Chapter 10: Nightmares Lose Their Hold On Me
**(Week Later, Sunday-October 10th; Midnight)**
Lumine shot out of bed, panting, covered in sweat, eyes wide with panic…then she shivered and hugged herself, letting out a shuddering breath. She should have expected this to happen, she really should've. With her memories returned, she had to have known that she was going to start having nightmares. She hadn't slept well for the past few days…Zhongli offered her to sleep with him in his room but she refused, thinking things were moving too fast. Zhongli understood and said she could always seek him out if she needed it.
Lumine didn't want to, she wanted to be strong…but she knew she'd be getting close to her breaking point.
Sighing, Lumine got out of bed, there was no way she was going back to bed as wound up as she was. Slipping on a robe over her nightgown, she left her room and headed to Zhongli's, however she noticed he wasn't in his bedroom. 'Where is he?' Lumine thought to herself, before she decided to head downstairs. It was possible he was out on a contract job, he had been trying to locate Dottore after all with Alhaitham's help but Alhaitham had lost sight of Dottore.
Never a good sign as far as Lumine remembered but not much could be done in that regard.
As she got to the bottom of the stairs, she noticed there was a faint light coming from the living room and she tilted her head. 'I think I found Zhongli.' Lumine thought, quietly making her way to the living room and, indeed, Zhongli was there, looking over some notes considering the papers on the table. He must've been unable to fall asleep as well. He was sitting on the couch that had its back to the entrance, which would allow her a chance to startle him.
Did she want to startle him?
…No, not tonight…
"Zhongli?" Lumine said softly, yet he still seemed to jolt before turning his head to look over the couch. "Lumine, are you alright?" Zhongli asked, not having expected her to be awake as he stood, making his way to her quickly. "I just couldn't sleep. You?" Lumine asked as he neared her, kissing her softly on the lips. "Looking over some files Alhaitham had given me during his visit." Zhongli explained and Lumine looked at the table, before tilting her head at him. "You need sleep." The blonde stated firmly, yet Zhongli merely gave a reassuring smile.
"I'll be fine, starlight." He responded softly, the back of his right hand brushing gently over her cheek, making her hum softly. "I'm almost done with the next section." Zhongli said, before kissing her once more. Lumine groaned into the kiss, before she gripped the vest he was wearing. "Want company?" She asked softly and Zhongli raised a brow, before his brows pinched. What had her startled? Lumine had small tells when something was wrong or bothering her. She would be a little needy, more clingy, want physical contact but avoid eye contact. Her hips would shift ever-so-slightly or her feet would be moving, as if she was wanting to run. There'd be a quiver with her eyebrows, her jaw would tense and she'd try to be as close as possible without overstepping any lines made.
Zhongli was seeing some of them, the want of physical contact but not looking him in the eye, her feet were shifting and her brow was pinched. He also noticed her jaw was tense. Internally sighing, Zhongli's right hand turned so he could cup her cheek, his free hand wrapping around her back to pull her closer. "Lumine, if you need something, you only need to ask." Zhongli said softly and she sighed, finally making eye contact and he noticed her golden eyes had dimmed. "Just a nightmare…about the facility…" She mumbled and he hummed, kissing her forehead. "Let me clean the papers up and I'll make some tea." Lumine nodded, waiting for him to clean up his papers.
Zhongli put them in his office and locked it, before motioning Lumine to follow him into the kitchen where he began to prepare some tea. He wouldn't wait the usual several hours for it to be best, just something quick and simple since Lumine needed it quickly. In fact, she was still holding onto his vest. "Was it about Dottore?" Zhongli asked gently in concern, seeing the trembles start. The blonde nodded. "The time before I broke…when he first had his way with me…" Lumine mumbled and Zhongli's brow pinched. How he wished he could have prevented everything that happened. He wanted to erase the scars of her past, he wanted to make it to where she could forget about the nightmares but that was impossible. He would only ever be able to provide a temporary distraction. He so desperately wanted to erase the touch of hands on her, replace them…but he couldn't…
Could he…?
Zhongli turned gently, letting the teapot heat up, before running his hands up and down her arms, kissing her forehead again. "I wish I could remove their touch from you." He mumbled, cor lapis eyes nearly glowing as he wished to take her pain away. "Scars take time to heal, you've already healed so much." Lumine mumbled, hugging Zhongli and he hummed, wrapping his arms around her in turn, dropping a kiss onto her pulse. Lumine jolted, flushing a little at the sudden kiss…even after all this time and the scars that had damaged her neck, she was still sensitive there.
Zhongli sensed the jolt and he narrowed his eyes, he couldn't tell if that was from disgust, surprise…or even pleasure. He was curious, he had to test this. Zhongli trailed his nose from her shoulder up to behind her ear, delighted in the gasp that left her as he brushed over a sensitive spot. It might be pushing it…but Zhongli pressed a little further, dropping a kiss to the spot right behind her ear- "Zhongli…" Her moan was breathless, pressing closer to him and he felt something in him snap.
That moan was the cataclysm.
The tea pot turned off, Zhongli moved fast, her back against a wall in the kitchen as Zhongli attacked her neck, leaving bruises as he sucked at her neck, soothing each bruise with a kiss. Lumine moaned once more, her arms around his neck as she kept him close, fisting his clothes to stay anchored to his neck. Zhongli didn't seem to mind at all, nipping the skin along her neck, the darkened, rough, scarred skin not bothering him whatsoever. It was a reminder that she lived, that she was a fighter and Zhongli accepted the fact she would have scars, everyone did rather they be physical or not.
He pressed closer to her, one hand hooking behind her knee to wrap her legs around his waist while the other cradled the back of her head, allowing Zhongli to tilt her head to give him more access to her neck. He moved his left leg, using that to leverage Lumine just right to keep her legs around his waist so he could press against her. Zhongli had been holding himself back, ever since she had been in his employ, he had tried to do his best to keep things professional.
Zhongli had been fooling himself.
Since the moment he hired Lumine and took her in, he had slowly been falling in love with his silent but beautiful maid. Despite the life she had lived, the torture she had gone through, the conditioning that was forced upon her, he still loved her. Lumine was still so, so beautiful and his co-workers had questioned him on why he never made a move. Zhongli was done holding back, he may not be able to take away the pain entirely but he would at least replace their hands with his own, he would do his best to remove the nightmares.
Lumine gasped louder as he pressed closer to her, flushing as she felt something press against her. Her hands tightened. "Zhongli…" She moaned once more, groaning when he nipped her neck. She was feeling herself get hotter, despite her nightmares and scars, Zhongli didn't seem put off by them and that pleased her. His arousal pressing against her thigh was enough proof that he wanted her…and Lumine was done trying to take things slow.
Maybe Zhongli could stop the nightmares and give her dreams of pleasure instead?
"Ah~!" Lumine gave a pleasured yelp as Zhongli gave her a slow, long grind against her core and she dropped her head to his shoulder, moaning into his neck. "Please…don't tease…" She pleaded and she felt his arms tighten where they were. "Your first time will not be against a wall." Zhongli groaned out, repositioning his arms so they were wrapped around her. The blonde was confused. 'First time? …But…' Lumine yelped as she felt herself moved away from the wall, before Zhongli left the kitchen with her.
Moments later, Lumine felt herself lowered onto the bed in Zhongli's room, the plush and silken sheets a comfort and familiarity to her, before Zhongli was kissing her once more. Lumine moved her arms, kissing back hungrily as she fisted his hair, her legs wrapping around his waist once more. Zhongli's hands moved to her hips, keeping her still as he gave her another sensual grind against her slowly dampening core, making her moan against his lips.
Zhongli moved to mark her neck again, even as one of his hands trailed up her side, fingertips dancing around her breast. "I will not rush this…" Zhongli moaned against her neck, his voice taking a husky, deeper tone that had her clenching. "But I want you." He muttered, grinding against her once more and Lumine gasped. "Then take me." Lumine stated, tilting her head to give him more access. Zhongli groaned at her statement, hands moving to remove her clothes. "I'll be gentle." He stated softly, kissing her once more. He would not hurt her.
**(Next Day, Monday-October 11th; Morning)**
A groan left the blonde woman as she opened her eyes, looking around before she realized she was in Zhongli's room. 'Right…last night…' Explains why her pelvic area was sore…but unlike her past, this didn't make her feel disgusted. If anything, she felt like her decision last night was the right one. Zhongli's touch had replaced the touch of countless men and women who used her, abused her, beat her, everything. He was gentle, made sure she was comfortable and that she actually felt pleasure rather than just chasing his own.
Lumine's cries, plea's and moans had brought Zhongli over the edge himself.
Lumine moved a little, lifting her upper body by her arms before she looked over her shoulder. Zhongli was still asleep, facing her and she then noticed his arm was over her waist. Lumine smiled softly, laying back down before turning to him and studying his expression. She's never really seen him sleep. The times she's slept in the same room as his, for comfort, he woke before her or if she did awaken before him, she'd leave, get dressed and make breakfast.
She never actually studied him while he slept
Zhongli looked younger, more peaceful, just overall more at ease and it made Lumine happy to see him like that. Lumine slowly lifted a hand, tracing the red marks around his eyes…when a hand grabbed her wrist and she jolted. "Enjoying yourself?" The sleepy, deep, husky voice of Zhongli asked and that's when Lumine noticed his eyes were open to slits so he could see her expression. "If you wanted to wake me, there were other ways, starlight." Zhongli muttered as he pulled her closer, teasing her collarbone.
"B-behave!" Lumine chastised softly, smacking his shoulder playfully and he chuckled, pulling back to simply smile at her. Lumine's neck, shoulders and collarbone were covered in hickeys and bite marks, all light as Zhongli didn't look to cause her pain. …Though there was a particular dark bite mark at the junction of her neck. The dark scarring around her neck hid a portion of it but her neck would heal in time from what doctors said. Below the covers that covered the rest of her bare body, there were most likely other marks as well.
Zhongli could still feel the scratches she left on his back in fact she left a few over her own marks across his equally bare body. Neither had been complaining last night, it was a beautiful experience for the both of them and Zhongli had made sure it was one she would remember. "I apologize if I was too rough." Zhongli apologized softly as he kissed her. Lumine shook her head as Zhongli pulled back, a loving smile on her face. "It was perfect Zhongli, the way I wish my first time really had been." Lumine said softly, kissing his chin.
"It was your first time, Lumine." Lumine frowned, opening her mouth to protest as her eyes darkened, yet Zhongli shook his head. "This is your first time. All those other times, they were not willing, were they?" He asked and she frowned, confused. "They weren't, you know that." She wanted to be offended, but Lumine was curious as to where Zhongli was taking this conversation. "Those times where you were forced do not count. It wasn't a willing act. Between us, it was willingly, that is what truly counts as your first time." The consultant stated softly, cor lapis eyes shining brightly.
Lumine was surprised, before she smiled, feeling much better as her gold eyes brightened once more and she nodded. "Thank you, Zhongli." The man smiled in return, kissing her once more, before rolling over her and she squeaked in alarm. "I think we have a little bit of time before you have any duties, correct?" He asked and she looked at the time, it only showed it was 6:30AM so she hummed…she had some time. "I think so." She teased back, touching his lips.
Zhongli smirked, leaning down to kiss her…when there was banging on his door.
"Zhongli! My sister's not in her room or anywhere else!" That was Aether…oh Archon no. The door opened. "You gotta he-urk?!" Aether choked off his words, seeing Lumine was, in fact, with Zhongli. On his bed…and underneath the older man. All three flushed, frozen and silent, before Aether slammed the door shut. "NEVERMIND!" He shouted and Lumine groaned as Zhongli sighed. The mood had, effectively, been ruined. "WAIT A SECOND!" Oh shit! Aether slammed the door back open, glaring at Zhongli.
"You have three seconds to get off her before I throw you off."
Hours later, in the living room, everyone was gathered around. One was annoyed, some confused, some a little flustered, some far too amused and two specific people flushed and avoiding eye contact with anyone.
Aether was the annoyed person, glaring at Zhongli, specifically as he kept his arms around his sister protectively.
Tartaglia, Moon Carver and Cloud Retainer were far too amused. The ginger was sitting by Zhongli trying to control his laughter and by the poor snickers at the other end, Moon Carver and Cloud Retainer weren't doing a better job.
Xiao and Ganyu were a little flushed, having heard most of the commotion and knowing Aether, apparently, walked in on their father and their maid (secretly hoping soon-to-be-mother) in a very compromising situation.
Ayato, Sara, Jean, Gorou, Kokomi and Diluc were all just very confused…with some slight amusement themselves over how flustered Morax, aka Zhongli, was about the situation. The man was feared in some circles, why was he so flustered?
The two very flustered, and avoiding eye contact, people…were Zhongli and Lumine.
"...If it wasn't for the fact that you saved my sister, I'd have gutted you by now." Aether hissed out, keeping his arms around Lumine protectively and the woman flushed. "Aether!" Lumine chastised as Zhongli coughed and Aether looked at his sister in surprise. "Oi! I'm allowed to be protective." Lumie frowned, giving Aether and very unimpressed look. "Ae, I can look after myself and Zhongli would NEVER hurt me." Lumine stated firmly and the golden haired boy frowned, before groaning, dropping his head onto her shoulder. "Let me be protective…" He grumbled.
Tartaglia couldn't hold it in any longer and burst into laughter, trying to hide his laughs behind a hand and Zhongli groaned. "You are not helping this situation, Tartaglia." Zhongli stated, yet the ginger ignored him, continuing to laugh and Zhongli sighed heavily. "How did you and I become friends?" Zhongli asked with a heavy sigh, rubbing his temples and Tartaglia let off a few final snickers. "Our parents." The ginger teased and Zhongli groaned.
True, Zhongli's parents and Tartaglia's parents were friends, it's how Tartaglia and Zhongli grew up as childhood friends. When Tartaglia left to study abroad and become a Fatui, he asked to be stationed in Liyue since that was where Zhongli lived and Tartaglia wanted to stay close to his friend. At the very least, Tartaglia knew his parents and siblings were in good hands back in Snezhnaya. "I sometimes regret our partnership." Tartaglia grinned at Zhongli, blue eyes gaining a purple tint. "Oh come on, don't be so coy." Zhongli frowned. "I am NOT being coy." Zhongli hissed, ignoring the snickers from Ayato at that. Xiao groaned, rubbing a hand down his face as Ganyu coughed a little to try and compose herself. "Shouldn't we change the topic?" Ganyu asked, making Jean turn toward her. "I don't think we can." Jean said softly, unsure of what to say about this.
It was a new voice speaking that got everyone back on track. "We have a lead." Everyone looked over, seeing Yelan walking into the room with Ningguang. "What did you find?" Zhongli asked as Yelan handed the file to him. "Dottore and Scaramouche have both gone MIA from the Fatui league and Harbingers. Dottore and Scaramouche were both last spotted at Golden House Research Center." Yelan explained, sitting down in a chair that Moon Carver provided for her and Ningguang. "Why were they there?" Tartaglia asked, tilting his head a bit. That didn't sound like them. "They stole a number of medical equipment, drugs and poisons." Ningguang stated, laying down a folder on the table. "The guards were knocked unconscious but we found one dead Fatui assassin."
Tartaglia frowned at that, they were getting desperate if they broke into a research facility with Fatui Assassins. "They seemed to have focused on proto-type paralyzing agents and drugs that render someone unconscious." Yelan continued to explain, crossing her legs. "Meaning…" Lumine began, feeling her heart beating faster. "They are planning something big." Yelan stated and Lumine tensed, leaning into Aether who snarled, keeping his arms around her protectively. "I have the feeling it's us they are after." Aether muttered, frowning at the files. Yelan sighed, her blue-green eyes showing her concern. "I hate to say it…but most likely." The dark blue haired woman responded, rubbing her neck. "We are still trying to track them down. They were sloppy with the break-in, which is how we got their prints and spotted them…but we lost track as to where they went." The woman finished explaining, crossing her arms as well.
"Dottore has a bunch of people working for him too." Tartaglia countered, knowing he had to warn them. "He's smart as well, there's a reason he's considered a genius and with Scaramouche almost as smart as him, it's no wonder Dottore took Scaramouche under his wing. Dottore will have body-doubles of him everywhere, he knows people won't think twice if they see him, the body-doubles give him time to work out his real plan." The ginger explained, crossing his legs as he leaned back further into the plush couch. "How well do you know them?" Yelan asked, curiously, not in an accusing tone though, even as Ningguang hummed, thinking a little. "I don't know them that well but I've heard the stories. Dottore was the one I was told to avoid the most by Number Seven, they said he's been known to do inhumane experiments on people but we never had proof until recently." Tartaglia explained, resting his head on his hand.
"Well…they're not wrong about his inhumane experiments." Lumine muttered, looking put off and Aether sighed, rubbing her shoulders. "We'll find him sis, don't worry." Aether said soothingly, making Lumine nod as she looked at him. "I know Ae, I know." She responded, making the golden haired boy smile at her reassuringly. "We'll set up tighter security if he's starting to get desperate." Zhongli said as he snapped his fingers. "Xiao, I want you, MC, CR and MS to get in contact with Ping and have the Adeptus increase their patrol of the estate and our establishments." Xiao nodded and looked at the three mentioned, before they headed out.
"Ganyu," Zhongli's daughter looked at her father expectantly, "get in touch with our contacts. Tell them to be on the lookout, relay information to them about precautions and send the pictures to them." Ganyu nodded as she left the room quickly, before Zhongli looked at his guests. "If there is anyone you know within the city, I suggest getting in contact with them and getting the info sent to them as well. Contacting your leaders is also wise." Ayato, Jean and the others nodded, leaving the living room to contact their allies, as well as contacting their leaders to let them know what was going on as well.
"The Tsarista and the other members of the Fatui that are still loyal are already on the lookout. Orders are to kill on sight." Tartaglia said before Zhongli said anything to him, making the dark haired male sigh, before looking at Yelan and Ningguang. "How has Yanfei been with all the legal actions?" He asked the two, making Yelan giggle. "She's been pulling all-nighters organizing all the information your contact has been giving you, to give to us." Yelan explained, resting her head on a fist. "She doesn't want this man getting away, nor his subordinates."
Zhongli nodded, pleased, before standing. "I suggest we all prepare for the upcoming days, we have a lot of work ahead of us and we need to make precautions as well for when we go out for our normal errands." Zhongli explained, when Lumine stood and hugged him, making him wrap his arms around her. "It'd be better if we never have to leave the estate." Zhongli chuckled, shaking his head. "I still have my duties as a consultant to deal with. Hu Tao won't let me take any more days off." Plus, he's pretty sure the parlor was under watch.
Lumine grumbled, pouting up at him and he tilted his head to the side. "I go back to work tomorrow, I won't be there long." He said softly and Lumine huffed, keeping her arms around him in a hug, making the older male shake his head amused. He didn't like it anymore than Lumine…but he'd rather deal with Hu Tao at the parlor rather than her barging into the estate to have a go at him. Aether frowned from where he was, not really liking the fact that his sister was hugging a guy but let it go with a sigh.
At least it was Zhongli, he could deal with that…his overprotective instincts yelled at him though because it was a guy around his sister. Yelan and Ningguang left shortly afterwards, saying they'd let those of their inner circles know, before Lumine said she'd get started on lunch, Aether kind of following his sister to help her, even as Ganyu hurried to help them as well. Zhongli pulled out his phone, calling Hu Tao who was a little peeved he had taken so many days off work, before she asked how Lumine was doing.
It was as dinner was announced that Zhongli sincerely hoped that Lumine and Aether would stay safe.
XXX
"A-ah!" Lumine collapsed on her arms, moaning a little as aftershocks of pleasure ran through her, even as Zhongli kissed more marks into her skin. "S-so s-s-sensitive…" Lumine slurred out, eyes hazy with pleasure, even as Zhongli chuckled, rubbing her hips soothingly. "Apologies, starlight." Zhongli husked into her ear, wrapping his arms around her waist and falling to his side, making Lumine whimper as his girth twitched within her. "Why do you have so much stamina?" Lumine grumbled, grabbing his wrists when he gave a slow roll of his hips into her. "You make me ravenous." Zhongli muttered, kissing her neck once more as he continued his slow, sensual rolls, slowly stroking the burning heat within Lumine once more. Lumine gasped as his hands came forth to cup her breasts, gently fondling and massaging them as he began to work her over once more.
It was late, closing in on two in the morning when Zhongli was officially satiated, sleeping with his head resting on Lumine's chest, his arms around her back as he slept. Lumine smiled gently, her fingers gently brushing his fringe so she could see his sleeping face. This was what she needed, peace and love, not the dark scars and haunted nights that her past once held. Each night with Zhongli, ever since she came into his care, had been filled with light and love, even with his job as a contact and the dark paths he sometimes walks down.
Xiao and Ganyu, his adopted kids, had welcomed her willingly into their life as if she had always belonged. Cloud Retainer, Moon Carver and Mountain Shaper, they too have always been kind to her and saw her as one of them. Ningguang, Hu Tao and, even Tartaglia, had this protective air about them as though to always keep her safe. It filled Lumine with the light she once lost and that she now grasped with both hands. Even her friend, Alhaitham, who meet with Zhongli had been a spark of light when she was at the facility.
Lumine closed her eyes, attempting to get some sleep as well.
In the room further down the hall, Aether was looking out the window, wondering how safe they would be. It had been years since he had been in the facility and while most scars healed and faded, his worst ones always brought back memories. "Aether, you need to sleep." Tartaglia said softly, walking toward the golden haired boy and wrapping his arms around the shorter male's waist. "Sorry Tartaglia, I can't." Aether mumbled, sighing in content when Tartaglia dropped a kiss on his neck. The ginger had always kept him safe ever since their friendship-to-lovers relationship began.
**Flashback**
Aether sighed, rubbing the area between his eyes, dark, emotionless gold eyes glancing at a picture frame of him and his sister with Ms. Li'Quing. He grumbled, annoyed before scoffing as he stood up and left the office, hoping to get his mind off all the hopeless leads he was getting. Nothing was leading him back to his sister. As Aether left, he pulled the hoodie up and kept his hair hidden within the confines of the outfit, as well as putting blue contacts in. He couldn't be spotted by those people, he'd be dragged back and that was the last thing he wanted.
Looking at his phone, he wondered if he should call Barbatos to start getting him in contact with some of those within Liyue's borders. He didn't know anyone here and he didn't want to make mistakes and reveal himself. "Ah, so Ningguang hasn't gotten any leads either has she?" Ningguang? Wasn't that the leader of the Qixing of Liyue? Aether saw a ginger haired male and a purple haired woman outside what he believed was the Ministry of Civil Affairs. A picture was in the ginger's hand and he saw a flash of gold.Hope bubbled up in Aether but he couldn't be hasty, he had to get confirmation. At least it was Keqing the ginger was speaking too, Aether knew her. Getting closer, Aether looked out from behind a pillar, it was dark so no one would really spot him. "No, sorry. I'll keep in contact with her and let you know if she gets any though." Keqing stated, making the ginger look at the picture again. Aether got a good view from where he was and his eyes widened when he saw that it was indeed his sister. 'Lumine…' He felt a pang of loneliness hit his heart.At least the ginger knew something about her then.It was two days later that Aether finally got the ginger alone. "How do you know her?" Aether hissed, his knife against the ginger's neck, even as the ginger smirked at him. "Why do you want to know?" He tested and Aether snarled. "Don't fuck with me. How do you know her?" Aether snapped, yet the ginger frowned, he was seriously going to attempt to kill him, wasn't he? "An associate of mine knows of her, that's all I can say." Aether narrowed his eyes.That sounded suspicious…far too suspicious. Did he work for the underground? Did Lumine escape and this ginger was looking for her? Seeing the possibility of murder entering the shorter male's eyes, the ginger held up his hands in surrender. "May I ask how you know her?" By the way this golden haired male was acting, he obviously knew Lumine. "If I tell you, I'd have to kill you." Aether threatened and the ginger's dark blue eyes glinted in challenge. "Try me."
**Flashback End**
Needless to say, Aether was able to pin Tartaglia but the ginger had easily flipped the tables by then pinning the younger male. However, they came to a compromise and that's when Tartgalia saw the picture Aether carried in his wallet. It was a picture of him and Lumine standing in front of the Liyue Opera house when Ms. Li'Quing took them to see a play. Finding out that Lumine was actually Aether's twin sister, that's when Tartaglia told Aether about how she was in Zhongli's employ, so Aether started working on setting up a meeting before merely giving the letter to Tartaglia.
Tartgalia did tease him mercilessly about him being shy.
"I know you're worried Aether," Tartaglia said softly with a sigh, kissing the young man's temple, "but you need to rest. Please." Aether conceded at the pleading tone in his lover's voice. Tartaglia never said please, for anything, to hear him say it meant he truly believed he needed the rest. To be honest, Aether knew he probably did too. He had been unable to sleep well, even with his sister back. Most nights he stayed awake late and woke up early out of concern for her. Heck, when he awoke yesterday morning the first thing he did was check his sister's room only to eventually find her with Zhongli.
"As you wish." Aether sighed out softly, turning his head and catching Tartgalia's lips in a kiss, making the ginger groan in pleasure. It quickly turned into a heated kiss as Aether turned toward his lover fully, allowing Tartaglia to get his arms around the young male and lifting him into his arms. Aether moaned wantonly as Tartaglia placed Aether on the bed, grabbing a handful of his hair and tilting the golden haired boys' head back, giving him access to suck marks into Aether's neck. Aether gasped, pressing closer to Tartaglia and gripping the ginger's shoulders tightly as pleasure slowly stirred below.
Tartaglia was the only one able to chase the night time horrors away from his mind.
So this chapter was one that took a bit, especially because I wasn't sure how t do the smut but after all the shit Lumine had been put through? She deserved something nice. And yes, like I said before in earlier chapter, i ship Tartaglia x Aether so they are together and they are intimate in this story. Also, like I said before, I headcanon Aether as the overprotective sibling between the two. Also, I figured it was about time to give a bit of backstory on Aether, not a lot but enough to know how he and Tartaglia had meet and Aether isn't to be trifled with. While looking for his sister, he was able to take down anyone. Now that he's taking a step back for his own safety, a few things are catching up to him.
And yes, I realize I did the cliche of Zhongli and Lumine being walked in on but I mean COME ON! XD It was funny and it cuts some of the tension in the story.
Well, as usual I hope you all enjoyed this steamy chapter. i would say smut but...it wasn't very descriptive. Anyways, stay tuned~!