Work Text:
To some gods or other immortal beings the day of their birth may not matter much, however the same does not apply to Zhongli. Perhaps the reason behind that was choosing the life of a mortal after his long years of godhood.
Not only does this day mark the day of his birth but also the last day of this year. It was always very enjoyable to think of all the memories he has made this year. And with the new year right around the corner, there were even more new memories to look forward to.
This morning was rather simple. Zhongli had just finished a cup of freshly brewed white tea for the morning, still tasting the lasting aroma on his lips while working to clean up his old place. The tidying kept him busy for at least a couple of hours until the clock hit noon.
He gently pulls open the door to his wardrobe, eyes scanning all its content inside. His hand halts at one piece specifically, taking a hold of a garment that reminds him a lot of the past. Not only that but it also reminds him of someone very dear to him. It still looked as great as it did all those years ago. Perhaps this was one thing that could not be affected by time.
Speaking of time, Zhongli takes a glance out the window and closes his wardrobe with the garment still in hand. The overcoat was left untouched inside while he allowed himself to change into the outfit in hand. He walks into the kitchen right after to get a basket ready, packing it up with some fruits and tea he has prepared earlier that was stored in a bottle to keep it warm for the next coming hours along with two cups and a plate for each.
After having packed together all the items he needed, Zhongli leaves his house to take a stroll to Jueyun Karst. The walk was always a long one, especially with the road he picks to avoid running into any monsters roaming around the lands. It takes him a few hours to arrive at the foot of the mountain Aocang, looking up at the steeping height.
He starts making his way upwards, feeling the gentle breeze of the wind blowing through his long hair. The sounds of birds chirping could be heard the further he gets, accompanied with the scent of flora in the air. It was always nice to return to the realm of the Adepti, a place that still felt like home to him and which he wishes to come to more often. The last time he went up those mountains was during the last Lantern Rite. Meeting up with old friends to talk about the good times and enjoy each other's company was one of many things Zhongli holds very dearly.
Even after having stepped down as the god of this nation no one seems to hold any grudge against him. So returning here from time to time was always very welcoming.
Zhongli comes to a stop once he has arrived at the top, bringing up a hand to shield himself from the bright sunlight shining his way. The air up here was very mild and refreshing at the same time. He steps forward to walk to the empty stone table in the middle, taking a seat on one of the free seats to take a look through his basket.
He takes out one of the cups to fill it up with some of the tea then brings the steamy liquid up to his face to blow softly before taking a sip. A pleased hum slips past his lips, setting down the cup on the plate to take a look at the area around him. Some clouds were visible from the spot he sat, watching them move along in silence.
His head does not turn when he can hear the sound of footsteps approaching minutes later.
“I did not expect your arrival this soon. I'm here to wish you a–” Minu does not manage to finish his words as he watches Zhongli turn around on the seat to look in his direction. His mouth falls shut at the sight of what Zhongli was currently wearing and it almost felt like he was thousands of years in the past. This garment was one of many creations he's made and he remembers that day very clearly.
“This really is some fine work” Morax says while lifting the clothing in his hands up to eye level. The details were just as astounding. It was in a fine black color with bits of gold near the top. The overcoat that went along with it had some gray in it. What he notices next are the resembles of scales that almost cover the entire front. He runs his hand along the fabric with a smile, lifting his gaze to look at the Yaksha in front of him. “You've always been very gifted at this.”
Getting praise from Morax was one thing but being acknowledged by him as well was a whole different thing. It was times like this where Minu simply wanted to hear a share of opinion, just like right now. He hardly ever gets any criticism which makes him wonder if Morax might be holding back a little or not. It's not like he has no faith in his designs or creations plus this was not the first time their conversation went so smoothly.
His eyes meet those golden eyes from Morax in front of him, getting lost in a trance for just a moment. “Are you certain, Lord Morax? If you think there is room for improvement then do not hesitate to tell.”
Morax takes one quick glance down to confirm his statement, folding the garment neatly over his arm with a nod. “I am certain and would only speak the truth with you. As for the share of opinions, I'm sure I'm not the most suitable with this job with how little experience I possess in this department. However, I do enjoy times like these where you share your recent creations with me and we spend time talking about it. It is almost like an everyday surprise, always eager to find out what you’ve come up with.”
Minu smiles at those earnest words, knowing he can trust in his judgment. He reacts fast to hold up his hands when Morax was about to return everything to him. It almost felt like he wasn't controlling his own body according to his actions. “I wish for you to keep this.” His words were even more unusual compared to their other, more similar meetings. “It was made just for you.”
The surprised look on Morax’ face was as clear as day. He blinks his eyes a few times before looking back down at his hands. “Are you sure about this? Wouldn't you rather want to keep it yourself?” When he looked back up, he was greeted by a gentle smile that told him just what he needed to know.
From that day on, Morax silently promised himself to take good care of this gift he received.
The sound of a soft chuckle brings him out of his thoughts and back to reality. Zhongli was looking back at him with a kind smile on his face. “I hope this outfit still fits me judging by the way you were looking at me just now.”
Minu blinks his eyes and shakes his head right after. “No, no that is not what I meant. It still looks perfect on you” he clears his throat at the slip up he's just made, getting embarrassed at his own words. “I had not expected to see this on you again on this day.”
Zhongli hums and gestures towards the other free seats, already preparing another cup of tea while Minu takes a seat opposite of him. He pushes the filled cup forward and towards the other. “Moments like these are always spent better with the company of others, don't you agree?”
“I agree.” Minu spoke, placing the cup back down to look at Zhongli in front of him. It has been quite some time since they last saw each other. Zhongli was busy down in Liyue Harbor working as the consultant for the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor while Minu still carries out his passion up to this day. With the help of Zhongli to gain the confidence he needed, he even started his own business not too long ago. That and the constant support Zhongli was giving as well. It's safe to say that he wouldn't be where he is now without all Zhongli has done.
“However, to go back to your words” Zhongli starts, keeping his eyes on the person before him. “I felt the need to clean up my old place a little. That's when I found it stored away along with a few other things” a smile forms up on his face. “I was delighted to see it still fits perfectly.”
The glint in Zhongli's eyes causes Minu to smile as well, using the cup in his hand to hide it away while keeping a neutral face as best as possible. “I could've always done some adjustments, shall that ever happen. Free of charge, naturally.”
Zhongli folds his arms over another with a thoughtful expression on his face. “You’re way too generous, but I could not agree to those terms. Hard work should be paid off, especially since this is one of your creations as well.”
“Zhongli,” Minu says softly. It is still odd saying this name, not that it was hard for him to use it but rather how strange it felt considering he's used another name for thousands of years. But he is gonna respect Zhongli's decision in choosing the path of a mortal life. It was different seeing Zhongli play such a role now but it meant seeing each other often down in Liyue Harbor.
“You've already supported me so much which I could never thank you enough for. So, I think it's best if–”
Zhongli lifts one of his hands to stop him from going on, shaking his head. “I've done this of my own will. It was only the right thing for me to do to help and support you with something you enjoy doing. I need no thanks when seeing what you've accomplished is all I need to know.”
Minu had to turn his head to the side at the wave of compliments coming his way. He cannot bring himself to protest against those words even further, instead feeling his face warm up at the thought of what he just heard. It was just like all those years ago. He can feel a hand resting over his own, gripping onto his gently which causes him to look back forward.
“Speaking of it, have you been working on anything recently?” Zhongli's voice carries over on a light note, pulling his hand away once he had gained the attention of the other while resting his hand against the firm stone table. His eyes were shimmering with excitement in the sunlight above, the golden color of his hands visible just by the slightest due to his gloves not covering them completely. Though, there was no need to fear in the realm of the Adepti.
Unlike down in Liyue Harbor while blending in with the mortals and covering anything up that could bring his attention to him. Up here it was far more different and it felt nice to not hide his true self away for once, save from when he was at home after his working hours to rest for the rest of the day. Today was different, having requested a day off to enjoy every minute of this, starting with a stroll up in the mountains followed by wandering the streets through Liyue Harbor later in the evening when the lights light up the streets.
If he were to describe those days then he would simply use the word peaceful. Quiet days with a working schedule is something he has long gotten used to. He would still watch Liyue prosper and grow when he rose in the early morning hours within the week, watching the business blooming in the streets just as it always has been. Almost as if their God had never left them.
Zhongli's eyes blink at the sound of a quiet, almost subdued chuckle. It was faint, shaking his head to get himself out of the trance he had gone into. Now with his mind back to reality, his gaze turns away from the scenery he had subconsciously been looking at to look at the person opposite of him.
In front of him, Minu had covered his mouth to quiet down a laugh that didn't work out very well. His shoulders trembled slightly the harder he tried, the face Zhongli was pulling did not make it any better. He looked so baffled by his actions, the face the ex Archon was pulling looked almost out of character. His face was all scrunched up with a raised brow.
“Apologies,” Minu finally manages to speak properly, snickering quietly before lowering his hand off his face. “It's just that,” his finger points down towards the outfit Zhongli is wearing. “You've forgotten to bring the overcoat belonging to it.”
Zhongli blinks his eyes, slowly lowering his head to look down at himself. At the first look he saw nothing wrong with it but by the second glance he notices just how bare this makes him look. The suit felt almost skintight, showing every curve of his body all the way down to his very visible slim waist. How embarrassing. Not to mention that the fabric above his chest was made out of a sheer material, almost making it look see-through, and so were the sides.
He brings his hands up to his face, covering it up with his gloved hands with a muffled sight. It felt almost humiliating for his very own mistake to be pointed out by another without having paid his mind to it before he left his old place. A quick look in the mirror would've done the job to avoid the embarrassment he's feeling at the moment.
When Zhongli had calmed down his mind, he lowered his hands to look back forward and towards Minu who was looking back already with a gentle smile. “It's nothing the matter, truthfully. I just thought it would be reasonable to point it out” the Yaksha speaks in an attempt to lighten up the atmosphere around them.
However, Zhongli's face has already flushed up. He swallows thickly, clearing his throat. “I guess this was an oversight on my part” his voice kept calm, crossing his arms over another. His eyes drifted towards the setting sun, getting up to pack everything back up in his basket. “It's time for me to return back to Liyue Harbor for the time being” the consultant spoke with his basket securely in his hand.
“I shall accompany you. I've planned to go back as well” Minu gets up to walk and stops beside Zhongli, offering his hand by holding it out towards him. Zhongli looks at it with a glint in his eyes, adjusting his own gloves a little before accepting the hand to hold onto.
They left together, arriving in Liyue Harbor around the early evening hours. The streets were fairly empty during this time, making it easier to get through the roads. Zhongli had to make a quick stop at his old place as soon as they stepped by, looking through his closet to find the piece he'd been missing all along. He puts it over his shoulders, moving it around gently to make it lay perfectly in place just to end up hearing a tear when his hands pull a little too hard.
His hands go limp at the sound, lifting the piece off again to inspect the damage that had been done. Zhongli flips everything around, noticing an awful tear in the fabric around the shoulders. The sight wasn't looking good and it wasn't making him feel any better either. His heart felt heavy, storing everything back inside and leaving the room to return to Minu who's been waiting in the living room.
The Yaksha turns his head to look his way when Zhongli arrives, eyeing him up and down for a second. He turns to face him completely. “Is something the matter? Or did you change your mind at the last moment?”
Zhongli lifts his gaze before shaking his head with a sigh. “There might've been a small problem with it” he admits lightheartedly, gesturing for the Yaksha to follow who looked fairly confused by the explanation alone. Zhongli makes his way back into the room, opening his closet to pull out the piece of clothing in order to show it to the other. Minu takes it off of his hands to get a closer look, turning it around upon inspecting to spot a large tear by the shoulder part.
While he looks for any other possible damage, Zhongli just stands close by silently, exhaling softly after having held his breath for too long. He shifts his weight between his legs, his attentive gaze locked onto Minu. “I tried to be as careful as possible” he offers as an explanation in the silence around them. Zhongli averts his gaze elsewhere right after, feeling a hand resting against his shoulder with a gentle squeeze.
“There is nothing to worry about” Minu speaks softly. “This was bound to happen within time. The structure of people can change over time. It’s something I learned through my work, so the same can apply to Adepti. I’ll just need to do some changes of the measurements on you to create a proper overcoat that’ll fit.”
Zhongli looks back towards the Yaksha and follows right after him. They leave the house together, taking a few turns around the city to arrive at a small building near the center. This was a place Zhongli has grown very familiar with, having visited it more in the past than in the present time. His eyes scan a few of the desks placed around, taking a hold of a bundle of papers scattered around. They were full of sketches and illustrations, some still in the early stages while others were taking a more proper shape. He traces his thumbs across the lines, admiring the patterns applied to the work.
He flips through some of the other works and eventually sets everything back down when Minu returns with a measuring tape in hand. Zhongli walks over to let the work be done, feeling the tape close around his shoulders first then his chest, and his waist at last.
A hum could be heard a moment later. Minu steps aside to write down the numbers he measured, adding a few notes to it until he was satisfied enough. Zhongli all the while glance over his shoulder, looking down on the paper he was writing on to try and get a look of what it said. He tilts his head slightly.
Re-adjustments of the length around the shoulders.
Some patterns were roughly sketched from what looked like the shoulder plates of the outfit.
The names of a few colors were noted: gold, black and orange, possibly for the color of the fabric choices. Then a list of different materials and items were written down that meant very little to Zhongli when he reads everything in his mind. To think that such a simple thing needed this much attention made him wonder how much work Minu has to put into a whole outfit, and not just parts of it.
Then a few more sketches were made from every angle of the clothing, humming to himself quietly. “You know, if this requires so many materials and time of your attention, I am obliged to pay you.”
Minu lays down the pen from his hand, looking up from the desk he's been standing in front of. “I've told you already that these adjustments were free of charge, did I not?”
“But this is more than just an adjustment” Zhongli reasons gently. “You're planning to redo the whole piece instead of simply fixing the damage I have caused.”
The Yaksha sighs softly, lowering his head. He hated to admit that Zhongli does have a point. Zhongli watches him closely, seeing him turn around to lean against the desk with the paper in hand that he had written on. Zhongli’s expression softens before accepting his defeat with a smile. “Alright, but do keep in mind that there is no rush with this, if you have far more important things scheduled to work on. I'm aware that you can get quite busy.”
Minu lifts his head to look back in his direction, nodding his head with a smile. “I know where to find you once I am done. Either that or I'll personally let it be delivered.” He offers a little wave when Zhongli takes his leave, sitting back down at his desk when the door closes. With his head in his hands he sighs deeply, his breath shaking lightly. One of his hands flips through the pile of papers, eyes squinting once he reaches the one at the very bottom. It was no sketch but covered in words. Words of declaration. In the end he did not have the courage to say them after all.
His eyes close, hand curling up into a fist to squeeze up the paper with the means to discard it immediately to start his work for the evening.
A week passes.
Then a second one.
And another.
Zhongli continues to follow his daily schedules in the meantime, repeating the process and returning to home by nightfall. The first week passed and he was still fairly patient with the work he had placed into Minu’s hands. When the second week approaches and passes in a rush, his eyes keep drifting towards the workshop. However, perhaps there were many other things the Yaksha has gotten himself busy with. This place was quite the popular one for the people of Liyue and visitors from afar. He can wait a few more days.
The few weeks however turn into another week, which now marks the third one since their last encounter. His mind was elsewhere the entire time, snapping out of his thoughts when Hu Tao was tabbing on his desk. Zhongli looked up from his desk, pulling away the brush in his hand when he noticed that he was no longer writing away on the paper but on the desk itself. He places the brush in its holder, pinching the bridge of his nose.
Hu Tao watches eagerly with a hum, her arms crossed behind her back while her eyes scan Zhongli before sparing a look outside the window. “Hm, Mr. Zhongli?”
Zhongli lowers his hand to look at her a second time. “Yes, Director Hu? Have you said something? If you did then could you kindly repeat it?”
She averts her eyes from the window to look back at the consultant. “Today is rather a quiet and less busy day than any other. You may take off the rest of the day and spend some time for yourself” Hu Tao says in a sinzg-song voice, twirling the keys in her hand before clapping her hands playfully.
“Hm? Yes, of course” Zhongli pulls the drawer open to his desk, placing the paperwork inside for another day. He pulls on his coat that's been resting against the seat he's been sitting in since the morning, his feet aching when getting up to walk out. It was still quite early, maybe about 6 in the afternoon, though the sun had long disappeared from the sky. He steps through the roads, his gaze focused on the ground with his arms resting against his back.
After a couple of steps he looks back up, approaching the door of the workshop he lays his eyes on every morning and later during the evening on his way back home. Zhongli lifted a hand to knock gently, waiting a good minute which felt painfully slow for his own liking. So he knocks again and again with no answer every time he waits.
He rummages through the pocket of his coat to look for a certain key, unlocking the door after finding it to push it open quietly. Zhongli had to blink his eyes at the darkness of this room, looking left and right to see no one in the main room. He checks the storage next, pushing the door open just to be treated with emptiness. The items and materials almost look untouched, seeing sealed boxes that were stacked and ready to be unpacked shall something run out of stock.
His next and last option was the working room. The door clicks open, taking a peek inside before pushing it open to take a proper step inside. Zhongli looks around carefully, registering the sound of a faint noise. His head turns in the direction of it, eyes widening before rushing forward and towards a rather large table. He places his hands on Minu’s shoulder in an attempt to shake him gently. “Minu? Minu..?” Zhongli keeps on repeating his name, wrapping his arms around him to help sit him up instead of resting against the table in such an uncomfortable position.
Zhongli's heart aches at the sound of the groans being let out by the Yaksha, his chest tightening painfully as the realization hits him. The Karmic Debt is something the Yakshas have been dealing with for millenia and right now is not any more different. It's something that plagues them even during the more peaceful days. Luckily Zhongli knew just how to deal with it and his own apartment wasn't too far away from his current place.
Making it there together with Minu however was quite a hassle, but it's something he manages nevertheless.
A couple of hours pass. It was now around midnight when Minu returned to consciousness. He turned his head slightly since it felt less painful doing so than moving the rest of his body, not recognizing the room or furniture belonging to it. It was not looking like anything his own place resembles. And lastly, he recalls having been at his workshop rather than at his place. There was also this bitter feeling he's tasting on his lips now, making his brows furrowed in distaste.
Then there was the sound of the door clicking open, watching it at the corner of his eyes before closing them again to sigh softly.
Zhongli steps over quietly, sitting down on the bed to rest a hand against the side of the Yaksha's face. “You've overworked yourself again, didn't you? I know this only flares up when you cross the line by accepting too much work to deal with.”
Minu blinks his eyes back open, turning his head to look into Zhongli's direction before lowering his head slightly at the intense gaze he was under. To see those eyes look so full of concern. “Lord Morax…” he mutters quietly.
For a moment Zhongli was taken back by the words he heard. He does not mind the name he was addressed by, infact the Adepti still referred to him as such whenever he finds the time to visit. As long as this old identity wasn't mentioned in the city he saw no issue with it. It reminds him of the powerful person he once used to be, bringing a smile to his face at the faint memory of his long-lived godhood.
“Rest. I insist you do so, so long you're feeling better afterwards” Zhongli speaks gently, keeping his hand in place. “I know the medicine I've personally made for these circumstances can taste rather bitter, but it'll help in no time.”
Minu eyes him quietly after having looked back into his direction. He sighs in defeat. “I've had a fair share of things in my hands but wanted to at least fulfill your request in time, which I have. However, this left me even less time to work on other requests.”
Zhongli frowns, having guessed just as much. He brushes his thumb along the warm skin while keeping his eyes forward. “I don't need to be prioritized and I don't wish for you to burn yourself out like that, you see? You already insist on working on this for free as well, so I prefer you'd work on the things you get paid for first.” It pains him to see someone beat himself up like that for his sake.
Why are you being so selfless to yourself?
The Yaksha shifts around slightly, grunting softly then going still when a hand rests against his shoulder. He looks down at it briefly before turning his attention back to Zhongli, looking into those golden eyes in front of him. There was a gentle squeeze on his shoulder, allowing himself to let his body go still while his eyes closed.
“You shall take my room to rest in for the night. Do not worry about me.” Zhongli remains sitting on the spot a little longer, pulling his hand away to hesitantly stroke it through the soft hair. His eyes stay fixed on the resting person, exhaling softly. A moment later he gets up to take his leave for the night, leaving his room to make himself comfortable on the couch of the living room. Not that it was the most comfortable option, but it'll have to do for now. One night here won't kill him.
The morning came by in a matter of hours. It was the weekend, a time Zhongli was able to spend himself freely. What a good timing this was indeed. He would not like the idea of just leaving someone who isn't in a good condition, so the most he can do is provide his own help that he gathered with experience over time.
He makes his way into the nearby kitchen to his left, crossing the hallway to bring some water to a boil while retrieving some tea leaves from his cupboard that would be suitable enough for the morning. All the preparations were finished in under an hour. Two cups were placed on a tablet, pouring each of them with the hot liquid before removing his gloves to put them aside for him.
The aroma of the tea was very intriguing, making him exhale softly. He places the teapot back on the stove to take the tablet in hand.
“This scent sure is unique. My guess is it's imported from Chenyu Vale?” Zhongli turns around and in the direction of that voice, seeing Minu standing by the doorframe. The two return into the living room together where Zhongli places everything down on the coffee table in front of the couch, retrieving one of the cups to hand it to the Yaksha next to him.
Zhongli takes his very own cup, blowing softly then takes a sip. He hums in response. “Indeed. I always surround myself with the best of quality” he peeks around his room, coughing softly. “Maybe not in all aspects.”
Minu follows Zhongli’s gaze and chuckles softly as he eyes the furniture around the place. “Not everything has to be fancy in order to make someone feel at home. As long as it serves its purpose, there shouldn't be anything to worry about.” Aside from the simple furniture around the rooms, there were even plants and antiques decorated in some places. Large shelves of books are in the living room along with a few scrolls of unknown content here and there.
Outside on the balcony, flowers were growing. They seem to be taken care of by Zhongli personally, getting watered and standing in the light of the sun to one day bloom beautifully. It was a very common way the mortals lived in the present time, and it was awfully in character for Zhongli considering his status now.
His body suddenly jolts when he feels something heavy on his shoulder and down along his side. He turns his head to see Zhongli resting by his side, his head resting right against Minu's shoulder. The Yaksha shifts around slightly, lifting his hands to move Zhongli's head a little bit to prevent his neck from getting sore, considering the uncomfortable position he found himself in. From this angle it was clear to see Zhongli's eyes were shut close, hearing him breathe in and out calmly. His hand lifts to brush a few layers of hair out of Zhongli's face, his thumb gently stroking his cheek a couple of times with a hum.
Without a second thought, he pulls his hand away again. When he caught sight of Zhongli's now exposed, golden hands, Minu placed one of his own over it to feel the warmth coming from it. Thoughts were running through his mind every time he glanced down at Zhongli, thinking of the things he wanted to tell him this badly. He pulls his hand away and remains silent the next couple of hours.
Zhongli's eyes blink open not much later, blinking them a few times. He can feel his body resting against someone, turning his head as carefully as possible to not attract that much attention. His eyes spot Minu gazing forward. “Something on your mind?” Zhongli asks while he observes the other.
Minu looks down in his direction before looking back forward. “Not particularly. I was just wondering if you would like to accompany me to my workshop where I could hand you the piece I finished.”
Zhongli considers the words for a moment then nods, getting up to leave his place together. They arrive shortly with Zhongli stopping in the main room by the desk, glancing towards it. “I'll go get it quickly,” Minu announces, making his way into his working room. He lifts it up with his hands from where it had been laying for a solid week at most, doing a last quick check to see if everything was the way it should be.
When he makes his way back into the other room, he can see that Zhongli has grown an interest in the sketches on his desk. At least that's what he had thought at first. Zhongli had one bundle in his left hand while one single paper was in his right hand, his eyes locked on them as if reading something. Oh no…
Minu feels his breath hitch, clearing his throat to get Zhongli's attention, which he did. Not sure if that was a good or bad thing. He unfolds everything to hold out the overcoat with his hands after having come to a stop in front of Zhongli, hoping this way his face was hidden. “Here. It should fit perfectly now, but should there be any issues in the near future, I'll gladly have a look at it.”
Zhongli had to place everything down from his hands, accepting the clothing piece that was offered to him to put it over his shoulders right away. It does fit just like it did all the years ago. He smiles gently, his smile dropping shortly after. “Minu, I–” he pauses, his face warming up at the memory of what he read only seconds ago.
The Yaksha however has already turned away, head lowered. “I should go back to my work.” It wasn’t particularly a lie but the best excuse he could come up with at the moment.
“Wait.” Zhongli steps around him to stop in front of him, taking a hold of both his hands. Giving a light squeeze, he gazes forward. “I have not thought that someone would ever think of me that way.”
And this is how it always starts before getting disappointed. It would be best to spare himself this moment. Minu pulls his hands free slowly, turning to look to the side. He was about to take another full turn to take his leave, but hands placed on his shoulder to ground him, feeling arms move around the back of his neck to pull him closer until their lips met.
The pacing was slow at first. Slow and innocent. Zhongli had his arms tenderly wrapped around the other, stepping forward until the Yaksha hit the desk with his back. The air around them was getting increasingly warmer, and so was Zhongli feeling deep inside. There was a spark in his chest that had gone off, leading him to desperately deepen the kiss by pressing himself closer against the other.
“Morax…” the Yaksha breathes heavily in between the kisses whenever he manages, slipping onto the desk behind him just to feel Zhongli crawling right onto his lap. Zhongli pulls away from the kiss, gazing into Minu's eyes with a smile before leaning back for another kiss, twirling his tongue over the soft lips. “Z-Zhongli,” Minu gasps out, wrapping his arms around him to maintain his balance better. A smile curls up his face, moving his hands to place them into Zhongli's hair instead. “Looks like this dragon needs to be tamed first.”
Zhongli pulls away at the comment, chuckling quietly before smiling. He ends up snuggling closer, closing his eyes to focus his raw powers. His body glows while the shape of two horns appear on his head along with a tail down at his back. Arms were now pulling him into a gentle embrace, snuggling right into it while burying his face right into the side of Minu's neck.
Perhaps if I let you one day.