#sini writes

He doesn’t mean anything by it; it’s merely one of the ways he seeks comfort in your presence—your scent makes him happy. Even if you’re right there in front of his eyes, get ready for gentle gusts of breath to ghost over you.

You could be minding your own business, admiring the flowers in your garden…and then you feel warm air hit your back, and when you turn, you just see his draconic mouth, nostrils flaring, amber eyes dancing like flames.

And then he sniffs you aggressively.

Narrowing your eyes at him, you wait for him to finish, to pause and catch his breath…but when he exhales he’s back to sniffing you in short bursts.

There’s a low growling sound when you walk away, but you’ve learned to pay no heed.

He’s back at it again after following you anyway. Snout beside your ear, he whickers eagerly. Rapid inhales, like an overgrown puppy.

Celestia forbid you want to enjoy a nice afternoon nap in the grass, feeling the gentle sun wash over you as you close your eyes and begin to drift into the realm of sweet dreams.

You can feel the shadow even behind your eyelids—at first you assume a cloud must be passing over the sun, but when you hear that all-too-familiar staccato of breathing, whipping your hair and clothes like a gale has been created for you personally, you open your eyes to see your big dragon husband looming over you, taking in your scent for the umpteenth time this afternoon.

“Zhongli…” You lean away, he only leans in, snout nuzzling at your side, whickering like there’s no tomorrow. “I smell exactly the same as I did three minutes ago.”

“I know, darling,” he rumbles between puffs. And the whickering continues.

If you were to somehow worm your way out of his grasp and peer behind him, you’d see his tail swishing side to side in bliss, the golden tuft threading through the tree branches like autumn leaves.

The god opens the doors to your bedroom with a grander flourish than his usual gentle-natured disposition, beaming.

“My lord, you’re back!” You hop out of bed and bound over to him eagerly. “How was the- oof!”

Rex Lapis engulfs you in an intense bear hug, the smile never leaving his face. “Ah, my dearest sweet,” he hums, “how long has it been since I have embraced you like this? Decades have passed since our last meeting.” His horns and tail have manifested, the latter wagging intensely like an overgrown puppy’s.

You squirm in his tight grip, finally catching a whiff of the wine on him. That Barbatos… “No, it’s only been a few hours. If decades had passed I’d be old and wrinkly!”

“And I would still savour the taste of you every night,” the Geo Lord coos, relentless in his cuddling. His tail does not stop.

Your face turns hot. “A-anyway! Please let me go and I can help you with your…current state!”

“There is nothing that can sate my affection for you,” your divine lover declares, although his grip does thankfully loosen, “except by engaging in fierce, passionate lovemaking until tomorrow’s morrow’s dawn breaks.”

The day after tomorrow?! “My lord, you’re drunk!” you cry out. “None of that until you’re sober again!” Wriggling free from his grasp (and dodging his sloppy grabby hands), you usher him to the edge of the bed and sit him down, which he does so with surprisingly little resistance.

Rex Lapis lets out a huff. “Very well.” He crosses his arms and closes his eyes and waits silently.

You frown. “What are you doing?”

“Waiting until I am sober.”

“My lord…” You stifle a giggle. “Wait here while I get you something to eat, okay? And…perhaps a bucket in case you retch.”

“Are you saying I appear a wretch, my dear?”

“Retch!” you repeat. “As in, throw up.”

But the god droops and looks down at his palms. “Wretch…” he repeats morosely, tail thumping sadly against the bed.

You shake your head in exasperation and make to leave, but he grabs your arm. “Oh, what now, my lord?”

He fixes you with a gaze so intense, the gold of his irises gleam in the comfortable dimness of the room. It’s smouldering, the strict curve of his lip almost intimidating… “I demand a kiss before you go. I cannot remember the last time you gave me a kiss.”

“Oh, please. You have impeccable memory which should tell you I kissed you just before you left for the Archon gathering.” You roll your eyes but peck him on the cheek anyway, then worm out of his hold before he can demand another one.

“Fine, at least hear me out.” His gaze turns even more intense than before, an incandescent mountain.

You turn to face him again. “Yes, my lord…?”

He eyes you from head to toe. “I love you.”

“Awww! I love you, too!”

Giggling, you slip out of the chamber to bring back the necessary remedy, leaving a thoroughly disgruntled god sitting on the edge of the bed with his tail thumping petulantly.

You find yourself curling into him every chance you get. When enjoying tea together, you sidle up to him even if the mug you’re cupping in your hands is just as warm. When he’s talking about something that’s sparked his fancy, you’re holding his hand like a lifeline because of the warmth it gives you. Even in bed, you cling to him like a koala—and it sure makes it hard to get out of bed when you’re just so snug with him.

“Darling,” he might say, looking down at your form curled against his bare chest, a tender hand caressing your back, “time to wake up.”

You would simply mumble incoherently and tighten your grip, and Zhongli would have no choice but to let the better part of the morning slip away like this.

Is that his natural disposition, or is it simply his sheer gentleness that makes him so cozy a companion?

You ask him this one day, because you can ask him literally anything, and he simply laughs that light, airy chuckle of his as he regards you with nothing but affection.

“Perhaps it is something I radiate solely for you, my love,” he tells you, booping your nose, and that’s that.

Really, his warm aura is so magnetic it even comes through in less-than-ideal times…

You’re giving him the cold shoulder after a disagreement, your arms crossed and your gaze fixed straight ahead on some intangible point as you sit on the couch, ruminating in your vexation. You don’t even acknowledge him as he sits beside you; don’t even try to meet his apologetic gaze that doesn’t leave your face.

That familiar warmth seeps into you, even with the distance between you two. So gentle, so golden, so—compelling. And it is a chilly day…

“Ugh!” you exclaim, gnashing your teeth, and begrudgingly scoot up against your husband and rest your head on his shoulder, his hand instinctively coming up to pat your head soothingly.

Zhongli smiles. “Have you forgiven me then, my love?”

“No.” You press yourself up against him more firmly. Warm, warm, warm.

“Ah, I see.” He makes to pull away, but you grab onto him and keep him right where he is.

You wrinkle your nose. “I’m mad at you, but I’m still going to stick to you. Like glue. I’m making me your problem right now.”

The day is pleasant and there are few responsibilities that require tending to, so it’s perfect for some leisure. Zhongli suggests taking you out to a lovely new sweets shop that’s opened up near your home, and thus the afternoon quietly saunters by at a cozy outdoor table while savoring some lovely almond jelly and dragon’s beard candy.

It should be uneventful, but Zhongli’s keen hearing picks up on something rather interesting from the table behind him. A perfunctory glance reveals two young people, perhaps tired adventurers guessing by their sun-kissed skin and frazzled appearances, here to recuperate.

“That Mr. Zhongli sure is handsome,” sighs one of them, all moony. “Even the way he eats is so dignified. The kind of man you’d proudly bring home to your parents.”

“Oh, I agree. I haven’t been in this city long, but I can say for sure everyone loves him. He’s super friendly, too!”

“That person sitting across from him—that a friend or a lover? You can be honest and it won’t hurt my feelings, I promise.”

“Oh, I don’t think you have to worry about them. It’d be a miracle for a man like Zhongli to be single, but it doesn’t look like they’re an item,” the other one comments. “They don’t seem to be doing stereotypical couple-y things, after all. I don’t see them, like, handsy with each other. Get what I mean? Seems like the kinda congeniality you’d show a coworker you’re being nice to for brownie points.”

“So you’re saying there’s a chance?” the former whispers excitedly. “D’you think I can ask Mr. Zhongli out when I catch him alone?”

Zhongli’s eyebrows rise ever so slightly. Why, he had never reason to believe anyone would view his relationship with you as platonic. But if they are basing it on a lack of customary outward gestures, then…

He gets up without a word and crosses to the other side of the table, seating himself directly beside you.

“Oh?” You stop mid-scoop of your jelly and gaze at him. “What’s up, Li?”

You think he’s about to tell you something serious, but his face only breaks into a smile. “Allow me,” he says warmly, taking the spoon from you. With practiced care, he digs into the supple jelly and holds the spoon out to your mouth.

You eat without question, but as you do, Zhongli pats your head and supplements it with a kiss to your forehead, his smile unwavering. “My darling.”

“H-huh?” Shyness creeps up your veins and you turn your face away, but Zhongli gently hooks a finger under your chin.

“Ah ah,” he chides softly, “let me see your cute face.”

Also, is it just you, or is he speaking a little louder than usual?

He feeds you several spoonfuls more of the stuff, all while you’re steeped in confusion and fluster. He pats your head after each bite, beaming all the while, and after a few minutes of—well, whatever has come over him, you ask, “Aren’t you going to have the jelly yourself? It’s almost gone…”

“Ah, but you see,” Zhongli says silkily, running his gloved thumb over your lower lip, “it shall taste sweetest from your mouth.”

He kisses you before you can say anything, a firm and divine little kiss that’s over in a second, but you could have sworn you heard the clatter of silverware somewhere nearby. No matter, you’re too dazed to think of anything else.

You blink dumbly at him, the god as composed as ever. “O-oh my…” At this, he merely chuckles and pinches your cheek.

After you two are finished eating, he stands up and holds his hand out to you. “Well then, my dearest gem, shall we stroll about the gardens for a bit? I do wish to show you the new blooms that have graced the green—though none shall compare to your own beauty, I believe.”

It’s the Liyue of old, and Rex Lapis still holds explicit reign over the nation. Merchandise in his image have recently been popularised—little things like keyrings, incense holders and the like.

You’re perusing the goods of one such peddler, bored eyes scanning the wares for anything new and exciting. You already have enough stickers, charms, standees and the like; it’s about time for something fresh and fun.

And then you spot it.

Soft-looking and adorable, it’s a stuffed toy fashioned in the image of the Geo Archon’s dragon form, aptly downsized and compressed into a cute marketable version.

Grinning, you pick it up. Aw, even the soft fur seems so real… “This one. I wish to buy this one.”

The vendor takes one look at it and scratches his head. “That one? I don’t remember taking inventory of—oh, never mind. That will be ten thousand mora.”

It’s a hefty sum, but it’s worth it. Shelling out the money with glee, you take the plushie and march on home, giving it a little squeeze. It even makes a faint squeaky sound when you do; how fun! And it’s so warm, too!

You set it on a chair at your table and make a show of bowing to it. And then you gather your other merch and spread it out on the table and prattle on about the kind of tea parties you’ll host with your awesome new plushie.

It’s almost like the plushie blinks in response.

“And since the Geo Lord is oh-so prim and proper, I can finally imagine what it would be like for him to put on a tutu and a tiara…because that’s what I’m about to do to you, little plushie!”

It’s like watching a mountain stir.

A brilliant light emanates from the chair, molten beams of sun that are gone as quickly as they had come. In a cloud of golden mist lies no longer the cute plushie you bought, but a grown man in rich brown robes, flowing hair a similar hue, and golden horns atop his head to match his equally aureate eyes.

Rex fucking Lapis himself sits at your table, embarrassment coloring his regal features. “I would prefer not to be dressed up, my dear.”

If he said something just now, you didn’t hear. Your eyes are wide, your heart is hammering in your throat, and if it were not for the way your mouth is opening and closing, one would think you’d turned to stone.

And then you slowly inch backwards. “What is…what the…I…”

Rex Lapis gets up from the chair, grimacing as it screeches against the floor gratingly, and while he rights it, he extends an arm to you. “Please do not panic. I had not foreseen this outcome, but I mean you no harm-”

“Oh…oh gods…” You stagger back, ashen, until you hit the wall, the beginnings of a meltdown imminent. Your arms are waving frantically, words unable to form themselves on your tongue besides dumbstruck hedging-

The god, for his part, holds out his hands in an attempt to becalm. “I had not intended for it to get this far, but I urge you to remain-” But the dam bursts, and it’s too late now. You wail:

Chonkli is not happy, to say the least.

“Awww! He looks just like Rex Lapis!” he hears for the umpteenth time as a gaggle of people gather around him and coo at his every move (even his half-hearted attempts at batting them away, which only comes off as cutely pawing the air).

“I know, right? My puppy’s costume is sooo awesome!” You stand there proudly, hands on your hips and a smug grin on your face. It’s obviously not a costume, just Chonkli in his natural glory, but it works so beautifully.

The little creature pads begrudgingly beside you along the crowded alleys and takes every bit of praise and coddling these people have for him (because what other choice does he have? This is to make you happy after all). It’s still frustrating, though, to be stuck like this and pretending he’s just a puppy in cosplay who knows little beyond chasing his own tail.

But it’s after someone graciously offers a little maid dress to elevate the Rex Lapis look that Chonkli has finally decided he’s had enough—and so he bounds away, squeaking, leaving you to chase after him.

“Wait up!” you call out, giggling, and spot the little critter turning the corner into one of the restrooms. You follow him in and immediately frown, whipping around for a glimpse of him in this empty space.

Thud.

Zhongli, in human form again, slams his hands on either side of your head, effectively caging you in. The gleam in his eyes is incandescent; Zhongli doesn’t exactly get angry, but this is as close as it’ll get.

“Have you amused yourself enough, or are you still not sated?”

You pout. “Come on, I thought you’d like the undercover attention. Someone even offered you treats!”

“They were dog treats.”

“Well, what about that cute maid outfit you could’ve had if you’d just-”

“Enough,” he says firmly, leaning even closer. “Or do you wish for me to dress you in frilly garb and parade you around?”

You blush and stare at your feet, feeling Zhongli’s warm breath on your face. “Well, um—I wouldn’t be as cute as you, I think…”

“I believe otherwise. Were I to dress you as such, you would be quite the spectacle.” He pauses for a moment. “Now that I think of it, I ought to do so…privately.” A smile tugs at one corner of his mouth.

You are sitting under a tree, watching the clouds pass by at leisure, as one does. It’s an uneventful day, but quite lovely all the same. Your husband Zhongli hasn’t gone too far; he’s wandered off to pick some flowers he had been admiring earlier.

You sit there waiting in peace, until a small group of treasure hoarders comes swaggering over, the most annoying smirks plastered on their smug faces.

“Hullo there,” one of them drawls, leaning forward into the shade of the tree—and encroaching upon your space. “That’s a neat amulet you’ve got on. Mind handing it over quietly and without fuss? ‘Course, if you wanna do it the hard way, we won’t say no.”

You clutch the amulet hanging at your neck—one that Zhongli had gifted you. You’ll be damned if you ever let anyone else have it.

“Oh, give me a break," you whine, getting up. “I'm telling you, you don't want to mess with me!” Your Vision, tucked away from sight, flares to life, ready to let you take care of these miscreants.

One of them snickers. “Oh yeah? What are you gonna do?”

You steal a quick glance off to the side and see Zhongli approaching, flowers in hand. He pauses at the sight, eyes flicking between you and the treasure hoarders. There’s a slight frown on his face, but he doesn’t do anything—yet. He knows you can take care of things yourself.

Well, you hope he’ll cooperate with the fantastic idea that’s just taken root in your mind. There’s no need to use force at all.

Leaning forward with crafted arrogance, you say, loudly and haughtily, “Haven’t you heard of me? I’m a dark mage.” The corner of your lip quirks up. “I could turn you all into harmless little creatures.” You watch as they go from stunned silence to a fit of snickers, then break into full-on peals of laughter, clutching their sides in an obvious display of disbelief.

“Of all the bluffs I've ever heard, this one's gotta take the cake for prime bullshittery!” one of them guffaws.

You roll your eyes and huff, planting your hands on your hips. “So you guys have chosen to piss me off. You want a taste of what a mage can do?” You make a show of looking around, then your eyes fall pointedly on Zhongli. “Ah. Isn’t that the old Wangsheng fool?”

Zhongli winks ever so subtly.

Smirking, you turn and announce to your incredulous audience, “Watch as I turn him into a small and harmless creature, never to enjoy the gift of humanity again!”

Chanting a string of incoherent gibberish and waggling your fingers, you thrust your hands towards your darling husband in a grand gesture of dark magic. (It also helps that elemental particles flicker about, courtesy of your Vision.)

Poof! Zhongli the man turns into Zhongli the tiny chonker, who squeaks in feigned surprise. He looks around, eyes landing on his fluffy tail, which he then begins to chase in circles. Once an elegant man full of wisdom, now barely more than a clueless dragon-puppy-thing.

The treasure hoarders have skedaddled, screaming, before you can even turn to them with a triumphant grin.

You chuckle and turn to your fluffy little husband padding over to you, picking him up. “I guess none of them were in the mood to become cute little fellas?”

“Zhongli!” you call up eagerly to your husband who’s basking in all his draconic glory, long body sprawled out languidly in your ample yard. “Wanna play with me?”

The dragon fixes his churning golden irises on you curiously. “Oh? If my beloved so wishes.” His tail swishes about. “What are we to play?”

You grin, rubbing your palms together. “So pretend I’m a delicious piggy you’re trying to eat, but I’m always cooped up in the house! So you threaten to huff, and puff, and blow the house down in order to get to me!” Without waiting for his response, you dash into your shared home, immediately popping into a window to watch him expectantly.

Zhongli merely cocks his head, mane rustling in the process. “Mere wind would not fell this house.”

“I know, but it’s for the game!” you say, voice slightly muffled through the glass. “Be scary! Threaten me with your monstrous breath!”

But the dragon is having none of it. “If intimidation were the play here, I would simply crush the building in my claws without offering warning.” He flexes his talons, sharp and shiny curved death blades.

Seized by alarm that he may actually do it (he never would, come on), you rush back outside. “Okay, okay! I changed my mind!” You wave your arms frantically. “How about this instead?” You point to one of the tallest trees in the yard. “Pretend there’s a princess up there, and you’re the evil dragon holding her prisoner. And I’m the knight sent to fight you!”

“But I do not wish to fight you,” Zhongli rumbles, drooping. It’s almost comical, truly.

Hands on your hips, you glower at him. “So you can pretend to crush a building, but you draw the line at pretending to fight me?”

“Yes.” Zhongli lowers his head to nuzzle you gently, warm breaths fanning over you.

You let out a long sigh, stroking his snout in defeat. “Alright, fine. Something non-violent, then. How about a…game of chase? We can take turns catching each other. I’ll chase you first!”

At this, Zhongli purrs in approval…and immediately takes to the skies, weaving into the clouds with no effort at all.

Down below, you gape up at him like the earthly peasant you are, your hair and clothes frazzled from the wind pressure created by his abrupt launch.