#zhonglixreader

It began in silence.

The kind of silence that wrapped around the soul, ancient and weighty, punctuated only by the low flicker of flame in Zhongli’s private chamber. The stone walls whispered with memory. And Lumine stood still—bare, bare-footed, bathed in soft amber lamplight, trembling with anticipation.

Zhongli approached her not like a man, but like a monument. Eternal. Patient. Dangerous.

His eyes were molten gold, unreadable. His hands—those elegant, gloved hands—rose slowly to cradle her jaw, tilting her chin up as he studied her flushed face. “You trust me?” he asked, voice low and resonant, like the toll of a ceremonial bell.

“Yes,” she breathed.

His gloves slid off finger by finger, placed deliberately beside them on the carved stone altar that served as their bed. And then he peeled away his robes—slow, reverent, like unsealing something divine. Her breath hitched when he revealed himself.

And then it stopped entirely.

His cock was thick. Monstrously thick. Heavy, flushed, and long in a way that defied logic. There was no way her body could take that. Not fully. Not without breaking.

Her cunt clenched anyway.

“Do not fear,” he murmured, stepping close enough that she could feel the heat of him against her belly. “You were meant to stretch for me.”

He guided her down onto the altar, positioning her so her hips rested on the warm, rune-carved stone. His hands smoothed over her inner thighs, spreading her wide, baring her dripping folds.

She gasped when he pressed just the head of his cock against her entrance. It already felt too big. Already stung.

“Breathe,” he commanded.

Then pushed in.

She cried out immediately—her back arched, nails raking against the edge of the altar. The stretch was agonizing, slow and deliberate, her cunt trying desperately to accommodate him, to submit to the sheer size. Inch by inch, he sank in, watching every twitch of her body, every choked sob of pleasure and pain.

“You’re doing beautifully,” he murmured, almost soothing. “So tight. So willing. I’ll train you to take every inch.”

When he bottomed out—hips pressed flush, his cock nestled impossibly deep—Lumine couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t think. Her body trembled under him, stretched open around his massive girth, every nerve screaming.

And then he held still.

She whimpered.

“Please… please move—”

“No.” His hand moved to her throat. Not squeezing—holding. Containing. “Not until your body begs properly.”

Her walls fluttered. Her toes curled. He remained motionless inside her, heat pulsing through every vein of his cock, her cunt slicking uncontrollably around him. He’d reduced her to a hole — stretched and full and denied.

When he finally began to move, it was with painstaking control. One inch out. Half back in. Another inch. And again. Slow. Cruel.

Every thrust made her wail—not from force, but from the unrelenting tension of being on the edge, forever.

Her clit throbbed untouched. Her nipples were flushed and hard. Her mind unraveled with every breathless drag of his cock along her trembling walls.

“You feel this?” he murmured, finally leaning in, hips dragging back slow, then slamming forward just hard enough to jolt her up the altar. “This is what it means to be used by a god.”

She sobbed.

He picked up speed—barely—but his strokes grew deeper. Each thrust drove her body further into the stone, until she was convulsing, until she couldn’t stop shaking. His cock pushed against something brutal inside her, grinding against her cervix like he was trying to brand her from within.

And then—

His thumb pressed to her clit.

Lumine screamed.

Her orgasm hit like a collapse—her body seizing, cunt pulsing violently around him as she thrashed against the altar. But he didn’t let her go. He fucked her through it, watching her writhe, using her spasming body as a sheath.

And when she finally came down?

He wasn’t even close to finished.

“Again,” Zhongli said, cock twitching deep inside her.

And he began to thrust in earnest—harder now, faster. Each thrust forced a fresh gush of slick from her wrecked cunt. Her cries were hoarse. Her mind barely held on.

“I’ll fill you,” he growled, hands gripping her thighs now, fucking her so deep she swore he was in her stomach. “Until you swell with my seed. Until every breath you take tastes like me.”

She was gone—her body reduced to nothing but pleasure and pain and Zhongli.

When he came, it was a flood—thick and endless, gushing hot and heavy into her overstretched cunt, spilling back out as he continued to thrust, refusing to stop.

“You’re mine,” he said into her ear.

~◇~◇~◇~◇~◇~◇~◇~◇~◇~◇~◇~◇

A story was told hundreds of years ago during wartime to soothe the cries of children.

Centuries later, those children remember the story and are more determined than ever to reunite the lost lovers.

~◇~◇~◇~◇~◇~◇~◇~◇~◇~◇~◇~◇

"Gather around children, I will tell you a tale lost long to time." The cloaked individual spoke. His deep and silky voice caused the many children to shush each other excitedly and sit on the ground.

The hiccups of tears of some still sounded, but by the promise of a way to escape, it quieted.

The dark, unknown man smiled gently at the endearing display of the youth. His sigh carried in the winds as he made sure the fire was still fighting, and the large blanket dropped perfectly on the children. "Now then… This will be a story you children will long to hear the next part and pray you never forget, for this is a tragic love story, to remind those who are lost, that it is not the end." He chuckled when he saw the apprehension of waiting.

A girl, no older than 6, called out, "Sir! What is this story about?" Her plump little red cheeks from the cold squished together, making her look more adorable.

The hidden man got comfortable once more, "This story is about two lovers. One forever too long-lasting, and one that can not stay. Are you ready, little ones?" He waited until he saw their adorable heads eagerly nodding before beginning his story.

"Long ago, there was a boy.

He was born in the grasses of Sumeru and was very cute, much like all of you," the children and him started laughing at his comment, "and was very happy.

His name was Rhys.

He drank from the clean streams, hunted his own food, and-"

"What happened to his mommy?" A lisping boy at around 5 years asked with a sad look in his eyes.

The cloaked man coughed a bit before smiling. "Well, little one, Rhys was much like you, burdened by having no one. But, much like you, he didn't let that hold him back." The children gave a look of pain at the memories of their loved ones leaving them. They were suddenly reminded of the sounds of war in the distance.

"But he had his forest anyways. He tended to it and grew to consider even the trees part of his family! He could even talk to them."

There was a collective spark in each of the little one's eyes, happy the boy wasn't too much like them. Cries of pain from an unknown God in the background were muffled by the cloaked man continuing.

"His mother made him from the softest feathers and a dying eternal flame…" He whispered, now hugging the boy, comforting both of them, and gesturing to the fire in front of them, for it too, was dying.

The 5-year-old gladly attached to the man's waist.

"The fire gave him a life that branched off to eternity, now that it had a reason to burn. The little boy learned how to string a bow, make his own arrows, use his gift of fire, and even become one with the forest he resides in. And you know what?" The children repeated the last word with starry eyes. "Rhys had beautiful wings. They were bigger than me!"

"Bigger than you?!" Said a different child, one of the youngest.

He chuckled.

"Yes, bigger than me, child. Rhys grew over time and lived longer than many mortals. Even the trees that grew were as old as he. He loved living in his forest and enjoyed each day to the fullest…"

The boy reached down, filling his hands with water from the creek and bringing it to his mouth. The sounds of crickets, buzzing, and chirping filled his ears. All he was accustomed to in the twelve years of living in the thick forest.

He quickly straightened at the sound of a twig snapping, though. His trained, bright eyes scanned his surroundings. He wasn't used to being the prey.

His wings spread out, forcing his body to be powerful and ready to fly. The boy felt no fear, knowing that this was the way of the wild.

Soon enough, a baby ocelot sprung from the bushes and began to nibble on the arm of the boy.

The stress and intimidation seeped from his bones and muscles. "You have much to learn," he laughed and began to pet and play with the animal. "What have you found now?" He mused, watching as the ocelot began to lead the boy away.

His wings fluttered around him, pulling into a careful coil behind his back to not stand in the way of many trees and other obstacles.

The ocelot skipped ahead, showing a scene that Rhys had never thought he'd see in his life. The grass was sunken and darkened colored, withered beyond recognition. The trees were making noises he'd never heard before, begging for help in a distorted way. Even the boy felt his body begin to wear down, a feeling deep in his chest that urged him to leave. It felt difficult to breathe and made him dizzy while inhaling anyway.

Rhys covered his mouth as he staggered towards the glowing red in his vision, something warning him to get rid of it. This thing was the one causing all of this and to protect… his for… forest…. He had…

To…

…

Ge…t, rid o…

…of it…

"And then, just like that… Rhys fainted under the pressure of the Withering." The cloaked man clapped his hands. "Now, little ones, let's get you to bed." There was a chorus of protests as the man led them back into the tent the children shared. "Now, now, don't worry. I'll be back."

"Please, Mr. M, can you pleaseee continue? We really aren't tired!" On cue, humorously, the girl yawned. The other children agreed, but the man was persistent in their rest, so he came up with an idea to keep their tears at bay and the pain in their hearts to disappear.

He smiled as he tucked them in the blankets, "Hm. I'll tell you what, little one, if you can stay awake… I guess, I can continue." He shrugged, making it seem like they had worn him down and won.

All the children agreed instantly, happy they convinced their temporary guardian.

The man adjusted his hood, keeping it hiding most of his face. "All right… We are in agreement. You children must stay awake to hear the story." He smiled, the only thing the children could see from the darkness of the fabric.

"Rhys had woken many months later, but nothing was the same ever again. He turned cold and bitter as if the withering had corrupted his mind instead of his body. Turns out, that guess wasn't far off."

The cloaked man kept the fire but shielded the eyes of the young from its brightness.

"Those who had saved him came weeks after he discovered the withering zone. Lying there, absorbing the darkness day and night. Once they cured the surrounding land, Rhys remained unconscious. The Mortals didn't know they had forgotten to kill one branch of the withering, forcing it to go into the boy's body. Nor did they know how to treat an immortal who had been sullied." A collective gasp surrounded the children in their slow-blinking eyes, making the man chuckle.

His body came in contact with the ground as he sat, beginning to pamper the closest kid near him, it turns out it was one of the quieter children, so he took extra care in making her comfortable and willing to not suppress the emotions that she took great care in hiding.

"The withering simply made a darkness form in him… Incurable. What was a bright, caring boy turned sour. He didn't care for the forest no longer and was incredibly lonely-"

The man stopped, seeing the now slumbering children in the tent. There were some, still fighting it off, but with a final last-ditch effort, they too felt their eyes become too heavy to handle. It was surprising both how long they lasted and how little he resumed to lull them to sleep. He stood before leaving. He had much to do in the war.

Many years after the corruption of darkness in Rhys, he became fully grown. He didn't talk to the animals or the trees, uncaring of what they had to say now. He needn't worry about the withering of his home because of the humans.

He felt as if he was so desperately longing for a friend, but a storm was inside him. Cursing and angry that talking to anything and anyone wasn't right, aggression coursing through his veins of self-isolation that he half bothered to tend to.

Even still, he couldn't be bothered with the longing in his chest as he gazed upon the man that held a spear to his throat.

Rhys eyes were fixated on the hidden man with a faux interest to try and mock and pretend to be normal. The God in front of him, though, wasn't convinced.

"Hybrid mortal, one has trespassed into the lands of Adeptus," his voice was stern and heavy, not to mention how guarded and professional it was. As if he was preparing for any reaction from the mysterious stranger.

Regardless of the beginnings of the war, Rex Lapis knew this… Being in front of him was no threat. The smell of anger and resentment was radiating off him, but none towards the God himself. The smell had soaked the winged man's very being. It was confusing and made Red Lapis ponder why this man was hiding such emotions as the smell had been resonating in this one's body for years.

Rhys sighed, eyes devoid of interest and positivity of any kind as he boredly looked around. "Is that where I am?" He mused lazily. "Caring for a thought, god?" The hybrid chuckled and shook his head. "I am Rhys of Sumeru. No mortal blood runs in my veins, worm. Don't insult me with pathetic lowness of mortality." The man glared with ice in his eyes, the spear doing nothing to push back the attitude.

If he had met the God under the pretense of before the withering, perhaps fear and respect would be present. Or perhaps pride in being considered a resilient creature such as a mortal.

The little girl, whose mother had died not even 3 weeks ago, gasped out. "Rhys would totally get defeated by Rex Lapis!"

Another child, a boy this time, turned to look at the other. A mixture of surprise, mock confusion, and disagreement on his face stared at her as if she grew 3 heads. "Are you kidding me? Nuh uh, Rhys would smash any God, right? He has wings!!!" He turned to his new friend with a smile, happy he agreed as well.

Thus began an entertaining debate of which of the higher beings would win, making the cloaked man laugh. "Now, children, what do you think the god said next?" He questioned, curious about what they thought.

"I think he's gonna get mad!" Other children agreed with the speaker.

"Oh? Why do you think that?" He smiled.

A hum of coyness was played by the kid, "wellll, I wouldn't like it if someone was that rude to me! My mama told me not to!" Cue puffed-out cheeks.

"Well, that's very true. One should not be disrespectful, but what this God did may surprise you, dear children. Now listen up…"

The God raised an eyebrow and withdrew his blade. He held it within Rhys' vicinity to not play games as he observed the man with a newfound purpose. "You are a cursed being, are you not?"

Rex Lapis could tell. Of course, he could. The cause may have been long gone from the man's body, but the effects were staining the reality of being. It was a curious infection to cause such death of personality to the point of no return, even turning what was to the complete opposite. It wasn't something to take lightly.

For once, since the two began this interaction, the winged man showed surprise and anguish. "You would be correct." He sighed.

Rex Lapis tilted his head, the hood still hiding the mass proportion of his face. "And what caused that, might I inquire?" The true intentions being hidden from the other, an inquiry though, wasn't what Rhys wanted. A mysterious being, in his business, wasn't on his agenda.

The familiar anger burned like a bright reborn flame as the question settled in his ears. Rhys didn't know this man. He didn't know what he wanted, nor what he would even do with that information. He was a trespasser, and someone who could pose a threat to both mortals and gods alike, this couldn't be amicable.

The darkness curled and snarled, perhaps hissing in the ear of the man. Reminding him of the reality that owns him.

"Why so friendly, God?" Rhys' eyes turned threateningly as he backed up a few paces and crossed his arms. "One has no business to discuss this with you. I will begone." The man forced his body to leave the area through the power of his wings. The feathers dripped onto the ground as they carried Rhys towards the way of the unknown.

Rhys couldn't help the wariness he felt towards anyone. The feeling of distance was both soothing and burdensome. An inescapable death of eternity. Perhaps that was what his creator had wanted for him, to be lost and cursed as he could only long for what he couldn't have. Even now, he wished his mind would allow him to care enough to make a friend, to turn around, and beg the God to allow friendship to form from the roots of rock. Even worship him just to get a fraction of love.

Perhaps that was what his creator meant to happen when casting him aside once the withering took hold of his bones and skin.

"Noooo… why did he leave? They were supposed to be friends!" Whined a girl, unfazed by the quite literally death encounter between the two in the story.

Between their harsh exchange, it was confusing as to why she formed the thought that they would become friends.

Her brother sighed dramatically, "Honestly, Rhys is a meanie. Why can't he just… I don't know! Ask for help? Can't the God get rid of the um… uhhh…."

"Curse?"

"Yes, the curse!" The children looked over for answers as the elder softly chuckled, a bit awkward but still liking the interest the kids displayed. Happy they weren't paying attention to the gruesome circumstances they were in.

He sighed with a smile, "Well, the Withering was hungry. It was so hungry to live that it decided to eat what was precious to Rhys. His happiness, love, and passion. His personality. It made it so deep that even with help, nothing would bring what he used to be back." The kids gave a sound of acknowledgment. "So, when there wasn't much happiness left, what was left?" He asked, raising his palms upwards to inquire about an answer.

"Sadness!"

He snapped his fingers, accidentally causing a mountain to crack in the distance, and pointed to the answer. "Yes! But also all the other negative emotions. Yet, unknowingly to Rhys, there was enough left. Just barely enough for only one other person. One friend. That one friend would be like a cure. An addiction. Someone that with a mere touch could bring forth good, and happy feelings back.

Now, my little travelers, when you get stressed and you just want to rest or eat, who would you go to?"

A boy raised his hand, and when urged to answer, he did, his voice soft and carrying to all the little one's hearts. "My dad..!" Many of the orphans nodded, still feeling the pang of pain from the memories of the screams of terror and tender moments of what they used to have. When life was simple.

"Yes, your parents. Or guardians. They tend to you and make sure you're comfortable. Safe. Well, Rhys didn't have that anymore-"

A timid girl copied the boy, raising her hand to interrupt the man.

"Yes?"

"W-Would… Wo…. Would that m-make you ou-our gua-guard-... guardi-.." The little girl had been birthed with the incapability to speak well like the other children, yet the man in front of her waited patiently, knowing to wait for her. As if he didn't have anything to do but wait for her to know the words, how to form them. So safe, it brought many of the children to tears. The thought of having someone for them even after the deaths of their family caused such depression.

The man stood and walked to the orphans, holding them and rocking as many as he could in his arms. His heart softly broke at the display of such broken and damaged youths. He wished he could do more. The hiccups of such despair, and he could only hush and pray this war ends with his victory. That he could protect his people, bringing much-needed peace and closure.

"Take your time, my children. For no matter how long you take, I will be waiting patiently for you to walk, for your words to find you. If you ever need help, I can promise to find you and tell you the stories of old." He promised. "I will be there guiding you, even if you have no one else."

The girl found her voice, "Are you our g-guardian?"

"Yes, child. And I promise to find you a home and be there for you." He soothed and whispered sweetly.

Hiccups came from the children from how heavily they despaired and the true reality of how cruel this war was, no matter how much he remembered the very story he was telling and the ending that taught him a thousand lessons.

Rex Lapis wouldn't allow anyone else to be taken from these children, like how someone else had been taken from him.

"Let us continue, shall we?" He choked back the tears forming in his heart, as it was breaking by the day.

There were some nods, but to continue calming them all down and keep them quiet from the gods wishing them harm, he would have to continue anyway.

Rhys felt something was off. It wasn't the same feeling when he felt like prey or being hunted. The feeling was more abstract and felt like he was going insane from how he didn't understand where or why it felt like someone was watching him.

He made it back to Sumeru days prior, and all was well until he woke up this morning. It wasn't like many mortals were coming by and observing him, and even if they did, Rhys knew how to make quick work of disappearing or noticing them. Outsiders that hadn't lived in his forest for as long as he had wouldn't stand a chance from his observations.

A single twig snap, even if it was several feet away, he could hear it. The rustling of bushes, trees, leaves, any abnormality, he would be notified.

He hated being observed like some lab rat, yet why couldn't he find the cause of this feeling this time? No matter how many tricks he pulled, he couldn't catch the stalker in the act.

It frustrated him to no end until he finally had enough at the end of the day.

The sun was setting, and Rhys had just finished, quite angrily, making a campfire and roasting some food, all while mentally preparing himself. Of course, he didn't want to admit it, but he would assume that this feeling was from the very same god he encountered before. He just had a gut feeling that couldn't be shaken that whatever burning sensation of stares in the back of his head was from the very same he met just a few days ago.

The God probably intended to wait until he had lowered his guard, maybe thinking that whatever feeling this was all in his head, then pounced. Well, he can't say that's not what he would do either.

"If you're just going to watch, you better get used to never having an opening until the end of days." Rhys glowed with anger, his eyes slightly shaking from the number of emotions he was feeling that couldn't be described as anything pretty. "So either show yourself or I'm going to hunt you." He impatiently took a big bite out of his food and glared at whichever direction of the forest. Any being in the forest knew that being hunted by Rhys, meant no return.

A single branch snapping was all it took for Rhys to puff out his wings, surrounding himself in a protective flaunt. Not only to make himself appear bigger but to warn the person, he was aware of their every movement.

The same god as before, Rex Lapis, stepped from the shadows of the forest. His face was now illuminated entirely by the fire, giving a gold-like filter over him. It was hypnotizing for Rhys as a dumbfounded look spread across his face.

Rex Lapis had no weapon, no hostility, and above all else, a hunger in his eyes that screamed an unknown emotion. "One assumed you knew where I was all along." He smiled, watching as the man across the fire was just as on guard, if not more.

"I could feel your gaze," Rhys responded simply. "Now, what do you want?"

"I wish to inquire about your curse and heritage. And also, to offer a contract."

"And did Rhys answer?"

"Oh, yes. He did. Quite truthfully, actually. It was a wonderful encounter for both as the darkness in Rhys accepted the divinity of Rex Lapis and slowly lessened its hold. Their contract was beneficial to each other. Rex Lapis needed a one-man army, and Rhys needed a friend." The cloaked man answered, gazing at the children as they walked and walked.

Their feet were burdened by sores and blisters from the number of terrains they had wandered so far. Any time the children took a break, the man soothed their pain as best as he could. Any means he tried, though, would ultimately result in more wounds on their feet from the long and tremulous walk.

"And then what- ow! Happened next? I'm okay!" The boy responded instantly once the man had become attentive to the sudden ounce of pain.

Through the skillful work of bandages on the heel, the man continued, "Hm. It was most curious indeed. Rhys felt his burden become lighter when around the God, and eventually sought him out when the anger or loneliness became too much… And Rex Lapis began to be the same. Longing more and more, even without the contract."

A girl helped her cousin up and stabilize the swaying child before the elder stepped in and took the sick one in his arms. "S-So, Rhys was good? All better?" She questioned, trailing after him while clutching onto the loose part of his clothing near his leg.

"Well, sadly no, children. But, luckily, Rhys had Rex Lapis, and Rex Lapis had Rhys." For a little while, at least, the man held his tongue to that information. "Rhys was truly just for the God to see and experience. He was very much the same, but with his god friend, it was as if only then could he feel happiness."

"And what of Rex Lapis? Did he begin to like Rhys more?" They gasped, "Do they like each other? Like, like-like?" The child started to skip in their walk while imagining the possibility. This tale was intoxicating to listen to.

The children didn't notice the stuttering step in their guide's walk, nor the brightening cheeks on his face as he cleared his throat. "W-Well, Rex Lapis… was also attached to Rhys, but listen, dear children… This war we currently are in. It was just starting then. Rex Lapis did like Rhys and enjoyed his lovely quiet company, but…" He sighed as the memories of the one he swore not to lose passed through his eyes. "Rex Lapis did Like-Like Rhys. But not at first, I bet you could tell." He smiled sadly when he heard the children laugh. "They drank tea together, hunted with one another, and in wartime, Rhys became the warrior the god wished for. More, than that, Rhys became the object of Rex Lapis' affections." He continued to describe their day-to-day antics, connection, and even the tiniest things that most would have forgotten to mention.

One of the older kids spoke up, "So wait… If Rhys was a hybrid… Bird… Did he, uh, make nests?" He gave an incredulous look.

The man laughed loudly, "Actually, yes. Quite an interesting question." The man shook his head, thinking. "Rhys was said to be a descendant of a mighty being. One is not quite reaching divine Godhood, but close. So Rhys being a child of such a being would make sense he wasn't quite mortal nor God. Wouldn't you say?" He mused both to himself and the children.

"So, the two become the best of friends?"

"Duh! The two liked each other!"

Rex Lapis smiled before being reminded of quite the definition of friendship between him and Rhys.

Pants and groans filled the air as the two got fed up with the intense amount of pressure between the two. Fighting for dominance all the more, until one of them finally got the upper hand. Rhys leaned down in his ear as he shifted to finally make his god feel so full, "Care for a thought?... I'm going to ruin you. Worship you until you feel dizzy and know I'm your favorite devoted follower. I'll ruin our friendship."

"Y-Yes… Before they began their… Partnership, that is." He coughed a bit, awkward at the memory at such an inappropriate timing. Luckily, his body didn't react too strongly to the reminiscence.

A child quickly skipped ahead, being beside the guide now. She glanced up and had a nervous face, "S-So, what happened?"

The man could tell what the underlying question was, and it honestly soothed him slightly that as happy as everyone was to listen to their new favorite story, there was something that went wrong. There had to be. The emotions of sadness radiated off of the man every time he subtly mentioned that such moments between the friends did not last. Children were so perceptive. Their high-strung emotions aided in detecting the smallest changes even the cloaked man couldn't hide.

"Rhys' curse brought upon many who sought him harm, and thus, he met his demise at the hands of mortals. It was said that he would return one day, but… a curse befell the winged man. The two shall never seek each other purposefully. For if they did not, finding one another by themselves would bring the demise upon Rhys once more." He sighed, depressed at such a fate. "Many were jealous of the power Rex Lapis and Rhys had combined, so they cursed them to never intentionally seek one out."

"W-Well, what about us?!" A boy yelled out.

"Yeah! If we find both of them and bring them together, everything will be okay, right? They-... They can have each other again!"

A chorus of confirmation from each child, they were all feeding each other off of hope and determination to have the two once again meet.

"Listen, children. It is noble of you to hope to rejoin these two lost lovers, but… Rhys is no longer living. He shall be reborn, but I am unsure it will be… in… in your lifetime." He attempted.

Yet he was already too late to try to falter their plans.

This tale was woven into their minds now, weaving and spinning like an addictive hopeful drug that they desired to make come reality.

In their time of need, they found comfort in their God and a being lost to time and blood, just like all of their loved ones. It would be cruel and unjust for the God, as mighty as he is, to live on without his happiness forever as well. Perhaps that, too, is the karma they deserve once the war is concluded.

The children promised each other in a contract under Rex Lapis' name that night. The winds were untouching as the tent secured them tight, and the man outside unhearing as they swore this future would happen. May it be one life or a thousand, the children promised to pay back their unforeseen and unknowing parents by bringing them back. After all, the curse never said that an outside party couldn't bring them together.

The dinner plates clicked as the orphans glanced at nothing in particular. The spaces between each other in their seats, the cutlery that was rusting, anything but talking. What did they have to talk about anyways?

All their ages ranged, and they didn't know how to relate to one another. Some newcomers were new orphans, so that meant no talking about their pasts, who wanted to console a sobbing kid when they were all crying on the inside? Some were siblings or cousins, they stuck alongside, simply finding comfort by being next to each other. Others were tortured by nightmares long after being an orphan. So, they were left to idly glance at each other, never meet another's eyes, and be awkward.

It wasn't supposed to be like this. Some used to have parents, some here since birth, how can they have anything relating to one another other than being alone?

The Rite of Descension was upon them in two days, so they could easily avoid each other then, but until that time, everyone was for themselves.

"Alright, children, off to bed." There were no protests, not even a sigh, as they stood from their chairs and began to walk up the stairs. Girls to one half, boys to another. To sleep for hopefully, dreams and not nightmares.

But that night wasn't going to show dreams, but memories.

"Gather around children, I will tell you a tale lost long to time."

Screams in the background.

"Rhys had beautiful wings. They were bigger than me!"

"Please, Mr. M,"

"Mr. M!"

"Yes, your parents. Or guardians."

'They-... They can have each other again!"

"We promise to bring the two lovers back."

Gasps came from the waking children as they scurried out and looked into each other's eyes.

All of them knew what this meant. Every single one of them met at just the right time, right before Rex Lapis came down their only chance. Their memories came back in this lifetime meant,

Rhys was back.

They nodded at each other with smiles and tears going down their cheeks. The eldest kid among them, a girl, smiled and gave a determined nod. "Let's make a plan. We only have so long!" She said excitedly.

The kids nodded and ran off to get anything they would need. Any scrape of Mora they had, coming together as they set out for the materials.

They came together, "This plan, I call GTCR! Get-The-Couple-Reunited!" The kids laughed and ruffled the boys' hair as they sat on the creaky wooden floor and got to work.

The dull talks of Liyue made Y/n sigh boredly. None were of interest to him, not like they were ever, but at least sometimes they provided drama and entertainment. Today? Nothing.

There was Madam Ping, who often talked of the flowers, that was talking to some poor bystander, and wasn't paying much attention to him as he desired some entertainment. Any, really. Some teenagers were kissing in the alley close to him, his heightened hearing granting (cursing) him to hear the disgusting sounds of their beginner lip-smacking. Lastly, of course, a few adults were talking about Rex Lapis on the bench.

Playing mortal was quite fun at times. The audacity they display unknowingly in Y/n presence, and even their hilariously pitiful hopes and dreams.

It makes him laugh.

How insipid they could be at times.

"You have a nasty scowl on your face Y/n." The old lady scolded as she walked back over to him, hands behind her back.

He glared up at her with such malice it would cause anyone to think he wanted her dead. Not that Y/n could help it. Hatred and anger came easily, happiness and relief, less so.

Madam Ping reached forward and pinched the flesh on his cheeks and began to play with it with laughter as his face turned even sourer. "Such a handsome young man shouldn't be seen with such a foul face." She smiled and let him go finally.

"Can I go now?" He dismissed her words, focusing on the pavement as if it owed him money.

The madam laughed and shook her head playfully as she went to the stall and began to search for something. Y/n felt dread build in his stomach as a headache began to form at her meaningless words.

"...-this to Granny Shan, near-"

"I know who she is, hag. Shut it. I have a headache." Y/n scowled, standing up and taking the toy materials from Madam Ping before rubbing his face exhaustedly.

Madam Ping gave a worried face to the man. "Rhys-"

The fire that had been dormant sparked for a moment, almost showing the immortal blood coursing through his body. "What have I told you?-"

"Slip of the tongue, now shush child.

Y/n," she corrected, "Perhaps you should rest. Hibernate, perhaps? You haven't found anyone to break the curse, and… And Rex Lapis hasn't been seen since last year. Maybe you sho-"

"I do not care for how long it takes me. I shall be reunited with my Archon."

"You've given enough. You helped us win the war. Even in death, your very soul influenced the tides. You may rest, even if it hurts, as the help you've given us is unfounded." She whispered, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. Sheltering, attempting to at least, for whatever bad thoughts he was undoubtedly forming.

Y/n brushed her off and gave a fiery look directed at her. On cue, she felt the sheer fire behind that look, the burning of power he held at his fingertips. He wasn't even attempting to use his ability. The fake vision swung on his person with little care.

It made her wonder how he hasn't reached godhood, and how strong he would be as a god if even with a mere look, and his very presence while deaf could make mortals scream. She continued to ponder as she watched his retreating form.

-

Granny Shan was always nice to Y/n. When he had been reborn again in this life, she had technically raised the devil. Assuming the child, which was a grown ancient being in a toddler, was an orphan and took him in.

He wasn't… Terrible to the old lady. Never great or even that good, but compared to many, he wasn't.. bad. Y/n was secretly, deep down, relieved that Granny Shan knew that too. That his cruel behavior was never intensively directed toward her. It doesn't excuse his hostility, but she didn't mind. The old hag told him so multiple times, somehow knowing he was worried deep down.

"Hey, woman, I got you some shit from the Madam." He gruffly said, going behind her stall and placing the supplies on the table. The old woman smiled and waddled over to the man and began to look at everything he brought over.

"Ah! This is perfect…" She grinned, "I'll be able to make much more kites. Y/n, won't you be a dear and help me make some?" By the words of the old lady, the man scowled and had pure malicious words at the back of his throat, the swirling darkness causing him to cough and try not to say anything. He wanted to curse her out, to walk away and tell her to do it herself, anything to keep her from getting close.

If only he had-

"... Whatever." He mumbled roughly, walking near the stand, swallowing the urge.

He's done it for decades, he can handle it surely for a while more.

"Now then, in a little, the Rite of Descension will be finished, and the festival will begin." The old woman rambled to both him and herself, beginning to make the kites and other toys. "There will be a few kids coming here to get some toys." He hummed absent-mindedly as he matched the woman's movements.

"The Rite of Descension? That's today?" He asked, sadness creeping into his bones. "I didn't… Realize." No wonder those adults were talking about Rex Lapis. He was so absorbed in his head lately, that he didn't realize the most important and crucial day was almost already done.

Granny Shan had pieced together that her adopted son wasn't like any of the other children, and eventually, when he never aged past a certain time, she figured he was something inhuman. She, too, could feel the unbridled power lying beneath the mortal skin, a pathetic layer to hide the ruthless power, so perhaps it was only a matter of time before she figured it completely out.

She smiled and handed him a part he needed, "Indeed. Time flies." She sighed happily, choosing to ignore the expression Y/n gave. Knowing he wouldn't answer anyways.

The man paused and looked up at the sky, knowing somewhere he missed him again.

"Pst!"

Y/n furrowed his eyebrows as he looked down and around the area confusedly, before coming up empty and going back to his work.

"Pst!" The voice whispered a little time after.

He sighed and once again looked around, this time more frustrated and honestly wanting whoever was making that noise to stop.

"Pst! Over here!"

He glanced at Granny and when he realized she hadn't been paying attention, even worse, that she was zeroed in on her project, he knew that he would have to solve this himself.

With a final, annoyed sigh, he began to walk over to where he heard the whisper.

Maybe he was getting rusty. Back in his younger years, he could smell a creature's intention just by them being slightly near. The tiniest emotions were detected in an instant. Now, he had to hunt them down first?

What a drag.

"Pst! Yeah! Over here!" Y/n now figured it was a child, and as he walked past a building, looking behind it, he figured out that it wasn't just one child, it was more than 10. All ranging in age up to what seemed to be nine years old. The one who was whispering to him had a missing front tooth, about eight years old, he would guess, rough-cut ginger hair, and dirty clothes.

"The hell you want kid?" Y/n crossed his arms. His eyes squint slightly to show annoyance even though he didn't necessarily feel any at this moment.

Surprisingly.

There wasn't any fear, nervousness, or even intimidation from any of the children as they whispered to one another.

"Is that him?" "Could it be..?" "Are you sure?" "I didn't expect him to be so tall!" "What are you talking about? He said Rhys was taller than him!" "Yeah, but where are his wings?" "Maybe we got it wrong?" "No way! Look at his eyes!" "He looks just like the legends."

"All right, shut the hell up brats. Now, what do you want?"

"He has the attitude too…"

He sputtered, confusion swirling and making him almost dizzy. "The hell you talking about?!" His annoyance came back as shock officially registered when the brat felt the gall to tell him he had an attitude.

One of the little girls went to another and grabbed a scroll, which, definitely looked stolen. She unfurled it and waddled over and showed it to Y/n. His eyes cautiously slid to the paper which showed a winged man, him, hovering above mountains as Rex Lapis raised a hand for his spears. "I-I-Is-Is thi-this y-y…" He waited, his face saying he was bored but not minding the wait, this seemed to cause a stir around the children that 'it is him.' "Y-You?" She points to the winged man.

"So what if it is?" Y/n gruffly said.

"Rhys!" "It is him!" "I told you!" "We've dreamed of meeting you!" "Quick, we have to hurry!" "Just wait for a second, jeez!" "Why didn't you come to see us?" "Maybe he was busy?" "Wait! Sir!" One boy that had originally opposed the idea of Y/n being the ancient being raised a hand.

He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, "Wait a second kid. I don't care for your yapping, but I am not Rhys anymore." Y/n glared at no one in particular but he managed their attention with ease. As if they wanted to listen to him with those puppy eyes.

"Wait, what do you mean?" Some kids also whispered and even seemed so disheartened.

Y/n sighed and straightened his back. It wasn't like anyone would believe these snotty, gross, possibly orphaned kids. "It's just as you said, brat. I don't have wings anymore." He turned his back to show the hollow carving of where his wings were supposed to be, the shirt he was wearing barely doing anything to hide it.

"B-But, how?!"

"I don't know how you heard about me," some of the kids' eyes sparkled like they were dying to tell him, "but you should've learned of my curse and first death." They nodded. "Humans captured me, took my wings forcibly, and I eventually died from blood loss. When I was reborn, and all the lives after, including this one, they didn't grow back." He shrugged.

The kids took a moment to glance around at one another and even whisper to the closest one near them. They sighed before getting that determined look back into their eyes. "Well, whatever! You are Rhys aren't you?"

"Yes..?"

Instantly they grabbed ahold of any limb, or loose clothing, and began pushing and pulling him in a direction. "Mission; GTCR, Part 3, Get New Rhys-"

"Y/n."

"-Y/n, complete! Now on to Part 4! Is Group B doing their part good?" A little girl running from the distance with an older girl in tow quickly joined the tuggers and nodded with a thumbs up.

Y/n felt extremely uncomfortable and borderline sickly as he didn't want to go anywhere with these kids. He had to get back and help Granny Shan, not play with these kids and help with whatever they were scheming. They knew his real identity, and even though he told himself that no adult or older person would believe them, there were too many to deny they could be telling the truth. Fuck.

He grunted after the two girls joined in the pulling as he limblessly followed them. "Is no one going to tell me what is going on?!" Y/n called out, looking around for any of them to tell him.

"Nope! I'm good. Do you wanna Hiroko?" A boy said.

"Uh," she glanced at Y/n with a cautious face, "I didn't think he'd be so scary! How did he even be able to look at him?!"

"Hey!" Y/n almost sounded wounded.

"How about you Asashi.?"

"Um, nope, not me either..? Yuki?"

"Just one of you tell me what the hell is going on or else I will actually try to walk away." The children squeaked, knowing that trying meant using any amount of strength.

Yuki, the stuttering kid, shook her head and looked pleadingly at one of the older ones, a boy, and gave a weak smile to him.

The boy sighed and nodded as he tugged Y/n's finger once more. "We are finishing a contract we made… a while ago." He mumbled at the end, obviously not wanting to tell the full story.

Y/n faked gasping, mock happiness and glee on his face as he dramatically spoke, "And that answers all my questions! Thank you soooo much."

"Add, 'Didn't know he was so sarcastic' to that list."

"Oh, you little sh-"

Y/n was cut off by the tallest kids covering his mouth and eyes as they quickly began to make him sit down at a certain point, hidden by the shadows.

"Keep your eyes closed!" "Don't move!" "No, this is how you do this." "Ohh…" "M-M-Mak-M-Make sur-sure h-he is-is-is good f-f-f-for h-him." "We are, thank you, Yuki!" "I think the other team is dressing him as well." "R-Real-l-ly?" "Aw, lucky!" "I wish I got to do that.." "What colors did they decide?" "You'll see!"

The muffled protests of Y/n were quite ignored as they began to put on a certain type of clothing on him, wrapping him up like a present in those clothes, and even tidying up his hair.

He can't believe he was allowing this. No, change that, Y/n can't believe what was happening. Wait, what even was happening? Just… a grown-ass man, that has abilities beyond the mortal mind, is getting bullied and forced to do this? Is he even being forced?

Eh, not really. More boredom and laziness spurring this on.

"Alright done!" They pulled away from him and he looked down to see what they did, he was quietly impressed. They had put on a layer of festival clothes over his thin normal wear. The colors were deep and bold, celebrating the colors of Rex Lapis in his Adeptus form. Oranges and reds, highlights of bright golden yellow, and of course, a dark and rich chocolate brown as the base. He looked like was one of Rex Lapis' worshippers.

Y/n smiled, showing his pride in being a loyal devotee to the god who made his heartache.

He sighed and stood up, turning and looking over every spot while all the kids stayed quiet and watched him. They looked eager and hopeful. Perhaps they wanted praise. "It looks…" some leaned in a bit closer, overjoyed they noticed a strained smile on his face. "Fine." He finished with possibly the most effort he could afford.

They cheered and sighed with relief as they began to congratulate each other. "Wait, I merely said that it was fine. You don't… want something more?" More appropriate praise? Actual praise deserving of what they had done to him?

"No it's okay Mr. Y/n, we already knew about your curse! I'm sorry the bad thing ate your happy emotions."

"W-What.?" He asked, not understanding what she meant by that, but was quickly caught off guard when the children promptly grabbed hold of him yet again and began pushing and pulling. Y/n let out an exhausted sigh but followed along with their antics begrudgingly.

They talked to him happily and even though their little waddles to get him somewhere were taking a while, he permitted conversation. They seemed delighted regardless of how dry and dismissive he was.

They asked about what his past lives were like, what he was doing now, and even what he was doing for work. For such tiny and young kids, they sure were nosy. He told them of his time in Inazuma in one life, two more in his homeland Sumeru, a few in Snezhnaya (he found out there, tropical beings should not go to a winter-fucking-wonderland), some in Liyue, and his previous one in Fontaine. Oh, and one in the middle of nowhere. Probably Natlan.

He didn't tell them how he had died horribly in each, too impatient to wait until the curse was broken to see Morax, which, ultimately, led to his demise in each life.

Y/n noticed they dragged him almost everywhere in Liyue before another girl came up, paused, and looked at him before nodding. This sent all the little one's into a frenzy as they began to practically haul his ass away, once again. This time, Y/n had a tiny smile on his face directed at the children.

"Operation GTCR in motion!" The kids laughed and shook their heads.

Y/n noticed they began to shake with excitement as they began reaching their destination. A grand tree stands in the center of the plane of land, a lake coursing through with a bridge crossing it.

Asashi gestured for Y/n to lean down and purely out of curiosity he did. "Now!" The children tackled him and began ruthlessly covering his sight with a blindfold, tying his wrists with rope, and making sure no one would hear the bewildered noises the ancient being made.

Soon, he was standing where he presumes was under the tree, alone. Ever since his sight and wrists were bound, he had to rely on the noises surrounding him. No children, no footsteps, no breathing other than his own, and no animals scurrying about. That was what was odd. After living in the forest for a good portion of growing up, noises were always a good sign. Lack of it meant there was a predator near.

If he had to sit here and pretend to be an innocent person that just got jumped, he would. Purely to not have to work with Granny Shan and be uncomfortable selling toys to people.

"... this way!" "Please keep your eyes closed!" "Careful, watch this step."

Wow, and they were so rude to him but whoever they were making him play fucking tea party with, they treat them like they were fragile and royal? They shoved him multiple times! He probably had a bite mark somewhere!

"Where are-" "Shhh!" The kids chided, all of them desperately trying to hush the man's voice. Y/n knew that voice, somewhere. His ears shifted to attempt to detect the tiniest details about the newcomer, his hands squirming with nerves and restlessness. The children seemed to notice the hybrid's sudden attention shift, quietly praying once they did. Knowing he was trying to hear where he knew that voice from.

The children quickly moved and set up something in front of Y/n and quickly backed away. Confusion crossed his face once more as his eyebrows furrowed and started to reach out to the quickly leaving kids. "W-Wait where-" "Shhhh!!" They covered his mouth and he felt the man in front of him shift as if he recognized, or thought he sounded familiar, him as well. This energy as well, something was screaming at Y/n to remember.

"Alright!" A girl called, really far away, "you can take off your blindfold Mr. M!" Y/n felt even dizzier at who was in front of him, this all was baffling and confounds even him. Mr. M? He doesn't know any fucker by that. And here he was thinking he knew who this M guy was.

There was slight shuffling from the man before a tiny gasp before what Y/n can assume was a hand covering his mouth.

"Alright, what is going on?" Y/n growled out, starting to get seriously frustrated. He picked up on a tearful, almost mournful chuckle, before feeling his cheek get cupped by a hand. Y/n instinctively flinched away but before he could spit colorful words that would surely cause some looks, the agony that haunted every waking moment washed away at the graze of touch from the person in front of him. Y/n had never felt anything like it other than when his skin touched Rex Lapis. That tiny touch was euphoric and made him want to cry and cry with relief.

His heart started to race and pound in his chest as he desperately grabbed the hand that started to pull away and place it back on his face. His breath came out heavy as the overwhelming feeling of love, happiness, hope surged through him like a wave. That one touch made him nearly faint, this consistent hold made the hybrid forget everything. His name was forgotten, all of them, all the moments he wished he could erase, was erased, only this. This was everything. Living was purely for this. "Fuck… Don't move." He mumbled, a whimper at the end of his tone. The whines of loneliness in his heart went away the slowest, but as if being called like a moth to a flame, it not so slowly disappeared.

The man in front of him chuckled and placed his other hand on the side of his face and began to softly stroke the skin beneath his fingers with his thumbs. Even without sight, he knew.

"... My Archon," Y/n whispered affectionately, voice breaking at the end. Confirming it out loud was something else entirely. Shattering.

The Geo Archon chuckled, "Haven't I told you not to call me that?" He whispered back, noticing the sudden change of demeanor of Y/n.

Mr. M meant Morax. Fucking hell. His god. His Archon. His entire heart and those tiny little fucks knew it. Planned this entire thing. He is the god's most loyal follower, his muse to late-night activities, and yet he was ashamed, ashamed he couldn't realize it instantly it was him simply by the sounds of his breathing. His footsteps. Even if it had been years since his most recent past life, he should've known.

A sigh escaped Y/n as he lifted his wrists to show he wanted out of his confinement. He could criticize himself later, all that mattered now was showing his god his devotion. "Please?"

Morax sighed, albeit a bit shaky, "I can't remember the last time you said please, even in my presence."

"..." Getting no usual snide response out of Y/n, Rex Lapis gazed down and looked at the bound wrists and smiled. The limbs were shaking to be free, yet even at the terrible tie, and is completely capable of snapping the rope, Y/n restrained from doing so. He needed his god to slowly touch and maneuver the material, all to let him be free. It was subtly one of the more endearing things he's done for Morax.

Rex Lapis finished untying the restraints and just as he did so, the rope barely even beginning to fall, Y/n enraptured the Archon in a bone-crushing, desperate hug that shattered both of their hearts. Reunited at last. Forever this time. "Rhys?" Still, though, the Archon was shocked by his loving display.

"Damn those sneaky kids." He would have to invite all of them to dinner and let their little bellies be filled with the finest food before finding them the nicest, best homes. Even then, they would always have a home wherever Morax and he would go.

"They did complete their contract." The God whispered back, slowly undoing the piece of cloth hindering the hybrid's eyes, knowing what would happen when they got home, once he let the man take in the view. Moraxs' hair was prettily made up by the girls and boys, clothing matched the color of fire that was always dancing in Y/n's eyes, a sign of his true form, that beautiful intense red. Even the red and orange flowers in Morax's hair. All for his future husband.

Y/n opened his eyes as soon as the cloth got an inch away, blessing both of them with each other. "You should know, my love, I got by Y/n now…" He murmured, brushing away with his thumb a stray tear on Morax's face.

A hum came from Rex Lapis, "When on leave, I tend to go by Zhongli Xiansheng." On leave? How cute.

"That'd mean I'd be Y/n Xiansheng." He bumped their foreheads together and began to rub them together lovingly. Like a cat.

Zhongli gave a surprised look as he looked up at the serene and lovestruck hybrid, "You wish… to marry me? So soon after seeing each other once again?" He whispered so quietly, even the children eavesdropping in the not-so-far distance couldn't hear.

Y/n gazed at every little detail on his boyfriend's face, "Certainly. Think of it as a contract. One that shall never be broken. I have been far too absent in our lives, and if it is alright with you, I'd rather not spend another minute separated for a long, long time." He closed his eyes. "I'd wake up screaming for years, decades after I left you all those times. Remembering constantly that I love you. My heart and my soul have been yours since the first contract, and being away even for a fraction of a second is too long and my body knows that. I think of you in every waking moment, wanting you to talk to me, to advise me, to command me, whatever the circumstances. I remember your delicious tea, and no matter how much I tried to imitate it, yours is the only thing I want. You'd lay with me under the stars and play with my wings, make me feel whole and me again. You complete me." He sighed, opening his eyes once again to see the crying Archon, "and if being hasty to marry you means we are one again, I would recommend being married right now. Only those little children are to be the witnesses to our… contract."

Zhongli tried and failed to speak, his heart thundering in his chest as he screamed yes, but the tears and emotions consumed him as he crumbled. Rhys, or Y/n, comforted him until the very last hiccup. Kissing away each tear and whispering 'I love you's' until he was ready to respond once more.

"Of course, my Y/n. You are not alone in your declaration. I've been yours ever since the beginning." He smiled and chuckled at the overwhelmingly relieved sigh from Y/n. "Were you honestly thinking I'd reje- Mmf!"

His words were shut down by the sudden kiss Y/n enforced, closing his eyes instantly yet smiling when he heard the 'ew's' and cheers from the children before hearing them all run off as they separated.

"So eager for me, and yet we haven't done anything." Morax teased.

"I think, even if you stood in the corner of a room, alone, I'd be just as eager."

"Is that so?"

A familiar smirk graced Y/n's face as he reached up, touching the colors of his old self on Zhongli. "Care for a thought, My Archon?"

He already knew what that dirty thought was, after all, it has been years.

-

He had barely been touched in the centuries following his lover's death. Morax, the feared and gruesome God in the war that had led hundreds of groups of grieving children, didn't necessarily like being touched. Specifically, he didn't like being touched after Rhys' passing. He had gathered the highest death toll compared to any other being and had that one crucial detail.

Centuries passed in a flash, and no matter how many times he attempted to resist touching himself, in fear of forgetting how much better Rhys did it, he somehow ended up biting one of his many pillows, sweat dripping down his back, pleasuring himself by vividly imagining it was his dead lover and lord, the effect that had on his body. Sometimes, rarely, when Morax was utterly desperate he would get rougher with himself. Those times felt so much like Rhys, he would be pleasuring himself for days, overstimulating himself to the max.

He would tug on his hair, his cock, even plow ruthlessly in his lonely hole, attempting to feel anything like how the hybrid made him feel. Sometimes, he could feel the ghost of a grip on his throat as his fingers imitated what should've been Rhys' dick.

What he wouldn't give to be ruined by his lover again. To have him yank at the gods body, manhandling him however he wants, to utter filth of worship and degradation directed to both of the desperate men.

Those were such delicious and sinful fantasies that left the archon crying on the pillow both in loyal love and desperation. Eager to be reunited.

Y/n, or Rhys, the one he had so desperately wished would pleasure his divine body, was now here. Taking a painfully long shower. Making 'Zhongli' writhe in the sheets, the very sheets he had coldly cuddled to Y/n's pillow and hump.

He never had the heart to get rid of it. Not when the tiniest bit of his smell still lingers.

The door of the bathroom opened and revealed the usual shameless attitude of his lover, Y/n had barely tried to hide his midsection with the tiniest towel. Zhongli never used said towel, too tiny, and had forgotten it existed, figures Y/n would find it.

He left this out with his story to the children, but considering Y/n had been raised by none other than the whispers of trees and animals, he never considered clothing a necessity. Or rather, he never considered it necessary when Morax was around.

With nimble fingers, Y/n quickly lost the towel and in silence began to analyze the growing size underneath the boxers of Zhongli. They both lost their clothes, tangled limbs scampering through the house before falling onto the bed, gasps of need escaping both but suddenly Zhongli was cold and missing his body on top of him.

Their separation does nothing to soothe the ache.

Y/n simply smiled and sent him to shower while he got the bed 'ready.' Ready meant, making the bed into a nest. Pillows and blankets, covered and dripping his scent after being deprived of it for years.

Then he went to shower, leaving his beloved lover squirming in the nest. Mere boxers that had soon been soiled.

Y/n tilted his head before his eyes began to blaze with fire at the view of the boner in between Morax's legs. "My dear, you look absolutely pitiful. Might I worship you?"

Zhongli wasn't unfazed by his words, the bottom of his lip wobbling with the anguish at filling this need. His head bobbed down in need, affirming he did want this. Not just wanted but needed. A requirement.

"Please." He whispered, eyelids lowering.

Y/n gave a soft smile instead of his usual smirk, before walking over. He climbed into their nest, careful not to disrupt his hard work of making it perfect for his fiance.

He would marry this man. He would be there for him forever and ever, even after the fall of Teyvat, even when they both ascended to Celestia. Anything. Anything for his beloved Archon. This nest was just the beginning of his devotion.

Now that the Y/n was relieved of the blasted curse, no more death and coming back just to wait until he could one day see his beloved one. He'd be staying right here, in his arms. If Morax told him to fuck off and never come back, he would bury himself and do just that. If he told Y/n to choke on his cock for hours, or days, he would warm his dick with his ready, wet mouth.

Y/n's warm body came in contact with Zhongli, heating the both of them instantly. So much so, that it felt like an inferno had lit their hearts on fire.

"You better get to work as I still hold my wits. I don't want you to beg, I wish for you to love me." His smooth voice rattled at the start but leveled off soon after. Morax made a quick movement, grasping Y/n's chin and forcing him to watch helplessly as he spread his legs, moving them up to be perfect for the hybrid to place his hands under his ankles and destroy his insides. "It's been a while, my eternal love, I need your scent inside of me."

"First," the hybrid whispered, "I'll kiss every inch of your body, then my favorite, I'll kiss every part of your dick, to the point you're weeping for me." Each kiss would be a searing show of love and devotion. He began at the ankles, Zhongli's pretty little pale skin there, slowly working his warm lips up, and up. Calf to thigh, to the sensitive flesh that transferred his lips to his waist. The weeping dick between Morax's legs begging to be played with, but regardless of the tiny whimpers leaving his mouth, Y/n pretended not to hear. Moving to the other leg and beginning his sweet sugary torture there instead. "Next, I'll hold you until I forget I ever was deprived of your company."

He needed to reinstate the memories of the touch he scarred on Morax's body anew. Have his scent on every corner of him, a proof of ownership, Y/n was his, and the same goes the other way around.

"...please," Zhongli whispered again, holding a faint sense of desperation. Watching Y/n slowly pleasure him in the tiniest way possible was making him dizzy.

His back slightly arched in anticipation all the more when a kiss was placed on his v-line. The tingling sensation going straight to the drip that slid agonizingly slowed down his rock-hard length. A sound escaped him, loud and impatient, wanting to get onto the real pleasure from him, causing those pretty red eyes to slowly meet the God's eyes.

A shiver ran down both their spines.

"Archons, you're so handsome, my love." His kisses continued, and the searing licks up his abdomen weren't too playful anymore. The eye contact persists the entire time while infecting his body. "Don't beg, my dearest love…My heart, you won't ever have to beg for something from me…" The licks and kisses, sometimes a nip, continued as he finally got to his neck and handsome face. Their noses brushed as Zhongli pulled him up. Their lips grazed one another, bitten and red. Waiting for each other to devour.

"My Archon," Y/n whispered as his hand began to wrap securely around Zhongli's neck. Not for the breath play they love oh so much, which surely hasn't changed, but for acknowledgment, he is here. And staying. "For it is I who would get on my knees and beg. Even if I ruin you."

The heat of being squeezed made Y/n dizzy with lust and appreciation.

Y/n eyes began to glow a bright brilliant red in pure unparalleled lust and want. His hand started to squeeze Morax's throat gently, reminding him not to act too arrogant or hasty considering the hybrid was already trying to be tame as to fully enjoy this leisurely pace they were at. They may even be here for days before either one's desires are even remotely satisfied. Good thing none of the Adeptus or outsiders can enter this Adeptus realm without permission, for if they did after noticing Rex Lapis' and Rhys' sudden disappearance, they would surely have a sight. Their strongest Adeptus, Archon, and oldest being, on top of a cock he had been thirsting for. Such a sight Y/n wouldn't allow anyone the pleasure of besides himself.

Morax's choked-up moans, his huffs, his faint bounces, his thin waist, all of it was for Rhys only. Predatory instincts demanded that their bodies be only for each other.

"God, I want you so bad," Y/n mumbled, more to himself as he resumed his kisses of torture on the Archon. On his neck, collarbone, sternum, and stomach, before finally the tip of Zhongli's dick. "Imagining it isn't enough."

"Tell me," Morax whispered, wanting to know exactly what the man who was dying to suck his dick wanted, what he was daydreaming of.

A sigh escaped both of them as a lick up the underside came, before sucking at the drips of pre coming from the top. "I want to enjoy you. Again, and again… Enter you, and bring you bliss until you're satisfied. Imagined such a fantasy for years."

The God hummed pleasantly as he watched Y/n go back down and start pleasuring. He sighed, licking his lips as well. "I won't... be.. Be satisfied for quite a long time."

"I'll have to work hard then."

"It appears so.." he grunted, "then again, I imagine you won't be sated for a while either." The only noise confirming that suspicion was a deep throaty chuckle as Y/n parted his lips, opening his mouth for Morax's appendage, before plunging it down his throat. A gasp stuttered from Zhongli's lips before his back began to arch up and down as moans slipped from his tongue. It was so delightful that Y/n felt his hips automatically thrust in response.

Zhongli's eyes wandered down and noticed the issue that he so brazenly didn't hide. A weak smirk graced his face, which wasn't missed by the hybrid that was giving unworldly pleasure to him. Y/n's eyes sparkled with fire as he watched Morax get high off the power that Y/n relented to him. Such a powerful being at his face willing to do anything, as his hand clasped into his hair and began to guide. Y/n liked it, seeing the resolve of his god get heightened before getting destroyed when he realized his pleasure needed to be controlled.

He popped his mouth off Zhongli's cock and licked his lips greedily. Groaning at the taste in pleasure. Morax shivered, furrowed his brows, and stared at the erotic scene. "How filthy. You shouldn't…"

"Shouldn't what, my dearest?" He purred, maneuvering Zhongli's body to lie on his stomach, ass in the air just right. "Hm? Were you pleasuring yourself while showering?" Y/n glowed in satisfaction seeing the loose hole not even resisting the slipping of his fingers. His tongue lolled out and dripped saliva all around the fluttering mess of an ass.

Zhongli couldn't even talk as a wild blush came across his features and embarrassment corrupted his tongue, no longer capable of responding to the teasing words so Y/n continued.

"Did I excite you so? The kisses, the pulling at your waist." Two fingers were swallowed whole as he inserted them quickly. Hardly going slow. "You were oh-so eager for me, only to be disappointed when I pulled away. You knew we would be here for hours yet my Archon couldn't wait?" He sighed happily when he noticed Morax squeeze his eyes closed, and start trembling at the beginning harsh thrusts of Y/n's fingers.

After pressing against his sweet spot with a powerful thrust, the squirming male squealed. He started to babble and lose his mind. "Aw, already? We haven't even started my beloved." The pyro user chuckled evilly, yet had an endearing tone, gazing at the god caringly, trying to prep him thoroughly.

"Please, Y/n.." His handsome voice trailed off as once again, he was left trembling once he felt the utter tenderness, and love on the tiny pecks and kisses as his lover worked him open. His attention crumbled from what he was going to say and became absorbed in the smoothing touches of his precious fiancée.

Y/n slowed the temporarily quick pace of his fingers in exchange for an intimate pace. One that still made Zhongli shake.

Rhys was conflicted and yet desperate for his mate. In the past, he accidentally hurt Morax by going too fast. "Need-Need to open you up-" He tried to rid the thoughts of rushing, which could cause Zhongli discomfort.

"N-No! Please, just pleasure me, you said you were going to-... worship me." He eyed Y/n's pretty cock that had been dormant in any of his actions, yet still had an angry, desperate cherry-colored tip, and a sheen of pre at the top, no doubt from rubbing against the bed during their… antics.

Y/n nearly growled animalistically as he straightened up, moving Morax's body to be in a handsome mating press. The hybrid's instincts to breed screamed in his head as his mate lay in his nest, lying in a perfect mating press. Perhaps he could indulge that image in his head, Zhongli stuffed to the brim with his cum. He knew it was filthy, that they were both males, but a fantasy was a mere fantasy to spur him on.

A huff from his god caused Y/n's attention to come back to reality, his cock twitching still at the image in his head, which didn't go unnoticed. A longing huff came from Morax as his hips lifted impatiently to get the hybrid tempted to just enter him already.

"I'm doing it, my love, Archons, you look so pretty." He mumbled the last sentence as he moved swiftly to where the head of his dick was only slightly pressing against the entrance.

Zhongli's eyes glowed a brilliant gold as his hips thrust down, forcing Y/n to enter with a strained noise. Both gasped at the feeling of becoming one again. Their souls intertwined and twisted as a steady and smooth thrust came from Y/n, not stopping once until his pelvis met the flesh of his lover's ass.

Their collective groans echoed in each other's ears as Y/n leaned down and rested his elbows on either side of Zhongli's head. His face was buried in the God's neck as they both had to steady themselves at the buzzing feeling of reconnecting their bodies after centuries.

Y/n felt everything melt from his head and anything that had weighed and stressed him over the years washed away as he felt the delicious stretch, squeeze, and warmth of his god. He mumbled words of worship and prayer in Morax's ear, said man flinching before moaning and shaking at the tender words of endearment. Zhongli grabbed the messy hair buried in his neck and began to tug on it. A signal to start moving.

Y/n kissed all over his lover's face as he withdrew his hips. A whine of pleasure and pain rumbled in the back of the full man.

A sigh escaped both their lips as a tender and sweet pace began. It wasn't rushed or urgent yet, as they both had plenty of time to spare, but lingering bits of need still lasted as their eyes met. Quiet and peaceful moans escaped both their lips at the drag and warmth they gave each other.

A tiny chuckle sounded, "I've made your head empty so quickly. How cute and pitiful, love. I should ruin your body more, until you're begging me to stop because it became too much, hm?"

And the agonizingly slow but delicious drag of the dominant man's cock sent the god into near delirium.

A whisper of adoration escaped the thrusting male before a mumble of an apology.

He withdrew everything in a mere fraction of a second before slamming into Zhongli. The sudden thrust caused everything sweet and kind from their thrusts before to be shattered as skin harshly slapping on skin echoed, groans, gasps, and yelps coming from both of the men.

"O-Oh Rhys! Fuck..!" Morax called out the old name of his lover, forgetting everything as his heart thundered in his chest from the force of the thrusts. Pounding into him without restraint.

The pleasure was boiling as he writhed and squirmed, trying to hold onto anything as his insides were being rearranged. Soon, the god was left in a trembling and babbling mess for Y/n to enjoy and listen to.

His thrusts sent spikes of pleasure up his spine as he leaned down, his ear near Morax's gasping, bitten, red lips. "Y-Y/n!" A scream of his name got his attention. After a few more harsh ruts that had their eyes rolling in the backs of their heads, a coy smile that screamed male arrogance came from the hybrid.

While wildly thrusting, never stopping their pleasure, he chuckled slowly, groaning with pleasure at the back of his throat as his eyelids lowered, "Yes, my love?" His rasping voice enticed a response.

"Heavens-!" His head was swimming too much, and what he was going to babble about long disappeared as he greedily moved his hips to match the ruthless thrusts Y/n was eagerly giving.

"Dammit. I'm gonna cum! Gonna c-cum, plea-" A particular thrust completely directed at his prostate caused pearly white strands to pour out of the man, not noticing the predatory gaze Y/n was failing to hide.

He wanted more of that sweet smell, for Rex Lapis to come undone again, and again.

"How cute." He whispered, continuing his thrusts of pure torture as the high he's been looking forward to approaching rapidly. "Gonna want my seed? I can fill you up, gonna do it… promise my love." Zhongli merely nodded dumbly as overstimulation clouded his mind, spit and tears mixing down his face. How high and mighty the god was now.

He stuttered, feeling a second orgasm approaching. "Need it-!" The shocks or pleasure cause him to moan and gasp.

A firm hand gripped his cock before suddenly jacking Zhongli off with such urgency so that the god knew the hybrid was close and wanted them to climax together. "M' gonna fill you up, my scent is… fuck! Ahh…" He smirked and lazily began thrusting once he knew they were on the very last edge to cumming. "S' a pretty face y'r makin'. Scent you until we die." that last comment Y/n made caused Morax to gasp at that imagery, fucking like rabbits.

His warm cum filled the Archon, while a shudder came over him, cradling him in his arms while the aftershocks still consumed them. Y/n would be damned if he pulled out right now, his little gift would spill out and he wanted to be in the comforts of Zhongli's hole right now, before he got hard again, cockwarming him.

"Y/n…" Rex Lapis whispered, placing his hands on each side of his face while making the delirious man look him in the eyes. "Welcome home." And gave him a tender kiss.

At the words, a tear of pure happiness slipped from his cheek, the depression they'd both been subjected to washing away as they cuddled in the nest. "I'm home."

-

After rounds that left them only more hungry for each other, they lay in the ruined nest, clothes, and blankets nonexistent as they gazed at one another, Y/n expelling enough heat for the room to become a sauna. Sleep was evident in each other's eyes as they whispered sweet nothings to each other.

"I think…" Zhongli licked his lips lazily, his eyes fluttering closed before opening to try and continue, "when you died, the first time, I wanted to cleave out my… Heart." He whispered, causing Y/n's own heart to clench painfully. "But, I knew you'd be back. And even after saying that each time, it still hurt…" By now, the god had given up trying to keep his eyes open. "I missed your blatant disregard to divine beasts… how you'd look at me when you'd hunt me food as if you were hoping I'd love it…"

Y/n smiled loosely, his own eyes slowly going closed but fighting it better than his beloved one, wanting to gaze upon his features just a little bit longer. "It's a mating ritual…" He whispered, twisting their legs together more, torsos pressed more up against each other.

Zhongli hummed, chuckling quietly, "So sweet…"

"What else did you miss about me.?" His eyes closed while making sure his low voice reached the man.

"I… missed your nests… how you'd groom me in the evenings, fix up my hair." He sighed. "How you…… Would warm me up when I was cold. Set trinkets out where I'd find them, like keys, rocks… especially when I fed you…" He sighed, burying his face finally in Y/n neck and settled. Soon enough, his breathing went slow as sleep greeted him, along with being lulled by the scent of Rhys.

Y/n kissed the top of Rex Lapis' head as his breathing steadied. His final thought being, 'Thank you, my children.'

AN : fucking finally done. Been working on this for like… 2 months. Draft after draft of not being good enough. ANYwaysss. Thxs for reading, don't lmk of any spelling mistakes bc I ain't going to correct them anyways lmfao, I'm too done with this one shot to even care at this point ;-;

If you'd like me to do a pt 2, possibly about Rhys finding his wings or getting married or smth, maybe even make Zhongli horny for Y/n and riding him(yummy), but do lmk of that. Who knows. Thinking about doing a Dottore, or Diluc one-shot.

Zhongli

The man has been busy for the past months due to people increasing coming over the parlor. Of course you were worried for your dearest.

You tried getting his attention just for him to take a rest seeing his situation gotten worst.

"WOULD YOU STOP ANNOYING ME?! I'M BUSY CANT YOU SEE?!" he shouted.

"Please, dear just take a res-" you tried telling him

"I TOLD YOU TO STOP BEING ANNOYING! I'M BUSY OK?!" he left the house with a thud and never came back since dinner.

You were worried for his health so you brought the meal towards the parlor but as caught on seen.

"Didn't expect Zhongli's lover would be here. Must be my lucky day to kill you right here right now" you didn't have the chance to call out for help due to the napkin covered.

And there your life ended...

A traveler soon noticed your bloodied body and brought you towards a healer.

The news spreaded that someone was killed again. Of course zhongli heard it from the parlor.

As soon as he went inside the office. Childe went to his office and tell something.

"Mr. Zhongli? Can I have your time for a moment?" he asked as he sat down.

"Go ahead, I have some time" he stated placing a tea.

"About (name)... -" he stated. "What about them? Don't tell me they told you to tell me they need attention?" he raged.

"No... It's.. About the murder last night.. (name) was the victim..."

The room went silent. Zhongli processing the words Childe left out. Impossible. You were at home right?.. You were??

Childe placed a food box. "They were probably trying to give this to you last night. Seeing your situation.. they’re worried..."

All because of his messy schedule, the lover he swore to be with til the end left..

He gulped.

"W-where are they..now?" he asked. Desperate enough to think you're still alive

“They’re..they’re not with us anymore..”

The home he will expect to go that was filled with love and care from you will be now dark and gray....

He took the chance to take in charge with your funeral. A way to see you one last time. Give the attention you deserve after the neglections..

Kaeya

The captain has been busy for the past months due to the workloads increasing. You are worried for his health so you took the chance to ask the knights about his health. 

“Kaeya, dear, please take atleast a short nap. Your body is starting to get fatigued,” you tried catching his attention.

Kaeya having problems now with his system he misunderstood you as if you want his attention and leave his work behind.

Are you really desperate for his attention that you want him to stop from his work? Oh he didn’t accept it. He slapped your face.

They were also worried for the captain seeing he started to overwork and rarely goes out in his office.

“Can’t you see I’m working hard for both of us and the city? DO YOU WANT US TO BE ATTACKED BECAUSE OF THIS ATTENTION YOU WANTED FOR WEEKS??!” 

“Kaey-” he slapped you again. 

“STOP. IF YOU WANT ATTENTION GO LOOK FOR SOMEONE ELSE” he shouted. He walked out and went towards the HQ planning to sleep there.

You thought he was stressed and just want some fresh air so you placed the meal inside the fridge and planned to end the day tonight.

You didn’t know that the treasure hoarders are attacking houses outside the city knowing knights rarely checks outside.

Your shared home was outside the city.

The house was big enough to fit some people and there you were ambushed.

People started to report and attack and called the knights for help. Seeing a fire is starting to grow and knowing it was the house the captain lives in called him.

Kaeya hearing the news ran as fast as he could thinking of your safety.

Seeing the people trying to stop the fire, he started looking for your figure...You’re probably far removing the smoke from your lungs.

“HEY I FOUND SOMEONE INSIDE? THEY’RE DYING CALL A HEALER!!” he heard someone shouted. He ran back towards the person and there he saw you bruised and burnt.

Weak and fragile....hand prints from the slapped and the ambushed..

“name..?” he called out.

“Hey it’s me..wake up now..you’re out from the fire..” his breath hitched. You aren’t responding. People started to look a nearby healer just to save you. A commoner who saved and helped people is dying. And everyone tried to save you.

But..you gave up...