things, was a collection of wine, which he assembled. Xiao rolled his eyes, but then, he unconsciously smiled at him.

He hadn't had so much fun in ages.

When Venti came back, he looked at him with his typical smile and took his hand, waiting for the strange feeling of teleporting.

"Let's go, adepti Xiao", he grabbed his waist as if it wasn’t the first time. The scent of the flowers hit Xiao's nostrils again, he blinked and took a deep breath. "Yahoo!".

Liyue Harbor was the same like he remember. A place full of happy people and cats to which he was allergic.

"Achoo!", Venti sneezed, hiding behind Xiao.

"I didn’t know archons can be allergic".

"You don't know a lot of things yet", Venti smirked, holding his arms. Xiao shuttered. "You must be allergic to humans, I suppose".

After those words, he released him and looked around. They weren’t in the center of the town yet,, but Venti could have already felt the aura of Morax. He sighed when he saw a bridge to the city full of guardians and slowly looked at Xiao. He was looking as if he didn’t want to be there.

"Won’t you go with me?”

"I must escort you safely. Go, Lord Barbatos. I'll be right behind to you". Venti rolled his eyes. Why Xiao was so stubborn?

"Don't be overdramatic and come with me. NEXT to me", he demanded, crossing arms on his chest. Xiao sighed, his eyelid trembled when he went to stand next to Barbatos. Whenever he stood by him, he could smell that delicate scent of Mondstandt flowers.

One time Qiqi gave him a couple of cecilias, claiming them to be a gift from an unknown traveller. That person asked her to pass these flowers to an adepti with amber eyes. Unfortunately, they had withered before she found him. But still these flowers smelled so pretty and Qiqi suggested him to dessicate them. Xiao did it and put the dried flowers in a pillowcase — magnificent smell helped him fallasleep, although he rarely slept. But thanks to them, he had only serene dreams.

The unknown traveler never came to Xiao’s mind, not bothering his head at all. He always thought that had been some stupid human, who tried to thank him for help or anything like that. For sure, that couldn't be Venti.

"Here we go!", Venti hummed, taking in Xiao’s arms.

The scent of flowers was almost suffocating, yet his silky touch was very calming. Xiao, looking at happy Venti, realized that, in fact, he too had blood on his pretty, yet harsh due to instruments playing hands. They were similiar on this aspect, but neither of them would admit it.

"Liyue is so biiiiig", Venti groaned. "I hate being here".

Xiao sighed, not knowing what to say.

"Me too".

Venti wanted to say something, but then he noticed the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor on their way. He let go of Xiao’s hand and ran up to the door, knocking on it with all of his might. When nobody was opening for a while, he just kicked door open and bursted inside, to Xiao's dismay. He didn't know if he was to go enter as well, but it was a better idea than standing in street full of people. Before he could go inside, Venti caught him by his clothes and pulled him in. Then, just closed door.

That was fast, Xiao thought.

"Morax!", he said with excitement, saw him sitting on the table while calmly drinking tea. Zhongli didn't look moved by their presence. "I missed you. Your valiant, lovable and charming yaksha escorted me to you. He deserves a reward".

"Xiao?", Zhongli said, startled. Then, he just sighed. "First, please sit down". Venti, smilling, took his seat and looked at Xiao. He was looking very awkward so Venti pulled him into a chair. Zhongli raised an eyebrow, looking little suprised.

"How did i earn this pleasant meeting?", he asked, looking at Venti. "Do you want anything to drink?".

"A wine, please. Just not lotus head one. I drinked that one yesterday", Venti smirked at confused Xiao. A moment later, Zhongli took the liquor and poured some of it into an elegant glass.

Zhongli looked at Archon of Wind expectantly.

"I have news from Inazuma", Venti suddenly said, drinking his alcohol. He didn't looked at anybody. "Baal got tricked and had her gnosis stolen by the fatui. Now, traveler is going to Sumeru".

The atmosphere tighten, became grim and significant. Zhongli clenched his hand of his cup, his eyes looked angry, which was rare. Even the Xiao felt uncomfortable, bitting his lips.

"Xiao, leave", Archon of Geo said. "Now'.

When Venti came back out, he was already drunk.

"Take care of him, Xiao", Zhongli asked, sighing. "He need to get back to Mondstandt. Unfortunely, I cannot escort him. Can I rely on you?'.

Xiao blinked, when Venti rested on his arm, gibbering. He gently grabbed his waist, holding him firmly. He expected that their meeting wasn’t calm at all, looking at Zhongli with slight worry.

"Always, Rex Lapis", he said, nodding.

"Thank you. You’ve done a good job,", Zhongli added. "You need to take break, I suppose".

Zhongli looked at him. It was they first meeting in a few years, he not changed anything about his character or apparence. And still he was so overprotective towards him.

Xiao felt as he was still a child when he was with the Archon of Geo.

"I'm an adepti. I never get tired," Xiao answered him, looking into his eyes. "But thank you, Rex Lapis".

Zhongli fell silent, looking at him, worried.

"Xiao. I'm never going to be mad at you, you know that. You are my adepti, I trust you with everything", he suddenly confessed. He looked at Venti, his old and the only friend. "You can fall in love and you can sacrifice your feelings to any other Archon, if you are still going to protect Liyue for me". Xiao choked on air, almost letting Venti from his arms. He grabbed him violently, blushing badly and looking at Morax, quite embarrassed.

"No, i'm not a human. I'm never gonna fall into...".

Venti hiccuped and Zhongli smirked. It was a very funny and enjoyable view, that was warming up his petrified heart.

"I understand. You don't need to explain that to me. I just wanted to say that, because I heard your prayer for forgiveness", He crossed his arms.

"You had never have to do that, because you have never dissapointed me, Alatus. Remember that".

Xiao felt a cold wind of his face, when Venti embraced his neck. He definitely craved attention right now.

"Of course, Rex Lapis", he said calmly with relief.

To be honest, Xiao always thought that Zhongli never heard his prayers. That confession made him feel safe and serene — after so many years of doubt. He had no grudge against him, Morax was always his lord, even if he got lost.

He looked at him for the last time, with trust in his gold eyes, then he jumped and teleported himself and Venti to Wangshu Inn, to his room.

Those days in Liyue, that he called silent, they weren't like that at all. They were the loudest ones in his entire life — he finally met Barbatos and Rex Lapis for the first time in years, fulfilling his biggest wish. It took the weight off his shoulders, even if he didn't know everything.

Xiao was just cheerful and a light smile was on his face, when he started putting Venti to his bed. As he was jumping into teleports, Venti asleep on his arm, drooling over him, but Xiao wasn't angry at all. Actually, he could never be angry at Venti.

In the morning, he'll have a hangover, Xiao thought, undressing him from uncomfy garderobe like his jacket and the hat. Venti in his sleeping state looked like a normal young man. So innocent and pure, overall — he wasn’t dreaming nightmares, just smilling and snoring softly. Xiao wanted to lay down next to him, just so he could observe the touching sight.

"For the first time in my life, can I pretend we’re just humans?", Xiao whispered to himself, laying hesitantly next to Venti.

He gave himself up to his own desire, trying to stop his fast beating heart and the feeling of warmth, when he was looking at the sleeping bard.

"Of course you can. You’re still a human in your heart, Alatus", Venti suddenly said, opening his eyes and looking gently at startled Xiao. He wanted to get up from the bed, but Venti caught his wrist. "I'll sing a song if you stay with me".

Xiao blushed and nodded, adjusting himself to feel more comfortable. Venti smirked at him, stroking his hand. He looked worried, bitting his lips. Then, he looked at Xiao eyes with sorrow.

"I lied to you".

There was silence, and beating of Xiao's heart sudden sped up.

"I saved you, because you resembled a certain gallant human to me. I heard you praying, so I came and played the flute which belonged to my dearest friend,", he said with melancholy in his green eyes. "And the worst of all, it is not the end of my confession".

Xiao closed his eyes, concetrating on his soothing voice. He was too scared to hear the rest of his words, still unable to realize the previous ones.

"I gave you the anemo vision".

"What?", Xiao opened his eyes widely, his fingers tightened on Venti hand.

"I'm was always sure that Rex Lapis gave me my vision".

Venti chuckled, closing his eyes.

"When the unknown God enslaved you, I heard your agony", he whispered. "I wanted to reduce your torture, so I gave you a vision. I couldn't do anything more for you, I'm so sorry".

Xiaoe was silent for a moment, analyzed those words in his head.

"So you didn't save my life once. You... were always with me and have always protected me", Xiao said, his hands shakes. Did Morax lied to him too? "And I always thought it was Morax".

"No, it is not like that", Venti interrupted him. "Morax took care of you, he saved you from the unknown God and named you. He did all things I couldn't do myself".

Xiao calmed down, his eyes got weirdly wet. After so many years, he got the answers to all of his questions that he was always too scared to asked. He thought that everything was already behind him, but he was wrong all this time.

"And now, you are the last yaksha, the strongest adepti in Liyue. You are a hero to so many people, even If they don’t know your name. Also, you’re still a human if you can cry", he said with smile, wiping the tears from his cheeks. Xiao didn't even knew when he started crying. He felt so weak. "I'm so proud of you, Alatus".

Venti hugged him kindly, trapping him tightly within his warm arms. For Xiao, it was a strange feeling, so he didn't hug Venti back. Just tighten his fingers on the white chemise, like he was to left soon. Xiao wanted to be with him as long as possible.

Then, Venti started singing a song, without any instrument, just only using his lyrical voice — Xiao could swear that he was in Celestia at that moment. He closed his eyes, feeling safe in his arms and forgetting about the rest of the world. The only thing that mattered was that he knew everything.

Xiao wanted to fall asleep in his embrace, but then he heard the silent snore. He opened his eyes, looking at Venti with amusement. "He was still drunk", Xiao realized, hitting his forehead with embarrased. But then, he just smiled and hugged him, inhaling the scent of cecilias and closing his eyes.

Dear Xiao, I'm sorry for I didn't said goodbye to you, but you were sleeping so sweet, so I didn't want to wake you up. Thank you for taking care of me and letting me make lovely memories with you. I'm never gonna forgive that and I have hope you won’t either. You showed me the best liquor in Liyue, that’s a honorary act for me! I'll visit you in future. I have to wait in Mondstandt till the world affairs end. I'm gonna miss you and our drinking so badly... Anyways, I left you a small gift. I have hope that you like it. With love, Your Venti

When Xiao woke up and sat up on bed, all that was remaining of Venti was his charming scent. On cupboard next to his bed was lying a letter which he took and opened slowly. He smiled after reading it as he saw a few of fresh cecillias, that fell out of the page.

"I knew that it was you", Xiao said, sniffing the flowers. He put them back into the envelope and sighed. Then, he opened his eyes widely, when he realized on the table was lying something else.

It was a flute.

"No way" he swallowed.

Xiao looked at it from all sides, before he put it slowly up to his mouth. It was like an indirect kiss and he knew it well. He blushed softly, hugging flute to his heart.

"Thank you, Venti", he looked at flying birds on the sky. "I'll be waiting for you. But I swear to Rex Lapis, i'm never gonna drink with you again".

He stared at the letter lying on the cupboard with longing.  He frowned, when he saw that in the corner was a small note.

Ps. I’m hoping to get a chance to directly kiss you one day.

[cinnamonest]

Yoo you remember the venti x nun! Reader idea I sent you and said that I might come up with something for zhongli? I think I have an idea. For plot purposes xiao knows rex lapis is alive

Zhongli figures out why you don't want to marry him and approaches xiao and verr goldet one night and asks them to help him out, verr will keep him the furthest and sound proof room in the hostel and xiao will bring you there with the excuse of the yaksha needing your faith in morax for something.

You wake up to xiao breaking your window and basically throwing you out of bed ordering you to follow him and not ask any questions.

The way to the hotel is long and the silence of the yaksha doesn't make the travel feel shorter, the old stairs crack under you feet as of they were to break any second. Your chest hits his back when he suddenly stops in front of goldet, giving her a silent nod to receive a key.

' stay. Don't enter until I say' that was the only thing you heard from xiao in some hours but either way you followed the command, he was a yaksha, he was nearer to celestia than you would ever be, and you felt the need to have a certain respect for him. " Now, enter" you heard his voice behind the door, your hand fell on the cold knob, turning it slowly.

Between the door frame and the slightly open door you saw the dark room, you creep your hand in the space between the door and its frame tapping for the light switch when a hand stops you "I did say that you could turn on the light. Just enter" taking a deep breath to will yourself to enter.

As you expect, not a single light was on. " Seat" xiao was standing behind a wooden chair that was facing you and the door, you follow the command, still too tired to doubt his intentions and the suspicious ambient on this travel " you must know the news of the death of rex lapis, or morax, as you call him" the mention of his death makes you sigh lightly, you were sure another geo archon would step in and take care of the city but they wouldn't be the same deity you sworn your loyalty to " what if he wasn't dead? " You couldn't see him but his footsteps were going to the door, after they stopped you heard a light click of the door closing. Now getting nervous you stand up from the chair " xiao wha-"

His voice interrupted you like a thunder " did I say that you could stand?" His foot fell heavy on the floor and you could feel the vibration.

" now xiao, you said you wouldn't get so worked up" a deep voice resounded behind you " please don't worry dearie, i won't let him hurt you. If you don't fight back too much" the hands of the person fell heavy on your shoulders

" I apologize, rex lapis but for a mortal to think that they can kill an archon. How could anyone ever think a human could stand a chance against a divinity? Plain Stupid"

" now finish explaining" the person hands slipped from your shoulders to your forearm

" after his 'death' rex lapis started to reminisce in his vast time " you hear the drag of a chair on the floor and then what you suppose was the sound of xiao sitting down on it " from when the yakshas were created, how he taught them to wield their weapons to how they met a deadly end"

" xiao, I kind of need to go home, I have to go to the qingce village to read to.the kids and and..."

" oh, dear, you said you were so faithful to me but you can't even stay a bit late hearing me? Was you devotion only and act? You pain me" the deep voice sounded severe as if it was scolding a child

" look, please, let me go home, you are scaring me" your hands were on the man's heavy ones, trying to get away from his grasp, when you turned around you saw a little of his face when the window opened and let inside a ray of moonlight, you wouldn't have believed your eyes if xiao didn't critique you for staring " don't ogle rex lapis, human"

From under his hood you could only see his mouth and nose " took you long enough for someone who says to be fully loyal to me" he grabbed a stand of hair and lightly smelled it " i guess you might already guess what I want, your goodness of heart has not gone unnoticed by me, in fact I feel flattered. But now I will have to ask for a proof of your devotion, strip"

" what?"

" you asked on a shooting star for economic growth, your new job got you now economically stable thanks to my help, i fulfilled my part, now is time for you to complete yours," his hands were resting on your hair, holding you down and showing a little 'afection' " you are to have the archon's children to replace my place as liyue's archon. Tomorrow you will ask the consultant of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor for marriage and you will raise my offspring with the values a god should posses" slowly he makes you stand up and guides you to the bed

" no you don't understand, I can't, I won't"

" you want to break our contract?" Rex lapis hold on your wrist felt as if he was trying to break it " then be it then, I will take the economic prosperity I granted and, something more should do, it shouldn't be too hard to put fake clues that you were behind my murder, that will do"

" NO!" a yell escapes your throat, you don't want to lose your home and being chased by liyue geoarmy because they thought you were behind the the deicide " please no"

" then lay in bed now" his back was turned to you and you could hear him slipping out of his clothing " i promise this won't hurt"

You woke up the next morning, the bird singing and the sun shining, you saw at your side to see nobody, not like you expected to see rex lapis resting next to you, he must have left after you passed out. You grip your clothing making it look the less messy possible.

" remember. Zhongli. You are to propose to him" xiao voice surprised you, he was seated on the same spot you heard him go to at night " he should be entering his work now"

Not sparing a look at the anemo user you left, wishing to go home and bath for hours, when you entered your house you found a little memo in the table " zhongli. Funeral Parlor. -RL" you threw the paper, but when you went to the bathroom you found another, and another in your closet, and under your pillow. As soon as you managed to fall asleep you heard a voice yelling to you to wake up and go to zhongli, this went on for days until you swallowed your pride in favor of basic bodily needs. Giving up you dragged yourself to the parlor, wishing to end this nightmare and be able to sleep even if it was for an hour

" Hello! Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, I'm hu tao, owner of the business. How can I help you" the woman's voice was almost too high for you

" I'm looking for someone called zhongli? Is he here?"

" old zhongli? Yeah! Let me call him for you!" You couldn't thank her before she let out a ear piercing scream "ZHONGLIIIII, TO THE RECEPTION. YOU GOT VISITSSSS"

" yes, hu tao? It wasn't necessary to yell" a tall man with amber eyes answered

" you have a visit, from a pretty lady too, Casanova" his eyes fell on you and a light blush dusted his cheeks, even if you were too tired to notice

" i wanted to talk about your confession, the one you told me a few days ago"

" oh? Uhm we should talk in another place about that. This is a...." He turned his head and saw his boss whispering something he guessed was ' get her, tiger' or something similar " less than optimal. Let's go inside"

As you two walked inside you asked " did you... Really mean what you said back then?"

A silence formed between you two, for you it was passive Aggressiveness but, unknown to you he was savoring the moment, seconds before you claimed to love him, even if it was false it would be true soon enough

" yes, I did mean it and I still feel the same" he opened a door to a room with a table and a tea set " chamomile tea or rooibos tea?"

" ah? I'm fine with chamomile, thanks" you stood by his side while trying to go to the point " i know I turned you down in your confession but I thought about it and..." Zhongli would have sworn he was shaking with excitement " I really like you. Please be my pair" you lightly bowed, as if you were begging

It was time for Zhongli to act surprised, his eyes opened and he stopped breathing for a second before almost tackling you into a hug, he wouldn't let you use any excuse to not be together " i promise to cherish you for all eternity" he didn't take promises lightly

-🌸 How was the food?

I have been NOURISHED thank you very much hhhhh 👀👀

[archonanqi]

fragile as dust / 9 - the moments of peace

🔖 [first] [prev] [next]

—

a/n - hi! I've gotten some requests to start a tag list for this series. If you’d like to be tagged with updates, please send me an ask / message / reply! Thank you. :)

—

ch 9 | the moments of peace

“To the left, to the left!” 

With an embarrassing screech, you lunged forward, desperately searching for any movement in the dry grass. You came up empty. Adrenaline still hot in your veins, you jumped violently when Xiangling pat you on the shoulder.

“ Your left,” Xiangling corrected, pointing in the opposite direction of which you threw yourself. 

You both stared wordlessly for a moment as the squirrel scurried away and out of sight. 

“I’m sorry,” you mumbled, cheeks hot against the morning air. This was the third expedition you’d embarked on so far, and you’d still yet to catch anything that could move faster than a sweet flower.

“That’s okay! Just means that I’ll need to come up with some dishes to make with the ingredients we have so far!” You could almost hear the gears grinding in her brain as she rummaged through the basket of plants that you had gathered, murmuring to herself. “Is this everything we gathered today?”

You hesitated before rifling through your pockets and producing the brown, lumpy object you’d found at the start of your expedition. You weren’t sure it was even edible (it certainly didn’t smell like it), but you wondered if it might suffice to salvage the botched trip, even a little. 

“OH!” Xiangling’s eyes lit up soon as she saw what was in your hand. “Where did you find this?”

You peered at her cautiously, not sure if this was a good reaction or not. Also, her voice seemed to have hit a new high and you were worried it would begin to attract monsters. 

“Uh, back there, in those ruins. There was a bunch,” you offered, pointing in the direction. “Is it usable?”

Xiangling seemed to have begun visibly vibrating. “Usable? This is Matsutake! It’s a rare mushroom, and it’s so versatile that it can be used in place of any— Oh, I’ll explain later, let’s go get them all before a boar finds them first!” 

The sun was well above the horizon by the time you gathered enough Matsutake to fill the two baskets you’d brought. Xiangling had already started a fire with some Dendro slime concentrate — the way she’d taught you to do — when you returned from washing the mushrooms in a nearby stream. 

“Could you chop the Jueyun Chilis for me, please?” Xiangling said, barely looking up from the wok. No matter how bubbly she had been, the moment she stood in front of a blazing fire and a vast array of ingredients, Xiangling always adopted a demeanor of complete calm. It was almost unnerving to watch, sometimes, how focused she could get. You hurried to obey.

“How many?”

She peered up then, the licking flames painting her grin a bright orange. “Hansi, have I taught you nothing over the past week?” She thumped her chest twice with a flour-covered hand, “in Mondstadt, they might use measurements like cups and tablespoons— but that’s not how I do things! In Liyue, we listen to our hearts. Just let Rex Lapis guide your hand!”

You stared at the chilis. If you’re just giving out guidance nowadays , you directed your silent thoughts towards the earth beneath your feet, I’d love to know what your deal with the Vision is.

In the end, you emptied just half a chili into the wok, because even just chopping it was beginning to make your eyes water. It instantly stained the hot oil a bright red. For the rest of the morning, you watched as Xiangling bustled around your little campsite, tasting this and that, asking you for various small and bewildering favors — you certainly hope that she didn’t really use the lizard tail that she had you go hunt down. 

While at first you paid careful attention to Xiangling, the sight of a piece of Cor Lapis gleaming under the morning light dragged your thoughts elsewhere — towards what ( who ) was waiting for you when you returned home. 

“Okay!” Xiangling finally said, making you jump. “Sorry that took so long! I’ve never had so much Matsutake to experiment with at once.” She held out two neatly packaged lunch boxes. “Take these, one for you, one for Mr Zhongli! It’s Matsutake Stirfry with Potatoes and Carrots! … I’ll come up with a better name later.”

You accepted the boxes with gracious thanks, just the smell wafting from them making your mouth water. 

“I really want to see the look on your face when you taste it, but we’ve been out here for a little over five hours now,” Xiangling mused. Had it really already been five? Time seemed to fly when you were with Xiangling. “You should probably hurry home or Mr. Zhongli will get worried.”

You absently thanked her again, all the while wondering at the truth of that. Zhongli had certainly seemed a little worried after the incident with Tartaglia, briefly, though he quickly returned to his usual, unreadable demeanor. The idea that someone was waiting for you, would get worried if you never came home — it was bafflingly foreign, but also… so very warm. 

As you turned to go, you could hear the grin in Xiangling’s voice when she called after you, “and here you were worried that you wouldn’t be able to help. This dish was only possible because of you, Hansi!”

Briefly and painfully, you yearned to understand how Xiangling managed to make a good thing of any situation. It seemed that there was far more than just cooking that Xiangling could teach you.

—-------------------

“Wonderfully seasoned,” Zhongli praised that afternoon, and you prayed that he didn’t notice your cheeks blushing as red as the chili oil. “A perfect balance of spice. Did you help make this?”

You bit back a smile as you nodded, and sent Rex Lapis your silent thanks for his... guidance. 

—-------------------

Easing into Zhongli’s life was easier than you would ever have imagined. 

After your disastrous breakfast incident, you had made a habit of waking early and accompanying him on his walks in the morning — at first to make up for setting his house on fire, then later, out of enjoyment. You found yourself looking forward to your long walks, breathing in the fresh air and seeing Liyue Harbor bathed in the dawnlight. 

Before you knew it, you had memorized a few things about the mornings of Liyue: which routes to Yujing Terrace let you catch the early sunrise; what time Wanmin restaurant’s fresh shao’bing buns come out of the oven; and when little old Madame Ping, whom Zhongli always greeted respectfully, hobbled up the hill to water the glaze lilies. 

 It was only when Zhongli mentioned black perch stew and you lamented that Mr. Sun from the fish market wouldn’t get new stock until Monday, that you realized just how deeply entrenched in domestic life you had become.

There were other things you noticed too; the street corner where you used to play, sleep and beg. The sink behind the souvenir shop that you snuck to at night just to get a drink of clean water. Children who’d had the misfortune of being born like you, into families who couldn’t imagine feeding another mouth. 

These things struck you with increasing guilt — of every child of Liyue who grew up without a home, what made you deserving of salvation? — but mostly, with fear. If Zhongli got tired of you, if you once again found yourself in that life... 

Well. 

You swept those thoughts deep deep deeper into your head, and forged on.

—-------------------

“Another umbrella, Mr. Zhongli?” You raised a brow. When had you begun to point out his eccentric purchases? You weren’t sure. “We’ve bought four today.” 

“Ah,” Zhongli smiled, already reaching for the fifth. “Yes, so we have. Do you like white rabbit candy? Let’s get two bags.”

Resigned, you followed along, your exasperation quickly fizzling out as soon as you turned a corner and came face to face with the wide-eyed, dirt-smeared faces of a group of orphans. Dressed in lovely clean clothes and with so much color in your cheeks — you couldn’t imagine how you looked to them. You saw so much of yourself in their hungry gazes that you had to look away. 

You watched as Zhongli bent down so that he met them at eye level. “Please, accept these,” he held out the umbrellas, and suddenly you began finding it hard to breathe, “it looks like there’s a storm coming. And also, won’t you all also take some sweets—?”

—-------------------

You, of course, kept your contract with Zhongli, as religiously as you would one with an Adeptus, or Rex Lapis himself. Each book that you enjoyed, you meticulously brought to him as though an offering, and each time, he seemed to have something to offer of his own. A book about the Five Yaksha, tales of the Dragon King, the legend of how Guyun Stone Forest was formed, memoirs from Guili Assembly — Zhongli always had some twist of his own to add to the stories. 

“Did you know that before they came to serve Rex Lapis, the Yaksha were bound to a cruel, tyrannical God? Yet when they were freed, they chose to honor a contract to protect the humans of Liyue. How admirable.”

“Precious few stories speak of it, but the Dragon King was not sealed by Rex Lapis due to a disagreement, but rather, because he broke a contract. What contract exactly? Well, I can’t be ruining too many books for you now, can I, Hansi?”

“These illustrations of the spears that originally comprise Guyun Stone Forest are… certainly interesting. Why did they deem that stone spears formed from the essence of Geo themselves would possess tassels and a ribbon? I doubt that during the Archon War, Rex Lapis had time to consider the appearance of his weapons.” 

“My my, these books certainly are taking their liberties with their descriptions of the Goddess of Dust. Kind, yes, gentle, perhaps, but weak? Why, is the Guizhong Ballista not one of the most powerful mechanisms in all of Liyue, even thousands of years after it was built? I would truly like to see what these authors consider strength.” 

Each time you marveled at his vast pools of knowledge, Zhongli would, without fail, exhale deeply and smile his small smile. “I have a good memory,” was always his explanation. You couldn’t help but wonder just how many books the man had read in his lifetime — and where he found the time to do anything else. 

While you were frequently more than impressed by his reserve of stories, the sentiment did not seem to extend to others in Liyue. More than one time had you and Zhongli been escorted, forcibly, from the Third-Round Knockout after your companion stood up to correct the storyteller on the stage. 

The first time, you were mortified, though by the sixth you had learned to laugh it off as breezily as Zhongli did.

—-------------------

Sometimes, you recalled your earliest days at Zhongli’s house; how he had told you that your first order of business was to recover your health. 

You had recovered, and so, what was next to come? 

The house was always spotless despite the increasing number of items that Zhongli seemed to bring home each day from his walks. More than once, you reflected on his claims that he needed household help, and realized that he may not have been entirely truthful.

On particularly bad days, when the haze of doubt threatened to overtake every logical thought in your mind, you waited for his gaze to turn cruel, for his fingers to grip you painfully and for him to take whatever he wanted. 

Yet — never did he so much as touch you. 

—-------------------

The Vision sat as heavily in your conscience as it did in your bedside table.

You opened the drawer frequently to stare at the thing, more of a plague on you than a blessing, at this point. If you could not use it, then it was just an ornament — an ornament that put your  amicable acquaintanceship with Zhongli at risk. 

If he were to find out on his own, it would be so much worse than if you’d told him. The very notion of hurt, betrayal and fury in those amber eyes was almost too much for you to hear.

And so, one day, you decided that it would simply be best if you told him.

—-------------------

You rehearsed a script for hours on end, trying to guess each and every one of Zhongli’s potential reactions. Certainly, he would be upset, perhaps disappointed. You were almost sure that he would not hurt you over the discovery. And even if he did, perhaps it wouldn’t be anything you didn’t deserve, for lying for so long.

When you were finally ready, your knock on his door was answered by a deep, rich, “yes?” 

You had never seen the inside of Zhongli’s room before, and so as you pushed the door open, you couldn’t help the way your heart leapt at the idea of seeing more of the man, learning more about him.

Your gaze first laid upon his face, edged silver in the moonlight. Then, immediately, it trailed downwards, to his shoulders, then—

Zhongli wasn’t wearing even a scrap of clothing. 

“Oh,” he said, slightly raised brows betraying nothing but mild surprise, “I was changing.” 

Wordlessly, you slammed the door shut and returned to your room.

—-------------------

When Zhongli came knocking ten minutes later, you were still a little dazed. 

“Come in,” you called, and as he entered you were somewhat relieved to see that he was clad in his usual four layers of clothing. “Do you see how I said come in, Mr Zhongli? Because I wasn’t changing?”

“I believe what I said was ‘yes’.” It was never easy to tell what Zhongli was thinking, with his carefully neutral expression, but was there a small smile in his voice there?

“You can’t—“ you realized with a certain degree of shock at how casually you had begun to address Zhongli. (You searched yourself for fear, and found none.) “—You can’t just say ‘yes’ when what you mean is ‘hang on, I’m completely nude!’” 

“I do apologize. I’ll keep that in mind for next time,” Zhongli said, and there was absolutely, definitely a small smile in his voice there. “What is it you wanted to tell me, Hansi?”

You opened your mouth, but paused. 

In the darkness of his room, you had barely been able to make out what seemed to be odd lines down his arms and chest — tattoos? You hadn’t expected a nobleman like him to be so covered in them. But more importantly, in the few seconds you had beheld Zhongli’s well-toned form, you had seen what you knew all too well — scars, raked across his torso, stomach, legs, the raised tissue gleaming under the moonlight. 

He had mentioned he had been fighting all his life, that he had been a soldier— but it was difficult to imagine even the Millelith facing foes so formidable that it could have left such injuries, and so many. What could have hurt him so badly? 

What was he hiding from you?

The way he was looking at you expectantly suddenly felt strangely alien; the same Zhongli you had come to know and trust, but— not quite.

And so, you swallowed your question about the Vision. “Xiangling wanted me to get a backpack,” you said instead, “for when we gather herbs. Do you think it would be okay if we got one next time, Mr. Zhongli? I promise to pay you back for it when I earn enough Mora.”

“Hansi,” he said, after his usual few seconds of careful studying, and he sounded so concerned that it was almost comical. “Whatever gave you the impression that you would be forced to pay for anything of the sort while living under my roof?” 

—-------------------

Perhaps in a valiant attempt to dissuade you of your sudden preoccupation with paying for things, Zhongli began to shower you with them. The first of the gifts was a beautiful bookmark, a thin piece of metal shaped to look like the Xiao lanterns of the Lantern Rite. It seemed to glow iridescent under lamplight, and you loved it so much that you carried it everywhere you went, the same way you never took off your glaze lily necklace.

Once Zhongli had ascertained that you did not mind gifts, and in fact enjoyed them, the floodgates swung open. Over the next few weeks, he would bring you various small items each time he returned from work or a walk: a Noctilucuous Jade hairpin, a painting of Luhua Pool, a golden gemstone that he called “Prithiva Topaz”, a small and surprisingly heavy pillar-shaped charm which he claimed came from a formidable monster from Guyun Stone Forest—

And on the most barren days, when the bustling markets of Liyue offered nothing that could meet Zhongli’s most particular standards, he would bring home various steamed buns, fresh fruit, and beverages, noting with keen amber eyes which ones were your favorites. Today, he had brought back a pitcher of “the finest gui’hua tea Liyue has to offer”. 

Sitting in a room full of memorabilia that Zhongli had picked out for you, and sipping hot tea that warmed you to your core, you began to understand the feeling of home.

—-

The men were furious. You could feel their blunt rage in the air, tense enough to cut with a blade. If your wrists weren’t tied up, you might have been able to make a run for it. 

“Welcome back. Do you know how much you cost us?” They snarled, one, two, three, four pairs of eyes staring you down. In the back, you could see the man with the scar on his eyebrow, the one who had escorted you to Zhongli. “Are you ready to pay us back?”

“Where is Mr. Zhongli?” You managed to whisper. 

“Don’t you remember? He got tired of you,” they sneered in unison. “Surely you didn’t think someone like you would be enough to satisfy his appetite?” 

Desperately, you shook your head. “He wouldn’t have. What did you do to him?”

One of them stepped forward and slapped you so hard that you briefly see white. “How stupid can you get?” His jaw cracked open into an unnatural, teeth grin, and the others followed suit all at once. “To start to trust, to start to dream ?” 

You tried to back away, but your knees would not move. They were close enough to touch now, and together, like one grotesque entity, they reached out. “You should know better by now. You should know your place .”

Before their melting, festering fingers could touch your skin, you opened your mouth and screamed for Zhongli.

—-------------------

Across the house, Zhongli’s eyes snapped open, casting the room in a golden glow.

It wouldn’t be the last, but that had been the first time you had called him simply by his name.

—-------------------

You woke up to Zhongli calling yours, and couldn’t help the violent flinch that shook your shoulders when you saw him looming over you. The relief you felt at recognizing Zhongli’s silhouette was unimaginable. 

“I heard you calling my name,” Zhongli said, raising both palms in a placating gesture. “Are you alright? Were you having a nightmare?”

Was that all it was; a dream? Your throat was hoarse — the screaming certainly wasn’t dreamed — and your chest raw from the fear and desperation. It felt like your skull was stuffed with cotton. Blindly, you reached out, relief washing away the last vestiges of the social norms instilled within you.

“You didn’t send me back?” You whispered, clutching at any patch of silk and skin you could find. “You didn’t leave?”

“No,” Zhongli met your fingers with his, holding your hand in a firm, gentle grip. He wasn’t wearing gloves, you realized absently. “Never.”

You stayed there for a few long seconds— or was it minutes? “Don’t go,” you begged when he began to pull away. Your eyelids were growing heavy, but the lingering haze of fear had you terrified of going to sleep again. “Please, don’t go.”

You heard the sound of a chair being dragged across the floor. “I’m here, Hansi,” Zhongli said, as you watched him sit down next to your bed. He was still holding your hand. “Get some rest. I will be with you.”

Zhongli’s rich, clear voice resonated through every inch of your body. You trusted him, you realized, letting your eyes shut. You would trust him with every breath of your being.

—-------------------

When you dreamed again, you found yourself in an endless land of clouds. 

Zhongli sat in the midst of it all, eyes closed, unmoving. The soft glow of stars formed a nimbus of gold and dust around his temples. His chest rose and fell gently, and you were certain that you would see no better embodiment of peace for the rest of your life, not even if you lived for a thousand years. 

You wanted to call out to him, but to break the tranquility of the moment seemed unforgivable. 

And so for the rest of the night, you watched him breathe; and you were content.

[shenanigans-and-imagines]

NSFW (whole alphabet) for Captain Rex? 🥺🥺

A/N: Hell yes! Sorry this took so long for me to get to. I love Rex so much, words cannot describe. I hope to do my favorite Captain justice. And as a reminder, REBLOG AND COMMENT IF YOU LIKE THIS!!! These take just as much time as drabbles and the tags hate me.

A = Aftercare (what they’re like after sex)

Can you say, soft? Because Rex is soft. He’ll do whatever you ask; run a bath, rub your sore muscles, hold you close, whatever you want.  He is the sweetest man after sex.

B = Body part (their favorite body part of theirs and also their partner’s)

Rex honestly has a hard time picking his favorite part about you.  His first instinct is to say your legs, but then he thinks about it and say the part where your legs meet your back.  Actually, that whole area.  That, and above it...

For himself, Rex is actually really proud of his back.  You’ve playfully giving him a few wolf whistles when you’ve seen him doing pull ups without a shirt on.  He knows he’s strong and if the way your nails dig into his back when he takes you against a wall is any indication; you appreciate his strength too.

C = Cum (anything to do with cum, basically)

He always ends up leaving a mess whenever he cums.  From lack of experience, he hasn’t quite got the timing down on pulling out and so it often spills half inside you, some on your skin and some on the mattress.  There are times you wonder if he does it on purpose. There have been a few times he openly moaned at the sight of his cum dripping down your inner thigh.

D = Dirty secret (pretty self explanatory, a dirty secret of theirs)

He does cum in a mess on purpose. He apologizes every time and helps clean you up.  However, that doesn’t stop him from getting hard all over again at the sight of you blissed out of your mind and stained with his cum.

E = Experience (how experienced are they? do they know what they’re doing?)

We’re going to say none before you.  Like seriously.  I don’t know where is Dom-Captain Rex came from in the fandom, but that is not this man’s M.O.  His devotion is 110% to the GAR and we see how awkward he gets in social situations outside anything having to do with the army or his brothers.

So, yeah, Captain Rex is a virgin the first time you have sex.  You cannot convince me otherwise.  Luckily for you, he’s also a man who learns and adapts quickly. ;)

F = Favorite position (this goes without saying)

You on your back with your legs draped over his arms as he pounds into you.  He gets a perfect view of everything; your bouncing tits, your eyes, the way his cock slides in and out of you, plus the option to grab hold of the headboards and really go to down.

A close second is pinning your back against the wall with your legs wrapped around his waist. He loves the feeling of your nails down his back as he fucks up into you.  And gravity does the work for him when he pulls out and sees his cum going down your leg.

G = Goofy (are they more serious in the moment? are they humorous? etc.)

It takes him a while to loosen up in bed.  When you guys first start having sex it’s like he’s on a recon mission; what works, what doesn’t, testing his own endurance as well as yours, that kind of thing.  It’s only when he gets a full inventory on how to make you feel good as well as himself does he start cracking jokes. It’s not the norm, but it reaches about 30%.

H = Hair (how well groomed are they? does the carpet match the drapes? etc.)

He doesn’t really do much down there until he meets you, besides keeping it clean.  After you guys start sleeping together, he starts to trim it down and experiment a bit.  He even shaved all the hair off at one point, but you assured him he didn’t need to.

Also, he had dark hair down there.  No, he is not bleaching his pubic hair.

I = Intimacy (how are they during the moment? the romantic aspect)

Rex is focused on you the entire time.  He wants you to know he’s paying attention to you and listening to your wants and needs.  It’s more a sliding scale of how emotional it can get, often depending on how much of his own emotion and tension he’s keeping bottled up.

J = Jack off (masturbation headcanon)

He’s done it plenty of times before he met you and continues to do it after you get together; his fantasies now just focus on you and you exclusively. Privacy is an issue in the GAR so often he has to wait late at night to get the showers to himself.  However, he prefers it when he gets a chance to take the time alone in his own bed. It’s really the best way he knows to fully relax without you there beside him.

K = Kink (one or more of their kinks)

Rex is still exploring his kinks, but he’s finding he gets a certain thrill out of cum play.  Eating you out with his cum still in your pussy is not something he’d ever thought he’d enjoy until one night he couldn’t help himself and ended up cumming on the mattress while you came again on his tongue.

And, I’m just going to put this headcanon to bed. CAPTAIN REX IS NOT A DOM, HE IS A SWITCH!!!

Yes, he likes it when you call him Captain or Sir in bed.  Yes, he likes giving you orders and having you obey them to the letter.  But if you’re telling me he doesn’t get off to the idea of you riding his face and using his body in any way you choose to find your own pleasure; then you and I are not talking abut the same character.

L = Location (favorite places to do the do)

Your apartment  Like I said, privacy is an issue on more GAR ships. The Clones have quarters on Coruscant, but it lacks the personality of your place, not to mention you have thicker walls.  It also means he’s off duty and doesn’t have to be worried of being call to the bridge at any given moment.  He can fully relax and focus on you and himself.

Now when it comes to where in your apartment, literally anywhere to a flat surface. He’s not picky.

M = Motivation (what turns them on, gets them going)

You calling him “sir” or “captian” in public.  To give him some credit, it’s not only the words, so much as how you say them.  If you say, “yes, sir” like you’re out of breath or worse, if you look up at him through heavy eyelids, he’s going to need a minute to straighten himself out.

There’s also this spot just on the edge of his hairline on his neck that melts him.  All you have to do is brush that spot with your finger or your lips and he’s going to groan.

And cliche, but I have to say it; any time he sees you kick droid ass or even just verbally destroy somebody in a debate.  Your his cyar’ika and he’s going to let you do whatever you want to him that night.

N = No (something they wouldn’t do, turn offs)

Water play.  He found it by accident when researching different stuff to try.  He thought it would be like shower sex and it’s...not.  The moment he realized what it was he was disgusted and told you immediately that was going on the “no” list.

O = Oral (preference in giving or receiving, skill, etc.)

Split 50/50 between preferring to give or receive. God knows how many times he’s gotten himself off to the image of your lips wrapped around his cock.  He loves how your fingers dig into his thighs as you take him all the way into your mouth.  And seeing cum drip down your lip is enough to get him hard again in seconds.

On the other hand having your perfect thighs wrapped around his head as you fuck is face is as close to heaven as he can imagine. He can stay inbetween your legs for hours reveling in your taste and the way your tremble around him every time he makes you cum. His current record is making you cum three times in the row with just his tongue and fingers before you pushed him away just so you could breath.

P = Pace (are they fast and rough? slow and sensual? etc.)

He can do either or, but he leans more on the rough side. No matter how slow he might start, by the end he’s gripping your thighs like a vice and pounding into your cunt as he loses all sense of control.

Q = Quickie (their opinions on quickies, how often, etc.)

Only if he knows he’ll get to have you all to himself later that night.  He thinks of quickies as just a preview of what’s the come, rather than a done deal. 

That all being said, he’s not keen on them.  For one, he doesn’t want to risk getting caught. Two, he would never, ever, have a quickie while on duty.  Which leads to three, if he’s already off duty he might as well take you to bed right now.

R = Risk (are they game to experiment? do they take risks? etc.)

Like I’ve said, Rex lacks a lot of experience, but he’s adaptable and a fast learner. You guys have a list of different things you want to try and are slowly working your way down, checking what you like and crossing out ones you don’t.

The only thing he won’t risk is getting caught in the act.  For one, he would never hear the end of it from the rest of the 501st.  And second, he thinks it would reflex negatively, not only on himself as a solider but on the rest of the GAR.

S = Stamina (how many rounds can they go for? how long do they last?)

As a genetically enhanced soldier, his stamina is insane. Granted, it takes him a while to hold off his own orgasm the first few times you have sex.  But, his recovery time is amazing.

He’s good for about three rounds on an average night and once he gets the hang of things, he can make those three rounds last hours.

Your current record is him cumming five times in one night while you lost count once you reached the double digits.

T = Toys (do they own toys? do they use them? on a partner or themselves?)

Captain Rex would not be caught dead having any toys with him.  Not in his bunk, not in his apartment on Coruscant, not anywhere.  He cannot imagine how he’d explain that to anyone if they found out.

However, you have a perfectly nice little collection at your apartment.  You guys have been experimenting.

U = Unfair (how much they like to tease)

He tries, but he’s not good at it. When he gets into his, “Captain” mode, he does like the idea of keeping you on the edge, but it never lasts.  As soon as you buck your lips and the first little, “please” leaves your lips, he’s done. He has to give you everything.

V = Volume (how loud they are, what sounds they make, etc.)

He’s not quiet, but he’s not going to scare the neighbors.  He’s a talker, surprisingly.  It’s like whatever filter he has as a commander just slips away the moment he buries himself inside you. He praises how you feel.  He mumbles curses and promises until they turn into delirious grunts and groans just before he cums.

W = Wild card (a random headcanon for the character)

Everyone in the 501st knows you guys are fucking the moment you start, even if Rex never tells anyone anything.  He is terrible at hiding his feelings toward you.  Add that to the fact both Fives and Jesse noticed the not so subtle hickies all over his body, and it’s not hard to guess where he got them from.

Rex denies it whenever it’s brought up, but everyone knows the truth.

X = X-ray (let’s see what’s going on under those clothes)

I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again; EVERY SINGLE CLONE IS HUNG WITH A THICK EIGHT INCH DICK! And since all of them don’t really have a frame of reference as to what’s “big” or not, they all assume they’re average size (at least until they get someone in bed).

Y = Yearning (how high is their sex drive?)

Not crazy high, but after he meets you it’s like his sex drive just triggered into over drive. It could also be because you guys are apart so often.  But, either way you’re having sex almost every night you’re together.  Maybe after the war things will calm down, but not before then.

Z = Zzz (how quickly they fall asleep afterwards)

Almost as soon as you guys finally decide to call it a night.  He’s fallen asleep a few times while in the bathtub with you, is all I’m saying.

[vishapsking]

Disclaimer: This is an interpretation of the lore in addition to what we already know about Retuo/Azhdaha. If it does not fit what your view is, please do not feel the need to incorporate or adapt this into our interactions. 

Primordial Jade Cutter

They say that when Liyue first arose, Rex Lapis once walked the land with a sword hewn from jade. Despite the constant wear and tear of age, the jade edge, so bathed in blood, still retained a polished sheen as if brand-new. The blood was washed away in the rain of a thousand years, yet the thoughts and grudges that gathered about it could not be so easily eliminated. "Nephrite has the soul of the Bishui's gentle heart, and will in time cleanse itself of the remnant grudges within." "But who will ease the agony that the jade itself feels for having becoming an instrument of slaughter?" These words of a friend long-forgotten were both lament and sigh. But the inexorable gears of destiny would drown out those compassionate words. In the passing of many long years, many became mortal foes who once made merry together, While those who betrayed one another or fought to the death would come to share a drink, their hatred dispelled. So it was also with this precious sword, carved as it once was to be given as an expensive gift to a certain someone. This jade too was once cut for love of peace and luxury. When wine vessels are filled with blood, and when tender feelings are ripped asunder by cold ambition and reduced to dust on the wind, Gifts ungiven and bonds unspoken will become sharp blades with which to cleave erstwhile friends.

Despite reading on Twitter and seeing as this was meant as a gift for Guizhong who is widely headcanoned to be a Sword user, I believe that the Jade Cutter was meant for Retuo. 

"Nephrite has the soul of the Bishui's gentle heart, and will in time cleanse itself of the remnant grudges within." - "But who will ease the agony that the jade itself feels for having becoming an instrument of slaughter?"

These lines are extremely reminiscent of how we learn that ore contains memories and how Azhdaha/Retuo can read/see them. Memories deeply rooted in strong emotional events remain despite Erosion; much like how agony remains despite the fact that the jade ‘will in time cleanse itself’.

Here we can take ‘jade’ metaphorically to mean Morax himself doing unspeakable things for the sake of Liyue. He gains the moniker ‘God of War’ for his ruthlessness during the Archon War thus becoming ‘an instrument of slaughter’. 

He seems to be pretty much unaffected by any malice from slain gods unlike Xiao and the other yaksha so in a sense he would ‘cleanse’ himself of the ‘remnant grudges within’. There is another canonical instance in which Morax is compared to jade. Which is in Retuo’s poem that he and Jiu recited at the end of Zhongli’s SQ2:

‘The inexorable gears of destiny’ can be interpreted as Erosion, imposed by the Heavenly Principles per what Kun Jun!RT says. He calls it ‘fate’ a few times during the dialogue and is something that both he and Zhongli are ‘destined’ to confront again and again for as long as they are ‘alive’. 

‘Tender feelings were ripped asunder by cold ambition’ would not suit the image of Guizhong as what we know from scant canon lore. Even when she was dying, it was stated that she remained gentle as she asks Morax to forget her dumbbell challenge. So it would make more sense to link this 'cold ambition' to Eroded Retuo's desire to destroy Liyue as evidenced in Dreams of Dragonfell:

Zhongli is bad at expressing his feelings as seen in his voiceline. We can assume that was the same for Morax. Since I doubt this aspect of him changed in the millennia that have passed. 

So this ‘gift’ could be a way to express the measured weight of his emotions. It is shown in the description of his Specialty Food that he is penchant to giving gifts to those ‘who know how to appreciate it’.

During his SQ, Zhongli stated that Retuo had a fondness for blacksmiths and artisan crafts (in addition to rocks and ore). Who better to appreciate the workmanship and rare material of this specialty crafted sword?

Now, it's said that Guizhong used a sword and thus would make sense for her to be the recipient if that is the case. But the Primordial Jade Cutter is described as a ‘ceremonial sword’ 

As in, it wasn’t intended for use. Ceremonial weapons were generally not intended to be used for combat. Their finishing and decoration are typically designed to show status and power and to be an impressive sight, rather than for practicality as a weapon. Quite often, ceremonial weapons are constructed with precious metals or other materials that make them too delicate for combat use.

“Gifts ungiven and bonds unspoken will become sharp blades with which to cleave erstwhile friends” so the gift was not given and Morax’s feelings were not conveyed before their paths were rendered contrary by Erosion.

Going back to Morax not being able to express his feelings in words well--- the Jade Cutter was made with precious high quality ore that can hold the memories/emotions of the events it had witnessed---it can be intended as a gift that quite literally contains the memories of their bond along with the care and love put into it. 

Morax struggles to put his feelings into words, but Retuo's stone seeing ability would allow him to see for himself what his dear friend is unable to voice.

Bonus:

Both have the same way of thinking when it comes to gift giving ;A;

[the-fiction-witch]

She’s Not Yours P5

MOVIE THE LAST LEGION

COUPLE ROMULUS X READER

RATING BEAUTIFUL

I sat smiling widely. I sat in my usual chair in the dinning hall the large arched windows to my right with the long fluttering red and gold curtains. The sweet blue sky lighting up the room, The early morning sun shining in across the table. The table lined with fresh fruit and other breakfast things, a large display of flowers in the center of the table. I couldn't eat, my stomach hadn't settled yet from the intense orgasm she gave me this morning before we got out of bed. I smiled looking across the table leaning my head on my hand watching my sweet beautiful y/n. Sat nervously in her new purple dress picking at grapes like she was sneaking them.

"Y/n." I smiled making her look up at me "you're the queen. You're not going to get in trouble for eating"

"Sorry romulus. Force of habit" she smiled "what are we going to do today?"

"Anything my queen wants"

"Could I have some suggestions?'

"We can go for a walk in the gardens? We can go to the baths? We can go spend some time in the library? We could.. Humm go back to bed?"

"We could" she nods "could we go to the gardens?"

"Of course we can my queen" I smiled blowing her a kiss across the table. 

I smiled as the guards prepped, I fixed y/n's sweet hair and her little purple dress "You look so beautiful" I told her

"Liar"

"Y/n. You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen" 

"I'm not sure we should go"

"why not?"

"The... city they might..."

"Y/n. You're the queen. You're their queen. they will love you, as much as I do" I told her kissing her head "Come on My queen. Lets walk to the gardens" I told her

"My king, would it not be best to take a-" A guard asked

"We will walk" I told him

"My king.... The people-"

"We will walk" I repeated "I'm sure we'll be fine"

The guards opened the palace doors and outside was crowds of hundreds and hundreds of people being held back by the city guards I could feel her heat race and I could see the fear in her face I held her hand tightly as we slowly stepped down the palace steps I could hear people shouting but about what I couldn't hear I held her tightly as we stepped closer to the white and yellow cobblestones of the streets and it was then I realized ... What it was they where shouting.

They where shouting for her...

As we moved closer I saw the faces of these people, the faces and bodies of all these hundreds of people who had crowded in the streets and stood in the blistering sun, all these people where former slaves. They all had the scars around there necks like y/n, all wore ragged clothes, had scars on the ankles and wrists from chains, they reached out there arms thought the blocking soldiers though whatever they had to in order to have there hands close to us. I pulled y/n closer worries they wanted to hurt her but as we walked down the path... They didn't, they didn't want to hurt her, they wanted to hold her hand, to praise her, to give her flowers, to simply be close to her,

They called out to her, sang for her, like... Like she was a goddess.

"amor rex et regina! amor rex et regina!" They cheered

A little girl ran out from the guards I to our pathway the guards tried to stop her back I ordered them to stop she stood there smiling, she was no older then five, she was barefoot in the stone, she had scars on her ankles, she had a tattered grey dress with stains all over it, she had thick tight curls of red hair and the scars of the slave chain around her neck but she smiled, wider then any other child I had ever seen, she held as large a handful of flowers as her little fingers Could hold

"For beautiful queen" she smiled offering y/n the flowers

Y/n smiled leaving my arm to kneel at the level of the little girl she took the flowers "thank you" she smiled but picked out one white flower and put it in the little girls hair for her "for the pretty girl" she smiled

"Thank you my queen" she smiled widely "thank you my king, for letting me see my mummy and daddy,"

"Your welcome little one" I laughed "would you like to walk with us? To the gardens?" I asked her

"I can?' she asked excitedly

"Of course you can, infact." I smiled "stand down" I ordered

"My king!" The solider argued

"I said stand down. None of these people will hurt us" I said and begrudgingly he did as he was told the little girl took y/n's hand and we continued on people happily following us as we walked thought the streets flowers thrown onto the stone so we didn't walk on the stone itself, people everywhere cheering

"amor rex et regina" at the top of there lungs, once we reached the gardens letting ourselves in but keeping the doors open for anyone else who wanted to come in, I walked my path around the fountain as I usually did when we visited but I saw y/n across the way, and my heart beat like a jack rabbit. They showered her with flowers and spoke with her in great lengths, all these people they... They adored her, she was their queen. Not queen by a wed or bed of there king, she was their queen, as if they choose her. Once a worthless slave girl with no family or future, queen of the city and empire. She was there queen and adored as any queen had ever been. They looked at her, with hope, with joy, with praise. They looked at her like they look at the statues of the gods, not of the king's and queens of ages past, like the gods standing in squares and temples. Handed her flowers like offerings and had only sweet words for her.

Like she was a goddess. Their goddess.

And honestly I looked at her like that too.

"Romulus?" She smiled coming over holding all the flowers people had given her in her hands "what is it?' she asked as she saw how I was looking at her

I smiled and took her hand tightly giving her forehead a kiss "you are the most beautiful woman in the world, and the sweetest creature in this earth," I told her "you are going to the best queen ever."

"You think so?" She blushed

"I could not have asked the gods for a better queen" I smiled