Chapter Text
While her brother chose a dorm room, because of his boyfriend, nineteen-year-old Lumine had chosen an apartment, not that far away from her own campus. Mainly because she could afford it due to her part time job and because she didn’t have a significant other for herself. This decision had surprised a lot of people who knew the Tigel twins, since for once in their life they had separated from one another.
It’s not like we’re attached to the hip. She had thought to herself. And though they chose different colleges and different places to live, the two constantly facetimed, texted, and met up with one another whenever they could.
For Lumine, moving into her new apartment had been the best decision in her life and that was for one reason and his name was Zhongli.
She had been introduced to the man when she had first moved in, the tall, long haired, brunette haired man had been heading out for work, in a suit and tie and it had taken Lumine’s breath away.
Naturally, she had tripped all over herself.
Like a big dingbat, as she liked to call herself, she had dropped her box of stuff onto the ground. It had been the most embarrassing moment in her life, especially in front someone who was so excruciating hot. But to her surprise, the man had stopped what he had been doing and bent to help. Which had just made her heart go wild and her head become even more frazzled.
That’s when she had found out Zhongli’s name, that the man was a well-off businessman, who worked in sales and that he was thirty-two years old. Did Lumine feel bad for lusting over an older man? Absolutely not. Besides, she was only looking.
There was no harm in looking.
Right?
For the several weeks that followed after their first meeting, the short haired girl would light up every time she caught a glimpse of Zhongli. Lumine would go out of her way to say ‘hello’ and ‘good morning’ and ‘good evening’, all while trying to play it cool, as if she didn’t just dive out her door, when she heard him heading out for work. And every time, Zhongli would smile, waving and returning said greeting. Once or twice their conversation would linger on the weather or if garbage day had changed in the complex, but other than that, their interactions were limited.
That was, until Lumine had come home one night after work, to find Zhongli outside in the hallway, leaning over the edge of the railing, staring out at the scenery of the city. They weren’t on the top floor, so the view wasn’t that grand, but it was pleasant none the less. In his hand, was a steaming cup, of what Lumine assumed was coffee, but when she got closer, she could smell the aroma of tea.
“Good evening, Zhongli-san.” Lumine felt refreshed. If she could see the man every time she got off of work, well, then that would be just swell. She was just relieved that her job, which was working as a receptionist for a small company in the city, didn’t have her wearing a uniform. So, she was dressed in her casual garb, which she hoped was enough to at least impress the man. Though considering Zhongli’s ‘casual’ wear always looked pristine and expensive, it was hard to think the brunette would be impressed.
“?” Zhongli had of course been lost in his own thoughts, but the second his name had been called, he had turned towards the voice. Lumine’s chest constricted, as he saw the brunette smile warmly at him, amber eyes darkened slightly by the light.
He could be a model. Lumine was sure she had thought that over a million times, but it was the truth (at least to her) and she couldn’t help being just a bit thirsty over the man. Every other guy on her campus was either taken, or complete douche nozzles. The last boyfriend she had had ended in complete failure, and so there she stood, nineteen and the most bases she had covered in the bedroom, was second.
She didn’t want to think to hard about it, for obvious reasons, but she was sure her own brother had gone way past third and yeah, she was envious. Ugh, I just made myself sad. It was probably because she was tired more then usual, but her mood had taken a nosedive, even with Zhongli standing right in front of her.
“Good evening, Lumine. How was work?”
“O, oh!” Lumine was taken aback by the question. The pair had never brought up work in any of their short conversations, so now she was fumbling over what to say. Gods, why am I like this! Just act cool. “It w, was decent. Slow night.”
“Would you care to join me?” Zhongli lifted up his teacup. “I am having chamomile tea, to help me sleep. I could make you a cup.”
“… Um, sure! Thank you!”
“It is no problem,” Zhongli stood straight. “, shall we meet back up out here, after you wash up and dress?”
“!” Lumine was on cloud nine. Was this a little date? No! This was just the man being nice to her! She wanted to cry, it made sense he was just being nice to her. He was after all thirteen years her senior and more then likely, had grown, rich women falling all over him. Ahhh, I am depressed! But despite wanting to lament over not being busty, rich, and successful, she just nodded. “Okay!” when he gave her another one of his smiles, letting her pass him up, before walking into his own apartment, did Lumine just forget all about her negative thoughts.
The moment she had closed her apartment door, did she do a little dance, twirling around, while stomping her feet up and down like a maniac. She squealed as quiet as she could, before rushing to her bedroom and wondering what would look nice, without appearing as if she weren’t thinking about a fancy dinner date or a night out on the town. You know, things couple did!
“It’s just tea.” She placed her hands on her hips, chiding herself. But this could lead to something more. The voice inside her head was coming at her hard. “… Yeah, like more tea…” Or you know…~! “Doubt.” Lumine huffed, pushing back that mischievous voice, as she quickly changed out of her clothes and into a simple pair of pjs. It was warm this time of year, so wearing checkered shorts, and a casual t-shirt, was appropriate.
This isn’t sexy. Rolling her eyes, she continued to ignore herself. If she went out in a see-through negligee, things would probably get awkward. She had to laugh now, just picturing that scenario. Putting on her slippers, she ducked back outside, happy to find that Zhongli had just stepped out of his own apartment, with two cups now.
“Here, let me help,” she quickly took a hold of her cup, so that Zhongli could close his door properly. “, woah, this smells amazing.”
Zhongli chuckled, as he walked back towards the railing, “Thank you. Chamomile tea is best when brewed for about five hours.”
“F, five hours?” Lumine gaped at the man, before staring down at the cup in her hands. Now she was just afraid to drink it at this point. Surely it would be a waste to drink something that was made for so long.
Zhongli gave another short and hearty laugh, after seeing her reaction, “Typically I let tea brew for seven, but I was feeling quite lackadaisical today. So, forgive my rushing.”
“…” Lumine’s jaw fell open at the man’s words. “Um… Seriously, its okay.” She had to giggle now, kind of in disbelief. To think he would consider himself lazy for not spending two extra hours on making tea, it was pretty funny.
This was the best ice breaker between the pair, as Lumine had grown far more relaxed. The pair stood side by side next to the railing now, conversing over this and that. Lumine talked about her brother, her job and her school life, all whilst Zhongli listened intently, never once showing disinterest. When it was his turn, Lumine did the same, just as invested on every word the man spoke.
And when their cups were finished and they soon found themselves now quiet and just enjoying each other’s company, was it time to say, ‘good night’.
“Good night, Zhongli-san.”
“Good night, Lumine.”
= + =
“Zhongli-san, good morning!”
“Zhongli-san!”
“Good morning, Zhongli-san!”
“Ah, hehe, is today trash day?”
“It’s so cold out, have a good day, Zhongli-san!”
Zhongli was sure that he was going crazy. For the past couple of weeks, all he could think about was the golden eyed girl that lived right next door from him. When he had first met her, he had been in a bit of rush and though he had helped her with her stuff, their introductions had been rushed. Not at all how he preferred to meet new people. But the more and more he saw of her, the more he had started to grow attached to the blonde-haired girl.
She was always smiling and peppy, it was refreshing to see, given he was constantly around individuals who were stressed and crunched for time. His office life was a mundane one, but it was lucrative, so that was the only reason he stayed.
Going to and from work, he was often met with Lumine Tigel, the girl who would always smile at him and wish him a good day or night. She didn’t realize it, but it was very often those small interactions, that brought him the most joy to his day. There was something in the way she smiled at him, how her eyes would glitter and light up. It just left him feeling… Complete.
When he had found out that she was thirteen years his junior, he had of course tried to force away thoughts of inviting her to dinner or asking her out, to get to know her more. Surely a girl like her would have someone her age already on her mind. Though he had seen no one come by that fit that description, it still would be impossible to have any sort of relationship. Though 32 wasn’t over the hill quite yet, it was still a huge gap.
But last night, had been something special for him. He had gotten to know her, and she was just as fascinating as he had predicted. Hearing her laugh and smile up close, while watching her lips blow upon the steam of her cup, had been an experience, one that he would cherish. But he had to control himself and keep their interactions to just being friends. This was the wise and responsible thing to do.
He was the mature one here after all, so he needed to act like it. Regardless of the fact that the only reason he had been out there drinking tea in the first place, was because he knew she’d be coming home at a later time and he had not only wanted to see her, but he was also worried.
It concerned him to know that she worked late shifts and though her job wasn’t that far away, about six blocks, she was still walking home alone in the dark.
Sighing, Zhongli leant back against his sofa, laptop in front of him. Today was Tuesday and on Tuesdays he worked late at the office. However tonight, he had decided to just remotely do his work from his computer, much to the chagrin of his boss. He didn’t know why, but it was as if things fell apart when he wasn’t in the building, as if he were some omnipotent God who everyone relied on.
He scoffed, “Ah yes,” he brought his hands to rub at his face, forcing down a yawn. “, me a God.” He couldn’t fall asleep, not just yet there was still about four more documents he had to look over and he didn’t want to have to do them tomorrow, on his day off. It was a little past midnight, and he was sure if he brewed another cup of coffee, he’d be good to go for at least two more hours.
He abhorred coffee, but desperate times.
Especially when he just wanted to be lazy the next day. Mayhap he could even see Lumine again before she headed to school if he got up early enough. Standing, whiling reaching for his mug on the coffee table, he started for his medium sized kitchenette. As he set down his mug on the counter, he went to turn on the coffee machine. The silence of the kitchen was soothing, save for the hum of the fridge and the now churning of the coffee machine, everything was relaxing. He liked it this way.
He was usually a man who liked his peace and quiet. Often, he was made fun of by his nieces and nephews who would call him ‘grandpa’ and ‘old man’ far too much. Sometimes he would even go to a museum by himself, to enjoy the sereness there and to also to pour himself into the history. He was quite a historian on anything to do with the ancient city of Liyue and though he hardly had anyone to talk to over the subject, he did still like to study up every now and again.
Turning towards the sink, he poured out what little lukewarm coffee was still left in the cup and quickly rinsed the inside. As he turned off the faucet, he froze, the quaint silence now being broken very faintly, by an echoing moan.
Frowning, Zhongli turned his head to view the wall. He was certain that it had come from Lumine’s side. It had been soft, but he had heard a moan. He waited, gripping the handle to his mug tightly.
“Mm!”
His eyes widened, almost dropping the cup in his hold. Yes, he had definitely heard Lumine. He quickly set down his cup. Was she hurt? No, that had not been the sound of someone in pain, he surmised. He soon found himself stepping closer to the wall. The sounds she was making grew louder and it was painfully obvious what Lumine Tigel was doing on the other side of the wall. Zhongli cursed, realizing that her bedroom had to be on the other side, given the floor plan.
“Ahh, mm!”
He was certain that no other individual was in her apartment, he had bidden her good night and she had been alone. So, her throes of pleasures she was now succumbing to were being brought upon by herself.
Lumine was masturbating.
Like a scoundrel, he placed himself closer to the wall, his cheek now pressed against the cool surface, as he heard her even more clearly. The walls weren’t exactly paper thin, but they were also not thick enough to cover loud conversations and or music. Luckily, Lumine was an extremely quiet neighbor. Until now… Though… This wasn’t bad.
“…” Zhongli felt awful for having no self-control when it came to this situation. There he was, practically pressed flat against the wall, hearing Lumine pleasure herself. She was crying out softly, he could even hear the sticky, wet noises that accompanied her moans. It was an indication that she had her back pressed up against her wall, just beyond where he stood.
“Nnnngh, ha!” he could tell she was slowing down her pace, before speeding back up, teasing herself.
Was she using her fingers? How many was she using? Was she using a toy? What kind of toy? Was she naked? Half-naked? Shirt ridden up, or off? Was she wearing those cute shorts from the other night? Were they around her ankles, or perhaps over one ankle? Was she wearing her panties, having her hand go under the fabric, or was she completely nude, legs spread open, showing all of herself? Was she massaging her breasts? Were they bouncing as she rode her fingers, or the toy? These questions and many more rolled around in Zhongli’s head, as he felt his dick begin to harden, pressing against the zipper of his pants.
“…” he felt like a complete asshole, as he brought his hand to rub at his crotch. He should have just walked away before finding out too much. He should have just left, respecting her privacy, especially in such an intimate moment, but no, he didn’t do that. Instead, he found himself beginning to breathe a bit more harshly, as he heard her mewls begin to pick up, the creaking of her bed, as he assumed, she had changed positions. What position was she in? How did she like to touch herself; how did she like to be taken? Who was she imagining while getting herself off with such vigor?
His hand eventually found its way inside of his pants, after he undid the button and he gripped his penis, fingers coming around to stroke his hardened length, as he gritted his teeth, to keep his grunts down. He let his pace be set in time with the wet, gushy noises he could hear Lumine making, as her pacing became much faster, her sighs and heady mewls becoming more intense and he could sense she was now biting her lip, to keep from screaming out to loudly. His own pace became just as rushed and frantic, and he let his thumb rub endlessly against the tip of his penis, swirling is precum around, before going back to stroking himself from top to bottom.
Lu-Lumine! He was close, Gods, he was a pervert, but he was close to coming. He pressed his forehead against the surface of the barrier that separated them, imagining that he was inside of her room, pounding into her from whatever position she liked. The back, the front, the side, it didn’t matter.
It wouldn’t be just one time; he would make certain of it. She wouldn’t have to hold her voice back, he would enjoy hearing all of her loud sounds in the throes of their lovemaking. He would like to do both… Lovemaking and fucking. There was a difference. Yes, he was imaging all of that, all of that and so much more.
“Zhongli!”
His release gushed against his hand and a little bit upon the wall, as his eyes had widened to the size of saucers. He hadn’t imagined that just now. He was certain that Lumine had cried out his name in the precipice of her orgasm. She had; he was sure of it.
She was thinking of me…
He stood there now, trying to control his breathing, as he listened to her own pants, as he was sure she was just laying herself out, spent after such a deed. He imagined her, hugging her pillow. Was she smiling? What he would give to see her face…
She had been thinking of me. While…
He moved away from the wall, ashamed of the mess he had made and of his own actions. Clicking his tongue in annoyance, he went to the sink and washed his hands, before sticking his dick back into his pants. Grabbing a washcloth, he began to wipe down his wall. He could Lumine get up from her bed, more then likely going to wash herself up. If he were in there, he would do that for her. Or they could just leave it till the morning. He would like to snuggle and cuddle afterwards, whilst peppering her face with kisses, as he held her.
Zhongli smiled to himself, imagining such a scenario. The morning after perhaps they could go once more, if she wasn’t too sore and then he would make breakfast, of if she wanted to cook, then she could make breakfast. Then, mayhap they could go another round right after. He didn’t look it on the outside, but Zhongli was a man who quite liked sexual things.
“…” She said my name. Now that he knew that bit of information, what would he do with it? As he took a step back from the wall, he turned away from the barrier, running a hand through his hair in frustration. His eyes moved around his apartment, in an attempt to gather his wicked thoughts.
Just what do I do…?
= TBC =