eggbowl | In my blood...

In my blood...

[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]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Ah—haah...

[hips rise and fall and Zhongli groans in turn, fingers digging into his side a little. Eagerness is hard not to just follow, his movements staying even, a little slow, for now.]

How could I — nnh! — refuse?

[He could keep a shallow pace, if he was smart, make it all consistent. It's just... Dohalim takes him so well, so eagerly. How could he just stay reasonable?

The first movements have Dohalim lifted up just a few inches, stopping when the pressure is just barely overwhelming before yanking him back down, hips slapping into hips. His cock twitches at the difference in heat, the pressure of it, and the deity leans in for another kiss while he sets his pace. This one is significantly more desperate, tongue demanding entry to explore.

All the while, his pace ramps up, pulling Dohalim up another inch until, finally, the tip almost threatens to pull out before he's pulled back down, a guttural snarl on his lips when he's fully seated again, hips grinding the bulbous end into his stretched ring.

He feels good... he feels so good, and it kicks something in his brain into motion. He wants to devour him, to carve his whole body into something no one else could ever satisfy. It's all his now, too treasure and to ruin as he likes. The position won't be good enough for long, but he holds it for now.]

[Dohalim matches that desperation in their kiss; there's no denial when Zhongli slips his tongue in his mouth again. fascinating thoughts (some that should be worrying, really) pass through his mind, some that land on what it would feel like if the deity would slip that serpentine tongue down his throat. would he like the feeling of being choked in such a way, making his body beg for breath until stars form in his view? just how far would it slip down his throat? would he be able to feel it if he were to hold onto his neck? again, fascinating thoughts.

thoughts that, as Zhongli snaps his hips up and brings Dohalim's down, are violently interrupted as he breaks the kiss, letting out yet another loud moan. he really should be mindful of making such wanton sounds, especially when it's the middle of the day, and, as far as the palace court and staff know, he's still recovering from illness. but he just can't help himself as more of those sounds are punched out of him with every thrust, and every grind of that bulb pressing past tight muscle. it's when he's lifted almost completely off Zhongli's cock before being dropped down onto it again that rips any rational thought and lingering worry from his mind; all there is now is them. them, and their intimacy, and their fondness for each other. and all he wants is more, all he wants is to be completely spent, shaped to the will of this god, however he sees fit]

N... need more... please, please...

[he can't help but continue to beg, his own hips moving in time with Zhongli's thrusts. he's beginning to think that no one else will ever be able to do this for him, won't be able to satisfy a need like this other than the deity himself, and honestly, Dohalim doesn't want anyone else]

[the temptation is certainly there; sliding his tongue down Dohalim's throat would be so easy, so sweet to feel with himself buried so deep inside... but that's a thought for later. he has enough presence of mind not to fall into that trap, not when he does want the man to recover quickly enough.

every thrust is met with a wanton, sweet sound, perhaps louder than it should be. Zhongli hardly minds that though, not when he's able to drink them in; if others find out? that's not his problem right now. the only thoughts are how beautiful Dohalim looks like this, how he could stay like this for hours if he was allowed. the juxtaposition of rough and gentle, hard and soft, seems somehow just right for them both.]

Patience, Dohalim... just a little longer...

[his voice is too breathy to think he'd last much longer, in truth. not with Dohalim's hips moving with each thrust, driving him in as deep as he can go. as the throes of passion take him, the god's tail wraps around his waist, hands pulling hips down one last time before they slide up to cradle his lower back and gently lean him backward just slightly.

the sensation of it all proves too much, and Zhongli's mouth draws from shoulder to neck and back to Dohalim's mouth as his orgasm hits. thick and heavy and hot, his cock throbs with every spurt inside, filling every space it can find. it's a lot to test his body with right now, and he'll probably feel bad about it later, but right now? there's not a single thought toward hesitation, not when he can feel the pleasant pressure as cum tries to find its way out around his cock only to be stopped by its girth.]

[every sensation is dizzying, and he isn't sure what to concentrate on anymore. the breathiness of Zhongli's voice, the tail wrapped around his waist, or the angle that manages to be just right, as the tip of Zhongli's cock jabs right up into his prostate, or the fact that he didn't know what real fullness felt like until the deity came in him. it's almost a miracle how Dohalim doesn't cum himself, as moans loudly into the kiss, teeth biting down on Zhongli's lower lip. he can feel his belly getting stretched out by the sheer amount of cum being pumped into him, and really, it should be worrying just how much there is, but he can feel it coat his insides, filling him up and gods, it should be impossible to think about, but he wants more of it. perhaps it's the greed in the midst of lust and arousal, or maybe it's because he's never allowed himself to be greedy before.

even as he breaks the kiss and leans back, hands resting on Zhongli's legs as he leans on his arms, he can't help but rock his hips against the other's, as if trying to milk him for more of his cum. to really fill him up. his own cock, still hard, dribbles pre down the shaft and onto his belly; Dohalim can't imagine what he must look like, right now. half lidded eyes look up at the deity, lips parted as he huffs out small breaths and whines, his hair stuck to his forehead by a sheen of sweat on his brow... he wonders if he still looks enticing to Zhongli, still, even in this state.

but he keeps moving, hips shifting in small, circular motions, his eyes telling the deity that he's not done, yet, that he still craves more]

[Zhongli can't keep his eyes off of Dohalim, not once the initial peak of his orgasm passes. Cum fills the Renan's belly and as it starts to bulge, his tail moves to allow it. It's fascinating, really; most humans wouldn't be able to handle so much and still move of their own volition, let alone the wherewithal to bite the deity's lip...

It aches pleasantly when he pulls back, and Zhongli's breath is sharp and short as Dohalim leans back. Ah... he looks so perfect like that. Hips rock over his own, cock dripping down over his belly as it is, and the brunet reaches up to cradle his cheek.

There's nothing but admiration in his gaze, thumb brushing the redhead's lower lip, the other hand rising to brush strands of hair from his forehead. More still... he doesn't flag in the slightest, cock still stiff and throbbing with every roll of hips.]

You're... greedier than I expected, Dohalim...

[The words are practically purred, the hand that had brushed his hair back trailing down his body to rub his swollen belly.]

We should be... a little reserved, for now.

[regrettably... but it doesn't stop him from gently rolling his hips in time with Dohalim's, cock nudging his prostate with every movement.]

[perhaps they really should slow down for a moment, to let the both of them catch their breaths and calm down a little bit. but Dohalim doesn't want it, he just wants to feed into that arousal, drive himself mad with pleasure, and take Zhongli along with him. as the hand presses against his belly, he lets out another soft sound against the other's thumb as he gently bites down on it, before tilting is head back again as he continues to grind against Zhongli's lap. he can feel cum sloshing around inside of him; it's a strange feeling, but it's not like he dislikes it at all. no, in fact, he really does like it, and even likes the sensation of it all. he finally glances down at his belly, eyes fixated on the small bump against the usually taut plain of his stomach; he lets out another soft, pleased sound. to be... owned in such a way, knowing that no one else can do this to him...]

Still want more...

[he really is in some type of way; there's a small part in Dohalim's mind that's telling him he really should reel back a little, but the bigger part of him continues to grind down against Zhongli's hips. and with the deity's movements, it's not like he's keen on stopping either, it seems. no, he doesn't want to until he's completely spent, and with Rukkhadevata's help from earlier, Dohalim feels the liveliest he's felt in weeks.

so, with that thought in mind, Dohalim lifts a hand up to brush his palm against the swollen tip of his cock, letting out a hiss at the friction]

[all Zhongli can muster is a soft chuckle; he's really far too enamored with the man to deny him too much. and when he's so immediately apt to bite down on his thumb, to grind himself so prettily on his cock even with his belly swollen just so...]

Impatient.

[exhaling a contented laugh, he slides his thumb into Dohalim's mouth when the man reaches for his own cock, considering his options. Rukkhadevata did offer him quite the boon of healing, and... well, if he's so desperate, is it so bad? it will end with him comfortably exhausted...

shifting his weight to rest on one arm, he leans in a little closer, hips slowly rolling in time with Dohalim's.]

Do you want to earn it yourself this time, Dohalim? You look so good like this, you know.

[lips close over the thumb in his mouth as Dohalim sucks on it gently, eyes slipping half closed again. not once has his hips stopped moving as he relishes in the feeling of the constant pressure against his prostate, along with Zhongli's spend still sloshing within him with every movement. his fingers wrap around his cock but his hand doesn't move, as if almost stopping himself from cumming, especially with Zhongli's proposition]

What... What will you have me do...?

[Dohalim's words are muffled around the deity's thumb, but there is a curiosity there, mingled with a need to please. he does have to wonder just how he'll earn more of Zhongli, more of his cum, and for release, and he also has to wonder just what the other has up his sleeve. honestly, though, if it's within his own means, Dohalim would do anything to please Zhongli]

Nothing too difficult, by any means.

[Zhongli lets his thumb shift in Dohalim's mouth for a moment before pulling it back and pushing himself up a little more. he's not a complicated man, after all... and just watching the Renan like this is a wonderful treat.]

Just keep fucking yourself like the good boy you are, as hard as you like. [trailing his wet thumb over the other's chest and down to shoo his hand away and replace it with his own, his tail shifts a little to pull his torso a little closer.] I'll take care of you, so you just focus on moving your hips. And if you get too impatient, just tell me.

[leaning in to let his tongue snake along the shell of Dohalim's ear, he rumbles the next words.]

You won't be getting out of this without being completely filled, now. I hope you really want what you've asked for.

[Dohalim's eyes flutter closed as soon as he feels Zhongli's hand wrap around his cock; he brings both arms up to loop around the back of the deity's neck to brace himself. fuck himself on his cock, as hard as he wants? he's sure he can do that. but when Zhongli mutters those words in his ear, paired with that tongue dragging along it, he lets out a shudder that wracks his body, before nodding. to be filled again... how much more could his body take? how much more will his belly swell...

shifting his legs around so he's resting on his knees, Dohalim pulls himself up, gasping at the drag of Zhongli's dick against the ring of muscle around it, letting him really feel the size difference of the entire length. with it's tapered shape, he can feel cum seep out from him around it; there's a thought somewhere thinking this will be a bit messy. but... he doesn't really mind, at this point. dropping himself down swiftly, a cracked moan slips from his lips, arms tightening around Zhongli's shoulders tightly, before he sets a pace. it's quick and rough, hips snapping up and down with such fervor, wet skin slapping against wet skin filling the space. it's so lewd, how wanton he is, but when it comes to Zhongli, he finds he wants to be.

he can feel tears forming in the corners of his eyes at the sheer pleasure of it all, as well as the strain from his cock; he's so hard, it's nearly impossible, he thinks, and he can feel himself quickly hurtling towards his second orgasm. whines and other sounds slip out of him in a continuous string, mingled with Zhongli's name, along with words of how good he feels in him, and how much he wants to be filled. it's so much and not enough all at once, even as his pace quickens to the point of desperation]

Zh-Zhongli... I... I almost...

[He expects the fervor now, but it's still a sharp sensation when Dohalim lifts himself up, walls dragging over his cock as cum oozes briefly around its tapered form. It's fine - calculated, almost; his spend is thick and somewhat slippery, sure to ease the Renan's efforts.

As he sets that brutal pace, Zhongli's fingers squeeze and shift over his cock. It's never that much, just enough to give more sensation as his motions drive him between the deity's hand and hips. Little sweet nothings are murmured against his skin as tongue and mouth press to it, working down over his neck and shoulder.

It's not as messy as he might have expected, either. Despite the taper of his cock, the redhead's pace has it pushing almost all of his seed back in, sloshing nicely around his insides.

Before too long he's dragging toward his own second orgasm - its speed isn't a surprise, though. It's meant for fully breeding a mate, after all...]

Haah... ah... so good for me... [sighing, he nuzzles into Dohalim's neck, teeth grazing skin.] Just a little more.

[It's a promise, echoed in the way his cock throbs against his mate's insides. Fingers squeeze and relax, deliberately staving off his orgasm until Zhongli's own is ready. When it is, his free arm snakes around Dohalim's waist to pull him down, grinding into his ass as a fresh burst of heat pours into it. Teeth catch skin and he mutes his growl into it; it's possessive and wanton, not the slightest bit human.

Between them, his hand shifts from its lazy pace to merciless stroking, grip tight over the shaft in an effort to pull him those last steps to his own orgasm.]

[it's so overwhelming, everything happening all at once. the sounds Zhongli is making, the feeling of his cock raking his insides and carving them open, his own arousal being teased while he fucks himself senseless on his lover's dick; it's all amazing how he manages to keep his orgasm at bay for so long.

sharp canines drag along his skin and Dohalim has to let out a shiver, wondering what it would feel like if the deity were to bite down on him. a thought for another day as his hips are pulled down roughly against Zhongli's, and cum pours into him again. he can feel his belly swell even more than it already is, and another thought enters his brain; would it all stay in there? how has he not just burst from being so full? and why does he enjoy it so much?

and with the other moving from gentle touches to rough pulls, Dohalim can't hold back any longer. he topples like a house of cards as he lets out a sob, the tears he'd been holding back finally falling, before letting out a guttural moan, something so primal as hot cum spurts onto their chests and his swollen belly. it's like an elastic band finally snapping, and relief floods him, his skin tingling and mind going blank. he can barely keep himself up as his arms loosen their hold, his head lolling back as he leans back. Dohalim is so thoroughly spent, and somewhere, in the back of his mind, he knows this. but it's fine... this is good. more than good]

[Zhongli would no doubt have some idea why Dohalim is so keen on being filled, but it hardly matters in the moment. Certainly it's not a thought in his head at all - only that the Renan is so receptive, and it makes him a perfect mate, needy and breedable and—

His release splashes between them and Zhongli murmurs some praise or another into his skin, hands moving to cradle him gently as Dohalim's body gives in to its exhaustion. Nuzzling against his neck, the deity runs his clean fingers through the redhead's hair, humming softly.]

There you are... rest a bit, and then we will wash up.

[everything he does is softer then, from the little kisses to his neck or the stroke of fingers over his back his tail providing a comfortable place to lean back on. To that end, his tail and thighs seem to have taken on the brunt of his own mess, sparing the covers for the most part.

He'll wait a bit before asking the Renan anything - if he can find the words in the afterglow, it would be a miracle, after all. When his heartbeat and breathing has calmed down, Zhongli will murmur his question as softly as anything before.]

Now... do you want to stay like this a little longer while I bathe you, or would you rather I empty you out first?

[based on the fact that, even if he isn't rock hard now, he's still hard enough to keep all of his cum inside, there's an implication of his own preference there. Still, Dohalim's wishes are more important to him now.]

[Dohalim just feels like he's swimming in afterglow; Zhongli's gentle touches and kisses help with the come down as he starts to settle down. he's not too sure how much time has passed, and it feels like forever, but he does eventually get to a point where his mind can form some sort of thought. everything that's transpired slowly comes back to him, and he's suddenly very aware of how full and sticky he feels. a bath is good-- what was the question again?]

Mm...

[Dohalim hums to himself as he shifts slightly in the deity's lap. that fullness is starting to get a little uncomfortable now that he's not in a state of arousal. he can hear that implication in Zhongli's voice, and as much as he wants to heed his wishes, he also is feeling rather stretched out. maybe he'd taken a little too much... maybe he was a little too greedy]

Ah... Empty me out...

[as soon as the words leave him, Dohalim ducks his head and presses it into the other's shoulder, suddenly embarrassed at what he's said]

Alright. Up we go, then; I'd prefer to condense the mess as much as possible.

[Zhongli presses his lips to Dohalim's forehead, then shifts to slide his hands around his hips. it won't be a perfect movement, but between his careful movements and his tail, he thinks he can keep from jolting the redhead too much.

carrying him to the bath is a bit of an effort, but it's one he makes gladly. once they've reached the tub, he slides Dohalim off of his dick, careful not to take too long nor go too fast. holding him close, one hand lowers down just to help coax the mess into oozing out, the other stroking down his spine.]

You aren't hurting, are you?

[it's an earnest question then, concern filtering into his tone. he thinks he'd been careful, but... well, the man had been entirely too enthusiastic, and he'd gotten caught up in it.]

[there is that discomfort present as he's picked up and moved, arms tightening their hold around the back of Zhongli's neck as he braces himself. there's a tremble in his muscles now that he's come down mostly, mostly in part of exhaustion, but partly because of the jostling around. he knows the deity's trying his best to keep it to a minimum, but it's all so overstimulating that it would probably be uncomfortable no matter what.

as he's slid off Zhongli's cock, there's a small sound that slips from him, face pressed against his neck in an attempt comfort himself. now that he's more or less in the present, the sheer length and thickness of the appendage is surprising enough to Dohalim as he wonders just how he was able to hilt it inside of him. and with the slow pour of cum being coaxed out of him, it's an even bigger surprise and wonder as to how. but he liked it, he really did like it. what kind of person does that make him, then? he'd been able to find pleasure in other people, of both genders and races, but this... this is a league of its own. no one could compare to Zhongli, and now that he's had a taste of it, Dohalim isn't sure he wants anyone else.

still... it's kind of embarrassing. to lose himself in something like this, to have a budding preference for something so out of the ordinary. he'd always been told he's different from other Renans, but this...

the Renan tilts his head back at the question, enough to answer it. it's almost as if he's hiding his face and the embarrassment of all of this]

N...no, I don't think so... Just a little discomfort...

That... is to be expected, I think.

[Zhongli has the decency to sound embarrassed over it; he wouldn't change what he'd done by any means, but... once he's reached to start the water, ushering away the mess before starting the bath drawing, he can shift them both more comfortably. he's still gentle about it all, and there's a soft intimacy to every movement.]

I had not intended to do so much, but... you are difficult to deny.

[chuckling, the deity reaches down to gently cradle his jaw, thumb brushing across his cheek. there's still concern there, in this reaction. had he done too much? it's entirely possible, now that everything has settled down. in their post-orgasm clarity, it's certainly a different view.

it's not precisely upsetting to think it may have been a one-time thing, either, though he'd be lying to say he'd feel no disappointment. still, his lover's preferences are more than his own, and it isn't like he won't enjoy the sex - however much they end up having - regardless.]

Dohalim... [in the end, he supposes holding off on it is probably foolish. better they speak now than run into such awkwardness again later.] What's bothering you? If it was too much, you needn't worry; I don't need to change my features so much.

It's not that it's bothering me...

[the hand on his face is a comforting gesture; Dohalim tilts his head into the touch, but still tries to keep his face hidden. Zhongli could probably feel the heat radiating off his cheek as his face reddens, and he clears his throat before continuing]

You do not need to change... I enjoyed it. Thoroughly. Perhaps a little too much...

[maybe it's the exhaustion that's making him so honest, or maybe it's the deity himself. there's no way he can lie about enjoying everything about him, down to his very inhuman cock. if he were to focus on it, Dohalim could probably still feel it moving inside of him and stretching him out...]

Every part of it, I enjoyed... The feeling of you inside me, the feeling of a different shape moving inside and stretching me, the feeling of your spend filling me... It... I will admit, I am a little embarrassed that my tastes have leaned towards this, now that I've had a taste of it...

Too much...?

[Zhongli hums as he listens, continuing his gentle motions throughout. he hadn't thought much of it - Dohalim was always so confident in himself, and he'd never seemed bothered by this before. perhaps it's just a piece of being mortal, though.]

I can see no reason to be embarrassed, if I am honest. It isn't so unusual to enjoy things that are... different from human, even when they're not related to someone like myself.

[helping him down into the water, Zhongli turns the tap off and starts to wash the stickiness from his torso.]

And... naturally, I would be lying to claim I wasn't a bit prideful over you enjoying it so. Perhaps our emotional attachment had an effect as well.

[there's a small shiver as Dohalim is lowered into the water, the sudden change in temperature against his skin pulling that response from him. but soon, the warmth starts to do its work as it slowly soothes his tired muscles, along with Zhongli's gentle hands. he does finally pull back to look at him proper, eyes slightly hidden with his tangled bangs]

I've... Always been different from others, even when growing up. Sometimes, when it was pointed out to me, it had a negative connotation behind it, so I... I think it may be pulling from that experience the reason why I'm a little... Bashful, when it comes to this sort of pleasure.

[a hand slides along Zhongli's shoulder and chest, fingers brushing against the smooth scales mottled along porcelain skin]

But I did enjoy it. And... If it would not be too much to ask for... I would, perhaps, like to do it again. I...

[Dohalim falls silent for a moment, thinking of what to say next, if it would be too bold of him to say. but, he's already been this honest, so really, he should just continue]

I don't want anyone else but you, now... If you would indulge me...

[maybe it's the fear of what the corruption could bring if he were to be intimate with anyone else, or that he's so twisted in his desires that only Zhongli can satisfy them, now, but the fact remains: Zhongli can only give him what he needs, now, it seems]

Ah... so I see. Rena has always seemed to value a sort of... conformity, hasn't it?

[There's a brief look of displeasure at the revelation, but it clears up soon after. How can it not soften when Dohalim's fingers draw over his skin, unabashed in their interest in both skin and scale.

His followup comment earns a little laugh, rising in his chest as Zhongli leans forward to press a kiss to his forehead.]

Of course it isn't too much to ask. I'm quite comfortable in this form, you know. [His hands slide down to hold around the other man's waist then, for a moment at least.] I wasn't exaggerating in how beautiful I think you are when you're eagerly taking me.

[It doesn't have the same seductive purr when he says it now; it's just a fact, given bluntly and without hesitation. His brows lift when Dohalim speaks again though, a little shocked to hear it.

He supposes it isn't that shocking if he thinks about it. They've already confessed in their way, and Dohalim is, for the most part, always aware of what he wants. He can't discount the corruption, either.]

Dohalim... [Exhaling, the deity leans in to capture the Renan's lips, gentle and chaste.] I have no intention of being with anyone else, and every intention of seeing you happy. If I can be just what you want, then I am incontrovertibly lucky.

[corruption ortwisted desires or whatever else might have brought them here, he's not without some measure of selfishness relating to Dohalim. His own wishes are louder than he expected, too.]

Conformity and hierarchy are the basis of what makes Renan society. I'd questioned one of my teachers about why we as Renans are more superior to the Dahnans, and why we hold the Crown Contest. I was scolded for asking such foolish things.

[Dohalim falls silent, debating on whether or not he should continue. perhaps he ought to let Zhongli more of the society he'd grown up in, and how it's shaped him into the person he is. there's a secret part of him that doesn't like the uniformity of everything, even down to their clothing trends, and how frowned upon it is to be "different".

he lets out a soft sigh, hiding his face again]

As self serving as giving the Dahnans their freedom, or as much as I possibly can give in Menancia, I wish for them to be their true selves to reach their greatest potential. To let them live how they want to live, to be who they want to be, to... Love who they want to love. I want them to have that freedom.

[there's a hidden connotation under those words, as if he's trying to live vicariously through his people]

There is no freedom like that in Lenegis, and Rena. It is already bad enough to love someone of a lower stature than you, but to love someone of the same--

[Dohalim falls silent again, not finishing his sentence. though, there are enough hints that Zhongli might be able to pick up on it]

[Zhongli is quiet as he listens, letting the moments of silence occupy the space without urgency. Dohalim will say what he's willing to, and anything he can learn is for the best, after all.

it isn't an unusual ideology, really - Dahnan history is no less littered with such ideals in places long gone. those facts have largely been scrubbed clean from the records, though...]

Something is hardly negative simply because it happens to be self-serving, after all. [fingers stroke down Dohalim's back, his smile gentle and warm.] Your wishes for Menancia are a beautiful thing to behold, and one that you are more than capable of fulfilling. But, you know... it is something you are allowed, too.

[his lips press to the redhead's forehead again, and he exhales a hum.]

You're here now, and so your options are much broader, aren't they? It's your decision whether you want to return to the way things were, or enjoy the fruits of your own labour, regardless of whether or not you do decide to try to break the cycle of Rena's domination.

It is what I have now, but what will become of it when I eventually have to return home? I trust that my family will not be happy with my lack of ambition towards the sovereignty when the time comes to crown the victor. They had been supportive enough to allow me to pursue music as a hobby, but... This may be a toe out of line.

[he doesn't elaborate on what "this" means. perhaps it really does mean the coexistence between Dahnans and Renans, perhaps it may mean something more. maybe his and Zhongli's budding romance, or the fact that he's grown soft(er) in the face of all he's endured and witnessed. there's an anxiety there that he can feel the corruption latch onto, finally, after being pushed away for so long, and as much as he tries to brush it off, it sinks a metaphorical claw into it]

I don't want things to return to how they were. But upon my return to Lenegis... If I cannot reform our society... What am I to do?

[a hand moves to rest on Dohalim's chest, over his heart. It's difficult to know what to say, to decide what would help settle him better. Still he suspects even being able to voice these doubts will ultimately be for the better.]

You're thinking too far ahead, I think. One can never think up all the obstacles one might face in a life, and working yourself up over the possibilities of something will do you no good. If you look at what you've accomplished thus far, you may begin to see.

The future isn't written in stone, but your actions have garnered respect and appreciation. You're not alone in what you want or what you do, and even if it should all go so poorly... you're under no real obligation to stay there.

[Zhongli's eyes close then, just briefly.]

I understand your fears, but you needn't fear being alone as long as I am here. The rest, I will do my best to support you through.

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject