Work Text:
Childe is a pain in your ass. Well, maybe everything wasn't Childe's fault, but still. If his orders had been different, maybe Lady Ningguang wouldn't have had to sacrifice the Jade Chamber, and perhaps, things could have been more peaceful. You feel heat rising to your face as you remember your encounter with him in the Golden house. After you'd finished your business, Childe had genuinely tried to negotiate, but some Fatui agents had come to communicate his orders. Before, they had been to take the Gnosis, but the rest of the Fatui must have realized that you didn't have it, and his orders changed.
You remember the silent apology in his eyes before he'd used the sigils, summoning Osial. Maybe it's just your head that created that image, and he really was playing you all along, but you hope it's not true. Perhaps you can be friends of some sort in the future? Yes, you're more on-edge about him now, but you hope he is genuine.
With a sigh, you glance back at Zhongli, who's murmuring quietly with some of the Millelith. Paimon hovers beside you, chattering to herself, but you block out her voice, sinking into thought.
You stand on the docks of Liyue harbour, and you're looking out towards the ocean, your head racing. The Qixing will take up the power role that Morax left behind, but you don't think it'll be like before. Having never experienced living a life like the people of Liyue do, you don't think you'll ever fully understand, but having the archon you worship die would be hard for anyone. You also wonder if there will be a new Geo Archon. Will someone take his place, or will Lady Ningguang fill the vacant space of highest power in Liyue?
You're pulled out of your thoughts by Zhongli as he wraps his arms around your middle. He presses a kiss to the top of your head, and you smile, leaning back into him slightly.
You turn to study the harbour, your eyes taking in the people as they go about their business. It's hard to believe that a previously sealed-away god had almost destroyed the entire port and everyone in it just earlier today. Everything seems so normal.
"Shall I walk you home?" Zhongli murmurs, and you jump slightly, startled by his voice.
"Yeah, that'd be," you trail off, turning around and cupping his face in your hands. "Nice,"
"But Paimon can walk her home!" Paimon exclaims, placing her hands on her hips.
"Paimon, how about you go see if Yaoyao can have a sleepover tonight?" Zhongli murmurs without turning to her.
"Who's Yaoyao?" Paimon asks, giving us a look. "Paimon's never heard of them,"
"She's Ganyu's apprentice," Zhongli replies. "Ask some of the Qixing for Ganyu's whereabouts, and tell them I sent you,"
"Okay!" Paimon exclaims, pivoting in the air and whizzing away from you.
"Sorry about her," you murmur. "She's overbearing sometimes,"
"No worries," he says, smiling softly, and you blush as he grabs your arm, kissing your wrist. "I don't want anyone interrupting us,"
Zhongli looks at you, amber eyes boring into your own, and you blush from the intensity of his gaze. You've never seen this side of him. Yes, he'd always acted kind and courteous since we'd met, but this was different somehow. He's gentle in his movements but maintains his air of grace and authority.
Zhongli twines his fingers with yours, tugging you along slightly as you head towards the guesthouse you'd been staying at for your time in Liyue. You keep mostly quiet as you walk up from the docks, and you smile to yourself when you notice him glancing at you every now and then.
You enter the guesthouse, a few staff members instantly recognizing you and bowing with a smile. It's not the finest accommodations, but it's still beautiful, and the workers have been very kind to you.
You had expected Zhongli to leave you here, but he continues walking, his hold on your hand not releasing.
Tonight will most likely be your first good night's sleep in awhile. You'll be able to take a hot bath to soothe your muscles and maybe read some of the novels Xingqiu had recommended to you.
You realize you've been zoning out and shake your head quickly, clearing your thoughts as you realize Zhongli had been staring at you.
"Sorry," you say sheepishly. "Lost in thought,"
Zhongli seems to hesitate before stepping forward, his free hand coming to rest on your waist. He looks down at you, eyes half-lidded, and you look at him dumbly. His gaze moves to your neck, brows furrowing, and you pale as you remember the marks Childe left on your skin.
"What are those," he says, his tone cool and deadly.
You hesitate, debating lying to him. Maybe you can make up an excuse? No, lying to him isn't right. Starting off a possible relationship with lying is never a good idea, and it's not like a fling with Childe would happen again anyway, right?
"Childe," you murmur, lowering your gaze. "In the golden house,"
"Why?" he demands.
"I don't know. It was a stupid idea, and I do like Childe," you mutter, hastily continuing when Zhongli narrows his eyes. "Not as much as you. It was just a small thing in the back of my head, I promise,"
"And did you think of me before continuing with your actions?"
You nod hastily, looking up at him. Paling as you see his face, you take a small step back. He seems extremely mad.
"Zhongli," you breathe out, your tone pleading. "Please, I want a relationship with you. It's just nothing was official and-"
"Oh, this isn't about the relationship. I can tell you still very much want to be with me," Zhongli murmurs, his low voice causing you to shiver. "It's just I don't like the idea of you being ecstasy without me being there to bear witness to it,"
You breathe a sigh of relief, moving to touch Zhongli's face, but he steps away, taking the last few strides to the door of your room and opening it for you.
He looks back, raising an eyebrow and smirking slightly. The sight sends butterflies to your stomach.
"Oh, and you look terribly enticing with that pleading look on your face," he says before opening the door and heading inside.
You stand still for a moment, dumbfounded, but then, remembering that's your room he's going into, you trail after him.
You step into your room, closing the door behind you and flicking your eyes to Zhongli. He sits in the armchair by the window, an ankle crossed over his knee and his chin resting on his propped-up fist. His jacket lies discarded on the bed, his undershirt hanging slightly open, revealing a sliver of his chest. Orange light barely illuminates the rest of the room, the fireplace and candles unlit.
His amber eyes seem to glow in the dim light, and you walk over, the air heavy and tense.
"Come here," he orders.
You hesitate briefly before taking a few steps forward. There's an undertone to Zhongli's voice, but you can't put your finger on what it is. He tilts his head, and you close the distance between us, standing in front of him. Your gaze darts all over the place, and you fidget with your hands as he watches you with an unnerving stare.
Gone is the gentle man that had wrapped his arms around you on the docks. Yes, it's still Zhongli, but you've never seen him act like this, demanding, ordering, and almost cold. It's a reminder that Zhongli is Morax, the God of War.
"Look at me,"
Your eyes snap to his, and heat pools between your thighs as he looks you up and down, eyes raking over your form.
As his gaze returns to yours, he raises an eyebrow, and you have to stop yourself from looking away. Something tells you there will be consequences if you do that.
Zhongli uncrosses his legs, lifting his chin while keeping eye contact. He pats his thigh, and a blush rises to your face. The gears turn in your brain, and you realize that the mood in the room is lust. So that's what he wants.
You snap out of your thoughts when Zhongli clears his throat, raising an eyebrow as if he's daring you to defy him.
You pause briefly before climbing on top of him, straddling his hips. Already, you can feel him through the fabric of his pants, and you bite your lip, forcing yourself to keep your gaze locked with his.
He runs his still-gloved hands over your thighs, pushing up the skirt of your dress and pressing his fingers into your hips, all while keeping his burning eyes on your face. His thumb brushes against your inner thigh, and you have to restrain yourself from grinding down on him needily, your hands balling into fists and jaw clenching.
"Tell me what you want," Zhongli murmurs, his gloved thumb now rubbing circles on your inner thigh.
You study his face, but it reveals nothing. It's blank, and though his voice is soft, the tone is ordering.
"Touch me," you murmur.
"Ah, good," he says, smirking slightly. "You know how to tell me your desires,"
A whine escapes your throat as he shifts his hand, slipping two fingers into you. He uses his free hand to guide your hips, pushing and pulling them while his fingers curl inside you, and you choke out a moan at the stimulation. Zhongli removes his hand from your hip, and you don't hesitate to continue the movement, leaning forward onto him for support and grinding down onto him, sending shocks of pleasure through your body. You hold back your moans, knowing the walls are thin and that if there's anyone in the rooms beside us, they'll no doubt hear.
"Don't quiet those moans, dear," Zhongli hums, pushing you back slightly and pressing kisses along your jawline.
"The walls are thin," you choke out, clapping a hand over your mouth to muffle a whine that escapes you.
"Oh, I've taken care of that. I've arranged that we have the whole floor to ourselves,"
He grabs your wrist, prying it away from your mouth, and you can't stop the noise that escapes you, your breath catching in your throat when he runs his tongue over the marks Childe made earlier.
"These should have been from me," he seethes. "However, going over them and marking you even more will do,"
Zhongli releases your wrist, and he slides a hand down between you, finger finding your clit and pressing on it lightly.
"Please," you breathe out.
Your hands grip the front of his jacket, your knuckles turning white.
"I didn't ask you to beg," he murmurs. "Though, I do appreciate it,"
He puts more pressure on your bundle of nerves, and you squeeze your eyes shut. As you ride his fingers, you feel your climax approaching, and Zhongli increases his efforts. He presses his lips to yours, and you moan onto him as pleasure rolls over your body, stars blooming behind your eyelids. Your hands shake, your grip on his jacket faltering.
Zhongli's lips are soft, but his kiss is passionate and firm. Abruptly, he pulls away, removing his fingers from you, and holding them up in front of him.
The blood rushes to your face as he does the same thing Childe had done, licking his fingers clean.
"You taste delectable," he purrs.
You start to move off Zhongli's lap, but he narrows his eyes.
"Only do what I say," he demands. "Is that clear?"
If it were Childe, you might have pushed back, but this is Morax, the God of War, and listening to orders is probably a good idea, so you nod your head.
"Good," he says, tipping your chin upwards with a finger. "Now, please me."
His bluntness surprises you, and you hesitate for a moment, blinking at him. A sudden wave of embarrassment washes over you, and you look away. He's had centuries of experience. What if you're not enough to satisfy him?
After a few moments, when you don't move from your spot, Zhongli clears his throat, raising an eyebrow. You slide off his lap slowly, your doubts still at the front of your mind as you kneel before him.
You blush as you struggle with undoing a belt for the second time today, your fingers fumbling with the leather and metal before it finally comes undone. You bite the inside of your cheek as you free his semi-erect length.
Zhongli looks down at you approvingly as you wrap a hand around him, pumping a few times, and his lips twitch when you kiss the tip, giving it a few kitten licks before taking it into your mouth. He's thicker than Childe, and you feel tears prick at your eyes as you try not to gag. A familiar heat pools between your legs as you start gently bobbing your head, and you shamelessly slide your free hand down your front and between your legs.
You shudder as Zhongli groans above you, teeth clenching when you look up at him. Releasing his cock from your mouth, you drag your tongue up the length before wrapping your lips around it again. As you increase your pace, Zhongli becomes more vocal, occasional curses leaving his mouth and his head falling onto the chair's back behind him. You feel him twitch in your mouth and double your efforts, but a gloved hand grabs your hair, tugging you away from him.
"As much as I love the idea of seeing you swallow my cum," he murmurs. "I have other plans,"
Zhongli motions his hand to the bed on the far side of the room, and you stand up slowly, taking a step towards it before he stops you.
"Wait,"
You look back at him, worried you've done something wrong, but he only looks at you, appearing to be in thought.
"Remove your clothes," he says finally, his eyes meeting yours.
Slowly, you start peeling your dress off, shrugging the top off your shoulders and letting it fall to the floor. There's a slight chill, goosebumps blooming over your skin, and you wrap your arms around yourself. Zhongli looks you up and down again, and you resist the urge to turn away. Embarrassment washes over you as his gaze hovers on your thighs, and you realize Childe may have left something there too.
Zhongli stands up, undoing the buttons on his undershirt and letting it fall to the floor. You have to crane your head to look up at him as he approaches you, his amber eyes meeting your own. He cups your cheek in his hand before leaning down, pressing his lips to yours. The kiss quickly deepens, his hand moving to your neck and bringing you closer to him. You place your hands on his chest, your fingers wandering over the well-built muscle. Zhongli steps forward, pushing you to the bed, and you almost yelp when he grabs your shoulders, turning you around to face the mattress. He gently shoves you down, and you pull a knee up to help yourself balance.
His hand moves to your hip, the other supporting him as he bends over you, pressing kisses along your spine. You feel him brush against your entrance and a faint whine escapes you, your eyes snapping shut and brows furrowing. As he rubs against you, you grip the blanket beneath you, bringing your other knee to rest on the mattress as well. You're silently begging for him to stop teasing.
Your eyes fly open as Zhongli starts pressing into you without warning, your walls clenching around him and eliciting a groan from behind you. Zhongli's hand moves to your throat, gripping it slightly as he bottoms out.
"You feel amazing, dear," he pants.
He groans as he starts moving, his grip on your throat tightening. He leans forward, breath hot on your neck as he sets an agonizingly slow pace, every movement sending jolts of pleasure through your body.
"Faster, please," you choke out.
Zhongli pants against your skin, gently biting your shoulder.
"You aren't in control here, sweetheart," he purrs. "I am, and I'll set the pace, is that clear?"
A moan escapes your lips when he dips a hand between your thighs, pressing on your clit. You give a weak nod, a noise leaving your throat when he increases his pace. One of his arms wraps around your waist, his chest pressing against your back. With a better angle, he picks up his speed, his breathing coming in pants, and the hand that supports him over you shifts, his fingers interlacing with your own. You cry out as he bites your neck, his tongue soothing over the small wound. Your breath catches in your throat as he reaches between your thighs again, rubbing small circles on your clit.
"Zhongli," you breathe. "I'm going to-"
"Cum for me, love," he murmurs, dragging his tongue over the marks he'd made.
You choke out a moan, your legs shaking as your release washes over you. Zhongli bites down on your shoulder as he comes, slowing his thrusts as he rides out his own orgasm.
After a moment, Zhongli pulls out, and you struggle to bring yourself upright, murmuring your thanks when he helps you stand. He turns you around, wrapping his arms around you and pressing a kiss to your forehead.
"Let's get cleaned up, shall we?" he murmurs, pulling away.
"That'd be a good idea," you say with a smile, blushing.
The bath will probably take a while to fill up, but maybe you can dig through some cabinets to look for the bath oil you bought a few weeks ago.
"I sent a messenger to draw us a bath before we arrived," he says, heading to the attached bathroom. "It should still be hot, as I asked for Pyro stones to be kept in the water,"
"So all of the guesthouse staff know about this?" you say, looking up at him with wide eyes.
"Oh, no," he replies, chuckling. "I told them I was going to help you meditate and give a massage after your battle, and since your muscles would be tight, it would be quite painful,"
You can't help but laugh. Some massage that was.