#i was on top of lantern rite

[cometrose]

i can only play genshin properly when zhongli is involved cause why do i have to do all of windblume with 3 days left

[xelilow04]

NOTE: I have so much to say about the Poetry Gala Event because I enjoyed it so much. It's going to be lengthy but feel free to read me rambling haha.

I don't mean to be dramatic but... Chongyun enthusiasts, WE WON! I'm so happy that he was able to show up so much in this event! Like he actually got lines and so much screentime!! I know he always appears in Lantern Rite, but this just hits different. Did you see how fast he was talking and the way he did his little jump after having those chili peppers? XD Also the way he was giving Xingqiu some sass at the at the end of the story? Show him, Chongyun!

And I never thought I would be able to see two of my favorite characters in the same frame! This is going to keep me fed until the next Lantern Rite haha.

On a similar note, this event was just as good as last year's goofy Lantern Rite! I will never stop talking about how much I love it when characters from different nations are able to meet each other, like the whole Xingqiu/Mika/Noelle interaction was really sweet! (But the way Xingqiu told them to just not get caught when sneaking away from home XD He's such a bad influence haha)

AND THIS. The way Zhongli and Venti were looking at the children, it really solidifies the fact they they're retired. Don't mind me crying over here 🥺

I didn't expect the event to dive a bit into Diona's lore, so that was really cool!! Also really glad that learning about Oceanids and their power kind of helped Chongyun come to terms with his yang energy. (I shall now wait patiently for some lore drop on Chongyun.)

The whole story was just so nice. And the MUSIC for Callirhoe's story was the final cherry on top 👌

[lil-vibes]

i love xiao so much bro its not even funny,,, i love this adorable, introverted, angst ridden war machine i love his caring nature i love his stutter (jp dub) i love how he cant lie to save his life i love how hes grown fond of the traveler i just adore him so MUCH im in physical pain every time i see him. id burn all of teyvat down without a second thought for him in this essay i WILL -

[kavehater]

Genuinely tweaking LOL

[lyss-sketchbox]

Why do you ship wriothesley and Neuvillette? Im making a joke presentation on these goobers, and i need some good ideas

Okay heres my reasons :

"Wow~" shamelessly checks Neuvi out

The umbrella scene is literally straight out of a kdrama (i know. Ive seen it. Theyve done it.)

Theyre so old married couple core fight me

Their color palette is so opposite but also complementary

Theyre both LITERALLY OPPOSITES OF EACH OTHER. Be it aesthetics, color, behavior, background, position, PHYSICAL LOCATION.

Like fr Palais Mermonia is on the TOP FLOOR of the Court. Neuvi's throne is ELEVATED so high above the stage. While Wrio's office is literally in the bottom of the ocean. THEYRE PHYSICALLY LOCATED ON BOTH EXTREME ENDS OF THE MAP VERTICALLY.

Which makes them visiting each other more sweeter because of how willing they are to cross that massive gap to see each other. AND WE SEE THEM ACTUALLY VISITING EACH OTHER (Neuv's story quest, Sigewinne's teaser trailer, that one Lantern Rite scene)

Even so theyre both so... understanding of each other, like take some time themselves to understand each other.

Theyre both badass. They both had cool fully animated cutscenes in the plot.

The expression 'it's lonely at the top' because they are both outcasts from society in a way. They both have extremely high social standings and is responsible for many lives. They are both at the top of their respective jurisdiction. But its lonely at the top.

But its okay they can be lonely together.

[violet-eng]

Lantern Rite Zhongli x fem!reader - NSFW of course

Summary: Zhongli likes reader! since the first day he saw her. Then, during the Lantern Rite, he finds a spot where to watch the show together and do it. The second part wasn't planned. Old man just wanted some time with his crush but ended up doing it.

Warnings: Smut as always. piv. Outdoors sex? Unprotected sex (wear a condom please)

World count: idk, but it's a lot.

(🎨by @gorooon0402)

__________________ ׂׂૢ་༘࿐┊ ⋆ ┊ . ┊ ┊┊ ┊⋆ ┊ .┊ ┊ ⋆˚         ✧. ┊         ⋆ ★

The first time Zhongli saw you was at the top of the city, at the place where Rex Lapis had died. You had caught his attention, kneeling in front of the place, offerings in front of you and your head lowered.

He knew everyone in Liyue, somehow his ancient omniscience had given him that privilege, but you were a complete stranger. The cloak covering your body, the seams bruised and the hood worn, you had had a long journey, but you were there, praying.

You stood up, wiped your knees and adjusted your clothes. You headed towards the exit and brushed against his arm.

“I’m sorry,” you said, your voice soft, just like your features. You were in his eyes the most beautiful creature he had ever seen in his life.

That same afternoon, Zhongli goes to the Bubu pharmacy in search of certain medications; his human form had been difficult for him to care for in recent years. He rings the bell on the table expecting Baizhu or Qiqi to appear, instead, you are the one who receives it. This time you wear a different cape, matte oak colors without a hood, allowing your face to be seen clearly, framed by your hair.

"What can I help you?" You ask, both hands on the table and a kind smile on your lips. Zhongli, due to vestiges of his ability as an Archon, perceives a certain energy emanating from you: perseverance, an unbreakable will accompanied by nostalgia and kindness. He realizes that you have come a long way in your life, that you know hard work and have extensive knowledge about the different nations of Teyvat. He wonders why he didn't give you a Vision when he was Rex Lapis, realizing you lack one. All of this is enough to awaken something in him, a human feeling that he thought he had gotten rid of a long time ago.

"I need medicine" is the only thing that can come out of his lips, while he spreads a prescription in front of you.

"Ah, yes. Mr. Baizhu warned me that someone like you would come" you say, taking a bag.

"Someone like me?" The phrase sparks a hungry curiosity in Zhongli.

"Yes, an elegant gentleman with an eloquent voice."

Those words send a wave of heat up Zhongli's spine, although his face doesn't flinch.

"I see, it's like Baizhu" he finally says.

The following months you find yourself invading Zhongli's mind, and the more he gets to know you he realizes the greater attraction he feels for you. It's not just your face, your smile or your gestures, it's the way you care for the patients that Baizhu can't care for, the way you tell the children about the things you've seen outside of Liyue, when you help Madam Ping with her teapot or when you bandage Yanfei's ankle for running from side to side.

You are the kind of person he decided to live for as a human, the kind of pure soul he had given up his gnosis for, the creature he hates not having created, even though he knows he would never have had the ability to create something so perfect like you.

The Lantern Rite arrives, the festival is bigger this year than last, and Zhongli, who watches everything from one of the tables at the Wanmin Restaurant, cannot help but feel slightly alone. He looks for you in the crowd, perhaps you could share stories of his expeditions as you have often done for a few weeks, but he can't find you anywhere. That worries him.

He asks about you in a subtle way, knowing that people hold you in high esteem for your work as an auxiliary doctor, discovering that you have been making outpatient visits all day to some of the adventurers who suffered a gunpowder accident while preparing the fireworks.

So Zhongli heads to the city dock, where he finds you leaving the house of one of your patients. He notices that you are exhausted, so he approaches you cautiously.

"It looks like you haven't rested all day" he says as he offers you a drink.

"Is it late for the event?" you ask after wiping your lips with the back of your hand.

"No, you're just in time."

"Madame Ping's place is probably full, not to mention the plaza. I was dying to see the lanterns this year," you say, looking over the sea, where you realize that they are preparing everything for the big event.

"I know a place..." Zhongli says, not very sure of his words although his tone of voice hides it pretty well.

So you two end up crossing the water in a boat, reaching the other shore, from where you can see the coast of Liyue.

You are amazed by the sight, and you express it to Zhongli as you get rid of your cloak, revealing your clothes underneath, it is a dress, and Zhongli surprises himself by looking for where the zipper of your clothes would be or how easily It would be undoing your buttons.

The lanterns rise, and you pick up your legs as you follow the bright spots rising above the dark sky with your gaze. You watch the show and Zhongli looks at you, the amber color of the fudistant ego reflected faintly on your face.

You are alone, and that gives him enough courage to approach you, take your chin in his hand and turn your face towards his. You don't have time to react because his lips are against yours, gently sucking on your bottom lip.

You put your hands on his chest and separate yourself from him in search of air. He feels dazed, ecstatic, and ashamed all at once. He believes he has offended you, and regret consumes him until you kiss him again, this time wrapping your arms around his neck.

You feel the same as him, and that gives him enough courage to take off his jacket and tie while still kissing you. His hands go behind your back looking for that zipper that he had identified before, and then sliding it to reveal your body in lingerie. The image sends a ripple to his core and he suddenly feels imprisoned in his pants. He gently pushes you until your back is against the grass, damp from the rain a few hours ago, and he positions himself over you, your legs between his.

“Zhongli…” you whisper as you watch the way he undoes his shirt and then removes a glove with his teeth. You notice something primitive, almost animalistic, in his gaze.

As he undoes his pants you notice his hardened cock lifting the fabric of his underwear, your already wet center becoming even more soaked at the image of him on top of you.

Zhongli leans over you to kiss you as he gets rid of the fabric and is completely exposed to you. The image he gives you makes your nipples harden, and you close your legs even more before the incessant moisture that flows from you. Zhongli's body seems sculpted, his shoulders defined, his pectorals large, and his abdomen marked by his muscles. His cock points at you, big and thick, the head red with hunger at your center and a vein bulging on the side.

You gulp at the thought of what awaits you. You can't believe you're with him like this, outdoors, on the grass.

"We're alone, right?" you ask, and he smiles, leaning over you.

"Completely alone," he says, kissing your neck as one of his hands slides under the fabric of your bra, grabbing the soft flesh of your breast and teasing your nipple.

“I’ve wanted to do this for so long,” he whispers in your ear, his voice hoarse.

He takes off your bra, exposing your breasts to him. You try to cover yourself, but he grabs your hands and pulls them away from your breasts. He wants to see you, he has wanted to for weeks.

"Don't be shy," he hisses, tilting his head, a proud smile on his lips. You are completely blushing, "Let's see what else you have for me" he says, sliding one of his fingers between your breasts, down your abdomen and reaching the edge of your panties. He lowers them cautiously from both ends and when he takes them from you he brings them to his nose, inhaling your essence impregnated in the damp fabric. That only causes you to leak even more.

Zhongli throws the fabric along with the rest of the clothes and bows again, this time he won't pause as much. He glances at you as he spreads your legs with one hand, a lopsided smile appearing on his face as he notices how wet you are for him.

"All this just by touching you" he says as he slides two of his fingers through your folds making you shudder and arch your back, you are as needy for him as he is for you.

He brings his fingers to his mouth and tastes your juices, running his tongue over his lips.

"So sweet, and all for me," he growls.

He aligns himself with your entrance and suddenly you feel him slide easily inside you, it's as if you were tailor-made for him, specially created for him.

Zhongli pushes his way inside you, molding your walls to the shape of his cock.

“You're tight,” he whispers, stifling a moan, leaning over you and gripping the grass under his hands. The way you squeeze him drives him crazy.

When Zhongli is completely inside you, you throw your head to the side and cover your mouth so he doesn't hear you moan, you don't want to make him uncomfortable with some embarrassing sound.

"I want to hear you," he says, taking your hands and putting them on the sides of your head, "I want to hear you moan, scream, curse... no one else is going to hear you, only me."

You look at him with reddened cheeks, completely drugged with desire and lust. The way those words leave his lips, the way he looks at you while he's inside you, all of it makes you feel ready for whatever's next.

Zhongli moves slowly at first, drawing soft moans from you, he wants you to adjust to his size, he wants you to get used to his rhythm as he holds on your hips while he lets low moans into your neck.

You cling to his back and move your hips as if to signal that you are ready, that you want him to fuck you as he really wants.

When your insides feel empty without him, your walls clench around his tip, and then he slides all the way inside, hard and fast, giving you no time to process the thrust.

He does it one, two, three times, keeping your hips static against the grass, the friction against your buttocks burns at first, but then succumbs to the pleasure you feel every time he enters you, every time he hits your cervix and your g-spot. Every time he moans incoherently into your neck you forget that they are out in the open fucking like two animals in heat.

"So soft, so mine," he says between indecent moans as his tip arches inside you, hitting your cervix. You feel that at any moment he will cross into your uterus and split in half.

The force with which he thrusts into you is almost beastly, accompanied by grunts and his hand tangled in your hair. His mouth attacks your nipple, making you feel double stimulation.

Zhongli stands up and sits on the grass, placing you on top of him, on his hip. He never left your insides.

You cling to his neck and rest your head on his shoulder, the image of the approaching lanterns blurred by the tears in your eyes. Zhongli's hands on your hips mark the pace of penetration, sinking deeper into you if that is possible.

"Just like that, cutie, just like that~" he growls as he squeezes your glutes and abuses your pussy with his cock. You feel a knot forming inside you.

“Zhongli,” you moan, breathing heavily, arching your back and digging your nails into his shoulders.

He realizes you're about to reach your limit, and he lays you back down on the grass.

"Don't resist," he says as he lifts one of your legs and places it on his shoulder, giving you a wave of ecstasy from the new, even more pleasurable position.

You look at his face as he continues to move inside you, some of the lanterns fly above his head, the amber fire almost as intense as that of his eyes at that moment. You caress his cheek, that image of him, thirsty for your pussy with the flashlights on him, you want to keep it in your memory forever.

His thrusts become frantic and irregular in rhythm, you feel the burning in your belly and center grow more and more, like a flame of fire every time he touches the already quite abused rubbery spot. Zhongli goes on and on and on and then you feel him coming. The knot inside you unravels and you let out a scream as you mark his back with your nails. You've reached your orgasm, and overstimulation haunts you as Zhongli continues to move, seeking to reach his own climax.

He twists his mouth into a grimace and presses his hips against yours, releasing a load of his cum into your hole.

He's breathing hard, his forehead is sweaty, and his member is still inside you. You caress his chest and neck, he takes your hand and kisses the back. You are both silent, only your heavy breathing can be heard in the air.

"Oh my Rex Lapis" you finally say.

Zhongli smiles and kisses you on the lips after hearing you say that. Maybe in the future he will tell you about his past and who he really is, for now he just wants to be there, lying next to you, naked and watching the lanterns traveling through the night sky.

[sh1-n0bu]

I am such a simp for Scara Nobu omg. I'm in love with him being AFAB 🥹

Thinking about him cumming completely untouched just from your praise :(( He needs to hear it so badly, he's your good boy and just wants you to say it all the time <33

-👖

♡︎ 𝙨𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙩 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙨𝙪𝙜𝙖𝙧 ♡︎

characters: AFAB!sub!scaramouche x nb!dom!reader

warnings: praise, markings, dirty talk, praise, degrading, thigh riding, cumming untouched, virgin scara my beloved<3

notes: currently on my last fucking line of sanity as i think of transmasc scara squeezing the life outta me with his thighs

wanderer, formerly known as balladeer or scaramouche, was not exactly the most gentle of lovers. he’s always on the defensive, ready to protect himself whether it be verbally or physically. years of trauma, torture and manipulation at the hands of the second fatui harbinger - il dottore - doing nothing to soothe his harsh personality and snappy attitude.

he hated everyone and everything. each and every disgusting trace of emotion other than hatred and sadistic glee being frowned upon, slightest bit of gentle touch met with a harsh glare and a smack. yes, he hates everything.

everything and everyone except you.

he doesn’t really remember how it all started, how the swirling emotions of affection in his chest started. perhaps it was when he first met you when you were with the traveler, during his mission of finding out about the truth of the stars and meteors?

maybe during the lantern rite when the two of you stumbled upon each other as he held his bleeding side, denying your kindness of treating his wounds verbally but never doing anything to live up to his words?

he doesn’t remember and frankly he doesn’t care, not when his smaller frame is sitting on your lap, greedily whining as he chases after your lips in a drunken haze.

his own lips was already cherry red, swollen with small hints of blood, giving chase every time you pull away with a low whimper of a plea slipping from his mouth. his white and blue fabricated kimono top already sitting discarded at the edge of your shared bed, shorts halfway taken off, pooling at his ankle as he grinds himself on your thigh with a bright blush.

"hey now, let me breathe for a bit darling" tugging on his short, messy purple locks, guiding him away from yourself you took deep breaths in and out. wanderer whined at that - stupid oxygen. keeping him away from his lover.

taking your other hand in his smaller one, he guided it towards his side where the zipper to his bodysuit is - silently begging you to undress him. understanding his silent, unexpressed words you fulfilled his wishes, fingers grabbing at the zipper of his bodysuit, slowly pulling them down as your lover wiggled on your thighs with a beautiful deep shade of red blooming on his cheeks.

slipping your hand under his tight bodysuit, you felt him jolt at the sudden feeling of your fingers brushing on his sensitive nub. a quiet, poorly muffled whine escaped his throat as his hips bucked when you decided to give an experimental tug to his puffy nipple.

"ooh? so you like having your nipples played? who knew my sweet little kuni was such a whore" tugging down the turtleneck collar of his bodysuit, you bit down on his sensitive spot of jugular between his neck and shoulder, making the puppet in your arms whimper loudly. face burning up in shame, wanderer wanted to deny your words but deep down he knew it was true. especially with his body reacting so deliciously to each and every last one of your touch on him.

"aww you're this wet for me already? just from a simple tug on your nipples dear?" feeling his wetness soaking through his bodysuit and wetting your pants, you couldn't help but coo at his adorable flushed face. pinching and tugging on his sensitive bud, you leaned down to wrap your lips around his other nipple through his bodysuit. at that, wanderer let out a moan, gazing down at you with a completely red face, a hand over his mouth to muffle his noises. archons, this was all so perverted but he would be lying if he said he didn't like it.

"aanh... w-wait [name]~ wait wait wai-!! mmngh!♡︎" squealing as he threw his head back, your sweet lover spasmed. hips bucking on your thighs before a sudden wetness soaked through your pants more. did he just-?

letting go of his sensitive nipple, you looked up to gaze upon wanderer's face burning up in shame with tears welling up in his pretty blue eyes. hiding his face in your shoulders he let out a whine before asking you a question that made you giggle.

"can we do that again...?"

[thebomb-thebird-andtheburntbitch]

Dragonfly: Lantern Rite

zhongli/fem!reader

genre: mindless domestic fluff

w.count: 2.2k

a/n: this lil treat is based around the reader/zhongli pair from my fic Dragonfly! (feel free to click through and give it a read hehe) you don't need to read the original material per se, but if you have, then enjoy the immortal couple going to lantern rite together for the first-time! c:

Happy Lantern Rite!

it had been a while since you had migrated from your sealed-off home in the middle of nowhere liyue into the busy liyue harbor at the insistence of zhongli (and shockingly enough xiao). according to both of them, you had spent the last few hundred years stuck in immorality and all alone; you had spent enough time in solitude. now, with your life being revealed to those who mattered to you, it was time to move forward again.

in truth, even with your experience dealing with all sorts of folks from your lifetimes, the move to the harbor was awkward. people would see you practically sticking to zhongli simply because you knew no one else and they would start conversations based soley on the fact that you must be someone he knew. he was much more popular and well-known than you suspected since he was just a mortal man now. it seems his knowledge and need to make things known when they could possibly be told in injustice worked in building his reputation.

the addition of hu tao in your small, new social circle was a burst of energy you had forgotten people had as well. her go-go-go attitude about work and seeming lack of fatigue was almost awe-inspiring. the fact that she was the boss of your archon-turned-mortal lover was just as entertaining; witnessing him try to reign her in as respectfully as possible and sigh heavily when she would flit out of his sight was a pleasantry. it made him feel more well-rounded as a person and not just the age-old archon you had known.

now, it had been about a month.

zhongli had invited you to stay with him since he was absolutely unwilling to let you get too far from him after believing you were dead for so long. he was a collectively calm man with control of his emotions, but any sane person would feel the smallest bit of clinginess- for lack of better terms- in this scenario. perhaps it was his innate instincts kicking in that he usually suppressed; the ones that made him bare his fangs or hiss at intruders on his territory... who could say?

as you sat at the open window of his home up on the second floor, you enjoyed the bustle of noises floating from the harbor and the breeze that greeted you at this height. your night clothes were wrinkled from your night of rest and your hair had only been haphazardly combed back with your fingers. the warm cup of tea in your hand had been brewed just before you took your seat at the window.

even after a month of this, you still couldn't understand how you forgot how peaceful mornings could be when they weren't steeped in lonesome melancholy.

small pads of footsteps invaded your senses and overtook the sound of the harbor before the door to the small tea room opened with a slight creak. one thing you always had zhongli beat at is being able to wake up before him.

his bare feet carry him further into the room before coming to your side and leaning down to kiss the top of your bedhead. the robe he wears slides down his exposed shoulder when he leans and his loose hair brushes against your cheek. his hand cups behind your back and slightly rubs against your shoulders in a warm, welcoming motion before his amber eyes glow in the morning sun mirthfully.

"good morning, my dear." his hand keeps rubbing your back and moves to press into your spine that is still sore from the stillness of sleep. "may i be so bold as to ask to join you?" he always asks the same question as if you'll ever tell him no. you have no doubt he does in simple jest now.

"you may, since i'm feeling generous." with a small chuckle, zhongli shifts his body to sit across from you at the tea table before pouring himself some of your brewed tea.

sitting in the orange morning sun, the veins of gold that run across his body look like rivers flowing on calm land.

"shouldn't you cover up? someone down there could see you," you tease as you take a sip of your cooling tea.

"there's no need," he sips his own steaming cup fresh from the pot. "we're far too high for anyone to take notice of my appearance properly." even if someone did notice his less-than-human traits running over his exposed skin, he'd just blame it on the sun- just a trick of the light.

the mornings were often like this. soft and quiet and slow before he knows he's needed at the funeral parlor and you would soon be needed at your own job. that was one other thing you were insistent on when moving to the harbor with him.

you didn't want to mooch off his paycheck and his home and his space forever, so you were quick to find a job anywhere you could. zhongli wishes you wouldn't have since he strongly thought that you deserved to live lazily and carefree- if not forever then at least for a while longer. still, when you didn't budge on your decision, he was quick to relent as he always was.

you had decided to go with a smaller-scale job and work alongside ying'er and her perfumes at the scent of spring. she was quite the character and when you told zhongli about your prospects of working with her- his slight flash of concern didn't go unnoted. 'she is simply a very... open person,' he had told you. the flirtatious way she often spoke to others was clearly what he was referring to when you got to know her more.

still, you had your pick and decided to stay. odd though she can act, she was a good person and offered you decent pay at easy hours. compared to running around preforming errands along with rites of partings like zhongli and hu tao- this was a pretty safe gig.

you stood outside the perfume shop with zhongli as he was about to start on his way to the funeral parlor. he always insisted on walking you to and from work- the one evening you made it home before he could pick you up was the first time you had ever seen his eyebrows droop in what you would dare to call a pout!

that miniscule pout now dared to tug on his expression this morning too. lantern rite was tonight and when the sun would begin to drop, he would be preoccupied with other tasks and mingling with friends from past and present- he was afraid the social traffic would prevent him from offering you his arm. you had no problem with the circumstances since the shop would be closing early today for lantern rite in the first place. you just told him you'd meet him at the docks before it starts.

it was mostly true; you hadn't found him in time when the lanterns were to be lifted and you instead stood among the crowd of strangers while gaming had performed his wushou dance among the calm waves of the harbor. still, you felt full watching all the festivities firsthand like this- the fulfillment filled you with such warmth. your vantage point atop the long stairs that leads down to the crowded docks gives you a sense of being on top of the world. it felt silly, but so very comforting.

"oh, y/n!" you turn your head to see the traveler and paimon coming your way, paimon waving her arm enthusiastically in the air. she then proceeds to float around you in awe of your attire. "wow! you look so pretty!" her cheeks tint as you feel yourself become the smallest bit bashful.

"well, it's my first lantern rite. i thought i should dress up a little for the occasion." wearing a styled hanfu of soft colors that easily complemented zhongli's color scheme, you picked up the skirt before letting it flutter back around your legs.

this was another reason you were okay with zhongli not being able to escort you. while it would've been wonderful to be with him the whole event, the idea of this small surprise of you all gussied up made your cheeks warm.

"you smell good too," paimon's comment made you burst out a small laugh since it was so unprompted. you clear your throat as she cups he chin with her finger. "why does your perfume smell so familiar?"

"it was a gift from ying'er. she told me it would 'suit my tastes', i suppose."

"ying'er," paimon's brows crunch in intense thought before the traveler placed their arms on their hips.

"remember the rite of parting for rex lapis, paimon?" paimon snaps her fingers and points at the blond.

"that's it!" she turned back to you to explain. "during the rite of parting, we offered perfumes up to rex lapis! this is the one that seemed to really resonate with the statue of seven. what was it- uh, something, something dusk... mist..? agh! paimon can't remember clearly." you chuckle at her.

"it's called golden house maiden. according to ying'er it's favored by the more mature crowd. the gentle scent makes it easier on me to wear since anything too strong really isn't my thing." looking at your wrist where you sprayed a small portion of it on your skin before applying it to your throat and neck, you feel yourself get hot all over again knowing it was favored by rex lapis. "anyway, are you two going to enjoy the event?"

"mmhnn!" paimon hums. "we just got back from visiting xiao, so now paimon's going to eat all sorts of delicious food!"

you shoot the traveler a sly grin before they were clearing their throat and looking away from you. oh, young love- how precious.

"so, where's zhongli anyway? normally he's hovering around you like a fly when you're not working!"

"he isn't that bad," you chuckle. "i'm meeting him in a bit. i was actually on my way down. if you'd like we can walk together?"

"sure!" paimon agrees while the traveler nods and soon you're all walking down the stairs to the warmly lit lanterns and the decorative float of one of the past yakshas. with you walking in front of the two travel companions, they both opened their mouths in silently 'ooo's at the sight of your hair all done up with a single hair stick- one they're familiar with. "they're so cute," paimon whispers to the traveler who easily agrees.

before too long, you're greeted by the bustling partygoers of lantern rite and was even offered a small lantern charm that you happily except from a passing sales pitcher.

"oh!" paimon pipes up before pointing through the crowd. "there he is!" she spots zhongli with hu tao nearby a table of small tea cups. he mentioned that he often watched the fireworks with her during events such as these. "zhongli!" paimon called, parting the crowd while you and the blond followed behind.

zhongli was glad he wasn't holding a teacup or standing up when you finally graced him with your presence. if he had, he knows he would've dropped the cup or lost his footing.

he stared at you in a daze when you offered a kind greeting to hu tao who was fussing over how pretty you looked just as much as paimon did. as if your looks weren't enough, the scent of your perfume wafted into his sense and if he were any less of a man he would've grabbed your wrist and dragged you off by now. the god of old was thankful the night was dark and light dim so no one could notice his blown wide pupils that took you in. when you finally look at him, he swallows hard.

"sorry for keeping you waiting so long. i know i said i'd be here before the event started, but i got a bit time blind... ironically enough." zhongli stood from his spot at the round table and found his voice.

"it was no trouble at all." his eyes catch sight of your hair and gently brings his hand up to cup around the dangling jewels hanging off the wings of your dragonfly hair stick. "it was clearly very much worth the wait."

"aiya, you two love birds sure are something else," hu tao sighs dreamily at you. she was no hopeless romantic or anything, but seeing zhongli so smitten was something was quite the sight to behold. "go! enjoy the festivities and relax!" her soft voice was encouraging as she pushes zhongli's back to get him moving.

zhongli offers you his arm, which you take before showing him your small little lantern charm you received while you both walked off together. the party of three you were leaving behind of hu tao, paimon and the traveler all smiled at your backs.

"they make a good couple," traveler says. the other two agree with no argument.

and although it's a little late, zhongli takes you out to the statue of seven just outside of the harbor and releases a lantern with you in solitude. while you watched it float into the air far behind its other lantern brethren, zhongli was latched onto your back, hands on your hips and his face in your neck.

this perfume really was favored by rex lapis after all.

[youreallyshouldtalkmore]

All that’s Gold 

A.N: Ahh, Lantern Rite is here!! I hope you are having fun with it, I know I am!

That time of year when we get to think about Liyue Fam and more importantly Zhongli!! I wanted to write more for my 1st Husband so I finally managed to finish this draft that has been ages in the making!

I hope you enjoy this Zhongli x Reader!! 

P.S: An awesome Zhongli x Reader blog : @dragon-ascent

Just Sayin.

Genshin Impact MasterList

——————

There were many words you could use to describe Zhongli; twitchy was not one of them. 

But that was exactly what he had been like in the last couple of days: 

Twitchy. 

When you asked him what was wrong, he would suddenly refocus on you with a smile as he raised his hand to cup your cheek, “There is nothing wrong, my love. Do not mind me.” 

You admitted the first couple of times, you got sidetracked by Zhongli’s blinding smile. It wasn’t that you hadn’t seen it before, but each time it stole your breath away. And you suspected that since you were still considered newlyweds, may have had something to do with it. Most days, when you woke up, you expect to have Zhongli as your husband, to be only a dream.  But when you turned over, and saw him, you knew it was no dream. 

However, the small window of protection that was his smile that Zhongli had was quickly fading for you. You were determined to figure out why this man was so….twitchy. 

So you waited patiently until night fell and you were both tucked in bed. 

Zhongli laid on his back and barely closed his eyes when he felt your weight drap on top of him. He gave a small smile as he cracked open his eyes, wrapping his arms around you. He leaned forward and kissed your forehead, “Goodnight, my little wife.” 

Thinking that was the end, he shut his eyes intending to fall asleep. 

“Yeah, no. That’s not happening until we get to the bottom of this.” 

He opened his eyes then, “Bottom….of what?” 

You admonished, “Zhongli you aren’t stupid so please don’t pretend to be. It’s unbecoming for a man of your stature.” 

You watched amber eyes slowly slide away from yours as silence stretched for a long while.  If that didn’t prove that something was on his mind nothing did. If he knew he wasn’t hiding something he would have no reason to look away from you like that. You laid your head on his chest as you felt his hands absently rub up and down your body. 

You were willing to wait. 

Although after a while, you worked up the courage to ask softly, “Zhongli….have I done something that upsetted you?” 

It had niggled in your brain as this started. You weren’t the type to get bent out of shape over nothing and wanted to have the facts before you decided if it warranted such a response. However with your marriage being so new, there was a sliver of insecurity that lingered. 

No matter how hard you tried to suppress it. 

His eyes widened as he turned back to you, tilting your head so that you could look at him. His amber eyes were earnest as he responded, “No, of course not! You’ve done nothing to upset me. Quite the opposite really. Every day has been a joy to me. That you would choose this old ex-archon as your husband, I am honored anew everyday.” 

You tucked yourself deeper into your chest as a small smile formed on your lips. He always had a way with words. You felt Zhongli trying to get you to raise your head up once more. 

Only when your eyes met his did he speak,  “You have never done anything that displeased me, Y/N.” 

“Then…what is the problem?” You asked softly, “And please don’t deflect…”  

Once again Zhongli’s eyes slid away from yours. Then his eyes darted to yours quickly before turning away even as his head did not turn back to you. 

Something clicked, “Wait, is this you being embarrassed?” There was a sense of awe in your voice. You had never seen Zhongli like this. 

“What exactly do I have to be embarrassed about?” Zhongli muttered, still not looking at you. Once again his eyes quickly darted to your face and away. 

Was that a light sheen of red, dusting his face? 

You sat up a little taller and peered at him closer, as you giggled, “Dunno, you tell me!” 

After a moment, Zhongli finally turned back to you, “It’s just….old habits. Ones I thought I had lost after descending into mortal form but it seems that isn’t necessarily true.” 

You bobbed your head and asked after another lull, “Old habits? Such as?” 

“.....” 

“Zhongli, this is me, your wife. You don’t have to be afraid to tell me whatever it is. You know that I am willing to help you. I love you.” 

“I know this yet still I hesitate.” 

“What exactly do you think I’m going to do?” 

“You would probably find it….distasteful.” 

You raised an eyebrow. Now, you really wanted to know. That Zhongli was worried about such a thing, exactly how bad was this thing? 

Although you knew you looked troubled and wary you still prompted, “Tell me anyway. It’s going nowhere, how you’ve been dodging me as of late.” 

“Very….. well….” 

You watched as Zhongli seemed to summon his last visage to continue speaking, “As the Geo Archon, I was in fact…part dragon.” 

“Okay….” you prompted again, when he paused longer than necessary. 

His hands continued to rub at you as he spoke, “But since descending into mortal form, I thought I had lost that….ability. Which to a great extent I had but it seems I still have the instinct of a dragon.” 

“....And….” This was pulling teeth you realized but at least you were getting somewhere. 

“The instinct of a dragon about its mate.” 

Zhongli looked at you then and you stared at him, blankly. You knew he was looking at you like you were supposed to suddenly get it but you did not. 

You kept your voice light, not wanting to ruin the moment, “Okay….. I’m sorry. I’m not sure where we are going here…” 

“No, I suppose not…..” Silence lulled before Zhongli continued, “Dragons tend to want to hoard treasure. A mate is a type of treasure…..” 

“Right!!” You said that as if you knew what was going on. 

You did not. 

Zhongli realized this. Perhaps it was past time to stop beating around the brush. He gave a small sigh, “My dragonic instincts about my mate, makes me want to hoard her; hoard you. I really want to take you away from others for a while and….” 

“Oh, okay! Like a vacation?” You spoke after Zhongli had trailed off, “That doesn’t sound bad. Not distasteful in the slightest.” 

Zhongli really wanted to slap a hand to his head. He was good at words and now that ability seemed to be escaping him. 

You saw the long-suffering look and asked, “No? Something else?” 

You were beginning to think, you were the stupid one in this. 

“It is not you.” Zhongli said as you slowly lowered your chin to his chest, “It is me. It seems I’m having a hard time finding words for this particular scenario. It’s frustrating to say the least.” 

“I take it this old habit happened before now?” 

“Hm,not quite like this. This is the first time it’s been so….demanding. This instinct seemed to awaken when we were engaged.” 

You were completely and officially lost. You didn’t want to make this harder than necessary but you really couldn’t see where this was leading to. But then suddenly you found yourself on your back, Zhongli pressing his lips on yours, quite hard. 

After the shock wore off, you gave a moan, wrapping your arms around him. He had never been quite this aggressive before. His hand cupped your face, holding you where he wanted. Only when you both needed to breathe did he pull back, dropping a kiss on your neck right over your pulse, releasing your face. 

You gave a small gasp even as something he said niggled your brain, “Zhongli, you said it awakened when we were engaged. Why am I just now finding out about it?” 

Here a wolfish grin crept onto Zhongli’s face as he peered at you, “Y/N, such was not the time to engage in such….hmm...how did you say, R-rated affairs. You’ve always wanted to keep it PG-13 until we were married.” 

You couldn’t keep Zhongli’s gaze and turned away, eyes wide, making the ex-archon laugh. Ahh, perhaps this was beginning to make a little more sense even if the finer details eluded you. 

When you found your voice you spoke, gaze still turned away from him, “Well, the rating has since gone up, so what is the problem exactly?” 

“This is true but a dragon’s instinct for his mate can be quite…demanding. I did not wish to frighten you with them.” 

You turned to him with a glare, “So suffering in silence is better? I am willing to give you whatever you want, Zhongli. Surely you know that.” 

Zhongli gave a soft smile then, “You have given me so much already. I wouldn’t demand more of you.” Then he frowned, “....Especially, when you know not what it entails…” 

“Then tell me…” You challenged your eyes, flashing.

As Zhongli held himself over you, you watched his eyes turning to liquid gold, but where there was usually tenderness, this time, you saw something else. Liquid gold held a hard tint, yet could burn as fire, as he gazed down at you. His body had gone still, as if he became a statue. You couldn’t even feel him breathing then. Your thoughts turned as you gazed up at him. 

You shivered. Yet it wasn’t fear, that you felt, you knew that much. 

Then he moved, slowly bringing his hand to cup your chin. You instinctively leaned into his touch, even as your eyes never left his. 

Couldn’t leave his. 

Then his thumb came to rest upon your lips, running back and forth. Softly at first but then you felt a bit more pressure making your lips part. You felt your breath hitched at such an intimate gesture. 

“....Irrational thoughts have been pouring into my mind lately. Ones where I take you away from here, deep into the mountains. I don’t want anyone to lay eyes on you, to entertain your presence, to share even the same oxygen you breathe. Except for me. Only me.” 

You felt a shiver down your spine once more, his voice deepening. Yet, his gaze was unwavering as he gazed down at you, his words measured. 

“You are a treasure I don’t want to share with anyone else. It should be mine and mine alone. Mine to indulge with as I see fit. But I don’t want you to fear this, Y/N. I only wish to love you at my highest capability. To treat you as gold.” 

“Ahhh…” He drawled, “That is incorrect on my part. Even a mountain of Mora would pale in comparison to a night with you. Even then I know  a night with you would never be enough. No matter how much I would touch you or kiss you, my greed would want more, demand more. A lifetime of nights, and it would still not not sate me even into eternity. Such is bottomless greed. I’m well aware of this fact and yet still, I would wish to take you away for a while and love you until we are breathless at the wonder of it all.”

You had no words, even as silence lingered. You could only stare helplessly at him. Then he blinked and his eyes seemed to turn back into those amber eyes filled with tenderness. 

He moved his hand away, “Forgive me. It seems that I…” 

You surged forward, even as you yanked him down to capture his lips in a fierce kiss. He was surprised, steading himself with his hands on either side of you, but returned the kiss to match your fervor. 

Then you pulled away, leaving a scant breath between you, “You have such a way with words, my husband. So smart, yet so stupid.” 

He furrowed his eyebrows even as he didn’t turn his gaze from you. 

“That I would fear such a union. It’s stupid. I’m your wife.” You breathed. 

Zhongli worked to find his voice, “It’s…far too much, especially for a mortal. I know well what happens with excess. I will not destroy this beautiful thing with a wanton display.” 

“You’d take care of me. Even during then, you’d take care of me. You wouldn’t let yourself get to such a place where you would destroy the beauty we have. You need to trust yourself more.”

Amber eyes gazed deeply into yours. You could see him thinking. You could also see the surprise at your words. Your conviction. 

And you had meant every one. 

You knew and trusted Zhongli.  You knew that he could love you so fiercely so as not to destroy you in the process. He was always seeing to your needs. Emotionally or physically. So why did he think you wouldn’t see to his? 

You were right all along. This was not a needed drama in your head. 

Then Zhongli smiled, “Ahh, my love, I believe I have fallen even more in love with you, right now.” 

You giggled, “Oh?” 

“Hm, I have learned much today. Thank you for your teaching.” 

You laughed then, wrapping your arms around him. Comfortable silence drifted as he laid your head on your bosom, sighing contently. He was always warm but at that moment, he seemed warmer than usual. You ran a hand absently up and down his back. He felt him shift, muscles rippling once. 

You squirmed once beneath him then breathed, “Zhongli…” 

“No, not tonight.” Zhongli whispered, lifting himself onto his hands to gaze down at you, “I don’t trust myself right now and….I have something planned. Do you trust me?” 

You nodded even as you reached up to cup his face but he used a hand to intercept, grasping yours in his. Then he smiled once, “I’m glad to know it. You won’t have to wait too much longer. I promise. Just not right now, hm?” 

You didn’t trust your voice but gave a nod, letting your hand go limp. When he let it go, you let it drop besides your head. You didn’t trust yourself either now. He felt it wise that this position would not help matters so he climbed off you, to lay down besides you. Immediately you curled up at his side, but was hesitant after you did so. With a reassuring smile, he wrapped an arm around you, making you relax and sigh. 

Then after a time, you managed to drift asleep. 

In the weeks that followed, you did not know what Zhongli was planning. Only that he asked you to make sure you could get some time off mindful of the responsibilities you both had. Since that night, you realize that Zhongli was less twitchy but in its place, he became more touchy. It was like the shield came down. You shivered at times to catch his eyes, that became dark with promise. But despite the touches, he would only let it go so far. You’d only pout but you did trust him, so you didn’t dare push. You would wait for him and let him make the first move.  

Ah, now you were seeing where he was going with this. 

When this man said he wanted to take you to a mountain, he was serious. There was a beautiful cavern that he had somehow got set up along with beautiful robes that he had made specifically for both of you. You felt as if you were a bride anew as you got dressed. 

But when you saw Zhongli again, dressed in his own robe, your breath caught. His hair was let free to sway in the breeze, his gloves were absent allowing you to see the golden veins that ran through his black arms, disappearing into the sleeves of his rich earthen robes. They were open at the chest, clearly teasing you. And upon his head, were a set of magnificent yellow-orange horns. 

Zhongli turned to you as you stopped just staring at him. His amber eyes, seemed a shade darker, were still kind as summer as he smiled at you, “Are you afraid, my dear?” 

It took you a moment to find your voice,“.....What would I have to fear?”

You watched as he walked towards you with measured steps before stopping before you. Then he was tilting your head so that you were looking up at him. His hands were warm and you realized that he had developed claws. Did he get a bit taller as well? Or was it his imposing and majestic aura? 

“Y/N, you will tell me if you ever feel fear in these coming days. If you don’t like something, if it goes too far, you will tell me. Promise me.” 

You gazed up at him, “I promise.” 

Zhongli smiled warmly, “Y/N, my wife. I would tell you that I love you, but those seem such shallow words. No, you deserve more than what mere words can give. Much more…” 

“O-oh?” 

He was leaning down, his lips hovering above yours, “Hm. Much more. Three days is not nearly enough to show my love but it will have to suffice. But show it, I will….” 

You couldn’t help but to reach up and rest your hands on his chest. They trembled but you didn’t dare make the first move. Your words were breathless mixed with a slight plea, “Then, show me, my husband.” 

Zhongli’s lips quirked once, before he slowly captured yours….. 

----

A.N: Zhongli Fanart that is Reference for what he's wearing

(https://twitter.com/rokuon_/status/1427645969479372808)

[paimonial-rage]

tryst - furina

[random writing event] | requested by anon

Really, at over five hundred years old, it shouldn’t have excited her as much as it did. She used to be the god of Fontaine, after all. She did many crazy and fascinating things in her lifetime. Not to mention the sheer amount of plays and operas she’s been in. Being before a crowd nearly every moment in her life gave her confidence she could handle anything life threw at her. So how embarrassing it was to admit that out of everything she experienced, nothing could prepare her for this.

“It’s not much longer now,” you encouraged as you led her by hand up the path, intertwining your fingers with hers.

As you looked back at her with that frankly adorable grin, your eyes sparkled in the light of the full moon. It was late out, much later to what she was used to. And the way you kept your voice low only added to the excitement of the moment. It felt forbidden, taboo, like she would be reprimanded if anyone found out. She knew it was dumb, but nothing could stop her heart from beating out of her chest.

You didn’t know her. At least, you only met her a few days ago. She was a newcomer to Liyue and you were the kind soul that took it upon yourself to show her around the harbor. You had no reason to. You weren’t hired to do so. But upon hitting it off with her at an outdoor eatery, you invited her to walk around with you to enjoy the festival atmosphere. And now here you were a few days later leading her to, what you considered to be, the best place to watch the Lantern Rite.

And dare she say it again, you didn’t know her. All you knew her as was “Furina.” To you, she wasn’t the ex-Hydro Archon. She wasn’t the famed actress and opera singer. She simply was Furina. And how addicting it was. Gone was the need for propriety. Hesitation and reverence were no longer hers to bear. Your smiles and warmth belonged solely to her. To Furina, just Furina.

The moment you reached the top of the hill overlooking all of Liyue Harbor, off in the distance, the first lantern took to the sky. Then one more, and another. And then soon the whole sky was full.

“It’s beautiful,” she whispered before she knew it.

You laughed gently and squeezed her hand.

“Would you like to light one too?” You asked, gesturing to the side with your free hand.

There was a Mingxiao Lantern, beautiful and ornate. But she hesitated.

“But… Is it okay? I… I’m not from Liyue…” she mumbled.

You smiled reassuringly.

“Of course. No matter where we’re from, we all have people we’d like to honor and remember, right?”

If only you know how much she did. A part of her wished to ask if she had that right. Was it okay for her to pray for all the people she lost? All the people she failed? But when you gazed at her with that softness in your eyes, she remembered once more who she was to you. Who you allowed her to be. Perhaps not as Focalors, but as Furina, she was allowed to grieve.

So with unsteady hands, she lit the lantern. And with your hands over hers, she let it float up into the sky. And as it drifted off farther and farther away, there she stood with you by her side.

[laiqualaurelote]

Press Release: Spooky Action at a Distance Album Reveal

The London Music Register - Local Interest

Spooky Action At A Distance unveils cover art for their much awaited debut album

The Ambassadors meets The Breakfast Club

Perhaps even more difficult than snagging a ticket to one of SAAAD’s sold-out club shows is trying to describe the experience to your less-lucky friends afterwards.

Their sound defies basic mortal conventions such as genre, instead better described by critic buzzwords, namely, transcendent and explosive.

Four band mates of wildly different backgrounds and styles meet to produce something that’s both the ultimate sum of their ancestral influences and entirely, uniquely theirs. Their music unabashedly melds high and low art- what begins as a pop punk song flows seamlessly into an operatic verse, while another number features elements of a baroque dance suite in what can best be defined as a modern club anthem. Their lyrics are equally packed with esoteric references and universal emotions.

It shouldn’t work- but it does. And it’s delicious. In order to tide you over until the album release, we’ve got the first look at its cover art, and as a gift to fans, it’s visually indicative of the band’s layered sound.

Many of you may be familiar with The Ambassadors from school trips to the National Gallery. The painting’s a popular subject of debate for art historians due to its detailed subjects and metaphysical symbolism. It’s reproduced faithfully here, albeit with a few cheeky adjustments.

SAAAD frontwoman Crystal Palace (yes, that Crystal Palace!) takes the place of the leftmost figure, complete with lavish outfit and undeniable rockstar swagger.

Across from her, drummer Charles Rowland stands in a dark coat, sticks clutched in a gloved hand.

Bassist Niko Sasaki lays across the top shelf à la Molly Ringwald, dandelion-crowned head at Palace’s shoulder.

Center frame- the band’s ‘brain’: virtuoso Edwin Payne sits with a lute across his lap and the painting’s infamous distorted skull slashing across his legs. (Memento mori seems to be a prevalent theme in many of SAAAD’s songs, though they often turn it into a lively celebration)

Eagle eyed fans will notice a couple additions to Holbein’s instruments- a bear figurine, a lantern, and a cherry blossom branch among them. Are they references to the band’s lyrics? Hints at future projects?

One thing’s for sure, we cannot wait to see more of this group. *

Spooky Action At A Distance’s album is available for preorder at record stores all across London.

Next live show: Saturday night at the Catabasis (tickets required in advance)

Booking inquires should be sent to Jenny Green.

HELLO I LOVE THIS?! for those unfamiliar with The Ambassadors by Hans Holbein, it's a 16th-century painting most famous for the weird distorted shape in the foreground, which looks like an alien object but is an anamorphic skull that comes into view if you approach it from certain angles. It's absolutely perfect for this band AU, I am shrieking. my eternal thanks to you anon

I actually drafted, but did not put in the fic itself, the track listing for the band's debut album AFTERLIVES, complete with writing credits:

SKELETONS IN THE CLOSET (Payne)

ACES DACES (Rowland)

LEFT OVER RITE (Payne)

TANPOPO NO KAMISAMA (Sasaki)

STICKY CRICKET WICKET (Rowland)

GIRLS’ KNIVES OUT (Sasaki, Surname von Hoverkraft)

RESTLESS PIANO SYNDROME (Payne)

PICK UP WHAT YOU’RE PUTTING DOWN (Rowland)

BRACELET ABOUT THE BONE (Payne)

BURY THE EX (Surname von Hoverkraft)

LANTERN IN THE DARK (Payne)

STAIRWAY TO HELL (Payne, Rowland) 

(bonus track)

13. GOT THE HELL OUT OF HELL (WE AIN’T GOING BACK) (Payne, Rowland, Sasaki, Surname von Hoverkraft)

gig officially gigged

[hotpinkstars]

-> theres no place quite like here

synopsis -> you take shenhe to a gorgeous location to spend your lantern rite together. the whole purpose? was to catch a glamorous sunset.

warnings -> none! pure fluff.

a/n -> someone plz know what song i quoted. i will be so happy if someone can recognize these lyrics omg

w/c -> 907

“shenhe, come on! the beautiful sunset is only preserved for so long. blink and you’ll miss it!” you rushed your wife out the door, keeping an eye on the outside to make sure that tonight, this visit will be worth it.

she sighed, proceeding to put on a pair of shoes quicker than the pace she followed before, as you were anxiously bouncing on your heels. she didn’t necessarily understand what was going to happen, she just knew you were excited.

as soon as she had her shoes on she was dragged out the door, immediately forced into a sprint. she was surprised with how long you were able to run for- but she also kept your speed. 

you ran what felt like the extent of liyue until you got to the heart of yilong wharf. you stopped running, cuing her to also stop too. you bought a few snacks, hastily pulling a pouch of mora out of your pocket and likely tipping those stall owners a fair amount, you took off into a sprint once again. 

but this time, there was mountain climbing involved. you groaned, looking back at shenhe, who simply nodded and told her where to go. you climbed ahead of her, but she took a more advanced route, giving you time to breathe every once in a while. that didn’t slow your pace, though.

finally, your awaited destination was just a large rock away. the sun was also, finally in the perfect position, making the skies a beautiful mix of purples, pinks, and reds. you did your last climb and layed on the ground of mt. mingyuan, exhausted from all the effort you made to come up here. 

“what was the point of this trip?” questioned a very confused shenhe. you giggled a little bit.

“look behind you, shen.”

and that she did. you could see her eyes glimmer with elation. once she saw the gorgeous sky, she nodded, flashing a small smile in your direction. there was nobody else up here- it showed nobody wanted to do the actual work of climbing such a distance, but that only meant that it was all the more special for the both of you. 

shenhe got up and walked to the spot you patted next to you. she sat down, crossing her legs and sitting straight up. sometimes you admired how she had such perfect posture, and this was one of those times. well, assuming adeptal arts practice good posture, you picked up where she learned it from. you straightened up under influence from the white haired woman inches from you.

you wanted to hug her, bring her in tight to your body, but you thought to let her have her moment. she seemed to be admiring the view in front of her, signaling she doesn’t get to see these things too often. 

“you know, sunsets like these are hard to come by around here. i’ve heard that inazuma has the prettiest by far,” she starts, and you look out at the horizon alongside her. she stands up, walking towards the mountains edge. “but i do not believe that it can pass over this one. i haven’t seen anything like this, even with my moments living up on the mountain tops with master.” 

you nod, and she looks back at you. 

“maybe it’s so pretty because it’s the lantern rite. or maybe it’s because you are alongside me on this fine night. but one thing i may have to say is that theres certainly no place like here.” 

you smiled. you were glad shenhe liked it, you had planned this out for months, just waiting for the right day to give its chance. and it seemed it was that day- the same day as the glorious, big fireworks that happen every year go off. 

“shenhe, you know the fireworks go off tonight, right?” you put a serving of tofu into your mouth, having bought a bag of almond tofu from a local vendor below. “i would’ve brought you to liyue city if the day wasn’t as gorgeous as it is now. i know you dislike crowded areas anyways, so this played well in our favor.”

she nodded, taking a seat on the cliffside. you crawled through the small patch of grass separating you from her, and took your seat right next to her. you offered her some tofu, which she accepted and slowly ate a piece before looking back out, the sky being a dark blue, reminding the world that the day doesn’t last forever. 

after a few hours of either talking or just basking in each others presence, you saw the first gorgeous ray of pink fire, signaling the first firework has been shot off and the show has started. you felt like you had front row seats; though liyue was rather far from your current location, the fireworks were big enough and set off in an easily accessible place, even allowing people from dragonspine to see if they’re at a certain angle. 

you felt shenhe sigh on your shoulder, wrapping an arm around your waist. you smile slightly, hugging her back, scooting back a bit as to not fall off the cliff. 

you both watched the rest of the show, getting up and heading home when it was over. you genuinely had a fun time tonight, and though she didn’t show it, you could tell shenhe did too. what a life, you thought.

[eisdendrobium]

where's my happily ever after?

pairing : childe x reader genre : fluff to angst summary : he was your everything, and so you thought you were his too. a/n : this is basically just a vent fic

read pt.2 : reader’s letter for childe

"promise i'll take you to the lantern rite" he smiled. you blush a bit at his statement as you hit his side jokingly "yea right, you better keep that promise ajax" he chuckles "you can always count on me princess"

"fuck off you're cringe" you complained and push him from your side. "what can i say? i'm a charmer" he walks back to your side with a dashing grin "yea right" you replied.

it was a breezy afternoon in bishui plain, a perfect day to take a peaceful walk to clear your mind. but as you were walking peacefully you see a silhouette of a man gliding from behind

"fancy seeing you here" you turn around to face childe. as he walks towards you silently, when he's almost by your side, you turn your body to continue your walk again but stop when you see the sight from the side of your eyes.

childe is kneeling down on one knee, hands stretched, holding a couple of beautiful qixing flower. seeing that, you blush, hard. and you could see that childe is also blushing as he lets out a laugh

you opened your mouth to say something but nothing came out, too shocked to speak. childe then stands up and regain his composure, he hands you the flowers and starts to walk towards the plains, you catching up to him.

"found them on the top of some hill, thought i could pick some up for you" he shrugs, you stare at the flowers in awe, tints of red could still be seen in your cheeks. "uh, thanks i guess?" "you are very welcome" he gave you his signature wink and grin.

the both of you then enjoy the rest of the walk in silence and sat down together near the city to watch the sunset.

"have you heard? childe's dating the traveler" xiangling, who's sitting with you said out of the blue

that caught you off guard and you look up to her, eyes widened "what?" "yeah, i heard her talking to paimon about it a while ago" you were baffled. i mean, just yesterday he knelt down in front of you, handing you flowers, just yesterday you spent your afternoon with him watching the sunset. and now he's dating the traveler?

no amount of word could express how you feel right now. sad? shocked? ashamed? betrayed? angry? you don't even know, they're circling inside you, wanting to explode.

xiangling who was oblivious of the fact that you have deep feelings for the eleventh fatui harbinger just continue to talk, yet you pay no mind to any of her words. you stood up and politely excuse yourself to her.

as you walk towards your home you can't help but let your tears fall, the scenery is beautiful, the moon high up in the sky, shinning brightly with clouds covering a part of it, the birds flying in the sky and the sound of fishes in the pond. it's the perfect night, just not for you.

you walk and walk by yourself as you drown yourself with thoughts and tears.

the next morning, you woke up from your restless night and you decide to take a breath in the hills, but guess it's just your lucky day for as soon as you teleported to the top of wuwang hill you see childe there, he turn around to see you and looked just as shocked.

not ready to talk to him yet, you averts your gaze to the grass and walk towards the empty spot near him, you don't want it to seem obvious you know about him and traveler but at the same time you still needed space to clear your mind, so you just stay quiet.

"hey, you good? you looked like you haven't sleep in ages" childe tries to spark up a conversation "yeah, didn't sleep at all." you replied shortly.

childe tries a couple of new topics but you shut down all of them, sensing that you want some time by yourself, he left you alone. "you seem like you need space, i'll excuse myself then" he pats your shoulder and left.

you sat on the grass and tears starts falling again, call it dramatic but the feeling of heartbreak just never hit you this hard. he's your first love and first heart break. you've always prepare yourself for any heartbreak that'll come to you, yet this just seem to have hit you a lot harder than what you'd expect.

days passed and you could see that childe is also drifting away from you. what seemed like a couple of greetings turns into stares, and hatred towards each other.

just when you're ready to be friend him again, childe makes it obvious that he didn't want anything to do with you anymore.

"ajax, didn't expect to see you here" childe turns to you "yeah? didn't expect to see you here too" he reply shortly and not long after that he left to meet the traveler.

you see how childe went towards traveler and starts laughing together, walking further away from you. you let out a chuckle "so we’re not going to the lantern rite you promised me huh?” you say to no one in particular

apparently this is how it ends, and you thought he’d be more then just a chapter. what a blessing it is to meet ajax, and such a curse loving him.

[synthleeius]

new years day

kind of taylor swift reference,,,, ☹️

NEW YEARS FIC!!!!! im sorry its 4 days late um. (im lazy)

lee!xiao

ler!aether

Xiao materialises silently on the balcony behind him, arms crossed. “Hmph, it’s you,” He murmurs, his voice barely audible.

“It is,” Aether said, waving him over as he leaned against the rails. Xiao complied, moving himself to stand next to the traveller. “So, is Liyue big on new years? It seems like it..”

Xiao’s gaze shifts to the bustling streets below, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Yes, Liyue is known for its grand celebrations during the lantern rite. Mortals gather to welcome the new year, hoping for good fortune and prosperity.” He turns his attention back to the figure beside him, his expression softening ever so slightly. “Is there a reason you ask..?”

“Not necessarily.. I was more asking if you were big on it.” Aether admitted, smiling softly at the city.

Xiao's eyes flicker with a hint of surprise, as if caught off guard by his question. "I... I suppose I don’t partake in such festivities," he admits, his voice tinged with a touch of melancholy. "As an adeptus, I have always maintained a certain distance from mortal affairs. My duty lies in protecting Liyue and its people, but I have never been one to revel in celebrations or seek personal enjoyment. It’s not in my nature."

He pauses for a moment, then adds, "However, I am willing to make an exception, if it is your wish to experience these festivities together."

Aether chuckled at the offer, shaking his head. "You don’t have to do that, Xiao, I know you’d rather not. But if you want.. we can stay up here for a bit?” He asked, tilting his head. “Please?”

Xiao's gaze shifts back to the lively streets below, watching as the crowds grow larger and the excitement mounts. "I appreciate your consideration.”

He turns his attention back to the blonde, his eyes meeting his. "If you wish to join me in this seclusion, I would be honoured to spend this time with you." He gestures to the balcony, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

He smiled widely, “Thank you~..” He lowered himself to the ground, his legs criss-crossed around each other.

Xiao follows Aether’s lead, lowering himself to the ground beside him and crossing his legs in a similar fashion. He glances at him, his smile a rare sight. “I hear your back from your travels in Fountaine, correct?”

“Yeah, it was.. well, Fountaine.” He laughed softly, his eyes trailing down his arm before he noticed something. “The ocean was amazing though, they-.. Hm.”

“..What is it?” The adeptus asked, a confused expression on his face as Aether’s fingers reached out to his skin. With anybody else he’d flinch away, but he's learnt to accept the travellers touch. “You're bruised.”

“I.. suppose I am,” He stated, seemingly not paying much mind to it. “Mere consequence of my battles.. You shouldn’t worry, There's probably many more to come. But.. they will heal due to time.”

“I know, it doesn't mean I like it.” He muttered, huffing quietly. “Yknow, if you ever need me to patch you up all you need to do is ask.”

“No need,” Xiao insisted, “But.. If it comes to it, I’ll remember that.”

“I’m glad.” Aether smiled, satisfied with the answer he received. His fingers dragged down the skin until he reached the end, his hand moving to rest on top of the other’s. -which of course would’ve been fine, but..

His fingertips trailing down his forearm made Xiao gasp, reflexively flinching back a bit. “A-Ah.. apologies, Aether. You just..”

“It's okay,” He replied, softly cutting the other off from speaking any more excuses. “My fault.”

The two sat like that for a few minutes in silence, simply enjoying each other's company. Well, it was simple until the blonde’s hand began to shift, nails drifting across his wrist an-

“Aether,” he spoke in a faked stern tone, turning to look at him.

“Uhuh,” He replied calmly, his nails grazing the same sensitive spot. “I'm just making sure you're not hiding any more injuries from me. What if you're in a critical condition and I didnt even know, hm?”

“Ihim- i’m not..?” a soft yelp left his lips, dare he even say– a giggle? “You’d know..”

“How am I supposed to believe that though? You're a very secretive person, Xiao. Now, I insist, stay still.” Aether smiled smugly, speaking whatever excuses came into his head first as he sneaked a hand to the adepti’s torso and latched onto his side.

“A-Ah! Aetheher..” He let out a shaky breath, restraining himself. “Don't just-..”

“Don't just what?” Aether tilted his head with a fake confused expression, his hand perfectly still.

“I.. ugh, your childish, Traveler.” Xiao sighed, turning his head away. Aether simply laughed softly, letting his fingers wiggle gently up his ribs. “I’m funny, excuse you.” He huffed, “I'm sure you’ll find me funny in a few minutes too.”

“I will no-hot!” He gasped, desperately trying to keep a straight face. He debated hiding with his mask on, but knowing Aether he’d probably give him hell for it..

“You’re no fun.. Come on, you're supposed to be laughing.” He whined, a playful smile shining on his lips.

“I don’t laugh.” He states, biting the inside of his cheek to keep his composure. “I’m an adeptus, it's un- hah.. unprofessional..”

“Sure you can, giggles. I’ll even help you!” Aether teased, gently pressing his thumbs into the bone.

“Don’t cahall me thahat!" He tried to grumble the best that he could, but he couldn't refrain from the small giggles that started bubbling from his chest.

“What, giggles? But it's cute! And you are giggling, y’know.” He pointed out, his hand darting to the others mid section and rubbing circles into his hip bones.

Finally, the dam broke with a gasp and breathy giggles, the shorter ducking his head down. “Thahats- nohot the pohohint..”

Aether cooed at the sight, shifting his position a little to be able to reach over and use both his hands. “Awh, Xiao~ I can think of a different point. Maybe about how you aren’t pushing me away?”

“I.. do nohot wihish to huhurt yohou.” Xiao mumbled out, his hands squeezed in fists to restrain himself. “Hm.. Excuses, excuses~” He sighed dramatically, giving his torso a couple last squeezes. “Alright, alright.. I’m done, sorry.”

As he regained his composure, he sighed softly, arms crossing over his chest idly. “It's.. fine. I suppose.”

“I bet.” Aether replied in a monotone voice, a knowing expression on his face. “No more tricks, ‘kay?” He promised, slinging an arm around his shoulders as a truce.

“..Mhm.”

[enden-k]

4.1 livestream summary

(a bit late since i was at work during the livestream and didnt get to watch it until now)

codes:

FB8PFFHT364M JS96FEZS3P59 2T86EWGBJP6V

banners:

1st half: Neuvillette (5star hydro catalyst) + Hu Tao rerun 2nd half: Wriothesley (5star cryo catalyst) + Venti rerun

story:

archon quest chapter IV Act III + Act IV

cerberus chapter: act I - wriothesleys story quest

diluvies chapter: act I - neuvillettes story quest

events:

waterborne poetry (like in last lantern rite said, venti and hu tao find together to hold a poetry event) - several mini games such as "hundred-pace hurling rites" (darts game), "inspiration eruption" (combat challenge) and "mending painting prospects" (piecing together pictures) + free 4star catalyst "ballad of the boundless blue"

dodocos bomb-tastic adventure

radiant harvest - collect jellyfish

the peaks and throughs of life - combat event

smth tcg related i dont care about

bathing in flowing moonlight check in event for 3rd anniversary (10 intertwined fates by logging in + 1600 primos via mail + 4 fragile resin + two gadgets "portable aerodynamic gelatinous bubble generator" (u can just make bubbles) and itty bitty octobaby pet)

other:

her !!

new 4star weapons for event banners

new bosses

new fatui enemies (special force under arlecchinos command)

new areas

new tcg cards

some small changes + removal of strong enemies in ascension quests

adventure encounters system - gain encounter points by completing quests, opening chests, collecting stuff and participating in events and get commission rewards instead of doing comms (if u want)

top up reset

[fluffnari]

“As you wish.”

Characters: Ayato | Cyno | Albedo Fluff | Comfort | Established Relationship Summary: They absolutely adore you and just can't say no. Requests are open :)

Early morning animals call out to one another in greeting as the world starts to wake up. Inside the home of the Kamisato siblings staff moved around to make sure everything would be suitable for the day though they didn’t have much to do. Thoma did most of the work himself, saying he didn’t mind - it’s his job anyway.

It was rare to wake up and find Ayato still in bed with you so early in the morning. You had expected to see the side of his bed empty and fixed, so imagine your surprise when instead of that, it’s his handsome face still sound asleep. The sight made you still, eyes raking over his face… He looked younger in his sleep. 

Reaching out, you brush the hair obscuring his face, softly, not wanting to wake him. Yet you couldn’t pull away once touching him, hand trailing down to his jaw to caress small, gentle circles into his soft skin. It was always soft. A low hum leaves Ayato as his eyelashes flutter the top of his cheeks as he slowly wakes. 

The sight of you brought on an immediate smile, tired eyes lighting up. A husky “Good morning, my love.”

His words caused butterflies to erupt inside your stomach. Archons, you love him. 

“I believe today is your day,” he stated, hinting at your birthday. Ayato places a loving kiss on your lips. “You may ask for anything you wish for today. Anything, it’ll be yours.”

You smile, leaning in until your lips brushed his. “Tempting,” You say, getting a low chuckle from him. “But all I want is to have breakfast with my love and two best friends. And have you to myself for tonight.”

“Is that so?”

You hum, letting him steal some kisses, trailing down the side of your neck. He leaned over you, his hair falling around you, creating a curtain and shielding this moment between you and Ayato. 

“If that is what you wish.”

You’re home, Liyue had a certain festival coming up that you love to see every year. You have yet to miss it, mostly because it gives you the chance to visit your friends and Father. This year is no different, you would be going to Liyue to continue the tradition of the Lantern Rite. Except for this time, you wanted to bring someone with you. Someone important. 

General Mahamatra Cyno sat at his desk scribbling away on his current report. He just got back from a mission, making you hesitate on asking him about this. Your constant pacing back and forth distracted him, eyes subtly trailing your form and taking in how anxious you looked. 

Maybe a joke will help?

He cleared his throat to get your attention before speaking. “What do you call someone with no body and no nose?”

A smile threatens to appear at the realization he noticed your nerves. “I dunno, what?”

“Nobody knows.”

Laughter bubbles up in your chest, though not necessarily because it was funny, the moment of him trying to calm you down made warmth bloom inside of you. The sound of your laugh had his lips tugging up in a soft smile, eyes full of adoration as Cyno watched you. A lightness in his heart to see you not looking so stressed anymore.

Oh, but why…?

“What’s the matter?” questioned Cyno, waving you over. 

The heat reached your cheeks as you’re pulled onto his lap, his arms wrapped around you. Being in his arms always brought you comfort, it was like snuggling into your blanket on a cold winter's day. Cyno felt safe.

“It’s just…” You take a deep breath. “The Lantern Rite is going to be starting soon, so I’ll be leaving for it.” Cyno nods his head, eyes not wavering from your own, letting you know that he was listening. “I know you’re busy, but I was hoping, maybe, you can leave with me?”

“With you?”

You nod your head at the hint of confusion in his voice. “The Lantern Rite is important, and this would give you the chance to meet everyone. My dad should be easy enough, he tells a lot of stories though I’m not sure he would understand your jokes. And my brother, well, he might be a little hard on you.”

Cyno looks to be thinking over it, his fingers tapping on your thigh. He didn’t have you waiting long before he glanced back at you, an unreadable look on his face. “This is important to you?”

“Yes.”

He nods. “Then I will go.”

It’s been about 2 weeks, you were certain, since either of you left Dragon Spine. Klee visited twice but had to leave for her safety due to Albedo’s current research. You miss her. You miss the warmth of Mondstadt and being able to talk to the people there - after a while, there was just a certain need to talk to someone other than yourself. There’s Albedo, but sometimes you might as well be talking to yourself still when he’s so focused. 

A little sigh slipped past your lips as you place your pen down, stretching your fingers out for how long you’ve been scribbling down your thoughts. Restless, might be a better word to describe how you were feeling. 

“Is there something bothering you?” asked Albedo, yet he hasn’t looked away from what he was doing

Should you tell him? You weren’t sure if he would find it bothersome or just flat-out send you away. While that might sound like an idea, you couldn’t exactly leave him on his own out here, Albedo tends to forget to care for himself when he’s so into his work. 

Your prolong silence forces Albedo to tear away from said work and glance at you. It was clear on your face that you were debating something. Most likely if you can or should tell him what was on your mind. The thought of you not being able to trust him enough to talk to him made an uncomfortable feeling in the pit of his stomach. 

Albedo setting down his beakers made you return your gaze towards him, his attention now fully on you that caused a small heat in your cheeks. That was his way of telling you he was there and willing to listen. Well, you might as well tell him. 

So you do. You want to go back to Mondstadt for a few days then you both can return. It was time to check up on everyone back home and spend some time with Klee who no doubt missed Albedo the most. You were sure he might say yes if you added that last part, but it was kinda hard to read him That was until his lips tugged up into a small, soft smile. 

“As you wish.”