Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Xiao was everything you could look for in a man. He’s protective, loyal, handsome, and a good listener. He wasn’t close with many people, only a select few. 

He was the type who would listen to you talk about your problems and help you solve them as best he could. That’s why you couldn’t help but fall for him.

Today, you were going to confess to him. You had it all planned out perfectly: slip a note into his bag telling him to meet you at your usual hangout spot, along with cookies you baked for him last night, a CD of his favorite band, and a signed poster of his favorite singer.

Your breath hitched in your throat when you spotted Xiao approaching. “Hey,” you greeted nervously.

It felt like high school all over again. “Hey. Why’d you call me over?” Xiao asked in his usual cold tone.

“I... uhm— I have something to tell you, but please accept this first.” You handed him the box filled with the things you had prepared for him.

He graciously accepted it and tucked it under his arm. “So, what is it that you wanted to tell me?” he urged, prompting you to continue.

"Uhm… see, th-the thing is… I-I uhh—” You fiddled with your hands nervously. “I-I like you!” The way you blurted it out made Xiao widen his eyes in shock. He thought hard about what to say before giving his answer.

“Look, [reader], I’m sorry. I don’t really feel the same way about you. And the truth is, I like someone else.” 

His rejection hit you like a train—no, scratch that, it felt like a tsunami.

You went blank for a moment before swallowing your tears and pretending to be fine in front of Xiao. “No, uhh… it’s okay. It’s fine—no, really. I’m fine.”

“Okay. We can still be friends, though.” Xiao reassures. ‘Friends?!’ You thought to yourself in disbelief.

“Yeah, sure,” you lied through your teeth. Who could be friends after that? You sure as hell would try to avoid him.

After classes ended, you went back to your flat to cry out your feelings. After an hour of crying, you decided that it was a waste of time and decided to drink away your feelings while looking for a bit of fun.

You rummaged through your closet and picked up a vintage cheetah print coat that your nan gave you a few years back. Feeling a bit lazy in putting together an outfit, you opted for a red slip-on dress and black tights to pair with the coat.

You messily put on some black eyeshadow and mascara, then delicately put on some rouge lipstick. You headed out with your purse and black pumps, locking your door afterwards.

You arrived at the bar, and after showing your ID, they let you in. The loud blaring of music instantly fills your ears. The first thing you did was head straight for the bar counter. 

“One margarita, please,” you requested. The bartender gives you a nod before he starts to prepare your order. You scanned your surroundings, looking for someone to talk to. “Mind if I sit here?” A deep sultry voice spoke up from beside you.

Your head spun around to see a man with long brown hair tied in a low ponytail. He wore a white button-up shirt with the sleeves rolled up to the elbows and black trousers, but the one thing that stood out was his deep orange eyes that seemed almost amber. You couldn’t tear your gaze away from them—almost as if they were hypnotizing you.

“Yes, you may,” you answered, still maintaining eye contact with him. He took the seat beside you, and you watched as his arms slightly flexed while he pushed himself up. You guessed that he was probably in his late 20s to early 30s.

“I’m Zhongli,” the man introduces himself. “[Reader],” you introduced yourself back. “Your margarita, ma’am.” The bartender slides over your order, and you quickly downed it in one sitting. 

“That was fast. You could choke,” he says worriedly. “‘S fine. I’m just trying to make myself drunk,” you reassured him. “Well, I prefer my company to be at least a bit sober. One Coke, please,” he says to the bartender.

“Really? I’m not sixteen, you know. I’m not one of those teenage kids with a fake ID.” You gave a light laugh. “Still, I’d rather you be sober, since I bet you came here by yourself, so I’ll take a gander that you’ll go home by yourself.” 

You were left speechless at his keen sense of observation. Impressed, you felt the corners of your lips tug upwards into a small grin. “Okay, I’ll take your word for it.” Your coke arrived in a chilled bottle with the cap already removed. 

You took a swig of it and Zhongli watches intently. The way your lips wrapped around the rim drew his attention and he couldn’t take his eyes off. He wondered how it would feel like with your lips wrapped all pretty around his cock. 

You placed the bottle down and turned to face him; he was already looking at you. “What are you staring at?” you asked with a chuckle. “You’re beautiful,” he muttered mindlessly. Despite the loud music, you were still able to hear what he said.

You felt your cheeks grow warm at his words. You brushed it off by asking him what he does for a living. Afterwards, the two of you hit it off right away.

You didn’t know how it ended up like this: after leaving the bar, the two of you got into his car and asked his driver to take you to a nearby hotel. You rented a room for the night, and one thing led to another, and now you were both messily making out against the bathroom door.

You let out a moan as Zhongli’s hands began trailing down your body. He picks you up by your ass and carries you off to the bed where he sets you down without breaking the kiss. 

You panted heavily once he moves his lips from yours to your neck. He parts away for a while to slowly remove your tights. “Have you ever done this before?” He asks, his voice now husky, compared to his velvety one earlier. 

You shook your head hastily. Zhongli nods in understanding. “I’ll make sure to take care of you,” he kisses your inner thigh reassuringly before fully removing your tights and pumps. 

“I’ll make sure to prepare you first to make it hurt less.” You could just die right then and there. This stranger you met a couple of hours ago is treating you better than any other guy you’ve met.

He removes your panties in a gentle manner. He places them in his pocket before adjusting himself so that he is now facing your dripping cunt. He gives the crevice of your thigh a small kiss before applying pressure into your clit.

Your back arches as he presses on the bundle of nerves– sending you into a state of bliss. His tongue inserts itself inside you and you nearly doubled over. “Z-Zhongli…” you muttered out his name in a whimper.

His tongue and finger skillfully work you out, making sure to pleasure you right. You’ve masturbated at least a few times to relieve stress, but with the way his tongue laps up your insides is something foreign to you. His finger that rubs your clit in the right way is also another. 

His tongue thoroughly explores your insides, familiarizing itself with it. He notes how tight it still is and that it needs a bit of stretching. You were nearing your orgasm until Zhongli abruptly stops. You watched as he lifts his head up. 

“Wh-why did you stop?” You asked, upset that he didn’t let you finish. He chuckles before placing a kiss on your forehead. “Don’t worry, I didn’t get second thoughts.” He reassures you.

His index finger gently rubs itself in the etrance of your cunt. His mouth almost watered at how wet it already was– your fluids already dripping down onto the mattress. He inserts two fingers into you, and you let out a groan at how the stretch you out.

He began to slowly pump his fingers inside you. Having experience, Zhongli tried to find that sweet spot that was able to drive you crazy. Once you let out a loud moan, confirming the location, he continued to abuse that spot.

His cock twitches in delight upon seeing you writhe in pleasure. He seeps in a breath at how tightly you were clenching his fingers. He imagined what it would feel like when he rams his cock into you.

The thought was enough to make his pants feel tight. His cock aching to released from its fabric prison and to nestle deep inside you. He adds a third finger and your eyes start to water from it. 

“It’s okay, you’re such a good girl. You’re doing a good job taking my fingers.” He reassures you. He begins to quicken the pace as your moans became louder and your breathing picks up. He could tell that you’re close by how you tightly clenched around his fingers.

“Zhongli, I-I… I’m c-close…” You whispered breathlessly. After a few more pumps, you came all over his fingers, coating them in your slick. Your legs start to twitch and you cried out in pleasure. 

Zhongli brings up his now coated fingers up to his lips and licks them clean– savoring the taste. He gives a contented hum once the liquid meets his lips. “You taste sweet, my darling.” He mutters deeply while looking into your eyes. 

Your face flushed a deep crimson and you tried to avert your gaze from his. He gently tilts you by the chin to look at him. “I’ll make sure to make you feel so loved, but also drive you insane.” He whispers seductively into your ear.

He takes off your coat and tosses it off somewhere. He then starts to remove your slip-on dress and takes a moment to look at your naked body in awe. “So beautiful,” he mutters before fully taking your dress off and tossing it away too. 

After stripping you off, he proceeds to do the same to himself. Finally removing his boxers, his dick sprung free and you gasped at the sight of it. You worried about it fitting inside you. 

Zhongli pumps his dick a few times, a bit of precum leaking out of it, before rubbing the tip against your wet folds. “I’ll be sure to take it slow. Just give me a signal if you’re ready.” You nodded okay, and he slowly inserts himself inside you.

You cried out as his dick stretches your walls out. The more he inched further, the more your cunt began to stretch. Once was fully all the way in, your eyes watered from the pain.

True to his word, Zhongli gives you time to adjust, being as it is your first time. “It’s-it’s okay now… you can move,” you managed to breath out. Once he had your confirmation, he started moving inside you at a slow pace– making sure to take his time and to give you a pleasurable experience. 

Your cries of pain soon transformed into cries of pleasure as you begged him to go faster. He complies, picking up the pace. He starts to pepper your neck with kisses and love bites, fully marking you as his. 

The way his breath tickles your skin is enough to drive you over the edge. The selling point is when the tip of his cock found that sweet spot and continues to hit it. “Th-there… right there… Zhongli…” you babbled incoherent sentences.

He grunts at the tightness of your cunt and how it was squeezing him. So warm and tight– almost as if it was made only for him. “Zh-Zhongli… c-closse… ‘m closeee… p-please,” your brain was too fucked out to perform proper words or sentences. 

Zhongli understood you, so he began to ram into you faster. “I’m about to cum, sweetheart.” He pants out heavily. After a couple of thrusts, your orgasm came crashing down on you like a wave. Your cunt tightened around him, squirting your liquids all over his cock. 

This was enough to make Zhongli cum inside you– painting your walls white with his own fluids. Your body convulses as your eyes rolled all the way back to your head– making you see stars. 

Once you had milked him dry Zhongli releases himself from inside you. His cum soon spills out of your hole mixed with your fluids– staining your legs and the sheets. “Sleep well, love. I’ll take care of you.”

That was the last thing you remembered before passing out from tiredness.

Chapter Text

The sun seeps through the crevices of the curtains as you wake up from your drowsy state. You woke up with a stretch and rubbed the sleep off your eyes.

You sat in silence as memories of last night flooded your mind. You were immediately fully awake once you realized that Zhongli wasn’t beside you anymore.

You looked around the room for any signs of him and your gaze stumbled upon a letter on your bedside table. Picking it up, you knew it was from Zhongli by the cursive handwriting.

‘Dearest [reader], by the time you’re reading this, I’ve already left for work. I wish I could be there to greet you good morning, but my company needed me, saying it was urgent. I left some cab money in your purse, and you can claim the refund money for the miscellaneous fees at the concierge. I hope that we’ll meet again soon. I enjoyed our time last night tremendously, and I’m glad that you didn’t decide to get drunk. Sincerely, Zhongli.’

“Geez, even his letters are so sweet.” You muttered fondly to yourself. Folding the letter in half, you decided to keep it as a memento from last night. 

You felt lucky that your one-night stand was with a gentleman. Though, you doubt you’d ever see him again. 

Changing back into your clothes, you were thankful that he didn’t tear apart your tights, since he forgot to give you back your panties.

You took the room key with you and made sure to not leave anything behind before locking the door.

Once you made it to the concierge, you proceeded to check out and claim the refund money, since you didn’t use any of the miscellaneous fees.

“Damn, he left me with a hundred dollars.” You said in disbelief as you closed your purse and hailed a taxi.

By the time you got to your apartment, you immediately headed straight for the shower. You were glad your classes were after lunch and you only had two.

As you finished showering, you decided on what to do with the cash. “Should I buy some new clothes? Ohh, wait! I’ll buy some records!”

You excitedly changed into some bootleg jeans, and a raglan shirt. Pairing it off with your navy green backpack and brown loafers.

[timeskip]

You were sitting in class, the sound of the professor’s lecture went from your left to right ear. You couldn’t get last night’s memory off your mind. 

You slumped against your desk as the image of Zhongli eating you out entered your mind. You immediately shook that off and shifted to another memory.

You remembered how understanding he was of your situation when you just completely ranted about how your crush rejected you. 

Suddenly, fantasies of Xiao were now replaced with Zhongli. You sighed dreamily which didn’t go unnoticed by your seatmate.

“Uhh, [reader]? Did something happen to you?” She asked, her sweetly soft voice brought you back to reality.

“Ohh, Noelle. Uhm, nothing to be concerned about.” You say, immediately brushing her question off. “Mm-hmm, you sure? Then what’s that on your neck?”

‘Crap!’ You immediately forgot about Zhongli’s markings on you. “They’re mosquito bites,” your excuse was poorly executed and Noelle could notice that.

“Oh my gosh, don’t tell me, you and Xiao?” She let out a soft gasp and covered her mouth with one hand.

“No, no, he rejected me.” You answered calmly with a smile. “Why are you so okay with this? Didn’t you love him?” Noelle asks you.

“Yeah, yeah, I did… but I’ve met someone and my mind is currently occupied with thoughts of them.” You admitted sheepishly.

“Ooh, I’m so happy for you.” She clasps her hands together. “Honestly, I don’t think Xiao is that good for you, and what you have with him isn’t really love. Anyway, who’s the lucky guy?”

“He’s not from here… he’s somewhat older.” You stare at her awkwardly. “[reader] you little minx.” She playfully pinches your arm before both of your attention redirects to the lecture, since it’s the last one of the day.

The moment the professor dismisses the class, you and Noelle walk side by side out of the classroom. “I’m planning to go to the record shop afterward,” you say, referring to the one just a couple of blocks away from school.

“Okay, have fun. I need to start working on a paper right now.” Noelle replies back. You both waved goodbye before going your separate ways. 

The warm lights and the smell of dusty old records welcomes you as you step inside the record store. You hurriedly scanned the aisles for records you wanted to buy for so long, but couldn’t. 

As you were browsing, your eyes did a double take when you saw a familiar face. You hadn’t expected to see him so soon, especially not at a record shop. You quickly ducked your head as he turned around, praying that he wouldn’t see you.

You took another peek again to see him disappear. You shook your head in disbelief. You missed him that much to the point you were already seeing things. “It’s you,” the voice behind you made you jump in surprise.

You turned around to see him looking down at you with a smile. “Hi, yeah. It’s me.” You laughed awkwardly. “I didn’t expect to bump into you so soon, miss [reader].” You shyly tucked a hair behind your ear. 

“Likewise. So what brings you here? Shopping for some vinyls, cd’s or just passing by?” You asked, trying to start a conversation. “I’m looking for some cd’s to buy for my son.” He answers your question. 

You began to walk around the aisle’s together, deciding to help him. “What type of music does your son listen to?” You asked. 

“I don’t know what it’s called, but it’s quite loud with lots of drums and guitars.” He says. You couldn’t help but laugh at how he describes his son’s music taste. “Okay, lemme just grab a few cd’s and I’ll meet you by the record player lounge.” You said to which he complies.

After grabbing some AC/DC, Guns n’ Roses, Kiss, and a couple of other heavy metal and rock and roll cd’s, plus some other vinyl’s of your own preference, you headed over to the spot where you asked Zhongli waiting for you.

You saw him examining a vinyl record, his gaze fixed on it. “What you got there?” you asked. He turned around and immediately came over to help you carry the records in your arms.

He sets the records down before answering. “Uhm, nothing. I was just browsing,” he says, quickly dismissing your question. You pick up the record he was so mesmerized by. “You know about ‘The Smiths’?”

You were surprised that he knew the band. “Yeah, I—I, um, listen to some of their music,” he admits meekly. It was kind of cute seeing him a bit embarrassed about his taste in music.

“It’s okay. I like The Smiths too.” You reassured him. You opened the vinyl record and popped it into the vinyl player. The first track of the album Hatful of Hollow started playing. You bopped your head to the music and turned to look at Zhongli smiling at your playfulness. 

You laugh, and he laughs back. You stop bopping along to the music and pick up the vinyl records you had chosen for yourself. “Okay, what about Queen? Do you listen to any Queen?” you ask, holding up the Sheer Heart Attack album.

“Yes, I’ve listened to some of Queen.” He answers you a bit more confident now. “You have to listen to some Lana Del Rey too if you haven’t already.” I handed him the Honeymoon album. 

You’ve given him a couple of recommendations, and he agrees to buy them all, along with the CDs for his son. He even insists on paying for the ones you were planning to buy yourself.

You walked out of the store together, and he pulls out a cigarette from his coat pocket. He lights it, the flames illuminating his face, making him even more hot than he already is. He takes a puff and pockets his lighter.

“You’re biting your lip,” he says, pointing at your lips. You immediately stop what you’re doing and look away, feeling embarrassed. “Thank you for the records, by the way,” you say after composing yourself.

“It’s no problem. Consider this as my apology for not being there for you this morning.” God, the way he speaks is enough to drive you wild. You might’ve just orgasmed from his words alone.

“I don’t have your number,” you blurt out suddenly. He chuckles, then takes a pen from his pocket. After putting out his cigarette, he writes his number on it. “I didn’t bring a piece of paper with me, so this’ll have to do.” He hands you the cigarette, and you palmed it.

You both stared at each other for a while, then leaned in, enclosing the gap between you. His lips tasted like cigarettes and a hint of champagne. You pulled him closer by his lapel and his hands found their way onto your waist. 

You both parted, resting your foreheads against each other once you were out of breath. “I’ll call you,” you breathe out. “I’ll wait,” he says in a husky tone. He gives you one final kiss before saying goodbye.

You couldn’t tell if what you’re feeling at this point was lust or love, or maybe a bit of both.

Chapter Text

You stared at the cigarette that lay in front of you. You debated whether or not you should call him right now or tomorrow. Thankfully, tomorrow is a free period. “What if he’s sleeping right now?” You muttered to yourself while biting your nails.

All senses flew out the window once you had your phone in your hand and you dialled the number. The service line rang for a while. You thought that he wouldn’t answer since it was taking a while for him to answer, but you quickly bit back your words when you heard his voice on the other line.

“Who is this?” Zhongli asks. “It’s me,” you answer him. Thank goodness he can’t see how much you’re smiling right now. “It’s late at night, darling. Shouldn’t you be asleep by now?” You chuckle at his question.

“Shouldn’t you? You’re older than me, so you’re more prone to dying.” You teased, and you heard him laugh at the other side of the line. God, you could hear him laugh on repeat all day. 

“I have some documents I need to finish before heading off to bed.” He counters. “Can’t you do that tomorrow? I’ll help you with them if you’ll allow it. I don’t have any classes tomorrow.” You didn’t know if you sounded too pushy or if that made you sound as if you’re doing everything you can to see him.

“Alright, fine. I’ll sleep if you sleep right now,” he says, retaliating. “Okay, goodnight, grandpa,” you chuckle. “Come on, I’m not that old yet. Do I need to remind you?” he asks, a hint of smugness in his voice.

Once you got silent, he eases the tension by saying goodnight through the phone. He ends the call, and you placed your phone down. You plopped onto your bed and grabbed a pillow and squealed into it. 

You rolled all over while repeatedly punched your stuff toys from aggression. You huffed frustratedly and proceeded to turn off the lights in your room and turned your nightlights on. You curled up underneath your duvet and laid down on your side. 

The last thing you thought of before falling asleep was the memories of Zhongli from earlier that day. 

You don't know why you’re nervous about seeing him. Or what’s stopping you from walking into the doors of his company. 

You find yourself suddenly inside, standing by the foot of the receptionist’s desk, waiting as she makes a phone call to the higher ups.

“Yes, you are expected. Please take the elevator to the fourteenth floor.” And that gives you your cue to enter, along with a passkey.

Upon arriving at the fourteenth floor, your feet mindlessly carried you until you’ve reached Zhongli’s office.

You paused, then knocked. Your heart thrummed against your chest while waiting for him to answer. “Enter,” Zhongli’s authoritative voice called out from the other side of the door.

Slowly twisting the knob, you fully opened the door and stepped in before shutting it closed behind you. “Ahh, you’re here early,” Zhongli said once he looked up at you.

“I take it that you slept well last night?” He inquires, tapping his reading glasses on his hand. “Y-yes, I did,” you answered, clearing your throat.

Zhongli smirks, a hint of fondness lurked beneath his eyes. “That’s good,” he hums. “Well, as promised, let’s start organizing these documents.”

You made your way over to his desk, and the two of you started organizing his documents. “I wanted to thank you again—for yesterday. I loved the CDs,” you spoke up abruptly.

Zhongli focuses his attention on you for a while before focusing back to the task at hand. “It’s nothing. Like I said, consider my apology for leaving you before I had the chance to greet you good morning.”

Silence loomed between the two of you once more, save for the sound of shuffling papers. “Listen, I just-” before you could finish what you were saying, Zhongli crashes his lips into yours without warning.

In the heat of the moment, you placed your hands on the plane of his chest, and his hands found their way to your hips—pulling you closer to him, pressing your body against his.

You let out a gasp as he lifts you up and places you on top of his desk. He continues devouring your lips as if they would disappear forever.

It hadn’t even been 24 hours since he last kissed them, but goddamn did he miss them. “Can we-” he says in-between kisses. You get the hint of what he was trying to say, so you began to unfasten his tie.

He starts to unbuckle his belt and zips down his dress pants. He pulls down his boxers and his erect member sprang free. He lowers down your undergarments and traced the inner corners of your underwear. 

He tugs your panties down to reveal your wetness and his mouth watered at the sight. He takes a small gulp before his fingers deftly trace the entrance of your folds. A breathy sigh escapes your lips as his fingers constantly brush against your clit, but never attending to that spot.

You start to become impatient, so you tried to reach for your clit, when Zhongli grabs your hand, stopping you from doing so. “Don’t even think about it.” He murmurs in a deep, baritone voice. 

You slowly retracted yor hand once he loosens his grip. His other began attending your neglected clit, and you finally let out a sigh of relief. You lolled your head back from the pleasure, and your legs started to twitch. 

Your legs tried closing each other, but Zhongli’s body stood between them. He inserts two fingers inside you and lets out a small groan with how your pussy immediately clenches around them.

He pumps his finger in and out of you while his thumb continues to rub your clit. Soft moans escaped your lips and your knuckles turned white from griping onto the edge of his desk.

Once his fingertips hit that sweet spot, you came all over his fingers– drenching the cuff of his sleeves. Your body shook with pleasure, slightly messing up the papers that lay across his desk. 

Your heart raced as you tried to even your breathing. Zhongli takes out his fingers from you, brings his soaked hands up to his lips, and licks his digits clean. He looked into your eyes once he was done, and you felt your blood rush quickly up to your cheeks.

“Your taste is quite an addiction, my dear,” he mutters as leans into your neck, his deep voice vibrating against it. He pulls open his drawer and fishes out a condom. He takes it out from the wrapper and puts it on him.

He strokes his cock a few times before prodding the tip at your entrance. Gripping tightly onto the edge of his desk, he inserts himself inside you, spreading your insides just as he did the first time. Only this time, it went in much more easily.

“God, you’re still as tight as the other night.” Zhongli groans in pleasure, feeling your cunt wrap snugly around his cock. He starts to thrust at a languid pace, making sure to take his time with you. 

His hands caged your form as he continues to rock his hips back and forth. You prayed to whatever higher being up there that no one would open the door and see the spectacle that is Zhongli pounding into you.

“Z-Zhongli… ‘m ‘bout… to-to… cum…” you managed to slur out. He complies by quickening his pace, then after a few thrusts, your orgasm came crashing down upon you like a wave.

You yelled out his name and he, too, came inside you. He pulls out and his cum spills out of you. He presses a kiss onto your forehead and you let out a sigh.

“Now, I get to take care of you properly.” He says, brushing off stray pieces of your hair. You melted at his words. How there was a perfect man right here with you, you didn’t know.

He cleans your legs with his handkerchief, wiping you clean and thoroughly. He helps you put on your underwear, and to stand up.

“Sorry, about your other documents,” you apologized to him. “Don’t worry about it. I am to blame too, since I made love to you here.” He reassures you.

You smiled gratefully at him. He picks you up in his arms and carries you off to his couch and gently places you down.

“Get some rest, and we’ll grab dinner after I finish working.” He gives a small peck to your lips before he walks over to his desk to continue working.

You watched until your eyelids grew heavy and fluttered close until your vision turned dark.

Chapter Text

“Oh my god, this is so good,” you muttered before taking a spoonful of food. After work, Zhongli took you to a Chinese restaurant that isn’t too far from his firm.

“I’m glad you like it. Me and my son come here often whenever we’re too lazy to cook or if we’re craving some food that our chef didn’t cook,” he chuckles. 

“I can see why,” you mutter before taking a mouthful of xiao long baos. “So after this, do we go our separate ways or do you go to my apartment? Or is it vice versa?” You asked, after swallowing your food.

“We can’t go to my place. My son will be home, and it’s too early for me to introduce you to him,” Zhongli answers. “Looks like we’ll go to your place,” he adds with a smile. You nod while chewing.

After dinner, Zhongli covers the bill, and you are off to your flat. He parked the car, and you both entered your flat. Once he steps inside your unit, he takes note of the decor, and he makes an internal note of what you like– already knowing what to get for you as a gift.

“Make yourself at home.” You tossed your keys onto your ceramic bowl, and plopped onto the couch. Zhongli continues to scan your apartment before taking a seat beside you.

“Your apartment is cozy. I’d expect nothing less from the owner.” He compliments you. You couldn’t help but grin bashfully as he does so. “Thanks, ‘s nothing. I just threw in together a bunch of stuff that I like.”

“It’s rustic, in a way,” Zhongli says, his eyes raking over the walls and ceilings. His gaze lands on the stack of vinyl records by your record player. You notice where he’s focused and smirk.

“Do you want to listen to some music?” You asked him. He nods in agreement, “sure.” You hopped off from the couch and walked over to your record player. You popped in ‘AM’ by Arctic Monkeys and ‘Do I Wanna Know?’ immediately starts playing.

You and Zhongli continuedto converse with each other. You told him about your day in campus, and he tells you a bit about his work. The conversation continued on until ‘No. 1 Party Anthem’ was playing from the track.

“Do you know how to slow dance?” Zhongli asks you. “What?” You stare at him, confused. “The song. It’s got a nice flow to it. It’s suitable for slow dancing.” He answers. “Oh, uh- yes, I think so.” You say, combing your hair back with your fingers.

Zhongli stands up from the couch and holds out a hand to you. You gingerly take his hand, and he gently pulls you up from the couch. His hands find their way around your waist as he stares deeply into your eyes.

You placed your hands in the crook of his neck and the both of you began to sway to the music. 

Drunken monologues, confused because

It's not like I'm falling in love, I just want ya

The warm lighting from your apartment casts a soft glow onto your figures, and illuminates your features. 

To do me no good

And you look like you could

You both leaned closer to each other, the side of your face pressing against his chest, picking up his steady heart beat. The bottom of his chin rested on top of your head, his soft breaths blowing the wisps of your hair.

Come on, come on, come on

Come on, come on, come on

Number one party anthem

“I’ve missed doing this,” he says in a raspy voice. “What, dancing?” you ask. “No, being in love,” he answers, now looking at you. You stare at him, speechless, letting the music be the only sound that completely envelops the room.

Come on, come on, come on

Before the moment's gone

Number one party anthem, yeah, yeah

He brings you in for a small dip and pulls you back up. “You love me?” You ask with a hint of disbelief. “I do. Is that too soon?” He asks a bit worriedly. “No, no… as long as you’re certain-”

“I’m most certain. I couldn’t eat nor sleep properly these past few days with thoughts of you plaguing my mind. Only the anticipation of seeing you again is what’s keeping me hanging on to the last thread of sanity.” He cuts off your sentence, staring deep into your [eye color] eyes. You stared back into his, losing yourself into that pool of amber.

The look of love, the rush of blood

The "She's with me”’s, the Gallic shrug

The first time you met Zhongli was in a bar. You were looking for a one-night stand to get your mind off of Xiao. Zhongli appeared in the right place at the right time. You conversed with him to at least get to know a bit about the guy. 

He didn’t allow you to get wasted, so the both of you left the bar after finishing your drinks, and left for a hotel to spend the night with each other naked and entangled underneath the sheets. 

The shutterbugs, the Camera Plus

The black & white and the color dodge

After that, the two of you bumped into each other at a record shop, where he gave you his number after buying you some records. You called him, and he invited you to his office, where you helped organize his files and did some less-than-innocent things.

After that, you both had dinner and now, you’re here. Dancing with each other and him professing his love to you. Though you couldn’t tell if what he was feeling was desire, lust, or actual love.

“I know that it might be too soon for you, but I hope you allow me permission to court you. Let me make you love me just as much as I love you.” He plants a kiss on top of your head reassuringly. 

The good time girls, the cubicles

The house of fun, the number one

Party anthem, oh

“Yes, of course,” you mutter against his chest, wrapping your arms around his torso. You allow him to court you, for you too seem to have grown fond of this man.

He hums contentedly, his voice vibrating on top of your head. The music soon comes to a stop, so you pull apart from Zhongli to turn off your vinyl player. “That was a sweet love song,” Zhongli says, coming up from behind you and running his hands up and down your arms.

“Yes, yes it is,” you bit back your tongue from explaining to him that this song wasn’t technically a love song, but more of like a club song.