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primmiq · 4 months
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àł€ ,, A love so beautiful, it might be your last. | Zhongli x GN!Reader
"Osmanthus wine tastes the same as I remember.. But where are those who share the memory?"
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☄ Short Summary: In an era long past, Morax and the reader shared a deep love, but tragedy struck during the Archon War. The reader, protecting a fellow friend─met an untimely end. Decades later, fate granted them a new life. Reborn, with memories intact, the reader set out to reunite with Morax.
Implied: Angst and Fluff
Warning(s): Blood, gore
Word Count: 1,841 words 11,429 characters
Zhongli's character might be OOC.
[Reader is an Adeptus.]
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Upon initial acquaintance with Guizhong, she graciously introduced you to her comrades, the Adepti—comprising Cloud Retainer, Streetward Rambler, Moon Carver, Mountain Shaper, and Morax. Your amiable associations extended to the Yakshas, forging bonds with each member, except for Morax. The deity, inherently reticent and guarded, proved to be difficult to win over, with a frigid disposition and a volatile temper.
Over the passing years, your persistent companionship softened the stern facade Morax presented. Gradually, subtle expressions of emotion, even occasional smiles, became discernible in his presence. A noteworthy shift ensued, granting you the privilege to affectionately address him by various endearing nicknames, besides from the customary "Rex."
Amidst the Adepti and Yakshas, your relationship with Morax attracted attention when, in a moment of jest, you ran up to him and endearingly referred to him as "Dear" or "Love." Such playful banter led to amusing misconceptions among your peers, who mistakenly perceived the both of you to be lovers. Yet, you staunchly clarified the nature of your relationship, asserting a deep and platonic friendship, despite the good-natured teasing.
As the years unfolded, it was a surprising turn of events when Morax, traditionally reserved, found himself compelled to confess his feelings. The backdrop of a garden adorned with Glaze Lilies, with the sun gracefully setting, served as the canvas for his heartfelt revelation. In a manner both old-fashioned and tender, Morax professed his affection, culminating in your joyous acceptance of his sincere confession.
The rustling leaves of the trees danced in the air as you approached the location Morax had invited you to. He acknowledged your quiet footsteps, yet his gaze remained fixed on the sun gracefully setting before him. The gentle breeze enveloped both of you, rendering the scenery truly breathtaking with each step you took. Coming to a halt, you queried Morax with a smile, prompting him to glance at you over his shoulder.
"I'm here, Rex. Is there something you wanted to say? What's with the sudden invitation?" you inquired, wearing the gentle smile that never failed to captivate him. Morax bit his lower lip, staying silent for a brief moment, his gaze unwaveringly fixed on your face. He despised it, he despiced of how you make him feel so vulnerable—so weak. Your soothing and calming voice had the power to enchant him, and he found solace in the mere act of listening to your random stories. Your scent, you embodied the ethereal fragrance of Glaze Lilies, your favorite flower, a scent that lingered gracefully as an evidence to your love for perfume crafting.
For the first time, Morax grappled with a feeling he couldn't quite comprehend. Was this what mortals referred to as love? "I..." he sighed, his words hanging in the air, unfinished. He hesitated, grappling with an unexpected fear. Morax, a formidable God, who had no fear, found himself unnerved—scared getting rejected by you.
"Is this your way of courting me, Rex?" you playfully asked, a gentle chuckle escaping your lips. His eyes widened as you continued, "I must say, this is uncharacteristic of you, Rex," teasingly noting his discomfort. Morax averted his gaze, a subtle blush gracing his cheeks. Your ability to make him feel vulnerable was both unsettling and intriguing.
"Is... that so?" Morax mumbled, and you responded with a wide smile. "It's a yes," you declared, catching him off guard. "Your confession, I accept it," you clarified, smiling. Morax pulled you into a tight embrace, his chin resting on your head as he kissed your forehead. "Thank you... [Name]," he expressed, finally allowing a wide, genuine smile to grace his countenance—a sight reserved exclusively for you.
Your relationship with Morax became known to the Adepti and Yakshas, who congratulated you both with warm smiles. Despite Morax's initial inclination to keep your relationship private, a shift in his perspective led him to make it public. He wanted the world to know that you were his, and his alone.
In the cocoon of your private moments, stolen kisses, intertwined hands, and tender embraces became cherished facets of your relationship with Morax. Despite his reserved demeanor in public, he transformed into a more affectionate lover when the two of you were alone, craving your attention and reveling in the intimacy of your shared moments─a needy God.
However, as The Archon War loomed, Morax's protective instincts took precedence. He desperately implored you to not participate, his plea driven by a strong love for you. Although you possessed adeptus capabilities, the notion of you engaging in the war didn't align with his desire to shield you from harm. Despite your own inclination to join the fight and safeguard Morax, the desperation in his eyes and the depth of his concern persuaded you to set aside your warrior instincts and stay hidden instead.
The cave echoed with the harrowing sounds of battle as you sought refuge, covering your ears to shield yourself from the haunting screams that filled the air. Amidst the chaos, a familiar scream pierced through—the cry of Guizhong.
You sprinted towards the source, only to discover Guizhong, her form covered by vicious wounds. In a swift motion, you shielded Guizhong from the impending strike, the weapon tearing through your flesh, a gruesome testament to your sacrifice.
Guizhong gasped, her eyes reflecting horror as you crumpled to the ground, blood seeping from the grievous wound. Guizhong rushed towards your lifeless body as she shouted your name, "[Name]!" The opponent, driven by greed to obtain a divine seat in Celestia, redirected their brutality towards Guizhong, leaving a trail of desolation.
When Morax returned, the cave bore witness to a scene of horror. Your lifeless body lay sprawled, the cavern floor stained with blood. The gaping wound in your stomach oozed crimson, and your once vibrant eyes now stared vacantly into the abyss. Morax, upon the realization of the tragedy that happened in his absence, dropped his weapon in shock.
Rushing to your side, he shouted your name with desperation. Clutching your lifeless form, "[Name], Wake up... please..." Morax's hands trembled as he beheld the gruesome scene before him. The air reeked of metallic bitterness, and Morax's anguished cries echoed in the cavern as he cradled your mutilated body. "Don't be like this.... wake up...." Tears streamed down his face, mixing with the blood that stained your cold skin. "[Name], love..... please.... I can't-" The weight of regret and grief pressed upon him as he clung to your lifeless figure, a witness to the brutality that had stolen your warmth, leaving behind only a chilling void.
After the heart-wrenching tragedy, Morax, consumed by grief and guilt, experienced a mental breakdown. As a tangible connection to you, he tenderly retrieved one of your accessories—your earring—and adorned it, a poignant gesture symbolizing an enduring link to the love and loss he felt.
With a heavy heart, Morax undertook the duty of burying your lifeless body alongside Guizhong's. The earth, now a cold and silent witness, cradled the remains of those lost in the merciless tide of war. Morax, burdened with sorrow, knelt beside the freshly turned earth and offered fervent prayers for both of your departed souls. The weight of regret and the haunting echoes of your absence lingered in the air as Morax paid his respects, a solitary figure in a desolate landscape marked by the scars of conflict.
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Decades later, Morax forged a new identity as "Zhongli" after faking his death, finding solace in a mortal life working at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. He shed his former hot temper for a calm and collected demeanor.
While strolling, Zhongli, hands elegantly clasped behind him, observed the approaching traveler and their flying companion, (The Traveler can be Lumine or Aether.) The flying child gestured a greeting towards Zhongli, inquiring, "Oh, hey, Mr. Zhongli! What are you doing here??" Zhongli, poised, began to respond, only to be momentarily diverted by the lingering fragrance of Glaze Lilies enveloping both the traveler and the flying child. His eyes widened in recognition, for it bore a resemblance to the perfume worn by someone dear to him.
Interrupting his thoughts, the flying child emphatically exclaimed, "MR. ZHONGLI!!!" Paimon, the flying child, nearly shouted. "My sincere apologies," Zhongli gracefully interjected, clearing his throat as Paimon sighed. "Forgive me, but may I inquire about the origin of that... fragrance?" Zhongli asked in a hushed tone, almost mumbling. Paimon proudly explained, "Ohh!! The perfume? Well, some woman was selling them in exchange for just 10 Mora! The perfume smelled sooooo nice so me and Traveler decided to buy it since it was cheap!"
Desperation apparent in his tone, Zhongli urgently inquired, "Could you kindly direct me to her establishment?" Paimon, a bit taken aback, replied, "Um... it's near to the souvenir shop." Without uttering a word, Zhongli briskly passed them, his pace accelerated. Paimon, puzzled, scratched her head, turning to the Traveler. "Mr. Zhongli seems rather peculiar today. Besides, why is he even asking? He doesn't even have Mora.." The Traveler sighed, responding, "Let him be, Paimon..."
As Zhongli stepped into the enchanting fragrance shop, his eyes widened, and a gentle tremor resonated through his heart. The woman, immersed in the alchemy of perfume creation, had her back turned, humming a melody that tugged at Zhongli's memories. "N-[Name]?" he called out, the name almost a breath. Slowly turning, [Name] met his gaze with wide eyes, masking surprise with a graceful smile. "O-oh? A new visitor? Greetings! I assume you're acquainted with my name." Her smile, a mirror of his beloved's, was both captivating and tender, sending a familiar warmth through Zhongli's soul. Nervously, [Name] began, "Well, um... do you seek something-"
Before [Name] could finish, Zhongli, overwhelmed with emotion, enveloped them in a tight embrace. "I missed you... I missed you so much," he confessed, tears welling up as he held them with a passion that spoke of longing. "Oh, Morax... perhaps it's time to shed this facade," [Name] whispered with a knowing smile. "It's you... truly you... how I've waited for you, my beloved," Zhongli whispered, [Name]'s eyes catching the glint of an earring on his right ear. "So... you've taken my earring," You mumbled. "I'm sorry for not bidding farewell, for not shielding you... I'm sorry, deeply sorry," Zhongli expressed.
"No need for apologies, my love. There's no blame on your shoulders," You reassured with a tender smile. "What matters is that I'm here," they added. Zhongli, wiping away tears, met your gaze with a smile. "You returned for me... but why didn't you seek me out? You know I would have recognized you instantly," Zhongli mumbled, his fingers delicately caressing your cheek.
"I planned it as a surprise... I knew it was the Traveler and Paimon who informed you," You giggled. Zhongli cupped their cheeks, sealing their reunion with a heartfelt kiss that echoed with the resonance of shared memories. After the passionate exchange, Zhongli beamed. "I love you, my dearest," he declared. "And I love you too, Morax, or is it Zhongli now?" they chuckled together, their laughter harmonizing with the melody of their rekindled love.
[A/N: I got lazy in the end lmao. Regardless, I hope that you liked this! Requests are open!]
Reblogs, comments, and notes are greatly appreciated! :3
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