In my blood...

[ilqaras]

[everything happened so quickly and so slowly, everything that happened is nothing but a haze in Dohalim’s mind. he isn’t sure what had transpired, all he can think about are the dredged up memories he’d spent so long suppressing, tamped down and never to be brought to light ever again. the despair had overtaken him, distant screams and thoughts of death clouding his thoughts as gleaming, liquid silver splashed into view. all he knew after that was unadulterated rage, wanting nothing more than to banish those with him, and to punish those who were responsible.

trails of blood and carnage followed Dohalim to the palace as he tore through any Renan in his path. they could no longer be trusted. the ideals of coexistence is now nothing but a burned up dream; he now sees their true colours. the Dahnans were not the ones at fault here, he could not blame them. but those who got in his way are pulled away by summoned vines as he continues his warpath.

blood splatters the pristine walls of Autelina Palace, an angry contrast to the calming whites, golds, blues and greens, crimson liquid staining the fresh plants and flowers lined up along the walls. countless times had he been met with Renan resistance, clearly those who are dissidents of his rule. they did not stand for very long. the audacity they had to stand up against a lord like him…

vines rip the doors open to his chambers where Kelzelik and his supporters huddle together, eyes widened to see Dohalim stand before them, rod in hand. words are not exchanged as those same vines wrap themselves around those who’d dare to oppose him, their pleas falling on deaf ears as they slowly squeeze the lives out of them. all, except Kelzelik, one of those who Dohalim had trusted the most. one who seemed to follow his every order, his every suggestion, his every dream for this realm. the blood on Dohalim’s hands are also on his former advisor’s, as he gestures to the men struggling around them]

You did this.

[Dohalim’s voice sounds strange even to him, hoarse and pained. maddened eyes stay on the man, standing unflinching as thorns burst from the vines and through those it’s ensnared. crimson blooms of roses blend with the blood as it drips from the petals as he puts to rest those who had tried to seize his realm.

when Dohalim is finally found, he’s still in his chambers, on his knees, arms wrapped tightly around himself as hands grasp onto his shoulders, his breathing is ragged and erratic]

Comments

[geocash]

[There's something achingly cold about it all. A familiar sensation of failure that nips just at his heels, whispers sweetly in the back of his mind. He was too late, after all. Somehow, he had missed the signs... somehow, things had gotten out of hand, and Kelzalik and his supporters had ultimately shown theirs.

Zhongli doesn't question the why or how of it as his footsteps resound in an empty palace. It's not that others haven't tried - a few have, to mixed results - but that he's made the quiet instruction to leave it to him, for now. The horror of bloodshed, the metallic tang of it against his nostrils, is nothing that difficult really. He may have given up his post as a Warrior Deity many long eons ago, but even if Dahna and Rena have no written history... the fact remains.

It feels somehow fitting that this legacy is what hounds him, as the purity of carnage reveals itself like the deepest, brightest gemstone core. In another place and time, he might find it beautiful.]

... there you are. Rise, Lord Dohalim.

[Bodies remain, intricately entwined in their woven prisons; the stench of blood and death is numbed but still there. Again, Zhongli pays it no heed. He can tell that the Lord is still struggling, still lost in whatever maddening dream has plagued him to this point. And as Zhongli, the mysterious man who had simply appeared one day to share knowledge and history, he has no right. Beyond that, though...

His hand reaches out, a gentle flow of earth astral energy there in the motion. More flows elsewhere, beginning to seep into the twisted, broken energy that has created such carnage, to burrow into its roots and shatter the rotted, warped core that keeps it so together. Even insurgents are undeserving of such cruelty - though it is laughably common in the Lords, he's come to understand.

... but... Dohalim is not just any lord. And seeing him like this, curled in on himself and broken by his past and his trusted people... knowing he could have stopped it, had he only been a little more observant... maybe there is still something he can do. A passing kindness to soothe Dohalim's pain, and to protect those who never deserved it in the first place - Renans who hold his ideals first and foremost, perhaps even Dahnans should his state deteriorate more. He doesn't know if the man will accept it, but... he has to try.]

[ilqaras]

[the chilled darkness he'd always harboured in him has its vice grip, suffocating him, roaringly loud in his ears even in the silence of his surroundings. there is no sound; even the blood had stopped its quiet drip onto the mosaic floor. dead, unseeing eyes stare up at Dohalim, only exacerbating the already haunting images playing in his head. but he can't look away... is this punishment? to be watched by the dead as he suffers in his own mental prison? to be trapped, with no way out, with no way of allowing himself to leave? he should forfeit his own life, but could he even allow himself that peace? a knife lay by Kelzalik's side, no doubt to be used futilely against him should they engage in combat. intrusive thoughts urge him to take it, to plunge it into his chest, to do it, do itDOIT--

a familiar, soothing voice washes over him as he finally tears his gaze away from the bodies, eyes dull but marred in frenzied fear; a glimpse of the tumult in him. he shakes his head as Zhongli offers a hand, leaning back and away from it. he can feel himself pushing against the warm astral energy trying to soothe his battered soul]

No... I--

[his voice is small, words croaked out weakly, fading into silence and ragged breaths again. he resists the astral energy even more, but he can't help but want it. to have it engulf him, to take away the pain of what he'd witnessed and what he'd done. to stop the darkness from creeping up and taking over. but could he allow it...?]

[geocash]

[briefly, Zhongli's expression softens. the pain and tumult Dohalim is going through, the feeling that it's his and his alone to bear...]

I understand. But you are not prepared to give in, I believe, though there is no way to remove the stains already incurred.

[it's not unusual, Zhongli speaking as though he knows more about people and places both. this, though, reads as something more familiar somehow. he doesn't withdraw, nor does he pressure with any more of that energy - most of that is spent in undoing what was left in their surroundings (something Dohalim might register as extremely odd later). those are easier to overwhelm the corruption of, after all. for Dohalim, from what he can feel of the man's astral energy... that is beyond his abilities. still...]

If repentance is what you desire... that, I may be able to provide. At least, I can offer protection for those otherwise under your care.

[ilqaras]

[no one should have to bear his weight, not when he had a hand in causing the pain of others. he had a firm grasp at his emotions, at his memories, but to be triggered so intensely, to react in such a way...]

Could you protect those from me?

[he had not wanted to be like the other lords. to torment and cause death, turning a blind eye because it's the Renans' belief of totalitarianism over the Dahan race. there is no lie in his mind that the ease of life for the Dahnans came from a place of selfishness, but if they were content, then he wouldn't have to hear those screams and the sounds of despair.

what Dohalim had discovered instead, were the underground workings of his own kin, to overturn that peace. they, he supposes, had succeeded in that. Viscint is shaken, bearing witness to the sheer power its lord had truly possessed, corrupted by rage and grief, and a need to seek out those who disturbed that peace.

so, for Zhongli, this mystery of a man, who possesses power like no other Dohalim had ever encountered before, for him to say that he can protect the people of this city and realm...]

You would... Have to kill me. End my life, and you will end the suffering of the people who should not have suffered under Renan rule. Liberate them from our grasp, from what I could do.

I do not see another way you would be able to offer such protection.

[geocash]

[it's a slow thing, considering. how much to offer, how much is safe. how those thresholds are so... perilously thin. there's a risk, there's always a risk, and still... has he ever chosen not to take those risks?]

I could protect them, yes. But, to be clear - killing you would not liberate the Dahnans.

[even if Dohalim were gone, what would that change? perhaps they could push forward, but he is only one Lord.]

Liberating Dahna is a path left to those unlike myself, as my influence will wane significantly when separated from you or your Master Core. [he can't explain it without being a little honest, can he? the resonance he feels is still so strong so close to him, it's almost intoxicating. it always has been, but now?] Would you not agree that a Renan would have more of a chance to tear down its rule?

As to your people... well, it is simple. I would ask that you enter into a contract with me, the terms of which will be bound to your life.

[ilqaras]

[if it were any other time, if they weren't surrounded by death, if Dohalim could even think straight, he would question the other man's words. to be so entwined with him and his Master Core... and to be able to protect all from his wrath if it were to ever fulminate again... just who is Zhongli?

for a man to speak of contracts that bind all of him to it, his very life to it, what would that mean? how could a contract such as that hold him accountable for his actions should he lose control again? for Zhongli to speak of contracts like he has to the power to weave his very being into it...]

How...

[it's all very confusing, indeed. but if it would guarantee the safety of his citizens, those innocent of any wrongdoing, is Dohalim in any position to say no?

perhaps it's because he's not in his right mind to question it, or Zhongli himself, but he does inquire about it. about this contract]

What are your terms?

[geocash]

[he'll have to explain more later, he's sure. it's fine, really - if there is someone deserving of that knowledge, Dohalim is among the very first. just... not now. not when everything is already so wrong.

what's more important is preventing further disruption of the world's Astral Energy, and of the safety of the people that remain upon it. and he, in his way, has never really given up on that intention.]

... I will explain in detail later. For now... the terms are simple. I will bind all of my astral energy to yours, and if there is a touch of the same madness to the use, no matter the distance, the resonance will be mine to endure.

[inhaling a slow breath, he closes his eyes.]

Lest you worry, there is not enough astral energy available to you, as a mortal, to overcome my own.

[which isn't to say that there won't be consequences, but those are his own problem. no sense in putting any worry in Dohalim's head; it isn't as though Zhongli shares no blame for all this.]

[ilqaras]

[more questions are raised, most about who this man in front of him is. it's become apparent that he is neither Renan or Dahnan by his words alone (though... perhaps Dohalim had already suspected it, long before all of this had happened), but for him to endure the same as Dohalim... could he really be alright with this agreement?

but the protection of the people outweigh the both of them, he supposes. and it seems like Zhongli has the same thoughts and intentions of making sure that the people are safe. but even so, through his emotions and tumult, one thing remains]

Will this hurt you in the future, if we were to enter into this agreement?

[he doesn't expect an honest answer, really. maybe it's just a question to soothe... something, in him, to quell a rising panic at the thought of the man feeling the same pain as him, if it came down to it. if he were to cause more harm, he would not be able to forgive himself for it. he's grown attached to Zhongli, so to bring harm to the man...]

[geocash]

[it may come as some surprise to him, but Zhongli isn't really one for platitudes. there is value in a little white lie, but he really finds that tempering it with reality is best.]

I cannot promise that it will not. Astral energy is a volatile thing, particularly when they become... twisted. Still, I have no doubt that it would be little more than a temporary displeasure.

If it helps, you may think of it as atonement for my late arrival now... and as the price of my trust in you, Lord Dohalim.

[and, though he chooses not to say it, even if he were to refuse, if forced to kill the Renan... whoever decided to abuse this master core next would be his to deal with. not to mention, if he didn't kill Dohalim, then the next time this happened he would have to intervene anyway, and who knew how that would go.]

[ilqaras]

[atonement... did Zhongli honestly think that he had to atone for not arriving to stop him? how could this man be so determined to bear this weight with him, how could he be so selfless to do so? as for his trust in the other... who else can he trust at this point? Dohalim can't even place trust in his own Renan followers, those who welcome the idea of coexistence; how does he know that there are no more dissidents among his circle? sure, they were driven out of the palace by Kelzalik's troops, but still...

but again. it seems as if Zhongli is neither Renan or Dahnan. could he possibly trust someone who is otherworldly, uttering words of contracts and entwining their astral energies. magic that, surely, no Renan is capable of using, and magic that no Dahnan could ever dream about using. speculations lead to the idea that the man is a Mage of some sort, magic folk that walked the earth long before Renan rule. a possibility, if it weren't for the fact that that was hundreds of years ago.

so then... who...

but, oddly enough, through it all, it seems like Dohalim wants to trust Zhongli. who else does he have? he's alone, otherwise. he lets out a ragged sigh, his breathing long since calmed down enough that he doesn't feel like he's about to hyperventilate. the man always did have a way of calming him with his words alone... yes. perhaps it would be his better judgement to trust him. after all, if Zhongli wanted to betray him, he would have had ample opportunity to do so in this short exchange of words]

...Alright. I will agree. To protect the people of the realm, I will enter a contract with you.

[geocash]

[for now, he'll count himself glad to get Dohalim out of this room. the scent of it is cloying now, especially as the sensation of urgency starts to fade. any problems can be worked out as they arrive.

as to his own origins, Zhongli has heard so many conspiracies, some closer than others. he's responded to none of them, maintaining that same mildness throughout any conversations involving his origins.]

Then so shall it be. But-- ah. [his gaze sweeps to the rest of the room, before he leans down a little closer to offer Dohalim his hand.] ... Perhaps we should take care of that matter momentarily, if you are feeling solid enough to walk. I have instructed your people to remain outside for now, at least for a little longer, so I do not believe we will be interrupted just yet.

[fear for what might have happened to Dohalim made them mostly willing to listen, even if Zhongli had never been part of his inner circle. perhaps because of that.]

[ilqaras]

[Dohalim's attention is brought back to the room itself, and those who had perished by his hand. it brings the nightmare back to him as he quickly takes hold of Zhongli's hand, grip tight, as if to stop the thoughts from coming back. there's a nipping at the back of his mind, quiet whispers of... something, words unintelligible but there nonetheless. his fingers squeeze the other man's, desperate to keep himself from sinking into those words, into that muted madness that still lingered in his mind]

--My bedroom. It should...

[should still have remained untouched. possibly the only safe haven in the palace, for the time being, with his comforts that will, hopefully, serve to calm him again. Dohalim hoists himself up to stand; he's shaking, a tremble he hadn't realised that was wracking his body until just then. he's surprised he hasn't gone into shock just yet, but... perhaps Zhongli found him at just the right moment. or maybe, it's coming, waiting for the moment to settle in as everything catches up to him. eyes flick back to the mangled bodies before he jerks, stepping forward to the door]

Please... I need to leave... These chambers...

[geocash]

Of course. Let us go.

[Zhongli is swift, at least, to place himself beside Dohalim. his frame isn't much more sizeable than the Renan's own, but between it and the warmth of his presence, an arm sliding around his shoulder to help support him, it should help.

moving forward is easier, overall, if not metaphorically. for now, the halls of Autelina are significantly less horrifying than the former room, and there's no hesitation in the brunette's footsteps. once they're inside, he'll help Dohalim to a seat, whether on his bed or a chair. there's so much to do, too much to think about... but first things first. a contract.

when was the last time he entered into one? it's been so long he almost can't recall. it had been a completely different circumstance, in any case. setting it aside in his thoughts, he moves to sit nearby the lord.]

Take a moment to breathe, and then we can begin the business of the contract.

[???] sometime later, in the private gardens

[geocash]

[it's become an easy routine. the slightest provocation, from a tug on their bond to a direct request to meet him somewhere, sees Zhongli setting down whatever he's doing with interminable swiftness in the effort of obeisance.

today, it's a simple one - meet Dohalim in the gardens. much has changed over time, at least when it comes to the perception of the rest of the country. it hadn't been intended to reveal his original form, even in part... but in protecting the people and Dohalim himself, he'd had no choice. honestly, as his tail sways comfortably behind him in thick, sinuous motions, he can't say he minds. slipping past the gate, the deity takes a moment to take in the gardens and search for the young Renan.]

... Dohalim? I apologise for the wait...

[really, he'd only been gone for a few minutes, but still. it feels right by now, apologising for the slightest inconvenience. the idea of it not being enough isn't even stressful anymore, nor the uncertainty of what he might be walking into. it makes his heart race, but the sensation along their bond is one of quiet curiosity and excitement.]

[ilqaras]

[while Dohalim had known since the conception of their contract that Zhongli is a deity of this world and not a regular Renan or Dahnan, seeing his true form still surprised him. to think, that this elemental being with draconic features... shocking, to say the least.

that, of course, doesn't stop him from wanting the deity. in fact, it's only wanted to claim him even more. to have a god bend to a mortal's will so easily... at first, it was part of their contract, but now... Dohalim is sure that Zhongli just enjoys it. and, of course, the corruption had taken that and exploited it as much as it can be.

when Zhongli finally rejoins him in the garden, Dohalim is sat in a chaise lounge, a book in one hand, and a waterpipe hose in the other. he blows out a billow of smoke; while they're outside, there's still a thin veil of smoke around him. the corruption had taken over again, but now, Dohalim doesn't fight it. what's the point, when this keeps happening, and more frequently, too? he keeps hurting Zhongli, but he also heals him after, and the deity hadn't left him yet, so... it's okay, right? just as long as he can fix whatever the corruption does to Zhongli, then it's fine. it's fine.

through the smoke, Dohalim looks up at Zhongli, a sharp look in his eyes, a contrast from his usually soft gaze. it's apparent that he'd slipped into that darkness, but he doesn't move just yet. he quickly flicks his gaze to the ground in front of him, before flicking it back up to Zhongli. a hint for him to kneel]

You apologise, and yet... You do this, time and time again. You've left me alone again. I don't remember giving you permission to do so for so long.

[even if it was a handful of minutes, it's still a handful too long]

[geocash]

[most, of course, don't realise the depths of Zhongli's powers. those who do know about his draconic features typically think him just some measure of mysterious traveler, perhaps an ill-known Renan, and his benevolence has won him no shortage of allies regardless.

still, he's hardly distracted by that. indeed, their circumstance has changed significantly, the corruption and pain of it something he's come to anticipate just as much as the soft moments of connection between the two of them. Dohalim is... complex, yes, troubled certainly, and yet... and yet, he finds himself drawn to both sides of the man.

so now, as Dohalim looks up at him with that sharp, faintly imperious gaze, his breath hitches softly at the realisation. how quickly had it set in, he wonders? really, he wasn't gone so long at all... but it's long enough to see the chaise occupied, the waterpipe lit... maybe it was longer than he thought.

the deity bites his lip at the hint of just what the man wants, and the speed with which he complies is almost ludicrous. it's most unlike him, kneeling down to set himself before the other man, to look up with mixed curiosity and hesitation. what will his punishment be today?]

Ah... you did not. How shall I apologise, then...?

[it's effort, keeping the breathy hint from his voice. hands shift forward to touch the Renan's leg, an idle, soothing motion that's much more like him. it won't fix everything, they both know that, but he extends the offer anyway. his tail curls faintly behind him, more indicative of his faint hesitation than the rest of him.]

[ilqaras]

I'm sure you can be creative.

[snapping the book shut and setting it beside him, Dohalim leans forward. his hand comes up to wrap his fingers around Zhongli's neck lightly, lifting his chin up to look at him better]

Your time belongs to me. I would suggest you remember that.

[before Zhongli can answer back, he leans in to capture his lips; a hard kiss that lacks the warmth it usually does, a kiss meant to show dominance. amber eyes watch Zhongli as Dohalim peers into that golden gaze, with a look that tells Zhongli that he does, indeed, belong to him. Dohalim doesn't think he would, but he would like to see the deity argue that point.

the kiss is brief, and Dohalim pulls back, but not before nipping at the other's bottom lip. his hand doesn't leave Zhongli's neck just yet, feeling the breath and swallow under his fingertips. his thighs spread apart ever so slightly, another not so subtle hint of what Dohalim wants from the deity]

[geocash]

Creative. I suppose.

[Zhongli's gaze is still filled with his usual strength and sort of mysterious charm. something this side of Dohalim seems... rather upset by, in truth.

his lips part to respond but there's no time; lips capture his and his eyelids flutter slightly, struggling not to give in immediately. he likes when the Renan toys with him, after all... if he's honest, even staring defiantly into the other's gaze, he wants so badly to melt.

there's little relief when he pulls back either, lip twitching with the little nip at it, throat shifting with his still even breaths.]

I wonder if I am, in fact, creative with any of this...

[he sounds a little amused, truthfully. there's little creativity to the actual actions, after all. Dohalim makes it abundantly clear what it is he wants, and Zhongli's hands slide over his thighs to pull clothing out of the way. it's been a while, hasn't it? at least, he thinks it's been long enough that he does sort of ache to taste the man again.

how absurd. it doesn't stop him at all, tongue sliding out to lap along the length of Dohalim's cock once he's pulled it free, lips wrapping around the tip to tease at his slit.]

[ilqaras]

[ah, Zhongli does move with quiet efficiency, and that, Dohalim does have to appreciate. as his clothing is moved around, he lets go of the other's neck, leaning back on the chaise to watch the other work. his hand opts to thread through Zhongli's hair, his eyes fluttering for a moment as those soft lips envelop the tip of his cock. really, with his hand in the deity's hair, he could just push his head down, make him choke on the length, feel that warm throat contract around it and watch those golden eyes shine with tears as they plead for mercy. he could do all of that, and Zhongli can't do a thing about it. but... perhaps he'll be merciful for the moment, especially with that tongue of his teasing the slit, no doubt tasting the precum that had already begun to slowly seep from it. as desperate Zhongli can be sometimes, Dohalim... well, he won't admit it out loud, but there's a bit of that same desperation.

or, perhaps, it's more of a need to watch the deity come to ruin for being treated so roughly.

Dohalim looks down Zhongli's back, to the tail curled around him. still a surprising revelation... he wants to touch it, feel it under his fingers, squeeze it. but in this position, of course he won't be able to... he takes a drag out of his pipe as his eyes flick between the tail, to the top of Zhongli's head as he works. a thought comes to him; maybe he could...]

Mm... [he blows out the smoke in a slow exhale] Go on...

[geocash]

[He can't put his finger on what it is about this that he finds so... alluring. A hand threaded Ingi his hair as both idle encouragement and a threat; he knows full well just how much strength is in the Renan's body, when he wants to bring it to bear.

More still, he really could just push his head down... but for now, he seems content. The taste of precum on his tongue makes Zhongli shiver, warm and salty, tainted slightly with the scent of smoke in the open air. It's only deepened as the Renan exhales, smoke billowing out into the air.]

Mm... mmn...

[He never knows, really, exactly what Dohalim wants. Maybe that's it - that he wants the deity to be so off the mark that he can do whatever he likes. No matter; his mouth wraps around more of the man's cock, head bobbing in easy, smooth motions. It's not long before the tip brushes his throat and he swallows to prepare to take it in, gaze turned upward to watch the redhead's expression.]

[ilqaras]

[he really is very pretty to look at, especially like this, so willing to do whatever it is Dohalim wants him to do. upon first glance, Dohalim's face is that of passive expression, as if already bored of watching Zhongli. but upon closer inspection, there's that undeniable hunger in his darkened eyes, to match the fingers tightening in the deity's hair. the mouthpiece of the pipe rests against Dohalim's bottom lip, as he lets out a soft sigh that hitches as he feels the tip hit the back of the other's throat. ah... he really does take his cock in very well...

sliding his hand through the dark tresses of Zhongli's hair, Dohalim pushes down at the back of his head, to slip more of his cock into that wet heat, to hilt himself completely in the deity's mouth. that is when he doesn't relent, keeping the pressure against Zhongli's head, not allowing him to pull away. the amber hunger turning almost ravenous]

Ah... Look at you. At the whims of a mortal...

[eyes flash indigo as his vines are summoned, slowly creeping up on Zhongli, wrapping themselves around his ankles and tail. gentle, juxtaposed with the look in Dohalim's eyes]

[geocash]

Nn--nnph-!

[Zhongli gives a noise of protest as Dohalim hilts himself, eyelids fluttering as he's held there. he's always so consistent in that, and it makes the deity's cock ache despite himself, tears starting to prickle in his eyes. the hunger in his partner's is unmistakable, imperious and sharp. it's what he likes the most, he thinks, settled into this space of being at someone else's mercy.

his brows furrow at the flicker of indigo though, confusion melting into shock as vines wrap around his ankles and tail. the latter is... ah. it's too sensitive, and he can't keep that fact hidden like this. not when his moans catch on the cock stretching his throat, cheeks heating up as his tail curls. hands press faintly into his thighs, fighting the urge to tremble there too. just what is it he plans to do with all of that? Zhongli has an idea, and yet...]

[ilqaras]

[there's a small grin on his lips as he feels that throat contract around his cock, paired with the vibration of a particular moan only revealed after his vines had taken their hold on Zhongli. hm... interesting, he thinks, as he watches the subtle reactions from the other, namely how his tail curls from the touch. that only urges Dohalim to manipulate the plant to wrap firmly around this appendage, just to see if he can elicit more of those sounds and reactions.

his curiosity nearly makes him forget about Zhongli's head pressed down; he lifts his hand up a little, but not enough that his fingers aren't threaded through his hair still]

Every time... I do have to wonder how far you are willing to let me go... Will you let me spread you apart mercilessly, until you're begging for my cock inside of you...?

[the vines snake up Zhongli's thighs, guiding them apart gently]

Not that you deserve it just yet. Hm... Perhaps my vines will be a suitable replacement, for now...

[geocash]

[vines wrap around his tail, firm and strong, and Zhongli's hips tremble at the faint pull. the appendage shifts and squirms against its bindings, more as they get closer to the base.

more still, it's good to get a breath as Dohalim releases his head a little, gulping in air between licks and sucks. it's funny how enthusiastic he is for sucking the Renan's cock, but he really can't help it. he speaks of how far he could go, and Zhongli considers pulling back to answer; it should be obvious by now, he thinks. all the times he's taken it, enjoyed it.

he shouldn't admit that though, he thinks. especially as the vines snake up his thighs and guide them apart, pulling fabric a little tighter over his skin. is he... is he planning on just letting them fuck him through his clothing?! it's bad enough he can already feel himself straining them, but... ah. he should find a way to get them out of the way, but with the focus on his tail, he can barely find his mind enough to move beyond trying to present himself.

it'd be more embarrassing if he was actually naked, probably, but it's bad enough he can barely even give a half-hearted look as a plea to stop. Dohalim won't, he knows, but he has to.]

[ilqaras]

[he could. he could just let the vines tear into Zhongli's pants and find their way into him. what would the deity do? what would he say? would he simply take it? his eyes say to stop, but do they really? or does Zhongli, in reality, want him to continue?

the Renan supposes he shouldn't, though. he'd hate to destroy a nice garment for the sake of fucking the deity raw.

Dohalim has to wonder just how much he can get away with. another vine slips in between Zhongli's thighs, before pressing up against his cock, to tease and make this just a little more torturous. honestly, with how greedy the other is about sucking him off... it's rather shameless. even more so after the attention on his tail... who would have thought?]

I do have to wonder if I can get you off just by touching your tail. Or maybe I could edge you close to orgasm, only to deny you that satisfaction. After all, you are to be punished, so why should I reward you with release?

[he takes another drag from his pipe casually, all things considered, as his other hand tightens around dark locks, before guiding Zhongli's head back down. he does have to wonder just how pretty his face would be with his cum dripping off it. a pretty mental image indeed]