Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Mondstadt's infamous librarian thanked the young man that had led her to the examination room. The polite exchange she felt added to the overly professional yet personal atmosphere she was picking up from the establishment.

The idea that she had accepted a request of the head alchemist to stumble upon the find of the century was intriguing. She knew it was extremely uncharacteristic of her to go out of her way like this without personal gain, and this she felt hit the bar perfectly.

As she examined her nails she decided if it panned out to her liking it was payment enough.Timaeus and his young love had seemed interesting enough at the beginning, but the later, the unknown that would enter the room, she chose as the tribute she wanted.

Lisa's heart skipped multiple beats as the door opened. The green haired man that entered she counted as just as exotic as the last time she had seen him, but light-years away from the young cute flame she once had at the Akademiya.

The look of concern he gave the clipboard he never looked up from had her smiling proudly. The conditions she had wrote down she desperately hoped he'd assist her with.

Her hand lifted to rest over her heart as he flipped through the papers again. Her breath hastily caught in her throat as her lips parted automatically when the doctor finally met her gaze.

"Do you think you could help me," She asked coyly as she took her time to look down to where her hand had a suggestive placement on her breast before going in with the kill on his title and meeting his eye."Doctor?"

Her name was spoken as a breathless chant. The clipboard, she saw fall to arms length just before she caught his golden eyes move over her.

"Don't tell me our time apart has made you shy," Lisa toyed as she fought the idea that she'd be doing all the work."I didn't lie when I filled out the paperwork, either. I have needs and if I'm correct you're the only one who can cure me from that which ails me."

"Let me help you," She said thoughtfully as she took the steps needed for the most impact as she moved to stand. Her target, she found willing to obey, meeting her fingertips with its pale face. "Come here, baby."

"Daddy needs to work." She explained to the snake that moved to her possession, wrapping about her forearm as she brought it in close to her frame."That's my girl."

"I'm glad to see you haven't changed." Lisa offered the physician with one shoulder lifted for emphasis as she moved to set the reptile down onto the body of her hat she had set aside."Or is it that it is old habits die hard?"

"Needless to say," Lisa cooed as she turned to eye her prey, "she isn't invited to this reunion, though she is permitted to watch for old times sake."

"I figured you would have forgotten about me by now," Baizhu claimed with eyes watching her over the thin frames perched atop the bridge of his nose,"or rather you should have by now."

"It's true that dicks come," Lisa suggested with a wink as she moved to grasp the clipboard, "and go."

"But none of their owners have left a lasting impression like you have." She added with pride and busied herself with going over her notes aimlessly. "Do you remember the time we were nearly caught in the library?"

"Changsheng took the blame for your outburst." His words she worried were moving from the subject she needed him to stay on. "Though I still, to this day, cannot fathom how they believed it to be you crying out in fear."

"What about the time before class?" Lisa offered, full and aware she ignored him as she set the clipboard down,"I still can't believe we weren't caught."

"Though you," she added as she tucked loose curls behind her ear as she inched closer, "got an earful for taking the professor's seat."

"If you're afraid to touch me after all this time," she relared while batting her eyelashes slowly, "I'd gladly sit on your lap again, but I refuse to do all the work."

"It wasn't even that good honestly," the doctor claimed lifting a brow as she mentally urged him to make the first move. "If I remember correctly."

"I prefer it when you face me." He claimed leaving her eyes for long enough to check the cleavage she had prepared just before he had entered."I have always liked to see the effect I have on you."

"I'm fearful that my condition is worsening," she claimed as she put a hand to her forehead and looked off for effect ,"and I may not last long if I don't get the attention I need."

"Really?" He asked, finally lifting his forearms with his elbows bent, framing her, but not yet had he touched her. "Tell me which of your symptoms is the worst and we can go from there."

"No matter what I say," Lisa warned with a wink, "I need an injection that only you can administer."

"I believe I'm the one prescribing things here, miss." He corrected and gestured for her to turn to glance back at the examination table."now, if you would, take a seat so I can properly give you a once over."

After complying her nerves took over for her when his hand alighted just above her knee to ease her legs open enough to allow him to stand between them.

"I hope you don't mind this." He spoke softly and moved his hand to rest over hers on the tabletop,"I'm not normally so forward, but you're a special case, and you need extra care with what's been troubling you."

"Did you need me to strip?" Lisa asked hopefully, thinking of the type of inspection she wanted. "I can."

"This is fine. " He claimed with a sweet smile. "You'll see."

Lisa found Baizhu's meticulous ways driving her to the brink multiple times with what seemed to be little effort on his part.

Of course she knew full and well how a check up should go and having intimate knowledge of the one going through those motions made it that much difficult to hold herself back.

He wasn't a new dick to train. He was a master at the art and the time and space between them had added a layer that left her blushing and out of breath as he took her pulse.

She couldn't fathom how he could hold his decorum. She could see the physical effect she had on him and knowing it was so close but denied to her left her on the edge of insanity.

"I think I know what your problem may be." He spoke as she tried to mentally urge him him closer despite the half a step back he performed."You're drastically low on an important and hard to obtain vitamin."

"A vitamin?" She reiterated with thoughts on how he seemed to be veering off the path she laid before them."Tell me more, Doctor. You have my curiosity peaked."

"Many can go their entire lives without it and they're fine," he claimed as he came to rest between her knees once more. His hands, he placed opposite of them on the edge of the table."But you're a special case."

"You've been exposed to it," he spoke as she stared into the depths of the eyes that met hers. "And since it's become integrated into your system it seems you may not be able to survive without it."

"And this vitamin?" She asked feeling it increasingly more difficult to keep her hands to herself."it's essential for me now? How is it administered?"

"I'll take care of all of that for you. I promise, but before then..."he explained as she tried to puzzle out what his first move would be."we have to go through the legal jargon and the liabilities."

"I see." Lisa announced and took the initiative to place a finger gently over his lips. "Well I can assure you that I can handle any jargon these produce."

"And you'll find," she continued and let her hand drop to touch gently against the next subject in question."I'm well equipped to handle any liability you present."

"I'm not joking Lisa," Baizhu stated as she marveled at how his face remained stoic despite the trail she followed. "Well, just hinting at it really."

"Would you please get to the part where this goes inside of me?" She stated in protest of the continued game they were a part of. "I'm dying to see if I've remembered correctly what it felt like."

"I..." He released with a crestfallen look crossing his features for a moment."I don't have any protection here in this room. I'd have to go procure it."

"You really are adorable you know." She released in a sing song tone relieved to find such a trivial issue presented. "I've got it covered. I take a medication to ward against complications brought on by things of that nature."

"So now that that's out of the way," the librarian continued while reapplying her hand over her heart to fit the tragic part she played. "How exactly do I need to take this vitamin?"

"Could I," he began in an even tone she made a face at automatically, "have your permission to touch you during this procedure? It's much easier if I'm allowed that privilege than to be forced to try to explain the process."

"If that means what I think it does..." She said considering everything at once with her eyes moving over her prospect,"You should have started with it."

"Please," she released and any of the ire that tried to form when she saw the devilish smile the man wore on his face in reaction,"for the love off all good things in this world touch me."

Lisa was beside herself with following his request of her and as she watched him from where she laid on her back she marveled at the self restraint he had.

He took his time to carefully remove the corset from her frame. Her body proclaimed it wanted more attention than what it received all the while with her back arching as the article was pulled out from under her. Her legs shifted restlessly as she saw him set it aside to return to look her over.

"Go ahead and relax these if you can." He urged with a gentle hand on her thigh. Her lips parted as she couldn't give up the idea he was still playing doctor and it wasn't until she got a gentle push from him that she could force her limbs to lay flat in obedience. "You're okay. I won't hurt you."

"Now," he continued as she found the weight of his hands added to her abdomen, "I'm going to press down on some spots to check things out. If it's pressure that's fine, but if there's pain please let me know."

"You know," Lisa began while ignoring the notion she was being utterly defeated as he moved through the routine. The pressure she felt as he made his way along whatever points he checked she hoped he'd apply elsewhere, "your bedside manner is astounding, but I wanna know what you're like in bed."

"I thought you did know."He released with his land laying with his palm over her womb and eyes meeting hers she felt touched her soul. "Or are you being facetious?"

"Looks like that's all good," he released, marching over the counter that had yet to cross her lips. "Let's move on to more sensitive topics."

"Have you," he began as she became perturbed with the idea that he used the word touch as a means to continue talking," had sex in the last twenty four to fourty eight hours?"

"I don't know why that matters, doctor." She answered eyeing him suspiciously when he removed his hand from her person. "Or if it's any of your business anyways, but no. I haven't."

"I don't mean to seem obtrusive," he replied with his tone unwavering, "but that can change your chemical make up and, let's say, if you weren't taken care of properly, could leave you with tears or abrasions that without knowing I could view as a possible condition. I did warn you they were sensitive subjects."

Lisa tried to focus on anything except for the pleading of her body for release. The inquiries she answered rapidly she knew were for her safety with her health, but not the direction she wanted their conversation to veer towards.

No unprotected tomfoolery in the waters of Sumeru. No soirees with the people of the outer reaches of Natlan. No outworlders, Hilichurls or other unanticipated organic forms she admitted had entered her within the last six months.

After their exchange ended the question he asked had her passion rekindled immediately. Telling him he had her personal permission to remove her undergarments put her back on her throne and she knew then that the end to her plight was finally in sight.

He was the embodiment of polite as he grasped the waistband on either side of her body. The fact that he completed the act without hiking her skirts up had her curious about his motives, but the message she read in the eyes that stayed on hers she felt was fully understood.

She followed his guidance easing herself towards the end of the table. As he took up residence between her knees once more he shared the detail that he wanted nothing to do with childbirth, but overall health.

Just as she prepared a statement about how his overall health being in danger if he didn't get on with it he showed a touch of initiative. He corrected his course then by asking for her bottom to be as flush as possible with the edge of the table. Once she had gotten there she found herself thrilled to no end as he guided her feet to rest against the edge.

She exhaled deeply at the gloves she watched him pull on and rolled her eyes at the steps he explained in order in his ever present gentle tone.

"You seem perplexed." He announced snapping her attention to the one she felt place his hand on her knee. "Is this not to your liking? I did explain everything."

"I want more than your fingers prodding on my cervix." She admitted with the idea she was being defeated. "You can inspect it all you want later, but did you not state that I was in desperate need of a supplement you could supply me with?"

The way he released a short hearty chuckle just before she caught sight of the lower ball on the piercing through the tongue he ran across his upper teeth as his eyes moved over her had her remembering who exactly he was to her and had her ready to endure more. Just to have that man properly seated between her legs, she decided then, that she'd go through the rest of whatever depths of the lower levels of Celestia he'd drag her through.

"We'll get this done and over with then," his tone returned to the calm melodic tone she felt could be her undoing. "You should only have mild discomfort, and the chill from the lubricant, but I'll try to be as gentle and quick as possible."

Before she could tell him the lubricant was unnecessary he had followed the course shared, giving her a chilled and unexpected fullness within. The effect, she could read on his face as she met his gaze. With her breath caught in her throat the recollections she had of the time spent with him she felt a little too heart warming despite the heat she desired.

It was the days where his condition affected him too much to allow him to operate like the rest of the Akademiya that she just realized she preferred. The lethargic state he'd be in and the way he'd react to the suggestions she made about what she was going to do with him. The smile he'd give her set below tired eyes she knew as the line of communication when the ability to speak failed him.

Liyue seemed good to him, and whatever he was doing at the pharmacy she felt allowed for the rambling she took in as she stared at the expanse of the ceiling. Her thoughts diverting to trying to fathom why she hadn't attempted to track him down knowing how poorly he'd fair if he tried to travel to Mondstadt.

"Well now," Baizhu's voice finally reached her as she felt his fingers slide over the lace to trail along her inner thigh so close to the sensitive subject she knew he had to study further. " how is it that now that the exam is finally over that I find you nearly catatonic?"

"I can make it all better."

The same phrase she used when he slumped against her. After she barged her way into the male dorms shouting death threats. Lighting the space with the beginning form of her attack to show her perseverance with getting her way.

All of it for the one thing she was sworn to stay away from when she entered her first year. All of it representing the man she crawled under the blankets for...and not for the most popular take on that past time.

A literal cold hearted dick...

She couldn't bear the thought of hearing about the dead boy on the third floor. The one who's heart would beat a fraction of what it once did. The one that actually was breathing, but too shallow and spaced out to be noticed

"It's called torpor." Baizhu explained as Lisa snuggled in closer. "And I can't help it or stop it from taking place. I promise I'm fine and I'll survive."

"It's not hibernation," he countered Lisa's suggestion with the corners of his lips upturned. "cutie."

"Did you just call me 'cutie'?" Lisa asked as she took the offered hand to sit up.

"It got your attention." Baizhu said sweetly as she studied the eyes on hers. "Didn't it?"

"Now, now, now." He released with a fingertip against the lips she opened to speak her mind. "Focus for me."

"I'm giving you a clear bill of health, " he began as she tried to gather the thoughts she felt were scattered around her, "and strong enough to survive the emergency dosage required to save you."

Lisa found herself lost to her thoughts and the emotions she had swirling within. The excitement she tried to recall on her recent new endeavors she found lacking in comparison to the lips that met hers.

There was no mismatched fervor, no over compensation or an attempt to try to impress her. It was just a man who could match the passion she had, and one that had stayed around long enough to create their own dialect for the language of love.

"Do you have any particular preferences since it's been a while?" His question hung between them as she caught her breath.

Foreign ventures she found haunting her once as she read the eyes that held hers. She cherished
the hands that held their place on her back instead of manhandling the bosom that was usually the first form of attack enacted on her person. The fact that he held back from pressing the issue on her lower extremities added incomprehensive value to him that no other had yet to obtain.

"You're the doctor," she said flirtatiously, finally moving to place her hands with her fingers spread on either side of his ribcage. "And you've investigated me thoroughly. You already know what I need, and I'm dying to be consumed by your whims."

She was fed featherlight kisses as she found her position adjusted slightly. The way he chose to go about getting her garb out of the way by running his hands up her thighs to rest on her hips drove her mad with the knowledge she contained of his abilities.

"You were called a necrophiliac?"

"By your roommate, yes." Lisa boasted as she watched the eyes Baizhu had on her as she hastily tied her hair up. "It was so fucking hard to get any information on you at all."

"The professors I asked said there was some kind of medical release statement that they signed that didn't allow them to discuss it." She explained just before leaning over to plant a red print from her lips on his pale shoulder. "And none of our classmates would tell me anything except for something about you were stuck in the dorm until whenever you'd emerge again."

"So I barged my way in." She said proudly, "during lunch when no one was around. Searched every room till I found you and I may have had to relieve the tension I had while the asshole was here."

"I honestly forgot about his existence...and the argument we got into when he entered." She added with her brow rising. "Some crap about reporting me and so on and so forth until I threatened to cut his dick off with my power."

"Lisa..." Baizhu released with a mix of emotions visible on his face.

"Don't worry, you liked it." She cooed as effort went into rolling down onto her side to gaze up at him."I didn't really do anything to you."

"Except for try to arouse you," she admitted while letting her hand trail up from her hip to her breast."and you unfortunately were not having it, so I took matters into my own hands, so to speak."

As Lisa opened her eyes the change she noticed had her heart racing to catch up with what her emotions depicted. The trademark slit that bisected the iris of the captivating golden eyes that she beheld had began to dilate, letting her know that she was doing an amazing job and would soon get her well earned reward.

She followed his lead to lay down, his hands finding hers as her back hit the table.

She was torn between their visual connection and watching the way he took up a tender morsel of her, still clad in her finery, between his teeth. A fiery desire to react with more than the fingers she closed on the hands entwined with hers and the legs she used to feel more of him than just rushing useless along his sides.

"Stay with me," he spoke easily before moving on to the yet to be obtained twin. The turmoil she had left her with staggered panting just before she felt his breath warm her flesh through the body of her gown.

Her entire being reacted to the beginning of her grand finale. The star of the show she found was her back for the curvature that connected her to his open awaiting lips and helped her land fully against him all the while drowning in the dark pools within his eyes.

"You were out for four days this time." Lisa explained as she ran a finger along the head of the white snake she had coiled in her lap. "Are you sure you're alright?"

"I promise you," he answered with a hand moving to take residence on her knee,"I'll be fine."

"If you say so," she released with a wink,"You're the boss. I'll believe you."

"But I had to start a journal," she admitted while collecting the article to hand over with a smile that felt like a million mora,"so I don't forget what I want you to do with me."

"I hope you find it," she released before pausing to watch him open it for effect,"stimulating."

Having all of her synapses firing at once, Lisa found herself at odds with their current situation. The cries she wanted to release she forced to remain behind the confides of the breath she held while relishing every fluttering heartbeat.

When her hands were released she found him feverish to envelope her and draw her in allowing her the freedom to let her head fall back with her eyes closed. Her fingers moved through the loose lazy waves of his hair as a compliment to the bated breath that escaped between the lips she felt slide along her neck.

"I heard he did it to make his dick look like his snake," the bubble headed idiot Lisa started paying attention to claimed.

"That's gross," the brunette she couldn't remember for her life responded with her face scrunching up. "Why did [insert bubble head's idiot boyfriend's,name here] even tell you that?"

"So I can warn anyone who thinks he's cute to steer clear." Bubble head said with her chemically treated curls bouncing as she nodded her head."He really creeps me out."

"By the archons," Lisa announced as she sashayed into the bathroom to take up a place at the sink with both hands to steady herself. "I feel faint."

"What's wrong Lisa?" The brunette asked rushing to one side as the curls went to the other."Did something happen?"

"I just had sex with Baizhu," she said in a nonchalant tone while rising up to meet both of their eyes in turn in the mirror.

"Oh my," the brunette said with her features going pale."was it that bad?"

"Quite the contrary, I'll have you know," she claimed while moving to place a hand over her heart. "He takes everything you have and then more with the addition he has. My body is aching from the pleasure."

Lisa watched with fascination at the way the people around Baizhu acted. A young man thanked him profusely, an older woman offered him baked goods for assisting her husband and none of them held the whispers from the halls of the hallowed Akademiya against him.

Pure adoration of the man flowed through her freely as he went to sit on his heels to console a youth who clearly didn't care for her medication. She watched him rise as one would watch the sun falling over a new day. Basked in his warm glow as he turned to start the trek to close the space between them.

"How are you feeling now?" The doctor asked as he opened a tired old book with a faded cover to jot down notes. "If you can handle it I'd recommend another dose before bed, and possibly one tomorrow morning following a good healthy breakfast."

"I like how you think." She admitted while trying to fathom why she was drawn to the contents of the notebook."what are you adding to my chart?"

"This isn't your chart." He stated before closing it in one hand and meeting her gaze with nearly full gold pupils. "But this does belong to you, I believe."

Lisa ran her fingers down the vibrant cover of the journal she dedicatedly wrote her fantasies in. The pen she placed between her lips as she found the page she left off on she wished could be a part of the man she hoped to please.

But she had made an agreement to not just remain at his side as he went into preservation mode due to the ailment he was a victim to, despite how delicious it made it her feel.

Her tutelage, she reminded herself, would continue after class and the lines in the notebook she stared at she knew was just an extension for her times of need.

"I want you to," she whispered aloud as she moved to tap the end of her pen against her desk as she glanced up at the professor, "oh what's the best way to put that..."

She loved the idea that Baizhu participated with her plans of debauchery. That he read them, discussed them when more knowledge was needed for him to understand what position she was going for without crude depictions. The way he then returned to the pages to leave notes on their performance and whether or not both parties were thoroughly gratified by the outcome.
The integration of the journal into their lives was also the form of connection she cherished. She no longer found herself fretting at his disappearances. She instead was busied with the task of procuring it from his person to then continue their work.

Lisa accepted the book Baizhu handed over. With disbelief she turned it over in her hands and ran her fingers over the cover that used to be the same vibrant purple as her nails. With the binding in hand she let it fall open to where he had stashed the charcoal pencil to find her eyes falling on her handwriting.

'Let's do a hands off approach where we only touch things that won't start a fire and kissing can be allowed, but not anything too deep. After that, when it heats up a bit I want you to take my hands, fuck me with your eyes and tease the shit out of me. Teasing does include penetration, but nothing else. Once you've had enough and you're ready to explode you can set me free and we can fuck like mad to the finish line. '

She found his notation below and pursed her lips as she read his words. With cherished memories and a continuance on something she thought a lost art she moved to find him with a sexy grin in place as she hugged the book.

"You were right," he said with the slit of his pupils barely visible in the sunlight, "old habits do die hard."

Chapter Text

Any minute now..." Lisa whispered in a singsong fashion as she steepled her hands together while moving to sit perfectly straight with her shoulders squared.

Catching movement she did her best to find her subject in her peripheral vision and let out a disappointed sound when the man in question didn't appear.

She had learned the rules of the game she played early, and found them to be perpetually moving through each stage. Little to no effort was spent on her part providing she followed the guidelines and she felt she had enough sound evidence to write a complete thesis on her topic, if ever there were a class where her knowledge would prevail.

Men are a life support system for the one thing she needed them for.

~>゜)ーーー

"Shit." Lisa released through her teeth at the ceiling that didn't match the hotel. "What the hell, Lisa?"

The alarming images from the dream she felt falling away as she moved into consciousness allowed her a chance to place herself. Following the need to confirm the identity of the body she could roughly make out in the corner of her eye she found conflicted with the ideas she held.

"I broke all of the rules for you, Baizhu." she told the one she saw had followed her request with the frames in question still seated at what looked an uncomfortable angle across his face, "Could you do me a favor and explain why that is?"

~>゜)ーーー

Finding them was easy. There was enough to pick from in any direction she looked on campus. A smorgasbord to sate her carnal appetite by sight alone that lead her to the next step: finding them worthy.

Many were taken off the plate due to obvious reasons. Picked off the pile by being in a relationship, for being too focused academically, sexual orientation, word of mouth for illegal acts she wanted not part of, and the list went on.

There were exceptions, of course, when she pegged them initially, but usually her intuition was usually spot on.

The guy she found in the restricted portion of the library she felt she had conflicting ideas on, and only seeing him during one of her more focused classes left her little time to weigh the options.

She had spoken to him on a number of occasions, few and far between and each time she felt the need to move along. Too academically focused, she reminded herself as she thought of the location.

"Or," she whispered to herself as she noticed his eyes didn't move to devour her figure, "was it strictly dickly?"

She shook her head shallowly at one more beautiful specimen. Spoke a silent prayer for the hopeful he may destroy with being overly nice to avoid his preference being shared by all.

"I thought you were a medical student," she mouthed around the nail she had placed between her teeth as she watched him move with purpose."With a knack for alchemy."

"And now..."She said as she slowly followed enough to barely make out his actions. Her recollection of the tome she watched him pull from the seventh place on the fourth shelf of section E-2 she felt solidified the idea. "I think I understand..."

~>゜)ーーー

"Good morning sweetheart," Lisa offered the snake that eyed her, draped in lazy loops on the perch she made of Baizhu's hip. "I hope we didn't keep you up too late."

"Cut the crap," Changsheng spat before moving to lay her head down to continue the vigil she held for her human, "and save it for someone who cares."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa ran her finger along the spines on display and selected a book that would get her a better view of what she may have overshot as a conquest.

She knew Baizhu as a kind and quiet individual. Timid as a default, she had noticed, that had kept her thinking he was a skip until she had seen his notes.

Being paired off with him for a project in Alchemy had put a damper on the ideas she had for the day. Instead of the sandy blonde she needed more information on she found herself staring at a man who kept his appearance meticulous except for his green hair that looked as if it had been thrown up last second with ornate hair sticks.

His notations, she recalled, went far beyond the requirements. Along side the hand writing that was neater than hers were the ancient runes that corresponded correctly to the working contents of the cauldron they were in charge of.

Her thoughts she found shifted him back into the category of too invested in the curriculum as her desires moved in another direction.

The idea proposed to attempt to bait him was a delightful prospect. The duality she knew could help fuel her study of male stereotypes if it worked, but also help settle the need to find out what he thought he was doing studying forbidden arcane arts.

~>゜)ーーー

"I don't know why you won't just leave him be." Changsheng scolded as Lisa went along with her thought on making sure Baizhu was comfortable. "He's survived long enough without your meddling."

"He's thanked me, " Lisa explained as she pulled the chain free from around his neck to go about setting aside the man's gold framed glasses. "Many a time for my thoughtfulness."

"Baizhu is overly polite," the snake reminded her as she moved onto the hair accessories, "you impudent wench."

"Changsheng, " Lisa countered as she worked the bum out of the hair she freed just before glancing over at the at the creature in question, "if I didn't know any better I'd say you're trying to come onto me."

"I've got to warn you though," she said with pride at her blatant display of moving to cross her arms below her bare breast, "I'm already taken."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa lived in the after glow of turning down a night out with a man that she knew had a thing for squeezing her boobs during the act. She was enraptured by the way it felt to briskly traverse the library as a lavish display.

The hushed tones, she knew just had to be about her. The blush on the faces her eyes chose to meet, ones that had yet to have the honor to be her plaything for the afternoon.

Turning as she got to the history section she found herself taking in an unexpected figure. At the end of the terribly constructed braid her eyes climbed she found her prey in a vulnerable state, with his head propped up on a fist facing away from her.

She inched her way closer before allowing her vocals to take up his name. With no reaction to her at all she took the initiative to close in on him to find him fast asleep.

Lisa did as she felt fit and made sure that some of the best parts of her brushed against the shoulder opposite his lean. The snake she spotted reacted by coiling protectively around the wearer. The ideas she had on that one she ignored as she eyed the choice tomes he had cloistered on the table.

A book on Moxibustion was set aside atop one on Teyvat's regional flora and fauna. Those together made perfect sense to her with the idea she had on him as one going for healing. The other stack he had she found unfortunately turned to where all she saw were the pristine edges of the pages and holding all of that in place where she couldn't sort through it without disturbing him was his hand with a quill in place.

The subject she decided had bored him enough to succumb to the whims of slumber she learned was on the subject known as cupping. How he could sleep after reading about the necessary warm temperatures needed before the perfect amount of pressure was applied to the precise location of the body that needed that force to survive was beyond her.

"That's it." She declared softer than anticipated as she glanced over to see he was still undisturbed, "I'm leaving you a note."

"I hope you find it," she began as she eased the quill from his possession, "titillating."

~>゜)ーーー

"Could you not?" Changsheng's outburst had Lisa ready to manipulate the sheet she held to toss the creature from her perch on Baizhu's hip. "Calling his name is enough to wake him. If he doesn't heed; you need to leave him be."

"You," Lisa released with a smile to her old friend, "cock blocking piece of shit."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa rolled her eyes at the idea that her suggestion was lost to the sands of time. The one she counted as three days and a mora short offered her a greeting in passing, making it hard for her to completely ignore him.

She kept the book perched in her hand and twisted the perfect amount for her figure, from his perspective, to have the highest effect. A nonchalant, I could care less about you reply came out along with a wink to hold his interest as she tried to decide what to do.

Not once had she failed. Sure, she had her moments where she guessed wrong and found out after getting a tad invested, but that had been years ago. She was at the apex of the Akademiya food chain and her intuition she knew was second to none.

Caught up with shoving the idea of choking him into submission out of her head she decided then, to not allow him the pleasure of reading the book of his choosing. As she closed the article she held to return to its proper place among the catalog she pulled together her act.

She ran her finger along the edge of the shelves she passed with seductive thoughts playing through her mind. The green haired man she found unavailable with his attention on restricted text, but the snake he wore as a fashion statement watched her like a hawk.

"Don't worry..." She spoke sweetly as she continued her march while watching the snake shift, playing at paying her no mind, "I won't bite."

"Unless..." She added with a smile as she found her target's gold eyes moving to meet hers."you ask me."

"I'm sorry, " Baizhu offered softly with his face taking on a touch of confusion. "What was that?"

"Do you," she began as she eyed the spot the book came from to confirm her suspicions before giving him the eyes while twirling her hair around her finger."want to taste the forbidden fruit?"

Lisa was at odds with the serene smile he gave her as she noticed him replacing the article to its home in her peripheral vision. The eyes, over his half moon gold frames, that never left hers, gave pause to the thoughts she had spinning around in her head.

"I don't think you understand," he answered in an even tone as she noticed his frame shifting to face hers. "what it is you're asking."

The desire she felt rise through their locked gaze as he left made their game all the more alluring. If it was as he suggested, she thought, then maybe...she had set her sights on one that understood more than taking up handfuls of her body while pounding away for thirty seconds or less.

~>゜)ーーー

"I'll," Lisa spat as she moved to the next step in checking the level lucidity of the owner of the hand she watched attempt to close around the finger she had placed against his palm."put you in the basket."

"It would be a better sight," Changsheng offered as Lisa planted a kiss on Baizhu's temple."than your vagrant display."

~>゜)ーーー

The lectures Lisa survived felt like the cogs on the wheel that propelled her. Each got her closer to her objective until she found every component in place except for the other piece she needed for the ritual to begin.

Her attitude diminished as the day progressed. The tea she poured emphasized the turmoil she had inside. The heat that burnt the tip of her tongue, the overly bitter taste that left her thinking she should have paid more attention to the amount of each of the ingredients and the shapes that haunted the last dregs in her cup that hinted at a thing searched for but left unfound.

"Had any good dick recently?" The question she took in from the one she counted as a rival and closest thing to a non judgemental friend asked, pulling her to view the auburn headed female that took the seat opposite of her.

"I always do." Lisa answered while ignoring the facts presented to her as she thought about how long it was she had been fixated on a certain member of the male sex. "You?"

"I'm ragging," Farah released offhandedly, "so no."

"I never let a thing like that stop me." Lisa countered as she got back into the motion of being a living embodiment of carnal desires as she poured herself a touch more."it's lubrication when they fail to turn me on with more than their looks."

With a smile on her face she dealt with the interruption to her teatime and the false love they exchanged with their pleasantries before parting ways had regulated the ideal she needed to then proceed to the next step.

After setting her sights on her goal once more the decent down the front walk became a grand display. Heads turned as her heels spoke the language of her gait against stone. The fabric shifting around her form gentler than a lovers kiss that ignited the beast within her begging for a victim.

"Any one of you I could have," she whispered through the smile she had in place as she moved to begin the trek to her next destination, "but I have no time to play."

"Mommy's busy," she released as she met the eyes of a tall man she knew she would have approached on any other day, "Run along now."

With no goal in mind except to find what the leaves told her was unobtainable she found herself moving into territory she hadn't claimed as her own. The rumors on the attendees of that particular branch of the Akademiya were subpar, she knew, but the thought of being able to overthrow and rule the kingdom had her viewing it differently.

She was ethereal on the path, and the power she saw she had to turn heads even then proved the whispers spoken wrong. These men, she thought, were just the sane as the others. Desperate to see if their key could fit into the notch to unlock the path to oblivion within her possession.

Choosing to follow a path that was lined with perfectly tended greenery her senses took in the fragrant notes the flora added to the breeze. Had it not been for the need of a required higher standard for education she felt she could have enjoyed herself in the gardens.

Tending to plant life and cultivating the ingredients herself to craft the potions as dictated. Becoming one with the rituals of the soil, maintaining the balances for a desired outcome and bringing forth the fruit of her labor.

"Tedious." She muttered at the truth she knew that would leave her stultified.

The ideas of how she would focus her energies elsewhere led her to seeking out a visual aide to solidify the choice she had made when enrolling. Her eyes moved to the voids between the stalks to find lifeforms. Each of them lacking points of interest as she reminded herself what it was she needed to pursue.

A sense of gratification filled her as she entered the greenhouse and spotted the tall snake clad frame off to the side. The questions she had on his recent disappearances turned the fun she felt she'd have to a heated mess of emotions when she got close enough to identify the one who had his attention.

Farah, she noticed, had her demure act in place. She was giggles, cute smiles and her big brown doe eyes asking questions men oftentimes couldn't refuse. It suited her smaller frame, to play a hapless victim to the whims of men, but was something Lisa herself refused to buy into.

Of course, as she closed in, the bitch caught sight of her and took advantage of her position. She had to fight to make a disgusted face at the way the woman tried to not fawn over her target. The flighty laughter, the excessive hand gestures that periodically landed to touch briefly on parts of his person. The worst of it came in the form of her voice taking on a high tone as she moved to address the snake that responded by retreating into the safety of the man's long hair.

"Oh my!" Farah called out after she 'officially' spotted her when the creature she baby talked wouldn't return, "I need to introduce you to someone."

"This is my 'friend'," she cooed as Lisa humored the act and placed a warm smile on her face to meet the golden eyes of her prey,"Baizhu."

"Lisa," her name on the tongue of the man she was honed in on boosted the idea that she'd turn out to be the victor, "is my lab partner."

"Funny," Farah let out with half an eyeroll and another touch on Baizhu's upper arm as her eyes told Lisa the battle wasnt hers to win, "I...don't see a lab here."

"I came to deliver the notes from today," Lisa boasted without the need to stand down.

"Yet you have nothing with you." She added with her lips pursing briefly, " dearest Lisa, did you forget something or did you get lost again?"

"I prefer when she gives them to me," Baizhu spoke up and she watched on as the girl's expression changed,"orally."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa released the breath she held as she watched Baizhu's lips part. After giving the watchful snake an 'I told you so look' she set herself to her new task.

The lecture she received from the reptile on respect fueled the purpose she had in using the doctor's jacket as a robe that couldn't quite contain what she had to offer.

It didn't take much for those particular assets of hers to attempt to free themselves as she reached over to collect the rest of what she needed. Her intrusive companion, she found delightful with remarks dripping with distain as she inserted Baizhu's hair sticks into the bun she created on the crown of her head. She relished the feeling of victory as she reclipped the chain onto the glasses before setting them to perch just above the tip of her nose.

"You have always entertained me with your witty remarks, old friend." She claimed as she moved to eye the floor to ceiling cabinets that contained everything she knew the doctor needed to survive, "but I'd prefer if you were a little more helpful. Just this once."

"It'd be more helpful if you just left." Changsheng announced as she peered into the first drawer she selected, "as I have already told you a thousand times over."

~>゜)ーーー

"Ooh," Lisa released as her hand slid over the doorframe while glancing back at the bitch she called a friend. "What's this room for?"

As she waited for an answer she took note of the door swinging inwardly to open. Beyond that the small enclosed space that held racks of neatly labeled boxes she had entered looked to be a fine and dandy place to settle the the odds she was currently fighting.

"So," she let out as she mapped out the best course of action and ran the probabilities of issues that could arise if certain positions were attempted with the lanky man she circled to face as best she could. "You prefer when I give you notes orally?"

"Did you like that?" Baizhu asked with a smirk while meeting her eye before returning to sort through a box he had pulled out. "Sure shut her up quick."

"Do you," Lisa stated while hoping to keep whatever it was that had him in a jovial mood going, "at least want to try it? That way you know what you're talking about, of course."

"That sounds great and all," he spoke in an absent minded tone while moving to close the box to select another. "But I'm busy. Could you grab two bundles of Qingxin? And be picky, I need quality."

Lisa did as she was told while trying to fathom what game she was a part of. The hand he placed on her back when he pointed out the difference between the Qingxin she was going for and the box two shelves down had her refocusing on getting through whatever they were up to in hopes to get back to the agenda she had prepared.

"Beautiful."He stated as their gazes met and took what she selected leaving her lost to the magic he performed naturally, "I just need...crap. I lost the list."

"I don't even know why I agreed to do this anyway," he mumbled while lifting everything he had set down. "I swear..."

Like clockwork the parchment in question tumbled free from his grasp and as gracefully as possible Lisa took the initiative to crouch to collect it.

"Are you sure?" Lisa inquired while eyeing the clothed portion of him she'd get to play with before looking up to meet his eyes. "You look mighty tasty."

"What's the next item on the list?" He asked before placing his hand out in hopes to be given the paper. "Lisa."

"A shot of you." She answered defiantly before moving to stand and clearly reading the irritation he had in place on his visage,"what the hell is your problem? I'm just trying to have fun."

"Is it because I found out about how you're skipping classes." She continued as she took she sweet time to lift the hand that held the list for him to grasp,"and who you're doing with that time?

"That's rich, Lisa." Baizhu spoke while going back into work mode and reached out to a shelf she stood before. "I'm working. I wish I was skipping out right now."

"What would you do right now if you weren't working?" Her voice took a softer quality and she found his movement paused with barely any space between them.

"It doesn't matter." His answer came as she lost his eyes once again. "But I wouldn't skip Alchemy."

"That's because of how hot it is to stick things into my cauldron in class," she suggested and lived in the sparks created when she saw the corner of his mouth shift upwards at her remark, "Isn't it?"

"Admit it." She demanded and caught the smirk just before he got full rein on his facial features and went back to reading. "Come on, Baizhu. Aren't you done playing this game yet?"

"Dried crystal fly larva." He stated before the power in his gaze slammed into her."and I believe you know how I like them."

"When will our perpetual foreplay turn into more?" Lisa asked as she scanned the shelves and thanked the archons for a reason to enter his personal space. "Because I'd love to show you what I'd do to you,"

"And not," she continued as she was forced to lean up against him before moving to the tips of her toes to reach the correct container, "on tiny dried worms I hand select for your pleasure."

"I don't recall what you're talking about," he offered as he took up the box in one hand and placed the other on her side as she stabilized herself. "You might have to remind me."

"I'll remind you," she spoke as she idly traced her clavicle "if you give me a worm big enough for me to handle."

"We need nineteen more than the one you'll be looking for, " his voice penetratrd the thoughts she had on how to manipulate him just before she followed his gesture to find the container held up for her to collect. "I'll get the mist flower."

"I know you," his words were as seductive as the way he slid past her to get to the back corner of the room. "Know how much I appreciate those delicate wet petals."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa was lost to the art of shaping her mouth as a glorious display as she blew out the flame on the herb bundle she held. Her eyes followed the wisps of smoke as they were disrupted by the lid of the smudge bowl she put into place.

The thought she had on collecting her items from the hotel she set aside once more as she decided it was most likely a day lost to the indoors. The form looked over on the bed she felt happy to while away the hours beside and the smile she found going into place went to pleasant memories she held as beyond dear.

"Changsheng," she released as she moved to sit on the edge of the mattress behind the man she'd care for, " would you like to play Xiangqi?"

~>゜)ーーー

"I don't owe you an explanation for anything." Baizhu stated as Lisa's back hit the closed door."But I missed Alchemy due to picking up a shift because of an unexpected absence."

"And now you'll allow me to exit so that I can prepare the needed medicines," he continued as she thought about the seat of power she held over him,"so that maybe I can go to my room afterwards and make up for the work I'm missing out on so they don't throw my ass to the streets because of my grade."

"I'll move," she began as she tried to foster the strength she needed for victory, "when you agree to my demands."

"I'll humor you this once," his words she felt needed recorded to replay anytime she needed ,"give me your demands."

"I want you," Lisa admitted with her fingers running along the hemline of her bodice,"inside of me."

"In any manner," she added as she watched the eyes that studied her,"way, shape or form you see fit."

"That's it?" He asked with a devilish grin going into play."Okay then. Just this once, and that's it?"

"That's it." She repeated as she watched the smirk he had expand.

"I hope," he explained as the finger he traced her lips with stilled the breath she was struggling to take. "You find it to your liking."

"I hope," he continued as her heart began to race as her body reacted to the digit he slipped between her lips."you find it fulfilling enough, since it's a one and done deal."

Whatever test he presented she hoped she passed as his finger was entirely inserted. The way her tongue rushed automatically to cradle it as he moved to retreat added to the heat she felt she already contained. The pursed lips it seemed to rush away from she noticed had drawn his gaze from hers a shuddered heartbeat before they begged for his return.

"Now that that's done," he began in the even timber that shattered the fantasy that had gone into play with the harsh light of reality cast over them, "I need you to uphold your end of the bargain and let me out."

~>゜)ーーー

"I'm glad to see that Liyue has been kind to you," Lisa said as she moved her opponent's piece to the corresponding place,"I always hated watching those bitches speak down to you in Sumeru."

~>゜)ーーー

"That's not how that was supposed to go and you know it," Lisa warned the owner of the hand she took into her possession, "you need to stop fucking around with me."

"I thought 'fucking around'," he reiterated as she felt the space between him and the door she leaned against closed to an almost uncomfortable amount with the war she had raging within, "was the point of this venture, Lisa. Are you contradicting yourself purposefully?"

"You did give me the choice on the permutations that could be taken by the offer," he explained as she nearly forgot about the hand she cradled at her chest as she too lost to the proximity of their bodies,"and since you can't seem to be patient enough for the right time and place for such a thing to happen I had to take matters into my own hands, so to speak, so I hope you don't mind."

"Of course I mind." Lisa spat as she thought about how little her offer seemed to mean to him."and I'm calling you out on this bullshit. You know damn well what I want and here you are teasing the shit out of me."

"I'm not teasing you," he claimed with his voice keeping the calm notes she had found herself lost to on multiple occasions, "but I will admit to playing with you at the same level you seen fit to use on me."

"I'm not a toy, Lisa." He explained softly with eyes she could tell were searching hers, "and neither are you. You have so much more to offer than the pounds of flesh I hear others boast about."

"I suppose this is my interpretation on what hear though, but I thought that when it came down to it, those wouldn't be the words that crossed your lips." He continued as she held her thoughts on the subject. "I suppose it's time for me to do a better job at holding up my end of the bargain."

"I suppose I owe you that much respect," he claimed as she felt a wave of heat rush over her when he moved to press in against her. "Do you find this to your liking?"

Lisa's lips parted as the hand she didn't have in her grasp was discovered to have found the dainty fabric of her uniform compliant enough to allow him enough room to explore. The eyes she watched as she struggled to recall how to breath heightened the sensitivity of the terrain his touch brushed over.

All but his longest digit lay as dead on the battlefield. The complexity of the war she knew she was losing was the moment he chose to strike. The unanticipated plunge through all of her defenses from the front lines to the center of the seat of her power left her on the brink of destruction.

The same swift and effective manner was deployed for his retreat just as her body wanted to succumb to this new regime. No chance was given to adjust to the state she was left in as she found the hand he had used to be lifted for her approval.

She was completely rapt in devouring the sight of him leading her with his eyes to focus on the tool he had held up for her inspection. Without a breaths time to spare she watched as her body cried out jealously at the way he moved to run his finger along his tongue. The ball of the piercing, springing back into place as the tip of his finger traveled beyond its home, a small cry from what her body claimed had been performed just as deftly.

"I'd count that as sufficient." He suggested and used the hand she still had clutched to her chest as a means to uproot her from the spot she had been glued to towards him,"wouldn't you agree?"

~>゜)ーーー

"I suppose," Lisa offered as she eyed the victor of the match,"You've won the battle. "

"But I," she continued proudly as she leaned against the prize she had wanted all along,"have won the war."

"You left him unattended, " she proclaimed with a hand running down Baizhu's side to rest on his hip."I'd like some time alone with him, if you wouldn't mind."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa was in all new territory as she trailed after the one that had asked for her assistance. The leisurely gait she knew as Baizhu's natural pace she felt did little to soften the blow she had taken. She felt frenzied and flustered with her face flushed as her body reminded her of the hunger it contained.

The lingering impression he left on her walked beside her as big as a brightly painted sumpter beast drawing the eye of all who knew why one would take another privately into an ingredient storehouse for, and she felt the part fit far too well.

The blushing accomplice in the forbidden tango.The depths of the her delinquency evident in the scattered glances she chanced before she was able to control herself enough to match his pace.

Baizhu offered her the sweetest smile she found herself blushing at when she thought of tasting it for herself. The heat she felt between them she wondered about with the relaxed way he continued along the path.

~>゜)ーーー

"Good morning, baby," Lisa offered to the owner of the golden eyes she saw open half way."You ready for round two?"

She cherished the ghost of a smile that crossed his lips as she watched his eyes close once more. The ideas she shared aloud as she began to gently comb her fingers through his hair she hoped would suffice for a distraction to the pain she knew he was fighting.

"Rest up," she offered with a sly smile as she watched the hand wrapped loosely around her finger close slightly, "you'll need all the strength you can get."

"I promise I won't go easy on you." She released flirtatiously and got her another glimspe of his eyes that moved over her and lips that parted as if to speak. "I plan to thoroughly fuck the life out of you."

"And I know," she continued as her constitution caved to the eyes that finally locked onto hers, "you wouldn't have it any other way."

~>゜)ーーー

"I'm sorry, miss." The man at the end of the hall Baizhu was currently traversing, "but I'm afraid you're not permitted to enter this wing."

Lisa watched in disbelief over the hand he had held up. The audacity of the green haired man that vanished into a room beyond her reach had her focus shifting.

The paradigm that washed over her as she moved to exit left the tang of revenge on the tip of her tongue. The ideas she came up with on the man that owed her much more than an explanation wrapped her in a delicious feeling as she thought about how she would bring the demise to the folly she was forced to be a part of.

~>゜)ーーー

"I'm appalled at the way you speak to him" Changsheng scolded as Lisa worked the pestle into the herbs she had within the mortar she had before her on the table. ""You should be ashamed of yourself with the manner in which you behave."

"You're next if you don't quit it." Lisa offered the snake as she brandished the pestle briefly before continuing her work."and you honestly should be thanking me for how I treat him."

"I'll have you know he told me he liked the idea," she admitted as she added another ingredient, "and if you weren't forced away to stay only in earshot you would have known it too."

"Don't you dare claim he still uses that ludicrous code you made up years ago." The snake countered venomously. "I refuse to accept that excuse."

The witty comeback she had was paused by a rapping at the door. The apprehensive coiling of her reptilian companion had her then wondering what threat laid on the horizon and what role she'd be asked to play.

"What's going on?" Lisa asked as she followed the hint to collect the snake she then felt was holding back on rage as she found herself taking on the mantle of the wearer.

"It's most likely Gui." Changsheng offered while looking her over. "Here to check in on Baizhu since the pharmacy isn't open yet."

"Take off those glasses now before he enters," the snake demanded as Lisa thought about the implications of her presence there, "you blasphemous harlot."

"Why didn't you tell me to open the pharmacy?" Lisa asked as she complied before moving to the door. "I can be quite resourceful, you know."

"I know " Changsheng spat as she reached for the handle of the door, "and you'll also be the reason we sell out of blood pressure medication as well."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa looked herself over once again trying to force the confidence she needed to pull it off. The creature that watched her in the looking glass she took as too voluptuous to actually exist in the real world.

Her take on the women she usually saw in the uniform she ran her hands down was meek. A touch far to gentle for her taste, she thought as she pulled strands of her hair to adjust the height of her ponytail. A touch too unexperienced, she implied as she cupped the bosom that tested the limits of the gown.

"Bitch." Lisa said aloud to the beast she stared at, "You've got this."

~>゜)ーーー

"That went well," Lisa announced as she moved away from the door to return to the work she left uncompleted, "you agree?"

"Of course not." Changsheng claimed as Lisa went about her business with the mortar once again. "You nearly gave that poor thing a heart attack...and the way he stared at you..."

"That's why I think it went well." Lisa said with a chuckle, "I have that effect on nearly everyone I meet, so I wasn't shocked to find he could barely speak."

"And that is why," Changsheng countered, "I tried like hell to get Baizhu to stay away from you."

~>゜)ーーー

"Thank you," Baizhu offered as Lisa sat down a bag on the table at his side. "I'll take it from there."

"I think I should be thanking you then," Lisa offered while gaining an endorphin rush with the way his voice made her name sound like a curse word, "since you are the one who started this mess in the first place."

~>゜)ーーー

"What the hell is that?" Changsheng asked as Lisa counted the drops she carefully added to the mixture she had. "If you dare-"

"It's nothing that will harm him," she offered as she replaced the lid on the vial she held, "I have a friend who is a well renowned alchemist who created this."

"Specifically to enhance the ingredients of any medication." She explained and eyed the white creature looking at her over her right shoulder. "You know the difficulties he can have with taking this crap. This should at least make it easier."

"If it works," she added thoughtfully, "it'd give me a reason to return more frequently."

~>゜)ーーー

"It can only be made in single batches, unfortunately," Baizhu explained as Lisa couldn't believe the audacity he showed with returning to the work he left uncompleted, "and has a time window once you start the mash. I hope you understand."

"Mmhmm." Lisa let out as she boosted her bosom with the arms she crossed. "A likely story."

"Lisa, look." Baizhu began as she mentally pointed out the fact that she had already been looking at his lanky frame thinking about all the ways she wanted to break him in,"I'm working. Literally. Whatever it is you have to say, please do so and then leave."

"If not," he said with a glance over to her,"you can fill these jars as I check the temperature of the water."

~>゜)ーーー

"Don't you dare look at me like that," Lisa demanded of the snake that moved into position to serve as a physical barrier between her and the more sensitive portions of Baizhu, "you really should be more grateful of my presence here."

"You of all should understand," she continued as she moved to sit more comfortably at her patient's side,"how long it could take until he has the strength enough to make this on his own."

"I was merely going to state," Changsheng said innocently, "that it would make for a long, quiet enjoyable nap."

"You of all people should know," the snake reminded her in a condescending tone, "all that needs to happen for him to get better is for you to leave."

~>゜)ーーー

"I just want you to admit to it." Lisa said over her shoulder to the figure she felt she'd merge with perfectly, "and then act out on it. That's all."

"I already fulfilled your demands." He stated as he moved to rest against the edge of the counter to face her."after agreeing to your terms."

"I don't think there's anything I need to admit to," he explained as she watched him move to peer into the mortar, "You've got a great consistency that is as hard to teach as much as it is to learn."

"Then at least have the decency to explain the reasoning behind your actions." She stated while handing off the equipment. "And then you can tell me how it is that you'll make it up to me."

"I would think," Baizhu carried out the act of pouring out the powered herbs to begin the process over,"that my insight alone may inspire you to clearly process your thoughts before expecting more from the one you've insisted to agree with terms that you yourself overstep when you find the results thereof to be lacking."

"Well," Lisa offered as she took up the post he had left to give him a once over,"I would think that you would want to allow me a chance to redo it."

"Where would the fun be in that, Lisa?"

"Hmm." Lisa released as she took her time with letting her eyes move over the figure beside her."how bout you explain to me how I could have improved it?"

"What are you insinuating?" Asked the man who paused to meet her eye,"that I tell you how to tell me how to properly fuck you?"

"Hypothetically, yes." Lisa answered as her hopes sent her spiraling into trying to fathom what he'd propose, "but I have a feeling you'd word it in a way that would twist everything to your favor and then you'd leave me high and dry, just as you already have."

"That's an interesting take on that," Baizhu claimed as he moved to empty the contents of the mortar into the container before setting it aside to meet her eye, "but I don't remember you being dry at all."

~>゜)ーーー

"I swear by the archons," Lisa released as she wiped away the line of medicine laden drool that Baizhu produced, "if you don't ingest this soon I'll shove it up your ass."

Chapter Text

Lisa was at odds with the man she studied.  The arms she crossed as she tried to find the best approach did little to settle the unrest that cried out from her entire being.

Up until then it had all gone by the book. Finding them was easy. Fucking them easier once she found them fitting her criteria,  and the aftermath all a part of what made it entertaining.

Somehow he had managed to not only evade all of her advances, but had also found a way to exceed her expectations with how he turned even the most trivial of events into a tantalizing lesson in seduction.

"Have you figured it out yet?" Baizhu asked as she watched him place the jars he had into a basket. "I'm curious if you've found the correct proposition."

"I have many propositions for you Baizhu,"  she claimed as she shifted to place one hand on her hip and offered the other one palm up as a gesture, "it just depends on what approach you'd like to receive."

"For one," he offered as he continued to pack the items on the counter, "you can drop ignorant nurse off the list."

"Seriously?" Lisa asked while moving to stand with both hands on her hips,"and why would that be? Am I not 'doing it' for you in this uniform?"

"I didn't say that ,Lisa," he claimed as she made plans to evict the glasses from his nose to bury his face between her breasts,"but you're smarter than all of them combined, and that's for damned sute."

~>゜)ーーー

"I'm not being uncouth,  you sow." Lisa spat while glaring at the snake who was clearly asking for it, "it's a proven method and a quicker path nearly straight into his bloodstream. Move and I'll show you how it's done."

~>゜)ーーー

"Lisa," Baizhu exclaimed as Lisa took hold of the dress she had finally freed her arms from,"I didn't mean right now."

"Well, I've learned that there is no time like the present." She continued as she watched him fumble to approach,  most likely as a means to stop her,"and I've about had it with this shit anyways."

The way his expression changed as she forced the body of her attire down off of her frame did wonders for her. The power she got from the cool ambient air on her naked flesh amped up her senses as she placed one foot out of the dress. The final blow she sent was the article being flung off her other foot towards the one her might had stopped in his tracks.

~>゜)ーーー

"Obviously I'm joking," Lisa spoke while rolling her eyes at the one that began to prattle on about how horrible she was to the doctor. "This shit would burn like hell."

"But," she continued as she moved to collect some with the spoon she had to try again, "if the ingredients were fully refined without the plant matter involved...I'd do it in a heartbeat."

~>゜)ーーー

"Lisa," Baizhu stammered as she smiled at attempt he made to fend for her modesty holding up the dress between them as she stepped into his personal space, "can we talk about this?"

"I'm done talking about it, " she stated while loving the feeling of releasing her hair to fall free once more,"and I'm taking your advice."

"I've dropped the dumb nurse act, babe," she added as she ran a finger along his bottom lip. "I'm not going to ask you if I can pet your little slithering friend there."

"I'm going to tell you once to go set that thing down somewhere safe," she continued as she moved where their faces were barely apart,"so it doesn't get injured as you try to fuck the life out of me."

"How's that?" she released, tipping her chin up a touch to stare down her nose into his golden eyes, "Direct enough for you?"

~>゜)ーーー

"That's, " Changsheng hissed as Lisa moved back to watch for complications while regretting licking her lips with the bitter taste that enveloped her consciousness, "abysmal."

"And I thought I told you to go somewhere," Lisa countered as she smiled at the one she felt bad for forcing the medication into, "my methods have never failed me with this man."

~>゜)ーーー

Curiosity ran through her as she watched the snake react to the extended arm he held out.

"I think you were exceptionally clear this time," Baizhu claimed as the reptile looked from her once more before moving to follow the limb as a means to move safely to the counter. "I appreciate that."

"But I wonder now," he began as his arms moved to encircle her to pull her in with the garment ruffling up between them,"if you'd share with me your ideal method needed to enact this fate upon you."

"Put your lips against mine," Lisa released as she tried to will him to comprehend,"let our tongues do the talking and your body will figure it out. I promise."

~>゜)ーーー

"Don't worry," Lisa said as she brushed away the green strands that fallen into Baizhu's face,"I told you that serum makes it more potent."

"And his temperature always fluctuates," she explained to the white guard standing vigilant close ar hand,"when it starts to kick in."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa finally knew what was meant by the old phrase about breaking the dam. The piece that had failed and cracked before giving away was the moment his tongue slipped through her lips.

What she felt he had been holding in nearly made the heartbeat in her throat cease as the expulsion sent her up against the wall. The frenzied downpour that caught her by surprise was the moves he made that stripped away all that stood between them while she was fed tales of their debauchery directly from his lips.

A rapturous pause as she was shifted slightly let her focus on the way her breath caught in her throat. Her heart hammered away its own tune in response to a  catastrophic tremor that began as soon as she felt the way her body responded to him finally fulfilling her demands.

Cascading waves broke over her as she was utterly lost to lips that continued with their unspoken language. Their rhythm she found akin to the way they synchronized in the most minute ways.The trivial things she found alluring fell through her mind as the downpour continued until she found it rushing over her once more.

As the waters stilled around them she felt she could barely trust the feet she was returned to. The hands that ran over her back as she took in the last tender kiss she was fed she felt she needed to survive. The golden eyes that awaited her return she was lost to and nothing in her guidelines prepared her for the emotional force she felt connected them.

~>゜)ーーー

"I told you you could trust me," Lisa released at the opposition Changsheng presented as she took in the vast improvement Baizhu demonstrated with eyes moving to find hers."you crazy old coot."

"I will never be that foolish," the malice she heard off to the side had little effect as she smiled flirtatiously at the one who held her focus, "you devil woman."

~>゜)ーーー

"Hey there," Baizhu's words gained him the look he deserved as Lisa released her hair to hang in the high strung ponytail. "Cutie."

"I'm pretty sure I have a fever," he claimed with a delicious smile she had to fight as she despised the fabric that moved about her as she closed in on him. "From being in close proximity to a hot nurse."

"Do you mind," he paused to smile at her briefly before moving to place a hand above one of hers on her hip,"checking my..."

"Could you," he reiterated softly with his other hand moving to rest against the side of her face, "check.."

"Check my " he repeated just before the smile vanished as his brow knit together for a moment as if to collect his thoughts. "My."

"Do you want me to check your temperature, baby?" She asked while moving to place her hands against his chest accepting the role he seemed to want her in.

The look that crossed his face as he nodded caused concern to rise. As she tried to figure out the best way to convey the care she'd expend on him the blank stare she received was taken as a sign that nothing was as it seemed.

Lisa's stomach dropped at the sight of Baizhu falling to his knees.  The moment she felt she could move quick enough was proven false by her nearly frozen state as she was forced to witness the full collapse of his frame that left him face down at her feet.

"I told him not to trust you," the words struck true fear into Lisa as she thought about the facts that had taken place in that room. Spinning to find it was the white snake on the table speaking she found the ability to breath once more."and did he listen? No. And why is that?"

"Because you lack the respect and decency," the lecture continued as rage threatened to take hold, "to comprehend when he told you 'no' he meant it."

"Did I just kill him?" Lisa asked with eyes wide and legends replaying in her head."And now he's dead. Because we fucked."

~>゜)ーーー

"What in all of the seats of Celestia, " Changsheng declared as Lisa glanced over to find the white body of the snake moving towards her across the bedspread, "are you doing to that poor creature now?"

"My hour isn't up," Lisa countered and gestured with her hand towards the hourglass that stood beside the smudge bowl, "there is still sand in the glass. You're impeding on my time with him."

"And your antics are grating on my nerves." The snake offered as she watched the smile on Baizhu's face widen."He's supposed to be resting and you."

"You need to learn to control yourself." Changsheng spat as Lisa found the attention drawn to where she held his hand in place on her breast. "There is no way he's agreed to this lot."

"And all the ruckus." She continued harshly, "it needs to stop this instance before you draw anymore attention than you already have. "

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa took a deep breath as she thought about the information that was shared about the man who lay face down in the center of the room. The implications on what she needed to do to help him an easy role to play, but the facts that she'd be forced to step aside kept her glued in place.

The scene they set up was perfect. The basket she let fall looked as though it had been in his possession as he collapsed.  The snake that had taken resting over his posterior, as useless of an assistant as it seemed.

"He won't get any better by you just staring at him." Changsheng announced causing her to blink to focus, "and its as I said, he needs to rest. But you, you're the one in danger of being caught and you need to leave."

"If you want him moved, do as I stated and scream." The creature stated. "And cry to whomever enters before fleeing. They'll be so caught up in his state that they won't pay you any mind at all."

"They'll set him up nicely in a room for the night." She said with the end of her tail shifting slightly. "It would be better than you staying here and being found where you do not belong."

"I," Lisa stammered as she found her voice,"I..I don't want to leave him."

~>゜)ーーー

"I'm sorry, baby" Lisa offered just before planting another kiss on Baizhu's partially pursed lips, "I'm not allowed to make the noises you deserve for what you do to me."

"Someone," she continued as she moved run her fingers along his jaw line,"doesn't respect the appreciation you have for it."

"Don't you dare push your ideas on him," Changsheng retaliated and in response her patient smirked, "This is a doctor's dwelling."

~>゜)ーーー

"Don't you dare touch him." Changsheng announced halting the hand Lisa had out, "You've done enough damage as it is."

"This isn't between you and I," Lisa released as she continued her task to gently run her hand over the top of his head, barely disturbing the state of his hair,"But just so you know, I'm far from finished with him yet."

~>゜)ーーー

"I should have known you'd still be up to your tricks," the snakes outburst pushed Lisa to try to ignore outside influence to focus solely on the gold eyes locked onto hers,"I'll have you know that is one of the most degrading acts I've ever seen you perform on him and I demand that you stop it this instance."

"I was under the impression," Lisa offered without moving from her task,"that when you said you'd go sit over there you'd quit your commentary."

"I'm sorry that you can't accept the fact that this was of his choosing," she stated as she watched his lips part in preparation, "and this is the least I can do to make this shit taste better."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa did just as expected.

With the door pushed open, standing in the doorway after drawing in a deep breath she let it out. The blood curdling scream she released tore through the expanse of room and echoed down the hall.

With more than just her nerves shattered as she heard hurried footfalls heading her way she dropped to her knees.  Choking sobs took over as she watched a man move to inspect Baizhu and felt hands placed gently on her shoulders.

~>゜)ーーー

Everything within Lisa was hyper focused on the way that Baizhu used his tongue to collect every bit of the mixture she had spread with care.

The fingers that spread over her upper back meant the world to her and made the idea of placing his arm over her waist worth it. Her rushing pulse betrayed the calm she attempted to personify as she gently combed her fingers through gorgeously disheveled green hair.

Her lips parted in response to the abrupt release of the gentle flesh he had captured.  The chill from his breath assisting the evaporation of the traces of his presence on that delicate tissue had her hungry for the lips she knew were headed her way.

The instant regret in the form of a disgusting mix that bitter was the victor of she pushed from her mind. The need she received in the lips that fed her unspeakable promises washed away all else but the idea that she produced the nectar he needed to survive.

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa stared at her opponent with eyes that begged for a break from reality. The hours she had spent coursed through her thoughts, the storm of emotions that had been her only companion when sleep was no where to be found.

Changsheng seemed to pay her no mind at all except for an occasional glance from where she sat. She had made herself comfortable,  coiled over the hospital sheet with her head in the hand that was laying near her on his lap.

Lisa's attention zeroed in on Baizhu's thumb lifting just before she noticed it was the reptile that shifted it when it's red eyes finally took her in. The barrage of inquiries she had were set aside as she reminded herself she was there for the man and not the one who seemed to be trying to pry her away.

"He's fine." Changsheng announced as Lisa felt the truth was far from where they sat. "Your presence isn't necessary."

"I think it is." Lisa countered while crossing her arms, "you did claim it to be my fault."

"It is," the snake paused with her thin tongue rushing out to taste the air the air around it.

"I'd think we would have made it back to our room, at least  before he collapsed though." She continued,"for that much, I'm certain."

"I cannot tell you what ails him," came out as soon as Lisa moved to ask the question,"it is not my place, nor any of your business."

"If you'd like," Changsheng offered in a condescending tone, "I could tell him that you stopped by to visit."

"I didn't say I was leaving," Lisa released with ire rising within,"now did I?"

~>゜)ーーー

"I can tell you're getting better, baby," Lisa released the obvious as she gently traced the topic of conversation through the blanket she had repositioned over him. "You're almost hard enough to devour."

"And I'd much rather stay with you and continue to monitor your progress," she admitted and got a beautifully devilish grin in response, "but I did make an agreement after all."

"I'll take my leave now," she continued as she reached out to bring his right hand up to sit on his lap."I'll make sure to bring back food that will that will give you long burning energy."

"Changsheng," she called out just before smiling to see the creature was already heading to her perch, following the line of Baizhu's lower body before taking to the comfortable coil that ended with her head just below his thumb. "I hope I've made it uncomfortable enough for you there, old friend."

"It's perfect," Changsheng offered as Lisa gave a mischievous grin to Baizhu, "and I'm purposefully ignoring your statement.  I'm not giving you any validation for what you put him through."

Lisa chuckled in response and then smiled at the way the snake had settled below the thumb she saw do its best at conveying the owners emotional tie. The thought on their typical afternoon came to mind then as she went on to a last check to see Baizhu's attention went to Changsheng.

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa's disposition was getting harder to keep under wraps as she thought about how the snake was only focused on keeping her locked out of Baizhu's personal life.

The hours spent in silence watching the creature in its protective position on the one she wanted had taken their toll. The hospital personnel that came to check in on their patient she had learned to ignore as well since they would share nothing of their findings with her.

"Excuse me?" She demanded when the latest arrival had placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Miss," the older woman spoke in a soft tone, "I'm going to have to ask you to leave.  Visiting hours are over."

~>゜)ーーー

As Lisa took her time making sure the top of her thigh high was perfectly straight she glanced over to find her actions were noticed.

Baizhu looked very contemt with his reptilian companion. Changsheng was busy moving her body through the loosely closed hand he had resting on his lap to face him as she related a story Lisa could barely make out. As soon as she noticed the snake saw his attention was elsewhere she got a look of warning from the creature before being ignored once again.

The smile she wore matched the one that went into play on the doctor's lips as she continued onto the next article of clothing.

~>゜)ーーー

"Good morning,  friend." Lisa offered while she  performed her own check on the man who still lay below his companion, "any improvements?"

"Outside of a coughing fit in the middle of the night," Changsheng answered gaining her full attention to see the snake watching her."nothing."

"Why wouldn't you speak to me yesterday?" Lisa asked as she took to holding the hand the snake did not inhabit for once. "I tried multiple times."

"I care not for conversating when there is no reason," Changsheng answered in a condescending tone, "but it seems as though you're obstinate enough to carry on with this activity that will bring nothing into fruition."

"And unfortunately," the reptile continued, "even with the claims he has made of your intelligence...I don't see any proof of that now."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa accepted the way that Changsheng moved to  inspect the hand she placed on top of its coiled body as gratitude before moving to see the smile Baizhu offered in thanks.

"I really don't want to leave you, baby." She cooed as her touch jumped from his chest to his jawline and she moved to plant a kiss on the top of his head, "but I know you're in good hands, so to speak, so I'll be off."

"Rest up," she released as she moved to then plant a chaste kiss on his lips, "cutie."

~>゜)ーーー

"I see you have no rebuttal." Changsheng observed, pulling Lisa to see the red eyes of the slender white creature on her still."interesting."

"I don't see the point in talking with you." Lisa claimed moving back to the one she wanted to fix."You're only trying to make things worse."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa found the world outside of Baizhu's room bursting with life. The meager establishment he claimed to own, she found much the opposite.  Scanning the patrons milling about and moving then to the grandiose location it sat she felt the information he imparted far too humble for the truth.

Her thoughts shifted to to remind her that her time there was temporary.  The work, a trifle, but the unfinished research her mind went over she found herself lacking on, leaving her traces of disappointment when she thought about her endeavors.

The anguish that went along with those thoughts that threatened to take hold she fought to displace. She reminded herself that the battle of locating him had been won, and thought about how she would move from there with pride, ready to assess her strategy to then be able to claim victory over the war she was solely a part of.

As she reminded herself to stop in to check on Timaeous she set herself into motion. The faces that turned her way she offered a smile as she reminded herself that there she was an exotic creature outside of the official position that usually took precedence.

From her lazy sandy blonde curls, eyes the color of a rare light jade and the curves her outfit defined, she was everything none of the women she saw could offer. She smiled at the idea of being the center of attention and hoped it may spark some interesting conversations along the way.

As she scanned the face of the building she could make out Gui amongst those gathered and more of the highly polished ornate cabinetry that made up Baizhu's livelihood. Ideas of observing him at his craft crossed her mind expanded to include how she would assist in closing up shop for the day.

Changsheng, she counted as exhausted from attempting to keep everyone from taking his attention, and happily snoozing on the counter amongst the paperwork from the day. Baizhu would happily send off his apprentice and then would finally be free to address,  or rather undress her properly using more than just his eyes.

"Pardon me," Lisa released when she noticed she was too focused on what could potentially be the plans of the evening. "I'm completely lost to my thoughts at the moment.  Celestia knows where my mind wonders to sometimes."

"Don't worry about it," the bright eyed gorgeous young lady she had nearly bumped into released. "You must be the one the Millelith mentioned had arrived yesterday."

"My name is Keqing," she said proudly, with power Lisa could read in eyes the same color as the vision she wore."I am the Yujeng here and as a member of the Liyue Qixing, I welcome you to our land."

"Oh honey," Lisa offered quickly, "you don't need to be so formal with me. I'm just the librarian of the Knights of Favonious.  There's no need to address me by my title either, just call me Lisa."

~>゜)ーーー

"Yes," Lisa answered with a hint of a smile, "I was mocking you. Was it that obvious?"

"I'm just getting tired of this." She admitted while moving to stand. "One would think that you would count me as different than the others by now."

"I do," Changsheng released as Lisa approached. "Had I not I would have never spoken to you. It is as I said here in Sumeru.  Not worth the effort."

"Especially with this facility as well." The reptile added, making the idea she had on the situation solidify, "I've told him many a time I don't agree with their teachings or methods."

"What's wrong with it?" Lisa asked as she moved to take a seat on the edge of the mattress along side of Baizhu. "They offer things no other medical facility can."

"Hogwash." The snake spat, "their modern medicine will never out perform traditional techniques."

"Where's the proof in your claim?" Lisa asked as she crossed her arms interested in what would be shared.

"Baizhu is proof enough." The reptile answered causing her to move and study the lifeless form at her side."if he got the proper treatment he'd at least be talking right now."

"Then where do we take him?" Lisa asked, taking hold of the hand of his that lay on the mattress between them.

"There is no taking him." The snake's tone was solemn as she moved to watch the speaker. "They will not release him in this state."

"And when you're not here," the creature continued venomously, "I get to hear them talk. They can't even tell what's wrong with him."

"Imbeciles." It spat while moving to rise up slightly as if readying to strike. "Them and their modern techniques."

~>゜)ーーー

"You," Lisa began with honey lacing her words towards the Yujeng,"didn't come all this way just to welcome me now, did you?"

"Oh no." Keqing admitted with a smile,"Though I do believe it was fortuitous to have this run in."

"I..."She continued as she looked towards the pharmacy briefly, "I actually came to see the doctor, but I heard he isn't available at the moment."

"Oh," Lisa released as she took in the weight of the situation and the disruption to the lives Baizhu impacted."I believe that may be my fault."

"It happens periodically and unfortunately cannot be predicted as well." Keqing stated in an upbeat tone, "I wouldn't expect you to take the blame just for visiting."

"This time, I know I'm to blame," Lisa offered sincerely, "I kept the doctor quite preoccupied with my needs."

"And since it has been quite some time since I saw him last," she continued with a knowing smile working into place, "I kept him working long into the wee hours of the night, and for that, I apologize."

"If you have time to allow it," Lisa began with the idea that she could help,"let me take you out for tea."

"It's the least I can do," she claimed, "and a good distraction, you see? I happen to know he's recovering quite swiftly."

~>゜)ーーー

"The traditional medicine that they refuse to teach here is far better," the snake continued as Lisa tried to tie everything she knew together, "but even the best of the best can't even make out what is plaguing him."

"Only I hold the key to that," the claim had her glancing over to take in the lifeless figure at her side. "He has a very rare condition."

"Tied to certain traits he has," the snake continued as she went back to studying the reptile, "and there is nothing you can do for that."

"I'm willing to try anything," Lisa admitted and despised the laugh the creature released.

"I just said there's nothing you can do," the snake related, "did I not?"

"Let's just say this is a lesson," the reptile announced just before pausing to use its tongue to take in the scents that surrounded them. "And I hope you learn something from it."

~>゜)ーーー

"I promise you're not impeding on anything," Lisa reiterated while studying the natural beauty that walked at her side, "and it really would be a pleasure to take you to tea, I've honestly set out to obtain something that would match the requirements for a healthy breakfast."

"Doctor's order, " she added hinting at so much more with a wink, "You know."

"I'm that case," Keqing released with a knowing smile,  " I think I know just the place, and the tea alone is worth it."

~>゜)ーーー

"Changsheng," Baizhu began as Lisa stared wide eyed at one she knew was an invalid moments before,"what happened?"

"That girl, Baizhu," the snake began as she couldn't help but notice she wasn't worthy of naming, "destroyed the balance of your qi, but thankfully I am here to help you."

~>゜)ーーー

"You don't have to order me anything to eat." Keqing claimed causing Lisa to release a small chuckle at how adorable the lass was, "I have to intentions of encroaching on your visit all."

"I insist," Lisa said sweetly as she thought about how Keqing had looked over the menu knowing they had set out for tea alone. "If you're that concerned you'll be a bother you could take your leave after you see the doctor."

"But I'll have you know," she continued as she thought about the man in question, "he's just as enthralled with a good conversation over a shared meal as I am."

"If you insist, " the dear spoke with a light blush surfacing briefly, making her wonder what was going through that pretty little mind, "but I have done nothing to deserve this, and-"

"As I said," Lisa interrupted her when she felt her subject may be a tad nervous, "the meal is on me, where you choose to eat it is entirely up to you."

~>゜)ーーー

"I was diagnosed with narcolepsy this time," Baizhu shared as he came to rest before Lisa.  "The last time I had an episode due to more normal circumstances for me they claimed I went into a stress induced hibernation."

"It isn't easy for me to study at multiple Darshans, you see," he said with a smile her lips wanted to mirror, "so it's easy for me to be excused for certain occurrences that are beyond my control."

"Would you care to join me for a meal?" He asked and the irritation she had at him brushing over what he actually went through vanished as she felt him take her hand, "I'd love to find out what I've missed."

~>゜)ーーー

"Originally I only came to chaperone the apprentice to the Chief Alchemist of the Knights of Favonious, Timaeous" Lisa explained as she idly read the message in the dregs of the cup she held, "recently he was given holiday to escort his beloved back home."

"But I'm not one to stand in the way of the magic of love," she released as she moved to study the gorgeous lavender eyes of the Yujeng, "and I told Timaeous I'd be around if he needed any assistance."

"It was just happenstance that I overheard a certain name in passing," Lisa explained, "that I realized that this was the particular place that Baizhu had set up shop."

"And even though we were forced to part ways years ago," she continued as she struggled to not allow her features to display the emotions she had coursing within, "when I met with him it was as if no time had passed at all."

~>゜)ーーー

"Isn't this place kind of expensive?" Lisa asked as Baizhu diligently opened the door for her, "I don't want to waste your money."

"Although taking shifts is a requirement for credits," Baizhu offered as he followed her into the establishment, "they do make up for it with meager wages and I believe what you have gone through warrants every single mora spent on a meal I do pray is to your liking."

Lisa had conflicting ideas processing all at once when the host spoke to him after providing his name.  The idea that he was a regular to one of the more pricy but niche cafés went beyond what she thought he should be able to afford while taking the courses he was.

Some of the reasons fell from the list of things that would draw him to visit when she found him placing his hand on her lower back. As they walked to the selected table she couldn't help the way she sized up the ones she had to release as competition and then wondered if he acted the way he did to get them to leave him be.

"Why must you force me to endure the torture of being here?" Changsheng spoke up as Lisa turned from the host's exit,"their decor is too much for my liking."

"I happen to be addicted to their craftsmanship in the culinary arts, Changsheng," He claimed with a smile as she saw the snake shift its coils about his shoulders, "and unfortunately for you the cold their decor adds isn't enough to affect me in the same manner."

"Like a charm," Baizhu stated just as she saw the reptile give up the fight and lay down its head in slumber before his full attention was turned to her. "The cold of the mist flowers they decorate with are what draws me here when I don't need her knowing what my motives are."

~>゜)ーーー

"I'm sorry I keep delving into my stories," Lisa corrected herself knowing it was the most recent of events that held dominion over her mind,"I wanted to learn more about you."

"There will be time for that I'm sure," Keqing claimed with another hint of color dashing along her cheek bones,"but do continue, please."

"It's incredible to hear that Doctor Baizhu has someone in his life." The purple haired Yujeng continued,  "He's so caring, and selfless...and I've always thought he sounded a little lonely, even when he is constantly in Changsheng's company."

"Hmm," Lisa released thoughtfully, "I've not met many of my electro sisters, but it seems you have the same intuition both Yae Miko and I share."

"You know Lady Guuji?" Keqing asked with her eyes lighting up."I have a trip planned to visit Inazuma and I'm hoping I can run onto her at some point while I'm there. I'm a huge fan of hers."

"Not only because of sharing the same element, but she's a close friend to someone I'm very close to," she continued with pride, "but also her business ethic as well. There are far too few women that are recognized for their greatness."

~>゜)ーーー

"From what I can gather," Baizhu began as Lisa tried to figure out how his thought process worked with the way they had been conversating on the walk to the café. "Changsheng may be to blame for what happened to me."

"She is," Lisa confirmed as she found him moving to place a hand around the one she cupped her mug with. "But I couldn't tell you that,  so I don't know what kind of monstrosity that thing is, but it needs to be destroyed."

"I wish it were that simple," Baizhu spoke softly with his eyes on the space between them. "Changsheng and I are bound together and if I were to attempt to break said bond..."

"Well," he added just before offering her a smile and meeting her gaze, "Let's just say that all of the bad qi she's eliminated from our plane of existence would then move to reside within me, and she is a very old soul indeed."

"On the more positive side that I'll attempt to remain on," he continued, "I have the ability to help those that are well beyond doomed with what ails them."

"I suppose that way it does keep everything perfectly in balance as it should be." He claimed then with his tone a touch solemn, "but, fear not for me, I have been working on my own agenda this entire time."

"That's why you were reading about necromancy?" Lisa asked thinking back on one of the more pertinent tomes she had seen him collect from the shelves in the restricted section of the library. "What the fuck is really going on here?"

~>゜)ーーー

"You will love her, and I'll want to hear all about it." Lisa said with a smile just before stumbling on what could have been troubling her company,"this trip is soon isn't it? That's why you went to see Baizhu first thing. I'm so glad I ran into you then."

"Yes," Keqing answered with eyes darting away for a moment and that faint blush returning, "I actually leave tomorrow morning."

"But let's not focus on me," the Yujeng stated as she moved gracefully to pour more tea for the both of them, "I still need to hear your story."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa held her silence as she took in the tale he imparted.  She couldn't imagine him choosing to play host to that creature that taken at face value looked to be no threat. The ideas he had to overthrow it she couldn't agree more with and the details that tied them together gave all of the nuances she picked up from him perfect clarity.

"She's really just a parasite then..." Lisa released at length while moving to look at the hands that held hers, "even if what she feeds on is technically bad..."

"But," she added while glancing at the creature in question before returning to the man's golden eyes, "that really doesn't explain to me what the fuck she did to you back at Bimarstan."

"Our tie is through the balance of qi," Baizhu explained causing Lisa to exhale sharply against the idea that it was based on something that most outside of Liyue counted as a theory at best when it came to health-care. "And in healing others I play host to the qi that is making my patients ill and beyond the reach of salvation. In return, Changsheng then neutralizes any treat and leaves me and my qi perfectly balanced."

"The act of procreation that we were a part of," he continued and she gave him the look she felt befit the terminology he gave her, "greatly shifts the qi of those involved in the act and can actually heighten them as well which led me to believe that if I did experience it,  that there would in fact be a certain price to pay."

"I'm entirely grateful to you for that chance," he stated before she watched his eyes fall from her gaze and his brow knitting together to show turmoil, "and apologetic as well for getting involved with you in the first place knowing there was a risk with as many of the possible outcomes I considered and for the simple fact that I am not an entirely free being to do as I see fit."

"What," Lisa replied as she felt she was trying to fathom figuring out the rules of the universe through his words, "in all of the depths of the abyss is that supposed to mean?"

~>゜)ーーー

"There's not much to our story, unfortunately," Lisa lied as she thought about how it felt like her soul had been cleaved from her body when she was forced to take a position far from the one she felt was the true keeper of her heart, "Except for we were young and punchdrunk in love with each other even though we both knew our tenure at the Akademiya academy was temporary."

~>゜)ーーー

"In the most direct scenario I can determine with what transpired, " Baizhu offered as Lisa attempted to read the emotion that clouded his eyes,"Changsheng felt threatened by you."

"She most likely could feel the way our energies interacted," he explained and she couldn't help the emotions that went into play as she thought about their exchange, "and finding you able to not only draw mine out, but to amplify it..."

"Lisa," Baizhu's vocals taking on her name had her exiting the recollections she had prematurely, "we need to see if it's something she's doing consciously or not. I've not been able to elevate my qi on my own to a high enough level to see if it's even noticeable."

"I've read numerous methods in which to do this," he continued as she felt she had a grasp on what he meant, "but most involve nearly unobtainable ingredients or are so risky I may as well be willing to dive off a cliff instead, so I am lax to proceed."

~>゜)ーーー

"Let me rephrase that," Lisa said solemnly as she considered who she was with, "he was in love with me, and I was in love with what he did to my body, or at least that's what I thought at first."

"Remember when you go to Inazuma and you speak with Lady Yae," she offered uninterested to force herself further down that path, "she'll give you some random bit of information you'll learn that is imperative to your life and hits like a slap in the face after you've been trying to ignore the connotation."

"She told me that the secret behind laughter being the best medicine is the love you have in the things that bring you joy," she repeated the words that had been spoken to her, "and without it. It's a horse and a cart with no reins."

"Don't deny yourself love, Keqing," Lisa imparted the words she felt she could pass on to one who may be able to profit from them,"but also don't sell yourself short to the first one that makes an offer."

"A page from my own book so to speak," she explained as she looked down into the cup she had hoping for better visions, "Words alone don't tie you to anyone,  even if they're words someone gives to you."

"Hopefully no one is stupid enough to try to play that trick on you." She added thoughtfully, "I just wish I would have woke up sooner to realize he actually meant it."
"
~>゜)ーーー

The rules Lisa had in place were supposed to apply to everyone: No return visits to any dick even if they claim they love you. They were for her own good after playing with fire one too many times and she had the burn marks to prove it.

Baizhu seemed to be a different case than the others, and she felt he deserved that much. They were doing experiments on a scientific theory. They were collecting data on a case study, and it just happened to be a subject where she excelled.

"That's a very complex question," Baizhu explained as Lisa analyzed the depths he claimed when she halted his progress to ask,"and the timing alone makes me think you're trying to provoke it out of me."

"If that's your intention here, I'd much rather you just admit to it." He requested as he shifted from holding his arms straight to being propped up with his elbows bent and his hands moving to rest between her upper back and the mattress, "as for an answer if it is a true inquiry, there are emotions that draw me to you and none of them are lust, that much I can admit to."

"I could ask the same of you," he claimed as she tried to decide how to take what he had shared while trying to fathom why she had agreed once more, "if you're so inclined."

"And if I'm not?" Lisa asked while running her fingers over his shoulder.

"As of right now I don't mind it," he told her as she moved on to explore the expanse of his back, "but if we progress on in this manner my opinion may evolve."

~>゜)ーーー

"So," Keqing began with a warm hearted smile, "You said you saw him, and that it was as if no time had passed between the two of you."

"Yes," Lisa admitted feeling the wear of her emotional state, "Except for the obvious, of course."

"Of course, " the Yujeng accepted before her brow rose, "well then, did you tell him?"

"Tell him what?" Lisa asked before her thoughts could process.  "Celestia no, dear. I didn't.  We fucked just like it was yesterday."

~>゜)ーーー

"What's a hot thing like you," Baizhu asked as Lisa plaved a hand on her hip while silently judging the choices he was making, "doing in a place like this?"

"I..." She began while considering the taboo she encroached on for the proximity to their most recent locale and the plan they had put into the works."live here."

"Baizhu," she released as she watched him move collect her hand. "What is it with you and the terrible pick up lines after sex?"

"I don't have the confidence beforehand," he stated and she moved to embrace him with one arm at the idea he shared, "and it's not like you'll turn me down after."

"I really should, though." She countered as she watched the finger she had following his clavicle before glancingup to catch his eye, "they're just tragic."

"I think it's fun." He claimed with a smirk, "illicit some witty banter. Weaken your morale with my devilish grin."

"There are others ways you can flirt with me., handsome." She shared as she moved to trail her finger down his jawline,"if that's what you're after."

"But what if," he asked while collecting her in his arms and placing his forehead against hers, "I'm after more?"

"I might claim to like where this is going," she stated moving to plant a kiss on his lips before staring at him blankly.  "You didn't pass out. I think you're right."

"That's great, and extremely helpful," he said with a wisp of a smile, "next will be lessons in acknowledging and harnessing your qi."

Chapter Text

I'm sorry, dear." Lisa offered the one who sat across from her who studied the contents of her cup with her face a multitude of reddish tones,"I was brash, and I owe you an apology."

"No," Keqing piped out,"it was me that pushed you..."

"I just thought..." She continued while keeping her focus on the cup in hand, "that after all you said...that that's the first thing that would have crossed your lips."

~>゜)ーーー

"Is this," Lisa suggested as what she wrapped her fingers around lost its pliability  "how I begin the lesson?"

"Not quite," Baizhu admitted, "but I applaud your vigor and I'd like to see what else you think that entails."

"I trust I won't leave you disappointed," she released while moving to take hold of the waistband of his pants to lead him from where he stood. "And I'm a very proficient learner."

~>゜)ーーー

"Love..." Lisa spoke the word that fell like a droplet that sent waves shifting through her consciousness, "Is complicated."

"And I don't know know if it's the fact that we both have established lives," Lisa went on as all she thought about seemed to bring pain,"or if...the shock of seeing him was just too much for my system," but I couldn't bring myself to say it."

"I had already had terrible experiences encircling that word..." She continued softly feeling her resolve waver, "and I've also damaged him beyond repair with it as well."

"So, perhaps, " she considered, "our first meeting was more of a testing ground, to see if he still felt the same."

~>゜)ーーー

"Let's see what happens," Baizhu suggested while moving away from the window they had opened to ease his reptilian companion into slumber, "if we're just together."

"She already spits enough venom when speaking about you casually," he explained as he reclaimed the spot beside her under the bedspread and enveloped her once again, "but she never acts out on it, and I believe it's because it's unwarranted and she knows it."

"She's lax to comprehend," he explained quietly, "that I am not a puppet that she can force to do only her bidding."

~>゜)ーーー

"I think from the sounds of it," Keqing claimed hopefully,  "it was a success."

"Are you going to tell him when you get back?" She asked with light reflecting on her lavender eyes. "Because if what you're saying is true, he deserves to know."

"The Tianquan of the Qixing firmly believes in the truth," she added thoughtfully, "and has told me on multiple occasions that even if the truth hurts its a part of the majesty of life and that alone won't leave you stranded."

"Maybe for a time," she continued, "but by the time you can accept the truth your life has propelled you enough to see that it everything fits together as it should despite where you stood before."

~>゜)ーーー

"Good morning, friend," Lisa offered coyly just before applying her lips to the shoulder she peered over to find the snake alert and watching her. "Did you sleep well?"

"Don't give me that crap," Changsheng spat causing her smile to broaden. "I'm onto your game."

~>゜)ーーー

"Then hopefully he knows," Lisa released as she set her cup down,"and I don't have to say a word."

"I wish watever happened to you, that was that bad," Keqing began as worry etched itself across her features, "that you can't even communicate your feelings never took place."

"As do I," Lisa admitted as she thought about the spectors that dissipated as she woke up, "the truth that  makes you stronger, can also help you stop it from happening to others."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa felt indifferent about the hushed tones as she passed through the halls on the way to class. The eyes that fell over her figure she counted as she had anticipated until she realized it was more than the usual amount.

As she slowed and cautiously made it seem as if she was merely checking the way her garment laid she to analyze her situation further.  Nearly all of the groups scattered about had at least one member looking her way, and not one of them studied her for more than just a moment.

~>゜)ーーー

"You're going to tell him," Keqing was relentless in her pursuit with her eyes mirroring the power she had within."Right?"

"You have to." She added with a smile that Lisa wanted to mirror, "You've traveled all this way, and you found him from happenstance alone. It was meant to be."

~>゜)ーーー

As Lisa heard her name called out she exhaled deeply.  The thought of enjoying whatever silence she gained from the blatant avoidance of her classmates evaporated. The fair skinned, doe eyed Farah she caught sauntering over in her peripheral vision led her to believe she'd soon learn what the ruckus was all about.

"I've heard a lot about you recently,,Lisa." Farah claimed as she moved to take the seat across from her, "and unfortunately none of its anything good."

"Spit it out," Lisa offered with a palm lifting as a gesture, "or get the fuck out. Your choice."

"You really fucked him, didn't you?" Farah asked, not shaking her resolve whatsoever. "You've fallen on hard times if you're going for guys on my turf."

"He's my fucking lab partner." She released not wanting to give justification, "and that's well within my boundaries. So I guess I just apologize for catching his eye sooner than you did, clearly there's more that I can offer."

"You can fucking keep that shit," her rival spat,"I heard long ago he's with the snake and doesn't want anything to do with anyone."

"Clearly that's false if we're having this conversation."Lisa countered ready to be done with the ideas the community came up with. "Is that what's got you all in a tizzy?"

"Ha," she released triumphantly, "I just wanted to share the more interesting tidbits that have recently emerged, but if you don't care..."

"I told you once to spill it or leave." Lisa reiterated the idea while casually moving to collect her teacup. "I'm over the bullshit today, so enlighten me, if that's the plan you have."

"Well, from what I heard," Farah began with the corners of her mouth upturned,"you agreed to fuck him after he suggested it when you went into the storeroom at Pardis Dhyai."

"And then," she continued as Lisa tried to figure out how the rumors of Sumeru actually worked, "while he was on shift he snuck you into Bimarstan where you proceeded to fuck him."

"But unfortunately," her rival paused for effect as Lisa released a deep breath at the idea,"you took it too far playing into his choking kink and killed him with the snake."
"
~>゜)ーーー

"You have to," Keqing released as Lisa turned from the boisterous blue haired youth that handed over a package containing the food she had ordered. "It doesn't even have to be a grand event or a big deal."

"Oooh maybe you should when we get back," the lavender haired girl continued, "Just grab him and say it when he welcomes you back."

"You're a hopeless romantic," Lisa offered with a slight giggle,"you know that?"

"Maybe," Keqing claimed, "but my colleague told me it's those little acts that weight more than the big ones."

"Like a kiss on the back of your hand while out in public," she explained as Lisa considered it, "because he can't contain the love he has for you."

~>゜)ーーー

"Do you know how ridiculous that sounds?" Lisa asked as she thought about how everything could have taken place.

"I have it from a reliable source that you followed him in," Farah shared, "but I don't know how he snuck you into the room he was found in, and I don't know how you got out."

"But you're on the list of visitors they have," she added, "Did you go back to make sure he was dead? Or did you actually feel guilty for once in your life?"

~>゜)ーーー

"Liyue," Lisa stated as she took in the populace that surrounded them as they walked side by side,"is far more modest of a country than I'm accustomed to."

~>゜)ーーー

"It gets better though," Farah spoke with her brow rising, "there's a conflicting idea that you may have strangled him and then fucked his corpse."

"And ever since his ass appeared out of nowhere in class today," she carried on,"that one is making the rounds and it's expanded to include you doing forbidden arts to bring him back from the dead as your zombie love slave."

"One of my confidants" Farah claimed as Lisa calmly sipped from the mug she held, "said they saw him leave your apartment this morning after the two of you played tonsil hockey in the doorway."

~>゜)ーーー

"I meant nothing bad by that at all," Lisa admitted as she thought of the boisterous displays of affection that would take place on the cobblestone streets of Mondstadt, "I've been places and have seen many things."

~>゜)ーーー

"And if I did?" Lisa asked in a devil may care tone, "You should know by now I've got a particular taste in men, and he fits the criteria."

"He doesn't annoy me with his clothes on," she explained, "though it is preferable with his clothes off. Not to mention the huge cock and the capability he has to actually use the damn thing properly."

"Run along now, Farah," she released as she moved to stand, "put your mouth to good use and find a dick to fill it with."

~>゜)ーーー

"Inazuma," Lisa repeated the region she knew Keqing was heading to, "depending on where you go will dictate what you see."

"But be mindful, " she added thoughtfully, "of what you don't see in the shadows. They're good at keeping their facade."

~>゜)ーーー

The excitement Lisa found in watching Baizhu vanished as he set a stack of books on the table in front of her. Her reaction she held fast to as she watched him settle in at her side while offering a warm genuine smile.

"These need to be returned to the library in two weeks, " his statement left her face an emotionless void, "Unless you need to extend the period,"

"But this will give you insight on my theory," the words he shared she felt deserved the questioning look she gave him, "that by studying life energy and the effects the ley lines have on it can help you get a better grip on the power of qi."

As Changsheng added her two mora on how none of those subjects correlated Lisa moved on to glance through his selection.  The literature she determined drab and lack luster and moved to study his profile as he defended his actions by telling the snake in the most polite way to stuff it.

"Baizhu," she began as gently as possible once their conversation ceased, "I thought this was going to be a more hands on approach,  if you catch my drift."

"We'll get to that," he confessed with a hint of a smirk, "but this way I don't have to explain the findings behind the theory I'm compiling."

"What do you mean?" She asked feeling she was missing a portion of the complete picture. "I thought you just wanted-"

"I'll tell you later," he cut her off and she watched him glance to his reptilian companion as the hint she needed, "How's your classes going? I can barely concentrate with this thesis I'm preparing to write."

"Fine," she related,  hoping to make the most of it by the end of the day, "just the usual bullshit and then some."

~>゜)ーーー

"This is it," Keqing stated as they came to rest at the base of the steps leading back to the pharmacy, "What's your plan?"

"To keep my clothes on, " Lisa admitted and laughed in delight at the look she was given by the Yujeng, "What? He does have a business to run and I already know I'm too much of a distraction."

~>゜)ーーー

"Now," Lisa paused with her lips purposefully pouted as she looked over to meet Baizhu's gaze, "what were you saying?"

As he went back to sharing his ideas she went back to work. With deliberation she carefully charted her course and as his explanation began to stumble she met his eye.

"Are you even listening?" He asked gaining a smile as she moved to rest her head on his shoulder.

"I am now," she claimed as she diligently placed her hand flat against his lower abdomen. "But if you bore me I'm going back to what I was doing."

~>゜)ーーー

"I don't think I can, Keqing." Lisa offered with as much of a smile as she could afford, "but I'll make an honest effort at it."

"That's all I ask." The Yujeng stated with a curt nod. " I do expect the full report after you talk to him."

~>゜)ーーー

"Theoretically," Baizhu began as Lisa was tempted to continue her exploration, "I should be able to craft a concoction of herbs chosen for their life force quality that would free me from the depths Changsheng leaves my qi in."

"Or," he offered as she found his touch falling over the hand she had shifted to her whim and she spotted the smirk he had in place, "I can go back to not messing around with you."

"Which," he asked as she found her appendage freed from his grasp, "would you prefer?"

"I think the answer is quite obvious," Lisa explained as she moved to attempt her best at getting a grasp on the situation, "now, tell me what we need to do."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa felt as if each footfall added to the weight she carried. The memories she went through added the bitter taste of anguish and the optimism she had she felt was washed away by the waves of regret that rose as she ascended the stairs.

"I told him his plan would never work, Keqing," Lisa admitted as she looked to the younger woman that stayed with her. "And I was meaner than a pack of starved rifthounds."

"I couldn't bear to carry the blame for how much pain he was in," she continued as her constitution began to falter, "and I was stupid to think that leaving would set things right."

"All it did was make me think I was being foolish, and at first I was too hard headed to admit I was wrong," she explained with her brow furrowing, "but my atonement for my actions came far too late and in a selfish manner as I used my position to study what he wanted me to."

"Written in one of the texts that he gave me was a sheet of parchment where he solved an equation," she proceeded past the idea she had to quit while she had the chance,"the solution was 'L' is greater than 'P.' Below that he went on to explain that the love he had was worth the pain."

"And," she continued as she fought back on the feeling she had of choking on her words, "it probably didn't hurt as bad as when I fell from Celestia."

~>゜)ーーー

"I don't really like that idea," Lisa spat as she tossed the items she held into the cauldron, "why can't we just keep knocking her out with the cold?"

"She'll catch on," Baizhu countered as she glanced over to the snake that slept on a stack of books at their side,"and who knows what she'll do to me then."

"Plus," he added as she found him picking up her slack with the next ingredient, "we already know she'll relinquish the hold if you vacate the area."

"If the formula works I'll recover with you there," he continued as she fought the worry that was trying to hold back her breath, "if not, no harm, just leave and I'll come find you."

"What happens if you don't wake up?" She asked with a tone conveying her emotions, "What then?"

"She's a parasite, Lisa," he reminded her calmly, "she can't eat if I can't heal, and with the steps that I've taken; her little qi attack does nothing but paralyze her ability to source her next meal."

~>゜)ーーー

"That's not cute,"Lisa countered despite the jovial tone Keqing set, "it's terrible."

"It is too cute," Keqing insisted,"those old pick up lines aren't the greatest, but that whole thing is adorable."

"It sounds to me like you've already accepted him," Keqing claimed in a proud tone, "condition and all, so go make sure he knows it."

~>゜)ーーー

"You're joking,  right?" Lisa asked as she looked at the script she was handed. "They're not going to accept this."

"I'm a doctor, Lisa," Baizhu's claim she nearly laughed at, "and its recognized with the paperwork filed by the staff here."

"That prescription is valid," he continued leaving her to watch him move to collect his belongings, "and is everything we need to test out the formula I came up with."

"Will I," he began at length as he moved to approach her,"see you after my shift?"

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa took in what could very well be normal life except for the figure seated on the bed. The sound of Changsheng's voice drew her to see the snake coiled atop a young girl's head as she corrected the youth. In response a soft voice slowly apologized and as she reached back into the drawer her long purple braid swung freely.

Baizhu looked worse for wear with his shoulders slumped and his attention on his hands that sat before him. The portions of his hair that couldn't stay in the braid framed the face that turned to her as she began her approach.

The set jawline she ran her fingers over told her of the almost unbearable amount of pain he was in. The tired eyes she dove into translating emotions words could not convey.

"My poor baby," Lisa cooed as she moved to pull him in against her taking his weight as his frame caved in her embrace. As she continued one hand she left over his upper back and with the other she sent comfort through the fingers she used to brush length of his hair away from his face."I see she hasn't forgiven you yet."

"Small," his voice came out weaker than she expected as she planted a kiss on the top of his head, "price to pay."

"You shouldn't have to pay any price. Her grief is with me." She explained as she moved to embrace him once again."and I'm the one who should have to pay."

"You are though." He spoke before taking a deep breath, "I can't imagine what it feels like to stand in your shoes."

"To watch all of this take place and know there's nothing you can do." He continued as she felt the thoughts conveyed were ones etched throughout her entire being, "I can't blame you for leaving."

"Given the chance over I'd stay," she admitted,  grateful for the strength to speak her mind, "unlike the idiot I once was."

"I love you," the words tumbled out as she felt the emotions she tried to hold back come rolling her over,"and I was so ignorant to believe letting you go was the only way to save you."

>゜)ーーー

"I didn't see you last Saturday, " Farah said blankly as Lisa wished it had been another Amurta bitch that took the prescription from her hand. "And I see he's now forging documents for you as well."

"I was busy," Lisa spat without thought with her irritation rising at the situation she was in, "and its not mine. I'm just picking it up."

"Archons save me from this shit," she cursed to no one in particular, "Go ahead and report it. I don't give a fuck, just do your damn job."

~>゜)ーーー

"Baby," Lisa asked as she sat on the edge of the mattress facing the man who loved her, "outside of fucking you right here and now, do you think that our emotional connection is enough to try to get you back up and running?"

"There's a cute little number I may have said could see you" she continued as she felt him take her hand, "due to the fact that it was my fault you were having a rough spell."

"Possibly..." he stated, "do you mind giving me their name?"

~>゜)ーーー

"Ya might want to warn me next time you have me pick up shit worth millions," Lisa released as she took a seat next to the green haired man pouring through a book he held."what the hell is in this bag?"

"Glaze lilies," Baizhu answered as he moved to meet her eye, "imported from Liyue"

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa drank in the sight of the doctor writing out a new prescription for Keqing.  The reappearance of his glasses on his nose made her feel as if she were falling in love all over again and the green hair that fell over his chest as he moved gave her all sorts of ideas as to what to do with him.

"Qiqi," he began as she took in the sight of the youth that approached with her pale face partially obscured by a spell tag plastered atop her hair on her forehead, "I have a prescription here that I need you to have Herbalist Gui fill and bring back to me. Would you mind doing that for me?"

"Uh....yeah," the girl released at length as Lisa's attention automatically moved to catch what was written on the parchment the doctor handed over, "Qiqi...can."

"Hurry back," Baizhu spoke as Lisa watched Changsheng's head bob up and down from the way the girl set into motion immediately, "we will eat when you return."

"Ta-ta," Lisa released to the creature that twisted to keep its eyes aimed at her until the one that carried it off disappeared through the door.

"Now," she said as she turned to allow her greedy hands to move over her target,"what am I to do with you now that the snake is away?"

~>゜)ーーー

"Liyue was literally created by the hands of its archon and decorated by the illuminated beasts that chose to join him." Baizhu explained as Lisa thought about the drunkard that lopped the tops of mountains off with his powers on a whim. "Everything there is teeming with the life force I believe will pull this off."

"And glaze lilies beyond all else," he continued as she began to wonder if he'd talk more on his past, "are highly prized for their medicinal purposes aside from their majesty beauty."

"Well," Lisa released as she remembered the garbage she had gone through, "if you get questioned in your credibility in writing prescriptions, some bitch tried to say I was passing off a forgery most likely to bank on those lilies."

~>゜)ーーー

Without trepidation of the known, the unknown and anything within time's grasp Lisa was free to experience the bond she had forged with the man that claimed her lips. She was completely enveloped in the force she knew by the name of Baizhu and felt she finally understood exactly why he wouldn't shut up about it in the past.

~>゜)ーーー

"Traditionally," Baizhu began as Lisa devoured the sight of the man at his craft,"this concoction should be steeped, and the infused water consumed."

"But I'd rather just attempt adding enough spring water to bring it back a bit and just eat it as is," his statement made her grimace at the idea of eating the raw herbs,"it'll be more concentrated that way."

"It's going to taste disgusting and you know it," Lisa offered getting a glance as she moved to peer at his work,"like eating tea leaves..."

"If this shit works," she added thoughtfully, "you may have to brush your teeth before I agree to kiss you."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa turned from the completed task of making the bed to find Baizhu pulling on a tunic over cuffed linen pants. As she approached she held onto the idea that she'd be reversing his actions of clothing himself and slipped her hands in place on his chest over the front closures.

"Allow me the honor, " she offered sweetly, "the practice will make undoing these later without looking easier."

"I like," Baizhu claimed as she completed her work and placed her hands flat against his chest as he enclosed his arms around her,"that plan."

"How are you feeling now, baby?" She asked with concern hovering through her mind as she leaned into him.

"Not perfect, but much better," he claimed just before offering her a small taste of the devotion he held,"marginally functional, and that's good enough for me."

"Now I suppose I'll get my hair to a somewhat presentable state," he suggested with a smile, "and take care of some business so that we may eat."

"Would you mind sending Keqing in to meet me?" He asked and her mind went to the sensitive details of the prescription the girl was picking up, "and give me a few moments with her to alleviate any concerns she may have."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa tried to let the worry she had go, but found it clouding her ability to appreciate the tongue that traversed the flesh of her neck.  The malicious threats she took in from the reptile that was set in place on the side table blocked her from experiencing the endorphin rush she knew she should receive from the transition she found when teeth were gently applied to the side of her neck.

"You okay?" Baizhu asked killing what was left of the idea she had on passion as she felt his weight shift and moved from the view of the ceiling to meet his eyes. "I'm fine with the plan, but if you're backing out I'm okay with that too."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa processed what she knew about the Yujeng who politely thanked her before moving to follow directions.  The idea she had about the lavender haired girl traveling to Inazuma with the item she was procuring had her slightly concerned for the girl's well-being.

The slight flush on the girl's features led her to believe she had no idea what she was getting herself into and a need to assist her was what she set her mind to as she began her wait.

A smile broke out over her as she watched the young Qiqi reappear. The little thing had such a serious look as she kept her quick pace and the snake resting atop her figure with its head bobbing to match the bounce in the girl's gait had her trying to hold back laughter as she wanted in no way to become a distraction.

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa sucked in a deep breath as her eyes popped open. Her thoughts moved to reason out how she had gotten so far lost to arrive at her current state.

She had gotten over the idea of Baizhu sleeping over. The  issues she had with men and their habits she felt didn't apply to the one who still lay fast asleep at her side.

In repose she found him more alluring than usual.  His shoulders and upper chest free from their reptilian burden for her to enjoy, and his visage, a touch more youthful without his glasses in place.

While studying him she couldn't help but try to figure out which step she had stumbled on that allowed her actions.  It wasn't anything like she had been accustomed to and she knew it had nothing to do with sympathy as well.

She knew she would have had no issues with turning him away that first night outside of the fact that there was something about him that she found absolutely insatiable. He was intellectually stimulating and his lighthearted demeanor carried far beyond expectations.

She pondered the respect he showed her and the boundaries she noticed that had began to fade as their lives seemed to be merging into one.

"I am not," she told him as she looked over him once again, "in a relationship with you."

~>゜)ーーー

"I know the prescription you gave me," Lisa confessed to the handsome green haired man at her side, "called for a dose following what I believe was a hearty breakfast."

"And I'd love to take you up on that," she admitted while moving to convey her true thoughts,  angling her frame to allow him the greatest vantage point of her ample cleavage, "but it may have to wait,  if you think I could survive for that long."

"I need to check in on Timaeous," she stated and gave him a smile when he remembered where her eyes were, "and I'll grab my stuff from the hotel, there's no point in paying for an empty room."

"That sounds rather dull," Baizhu shared his opinion and she watched as the corner of his lips curled upwards, "perhaps you give me a time and place near your hotel and I'll try my best at getting you to agree to head back to my place."

~>゜)ーーー

"What the hell," Lisa released as she eyed Baizhu suspiciously, "are you wearing?"

"I did mention I'm a doctor, right?" He asked as she looked him over, taking in the telltale gold brocade that sat as a centerpiece over the navy blue garb he wore"Today's my official shift at Bimarstan."

The thoughts she wanted to share on his statement she stopped before they made it out of the mouth she opened. Seeing him lift her mug to his lips had her curious what his take on them was.

~>゜)ーーー

"You don't have to do that," Keqing claimed without meeting Lisa's eye, "I appreciate the offer, none the less."

"I insist, truly." Lisa spoke up as she watched Keqing shift her weight to the left, "I never got a chance to tell you what happened."

~>゜)ーーー

"Wait, wait, wait.." Lisa let out as her mind went for pinpoint accuracy and took the cup he had to set aside. "It's real. Really, so she couldn't have reported me if she wanted to."

"And," she added with thoughts on what she knew some did with their free time, "I've done the impossible."

Lisa felt the confusion she saw register on Baizhu's face didn't match the tone of the victorious burst of laughter she let out. After noticing he wasn't joining her train of thought on his own accord she sobered her disposition accordingly and the smile she gave him reflected the ideas she had on what she'd do with him.

"Do you know how many dumb ass bitches try to play sick to try to fuck the staff at Bimarstan?" She asked bluntly.

"Are you," Baizhu asked without emotion as he studied her, "going to boast about this?"

"To you: yes." Lisa responded with her hands moving on their own to bridge the gap between them to potentially soothe the nerve she felt she hit, "to the rest of the world: they can suck a dick."

"There's enough rumors out there anyways and I could care less," she imparted her thoughts on what she knew Sumeru was famous for while moving to encircle his neck with her arms while stepping in closer, "do they bother you?"

"I've heard all types," he shared,  softening slightly to wrap his arms around her lower back, "I just...don't give them any energy."

"Well I meant no harm with my outburst," she added thoughtfully, "I just analyze the things I hear to counterbalance the negativity I take in. That one did wonders for my morale."

"I can boost your morale anytime you need," he offered and gave a wicked grin she wanted to claim.

"Really, now?" She released flirtatiously with thoughts on what he may do to complete that task, "You're the doctor.  You tell me what I need."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa waited until they were out of earshot of the locals gathered on the street before she slowed to a stop. Turning to look at Keqing she felt as if she could clearly see herself in that same stage in life.

The idea that she could give the girl some insight on life and the twists and turns it took were on the forefront of her concerns. The salvation she remembered at that age felt far worse than it should have been. With her decision made the gorgeous creature she studied then she'd fight for making their meeting a destiny she'd accept.

~>゜)ーーー

"I think im coming down with something" Lisa  claimed  as she watched the eyes that drank her in,"I'm going to need you to do a transfusion for me."

"That sounds pretty serious," Baizhu's reaction was perfect and the way he pulled her in up against him had her dying for continuance, "what type of transfusion do you require?"

"Oh, you know, " she said coyly while shrugging her shoulders getting a broader smile in return, "A special fluid only you can give me."

~>゜)ーーー

"How can I put this?" Lisa asked herself aloud as her thoughts went over the time she got alone with the doctor, "the event took place, but I fear it wasn't as grandiose as it could have been."

"But I think the delivery went well and was accepted as well as it could have been." She continued as she wondered if there was anything she should have done differently, "I know now that sometimes there can't be a perfect time to say something except for when it needs to be said."

~>゜)ーーー

Baizhu's voice drew Lisa back into her apartment where she stood trying to fathom why he had left her with her lips parted and in need of more. The idea that the teaser was supposed to satisfy her desires had her confounded as he moved to guide her to hold her own weight.

"I'm due in shortly," he lamented, "why don't you walk me there since you have nothing else to do but wait for your classes to start?"

"We could discuss this special treatment you require,"  his suggestion peaked her interest enough to follow him as he left the room. "And once I'm off of work we can do whatever it is you need."

Feeling quite perturbed when he turned away from her she allowed her face to contort. Whatever nonsense he spoke she ignored as she watched him adorn his head with a golden crown of laurel and came up with a retaliation she knew would get his attention.

Her fingers closed around the perfectly plaited green hair she had targeted and with gentle force guided him to look up at the ceiling.

"Yes dear?" He asked in a loving tone.

"Who are you," she inquired as she moved to whisper in his ear, "to tell me what to do?"

"Hmm," he released as she clasped her teeth gently onto his earlobe, "I'm your doctor,  and I know what you need."

~>゜)ーーー

"Do I have to?" Lisa asked and couldn't help the smile that bloomed as Keqing nodded her head as she urged her on."I guess for you I will."

"Even though he wasn't at his best, " Lisa spoke with pride, "I told him I love him and I meant every single word."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa was walking in the clouds beside the man that shared a few of the ideas he had before they left. The act of dressing she found enlightening with how close she felt he had gotten to writing the day off as a wash to lose himself in her.

The normalcy of their actions she knew didn't match the manner of speech that they shared. As he went on to describe in detail how he would complete the transfer of necessary fluids she found their casual stroll slowing to a halt and it took her a moment to register how close they had gotten to their destination.

"So," he said with his brow lifted and his fist bouncing against his thigh at his arm's length as if he had something to be nervous about, "I guess this is it."

"Yeah?" She asked as she glanced around to see the others that surrounded them going about their day before returning to meet his eye, "I guess so...I hope you break some bitch's heart today."

Chapter Text

"Would you mind if we dropped by here," Lisa offered with a hand lifting to gesture towards the establishment she knew may serve multiple purposes for the both of them. "I have obligations here as well as a need to fulfill."

She smiled as the Yujeng took in the building in question and had a rose hue spread over her cheeks. The pure innocence in knowing what could be procured within she could read easily. The way the girl swallowed hard before agreeing had her curious how far lost she was.

~>゜)ーーー

"There's only one bitch," Baizhu confessed as Lisa watched the way he averted his eyes on the choice word,"I care about, and I won't break her heart."

"Really?" She asked eyeing him suggestively, "That's quite the claim."

"Lucky bitch." Lisa spat while raising a brow."Wonder who she is."

~>゜)ーーー

"What do you think?" Lisa asked as she ran her fingers over an artistic piece she knew she'd only wear for moments before it was removed from her frame and discarded. "Is this a little over the top?"

"I think if it was something I could wear out," she openly admitted and enjoyed the way Keqing whispered the words 'wear out' as a question, "or if I could actually handle wearing anything to bed maybe, so unfortunately no."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa had no way to recover from the shock of being pulled in against Baizhu when his lips found hers. The rules and regulations in chapter twelve of the guidelines for attendees of Sumeru's Akademiya came to mind as she felt the need in the fingers that broke the sixth ammendment on aforementioned list of acceptable forms of touching in public places.

The clauses he disregarded as his tongue pushed the limitations on the stipulations they had carefully listed left her stranded on an island. Surrounded by the text that strictly prohibited the way her body reacted of its own accord she relished the feeling of the illicit actions detailed in the abridged definition they had added as a footnote below the rules she wanted to break next.

~>゜)ーーー

"This would look cute on you," Lisa admitted while turning from the display to find Keqing wide eyed and red faced. "What? Too much...or too little?"

~>゜)ーーー

"I pray," Baizhu claimed as Lisa tried to stabilize her breathing, "that's enough to hold you until later."

~>゜)ーーー

"Baby girl," Lisa cooed as she guided the inexperienced Yujeng away from the center of the shop,"I'm going to level with you. I saw the prescription you picked up."

"And you're traveling all the way to Inazuma for what?" She asked raising her brow for emphasis, "to chase a dick or find one?"

"Because if you're chasing one you know is safe, you're fine with what you picked up," she continued wishing it didn't have to be so objective and obtrusive on the girl's personal life, "if not, you'll need something more to protect you from the other host of ugly you can find when you enter this stage in your life."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa's fingers traced over the memories that lingered on her lips as she watched Baizhu depart.  The state he had left her in had her contemplating what to do with the rest of the day and whether or not she should go back to slip beneath the covers keeping the fire of the fantasies he had shared with her alive.

~>゜)ーーー

"I..." Keqing began at length with her eyes falling to where her arms were protectively folded over her chest, "was too nervous to ask about that....and I think it'll be safe. I know him."

"Nervousness should never hold you back from asking questions." Lisa countered with an even tone, "and Baizhu, as your doctor, should be the one person you'd trust enough to ask."

~>゜)ーーー

Word of their escapade traveled fast and Lisa found at every turn the stages of evolution to the rumor. She wasn't a deplorable monster with a zombie sex slave. She was the one who nearly fucked a doctor on the front steps of Bimarstan had it not been for the Sage that stopped them in the act.

~>゜)ーーー

"I understand that it can be intimidating to talk to him about those types of things since he has a penis." Lisa explained and felt the last word of her statement did little to settle the distress Keqing was visibly under, "but once you break past that idea it gets easier."

"You deserve to be armed with the knowledge you need to protect yourself." Lisa stated with concern brushing over her features,  "I wish I would have thought of this earlier.  I could have sparked a conversation that would let you see just how knowledgeable he is and how no topic will embarrass him."

"Um, I don't think that would have helped." Keqing's soft vocals were enough to show the discomfort Lisa was hoping to disband. "It was difficult enough knowing you two were together."

"Together as in relationship?" Lisa asked for the clarification she needed, "or as in we fuck?"

~>゜)ーーー

"I hear you're moving up the food chain," Farah said as Lisa handed over a freshly poured cup of tea. "Fornication in front of Bimarstan and the Sage that caught you with a doctor asked for your address."

~>゜)ーーー

"Well now, you're going to have to get over it, baby girl." Lisa stated bluntly, "aren't you headed to Inazuma to claim a dick of your own?"

"What are you going to do?" She asked quite interested in where it would lead,"hide your eyes and pray he gets it into the right hole?"

~>゜)ーーー

"What can I say?" Lisa asked with a genuine smile, 'I'm good at what I do."

"Oh, I did hear that you went all out with two guys," she added, feeling the need to impart what she had heard, "and none of you were seen for the rest of the day."

~>゜)ーーー

"You're beautiful," Lisa admitted as she looked over the Yujeng once more, "and successful. You deserve someone who will worship the ground you walk on and will make sure to take his time with you so that all you have is a mild discomfort that the love he has for you will wash away."

~>゜)ーーー

Baizhu had barely made it through the doorway when Lisa pounced. The time had done nothing for her except make the make the burning need she had for him increase. His form of reciprocation she felt met all of the requirements and as they broke apart she could tell that he was as unprepared as she was.

It took everything in her power to leave him be as he separated himself from his white reptilian accessory. The ideas she came up with on what to do with him she filed as she remembered she was supposed to be under his care.

~>゜)ーーー

"How well do you know this dick?" Lisa asked bluntly and Keqing, with her crimson face just blinked hard at her.

"He's," Keqing answered meekly, "got a name."

"Well, if 'he' loved you," Lisa offered as she felt her intuition wasn't wrong,"you wouldn't be out on a limb like this, traveling to Inazuma all by yourself.  Unless he lives there, then that's a different topic all together."

"Until 'he,' and I use the term lightly, loves you," Lisa explained as sternly as she felt fit, "he's just a dick. So tell me, how well do you know him?"

~>゜)ーーー

"This," Baizhu explained as Lisa struggled with the idea and sat uneasily on the edge of the bed to watch him move away from the door,"should help."

"Changsheng won't fit below it to invite herself in," he continued as she took the hand he offered as he closed in on her. "She may still complain, but I promise her bark is far worse than her bite."

~>゜)ーーー

"And by love," Lisa explained knowing she needed to hash out details, "I mean that emotion that begins with proper respect and not just lust towards what your body has to offer."

"To this day Baizhu still respects my modesty," she added with a hand over her heart,"though Celestia alone understands why with the way I dress and the fact that there is not one single part of me he doesn't know like the back of his hand."

"But I digress," Lisa released turning her full attention onto the Yujeng, "tell me about this dick of yours "

~>゜)ーーー

"It's worse than owning a dog." Lisa lamented and the laugh from Baizhu gave her a reason to scrutinize him as he moved to sit beside her. "We should just stick to fucking in public since she won't talk there."

~>゜)ーーー

"I know him well enough I suppose," Keqing answered at length refusing to meet Lisa's gaze. "I'm pretty close to his sister as well, so that helps put my mind at ease."

"Siblings generally don't share their sexcapades, baby girl." Lisa countered easily. "Try again."

~>゜)ーーー

"I..." Baizhu released with his eyes moving from hers as a rouge tone went into play behind his gold frames, "don't think I could do that."

"That shit you pulled this morning tells me differently," Lisa offered as she moved to lean into him. "I had to endure one of the most horrendously monotonous lectures on ley lines wishing you would have been kind enough to spare me and finish me off properly."

"I'll find a way," she proclaimed with pride, "to fuck you in public. It's a need now."

"This morning wasn't easy on me either, you know?" Baizhu,  she noticed ignored her idea and offered her a small smile as he wrapped an arm around her and placed his chin atop her shoulder, "first patient was having some issues and I had to check his prostate."

~>゜)ーーー

"You're crushing hard on this dick," Lisa asked as she saw the girls face got redder than expected, "aren't you?"

~>゜)ーーー

"That killed it for me," he confessed, "and then it was all pretty much downhill after that."

"You poor thing," Lisa exclaimed while shifting to allow her to swing her legs over his lap, "I can make it better."

~>゜)ーーー

"In that case," Lisa changed course and put a fist against her hip as she looked Keqing over once more, "you may be fine fucking this dick...but you need to be ready."

~>゜)ーーー

"It wasn't that terrible,"claimed the one who looked delectable from Lisa's vantage point after pushing him back, "and aren't I supposed to be taking care of you?"

"Hush," Lisa spat while moving to straddle him properly letting her hands move over the fabric covering his abdomen, "I'm already regretting not taking this damn thing off of you first. Don't try to talk me out of this."

~>゜)ーーー

As Lisa went into sharing what she felt the Yujeng should do she made sure to point out her personal beliefs and then added the cold hard truths that backed up her findings.  Seeing the condition of the red faced girl worsen she chose to back off and inquire of her current status.

"Uh....well," Keqing released with her eyes finding Lisa's, "it's just....I heard it can hurt, but how bad is it?"

~>゜)ーーー

"I appreciate your offer," Lisa offered to the one she saw finally emerge from the removal of his official robes he them tossed aside, "But that was far from enticing."

"I think that's the point." Baizhu explained as he tilted her head back with a finger lifting her chin, "the design most obtrusive to selecting a suitable target."

"But the flaw of their design," he continued with a tap on the tip of her nose with his index finger, "is that all can be bypassed by simply lifting the length of it."

"Yeah," Lisa let out indignantly, "and?"

"Nothing," Baizhu answered with a smile while placing the strap that had fallen back onto her shoulder, "just an observation."

"Well," Lisa countered thoughtfully as she her eyes moved over the figure that dutifully went back into position, "Pardon me for wanting to observe more of you than that uniform allows."

~>゜)ーーー

"It can be pretty bad" Lisa admitted the harsh truth while trying to ignore the emotions that went along with delving back through her experiences, "and just like everything else, it can continue to be like that until your bosy is used to that intrusion unless you're properly maintained."

"And, with what little I know about this crush worthy Inazuma dick," she continued thoughtfully, "he'd probably think it'd be a quickie and go at it as is and leave you high and dry."

~>゜)ーーー

"I swear," Lisa confessed while trying to ignore the outburst from the other side of the door as she brushed the hair back out of Baizhu's face, "if there would be no harm to you, I'd strangle Changsheng to show her where she needs to keep the shit she's spewing out."

"She's fine,"he offered with a hand imparting the physical form of the comfort from his words along her thigh,"she'll get over it, as always."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa was grateful to impart her knowledge onto one who proved to need it, but the idea that her topic was too far from what was acceptable speech remained prevalent in the multiple shades of red she saw her student transition through.

~>゜)ーーー

Baizhu's utterance just before she claimed his lips as hers had her mentally prepared to release violent language. Following his suggestion to remain still went against everything she had in mind and having him tell her to focus on aspects apart from the physical manifestation she already contained had her curious if it was actually him that had a death wish.

~>゜)ーーー

"Well," Lisa offered the one who shook her head to every question she asked, "it's high time you've learned exactly what it is that your body reacts to."

"I figured it out on my own," Lisa claimed triumphantly,"and that turned the tides in my favor and then dicks were then just a tool for me to use for my personal gain."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa pushed aside the fact that he literally brought up the topic of the dreaded lecture she had endured earlier.  The guidance he gave her more alluring than the teaching she had gotten with the fire his roaming touch left in its wake. The ideals she had ignored earlier he had her trusting and the moment he finally brought his lips in against hers she found her body giving up on the fight.

~>゜)ーーー

"I'll save you the embarrassment," Lisa released with a smile to Keqing who was two shades darker than a moment before,"and select you an arsenal worthy of your title."

~>゜)ーーー

"That was sooner than I expected," Baizhu stated with a knowing smile, "you could have waited for me."

"That was your fault" Lisa said defiantly as she mirrored his expression, "and you know it. You owe me, asshole."

~>゜)ーーー

"Is there somewhere we could go just to be out of these crowds so that we can talk freely?" Lisa asked noting how bust the main street was outside of the military guards littered about. "I'm not sure how much attention passers-by would pay us here."

Having the Yujeng recover from the interior of the shop did wonders for the thought Lisa had on overstepping boundaries.  With the girl once more chipper and offering to lead her to an ideal location she moved at ease from the spot and their causal conversation began once again.

~>゜)ーーー

"You ok?" Baizhu asked as Lisa felt she was waiting for the world to end."Lisa?"

As her body recovered from their exertion she found it impossible to move from the spot. The worry and fear she had little dominion over she felt nailed down her limbs, leaving her stranded above one she knew would be most likely forced from the realm of consciousness at any moment.

"If you give me a minute we could try again," he offered gently, "I'll make it up to you."

"It's not that." Lisa uttered with the voice she still had control over, "I'm terrified about the price she'll make you pay."

"The mixture is prepared," Baizhu offered gently while moving strands of her hair to sit behind her ear, "just add the spring water and force feed me when the time comes."

"How can you be so confident about this?" She asked feeling the concern contorting her features, "I don't think it's a game you play casually."

"I play host to conditions that traditional medicine cannot heal," Baizhu's somber tone tended to her inner turmoil. "What that does to my qi I know Changsheng will ultimately correct, and must accept that the steepest price I must pay is often just time."

"Doesn't it hurt?" She asked as she began to relax against him, "to take that shit into you?"

"Tremendously at times," his admittance fueled her as she folded over him protectively, "but it varies from case to case so there is no telling how I'll feel before it hits me."

~>゜)ーーー

"Thank you," Keqing's words were as authentic as the expression Lisa received. "I really appreciate all of this,  it's really too much."

~>゜)ーーー

"Yes." Lisa countered as she crossed her arms and leaned against the tile of the bathroom wall. "It's necessary.  I'm not leaving you to come find you later sprawled out on the floor."

"So go on," she offered with a hand gesturing to guide him,"and get it over with. You're not the only one who has to piss."

~>゜)ーーー

"I wouldn't open that here," Lisa released as she watched Keqing lift the package they hadn't gone through, "Unless, that is, you want that kind of attention. "

~>゜)ーーー

"It's a bodily function," Lisa lamented as her shoulders drooped and her attention went to the ceiling to express her irritation at having to explain it. "I'm not offended and you literally were all up in there a minute ago, so it's not like you could even be shocked by what I have to offer."

~>゜)ーーー

"I just hope what I got suits your taste." Lisa smiled as she wished the girl the best. "I can tell you have more to offer than meets the eye."

~>゜)ーーー

"If you think I'll be offended," Lisa released while running her fingers through her hair trying to not let how she felt be seen,"I've got news for you. I'm the one who told you to do it."

~>゜)ーーー

"Oh, now I suppose I can walk you to where you need," Lisa related the thoughts she had,"and then I have my things sent from the hotel and check in on Timaeous."

"Lisa, " Keqing announced with the vigor she knew the girl for returning, "you never got to tell me about how it went with Baizhu."

~>゜)ーーー

"Don't you fucking dare leave." Lisa said as she stared at the man who was proving to be more difficult than usual. "You can hold it all you want, but I have to go."

"And you can watch," she offered with a wink, "if you wanna."

~>゜)ーーー

"It was lovely," Lisa admitted with her thoughts on the brief moments she had gotten alone with him."and I believe he may have stolen my heart all over again."

~>゜)ーーー

"Okay," Lisa explained, "I can't pee with you standing there."

"You can leave, " she offered and noticed he went into motion almost immediately, "but stand outside of the door talking the whole time so I know you're still with me."

~>゜)ーーー

"He's going to meet me later," Lisa released, feeling her emotions shift her features, "and will be my hot date for the night."

~>゜)ーーー

"It's your turn," Lisa announced as she opened the door to find him facing away from her,"just keep talking."

~>゜)ーーー

"Are you sure you know what you're getting yourself into?" Keqing's question Lisa felt was quite shocking and warranted the look she gave,"going on a date in Liyue isn't going to be what you're expecting at all I bet."

"And this boy," the Yujeng continued with a sly smile, "do you know him well enough to trust that he knows how to properly treat a woman of your stature in public?"

~>゜)ーーー

"I'm sorry, Changsheng," Baizhu offered as Lisa followed the man that held her hand past the snake that looked poised to strike,"I didn't realize you were shut out."

"Are you hungry?" He asked ignoring the angst the reptile released at him as she found him turning to make sure she caught up with him,"I'll make you something."

"Sure," she agreed, quite interested in how he made it seem it was his dwelling with the claim. "I'd like that."

~>゜)ーーー

"Do you know where he's taking you?" Keqing was relentless with the questions making the smile Lisa wore broaden,"That could be not only an indication on his plans are with you, but also on how he feels about you too."

~>゜)ーーー

"I know," Lisa said as the reason she stayed in instead of food shopping as she should have peered at her from behind the cupboard door,"I don't have much."

"But I swear to the archons its because I'm a lazy bitch," she added as she moved to approach  "and not money, so don't even concern yourself."

~>゜)ーーー

"Lisa," Keqing spoke with pure shock written on her face, "You're kidding me,  right?"

"No." Lisa answered with speculation taking hold,"he asked where I was staying and said this was close by."

"You're drastically unprepared for the likes of that establishment."Keqing offered as sweetly as possible.

~>゜)ーーー

"I can make this work," Baizhu claimed as Lisa settled in for the show and watched him pull out odds and ends.

"If it ends up nasty," Lisa decided, "You're taking me out."

"I'd prefer that," he stated while catching her eye,"or at least to purchase proper commodities."

~>゜)ーーー

"I'm telling you right now, Lisa," Keqing released with her lavender eyes wide,"Liuli Pavillion is not just a normal place to eat."

"And there's no way you can wear what you're wearing." She added thoughtfully, "you're meeting on unofficial and personal terms. Your state of dress is highly inappropriate."

"My state of dress," Lisa countered with a hand placed over what was probably the most offensive, "has never been questioned here."

"That's probably because everyone is too embarrassed to bring it up." Keqing suggested with a curt nod.

~>゜)ーーー

"Then let's," Lisa relented at the face Baizhu made after he inspected the contents of one container and set it aside quickly after closing the lid. "Just watching you is torture."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa's thoughts went to the last moments she got with Baizhu along before she stepped out of the room. The curls she remembered he had absent mindedly played with as they spoke still remained in place over her shoulder where he had left them.

~>゜)ーーー

"I'd like to formally request," Baizhu offered as one of Lisa's brow rose in curiosity with the serious tone that took over the space they shared,"that you accompany me to dinner."

"I need to thank you for this opportunity," she stated in an attempt to match whatever finery he was going for, "because I would love to."

~>゜)ーーー

"I'm not going to lie," Lisa spoke with a lighthearted tone, "You're completely correct and I implore you to teach me the ways of proper Liyue attire."

"Ah," Keqing released before a giggle escaped, "here we find the teacher becoming the pupil."

"Only for you, fair Yujeng," Lisa openly admitted with a chortle of her own,"for you show wisdom far beyond your age."

~>゜)ーーー

"Give me thirty minutes," Lisa spat at the door she had closed after Baizhu excused himself, "and tell me to dress nice."

"Boy doesn't know what he's getting himself into," she continued, placing her hands on her hips. "But he's about to learn you get what you ask for."

"I just wonder," she asked offhandedly as she turned to head to her room, "if he can even handle it."

~>゜)ーーー

"That's..." Lisa countered as her eyes fell over the lilac garment Keqing held out,"an awful lot of fabric you got there."

"You have to trust the process, Lisa." The Yujeng stated with a fresh smile, "try this on for size."

~>゜)ーーー

The curves Lisa watched her hands move over were just as tantalizing as ever. The gown she studied on her form she knew was elegant enough to to be allowed at any venue with the multifaceted crystal flower motif that caught the light as she moved. The amount of flesh it revealed with its artistic composition she felt could be counted as over stimulating,  but would perfectly suit the appetite she knew she had an arrangement with.

The last thing on her agenda was the gold chain she clasped around her neck. The length she saw was the perfectly suited to her needs and left her vision to dangle enticingly between her barely contained bosom.

~>゜)ーーー

"Lisa," Keqing stated with her tone hitting a more serious note, "trust me. You're drop dead beautiful."

~>゜)ーーー

Baizhu surpassed any idea that Lisa had when she opened the door to find him waiting.  He looked more exotic than usual in the floral tones that complemented the purple dress she knew he had no idea about, but her attention locked onto the way he wore his hair.

She hadn't caught him in anything other than the braid that ran from the crown of his head through its entire length. Following the green strands that adorned his figure led her to take in the upper half that had been collected outside of the usual portion that framed his face, secured in a bun at the back of his head with ornate hair sticks.

"Thank you for accepting my offer, " Baizhu spoke without leaving her gaze, but movement caught her eye to see he held a singular purple flower, "I know most do not know the worth of the Sumeru Rose that is free to roam everywhere,"

"But you put me in mind of these," he added as she moved to accept it,"and you shine more brilliantly than those cultivated to seek out the particular flow of the ley lines."

"That's the most bizarre compliment I've ever gotten," she admitted as she tucked the stem behind her ear and noted the snake in place around the high collared shirt he had on under the embroidered coat he wore thrown over his shoulders. "Good thing I know the true value of these blooms that most would discard from their gardens."

"The medicinal qualities alone," he picked up, "far outweigh any of the other readily available flora Sumeru has to offer."

"That sounds alluring," Lisa admitted flirtatiously while accepting the hand he lifted to her,"tell me more."

~>゜)ーーー

"Yes." Keqing released as Lisa pulled out one of the more artistic pieces she had procured earlier, "put that on and tie your hair up."

"Trust me," the Yujeng added,"its going to make a huge difference. "

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa couldn't help but hang onto every word Baizhu imparted about his craft as they walked.  The idea that he held his hand over the one she had in place on the crook of the arm closest to her ignited the thoughts she already had. As they formulated a conclusion all their own she had a momentary pause and found herself studying the man who was far too content by her side.

She couldn't fathom why she jumped on his request to take her out and how it was that she felt so intoxicated in his presence when none of it had anything to do with sex in the most simplistic form. She did consider the end of their rendezvous would include it, but the excitement she anticipated wasn't coming from him ogling her, but rather the way that he wasn't.

The crux of the whole analysis she found continually returning to the way he had shrouded her from the view of others by placing his coat over her shoulders.  The gesture itself seemed simplistic,  but on the grander side meant that only he was permitted to partake in what she had to offer.

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa couldn't help but recognize that the suggestions did wonders for the acceptance she found in attempting the garment once more. She put forth the effort to make sure that it was adjusted accordingly and the affect she had on the Yujeng the second time around was well beyond her expectations.

"He's not going to survive dinner, Lisa," Keqing claimed with awe, "he's going to expire of asphyxiation at the sight of you."

~>゜)ーーー

The cute guy that usually took up the seat at her side to ramble on about subjects she wanted to learn about was not the one that pulled out her seat for her. She had found him replaced by a man that sat across from her gazing into her eyes with a small smile painted across his visage, paying no heed to what her dress didn't contain as she leaned in towards him.

"What are you really doing here at Akademiya?" She asked, fueled by curiosity that had gotten to be too much to bear."it's quite obvious to me that they're not teaching you much."

"And I've gotten a more in depth understanding about ley lines than I have in the last semester just talking to you about them," she admitted while studying the golden eyes that held hers, "so, why are you wasting your time here?"

"That honestly wasn't what I expected you to want to talk about, " Baizhu answered while absent mindedly running a finger over Changsheng's head, "though I had not pondered what a proper conversation for our meal could be."

"It's obvious," Lisa countered with her attention darting around briefly, "with how you just brought me here, as if there's nothing going on."

"You've already had your way with me," she continued with the idea that presented itself as the issues she battled with arose,"so there's no motive to try to impress me enough that I'll die to get ahold of your dick, so what is it?"

"Perhaps," he offered with his tone unchanging, "I just wanted a reason to show you what you mean to me, and just how much your presence alone is worth."

~>゜)ーーー

"I'll make sure he survives," Lisa claimed while winking at Keqing.  "I need him as my dessert."

~>゜)ーーー

"I'm a fully fledged doctor, Lisa," Baizhu offered as he looked away from the staff's retreat from the table, "I have a partnership with a pharmacy in Liyue where I practice the arts of healing that were passed down to me by my master."

"Outside of Liyue, the traditional art I was taught is seen as unconventional," he continued and she was torn between whether or not the outing could be considered a date," and modern techniques are taking the center of attention."

"As unorthodox as my unique form of healing can be," he continued as she watched a bottle set down in the space between them, "I wanted to try my hand at picking up any technique that could be beneficial."

"It's definitely been quite difficult to settle into the schedule they have given me." He confessed and she watched him move to pour a portion of the bottle into each glass, "Many of them are classes I attend for short periods to learn specific techniques that I lack since I am too far advanced before moving on to the next."

"The rest of them are just courses I find interesting if time allows." He added with a smile and moved to offer her the crystal stemware. "Osmanthus wine. A taste of my homeland, and a staple where I am from."

"And then there is the work I pick up at Bimarstan," he spoke as she humored his gesture to taste the wine, "Anything from making medicine, running my own set of examination rooms and periodically I get to lead interns through procedures."

"It is interesting to then show up in their next class because I don't know what the names of the refined forms of medication are." Baizhu explained as he lifted his glass." And then I'm not seen there again because I found it dull and requested the exit exam and passed the course."

~>゜)ーーー

"I wish I wasn't leaving in the morning," Keqing stated as their journey together had reached the final destination,"we could set a lunch date and discuss what happens tonight."

"I rise at all hours before the sun debuts on the horizon." Lisa shared, thinking on how restless her sleep schedule had been of late, "I'd gladly escort you to the harbor with a spot of tea, if I'm able."

"But I'm sure that the conversation Baizhu and I share over dinner," she added with the idea that her life wasn't as interesting as it seemed, "will be of the dust and the cobwebs in the lives we had while apart. Dreadful and boring,  so I'll make sure that the tea is up to snuff."

~>゜)ーーー

"Is there anything else I could enlighten you with?" Baizhu's question hit harder than Lisa expected.  "Mysteries of the world you haven't encountered yet?"

"Actually, yes." Lisa admitted wanting to rid herself of the ideas she had outside of following the unknown path she had been on before she began unraveling. ""If I accepted your official request that led me here to be with you...what comes next?"

"Your answer here," he offered with his eyes falling for a moment to where he toyed with the glass he held, "is to continue on through dinner and see where it leads you."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa felt relieved to complete her tasks. Those in her leave she found safe and sound,  living in the moment with the love they had for each other. With that concern laid to rest the act of settling her affairs at the hotel and having her parcels sent off to the pharmacy felt like a breeze.

As she then made her way to the destination she was handed she couldn't help but note the change in those around her.  It was subtle,  but the attention she garnished as she strode down the street was of a higher caliber and the quantity of eyes she noticed turned her way gave her the idea that she was still the head turning blonde bombshell no matter what she wore.

~>゜)ーーー

"I'm shocked you drink." Lisa spoke as she watched Baizhu set aside his glass.

"Everything in moderation," his statement she felt killed the idea she had of pouring herself more, "is a good rule to life by."

~>゜)ーーー

The fear Lisa had as she those before her were led inside vanished as the host asked if she was the librarian from Mondstadt.  The fact that she had no reservation that she had been hanging onto she found invalid once she confirmed her identity.

Being invited to follow a young lady that appeared in the doorway gave her just another reason to adore the man that obviously went out of his way for her.

Keqing,  she found was right about the establishment. Rich tapestries and ornate decorations accented the space she was led through.  The clientele she made her way through she could tell oozed with mora and the witty banter she couldn't make out that caused the twittering laughter she felt fit the thoughts she had on business arrangements over meals.

As she took the seat that had been set aside for her and she thanked the staff that departed she took note of a couple off to the side. The announcement of a merging of two lives as one was received by those who had gathered about them and the sounds of pure happiness ebbed through the air around them causing her thoughts to drift and a small ample offered to their congratulations.

The idea that she wasn't deserving of such a fate fell over her as facts were brought up within. The life that she led had kept her guarded, just like many a tome along the shelves in the library and the catalog she fell under she knew was one that befit her destiny.

~>゜)ーーー

"I'm sorry I questioned you," Lisa released as she moved to take in the sight of the space between them on the table, "I feel like it came out the wrong way."

"It's fine," Baizhu claimed while moving to offer his hand that she jumped to take. "But that is the true reasoning behind my actions here tonight."

"I'm not doing anything uncouth," he told her as she moved to find his eyes had never left hers, "and my intentions are honorable,"

"It's just..." he continued at length as she found his other hand applied to the one he held, "we started out wrong; and in that moment, I felt that if I didn't act, I would have lost you."

"I apologize for my forwardness," he stated before she found it was his turn to break their visual contact, "and for taking advantage of you, and I thank you for the chance to redeem myself and to get to know you."

~>゜)ーーー

The ghosts of lost memories fell from Lisa's mind as she moved to stand. The vantage point she gained allowed her to view more of her green haired target she had spied and the thoughts that moved through her mind as she saw him interrupted by a man at a table made her realize what she had been missing out on during their time apart.

The community,  she noticed, as the businessmen engaged him in conversation knew him, and well with the way they tried to include him in their group.  Taking in the slight nod of his head as one of the men placed a hand on his upper back as a cue she felt drawn to approach in hopes to save him.

Something about the way the group laughed at whatever Baizhu shared with them had her thankful she was there to be a witness.  Seeing him get boisterous farewells made the smile she had grow on it's own and watching him part ways with them stirred up a touch of excitement all its own.

~>゜)ーーー

"For the record," Lisa openly admitted while studying the power she felt in his eyes,"You never took advantage of me, and everything you've done to me has been welcomed and well received."

~>゜)ーーー

"Hey there, cutie." Lisa offered as she stepped forward to approach the one she saw was having trouble placing her. Having him turn with a look of surprise she meekly glanced down before moving to study him further, "looking for someone?"

Baizhu looked like a snipet out of one of her better dreams. His ornate tradition Liyue garb in the spectrum of the flora of the land with his long hair freed to fall over his frame made it hard for her to stay still.

The idea that she wanted to adhere to this fantasy of a magical meal with the one that she loved was slightly surprising.  Her thoughts drifted to the idea of her preferring the private moments where she'd have him all to herself.

~>゜)ーーー

"So," Baizhu's words seemed to break the spell Lisa felt she had been under. "I guess this is it."

The idea that her interrogation had destroyed whatever plan he had stood in the foreground of her thoughts.  The remainder of the time she recalled she felt had made up for her short comings at the start.

Their conversation had shifted to more normal topics and she knew that both of them had learned more about the other. As they ate, there hadn't been any awkward moments or any pauses where neither knew what to say and by the time they headed back Lisa felt that they had reconnected.

"Are you," Lisa asked as she tried to reason why it had come to this,"not coming in with me?"

"Is that usual for a first date?" Baizhu asked with a knowing smile that she knew she read correctly, "I'm new to this."

"So am I," Lisa admitted and matched his expression, "how 'bout you just open the door for me?"

"I could do that," Baizhu said as he lifted his hand, "may I have the key?"

"You have to get it for yourself," she answered flirtatiously,"I'll give you three guesses where I stuck it, and the first two don't count."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa couldn't help the serene smile she wore as Baizhu ordered for them with the menu left folded on the table where it had been placed. The intonation of his voice along with what his articulation did with his words left in a dream like state that only slightly subsided when he spoke her name.

"I do pray the day went well for you." His statement felt like much more than the words themselves as she boldly reached out to take his hand. "The pharmacy was busier than I anticipated, but as always, those who came in need did not leave empty handed."

"I had a lovely time with the Yujeng," Lisa shared with a genuine smile, "but this moment has been on my mind all day long."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa's heart sped as Baizhu's fingers spread over her upper back to hold her in place. The much anticipated act she found him hinting at with lips parted and a whisper away from where the key had been stashed.

"Do you really think this is proper etiquette for a first date?" His question she felt added to the desire she had to be devoured.

"For us?" She asked as she arched her back further and urged him on with her hands moving through his hair, "Yes."

~>゜)ーーー

"I do hope," Baizhu said warmly, "that I live up to your expectations. "

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa could feel the need he presented as she moved in response to how he chose to ignore the item he was tasked to find to dine upon her flesh. The soft noises that escaped her lips paying tribute to the still covered portions that cried out in jealousy as she found him moving from one side to even the score with the other.

~>゜)ーーー

"I find expectations to be an impossible feat with you." She confessed as she felt the love he imparted through the thumb he sent over the back of her hand."even the loftiest of ideas cannot even match the level at which you function."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa found herself panting through parted lips as she stared at the key ring Baizhu released to fall between them. She then found no way to recover as he pressed in while claiming her lips with his own. As his connection with her deepened the hand he used to extract the keys had her ready to wave the white flag.

~>゜)ーーー

"It's interesting that you you think that of me." Baizhu admitted just before moving to study the hand he held, "I merely want to express my true feelings with my actions."

Chapter Text

After following Baizhu's lead to lift her leg she had half a second to wrap herself around his frame as he began to hoist her up just before the door she was up against swung inwardly.

A momentary pause allowed for her to be returned to her feet as the door to be shut and secured. Losing him briefly she noticed the white, ever present snake retreating to the top of the bookshelf where her keys were dropped.

Just as she finally got to wrap her arms around Baizhu's neck she found the pure taste of victory on the lips that found hers. She felt the coat fall free from her frame as his hands moved over the expanse of her back the dress didn't cover.

"Okay," Baizhu's voice had a delicate quality despite how breathless it was, "I opened the door. Did I do a good job?"

"You did an amazing job, handsome." Lisa offered just before accepting a small kiss, "Do you mind helping me with my dress next? I can never reach quite reach the clasp there on my back."

~>゜)ーーー

"I think," Lisa shared her thoughts on the man that mirrored the smile she wore, "You've always been good at that."

~>゜)ーーー

"What am I supposed to do with you?" Lisa asked as she placed her hand over the top of the dress as Baizhu had suggested."You're literally adorable."

"It's your body," he answered as he enveloped her in his arms and drew her in against him,"and I respect that."

"Would you look if I asked you to?" She asked as as she laid her head on his shoulder, "or would you even tell me if you wanted to look?"

"Oh, I want to." Baizhu explained as Lisa moved to allow the dress to be held between them so that she could embrace him back,"and all the time, but that, I feel, would be rude and disrespectful."

~>゜)ーーー

"So have you." Baizhu's claim had Lisa's brow rising as she tried to understand what he meant. "And that's why I've done as much as I have with you."

"That's interesting," Lisa released with a shy smile, "tell me more."

~>゜)ーーー

"Well, if there's ever a time you wanna," Lisa began while settling in against him further, "cuz you can't take it anymore or you can tell I'm trying to get you to look, you have my permission."

"Like earlier, for instance," she began as she thought about how she felt, "Yeah, everyone can see me. That's obvious."

"But you," she added while moving her hand across his chest, "you got the front row seat,  the best angles and I walked out of there physically attached to you."

~>゜)ーーー

"It's hard to explain, " Baizhu claimed, "but there are just these little things you do that convey your true feelings,  even if your words are telling me something else."

~>゜)ーーー

As Lisa pulled her hair free from the grasp of the shirt that was placed on her person her mind flipped through the details to keep it interesting.

The thin white fabric alone did nothing for her fancy on its own, but the fact that was the article Baizhu wore under his uniform earlier kept it interesting.  The short hemline she felt his fingers breach to run over her back was not long enough to shroud the more interesting bits from sight.

Her thoughts were tucked away when she found his eyes waiting for her gaze. The ideas she wanted to share went by the wayside as she offered a smile while moving strands of his green hair to rest behind his ear just before running her fingers along his jawline.

"Is this the part," she asked as her hand dropped to make its way to rest against his chest,"where we kiss?"

"I'm not sure," Baizhu answered softly matching her grin, "but I like that Idea."

~>゜)ーーー

"Hmm," Lisa released with her mind working through things she felt she was known for, and things she knew were exclusive to him, "I think I know what you're talking about."

"Not with myself,  of course," she added with a smile,"but with things you do to me."

"Because I know for a fact that I have pushed the limit constantly with you," she admitted, loving the memories behind the claim, "You're just too damn enticing, and I can't help myself."

~>゜)ーーー

"Are we really going to stay in here?" Lisa's question came out as she caught sight of the white creature that was surprisingly asleep atop the shelf,"I'm fine with that, if you do,"

"It's just," she continued turning back to the one who had taken to securing his mass of green hair into a sloppy bun, "well..."

"I just..."She added while moving to run her hand up to rest on his shoulder, "Can we fuck yet? I've been ready ever since I opened the door to find you there."

~>゜)ーーー

"I guess," Baizhu offered with a knowing smile, "it's a good thing I've enjoyed it then."

~>゜)ーーー

"You're putting yourself in a dangerous position," Baizhu explained as Lisa was lost to the way he met her gaze over the half moon frames he wore, "giving me dominion over when it's appropriate rather than following your gut instincts."

"My instincts," Lisa countered as she found him placing a hand over hers,"are telling me to tell you to shut the fuck up and kiss me while I rip your damn clothes off. Is that what you want?"

"Is that what you want?" He asked as she watched his eyes move to focus on the strands of hair he was tucking behind her ear.

"This isn't about me tonight," Lisa released as she moved to study the expression he had in place, "it's about you and what you want."

~>゜)ーーー

As expected,  the food that had been chosen was the perfect accompaniment to sharing the highlights from their time apart.  The pieces Lisa exposed felt bittersweet with the idea that the entire time she had been attempting to ignore how distracted she had been.

~>゜)ーーー

"What if I want," Baizhu began while taking hold of the dress that had been abandoned to pool at her waist,"to do what you claimed to want to do with me?"

"Can you remind me," Lisa let out just before accepting a small kiss, "what that was exactly?"

~>゜)ーーー

The details Baizhu spoke on filled the grey areas Lisa had with the workings of the pharmacy.  Each wholesome bit he added served as just another reason to love the man further, each word emphasizing the emotional connection she felt between them.

~>゜)ーーー

"Did you just curse at me?" Lisa asked as she ran a finger along the lips that may have been guilty.

"I was merely repeating precisely what you said,"Baizhu claimed with the corners of his mouth moving upwards, "because it sounded perfect."

"So adhere to them," Lisa's brow rose to his words reiterating the message, "and kiss me already."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa was content to wait for her love to collect her from her seat. The messages she read were clear in the hand that was offered for her to stand, the eyes that held hers and the tantalizingly short distance between them.

Lisa wondered at the flush that rose in her features as she let her gaze jump briefly to the lips she wanted more than anything. The ideas that came to mind haunted her as she held back on cleaving to him and instead locked both of her hands around his arm to make way to the exit.

~>゜)ーーー

"Yes dear?" Lisa cooed at the man who spoke her name after breaking away."something wrong?"

"Quite the contrary," Baizhu stated as she felt his hands move over her backside once more,"but I'd like ask you, did you honestly go out of your way for me?"

"I don't know what you mean," Lisa claimed as she attempted to get him to utter the words instead of falling into the obvious trap he had set.

"You weren't kidding when you said tonight was for me," his statement had Lisa smiling ear to ear with pride as she tightened her hold on him to draw him in further, "I can't get over the fact that you actually put on undergarments."

"Do you like it?" Lisa asked while beaming at the fingers that ran over the line of lace that sat over her posterior.

"I don't like it," he claimed just before meeting her lips briefly, "I love it."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa was overjoyed by the group of businessmen that had stopped them on the way out. With their drink infused rosy cheeks their high standing words they spoke made her smile.

Being led out onto the balcony was a interesting tidbit Lisa picked up and the reasoning, she gathered, was the silence that greeted them. Thinking about the group they were stopped by, the man that apologized for their actions made the smile she wore even more radiant.

"You don't need to pardon them, I'm rather flattered." Lisa admitted as he stopped and turned to face her, "the doctor's secret to happiness and longevity?"

"Fished me out of the sea of stars,"She continued as he took hold of her hands with that coy smile in place."and finally brought me down from the mountain top?"

"I find it delightful, to be honest." Lisa confessed, before she continued to quote them, "no wonder you haven't brought me 'round before today."

"Can you blame me?" He asked with his tone a touch too somber while gently squeezing her hands. "I bet many a  man have risked their lives just to catch your eye."

"If only it were you in the mountains," he continued gently and moving to glance out from the balcony, "and not the spring water, or the herbs that can only be found there."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa felt depleted of all energy reserves as she fought to catch her breath.  The guilty party she found happily planting a trail of kisses over her as he moved to stand at his height once more.

"I wasn't expecting you to orgasm so easily." Baizhu explained with his killer smile in place." I surely didn't have to do much."

"You," Lisa stammered,  wide eyed in disbelief, "you didn't even take them off. How was that even possible?"

"It's the beauty in being so close yet denied,"he stated and leaned in towards her, "it's magic in the very essence,  is it not?"

~>゜)ーーー

"I did encounter something quite interesting on the mountains one night," Baizhu explained and got chastised by Changsheng to quit while he could, "Changsheng.  This is my story. Not yours."

"That story is ridiculous," the snake spat,"and she's too old to believe that rubbish. Save it for the children who don't want to take their medicine before bedtime."

~>゜)ーーー

Despite knowing how the quickest route usually worked  Lisa found Baizhu's almost indirect and time based choice far superior. The anticipation she got when he went to push the shirt she had on up had her ready to try to urge him on. The eyes that finally left hers for the heartbeat her body decided to skip delighted her to no end.

The only thing she wasn't prepared for was the slow decent into madness she had been led into. She felt he chose the most inopportune moments to delve into subjects she didn't want to interrupt.The featherlight traces his fingers left didn't compliment the ideas of the pace they needed and it took everything she contained to remain as calm as possible for what she hoped would come next.

As soon as she thought about following the idea of realigning the angle of her hips her prayers had been answered and he finally placed his lips around the tender flesh that had begged for his attention. She found herself succumbing to the power of his gaze and without warning her body began to give up the fight almost immediately.

Baizhu's response was to heighten the effects with the hands he moved to explore her frame and the pressure he applied with the teeth that had taken place of the gentle caressing lips.  As soon as she realized her hands had balled into fists of his hair and she thought about releasing it the guttural noise he made as he closed his eyes told her to continue until oblivion washed over them and the cries she released, the crescendo of the piece they performed.

Beyond that lay the peaceful tranquility where she watched his pupils return to the reptilian slit as he caught his breath between beautifully parted lips. The hands she finally had control over she was able to move to devour as much of the frame that retreated to lay flat on the floorboards below them.

~>゜)ーーー

"One night," Baizhu began while moving to scoop something out of the air above her, " I caught a bit of light out of the night sky,"

"But when I held it," he said applying his other hand to close over the one he had cupped, "it cried out and told me it was more than just the firefly I thought I had."

"When I went to peek," he added with a smile she couldn't help but mirror, "it told me if I looked it would perish."

"Enough already,  please." Changsheng lamented from his shoulder which allowed her to see his expression change to convey mock irritation, "She may have the intellect of a three year old,  but I refuse to have to endure this assine story once more."

"Changsheng, please." Baizhu insisted, "hold your comments until the end."

~>゜)ーーー

"Whatcha doing?" Lisa asked as she approached the delicious sight Baizhu was in his coral pink capris with his bun hanging lopsided from their intimate session.

"My thesis," Baizhu stated simply as he moved to plave the kettle on the flame he had going."it sadly cannot write itself."

"Can I help?" Lisa offered as she took up the space next to him. "Even if I don't know everything you're talking about I might be able to help get your thoughts sorted out and down on paper."

"You may scatter my thoughts if you stay like this," he admitted running a hand over the waistband on her hip as she leaned over to collect the mug, "not that I really mind that."

"I'm covered, " Lisa countered while shooting him a wink and a sly smile as she set the mug down, "and I guess I can try to help you stay focused even though it's better when you're not."

~>゜)ーーー

"At any rate," Baizhu released as Changsheng uttered a low volume chat to attempt to break his focus, "I apologized for removing it from the sky without permission."

"I wasn't sure what I could do,  because if I wasn't even permitted to see it's form," Lisa's thoughts encircled the man that continued, "how could I free it without causing it harm?"

"You close your eyes" Changsheng spat and Lisa pursed her lips at the outburst, "end of story."

~>゜)ーーー

"I'd rather not sit," Baizhu claimed as Lisa watched him move to lay out what he needed to write,"I'm not feeling the greatest."

"Baby," Lisa interjected while moving to place herself between him and the counter, "how 'bout we just go to bed and get up early?"

"I don't know," he answered before pausing to rest his chin on her shoulder,"I've heard some horror stories about what happens if you don't get your thesis in on time."

"I don't wanna," his word of choice, she felt added to the fear she had rising within despite the strength she felt in his embrace, "deal with that."

"Baizhu, " Lisa whispered as she felt his frame shifting and his limbs falling to the whims of gravity forcing her to struggle to keep him upright, "This fucking can't be happening right now."

~>゜)ーーー

"Please refrain from being so disrespectful," Baizhu told the reptile he had exiled to the banister, "I will collect you when I am finished.  Please see to staying put."

~>゜)ーーー

"Mutherfucker," Lisa released along with a breath she held when she looked down at the man she was able to at least ease down to lay on the floor. "This wasn't supposed to happen."

"The fucking snake." She remembered aloud and turned to find the thing poised as if to strike in the doorway."This is all your fault. Why can't you just leave him alone?"

~>゜)ーーー

"Where was I?" Baizhu asked the rhetorical question as he turned and caught Lisa's eye, "Ah yes, I remember."

"I knew, without a doubt that what I held could be destroyed by so much," Baizhu explained as Lisa watched him move to hold his hands together as if held the creature from the tale, "and after accepting my apologies I was given the answer to save it."

"It told me that it's home was among the stars and now that it had been pulled from there unexpectedly it could never go back." He continued as his face moved to convey the weight of his actions. "And because of my pure intentions and admittance without deceit..."

"Yeah," Changsheng's voice carried over as she continued her tirade, 'As if you have pure intentions."

"I do, Changsheng, " Baizhu offered with a smile, "they just don't align perfectly with yours."

~>゜)ーーー

"My fault?" Changsheng asked as Lisa knew the protective position she had over Baizhu wouldn't be enough as the reptile approached. "That's rich."

"I pray he did explain how our agreement works, did he not?" The snake asked calmly as it closed in with its red eyes on hers. "If you can just wrap your feeble mind around that for a minute you'll realize where the fault lies."

~>゜)ーーー

"When I thought all hope was lost," Baizhu explained as Lisa held back the desire she had to reach out and hold the hands he had up between them, "finally an answer came."

"I was told the fate was inevitable, and to not cling to the idea that this was the end." He told her as her thoughts dove into the ideas behind his words, "and then it explained that our our waters, to them, are like the sky, and each have a place they must eventually take."

~>゜)ーーー

"Whatever you're doing to him," Changsheng warned making Lisa feel as if her insides were a cesspool of emotions she couldn't comprehend, "you need to stop."

"I refuse to play a part in this," the reptile stated causing confusion to push her to the brink of outletting her emotions, "and it brings me no pleasure to neutralize the ellects you have on him."

"I'll leave him like this until I feel that you've gotten a grasp on understanding what your role here is." The snake offered in a condescending tone, "if you're even capable of something so grandeur as intellectual cognizance."

~>゜)ーーー

"That's impossible, " Changsheng offered as Lisa mirrored the smile Baizhu wore,"and you know it."

"Anything is possible if you have faith," Baizhu countered calmly before repeating himself, "so, I went from the mountain top as I was told, to the waters here in the harbor."

~>゜)ーーー

Anger and hostility boiled within Lisa as she watched the snake move to exit. The ideas she had on ending the creatures life she shoved to the back of her mind as she reminded herself that nothing of value would come from the act except for the end to the man it was tied to.

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa was pulled from viewing the waters that were spoken of to see Baizhu had taken a seat back on his heels with his hands held just above his knees.

"Just as directed," Baizhu explained as Lisa moved to join him on her knees to see him move to nearly set his hands on the stone between them, "I plunged my hands into the waters of the sea."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa felt like a hollow core of the person she thought she was when she found she could do no more than a weak attempt at bringing comfort. To who, was the thought that tormented her as she laid Baizhu's onto a pillow before removing the long hair pins to free the length of his hair. She was well aware that nothing she did was of assistance as she pulled the blanket she had brought over him and her mind worked overtime as she witnessed one of his staggered intakes of breath.

~>゜)ーーー

"The waters were like ice that night," Baizhu offered as Lisa couldn't decide between watching his hands or the study of the eyes he had on her,"and that was washed away in warmth as a brilliant blue light began to radiate beyond my hold and painting the current as it moved."

~>゜)ーーー

"Shit," Lisa spat as she rifled through Baizhu's bag just before giving up and pouring the contents onto her bed. "Where the fuck is it?"

"Finally," relief flooded her system when she uncovered the bag that held what she was told could potentially serve as a remedy,.

Hastened footfalls carried her haphazardly through the hall and through the corridor to find the only thing changed in the kitchen was the position of the snake that had taken up residence on the seat of a chair at the nearby table.

The energy she felt from its ever present watchful eye she found disturbing as she lightly tread around the figure she hoped to save.

The clattering from the efforts she made to follow his instruction she felt were enough to wake the dead. The instruments she used to scrape the combination together she felt were like unto ice trailing down her spine.

The idea of force feeding him played into the curiosity she fell victim to. As she moved to take a seat at his side, the finger she placed in her mouth to taste the concoction became an implement of immediate regret.

~>゜)ーーー

"All the while I had felt nothing in my hand until that moment," Baizhu shared with concern moving to express itself on his features,"and fear struck, because of what I had done."

"And when I felt all was lost the voice spoke once again and told me," he continued as Lisa ignored the droning of the snake easily, "and it told me that pure magic in this world is unable to be comprehended."

"One can hold it," he added while moving to rest his hands just above his knees, "and grasp the concept of it but oftentimes will never know one came into contact with it."

"I knew this as truth as I listened to the words," Baizhu explained as Lisa thought about the implications it could have on her life,"and I had been taught by my master, that the same laws apply to qi."

"The force moves through us, merges with us and others, all at the same and is in a state of perpetual evolution." He claimed as she watched him look her over, "and just like this pure magic, one will only learn of the part they played once the magic has been fully converted and has manifested itself as its destiny had determined."

~>゜)ーーー

As soon as the retching had subsided Lisa feared for the worse when she looked over the still being that was to be the victim. The idea that the mixture was most likely disgusting enough to raise the dead traveled in her mind as she tried to ignore the mixture of bitter and sour that clung to her senses.

"This isn't going to end well, is it?" Lisa asked the green haired man that lay before where she sat on her knees, "oh well, only one way to find out."

~>゜)ーーー

"I thought I knew what I held," Baizhu explained as Lisa couldn't help but move to place her hands around the ones he brought up between them, "but, it wasn't until the force I held came in contact with you that I was able to confirm exactly what it was, and now that I know it, with you here right now, I never want to let go of it again."

"I don't care what direction our lives take," he explained in a solemn tone, "but I want all of Teyvat to know that you belong to me."

~>゜)ーーー

"By the damned archons," Lisa spat as she watched what she had gotten into his mouth ooze out onto the pillow, "I'm going to have to shove it down your throat myself,  aren't I,?"

~>゜)ーーー

"That's quite the claim, Doctor Baizhu," Lisa released in a flirtatious tone, as she looked him over, "and so you tell this to all of the three year olds so that the word spreads?"

"What?"Baizhu asked with confusion that left quickly when he shook his head slightly, "No. I give them a gingko seed and talk about resilience, peace and hope."

"To you, a proclamation of my love and devotion," he spoke with a hint of a smile she wanted to reside in, "and a physical representation of it as well."

"There's also a prescription you will have to return here to fill as often as needed," he added and she watched the way his eyes fell to where she held his hands, "for something only I'll be able to give you."

~>゜)ーーー

"Just so you know, " Lisa explained as she brushed the hair away from Baizhu's face, "This wasn't the type of deep throat action I was looking for following a date with you."

~>゜)ーーー

"I think I might like the sound of that," Lisa admitted, feeling as though she was holding back every emotion that tried to present itself when she moved her hands to sit atop her knees along with her focus,"but, unfortunately I am not worthy enough to accept."

~>゜)ーーー

"Hmm," Lisa released despite the atmosphere of her current situation, "this really should be a turn off, but I guess I'm a little more fucked up than I thought I was."

"I hope you like it as much as I do, sexy," she said with a wink to the one that gave no response, "I'll make sure I take real good care of you."

~>゜)ーーー

Choking sobs wasn't the plan Lisa had in mind as she was pulled into an embrace by the man she felt she had wronged. The spector of the life she had lived rose like bile in her throat to remind her of transgressions,  to point out imperfections and flaws.

The ideas she couldn't ignore felt like white hot iron rods burning through all the defenses she had in place. As the bore their way in to expose what little virtue she had left the arms wrapped around her added a strength she had never found within herself. The gentle words she took in consoled her as she gave the notion that she could endure just the thought of walking away from him once more and the moment she let her frame relax against his she found the serenity she needed.

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa jolted awake with enough time to go into action and moved just as Baizhu began to expell everything he had taken in. Her thanks went to being blessed by the archons for the cast iron stomach she had as the mess she'd have to clean expanded.

Whatever was in the green goop she saw him wipe from his face she was grateful for knowing it had taken days for him to become marginally functional with whatever it was that Changsheng did.

"It's too strong," he uttered as Lisa nearly missed catching him when he tipped over. "But worked."

"How do you feel?" She asked while trying to decide if Baizhu relaxed or if it was an uncontrolled slump he performed against her, "baby?"

>゜)ーーー

Lisa's concerns were pushed from her mind as she could read the emotion on Baizhu's face as he wiped away the remnants of the moisture that had plagued her eyes. The need to express her true feelings backed up the idea she had as she studied a visage she counted as precious and the way her heart stopped fast when his eyes met hers confirmed that she wasn't in the wrong.

"Do l," she asked tentatively as she hoped to lighten the mood, "still get a gingko seed?"

"Not you," Baizhu claimed as she found him running his fingertips along her jawline, "You get the tree."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa felt unnerved by the way Baizhu attentively watched her as she cleaned up the mess he had made. The way that he periodically attempted speech had her rushing to complete the task and returning to his side made the effort she put forth a small price to pay.

"If this is going to happen often," Lisa explained, "we're going to need a code or something we can talk with, because I can't deal with this."

"For now," she continued and took his hand to settle the doubts she had on the plan,"I'll just ask questions and you blink once for yes, and twice for no."

~>゜)ーーー

Just before Lisa made an attempt to claim Baizhu's lips as her own the ambient noise of the enterior of Luili Pavillion erupted from the door that was opened.

She followed the new route the doctor's attention went to find the three men who had stopped them inside stepping out to nervously act as though they belonged there. Noting the items they held and the chattering amongst themselves,  Lisa understood their intent and squared her shoulders with pride as she offered them a small wave.

"I said yes," she stated with a hand raised as if to block the words from being heard by the man at her side.

As the businessmen took to cheering she placed her hand on Baizhu's chest as she met his surprised gaze and adored the blush that spread on his face.

"If you don't give a shit about my track record, or the effects I have on you," Lisa openly admitted, "then there is nothing in this world that can hold me back."

"I was formulating a plan," Baizhu offered as she heard the telltale sign of a bottle opening, "on taking you by force if necessary."

"You should have mentioned that sooner." She said with a coy smile, "I like the sound of that."

~>゜)ーーー

As Lisa tried to put together a way to assist the one who she noticed had started drooling once more she went over the facts she had gained.

Through the lengthy process of coming up with questions he could answer she knew overall he was in debilitating pain. The medicinal concoction had done something to assist, with him being mostly coherent, but what he was lacking, she knew he had no answer for.

The snake that sat silently she was able to garnish no knowledge from, and glancing over to see the vigil continued did little for the doubt she felt weighing her down.

Looking back to see Baizhu had closed his eyes Lisa's heart began to break. The idea of their intimacy periodically tearing him down because of unseen forces made her look back to see the ever watchful reptile still staring straight at her sending shivers down her spine.

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa thoroughly enjoyed the blush worthy toast they were a part of and having Baizhu's arm around her waist just added to the desire she had to never be torn away from him again.

None of the words exchanged registered as Lisa became lost to her thoughts. Watching Baizhu interact with the man that refilled his glass was similar to one of her rarer fantasies that wrapped her in a warm embrace. One where opening her eyes to find shelves lined with the printed word that stood in for a companion would only bring her the stark contrast her reality had been.

~>゜)ーーー

It took everything within Lisa's power to ignore all else except for the slumbering company she had before her. The need to continue on as if their predicament was normal laid behind her actions and as she went to collect additional lacquer onto the brush she held.

"This isn't really your shade" she explained as she began to apply the deep purple tone to the nail of her choosing, "but I need something positive right now and this sounded like a great idea."

~>゜)ーーー

"Lisa, there are things I need to tend to." Baizhu claimed as Lisa climbed the last step to stand before the man that hadn't released her hand, "You are free to join me,  of course,  but overall I pray you do not mind."

"Am I on this list?" Lisa asked and watched the corners of his lips curl upwards as she stepped in closer."because you'll have to add me if I'm not."

""You're the most pressing matter I have at the moment," he offered as she caught the momentary loss of his gaze to the space between them,"and dressed as you are, I need to be done with my tasks so that I can properly attend to you."

~>゜)ーーー

"You're cruel," Lisa told the snake as she closed up the front of her Akademiya uniform, "and I'm half tempted to skip out on classes today, but there's a couple I can't afford to miss."

The idea that the reptile had the possibility to correct whatever was plaguing the man at her feet was in the forefront of her mind. The fact that she had to play act as if it was a normal part of her life hit hard when she was the one who consumed all of the coffee she had in the mug that sat next to the items that had been left out.

She offered Changsheng a wink before moving to pen out a message to be found at a later time. After folding it she secured it in a glass jar with a screw on lid and triumphantly placed it below Baizhu's hand before moving to brush back the hair from his forehead.

"I hope you're free tonight," she said as flirtatiously as possible with her feelings guarded for the reaction she knew wouldn't take place, "because I have you written into my agenda."

~>゜)ーーー

"How could I not notice that?" Baizhu asked with his eyes returning from a second glance at the garments opening that for the most part hid Lisa's ample cleavage, "I think you stand like that on purpose."

"Is it that obvious?" She asked as her thoughts went to being at his complete mercy,"I only hope to...inspire you."

"If that's the case," he spoke as he went ahead through the motions to push up the pharmacy counter leaf off to his side,"You're the most inspirational person I've ever met."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa shrugged off the idea that she was drawing more attention than usual as she made her way into the lecture hall. Her mind was preoccupied with how to cope with what she had done to the green haired doctor she left on the floor of her abode and the implications thereof.

~>゜)ーーー

"Wait." Lisa released as she worked her way past Baizhu who obediently gave into her to stand behind the counter facing him."Okay, now get over here, handsome."

"Yes dear?" He asked as he humored her request as she moved into a comfortable lean before him.

"You wouldn't happen to have a prescription that needs filled, do you?" She inquired while lost to the way he moved to place his hands over hers, "Because I think I have exactly what you need."

"And what," he paused to plant a small kiss on her lips,"do you think that is?"

"Me," she answered just before accepting his lips once more, "obviously."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa watched Farah approach while toying with the idea that the migraine she had couldn't get any worse. Their courtesies were exchanged as usual and as soon as she handed over the cup of tea she wished she could have poured it over her instead.

"Oh, really?" Lisa offered knowing exactly where the doctor in question had been the day before. "How'd that go?"

"It was wonderful," Farah claimed with a smile as Lisa took a sip from her cup,"especially with how deeply he explored my body."

"I thought you weren't even interested..." Lisa countered offhandedly as she set her cup down."but, anyways, get on with it."

~>゜)ーーー

"I guess we can go do whatever you wanted to now," Lisa offered as she looked over the handsome creature standing across the counter from where she stood, "but when we're done, we need to return so we can do this over."

"You got a little too familiar with the staff too soon," she answered the questioning statement he made as she found him accepting and moving to join her behind the front desk. "And I need enough time to find out if that's what we're going for, or if you need to be reprimanded for it."

~>゜)ーーー

"The perfect opportunity just fell in my lap, so to speak." Faeah claimed, looking quite pleased with herself. "It was one of those 'too good to pass up' moments."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa absorbed the voice that explained what awaited them at the top of the staircase. The idea that he cultivated what he could on his own spoke of the dedication he had to his craft, and the adjacent room they did not enter she counted as a must with the correlation she had with him.

The space she was led into was bathed in a pale blue glow that dissipated as Baizhu lit an oil lamp. The facts he imparted about his research she noted as was able to make out more of the room that could be identified easily as the lab belonging to an alchemist with an affiliation to plants.

"As you know," Baizhu explained as she moved closer to where he was separating himself from coiled body of the white snake in question, "Changsheng and I have an arrangement."

"And she has the ability to save those that cannot be saved through conventional methods." He continued as she leaned against the table wondering why he was going over the one thing that complicated their relationship,"the method is simple."

"It is merely transfered into my body," he continued as she thought about the weight of the words,"and from there eradicated as she metabolizes it and draws it out of my person."

"The question I have worked to answer is why it is that you show no sign of aliment," his quarry had a touch of worry spreading through her thoughts as the implications came to mind, "why it is that I seem to draw something out of you, and why Changsheng detests neutralizing the effect it has on my qi."

~>゜)ーーー

"And?" Lisa asked as she moved to inspect the color she had added to her nails,"is that it? Or was it not good enough to share details?"

~>゜)ーーー

"I know originally I erred when I assumed that it was the effect our intimacy had on my qi." Baizhu explained with emotion painting itself onto his face, "and that a vulgar reaction to that was forced upon me by Changsheng,  who I learned was completely innocent,"

"Yet guilty," he added glancing over at the creature in question, "of not correcting what was happening to me as a means to show her displeasure towards something she has no understanding of."

"Through no fault of her own seeing where her origins lie and counting those that came before me." He stated before offering Lisa a sly smile, "as I have already proven myself to be vastly different than all of my predecessors."

~>゜)ーーー

"He's too vanilla?" Lisa reiterated while looking over the girl who sat opposite from her."are you sure you went to the right examination room?"

"What?" She released in regards to the look she was given,"am I not supposed to know that you had to have booked an appointment to see him because I just happen to know exactly where his ass was yesterday?"

"Or am I supposed to just sit here and listen to you prattle on about something that didn't happen?" She asked just before moving to take a sip from her cup. "Because I know you just love to boast about the shit you do and the crap you're saying now sounds like you went for a gynecological exam just to say he was inside of you to try to one up me."

~>゜)ーーー

"Changsheng," Baizhu began in an even tone addressing the creature that Lisa saw had his full attention, "I'd like to formally apologize for any transgressions against you due to ignorance of the truth with the situation that has brought us to this discussion."

"I also ask for your assistance in ridding Lisa of this essence that has left its mark on me," he stated causing her to give him a quizzical expression as she tried to fathom what he spoke of, "that you, ultimately have had to repair each and every time."

~>゜)ーーー

"To be honest," Lisa admitted knowing she could care less what the girl thought, "we had vanilla sex as a warm up and to help him recover from the shitty day he had at work."

"Once he got over that crap," she continued as she ignored the thoughts she had on his current condition, "he rearranged my insides while I hung from a door frame."

~>゜)ーーー

"Far be it from me to state that your repulsion thus far has been unwarranted," Baizhu stated in a dry tone, "Outside of verbal exchanges, she has given you the utmost respect and I believe it is high time you recognize that."

"Look not to what you can sense," Baizhu offered when Lisa saw Changsheng's attention turn to her,"but to the individual I count as an intricate part of my existence and tell me you still deny her."

"And, if I'm not mistaken," Baizhu continued as Lisa ignored the feelings that presented themselves as she was studied by the reptile, "you yourself would benefit to be rid of this, would you not?"

"Perhaps," Changsheng answered while moving to look back to her host, "I am disinterested in tangling myself into the affairs of the abyss and its order."

"For that reason alone," the snake persisted, as Lisa's confusion grew, "I refuse."

~>゜)ーーー

"I chose to hide the lingering effects he left on me," Lisa said with pride as she placed a hand on her chest to rest just below the high collar of the shirt she placed her uniform over, "I can show you,  of course,  but the general populace I know would take offense to it. I'm not in the mood for hashing it out with members of the faculty."

"So tell me," Lisa demanded as kindly as possible, "what exactly were the findings of the exam that irritated you enough to claim him as something he clearly is not?"

~>゜)ーーー

"Changsheng clearly needs to understand that you have no formal ties to the abyss." Baizhu explained while turning to offer a hand that Lisa took immediately, "could you please confirm this?"

"Baizhu," Lisa's voice felt akin to a foreign entity as she took a step closer to the one she spoke to,"I have no idea what you're talking about."

"I'm not part of the abyss," she confessed as she thought about the implications of the statement, "and my alignment in Mondstadt is valid. I have nothing to hide."

"Baizhu," Lisa interrupted him as he went to continue the discussion he was having with the creature who sat coiled on the table, "what the hell are you talking about?"

"After learning that it was rifts being torn into my qi as a result of periodic repercussions of our copulation," Baizhu offered without addressing her or looking away from Changsheng, "I did some research and had a great deal of discussions with trusted individuals that I have had the honor to associate myself with and came to the conclusion that what is going on has nothing to do with you having a role to play within the order of the abyss, "

"But rather, he added as she gained his eyes that brought an almost unbearable weight, "a byproduct of an unfortunate run in with one of their ilk."

"Lisa," her name in the grievous tune of his voice brought out the fear she had hoped wouldn't return, "tell me, have you had any brush ins with the abyss, and if so, can you tell me what they did to you?"

~>゜)ーーー

"Aw," Lisa released just before taking a sip of tea delighted to hear the girl got a prescriptionfor antibiotics, "he merely diagnosed something that another boy passed onto you."

"That's no reason to take it out on him." She said coyly as Farah gave her a dirty look while movingto stand, "he was only doing his job."

"That's fine," Lisa spoke soft enough that she knew she wouldn't be picked up by the now retreating figure, "get mad at me for telling you the truth.  I hope you learn to better protect yourself from shit like that in the future."

~>゜)ーーー

"I haven't," Lisa admitted with grief rising within ad her mind replayed images she only caught glimpses of and couldn't fully comprehend, "I've assisted a few who have, but I've not personally had anything done to me."

The affect of Baizhu's voice spinning her name into existence on her hit a deep part of her consciousness.  Being taken into the shelter of his arms Lisa felt her emotions teetering out of control with the idea that the frames she found herself returning to over time during slumber were more than just a fabrication.

Her thoughts moved to the first time she had fallen victim to the reoccurring nightnare as she could no longer make out the words her love spoke to her. She had counted herself as so much less than what she was now, but remembered how highly she had held herself at that point in her life.

"But," Lisa released weakly as she watched the shaky hand she placed against Baizhu's chest, "it's just a dream."

Chapter Text

Lisa stepped into the pale light that poured into the dilapidated structure she had entered. The scroll she spread out in the space before her the trophy to the might of the might she had shown.

As promised by the script she had translated,  the words that appeared on the parchment she held had her breath hastily halting in her throat from excitement.  She was further on her path of taking the position of the one of the most formidable witches Mondstadt had seen and she knew that passing along the information to the Knights would get her the invitation she had longed for.

As she moved to victoriously return the scroll to its case the drastic shift in the temperature around her had her throwing up her guard and hastening to move. The catalyst that materialized at her side when her feet seemed to not be able to comprehend her commands gave her the confidence she needed when she assumed there would be a confrontation despite the fact that she knew she wasn't followed.

"Surrender," she called out triumphantly while enjoying the feeling of being bound to the book that could turn out spells strong enough to liquefy the heaviest foes, "and maybe I'll be gentle."

~>゜)ーーー

"You are safe, Lisa," Baizhu whispered as she felt him encircle her while she muttered aloud the denial of the events she relived while asleep through uncontrollable raking sobs, "bring it to light and let us be done with it."

~>゜)ーーー

The shadow that loomed over her as she felt the tie to her weapon break let fear tear through her. The sound of the book falling uselessly to the soft dirt beside her as heavy as the weight of her heart when everything inside of her could do nothing but pay heed to the power that began to pulse around her.

The eerie sound of the void before her expanding she felt invoke terror in the pit of her being. The unbelievably tall figure that stepped out next gave her reason enough to make an attempt at crying out,  but the throat she thought she was the commander of did nothing but release a puff of condensation from her breath in the frozen air.

The intricate design of the robe the being wore identified him as one that warranted the dread that washed over her next. The long lines that accentuated the slender frame that towered over her obvious ties to an association she had never wished to gamble fate with.

"Your pursuit of knowledge ends here," what was spoken her mind comprehended despite the unintelligible words that hit her consciousness, "I'll bestow upon you a gift for your finding as a thank you and a mercy on your life for saving me the effort."

"I hope you find this unquenchable thirst more fruitful than the one that put you in my grasp." It continued as Lisa felt the cold finally break free within taking over what little of her that remained, "just remember to be mindful of what it is you fill that void with."

~>゜)ーーー

"It's a low level curse," Changsheng said offhandedly as Lisa tried to cope with the reality presented with her face hidden against the one who continued to shelter her,"but that doesn't mean it's not something to be taken lightly."

"If we proceed," the snake added,"I advise you to prepare for pain like unto none other you have seen thus far."

"Then you agree?" Baizhu's voice wrapped around her as her mind went through the known reactions he had had just coming into contact with the greed she now knew the truth of. "It's settled.  Let me prepare."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa was jolted awake just as she felt the air pulled from her lungs. Finding herself unmoved from what she could tell, the sleep she had gotten she counted as necessary despite the time lost. The chill that remained from the terror she had endured once more she fought to condemn by burning away with the sound truths that surrounded her.

A glance at the teacup and the leaves that had clumped together to form the long slender body of a too familiar creature along the inside rim. Ignoring the implications of falling into times worthy of struggle she moved to set aside the cup while trying to decide where or not to return to her class schedule.

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa sat back on her heels with her full attention on Baizhu who sat with his legs crossed. The moment he moved to blow her a kiss that was accompanied by her signature wink she couldn't help the smile that bloomed in response.

Her mind demanded to be returned to the moments before the had been separated.  To pretend that what came next was never to be as she managed to pull him away from the herbs he worked with to play act once more in the pharmacy devoid of locals. Free to explore and learn the reasoning behind his appearance there before the counter.

"You," Changsheng announced as she noticed the snake move to sit an even distance away from the two of them, "shouldn't feel a thing, but I hope you do just so you get a taste of the hell you have put him through."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa felt torn as she moved along the street heading back to her dwelling.  A heavy serving of guilt washed over her as she thought about what she was returned to.
The idea that she couldn't enjoy the mess they had made as they usually would hit her as she spied a couple giggling together in front of a shop she walked past.

The simple fact of the initial reasoning behind the ownership she claimed over the doctor she left on the floor that morning presented itself as she turned to begin the final stretch. The idea that he was the only one she actually wanted to continue on with popped in next and the merging of the conflicts she felt were almost enough to stop her in her tracks.

"If he didn't want to," she released through gritted teeth,"he wouldn't, but he is."

"So fuck that fucking snake," she spat as her pace picked up and her hands balled into fists,"she's going to have to get over the fact that he fucking likes me."

"And," she added feeling a little more herself as she began to pay heed to the way her gait accentuated her figure,"he likes fucking me too."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa felt like her soul had been stripped from her body in the same way that the salons of Inazuma tore the hair from your body with pieces of silk and warmed tree sap. As she struggled against drawing a breath with lungs that weren't prepared she moved from where she had been pushed to return to an upright position.

Baizhu remained in the meditative state he had been in with his hands resting beyond where his wrists extended past his knees. As she wondered at their current state she took in the items that still came to rest around them.

The sound of water falling from a broken piece of pottery that still clung to the roots of one of the larger exotic plants. The rustling of the pieces of the screen that hung diagonally calling out displeasure as a breeze forced itself in. The melody of damp clumps of dirt falling to return to the splinters of glass that littered the floor.

Changsheng seemed unphased in a tight coil with enough held high to strike out if needed. Looking from the snake again to the man the worry she had she felt brought no merit.

Lisa choked on his name as she watched his golden eyes open. The unfamiliarity she felt through the gaze pushed her then into motion and as she closed in the bloodstained smile she was given made her sick to the very core of her being. The visceral gnawing continued as she held her position and stared in horror as rivulets of red sprung to life from every orifice within her visage.

"Did you learn anything?" The thing that had taken over the doctor asked with grotesque bubbles trying to form around the spoken word that was translated into her mind automatically,"about keeping your nose where it should be?"

"I've got to level with you." It told her as she glanced over to see Changsheng moving to rest within the confides of the coiled length of it's body."when I felt this particular blessing break I had to come see it for myself."

"And I've gotta tell you," it continued while moving to place its hands over the deeply stained soft jade linen that made up Baizhu's shirt. "I like this vessel you've been using to thwart the, how should I put this?"

"Benefits," it's one worded answer struck a chord as Lisa decided to prepare for the worst and began to survey what she could of her surroundings,"the blessing bestowed upon you."

"And since you've somehow managed to rid yourself of my gift," it continued as Lisa felt she was as prepared as she could afford, "I'll let you live long enough to see just how powerful this figure is."

"I'm warning you now," it told her as the hand it lifted flickered with the brilliant green dendro hue before being consumed in a midnight blue tone that looked more like a void within reality,"I don't think it's going to be for very long."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa released a deep sigh as she leaned back against the front door she had secured. The dusky interior of her apartment was as welcoming as it had always been.  An empty space dimly lit by what little light she allowed into the windows.

The traces she could see from Baizhu's existence in her life had her wondering how it was that gave her life clarity through her need to distract herself with the carnal pleasures of the world as she once had. The focus she could reapply to the idea that she would stand alone as a witch worthy of the highest calling and the distraction she'd only allow when they had the time.

Her keys made a woefully loud clatter in the ceramic bowl she dropped them into. The articles of clothing she stepped around counted as decorations depicting a highlighted portion of the night before. The man responsible, she found, to her surprise siting up with his back to her in the center of the kitchen floor where she had left him hours before.

~>゜)ーーー

"Unfortunately there is one thing I need to take care of first," it said in an almost jovial tone as Lisa sprang into action moving to take hold of the things wrist before it could reach out for the reptile she knew was the target,"are you that imprudent to interfere with my plans?"

"You can't," Lisa spat while she ignored the pain that entered the hand she had clasped around the things wrist."touch the snake."

"And you sure as fuck," she expelled with all of her might as she brought her other hand forward aiming to end it all with the jagged end of the piece of glass she had tightly in her grasp,"ain't taking him either!"

~>゜)ーーー

"Hey, handsome," she released as she crouched to his rear while sending one hand over his shoulder to loosely embrace him, "How's it going?"

"I missed you," he claimed softly as she took in the fact that he was back to work on his thesis with everything spread out on the floor in front of him.

"By the archons," Lisa cursed the hand fate had dealt her, "I left you here with nothing to eat whatsoever because I'm a fucking lazy bitch."

~>゜)ーーー

As Lisa's attack hit the highest point of its projected  arch everything slowed to a stop.  The hand that grabbed her wrist to stop her attack she knew belonged to the man she loved and not the phantom that had taken over. The voice that spoke her name was one she could understand with her auditory senses alone and the fears she held dissolved as she moved to take hold of the love that returned to her.

~>゜)ーーー

"I had you a little too preoccupied,"Baizhu told Lisa what she knew was the truth, "so do not fault yourself."

"I did manage to get ahold of courier service that was kind enough to arrange for an order to be shipped," he explained as he accepted the hand she offered to stand,"that shouldn't take too long before ir arrives."

"But regrettably," he added with a sheepish grin,"I was never able to address the state of the rest of the place."

"And the hallway, " he continued as she watched his eyes move over her,"is particularly bad."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa did her best to wipe the moisture from her eyes in order to focus on the serpent that had moved to sit over Baizhu's hip.

"You ok?" She asked with a voice she didn't trust to carry far.

"I am," Changsheng stated simply unnervingly unmoving, "had that hand gotten ahold of me, my story would be different, so I owe you my gratitude."

"You owe me nothing," Lisa countered."I just had to be sure."

"Is it over?" She asked feeling dread wash over her with Baizhu slumped against her frame.

As Changsheng explained that the presence was gone the dead weight that the doctor had become she felt she could easily endure. The arms that had held her moments before she could feel resting around her hips. As she was told the cutse was expunged she tried to  ignore the discomfort she had in the leg that was at an awkward angle bent over his lower limps.

~>゜)ーーー

"You weren't lying," Lisa admitted,  finally registering the broken glass that littered the pathway amongst the contents of the shelf she recalled righting after their efforts had knocked it over. "But..it's beautiful at the same time."

"We can fix it later." She claimed as she turned to take in the one that still looked worse for wear,"how are you feeling?"

"I'm marginally functional. Don't worry."he claimed with a small smile springing to life on his lips as she watched him move to tuck free strands of his hair behind his ear, "Changsheng claimed that she did what she could and then told me I had to deal with it. She's resting now."

Lisa was well aware that any other time she would have taken that information as a free chance. To use the opportunity to her favor to strip away what little fabric that separated them and revisit the idea that they weren't finished with the renovation of her apartment.

As delicious as Baizhu looked with the length of his green hair free to adorn his uncovered upper body, she was unusually content.  Shrugging it off as an affect of exhaustion she took to the idea of trying to to improve his state and stopped short when she heard a knock on the door.

"Food delivery," Baizhu announced with a satisfied grin,"I just need my money."

"I'll get your money, " Lisa explained as she looked him over imagining him earlier outside in that state with his pink pants telling the world about what they contained, "but there's no way you're getting the door."

~>゜)ーーー

"There's a tremendous amount of damage," Changsheng explained from the safe spot she had around Lisa's neck as she moved to lay Baizhu down, "and I can only do so much before I need to recover."

"Instead of the usual voids that leave his qi resembling a lotus head," the snake told her as she went about adjusting him for comforts sake, "it's as if one took a lotus head and scrambled the center of it with a soot covered stick."

"Is there a supplement you can take to help recover?" Lisa asked with hope towards assisting the reptile. "I'm sure we have everything we'd need at our disposal."

"I'll just slumber a bit," the voice near her ear claimed as she saw it unfocused lay its head down,"if you don't mind."

"Go right on ahead,"Lisa offered as she sat back on her heels,"I'll see what I can do to tidy this up."

~>゜)ーーー

"What's your deal?" Lisa asked as she turned to watch Baizhu set down the one parcel she allowed him to carry,"why are you going all out like this for me?"

"This is too much," she confessed with a hand gesturing to the spread of the table thinking of the price,"and you know it."

"You need to eat better," he countered as she considered the claim,"and you know it."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa ignored the idea that she was overwhelmed as she looked over the wreck the room had become.  Her mind she set to task to choose the priorities and reminded herself that most of it could be set aside for another day.

~>゜)ーーー

"You,"Lisa began with a finger trailing teasingly slow down Baizhu's abdomen,"feed me well enough already."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa felt accomplished when she finally gave into the desires she had and moved to gently apply the warm damp cloth she held onto Baizhu's bloodstained face.

Her thoughts went to remind her that anyone else would have woken up during the process, and fear about how bad he actually was ran through her mind as he continued to show no reaction at all. She wondered about the state of her newest accessory,  the snake that had chosen to wrap itself about her shoulders,  that remained in a state of repose.

After dropping the soiled towel into the bowl of water at her side, the sight of his clean face calmed her nerves. Thoughts on what could have been then threatened to take hold as she moved to continue her work. The idea that she could have lost him in more ways than one left her faltering when she tried to unclasp the front closure of his shirt.

She was overly relieved that the dark splotches she pulled the fabric free of were just pools that had collected. The perfect flesh she uncovered with a fresh cloth brought on more comfort to her regrettably fragile state allowing the emotions she couldn't hold back from pouring free once again.

~>゜)ーーー

"And you're a dendro, so you fall into that category" Lisa offered enjoying the questioning look that went into play on Baizhu's face, "and you, of all people, should know how good I am at devouring my vegetables."

"That," Baizhu claimed with a smile as Lisa moved to embrace him,"is the most unorthodox way to view me based on my vision alone."

"Do you like it?" Lisa asked sweetly before pursing her lips to what she found with her hands settled over his rear.

"I can't lie and say no," he answered with eyes moving to look her over,"but what does that make you?"

"I'm not a food, baby." She countered with a wink, "I'm too intense and electrifying."

"Oh, really?" He said with his brow rising, "like to spark things up?"

"Mmhmm," he released a second after she did without a mocking tone, "that just makes you the seasoning that spices up any dish and makes my mouth water just thinking about my next meal."

"Oooh," she uttered at length wishing he had the strength for what she needed him for,""Tell me more, handsome."

"How bout I tell you as we get a meal going?" He asked just before planting a chaste kiss on her lips that desperately wanted more, "then I might even be able to explain some of what I mean with examples."

"I think I have a full grasp on what you mean, and I've got an example of my own," Lisa admitted happily,"but I happen to love the way you share and I'm more than eager to learn."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa tried her best to get into character and seated the way she was over him on the table was perfection.  She reminded herself that what she was doing was just as much for him as It was for herself and after crossing our leg over the other the journal she opened brought her strength.

The pen she rested against her lips as she moved to look over her subject helped her focus. The ideas that sprang to mind as she imagined him just slumbering she felt were being influenced by the time that had kept them and the most recent events, she knew weren't helpful.

"I just want to hear your voice whisper my name," she tested the idea aloud, thinking about how wonderful it would feel,"and kiss me as you hold me tight."

"By the archons, " she cursed herself for what didn't sound worthy to be added to their book,"I'm turning into a damned softie."

"Fuck it, it's staying, " she decided when she couldn't push herself past the idea, "but he can do that after he unties me."

~>゜)ーーー

"Hey, cutie" Lisa released when she found herself wanting to remove the shoes she left on while enjoying the attention she was getting as she returned and fed into it with each step she took, "you like?"

"Don't know where to begin?" She asked as she moved to take up the space at his side and loved the fact that Baizhu couldn't go back to his culinary task at hand. "I can help you,  if you need it."

"This," she offered with a hand over her chest where she knew he had left a lasting impression, "is just how I know for a fact that you have a healthy appetite,"

"And this," she continued as she moved to take her time while sliding her hand over her breast before the other joined on her display to run down her sides, "can be considered a nightgown...of sorts."

"I almost picked a sheer fabric," she confessed as she moved to round the table to close in on the doctor, "but lace is classy, and I figured I could get away with it around the house."

"Would it be wrong to claim that I don't?" Baizhu inquired with eyes moving to meet hers at last,"because I fear my thesis will never get completed with you dressed like that."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa awoke to the alarming sound of the journal hitting the floor. The spot her elbow had set to rest her head in her hand sang out in response to her moving to sit up. The act of stretching did wonders for the rest of her and as she slid from the tabletop to return to her feet she found everything unfortunately unchanged.

~>゜)ーーー

"Can't you just claim that I'm your thesis?" Lisa asked as she moved to lean against the table and briskly surveyed his choice of vegetables he hadn't returned to,"and if you want my opinion,  I suggest you turn that into soup."

"It can cook while we do other things," she offered with a wink, "like work on your thesis."

~>゜)ーーー

"There you go, baby," Lisa offered as she rubbed Baizhu's upper back, "face that way for a while."

Her attention went to where he faced and the crafting bench that served as the source of the blue light she recalled when they first entered.

That corner of the room reeked of his influence. The orderly shelves lined with books, jars and boxes all in an orderly fashion and then adorned with trinkets, ornaments and other aesthetically pleasing pieces
accenting the area in a haphazard manner.

Curiosity called her to venture forth, and following that need she felt enveloped by his presence as soon as she crossed over the edge of the soft carpet that muffled her steps.

She thanked her lucky stars nothing of value that she saw had been broken. With a fingertip she idly traced the edge of one of the shelves as she looked through his selections.

~>゜)ーーー

"Sweetheart," Lisa offered the owner of the lower back she placed her hand on,"just go sit down and inspire me."

Lisa placed her other hand over the one Baizhu was stabilizing himself with and leaned over enough to catch his eye. The second he looked away she felt pain drawing her to try to improve what she could of the situation.

"Babe, seriously," she began as she made sure to press the more interesting portions of herself against him while planting a kiss on his shoulder before dropping her voice to a whisper. "I want you to sit across from me and show me what you want me to do with you to with that carrot there."

~>゜)ーーー

As Lisa tried to shake the chills she got from getting a better understanding of Baizhu's research she turned to look towards him once more.  The idea that he had touched on subjects she never wanted a part of was an intriguing one and thoughts on how he had even obtained the literature was a question she tucked away for another time.

~>゜)ーーー

"By the archons,  I swear," Lisa uttered,  leaving her lips parted as she watched Baizhu do exactly as directed, leaving her frozen in place in response. "You are such a naughty boy."

~>゜)ーーー

It took everything Lisa had to hold her peace. The snake that had spoke her name softly she knew would help, but the time she had already spent waiting felt like weight she could no longer bear.

The suggestion Changsheng made sounded marvelous,  but the reality surrounding the idea had her in a subdued state. Moving as requested to return to Baizhu's side she felt took more strength than she contained. By the time she moved to sit at his side she felt like a hollow husk and ready to drift away with the slightest of breezes.

~>゜)ーーー

"Oh, no baby," Lisa countered as she leaned over the table,"I meant that in a good way."

"That was really hot," she continued and loved the innocent way he looked from the carrot to meet her gaze,"and I can barely concentrate on what I'm doing, so keep it up."

"If you're lucky I'll do all of it to you," she added just before cupping a hand at the side of her mouth and droppingher voice to a near whisper, "and you're lucky, just so you know."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa tried to ignore the feeling she was being left alone as Changsheng moved to settle over Baizhu's side. All of her thoughts and emotions stilled within her as she took up his hand and began the wait for an assessment from the snake.

~>゜)ーーー

"Okay," Lisa offered as she moved to cross her legs while looking over the man she sat as close to as possible with the place she parked herself on the table,"soups on. What do you want to do, baby?"

Lisa hated the fact that Baizhu's overall condition seemed to have worsened. As soon as she decided to give up hope and suggest he sleep she found the end of the carrot pressed against her bottom lip and a smirk going into play below a set of exhausted golden eyes.

"Ooh," she released flirtatiously while moving to lay a hand over his, "it's my turn, isn't it?"

~>゜)ーーー

"After everything you have made this man endure," Changsheng stated as Lisa looked over to find herself as the serpent's focus, "I had better not see you give him false hope and then turn your back on him and leave as you have done in the past."

"Now that I've said my piece," it continued its unblinking stare,"I'll take your leave."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa was thrilled to find her performance was a good enough distraction to Baizhu.  Finding him accommodating her need to shift, she took to the space directly before him and found herself desiring nothing more than to have him properly seated between the legs he had in his grasp.

The erotic thoughts she had as she pulled the carrot from his mouth had her feverishly moving to collect the experience for herself.  With both hands caressing his jawline she joined him with eyes closed to find her mind imploding upon itself when their lips touched.

~>゜)ーーー

The space Lisa found behind the draped tapestry as directed by Changsheng pulled what she had left to her emotional state below the surface.  The vision she found in a looking glass across from her as she set down the oil lamp was unrecognizable.

Her breath stilled in her throat when she assessed the state of her vestiture. She saw each stain, smear and smudge just as she herself served as a blemish upon every portion of Baizhu's existence.

The personal space she infiltrated she yearned to experience in a different light and touched on memories she thought had buried eons before.

~>゜)ーーー

Despite what Lisa wanted she followed suite when Baizhu pulled away. As she opened her eyes she found herself unprepared to the blow she took to her heart as she was forced to catch his falling form.

~>゜)ーーー

After Lisa had begun the process of warming the water she had drawn she ignored her reflection as she stripped away her outer layer. The idea of rebirth moved through her as she then went through the process of collecting the source of light to take with her as she decided to go beyond the door opposite of where she had entered.

Just as the first, a breezy decorative piece of cloth covered the entrance to what could only be the doctor's personal quarters.

Just as the other rooms and to a lesser degree the entirety of the pharmacy, the room she crossed was filled with items that told of the glory of his eclectic taste. Artful and meticulous with the furniture choice and the accents of color tying it all together.

As predicted the bags she had sent earlier sat on the floor at the base of a bed she knew could not belong to anyone else. The smile she wore went to the idea of him being viewed as such a brilliant and orderly mind as she looked over the rumpled bedspread.

She sat down on the edge of the bed he had left undone as he rose for the day. That one detail made him horrendously adorable in her book as she thought about etiquette and as she recalled her initial reaction to it she couldn't help the smile that went into play.

Her thoughts went to the way he would then make the bed just before turning in for the night. The reverse of the expected,  and as much as it had irritated her at first, became one of those unique bits about him she couldn't help but think as precious as she leaned down to open her bag.

~>゜)ーーー

"One day," Lisa promised the one she held to her chest"You're gonna do this and I'll keep going."

~>゜)ーーー

The dress Lisa smoothed over her curves was a need more than want and the fact that it barely fit the idea of modest was one she tucked away hoping they weren't expected to venture elsewhere for the remainder of the night.

As she began her return she gave into the idea she had and scooped up another of the oversized scarves she found thrown over the back of a chair.

Making it back into the bathroom she moved to check the temperature of the water before turning once more to assess herself in the full length mirror leaned against the wall.

Lisa cursed the idea that she had packed clothes that she wore when she was dressing completely for herself. The plunging neckline of the soft dove grey she had on she knew perfectly accented the natural bounty she had to offer, but the amount of lace that was now exposed negated the idea she was going for.

"I'll save this for the morning," she lamented while peeling it from her frame. "Although he may not want to return to work once he catches sight of me in it."

~>゜)ーーー

" I fucking swear," Lisa released as she looked at the uncomfortable position Baizhu landed in while recovering from the effort of easing him down to the floor,"I honestly don't know what to do with you sometimes."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa couldn't deny the aura of sexuality she saw in her bare shoulders and the hint of her shape presented by the makeshift dress she had created. As her arms returned from where she had secured the scarf at the back of her neck they moved to try to test the visibility of the thin fabric thankful for the dark tones that didn't allow anything except for a shadow of her legs in the portion that hung about her lower extremities.

~>゜)ーーー

"I guess I'll go clean the hallway," she announced to no one in particular with thoughts towards getting the one she had maneuvered towards a more viable position for slumber, "then I can drag your ass to bed if all you're going to do is sleep."

~>゜)ーーー

With the frightful mess her face had become from the tears she had spilled over the lines of kohl that had traced her eyes washed away Lisa finally felt like the natural beauty she knew she was.

A final check led her to the thought process of perfection achieved and leaving her reflection an easy task.

Moving to return to check on the state of things gave her a touch of hesitation she was forced to push through. With each step she took she felt she had every right to be there in a space she was prepared to call her own.

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa eyed the white serpent that had taken up residence on the doctor who laid dormant on the floor. The refuse she added in the bin an announcement of her presence and the attention she garnered, a trifle she felt deserved the sweet smile she presented.

"Hello, friend," she offered as she moved to before the creature in a position that exhibited the power she contained, "have a nice rest?"

"This is all your doing," Changsheng ignored her salutation earning the look she gave, "to think I want to trade pleasantries with the likes of you."

"It takes two to tango, snake." Lisa countered with her hands balled into fists on her hips,"and for your information,  Baizhu instigates as well as I do, and he is one hell of a dance partner."

~>゜)ーーー

"Hey there," Lisa offered as she watched Baizhu's eyes move to register her, "cutie."

"I've been waiting for you," she offered with a wink as she ran her fingers through his hair, "and let me tell you you're worth it."

~>゜)ーーー

"Could you just fix him already?" Lisa asked nonchalantly staring down at the snake that was starting to get on her last nerve,"he hasn't eaten all day ."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa let nothing obstruct her from savoring the labored breathing below the hand she had moving over Baizhu's upper back.  The effort she expended to assist him in the shift to lay over her lap was the least she could do when she took in the stain that furrowed his brow.

"How are you feeling, baby?" She asked with adoration flooding her words.

"Marginally functional," his claim, just as always gave her a smile with the recollections she contained of their past together.

~>゜)ーーー

"I can sustain him for quite some time without sustenance," Changsheng countered as Lisa imagined herself dropping the bin out for collection with the reptile counted within its contents, "he does not have any need for you in his life."

~>゜)ーーー

"You look beautiful," Baizhu claimed while taking hold of her free hand,"ethereal, really. I'm waiting for the moment I wake up and realize it's just a fantasy."

~>゜)ーーー

"I can do the same damn thing," Lisa offered while thinking about how he could last, "and I'm pretty sure he enjoys what I do more."

~>゜)ーーー

"Too bad you're already awake, handsome." Lisa offered flirtatiously as she watched him close his eyes as her fingers moved through the hair at the nape of his neck. "Want me to pinch you to prove it?"

"Every day," he answered immediately, "until I believe you."

>゜)ーーー

"You can say he doesn't as much as you'd like to," Lisa countered as she eyed her nails, "but you'd be lying to yourself, and you know it."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa thought of the similarities of a child with an attachment to a toy as she watched the way Baizhu grasped the coiled body of the snake and cradled it to his chest as he moved to sit up. The completion of the act that made her grin with the idea of him still holding the same form of innocence was the placement of his contracted familiar within the shelter he had created with his legs crossed before him.

"I can tell the difference." He said as she couldn't help but find him luring her in even with the portions of the length of his hair that sat at odd angles where blood glued the strands together, "I'm completely depleted,  but I don't have the soul sucking pain that usually goes with it."

~>゜)ーーー

"Hey there, handsome, " Lisa offered the one who landed a kiss on her shoulder as she ignored the effects sleeping on the floor had left her with, "I've been waiting for you."

"Hopefully," he said just as she found him embracing her from behind with hands that slid just below her breast, "it wasn't for long."

~>゜)ーーー

"They're right here," Lisa offered while rising to collect the item from the edge of the table to hand over.

Lisa smiled as she moved to sit back down while watching Baizhu unfold the gold frames. She tucked the ideas that came to mind aside for safe keeping once his glasses were put into place and was drawn to the way he moved to meet her gaze.

"This..." he released at length while taking in their surroundings, "will take a lot to correct."

"Tomorrow,  sweetie," Lisa whisper while moving to take his hand."It can wait, right now we just need to get you cleaned up."

"I just want to go to bed," he confessed as she went through the process of standing, "but also not, because I'm afraid I can't do what I'd like to since you're here."

"Wanna tell me what that is, handsome?" She asked and caught the smile that went into play on his lips.

"I'd rather show you," he countered as she found him passing on the the snake he had in his lap when she offered her other hand,"if that's fine with you."

"Are you sure, baby?" Lisa asked as she moved to hold the serpent safely against her chest as Baizhu worked his way to stand before her at his full height, "I love taking in your ideas for future endeavors."

"I can't wait to know for damned sure that it's gone," his word choice had her brow rising in response, "and there's only one way we can test that theory."

~>゜)ーーー

"Well," Lisa answered as she enjoyed the trail of kisses Baizhu performed on her neck,"what you think you're getting back into happened the night before last night, so you've definitely missed out on some time there, handsome."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa shook her head at the large flat rock Baizhu pulled out from the bottom of the tub. After watching him set set it up on ledge in the corner and pat it mostly dry with a towel the reasoning behind it became clear as he moved to gently lay down Changsheng,  who was still resting soundly.

The idea that the two of them would enjoy their downtime together gave her warm thoughts on the emotions that tied them together. The smile that went into play as she looked to meet the doctor's eye expanded as she considered the best plan of action to quickly take care of everything she knew had to be done.

"Get your ass in the tub," she scolded the one that eyed her over his frames while placing a hand on her side,"you need to get that blood softened or ill have to cut your hair."

"I'll go fetch some tea," she told him with a fingertip against his lips hoping to entice him, "and if you're a good boy maybe I'll join you."

Chapter Text

Is it even safe for us to fuck?" Lisa asked as bluntly as possible to the man that drank from her cup. "Because I'm kinda getting the feeling it ain't worth it."

"Theoretically it is safe,"Baizhu asked with the ceramic rim a breath span from his lips, "providing that Changsheng is asleep or that we get the correct dosage on the formula I came up with."

"But if you'd rather put an end to it," he added thoughtfully while lowering the cup he held to be set on the table before her,"the choice is, ultimately up to you."

"Don't take it like that," Lisa released as she moved to follow his retreat through the door, "Baizhu.  Seriously."

"I'm not taking anything anyway," he countered calmly while stopping to turn to properly address her, "I need to get some stuff from the dorm before class, so I need to go."

"This period is almost over," Lisa stated with her hands moving to rest on her hips, "you should save yourself the money and just stay here."

"What are you suggesting?" He asked for clarification with his brow creasing slightly.

"That you're here all the time anyways," Lisa answered sharply,"what is the point of wasting that money?"

"I thought there was no point, Lisa." Baizhu explained as Lisa tried to ignore the irritation that began to rise, "you said it yourself."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa released the breath that caught in her throat and thanked the archons for helping her keep hold of the kettle as she tried to recover from the imagined terror that unraveled before her.

The idea she had took little thought on her part with the way Baizhu sat with his head resting on the edge of the tub. A strand of hair that had made its way out to hang over the edge she found as the cause of the line of red that fell down the front of the bath leaving a puddle.

The water that contained the rest of him was tainted with a shadow of that visceral shade and as she moved closer she attempted to focus solely on the eyes that opened to follow her.

"If you're that tired," she offered sweetly as she moved to pour the hot liquid into the mug she held, "maybe you should sleep."

"I've missed out on enough," Baizhu explained as she glanced over to check on him before setting aside the kettle, "plus, I've been good."

~>゜)ーーー

"You're twisting things," Lisa countered while trying to ignore the worry she had for the man that stood hefore her, "and I was only trying to look out for your well-being."

"Why keep putting yourself at risk?" She asked as she gave into the emotional damage she had taken from the days he had been present but not functional, "and how do you even know if you'll even wake up at all?"

"And so, I'll ask you again, and I despise repeating myself," she continued without giving him a chance to respond,"if you're ignorant enough to continue taking said risks with me, would you do me the kindness of at least living here so if one day, if you do die, I'll at least know that's what happened to you and I'll make for damn sure that everyone knows how it happened."

~>゜)ーーー

"If that's the case, I'll join you," Lisa offered just before she leaned in to kiss him, "but I'm washing your hair, and that's it."

"So scoot forward a bit," she continued,"and no peeking."

~>゜)ーーー

"It's settled," Baizhu stated as Lisa found herself taking the hand he offered, "I'll grab my things after class."

~>゜)ーーー

"You're being impossible,  Doctor Baizhu." Lisa stated facts to the man that remained in place that watched her as he drank from the mug, "I've been trying to save what I could of our hot date."

"Everything has worked against us,"he admitted as she tried to find the moxy to stay in character, "and it all hinged on the moment you considered yourself unworthy."

"This," he offered with a glance around them to suggest their current situation, "was my doing, and for that I apologize,  but I was lax to allow anything to stand between us, and I can accept the consequential events that have placed us here."

"I regret not continuing the conversation we were having in the pharmacy when I first caught a glimspe of what you speak of." He spoke while gathering up his hair to lay over one of his shoulders, "but I couldn't due to the idea that you needed to be set free."

"And as much as I love the idea of you taking care of me," he added with a sly smile, "Let me just get this over with. The water is nasty and I don't want you dirty."

"That's not dirty, baby," Lisa countered as she rose up onto her knees and with her arms resting on the side of the tub looked him over, "and if I'm agreeing being with you I'm sure as fuck not afraid of anything that comes out of your body."

"And if anything," she added with a wink, "I'm technically overdressed."

~>゜)ーーー

I just wanted to grab the correct jacket, that's all." Baizhu explained as Lisa watched him suspiciously, "I'll just play it off as if I didn't notice."

~>゜)ーーー

"You're presenting too much at one time," Baizhu explained as Lisa watched the way he played coy by going back to poorly attempt to work out one of the clumped strands of hair, "and I'm trying to concentrate here."

"Baby, you got a comb?" Lisa asked and got a nod in return, "wanna tell me where it is?"

"Just grab a knife,"  he stated, gaining the look she felt he deserved despite the kiss he moved to press against her forearm, "it'll be quicker."

~>゜)ーーー

"Then what's the plan?" Lisa asked as she found Baizhu on the move once again and began to trail after him.

"Food," he offered without a glance,"I'm starving."

~>゜)ーーー

"Would you just stop?" Lisa demanded as her free hand was used to collect the limb that was guilty of the knot forming in Baizhu's hair just below his ear, "You're making it worse."

"I'm giving you two choices," Lisa released quite pleased with the challenging look she was given,"and one doesn't count."

"The comb for your hair," she claimed with her brow rising, "or I'm taking you over my knee."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa found herself staying still as her fingers rested over the lips that still sang out from Baizhu's presence. Watching him move away from her where their paths diverted had her experiencing a myriad of emotions she wasn't sure she should trust.

After mentally shaking herself awake she found herself able to move as she lost sight of the green haired figure.  With excitement winning over the rest of the feelings she held she moved with purpose to begin the day hoping it would help propel her to the point where they would meet again.

~>゜)ーーー

"Is that a promise?" Baizhu asked as he pulled away from the hand she moved to try to grasp the mess of green hair he had created.

"It can be if you'd like," she offered as she then used her fingertips to lift his chin, "but I'll tell you now I've got a thing for your long hair, baby, and if we're forced to cut it, that may just be your fate."

~>゜)ーーー

"Sorry I'm running late," Baizhu released as Lisa looked over the rim of the teacup to see the one who took he offer to join her for tea too lightly,

"Lunch ran over," he explained as she eyed the way he walked in front of her before moving the spell book at her side to take the seat for himself, "I had to talk a friend off a ledge,"

"He was correct when he pointed out the professor's flaws," he added as she tried to ignore how enamored she felt with how close he was,"but had a hard time getting over the fact that he took demerits for speaking out about it."

~>゜)ーーー

"What is it,"Lisa inquired to the owner of the golden eyes that followed the finger that trailed along the edge of the scarf she had secured behind her neck,"that you think you're doing,  Doctor Baizhu?"

""What am I supposed to do with you?" She asked as she found herself satisfied with the way he met her eye as she felt his touch breach the opening of her makeshift gown to trace the natural line of her upper breast.

~>゜)ーーー

"I can't believe there's another person here," Lisa said as she found her teacup pilfered from her grasp,"that actually speaks to you on their own accord."

~>゜)ーーー

"That's done," Lisa announced as she let the strand of hair fall to it rightful place and despised having to halt Baizhu's exploration of the confides of her dress,"turn and let me check the rest."

~>゜)ーーー

"Are you jealous?" Baizhu asked with a smirk going into play on his lips.

""Are you fucking him?" Lisa countered with a question and a grin of her own.

~>゜)ーーー

"Baby," Lisa explained as she tried to ignore how much she enjoyed being pulled into Baizhu's arms despite the wall of the tub that separated their lower halves, "this is not what I requested of you."

"You can comb it later," Baizhu offered as her thoughts went to the chill the moisture that had seeped through her covering to trace lazy circles over her chest where the strands of his hair had landed, "I can't go through this anymore."

"I just keep thinking about the moment I got shut out." His words with the softening of his expression put Lisa's thoughts on pause to wrap her arms around his neck,"it was like the strike of a match. So simple and then I lost everything as I burst into flames."

~>゜)ーーー

"Would it help if I did?" Baizhu asked as Lisa found him leaning in and wrapping an arm around her lower back, "I'll tell you I am, if it does."

~>゜)ーーー

"There was nothing except for pain," Baizhu continued from the shelter he had taken against the side of Lisa's neck, "I had no beginning,  no end and no thoughts except for pain, as if each time I had blacked out before, but quantified as a whole and then driven straight into my chest."

"I know I've always played it off like it was nothing," he admitted with a voice that was faltering to covey emotion she knew he was holding back on, "and that you left to spare me from it, but I never lied when I told you it was worth it all to be in your arms."

"But I'm ready to admit defeat, and to tell you that it has been the worst experience in my existence but waking up to find you next to me made me immediately ready to take it on again."

~>゜)ーーー

"Give me the details on him so I can imagine it," Lisa released as she fought the temptation to distract herself with his lips,"and then I'll let you know."

~>゜)ーーー

As Lisa's heart sank at the fact that she wasn't able to prevent the enviable. The idea that it presented itself at the most inopportune time had her battling with how to proceed with getting past the necessary tasks to move beyond what had taken place.

"I'm sorry I've just been trying to distract you, baby," she openly admitted knowing the truth would help console the precious being she held, "Let's get you out of there now so I can take care of you."

~>゜)ーーー

"Ooh," Lisa released flirtatiously while imagining a tall muscular figure, "sounds like we have the same taste in men."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa found herself grateful to Changsheng waking up to join them. She knew she didn't have the strength to distract the man with the needs she had that were not enough for her to push aside what had to be done.

Baizhu,  she knew,  was more accepting of the snakes need to explain what had happened beyond the plane they resided on, and as she took in that information she did exactly what she had set out to do.

She was partially lost to fantasies that included the hair she had free rein over. The long strands that fell from the comb she used enticing her with glimpses of the man it covered. The perfect accent to the gentle soul hers was connected to was what her fingers through as she took in the timber of his voice that left a fresh batch of emotions coursing within.

~>゜)ーーー

"Don't look at me like that," Lisa released with a smile, "You're what I like, but if you asked me for what I would look for in a man it would be something along the lines of that."

"And it took me a minute to realize you actually fit that criteria as well," she added as she looked him over, "but you hide it well with the way you do your hair, how you dress,  and your glasses, of course."

"Of course," Baizhu agreed with his eyes on hers over the frames in question, "I'm not muscle bound, though. That I cannot claim as a qualifying factor."

"Handsome,"Lisa presented with a smile, "you seem to forget that only catalyst users can understand how strong you actually have to be to wield them."

~>゜)ーーー

"Honesty," Changsheng answered while Lisa tied off the braid she had created with Baizhu's hair, "We need to clear out the air with a smudge stick and if you'd be so kind to do that I would appreciate it."

"I'd be more than happy to," Lisa offered and loved the hand Baizhu placed on top of the one she rested on his shoulder as she moved to stand.

"Then we can move forward with our lives," the snake announced, "and I can get back to that book I've been reading."

"I thought you said you detest the way the author presents his claim." Baizhu's voice carried with her as she moved into to the adjacent room to procure the tools she needed, "and that his choice of language was destroying what little you believed in the theory itself."

"I didn't lie," Changsheng claimed as she re-emerged from the thin tapestry to find Baizhu moving to stand,"but it is like waiting and watching for that moment that the hawk lands on a lizard that was too ignorant to see the threat that is clear as day."

"I have a feeling it will end," the reptile continued as Lisa was forced to take her eyes off of the idea that he nude under the elaborately designed fabric he had wrapped around his waist, "with him stating in the most condescending tone that he could not find an answer."

"I bet you're right," Baizhu's words with the light hearted chuckle set her nerves to rest as she lit the dried herbs, "so I'll be looking forward to your analysis on how he should have presented this work, and what you think he did wrong."

~>゜)ーーー

"So," Lisa began as she felt she had a little better grasp on what his schedule actually looked like,"two times a week you'll be close enough to join me for tea, because of where you two meet for lunch."

"How is it in Haravatat?" She asked while thinking about what she had heard,"are the professors really that insufferable?"

"Yes," Baizhu released with a laugh,"they're more stuck on themselves that the one we have for alchemy."

"Your friend has some real balls speaking up in class like that," Lisa offered as she tried to imagine the scene that had played out with the experiences she had had in her own house, "with break being directly after that class it's no wonder you two have to recover constructively over lunch."

"Oooh,"Baizhu's tone she felt could be counted as mockery,"you mean you believe we're actually discussing things over lunch, and not meeting up to make out?"

"I never said you weren't either," Lisa countered immediately, "mister smarty pants."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa wrapped her arm around Baizhu's waist as she accepted the place at his side that came from his embrace. The snake he spoke with looked content on the tassled cushion that sat before a book open on an easel.

The subject matter that they spoke of had her paying attention to try to grasp what exactly she had missed while completing the task of clearing the air throughout their abode.

"That hasn't happened yet," Baizhu explained softly, "on an official level, so this would just be the continuation."

"Then what is the point,  precisely?" Changsheng's voice drew out the words she spoke, "you have the end result as it stands. Why follow what society dictates as the correct course of action?"

"I've never seen you actually want to follow anything up to this point." The serpent stated dryly, "why start now?"

"She makes me want to," Baizhu answered as she glanced over to see him from the corner of her eye, "and that proclamation over her is something I have longed for."

~>゜)ーーー

"I'm not jealous," Lisa announced proudly, "because clearly I'm the victor. So you can have your lunch with your boy toy, because I know you'll be coming straight here to get to me."

~>゜)ーーー

"You do realize that this lifts a blockage placed on her qi," Changsheng offered just before her tongue darted out to test the air, "so you will finally see the end result to the work the two of you have put in over the years."

"What are you talking about?" Baizhu asked with curiosity lacing his words.

"Have you not been, what is that term," Changsheng offered as Lisa still felt lost to what was taking place, "working towards procreation?"

"Too blind to see that it was a fruitless effort," the snake added as Lisa's brow rose as her understanding came together, "and so now we have gone full circle,  Baizhu."

"So be forthcoming with that ring,"  Changsheng continued, "place it on her and bring that child into fruition so I am not forced to renege my congratulations."

~>゜)ーーー

"And if I don't?" Baizhu asked with his brow rising.

"I'll hunt your ass down," Lisa released without care to what he thought, "and drag you here myself."

~>゜)ーーー

"I've been trying to work on Changsheng's understanding," Baizhu offered softly as he pulled Lisa further from where the reptile sat,"and apparently we have gotten past the idea that you are trying to break our contract and have moved into territory I didn't think she would repeat in your presence."

"I'm far from offended, handsome," Lisa admitted as she turned to step before him to study him with the thoughts she had on the subject ready to share, "I'm actually rather flattered that you would put forth all that effort for me."

"But since it's been brought up, I need to hash something out with you," she began with the idea that she would hold her peace on his answer,"you obviously went through the trouble to explain that you're having offspring with me,"

"But then you told me yesterday that you don't do childbirth." She continued as she looked him over, "I'm going to need you to get over that, because if you put one of those in me, you're going to be the one to get it out."

~>゜)ーーー

"You're making me want to test you," Baizhu explained with a grin,"that sounds exciting."

"It does," Lisa agreed with a wink, "doesn't it?"

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa was thrilled to see the smile that spread on Baizhu's face in response to her claim. She couldn't help reciprocating the expression as she found herself being collected up and drawn in against him.

"To think I'd let another doctor touch you," he stated when he rested his forehead against hers and moved  his hands down to rest over her lower back, "I am everything you will ever need."

~>゜)ーーー

"Hey there, cutie," Lisa offered the green haired man she opened the door for,"I have a key for you, and you don't have to knock anymore."

"Is that all you have?" She asked as she moved to follow him into the main room where he proceeded to set down a couple bags."that isn't much."

"I still consider this your domicile, so allow me to err on the side of caution."Baizhu spoke with a small smile on his face,"and, if I'm not mistaken,  most of my belongings are already here."

~>゜)ーーー

"Damn, baby," Lisa uttered as her lips recovered from the effects Baizhu had on them, "that was hot as fuck."

'"Are we going to follow Changsheng's suggestions?" She asked and smiled at the questionable expression she gave him."Do I get a ring and then we fuck?"

"Um, if you want it," Baizhu offered with a flush moving over his features, "but I didn't think that was supposed to happen until we were wed."

"I keep forgetting that it's been me defiling you this entire time," Lisa boasted proudly as she traced a finger along his jaw,"Please forgive me for forgetting that Liyue is a land all its own that still upholds the old traditions."

"Baby, you're so precious," she released at the crestfallen expression he gave her,"its customary to give your intended a ring on acceptance."

"Traditionally speaking, I've broken it anyways, because our bond was not arranged," he explained, and Lisa could not even imagine him acting any differently, "so i suppose I should have done more research."

"We never follow anyone's rules, baby." She cooed, "I've got an idea."

~>゜)ーーー

"What do you think you're doing?" Lisa asked as she sat on the floor beside the target of her attention.

"Going to sleep," Baizhu answered simply as she took note of where the snake and his glasses were,"why?"

"Shouldn't you be going to sleep in bed?" She asked as she eyed him for understanding.

"That's your bed," his statement had her making a face of extreme confusion."This works just fine."

~>゜)ーーー

"We just need some string," Lisa explained as she clung to the man she hoped she could save the moment she felt she was killing, "and we wear each other's ring around our neck,"

"Mine needs to be long enough so that your ring sits between my boobs," she added thoughtfully, "it'll be where your hand belongs anyways."

~>゜)ーーー

"I don't think I'm understanding this completely," Lisa admitted as she thought about what she knew so far, "why would you sleep in my bed before, but not now?"

~>゜)ーーー

"Or," Baizhu suggested as Lisa began to plan her attack, "we correct my folly by picking up whatever you need in the morning."

"Baby," Lisa said playfully as she gently tugged on his braid to get his head angled up slightly as she whispered in his ear,"the only thing I need is you inside of me."

~>゜)ーーー

"What do you mean you weren't invited?" Lisa asked trying to keep the irritation she had off of her facial features,"I invited you to live here and you accepted. Isn't that invitation enough?"

"But, that's your bed," Baizhu repeated himself and Lisa rolled her eyes to the fact presented."not mine."

"What didn't you get by the phrase 'let's go to bed?'" She inquired while narrowing her eyes on the man that was proving to be more difficult than usual. "How does that not work?"

"Do I really have to say come sleep in my bed?" She reiterated while trying to soften her expression. "Can you do it now?"

"No," Baizhu stated simply,"I can't be that forward."

~>゜)ーーー

"I honestly," Baizhu explained as Lisa sat on the end of the bed while making sure to hold her arms out enough to not pull on the braid she still held to lead him,"cannot tell you how much I've thought about this moment."

~>゜)ーーー

"What the hell do you mean?" Lisa asked as she moved to lay on her side propped up on her elbow to suggest the calm demeanor she was struggling with, "Forward?"

"It's not my place, Lisa." His counter had her parting her lips to speak and then deciding to hold her piece for a moment to collect her thoughts. "that's why."

"...if you're staying here," she began at length while moving to look him over once again, "it is your place."

~>゜)ーーー

"Did you lay here," Lisa asked as she held her hand, compete with the ends of his hair still in her possession to her heart while untying the knot behind her neck with her free hand,"and fantasize about me?"

~>゜)ーーー

"That's not what I meant." Baizhu countered calmly as Lisa exhaled sharply, "I have no right to be so forward to take that position next to you in your bed."

~>゜)ーーー

"Because I've got loads of places I need to show you," Lisa explained as followed his trajectory and laid back,  relishing the hands that took to the mattress on either side of her frame, "where I've fantasized about you."

"And if you'd like," she paused to collect his lips for just a moment, "I'll take you on a tour so you can fuck me in every single one of them."

~>゜)ーーー

"You're my sexual partner," Lisa released with a hand lifting for emphasis, "and I even went on a date with you. That should be enough."

Watching the way his brow rose and the little frown that vanished as his lips nearly pursed was enough for her. She took to shifting her position enough to lay her head on the edge of the pillow he had and pulled the blanket over herself and closed her eyes while praying he'd catch on.

"Isn't your bed more comfortable?" His voice was far too kind and drew her to look once again to study the one that questioned her.

"If you won't sleep in my bed," she released knowing their debate wouldn't end swiftly, "I'll sleep here with you."

~>゜)ーーー

The unfettered desire Lisa felt Baizhu presented perfectly complemented the time it took for him to  release her bottom lip. The denied return to the emotions she wanted to express were tossed to the wayside as she realized he had an agenda all his own.

~>゜)ーーー

"This negates what I'm doing," Baizhu's claim had her ready to smack him as hard as she could with the pillow she had her head on. "And I'm not going to allow you to sleep on the floor so that I take your bed."

"I still honestly don't understand what it is you're trying to do here," she admitted as she forced her facial features to relax,"so please, enlighten me."

"I'm being respectful, Lisa." Baizhu answered with a serious expression in place, "that's your personal space."

~>゜)ーーー

Self was just an abstract concept that had no dominion over what became of Lisa.  She was consumed by the heat of the passion they shared and under Baizhu's jurisdiction found no end to herself or anywhere that could be considered his beginning.

~>゜)ーーー

"So, let me see if I understand this correctly," Lisa began as she tried to ignore how attractive Baizhu was in his unbuttoned lime green shirt, "you only spend the night in my bed after we fuck."

"Outside of that," she continued as she forced herself to go back to his eyes, "it's a trespassing thing on my personal space because you're a man and I'm a lady, and you're not willing to take advantage of me in any way, shape or form?"

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa was more than ready to take on the extra weight as Baizhu fed to his hearts content. She was consumed by the hunger in the hands that moved over her. Devoured by the eagerness she met when her lips parted. Absorbed by the fervor of every fluttering heartbeat that came as a byproduct of the passion they shared.

~>゜)ーーー

"Then let's fuck," Lisa suggested as she lifted her tail end up long enough to shove her undergarments past her posterior before pulling them off the rest of the way to toss somewhere overhead. "I'm tired and I want to go to bed."

~>゜)ーーー

As Lisa noticed the rose tint the sky was taking on from her vintage point what she spoke felt like a melody. Turning to find the owner of the name watching her over his gold frames was a reason to smile.

She found herself wanting nothing more than to be allowed to study him. The virility his sharp angled frame expressed balanced the soft jade capris he chose and the long braid that swung as he turned to set a plant up on one of the higher shelves before moving to close the space between them.

"Are you sure you don't want to try to sleep?" She asked as she graciously accepted his direction into an embrace, "you still have time before the pharmacy would have to open."

"No, I'm better than fine, Lisa." He stated before kissing her temple, "Changsheng could have cared less about what we've been up to, and me? I feel invincible."

"I feel energized and weightless,"he claimed as he ran his hands along her back to hold her by the hips."it's incredibly freeing in contrast to what I'm used to."

~>゜)ーーー

"This," Baizhu explained between accepting the chaste kisses Lisa gave him, "is why I'm not inviting myself into your bed."

~>゜)ーーー

"Was it really like that every time?" She asked with concern towards what she remembered, "Even the times you didn't black out?"

"Those times were just moments where Changsheng was correcting it unconsciously because she was asleep or preoccupied elsewhere."He explained as she tried to imagine it,"but there was always this gut clenching feeling that would hit me and I never related it to the similarities it had from healing others because I couldn't tell that there was anything wrong with you at all."

"There were times it would vanish quickly," he continued and her lips parted to the shock of what he admitted, "and others where it lingered until ultimately I ended up blacking out."

"Baby," she released feeling on the verge of tears with the knowledge of what he had to endure added to how often they had been guilty of the act, "There's nothing normal about that at all. Why didn't you..."

"Because it wasn't of a physical nature," he explained in an even tone, "and you barely had a grasp of the nature of the contract and what that entails."

"I swear by the archons." Lisa's statement fell flat as she studied the face of the man she knew she had hurt worse than imaginable,

"I had a choice in the matter," Baizhu reminded her with that sly smile she knew the meaning behind, "and I believe you know what that was."

~>゜)ーーー

"What do you mean?" Lisa asked as she fought to catch her breath that had been racing to match her heart rate that reacted on its own to the response her body had to the physical manifestation of attraction she had dangerously close to where she needed it.

"I don't think I could control myself next to you," he admitted just before moving to pull on her bottom lip once again, "you'd never get rest until you'd fold to my craving."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa shook her head slightly when she saw Baizhu lift a hand to shield a yawn.  The craft that brought him to cultivate the imported herbs he was transplanting came to mind as she thought once again that he was clearly not processing his actions and the repercussions it could have.

She flirtatiously offered to source something to eat along side of a spot of tea. The idea he had about remaining awake counting what he had gone through was an idea she was going to humor for her own purposes and the path she took away from his presence made her want to drag him along.

~>゜)ーーー

"If that's all it takes," Lisa explained as her fingers slid over the more sensitive portions of her captor,"I'm willing to do this every night."

~>゜)ーーー

"Baby," Lisa released to the one that sat directly at her side with an arm placed behind her back."Talk to me about that pain."

"What pain?" Baizhu asked just before he kissed her shoulder and offered her a smile as she turned slightly towards him ending with her crossed legs up butting up against him.

"I believe you know what I'm talking about," she spoke while falling away from the obvious lean he performed while trying to not get distracted by the way his hand felt moving up from her knee to come to rest on her thigh,"Doctor Baizhu."

"I think we are well beyond the point where you use my name formally." His statement made the choice to hold the teacup prove to be a difficult task and the kiss she allowed herself to take one that she knew would lead to much more had she not tried to stay on task."but I'll humor you, and answer your question."

~>゜)ーーー

"I would be lying," Baizhu explained as Lisa was lost to the way he hooked his hand behind her knee to guide her, "If I didn't agree with you."

~>゜)ーーー

"The pain came with blacking out," Baizhu explained as Lisa found him pulling her closer with the arm he had around her, "which we understand now, the before was just a notion."

"It wasn't physical,  as I said it was a feeling," he continued, "like a sense of dread, or that feeling you get when you think you've forgotten something imperative and you spend the rest of the day unraveling at the seams."

~>゜)ーーー

The response Lisa had she found falling from her mind as Baizhu returned to claim her lips while driving home the message he came to deliver.

~>゜)ーーー

"I'm grateful for that," Lisa imparted as she lost the hand on her thigh to the cup he took from her grasp, "I was honestly worried I had hurt you so much more than what I originally thought."

"Well then," he released with the act of taking a drink paused, "since I have yet to inquire,  how do you feel in this aftermath?"

"I feel fine," Lisa admitted and watched him take from the cup as she moved her hand to rest on his inner thigh, "I'm just trying to recover from the fact that that shit was real."

Chapter Text

Lisa had no control over the noises that escaped her lips under Baizhu's influence.  She clung to the pillow her head remained on as her body accepted what he made of her. The ideas she had fell away as she thanked the polished floorboards for the traction that kept her toes from sliding that allowed her to focus more on the hands gripping her tightly as she took in everything he had to offer.

~>゜)ーーー

"We'll get you past that thought process,"Baizhu stated in a serious tone, "but I'm glad you're feeling alright."

"You are unscathed and seem to be in a good mental state, so I can't ask for a better outcome," he claimed before she watched him look away briefly, "you wouldn't want to go set up the pharmacy to open, would you?"

"We still a bit before then," he added, " but this way I can actually show you around."

~>゜)ーーー

"Did I," Baizhu asked as he moved over her,"do a good job?"

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa found Baizhu to be enough of a reason to stay just inside of the door she entered. Seeing he had paired a short pink tunic with the pants he had kept on had her thinking back on how exotic she had considering him outside of the uniform of the Akademiya that stood out predominantly in her mind.

As she noticed how engaged in conversation he was and focused on the snake that still read from the book between them she decided then to move forward. Took in the ornaments he had adorned himself in and the scarf that covered some of her favorite portions.

~>゜)ーーー

"Almost too good, handsome." Lisa said with a smile just before accepting his lips against hers once more.

~>゜)ーーー

"I hope you don't mind," Baizhu explained as he turned to offer her his hand when he hit the last step, "that Changsheng decided not to come along."

"What a shame," Lisa offered before they shared a smile as she moved to stand before him, "and now that I've gotten you all to myself?"

"We have work to do," Baizhu claimed with wink,"cutie."

~>゜)ーーー

Baizhu's voice was the beacon that drew Lisa forth. The experiences she was once again being forced through faded away as she found herself drawn in against him.

~>゜)ーーー

"Wait..." Lisa released as she moved to follow Baizhu into the first door she had seen in the hall, "what are we doing?"

"We're getting the pharmacy ready," Baizhu's claim had her wondering what he meant as she took in the floor to ceiling shelves that lined the wall to her right that housed glass tanks, each one containing a separate type of creature, "as I said we would."

"Would you mind checking that chart on the wall there? Let me know what we are doing today," He asked and as she looked for the notation needed released a deep breath at the idea that she'd be strung along without a clue until it was too late.

"There's a blue stamp, darling," she offered as she went back to see him moving as if to locate something, "What's that mean?"

"Could you," he asked, clearly ignoring her,"grab one of the cups in the cabinet om the top shelf?"

Lisa accepted her fate and followed through with the request and turned to find her love holding a well known venomous snake.

"Is this why Changsheng stayed upstairs?" She asked as she moved across the floor while keeping her eyes locked onto his "because she knows you're cheating on her?"

"Touching other snakes," she continued as she found the smile on his face to her liking,"how dare you, you naughty boy."

~>゜)ーーー

"It's nothing," Lisa claimed as she tried to get herself to agree to releasing Baizhu from the death grip she held him in to her chest, "it's just this stupid fucking reoccurring nightmare I have."

"Clearly there is more to that," Baizhu spoke as she eased up and allowed herself to enjoying the sight of her breasts smashed against him, "there are a plethora of items alone in your dreams that when analyzed correctly could help you to figure out what it is that's plaguing you."

"It's just ridiculous stories parents tell children to make them stay inside and sleep at night," Lisa countered, not wanting to face the image in the back of her mind."and even though I know it, I continue to dream that same dream and the effect is always the same."

"I'd love to talk you through it," Baizhu's offer made him too sweet and kind and the idea of chatting with him about something her younger self had spun into her nocturnal routine had her ready to be done with the topic, "I may have some insight, or at least could assist in pointing you in the right direction,"

~>゜)ーーー

"I'm not as naughty as the one milking my snake," Baizhu's words had Lisa torn between paying attention to what she was doing and dropping it all to show him how naughty she actually wanted to be,"that's a girl, do it nice and slow, and make sure you get every drop."

~>゜)ーーー

"Honestly, " Lisa explained with Baizhu a step behind her as she entered the bathroom, "I'm fine once I'm fully awake."

~>゜)ーーー

"Would you mind setting that down and getting a new cup?" Baizhu requested as if nothing had transpired, the snake in his grasp still ready to strike.

"You do understand what you're insinuating," Lisa asked as she reached out to set the cup down, "do you not?"

"That we," he answered with the hint of a grin,"are not finished with our work."

~>゜)ーーー

"Can I use the bathroom?" Lisa asked with eyes falling over the figure before her, "or are you going to join me?"

~>゜)ーーー

"All I know," Baizhu explained as she glanced back to see him reaching for a new subject, "is that it takes more than one type of venom to make medicine."

"And so, I've gathered what I can" he continued as she returned with the glass in hand watching the care he took in preparing the creature he held, "and I employ them for a short time to not harshly affect their existence."

"I bet you feed them well," Lisa said suggestively as she eyed him while hoping he caught onto what she meant.

"You should know," Baizhu stated as she followed his gaze to the snake he was easing into place on the edge of the glass,"better than anyone."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa loved the way that Baizhu's eyes locked onto hers as she entered the kitchen.  The plan she went for she found him as unreceptive as always and the idea of it she decided then would be turned in her favor.

Her movement was as casual as possible as she tried to ignore how excited it made her feel to walk across the floor. Leaning against the counter she she took up the mug he had before him and after taking a drink from it went through the process of slowly looking him over hoping he would take the hint.

"The bathrooms all yours," she announced casually, well aware of what was not covered,"handsome."

"But I hope you don't mind using my towel," she added with a hand brushing over the terrycloth material, "I've only got the one,"

~>゜)ーーー

"I'm not doing the next one," Lisa released as Baizhu placed the creature back into its enclosure, "I don't care how well you think I handle your snake."

"I was hoping you'd say yes," he countered as he moved to place his hand at the side of his face as if imparting a secret,"I know how good you are at this, and I've always wanted to return the favor."

~>゜)ーーー

"Maybe later," Baizhu responded and Lisa found herself giving him a questionable look, "but thank you for the offer."

"There is no thanking me if you live here, cutie." She corrected him and after setting the cup down yanked the towel free from where it hung over her shoulders before handing it over. "Here's your towel."

~>゜)ーーー

"Since you put it that way," Lisa admitted as Baizhu brushed past her hip to reach into the cabinet, "maybe I need to."

"There's nothing to worry about," he explained as she found him halting his return to remain against her,"trust me."

"No way that I wouldn't," Lisa confessed just before she met his lean to capture his lips.

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa was so proud of the way she saw him improving as she watched him while making her exit. The boundaries she had taken away gave her the ability to enjoy the sight of him running his tongue along his teeth while moving to look at the rest of her for the span of one of her elevated heartbeats.

~>゜)ーーー

"We need,"Baizhu's words were distorted by the way she held his bottom lip between her teeth, "to stay on task."

"I think I may have a firm grasp," she boasted with her brow raised and tightening the grip she had on his backside, "on what I need to do here."

~>゜)ーーー

"Hey there, cutie," Lisa cooed at the sight of Baizhu in his powder blue bottoms and high collared sleeveless white cropped shirt she knew would vanish below his uniform, "want some more tea?"

"Did you not wash your hair?" She asked as she finally made it to check out anything above his neck noticing the mass of green secured with a long polished stick that ended with in a carved ornate leaf design.

"I can't wash it everyday," he stated simply as he took the offered mug, "my scalp gets too dry without the natural oils."

"And there is no way," he added after dropping the rim from his lips, "I'm wearing it down to class, and in a braid it would still be wet tomorrow."

~>゜)ーーー

"Just," Baizhu confirmed with a glance to meet Lisa's eye as she tried to make sure she was gentle enough to the life she held. "Like that. "

"You're doing a very good job," he offered as she wondered why he hadn't moved to grab the cup yet.

The reason, she learned, was the hand that entered her lower field of vision. Watching between the serpent and the fingers that slipped below the fabric of her top she began to fathom what his motive actually was.

"By the archons," he whispered breathlessly into her ear as he took his time with exploring one of her best assets,"the way you handle my snake is driving me insane."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa released a deep breath as she watched Baizhu continue after they parted ways. The idea that the hours that separated them were keeping her feet from moving.  The idea that he wouldn't make it to tea had her thinking about appearing before the door to the building that housed their alchemy class in hopes that he'd meet her then and there.

~>゜)ーーー

"I thought," Lisa began as she reminded herself that she held the sharp end of a naturally dangerous creature,"you said we needed to stay on task."

The smile Baizhu gave her as his touch retreated she counted as worth her weight in mora. Only losing his gaze as he reached for the glass had her heart picking up the pace.

"This is the last," he claimed meeting her eyes for just a moment before moving to complete what he should have, "and then we need to make sure that we're prepared for rhe delivery today."

"Am I doing a good job?" He asked pulling her from watching how the snake fought the rim of the glass.

"You're doing an amazing job, handsome," she answered with a glance to see him focused on her, "You're just naughty as hell and you're asking for it."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa stared at the color her nails thinking about the hands that were digging into her flesh that wore the same shade. She balled up the fabric covering her thigh in a fist as she thought about the way he had slammed into her and as her body cried out for his return she searched her mind for a way to convince him to skip out on the remainder of the day.

~>゜)ーーー

"Asking for what, precisely?" Baizhu asked as Lisa watched his hands release the reptile through the glass. As he replaced the lid on the tank she moved to catch his eye over his gold frames. "Assistance with the morning tasks?"

"I'm getting that," he stated as she pursed her lips to him paying more attention to tending to the jars on the table,"and I am very appreciative of the work you've put into it thus far."

"I honestly don't think I can get over your being here," he added as she watched turn towards her. "Nor can I thank you enough for your continued interest in me."

"You're one of the most gorgeous creatures l've ever laid eyes on," Lisa admitted as she let her hands slide up and over his shoulders as he closed in on her, "and I'm lucky to have caught your attention."

~>゜)ーーー

"Hey there, cutie," Lisa offered as she moved from the lean she had on the front face of the doorway Baizhu was heading for, "heading my way?"

"Yes, I believe I am" he answered with a grin that vanished as soon as he looked away to pay attention to where they were heading. "And that's where I think you're wrong."

"And since," he continued as Lisa connected the dots to gather she wasn't the recipient of the remark,"you refuse to speak in public I guess you'll just have to ponder that and hopefully understand how you are incorrect in that assumption of yours."

~>゜)ーーー

"Oh my," Lisa released as she took in the sight of what could have once been a neat stack of boxes that greeted her as she entered through the door that was held open for her,"what happened here?"

"This is most likely the work of Qiqi," Baizhu offered with a genuine smile. "This is what I get for not closing up  properly for the night and going out on a date."

"I usually unpack the orders with her," he explained as she watched him move to set the box he held on a waist height narrow table that contained orderly stacks of paperwork. "And with her memory,  each delivery means we are getting coconut milk,  even though that will be arriving today."

~>゜)ーーー

As Lisa moved to collect their allotment of ingredients she found the sandy blonde she remembered having thoughts on waiting for her approach.

As he spoke she found the confidence he showed impressive and the smile he gave her a little cuter than expected. The hand he used to place against her lower back was counted as too forward and the giggle she produced one that was proven to distract for long enough to get away as part of the room started paying attention to them.

~>゜)ーーー

"That's adorable, baby," Lisa released as her hand landed on his shoulder once he had moved into a crouch, "though I'm interested in hearing more about this hot date of yours."

"I think it went well," Baizhu began as she found him gazing up into her eyes while looping a hand around the back of her knee. "I sent her to the fanciest place in town and I went in and swept her off her feet."

"Oh, you did?" Lisa asked in a coy tone as her fingers spread over his upper back, "That sounds rather exciting.  Wanna give me some details?"

~>゜)ーーー

"Oh, shit."Lisa offered as she set aside the bag of items to pay attention to what was transpirng. Changsheng obviously pouted on a stack of books leaving Baizhu's neck and shoulders free to fuel the idea she had to solidify a message she needed delivered.

~>゜)ーーー

"That depends," Baizhu began as Lisa gave into the emotions she felt stirring in reaction to the eyes that drank her in, "on what specific details you would like more insight on."

"I wanna hear," Lisa admitted wholeheartedly, "what you were thinking about, baby."

"I want you to tell me how it should have gone," she continued as she wondered how long the universe would leave them be, "since I fear nothing went according to plan."

~>゜)ーーー

"I'm fine," Baizhu related as Lisa found herself analyzing the best approach, "it's her that has an issue with being incorrect."

"Could you hand me the spell book?" His inquiry hit as she took in where he stood and the obstacles between them. "Unless you would like me to take notes today."

~>゜)ーーー

"It was perfect,"Baizhu claimed while moving to lean in against her and loosely embrace her leg with his other hand landing on her inner thigh."you were radiant."

"And i," he continued as she smoothed back the hair atop his head,"wouldn't change a single thing even if I could."

"If you'd like that more in depth I'd be happy to share it," he added,"but I'd rather it wait until we are not engaged in the work we have here."

"We need to check the inventory, " he stated and leaned away from her hip, "the invoices for these packages should be under a piece of cor lapis, if you would like to do the note taking."

~>゜)ーーー

"Ever since you told me you like me giving you the notes orally," Lisa said boldly while holding the book with a bent elbow slightly off to the side,"I just want to continue to do that. I aim to please and I don't want to disappoint."

~>゜)ーーー

"We have," Lisa released as she lost the number she was on while tallying up the quantity of papers in her hand.

Her full attention went to the fingertips that brushed against the the dainty material covering her as his hand moved to impart his emotional tie to her. Moving from the sight of what she held she found his gaze awaiting hers and as their eyes met the smile that spread on his lips toyed with her more than her libido.

"That box isn't listed on any of these and it may not be the safest thing to investigate until we know for sure it was intended to be delivered here." She claimed while deciding how to proceed, "So, what is it you think you're doing down there, handsome?"

~>゜)ーーー

"By the archons, " she released as she checked to make sure the tall blonde was still paying attention to her before she moved to run a hand up Baizhu's chest to dash up into his hairline at the back of his neck as she closed in with the book in the hand she moved to hold behind herself, "you need to pick fights with Changsheng more often. You're too fucking sexy even with clothes on."

~>゜)ーーー

"I told you I feel invincible, Lisa." Baizhu explained as she found him adjusting his position to face her,"and even though I know we need to get all of this done I've alloted us extra time, and I cannot let an opportunity like this pass me by."

"Would you please read the list on any of the invoices that you hold?" He asked and she glanced to the papers before her desires told her she needed to remain with her eyes locked on his. "I want to see how well you can concentrate and if you can hold your focus for me."

~>゜)ーーー

"I didn't pick a fight with her," Baizhu explained as he did precisely what she hoped he would by wrapping his arm around her to grab the book she held. "She's just disagreeing with me about a scientific theory we have been going over together and I find she is the one that is wrong in this case with the proven facts that are clearly shared in the notations by the author."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa had no problem working the scientific terms with her vocals while Baizhu remained still. Having him tell her that was wonderful and then explaining to begin with the first should she manage to complete them all had her wondering as to what exactly he had in mind.

After agreeing to follow his instruction she waited with bated breath as she watched him for the beginning.  Having him lightly chide her for not going back to her task her anticipation grew and the need she had to follow his desire fueled her return to begin on the top line of the stack of parchment she held.

Her voice faltered as she corrected her balance to the leg Baizhu urged to comply to his bidding. Stating the word she held in her mind from the text a chance to help her limb move into place over his shoulder and repeating it to remain on the sight of his eyes watching her over his glasses gave her pause to appreciate the the expression that went into play.

"If you think I won't notice what you're doing," he offered and the smile she provided was laced with the thrill of being found guilty,"that's where you are wrong."

~>゜)ーーー

Leaving alchemy had proven to be a difficult task for Lisa. The time she had spent taking notes as Baizhu proved to illicit excitement out of her she counted as high quality.

The lingering effect it had on her carried on as they continued their dance while clearing their workspace and finding they had lost track of time and were the last remaining pair had her thoughts moving faster than she could comprehend.

"Do you want some extra credit?" She asked and got a questionable look from Baizhu as he shoved the spellbook in his bag.

"What are you talking about?" He asked as Lisa moved to place one hand on her hip as she looked him over."there was no such offering made before dismissal."

"I just offered it." She announced casually with her free hand moving to rest over her heart, "and you're the only one I asked."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa recited the words she read as if it was a matra she had memorized until her anticipation stepped into the way. The intention she found was clear to her as the pauses between the ingredient list she went through followed the lead Baizhu had taken.

Only during page changes did she steal glances at him and each time she had noticed that it was some form of calculated game with the way that he watched her.  She felt the breaks in her concentration came from the moments he chose to do the exact opposite of what was expected and passing the test meant she would have to focus beyond the level she was allowing herself.

~>゜)ーーー

"I don't think that's how extra credit works," Baizhu claimed as Lisa glanced over to see Changsheng was busy turning the page in a book before her coiled white body."so I'm not exactly sure how to proceed."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa's articulation had no true form or cadence after Baizhu broke from observing her. The modulation in her tone was brought to life by the depths he explored freely. The hand she had clasped in her hair did little to support her focus as the words on the page became unintelligible when she learned she had yet to experience all that was awaiting her fate.

~>゜)ーーー

"First," Lisa released expectantly,  "you say yes."

"To what avail, Lisa?" Baizhu asked the obvious question with his brow raised,"we're going to be late to our next course, and I'm beyond behind in getting there."

"All the more reason to just say fuck it," she stated offhandedly with a flourish performed by her hand for emphasis, "and tell me you want to get the extra credit."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa barely registered the papers that were scattered on the floor around them. Her ability to breath she found returning as she remembered what she had done with her hands and as she loosened the hold she had on Baizhu's hair she found herself unsure of her ability to maintain the position she had over him.

~>゜)ーーー

"Okay," Baizhu released at length as she could feel the suspicion he had lingering in the air around them." And then what?"

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa's heartfelt appreciation for the affection poured into her being brought her to her knees before the culprit. Wrapped within her arms and just as feverish with the passion she contained was one she felt was no longer someone she could accept as a separate entity.

~>゜)ーーー

"And then I give you your assignment," Lisa released with pride, "obviously."

"And that is?" Baizhu asked with caution in his tone as she took the steps necessary to stand before him.

"Skip this next class," she boasted as she ran a finger down his chest,"and let's see what kind of trouble we can get into here."

~>゜)ーーー

"Did I do a good job?" Lisa asked as she took in the wreck she had made of the green hair that framed Baizhu's face. "I tried my best for you."

"You exceeded my expectations," he spoke sweetly as she noticed him taking to resting back on his heels,"as always."

"Do you," she spoke suggestively as she gently pulled at his bottom lip with a finger, "wanna talk about that flavor on your tongue I got a taste of?"

~>゜)ーーー

"We'll get reprimanded as per the guidelines,  Lisa." Baizhu explained, "that's the sort of trouble we can get into here."

"That's not even what I'm talking about," Lisa stated, and as she watched the confusion that made itself known on her lab partner's face recalled who it was she was speaking to."I meant figuratively,  handsome."

~>゜)ーーー

"I'll tell you all about it, " Baizhu shared"if you get over here and help me clean up the mess you made."

~>゜)ーーー

"And the assignment I'm giving you, " Lisa added with a wink,"Is one I already know you're pretty talented at."

"But I'll ask again just to make sure this is what you want to do," She added to be clear,"would you like to get some extra credit?"

"Yes?" Baizhu offered with a hint of a smile toying with his lips.

"Fantastic." Lisa announced and moved to motion towards their workstation, "The task is simple and one you have proven to be quite proficient in."

"I want you, as in your usual fashion," she began as her heart started a pace she felt fit the excitement of relating her desires aloud, "to shove whatever the hell you want to in my cauldron."

~>゜)ーーー

"I didn't mean me," Baizhu offered with a smile as Lisa pulled away from his lips and questioned whether or not she was being too forward with her decision to attend to what she found as a solid choice for the placement of her hand."If only we had time to allow for it."

"But I thought you said we did have time," Lisa countered and watched the subtle changes the desperately slow retreat she took had over him, "are you just fucking with me and telling me we don't to fuel your own purposes?"

"Perhaps I am," he answered as she watched his eyes fall over her,"would you hold that against me?"

~>゜)ーーー

"Wouldn't that tarnish our fun?" Baizhu asked, giving Lisa conflicting ideas with what to do with him. "You may not like it...what then?"

"In our next class together," he continued without awaiting a response, "you could honestly be upset just with the thought about how horrible it was to allow me to metaphorically place whatever I'd like in your cauldron."

~>゜)ーーー

"There's a lot of things I want to hold against you, Doctor Baizhu," Lisa taunted as she moved to reach for the paperwork she had dropped. "I lament not being given the proper consideration for my needs."

"I thought I attended to your needs quite nicely," Baizhu's claim led Lisa to glance back to find him waiting for her gaze."Did I not?"

"You know exactly what I mean," Lisa countered while moving to sit up with the stack of papers going to rest in her hand over her lap. "I guess it's time to get back to work."

"This time you get the invoices" she stated as she lost herself to the expression that went into play on his features, "but you also need to turn towards those boxes so I stay on task. I can't be held responsible for what I do to you if you don't listen."

~>゜)ーーー

"I appreciate the thought you've put into that," Lisa admitted as she looked her lab partner over,"but there are only a handful of items I believe you'd employ on my cauldron,  and I already know I like all of them."

"The variation is up to you, of course, " she continued and reached out to grab either side of the jacket he wore,"but I believe whatever you wind up doing is something I'll be bound to enjoy."

~>゜)ーーー

"I want to remain as such, and to explore what you have in mind," Baizhu explained as he took the stack of parchment from Lisa's grasp,"so I openly admit that one task outweighs the most and if we need to complete that before returning to this we have the choice to do so."

"I know for a fact that no one dusted in the foyer yesterday morning.  That is my fault, " he offered and her thoughts went to the one that was truly to blame,"and there are those that are highly sensitive to dust that visit here."

"If it's not allowed time to settle, " he continued as she considered his thoughtfulness in his actions, "it could affect them, and I would hate to see that happen."

"In fact" he added with a pause for a delicious smile to go into play,"these boxes have already been inventoried and honestly just need to be tidied up for the time being."

~>゜)ーーー

"You can't tell me you're shy," Lisa released while enjoying the way it felt to drape her arms over Baizhu's shoulders, "and you also can't tell me you don't like this idea I have either."

~>゜)ーーー

"Then let's get this taken care of." Lisa accepted what was shared and deciding to change the ideas she had, "and I'll tell you all about how much I enjoyed the job you gave me."

~>゜)ーーー

"And don't even think for a second that this has to exceed all of the times we've had in class where I've fantasized about this moment." Lisa offered with thoughtfulness towards what could be counted as holding Baizhu back, "this will only make class even more interesting for me."

~>゜)ーーー

"What are you doing?" Baizhu asked while moving to watch Lisa over his shoulder looking between her face and what she held in her hands.

"I'm taking the braid out," Lisa admitted and adored the mix of emotions that went into play on his face as she took the binding off. "Don't give me that look."

"I'll redo it later," she explained with a wink, "I just can't live with myself for what I've already done to your hair. It cannot be comfortable and if you leave it like that I bet you'll wind up with a headache."

"One is already threatening to take hold," he admitted with a hand lifted to land over the part of the braid that had tightened from the exertion she had taken out on it moments before. "But it's worth it."

"I don't need those highly sensitive souls that see you today getting all flustered thinking about what you were doing," she countered with ease and lived in the emotions she encountered in his gaze,"and who it was that was pulled your hair like that."

~>゜)ーーー

"And," Lisa added to make sure she could alleviate any other issues he may have, "I know for a fact that no one will enter this space for another hour or so."

~>゜)ーーー

"I'd be happy to leave you with easier to handle clues that you are well taken care of," Lisa related as she worked to unravel the the ends of his hair, "if that is something you'd like. I can't imagine all the attention you draw being so attractive and seemingly available."

~>゜)ーーー

"I'll humor your inquiry," Lisa answered with a sly smile, "I may have stayed one day toying with the idea of us being together."

"And I might have let inspiration wash over me," she added suggestively while leaning against him, "and remained here lost in my thoughts until the professor came back."

~>゜)ーーー

"Perhaps you should remedy me of that," Baizhu began as Lisa released the beginning of the braid, "In any manner that you seem fit."

"Oh the things I need to do to you," Lisa said at length as she loosely ran her fingers through Baizhu's wavy green hair,"my problem is I never know where to begin."

~>゜)ーーー

"Was the outcome as you expected?" Baizhu asked as Lisa moved away to ease him closer to where he felt they should be, "what happened with the professor and what did you do?"

~>゜)ーーー

"What do you mean that's an unexpected development?" Lisa asked as she rose up onto her knees to embrace Baizhu from behind, "I was expecting you to give me a suggestion. "

~>゜)ーーー

"Well," Lisa released with the idea she was giving a very special lesson to one she felt was an apt pupil, "For starters,  I sat in your chair."

"Okay," Baizhu accepted with his brow raised and he moved in a bit closer, "and?"

"Sweetie," she said as she considered the company she kept,"do I need spell this out for you?"

~>゜)ーーー

"Well?" She asked just before glancing over his shoulder to find the doctor's focus went to a letter he held in hand."was that in one of the boxes?"

"It was," Baizhu offered as she caught key components to the text before he relaxed and let it fall to rest on his lap while leaning back against her. "My friend from Akademiya sent this."

~>゜)ーーー

It didn't take long for Baizhu to catch on to the lesson Lisa taught after changing her teaching style. The ideas he presented she counted as priceless and having him agree to more hands on learning experience fed the deep set desires she felt were threatening to tear her apart.

~>゜)ーーー

"Wait..." Lisa released at length wishing he hadn't gone back to tidying up the boxes, "are you still seeing him?"

"Of course," Baizhu confirmed as she watched him move to collect herb bundles that had tumbled out from one of the packages, "and in his free time he is kind enough to source some of the flora needed for medication."

"So," Lisa spoke as she attempted to join him,  but was more focused on gaining information, "is it just a long distance thing now?"

"What do you mean?" Baizhu after setting a box aside and turning to meet her eye.

"You're writing one another, babe." Lisa stated as she watched the eyes that studied her face, "and staying in touch with the feelings you have for one another."

~>゜)ーーー

"I honestly wanted to believe the rumors weren't true," the spoken word had Lisa's heartbeat sky rocketing and scanning the space around them had found the blonde from earlier moving along the outer line of the lecture hall. "I thought you were better than this, Lisa."

"Baby, it's ok," she whispered to the one that made a hasty retreat to sit back on his heels after making sure she was covered.

"And yet here you are," he continued as she moved to sit up while rolling her eyes, "fucking around with that diseased piece of filth."

~>゜)ーーー

"The letter is unusual,  to be honest," Baizhu claimed as he tipped the next box up to continue cleaning,"we do still meet for lunch,  but it's only once a moon now."

"You are still dating then," she claimed and the expression she got from him along with that telltale grin she couldn't help but reciprocate,"that's so cute, baby, you and your big beefy boy toy getting in touch with your feels once a month."

~>゜)ーーー

"I heard he paid off the faculty at Bimarstan to keep it under wraps," the guy continued as Lisa glanced over to find Baizhu patiently sitting through it all expressionless, "and I thought I liked you so I figured I'd try to at least save you before you came down with it,"

"But it's people like him who have brought sickness to this land." His malicious words had no outward effect on her lab partner and her own emotions she felt were threatening to take over, "people who turn to fucking animals when they learn that no one in their right mind will sleep with them."

~>゜)ーーー

"Damn I need to be a fly on the wall during one of these," Lisa continued as she wondered why she had never wished to do so before, "I bet the whole joint shuts down with you two sitting at a table together."

"Anyways, I'd love to hear more, maybe over tea," she added as she moved to grab up the jar that had rolled up against the table leg,"but, most importantly, is he still a virgin?"

~>゜)ーーー

"I know what Eleazar looks like, if that's what you think he has," Lisa released with a hand gesturing outwards,"and can vouch that he doesn't, not that it's any of your business."

"But," she added with a look of detest, "that if you weren't a convoluted idiot you'd know it isn't contagious. Where do these rumors even come from anyways?"

~>゜)ーーー

"There's no way someone with that much pent up energy isn't a virgin, babe," Lisa spoke the same thoughts she knew she had shared years ago to the same serene smile she wanted to capture once again, "and I didn't get to read the whole letter,  but was he talking about sex dreams?"

~>゜)ーーー

"Rumors are born from those who cannot grasp the reality that they live in," Baizhu offered drawing Lisa to stare at her green haired lab partner, "and as a means to become part a society so tightly bound will also come into fruition as they try to make heads or tails of things, bonding over the debauchery of the truth they derive together."

"What the fuck is that supposed to mean?" The blonde spat as Lisa moved to see the anger of his words also etched on his face.

"You can't handle the fact that she doesn't want anything to do with you." Baizhu explained gently,"and so you have accepted a fabrication that sheds a harsh light over what she is doing,  ultimately claiming some form of insanity brought on by whatever it is you have chosen to believe in."

"And this," he continued while unmoving in his relaxed pose,"is just a means of retribution for her that you will learn will bring you nothing.  From here, it is entirely up to you how to proceed."

~>゜)ーーー

"Regardless of the nature," Baizhu answered as she watched him set aside the last package, "dreams are relatively new to those of Sumeru city, and being as such can be difficult to accept. Especially when they are lucid and are recalled upon waking."

"You don't have to tell me that twice," she offered with a smile as she took his hand to rise to her full height, "I would have loved to have had sex dreams instead of the bullshit I've endured."

"Once again, reason to celebrate what we have managed to complete." Baizhu countered as he moved to stand before her, "Our next step will be to make sure that our experiences together are worthy of your mind to relive while in repose."

"That's rich, darling." Lisa confessed as she placed a hand over her heart, "thinking about what we've done together has been the only thing powerful enough to shut that crap down when it comes to mind."

~>゜)ーーー

"Whichever way you choose to veer," Baizhu spoke as Lisa watched the guy with a grin in place, "know that neither of us will belittle you to others."

~>゜)ーーー

"You're so damned distracting," Lisa offered the owner of the jawline her fingers traced, "before we move on, make sure you tell him if he actually has sex he won't have to be so worried about what it's like to dream about it."

"Do you need the details of the letter?" Baizhu asked with his brow rising slightly, "so that I can relay a proper message from you?"

"Oh no," Lisa countered with a smile, "Just as before, he is your friend, and I'm grateful you found him."

"I just love the idea of spicing it up," she explained as she took to running her finger down his chest, "and making it more than what it is just because I can."

"Makes it all the more hotter that you came to meet me after lunch with him," she added thoughtfully, "and that you came with me after meeting him too."

"I'm glad to have accommodated you in such a way," Baizhu offered as she linked a finger around one of his, "such a small price to pay for the affection you've paid me after said occasions."
"You have no idea how hard it was to not demand that you skip lunch with him to spend the entire break with me." Lisa shared with a smile,"just a hint at what we could have done of given back the time you spent elsewhere."

~>゜)ーーー

"That," Lisa admitted as she leaned forward while watching the man that remained seated on the floor at her side, "was the most nonconfrontational closure to one of those conversations I have ever witnessed."

"Those rumors hurt, don't they?" She asked thoughtfully as she studied eyes with the reptilian fuel for the whispers that spread like wildfire."I don't give a shit about them, if that helps."

~>゜)ーーー

"Well," Baizhu offered as Lisa trailed along after him through the hall, "as always you are invited to come along so that I may introduce you."

"Honey," Lisa spoke as she watched him look back to her as he slid over a panel in the wall, "I'm afraid I'd scar him for life if I'm permitted to speak my mind."

~>゜)ーーー

"Let's go home." Lisa announced as she moved to stand while he took the hand she offered, "none of that shit can touch us there."

Chapter Text

"I think you're just being nice to me," Lisa admitted as she took the duster that was handed over. "When you tell me you like when I speak my mind."

"There is no way you honestly mean it." She claimed in a singsong tone as she stepped around him as he pulled a broom free from the space before reclosing the panel to complete the wall."and I'm fine with it."

"If you'd give me a moment," Baizhu spoke calmly as Lisa went about dusting the same portion of the wall while watching him attentively as he entered the room, "I'd inform you that your assumption is incorrect."

"I meant it when I told you that, Lisa," he confessed as she found him studying her,"Please be mindful to actually dust objects and not to spend too much time on the wall itself."

~>゜)ーーー

"Well," Lisa admitted as she glanced over to find Baizhu watching her, "I don't care when they talk about me, it's when they talk about others that I care about that it gets on my damned nerves."

"Especially when it makes no fucking sense whatsoever." She continued as she went back to paying attention to the path they walked, "who the fuck comes up with these fucking stories anyways?  Once I find out I swear by the archons I'm shoving my fist down their fucking throat."

"It's not affecting me as much as you believe it is," Baizhu claimed despite his flat tone,"I'm honestly more concerned with what you think about me after hearing it."

"Well, if that's the case," Lisa offered with a wink, "if I remember correctly I asked you to go home with me."

"And I have every intention of picking up where we left off," she said as she moved to collect his hand in hers, "Because what I think about you hasn't changed and I'd be glad to tell you all about it as you're fucking me with all you've got."

~>゜)ーーー

"And with that being said," Baizhu continued as Lisa found her efforts ceasing to watch the way he secured the hair he had twisted up onto the crown of his head with an ink brush lifted from the table,"I wouldn't be fearful of you scaring him at all. He still lives in Sumeru City after all."

"I'm sure what you would have to say would at least be enlightening," he claimed as she leaned against the wall as she studied the way he moved to collect the broom before she found him glancing back at her. "Do we need to trade tasks?"

"What are you talking about?" Lisa asked as she moved to dust an item at random, "I've been working."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa glanced over when she heard Baizhu ask for clarification and found the snake laying about his shoulders had perked up. The timber of the lithe voice she could detect from the short distance between their bodies, but the words spoken were lost to her.

Recalling their prior heated argument she prepared herself mentally for the loss of a means to conversate. Her hopes shifted as she idly looked about to settling the dust that had been stirred in the lecture hall and trying to process how to not let that rule their time together.

~>゜)ーーー

"Well, I'm only pushing you," Baizhu explained calmly as Lisa tried to decide what her next target was, "because I cannot properly clear the floor until what you've dislodged has fallen."

"A likely story," Lisa offered with a wink, "if you want to watch, you're more than welcome to."

"But only if I could," Baizhu lamented in a chipper tone as he moved to take the broom to the floorboards behind her, "let us just be done with this. There is always something to do around here and I'm sure I can come up with something far more interesting."

~>゜)ーーー

By the time Lisa had finally gotten back home she was ready to be done with debate that had ruled their time together.  She broke off after dropping her keys in the ceramic bowl on the bookcase just inside of the door and made her way to the bedroom where she immediately went through the process of changing into something that had nothing to do with the establishment that had brought her to stay in Sumeru.

~>゜)ーーー

"And what," Lisa asked as she looked over her shoulder at the one who had lifted the back of her dress with a broomstick, "do you think you're doing?"

"Making the most of my time," Baizhu explained as she felt the fabric fall down over her backside once again, "since I can't do more until you're finished here."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa found Baizhu seated in the front room with Changsheng on the table before him pouring through an open text. Her hands she placed lightly on his shoulders as she leaned over the back of the seat to whisper in his ear.

"Hey there, cutie," she released just before kissing his cheek, "she's really worked up about this, isn't she?"

"It happens, " Baizhu answered with a deep breath released, "I think all of my predecessors just believed she was the end all and be all that there is...I see her as one that is enlightened, to a vast extent,  but unfortunately lacking in certain areas and I just can't stand aside and let it be."

"How long till you're free?" She asked tentatively, "I'd like some time with you."

"I'll follow in a moment." He claimed with no change to his tone,"I just need to make sure she is preoccupied."

~>゜)ーーー

"I suppose you could bend a little more," Baizhu offered as Lisa tried to decide if she should even consider doing more than posing, "but I don't want you to lose your balance."

~>゜)ーーー

"C'mere," Lisa urged Baizhu as he cleared the bedroom door while shrugging off the robes he had on.

"I wanted the front room," she explained with thoughts towards the reptile that took center stage in the room in question as she watched him take to the mattress at her side,"but I'll make do."

"I just wanted to tell you," she said as sweetly as possible as the hand she moved brushed over his,"that I think you're incredibly intelligent,"

"What are you trying to do?" Baizhu asked with his expression unreadable, "because I told you, I'm fine and I meant it."

"I can tell you're not,  handsome," she countered easily while looking him over,"and I'm not trying to smooth over any bullshit, but there are many reasons you're here with me and I wanted to share them. See if I can get you to perk back up."

~>゜)ーーー

"Far be it from me to remind you," Lisa explained as she tried not to be distracted by the pressure that was applied as Baizhu's fingers spread over her posterior, "that we need to get this done in a timely manner."

~>゜)ーーー

"I mean," Lisa released with a smile she found Baizhu reciprocating, "that may have played as a factor,  but I'm really trying to veer the conversation around it, and here you are bringing it up."

"Then let's talk about anything that's not me," Baizhu offered with his expression dissipating, "I'm not that interesting anyways."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa's thoughts on how to deal with Baizhu ignoring her vanished when she lost her focus to the hands that moved to grasp her hips. Her brow rose to the kiss he planted just below the lace trim she had chosen to adorn her lower extremities. Her lips then parted automatically to the heat applied by his breath and as she felt his mouth open. The words she tried to speak were turned into an utterance laced with the emotions that washed over her as his teeth closed on her flesh.

~>゜)ーーー

"That's not going to work for me," Lisa admitted as she leaned towards her target, "I'm pretty addicted to you."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa stared in disbelief at the man that went back to sweeping the floor as if nothing had transpired. The fingers he had curled on the polished wooden handle she knew had danced just beside the portion of her that was crying out for attention.  The residual pain that mixed with the pleasure she gained when his gaze met hers had her ready to return the favor.

~>゜)ーーー

"You do have to admit that was going pretty well though." Lisa offered while scooting a tad bit closer, "I'd say next time, we just keep going."

"Keep it going?" Baizhu reiterated with his brow knitting together, "Lisa..."

"Seriously," she countered with a nudge of her shoulder against his, "why allow your energy to be disrupted by him anyways? Ignore it and he doesn't even get the effect he wants and walks the fuck away,"

"And then I moan louder,"she added with a wink, "just to rub salt in his wound."

~>゜)ーーー

Baizhu offered an innocent grin as Lisa found his gaze meeting hers. When she moved to stand opposite of where he ended up behind the counter the ease he displayed in his frame as he set the broom aside had her anxious to see where the scene would take them.

"Hello there," Lisa released as she moved to prop her head in her hand with an elbow placed on the counter, "handsome."

"Good morning," Baizhu offered kindly, "I'm afraid we're not quite open for the day, but if this is an emergency I'd be happy to help."

~>゜)ーーー

"Fuck yes I would," Lisa claimed with a smile, "because I'd be happier than shit to show how good you make me feel when I'm riding your dick."

~>゜)ーーー

"Actually," Lisa offered as she followed an idea she had and glanced over her shoulder at the closed public entrance before moving to give him a wide eyed look, "it may be."

"I was attacked," she confessed with a hand placed over her heart as she watched Baizhu fight grinning by biting the inside of his lip, "and this was actually the third time today, and the last was by far the worst so far."

"You don't mind me asking what happened,  do you?" He asked just before concern took over his features.

"Of course not." Lisa answered and brought the duster up to place on the counter for his inspection, "I was at work when it happened."

~>゜)ーーー

"Yes really," Lisa countered with a wink before accepting she was going to have to take a more direct route.

"I really don't want to pass up the opportunity presented by the fact that Changsheng is pissed off at you." She explained as she ran a hand through her hair,"that generally means you'll be fine afterwards instead of the usual game of roulette."

"She has no idea what you're getting yourself into" she included as she then moved the hand to rest on his chest just below his neck, "because she's too busy trying to cross reference to prove you wrong for disagreeing with her."

"What do you say, handsome?" She asked with her emotions painting the wicked grin on her lips, "wanna try to break my bed frame?"

~>゜)ーーー

"Well, at the beginning of my shift," Lisa explained as she ran her fingers along the handke of the duster in a suggestive manner, "my attacker bumped into me from behind."

"That seems quite accidental." Baizhu countered while folding his hands together and placed his arms to rest on the counter before him."just an observation, go on."

"Oh, I agree," Lisa announced with a nod. "And as shocked as I was to have the broom handle hit me there I let it go when he apologized."

"I see." Baizhu's voice carried that soothing melody she wanted to lose herself in, "is this where it escalated?"

"No." Lisa answered quickly and shook her head before thoughtfully parting her lips while trying to fathom how to work her way to behind the counter, "everything went back to normal for a while."

~>゜)ーーー

"It's highly unlikely that our activities will actually break your bed." Baizhu countered just before accepting the kiss she offered.

"I know," she released, "but that as the challenge makes it all the more fun."

~>゜)ーーー

"He was cordial after the first attack, though I was still thinking it was just an accident then." Lisa stated as she worked on putting as much emotion into her expression as possible, "and I went back to my duties, but he kept following me around."

"That sounds rather worrisome." Baizhu spoke as she found his hand landing to rest over hers before he removed it quickly, "I'm sorry, I'm forgetting my place here for fear over your person."

"That's quite fine, Doctor." Lisa confessed with her brow rising,  "I could use the consolation.  I've been through so much already and I feel like I'm falling apart at the seams."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa found herself overjoyed with the way Baizhu took up the energy she had as the hands that moved over her accentuated her desicion to push him back onto the mattress.

She fought blindly at the closures of the article he had on as she devoured every bit of the passion she found in their oral exchange. Tried to ignore the way his body beckoned her to hasten her pace just before she gave into the idea that she didn't need to remove the shirt to enjoy him and used it instead as a hand hold when she found him moving to change their position.

~>゜)ーーー

"It's alright," Baizhu spoke calmly with a gentle look in the eyes that watched hers as his hand moved to shelter hers once more. "I promise you are safe here."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa felt as if she was being ripped apart as Baizhu broke away to suggest she remove the appendages she had employed on his clothing.  She was guided to place them as a means to prop herself up just before he  added further refutation to her desires by separating himself and leaving her to rest on her knees.

"I took your lesson to heart, Lisa," Baizhu explained as she saw his eyes leave hers to follow the path his hand took over her backside, "but honestly,  how do you expect me to properly do as I please with your cauldron when you are giving me your full attention?"

~>゜)ーーー

"The next thing that happened was hours after and I wasn't even thinking there was going to be a problem, " Lisa claimed just before pausing for emphasis with a glance away from Baizhu's eyes to indicate the delicacy of what she had to deliver, "but...then I..."

"You don't have to tell me if you don't want to." Baizhu suggested as he brushed his thumb gently over her hand, "but if you do, know no judgment is being placed. You are free to speak in whatever manner necessary to share what happened."

~>゜)ーーー

"If I didn't know better," Baizhu explained as Lisa was left to try to make him out in her peripheral as his fingers slid over the subject in question, "I'd accuse you of preparing this vessel for my presence."

"But I'll have you know," he continued as her body cried out at the digits that moved to press in on the point of their conversation, "that it's your cauldron that tells me what it wants and I am not one to deny it."

~>゜)ーーー

"I'm sorry," Lisa feigned while moving to let her eyes rest on their hands, "it's just...well..."

"I was back to working and utterly distracted by how much I had to do," she admitted as she let her shoulders fall slightly to signify her defeat, "and then, to my horror, I found him looking up my dress."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa was reduced to muffling herself with her pillow to take in the compliments Baizhu calmly gave her. The gentle force he wielded was almost too much for her to bear as he did exactly as he explained and the way her body demanded for more had her briefly hoping she'd survive long enough for the experience.

~>゜)ーーー

"With the nature of what you speak of," Baizhu began cautiously while moving to release her hand, "I apologize once more for my forwardness.  What has happened to you is far enough to damage your soul and here I am placing a hand on you and showing that I am no better."

"Don't be," Lisa released as she moved to grasp his retreating appendage, "You've already helped me so much."

"You make me feel safe," Lisa confessed and felt a slight flush in her features when he met her eyes, "and I know you'll give me the care I need to heal from what's been done."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa tightened the hold she had on the headboard as the greed her body had was matched. The cries her pillow stiffled accompanied the completion of the thrilling lesson and more than proved he did, in fact, have it mastered.

~>゜)ーーー

"I'd almost rather just show you," Lisa admitted with her brow knitting together as she closed her eyes,"but even that is terrible with where it is."

"I promise you, your health is my priority," Baizhu offered as she moved to open one eye at a time while trying to straighten out her facial features, "either way is fine with me. Whatever makes you feel more comfortable."

~>゜)ーーー

"It's a good thing I've got a library card," Baizhu's words had Lisa pausing to stare at him with one brow lifted in question.

"Why is that?" She asked as she caught on to what may be going on and made the most of smoothing the waist band of her panties over her hips.

"Because," Baizhu offered with a proud smile as his eyes moved up to meet hers,"I am completely checking you out right now."

~>゜)ーーー

"I'll show you then." Lisa stated as she pulled herself up onto the counter, mindful to smooth the short length of her gown while holding onto the idea of trepidation holding her back from meeting his eye, "Maybe."

"I honestly don't know if I'm strong enough to do this." She claimed then as she gave into the need she had to find his eyes meeting hers. "If I tell you where it is will you guide me?"

"I," Baizhu began in an even tone as everything she contained told her to embrace him with how close he stood, "will do everything in my power to assist you."

~>゜)ーーー

"I honestly think you're getting better at this," Lisa admitted as she allowed herself to be pulled into a one armed embrace, "but you're the librarian, darling."

"You get the privilege to handle me all you want." She added with a tap of the tip of her finger to his chin, "you can even pull me from the shelves to keep me from being checked out and dog ear my pages when you find something that suits your fancy."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa released the deep breath she held and moved to place her hands in her lap to control herself as she addressed the doctor at her side. The words she wanted to say she felt weighed more than she had first imagined and sharing such an intimate detail had her worried about what the outcome would be.

"It's..." She released at length as she found his gaze awaiting hers, "on my bottom."

"What is?" Baizhu asked without any change to his mannerisms.

"The third attack" Lisa said aloud as she moved to stare at her hands once again, "that's on my bottom."

~>゜)ーーー

"Well," Lisa offered with a grimace as Baizhu tightened his arms around her, "at least we got to fuck before she remembered you existed."

~>゜)ーーー

"If that's the case," Baizhu spoke in an even as Lisa nervously ran her fingers over the fabric covering her lap. "It isn't necessary to expose yourself to me."

"But I need to," Lisa countered immediately moving to meet his gaze once more, "I..."

"I was left with a wound." Her confession made her heart skip a beat as she studied the minute changes his expression took, "and it hurts terribly."

"I need you to heal me," she declared as a hand moved to rest above her heart just before she dropped her gaze, "Doctor."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa couldn't peel her eyes away from the sight of Baizhu's tall frame and the way he was perched on the arm rest with his attention on the snake that sat on the small table before him.

Changsheng's rebuttal worked as the backdrop to the aromatic tea she drank. The man that stood as the physical representation of the flavors that danced on her palate was thought inspiring. With the green hair that hung in lazy tendrils adorning him he seemed as delicate as the blooms the herbal mix was derived from. His quiet demeanor and the power he held at bay as he kept his broad shoulders squared while his reptilian counterpart continued to prattle on the strength shown by the herbs themselves to stand the test of time and resistance to inevitable change with its continued popularity.

~>゜)ーーー

"No, baby," Lisa released as she placed a hand along the side of Baizhu's face as she appreciated the arm he had moved to encircle her waist, "I'm fine, promise, and I love it. I just thought it's just too good to pass up."

"It's rather exciting," she admitted while trailing her fingers lightly over his bottom lip, "to have you inspect what you've done to me."

She found him moving to meet her lips showing the same inclination she had. The hand that slid below her knees as she moved to try to face him presenting a reflection of her yearning, and as the answer to her unspoken request urged her just before she found him breaking away.

"Hold onto the front of the counter," he suggested as it took everything to stop her hands from spilling over his back to explore freely, "and drape yourself over this edge so that I can get a proper look at you."

~>゜)ーーー

"You've shown your insight," Baizhu explained as Lisa started bouncing the leg she had crossed over the other, "and have acknowledged the truth of the text and the theory you thought wouldn't be soundly proven."

"But you've denied the absurd way that you've treated me today." He added as she counted that as a benefit of the time they had shared. "I may not agree with you on all things, Changsheng,  but you will not find me moving to be belligerent with you."

"That's because you're not in control here, Baizhu." Changsheng announced just before Lisa focused on the way the reptile attempted to seem stern. "I am."

"If that's the case," Baizhu released as he moved to stand, "then explain to me how we came to study medicine in Sumeru."

~>゜)ーーー

It took everything in Lisa's power to keep her hands in place on the edge of the counter as her body took on the light weight of her skirt along her waist as it was it pulled up and out of the way. The silent, empty room before her helped in no way to distract her from how silent Baizhu was and without him as a focal point she was forced to purse her lips as her desire to extract his thoughts grew to be almost too much to bear.

~>゜)ーーー

"Hey, cutie," Lisa cooed as she leaned against the counter beside Baizhu as he added tea leaves to the mug he had before him, "How's my wet dream this morning?"

"I'm torn." He explained while tucking a few loose strands of curls behind her ear, "I'm to spend the day at Bimarstan,"

"Even though I'd much rather attend class as usual," he continued as he leaned in towards her slightly, "I don't know what I'll do without seeing you for tea today."

"Fuck," Lisa uttered as she considered the weight of his statement, "I don't either, but I'll give you something to remember me by."

Chapter Text

The adjectives Baizhu chose to share as his hands moved over Lisa's rear were almost too much for her to comprehend.  The awakened pain released by the mark he brushed his thumb over had her nearly furious with the idea that he went with an area and a pose for her that left her without the ability to watch the way he would attend to her.

Her fingers spread over the lacquered wood of the counter and her breathing shallowed in response to the choice he made to gently kiss the affected area while his hands took purchase on the counter at her sides.
The thoughts she wanted to share she found herself neatly choking on as he moved on to softly lap at the tender flesh with his tongue.

~>゜)ーーー

"That," Baizhu explained as Lisa moved to inspect her work, "was completely unprovoked."

"You have to admit though," she countered as she pressed up against him for emphasis, "it's pretty thought provoking, isn't it?"

~>゜)ーーー

By the time Lisa had made it onto her feet the hands that followed her movement to rest on either side of her ribcage with the material of the dress teasingly bunched between his touch and her breasts. One hand she employed to sweep her hair out of the way so that Baizhu had no road blocks along the path his lips traveled on her neck. The other she drove as far into his hair line as she could as she felt the arousal build between them.

~>゜)ーーー

"Honestly," Baizhu explained with the tastiest of grins in place, "without all this 'thought' that you speak of, it's just plain painful."

"I think it's sexy," Lisa offered as she pressed the end of her nose to his, "and I want more."

~>゜)ーーー

The moment Baizhu's lips found hers she felt the direction that everything was following drastically changing. She followed the consuming desires she had and turned to face him with her hands landing to unclasp the closures at his neck as his took up purchase over her back to draw her in against him.

She was given no space to continue her work and with her arms sandwiched between them as their kiss deepened she was soon lost to his whim. She was backed up against the counter as his hands moved to clasp onto her hips and took advantage of the space created between them to catch the power behind the gaze that locked onto hers.

"Do we have time for this now?" She asked as she moved to rest her upper arms atop his shoulders to toy playfully with his hair, "and if so may I remove the brush from your hair?"

"We do, and you may," he answered with a smile she pursed her lips at, "but only if you agree to let me remove your panties."

~>゜)ーーー

"I wasn't done with you," Lisa exhaled as she trailed after Baizhu in hot pursuit.

"I need to get ready while the tea steeps," he offered as he continued on into the bedroom where she slowed to watch him.

"Did you want to walk with me?" He asked as he pulled the robes he needed from the wardrobe and moved to toss them onto the bed as he met her eye. "If so you really should be moving instead of just staring at me."

~>゜)ーーー

"This," Lisa explained while brandishing the brush she held in the air as Baizhu returned to his full height, "doesn't seem like a fair trade."

"I think it is," he stated just before he took the brush to set aside along with what he had collected behind her, "We'll have to work on your calligraphy technique at a later time, though."

"Now," he began as he guided her arms back onto his shoulders, "where were we again?"

"I have no idea," Lisa claimed as she combed her fingers through Baizhu's hair as his hands moved to rest on her hips, "but I like where we're heading now."

~>゜)ーーー

"What," Lisa asked as she caught sight of what Baizhu had in place under the robe he was pulling on. "Do you think you're wearing?"

"A shirt," he answered calmly with a grin toying at his lips as she closed the space between them. "Or at least that's what you call it."

"I just wanted a better way to remember you," he admitted as her eyes fell to the lace trim that topped the the plum camisole she reached out to touch, "and the seam on my shirt made what you did to me hurt too much to agree to put up with it all day."

"Do you approve?" He asked as her fingers fell to land on his abdomen below the short cropped top, "I find it rather compelling. What do you think?"

~>゜)ーーー

Baizhu was the first to break from their wide eyed stare to watch overhead while Lisa tried to recall what was atop the ornate shelving they had collided with.

"These cabinets," he explained as she realized what had happened, "weigh too much for that to happen."

"You," she released as she regained his yellow gold eyes on hers, "bit my ass while I was dusting."

~>゜)ーーー

"Why can't you do this type of shit when I get to see you?" Lisa asked as she ran her hands over fabric she knew barely covered her breasts when she wore it, "and I'll be thinking about all of the dumb bitches you'll come into contact with at Bimarstan and how they'll get to see you."

"They won't see this," Baizhu confessed with a smile she looked up to find waiting for her. "And doesn't it make for a more exciting day?"

"Tell you what," he offered as she found him pulling off the uniform,"I'll wait to put this on until right before we leave."

"Does that mean," Lisa asked as she toyed with one of the straps that had gotten twisted, "you'd like to fuck?"

"I do, but not now," he stated to her dismay and got the look he deserved as she smoothed the strap over his shoulder, "we need to indulge in our tea and eat before we go."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa counted the seconds that ticked by ever so slowly as she devoured every bit of passion Baizhu fed her while being utterly distracted by the thin material that separated them.

The choice he made to lower them gave her insight on what she felt he would do to her and as she picked through the choices she landed on one she hoped fit the bill.

It was too perfect.  The lean he had that kept her back traveling down the flat front of the cabinetry, teasing her with the cold metal trim against her flesh. The soft sensations that moved over her lower extremities as she tightened the hold she had on him with her legs about his waist had her mind drawing up images of how desirable she found him with his hair down. The firm grasp he had on her rear and the proximity his fingers had to the portion of her that was crying out just before the pressure his thighs added as he bent his knees making her fear she wouldn't be able to hold out for their moment.

~>゜)ーーー

"But," Lisa released as she followed Baizhu through the hall back into the kitchen, "I was trying earlier and you didn't like it."

"What do you mean?" Baizhu asked as he reached the counter and had the mug in hand before she caught up with him.

"Breakfast." Lisa stated with a smile as she glanced the mark she had left that sat closer to his neck than the strap on his shoulder,  "I have quite the appetite, you know."

"Breakfast is the most important meal of the day," Baizhu offered as she tried to ignore the idea he was going into lecture territory, "but it needs to be an actual sustaining meal, and not an action."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa broke off immediately as Baizhu whinced in pain. Having his facial features move through possible thoughts, she expressed her concerns as he reversed all of their work and rose to his full height.

~>゜)ーーー

"But you taste so good," Lisa admitted flirtatiously as she eyed him over the mug she held. "And you're actually probably more healthy than anything I'd eat anyways."

"Look," she released as she fell for the eyes that found her over gold frames, "how 'bout we compromise."

"You eat what I want to share with you now," she said with pride, "and I'll share whatever it is you're making as we walk your ass to work today."

~>゜)ーーー

"I'm sure I'm fine," Baizhu claimed as Lisa's bottom took on the cool of the counter she was set down on. "I forgot about the glass."

"Well, get your ass up here," Lisa demanded while patting the space at her side, "and let me take a gander."

~>゜)ーーー

"With all the pent up emotion we have," Lisa offered to the agreement Baizhu had shared, "it'll be quick. Trust me."

"Then we can look forward to taking our time later," she added as she glanced over to check that he was almost finished with the food prep, "when we know we have time to savor each other properly."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa adored the way Baizhu took to wrapping an arm around her to draw her in after following her direction and taking a seat at her side on the counter. Having him act as though nothing was wrong as he had claimed worked against her when his lips landed on her shoulder when she spotted the ripped edge of the tear on the knee of his pants.

"I promise I'm fine," he claimed when she moved to grasp the end of his pants leg, "you can tend to me later."

"I need to make sure there's no glass in the cut, darling." She countered as she carefully peeled back the fabric and ignored the desire she had to pour her care into easing the pain he obviously had to have with the bloodied incision she studied,"and then I'll do as you say, even though I'd rather patch you up real quick."

"It's not that bad," he explained as she leaned forward to get a closer look. "I don't want to ruin it."

"You're not ruining anything, baby." Lisa released, satisfied that he'd survive and moving to face him with a hand trailing up his inner thigh, "just prolonging the inevitable."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa was thrilled that she was correct in her assumptions as Baizhu showed to have the same feverish need she had to fulfill her wishes. The force she found reapplied to her person pushed her to ramp up her efforts and when he was forced to let go just to stop himself from falling was the moment she saw a clear victory.

~>゜)ーーー

"And you," Baizhu offered as he collected the hand Lisa had hoped to claim him with,"are trying to rush things."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa wore a genuine smile as she accepted the mug she was handed that came along with a kiss on the cheek. The overjoyed sensation she had dropped as she followed him with her eyes to find he was fully dressed and had his famous reptilian accessory already in place.

~>゜)ーーー

The free hand Lisa had sent to complete the task the first had not she found being collected up just like it's kin. The retort she came up with she found Baizhu stealing her ability to impart with his lips against hers while easing her towards laying flat over the counter.

They separated only for Baizhu to take up residence between the legs he had adjusted and the hands he had freed she placed gently over his half open pink shirt as he shoved unseen items away before making sure she had enough space to continue.

His eyes she found after following the length of his neck waiting for her gaze. With a hand landing on hers and a simple command she complied and relinquished her hold of him to be rewarded by what she glanced down to confirm was the scarf he had been wearing.

"Be a dear," he began as she jolted back to his eyes to learn what he had planned, "and hold that above your head until you are told you've been permitted to use them."

"I'd rather not bind them," he spoke softly as her excitement in the act of obeying kicked in and she inhabited in the arch her back took with pride as she placed her on the counter above her head, "but I also do not need them interfering until I see fit."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa had no idea what it was that Baizhu spoke of. Her mind, as he explained some sort of plant and its properties, was on the bit of cloth her had on under his uniform and the peeks she got of his chest as they had exchanged their morning pleasantries.

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa's focus began to splinter as she forced herself to tighten her hands into fists on the scarf she held against the counter.

The need she had to run them through Baizhu's hair as he tugged at her bottom lip gently with his teeth became astoundingly strong. The desire to run them over his shoulder and on to feel the muscles in his arms shift as they  dictated the painfully gentle force from his fingers,  nearly blindingly intense.

Having him leave her momentarily with his hair falling free to block her she brought on the strength of the fire that ignited over the skin as he took to tasting her flesh and without a way to truly reciprocate she was left to an unintelligible utterance as everything began to align.

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa's thoughts expanded deeper into the passion shared between them when she glanced over and caught him pushing up the the glasses seated on the bridge of his nose.

The amount of times those had to be collected and saved from damage.  The smears her body was guilty of leaving on the lenses. The sound of them folding and being set aside so that they could do as they pleased.

~>゜)ーーー

Despite how prepared her body was Lisa was victim to being forced through a sharp intake of breath as Baizhu settled in over her. As acclimation to him took place she relished watching him sweep his hair out of his face with one hand and savored the moment it fell back to  cascade around them, leaving her in the tunnel of green where only she and he existed.

A plethora of unspoken words flowed through the eyes she watched close before her and following in hot pursuit she found their expressions towards each other expanding as his lips landed on hers.

The hope she had was evicted from her thoughts as their kiss deepened and and the cue to move her arms came in the form of a couple taps performed with his middle finger. She rushed to be rid of the cool ambient air on the palms that released the fabric to the heat rising through the fabric covering his upper back.

~>゜)ーーー

"Can't you just smuggle me in with you?" Lisa asked as she found her hand taken by Baizhu."I could hide under your robes, but I won't take the blame if anything wakes up while I'm down there."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa buckled to the force that had her hands moving to take up a death grip on Baizhu's shirt. Her feeble attempts to perfectly angle her hips she found ending as he wrapped his arms around her waist and moved to gently graze at the side of her neck.

~>゜)ーーー

"So, I guess I'll see you later?" Baizhu asked as he moved in a semicircle to face her with her hand still held within his. "Can it be considered a date?"

"For us," she released as her eyes ran over the long blue robes that covered him, "Yes. It can."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa closed herself off from the unfocused world that surrounded them as her body gave up the fight and passed on a precious gift she found Baizhu reacting to almost immediately. He coaxed her vocals in intervals as the tempo of her heart attempted to return to normal.

The moment he stilled and tightened his hold on her brought her close to tears with the perfection she was a part of. The limbs that returned to her jurisdiction she moved to embrace him with all of her might and the soft imprint she got of his lips against the side of her jaw was easy to follow to allow their lips to meet once again.

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa sealed the knowledge she contained of the doctor she watched walk off to begin his shift. The bittersweet flavor she found on her tongue she knew would haunt her just as much as the traces of his touch she could feel lingering all over her body.

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa sat back in wonder as she took in the masterpiece she had been a part of. The need to preserve the the image in her mind she found diminishing as Baizhu began to move from her side.

"You're," she demanded as she took hold of his shirt just below his neck, "not going anywhere, handsome."

~>゜)ーーー

"Oh," Lisa released as she turned to find Farah closing in, "Why hello there."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa put as much effort into her walk as she could afford with the shoes she had borrowed to traverse the floor that was left littered with glass. Her full attention went to the man that patiently awaited her return and the and the injury that left unattended had turned the knee of his pants to a bloody mess.

He was completely at ease propping himself up with his hands on the counter behind him with the leg she needed to attend to crossed over the other. The smile he had in place spoke of an innocent bliss as she watched his eyes move over her and holding her peace as she set the supplies she had gathered aside became all the more difficult when he moved to run a hand along her forearm.

After a playful scolding Baizhu offered her a line about feeling perfect as she urged him to uncross his legs to give her full access to his knee. The grimace he made as she pulled the fabric free from his leg she counted as exaggerated and caught the content smile that went into play as she moved to clean the skin surrounding the wound.

~>゜)ーーー

"I see you're still you're still wasting your time with that one," Farah's obvious claim had one of Lisa's brows rising out of curiosity,  "Which is fine by me, but there are some new and interesting things being said about him."

"And it doesn't help," she added with a shrug of her shoulders and her hands lifted to gesture a lack of understanding,  "that he does his hair like a damned grandma."

~>゜)ーーー

"I told you I was fine,"Baizhu claimed with a smile as Lisa hooked a few strands of hair behind his ear, "now, if you'd be so kind to give me back my shoes."

"You can have them back when I'm finished cleaning up the glass." She offered with her hands folding together and coming to rest on his thigh as she gazed into his eyes, "you need to hop down on the other side if the counter and clean up all the crap you knocked down."

"If I do it," she added with a wink, "it'll be obvious something happened here because I don't know anything about how you had it set up."

~>゜)ーーー

"From what I hear it's true," Farah spoke with her fawn brown eyes open wide, "and I know you can claim otherwise with how the rumors are all made up, but you already know that there's usually a part of truth in them as well, and no one has seen that girl ever since."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa found herself idly holding the end of her nail between her teeth as she watched Baizhu move to stand. His lean but muscular build did wonders for recalling what he was capable of and the way the fabric of his pants hugged his amble behind had her thinking on how to go about being able to give into the urge she had to enjoy it to the furthest of her capabilities.

Those thoughts fluttered away as he turned towards the counter, favoring his right knee that he kept slightly bent. His bare upper arms flanked by the length of his hair gave her images that was then denied by the shirt she saw was still in place. After glancing to see his  attention was on documents he was sorting through she gave into need she had to skip over the tastefully nude portion of his abdomen to dwell on the one thing her hands had been denied all day.

~>゜)ーーー

"That....,"Lisa let out at length while trying to fathom how it could actually be true, " is one of the most ridiculous things I have ever heard."

~>゜)ーーー

"What's this for?" Lisa inquired about the scarf she found coming to rest over her shoulders as she watched Baizhu's eyes follow his hands,"I'm dressed."

"You leave little to the imagination," Baizhu countered while sliding a finger along the flesh that sat between her breasts coming to a stop when he hit the garment in question.

"I dressed for you," she openly admitted with a pause to take in his soft features with pursed lips, "and I'd say it was quite successful."

"You," she continued while admiring the truth in her statement when his hand slipped around her waist, "can't keep your hands off of me."

"I believe I've expended a proper amount of energy showing how much I appreciate your efforts," Baizhu confessed as she stepped in to rest against him, "and as much as I'd love to allow you run around like that I don't think we'll be alone for much longer."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa shook her head as she watched Farah walk off. She counted the day as sort of lucky and hoped Farah would share more over the tea they agreed to take together since she was unfortunately free during her break later that afternoon.

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa dutifully opened the drawer she was directed towards while wondering if it was one of the ones she had been pressed against moments before. The bundles she held she added gently just before moving to push it back into place and then turning to see Baizhu pulling forth the next item from the box he had in hand.

"Identify it," he stated with a grin as she accepted she leafy branches he held out, "and then tell me where you think I would store it."

The answer she had she held back on as she followed the shift in Baizhu's attention to see Gui pushing up the screen that closed off the foyer of the pharmacy from the outside world.

She followed Baizhu's gesture to place the plant matter back into the box just before the young herbalist greeted them. Her response was a look to the doctor who placed the box on the counter while reciprocating and  wondering if it would be as awkward as the first time she had met him.

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa chipped away at the nail polish on her thumb while wishing she could trade the girl that sat across from her for the one that she knew would sit too close to her at her side. The idea that she'd have to survive the next hour and then be forced to attend alchemy alone was one that settled over her and added to the sense of  dread she was trying to ignore.

~>゜)ーーー

The moment Lisa realized that the item Gui bent to collect was the brush she had procured from Baizhu's hair she felt a flush threaten to take hold. As the man turned to place it on the table where it originated from, she stole a glance to the doctor to find him overting his eyes and running his tongue along his upper teeth.

"I don't have any appointments booked today?" Baizhu recovered well, drawing her to see him refocused on the brunette that set his shoulder bag onto the counter, "that's curious."

"It has been a bit since we've had a day like this," Gui stated just before offering a huge grin. "I count it as us doing a job well done."

"Well," Baizhu offered thoughtfully as he pushed up the gold frames on his nose before closing the ledger before him. "I was expecting far more, and we've already taken care of most of the morning tasks along with trying to catch up on the deliveries."

"You didn't have to do all that." The herbalist claimed with his eyes widening,"if it's quiet what will I even do?"

"I don't believe it will be all that quiet around here, to be honest." Baizhu countered with a smile, "it is coconut milk day, and I'd imagine that Madame Ping may even drop by with Yaoyao for the occasion."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa had barely survived her classes after listening to Farah talk in circles. She had no good information to go on, no steamy enough tales that she could use as inspiration and nothing that pointed her in any direction other than starting all over again without a clue on which path could add more to assist in puzzling out exactly what the body of the Akademiya believed.

~>゜)ーーー

"Wait," Lisa released as Baizhu leaned back against the door he had closed. "What now?"

"I've been dismissed," he said coyly with a shrug letting his eyes fall over her, "unless there's an emergency, of course."

"Of course," Lisa repeated mockingly and smiled as he moved around her to take to the bottom step with her hand in his,"but...."

"But what?" He asked with his eyes narrowing slightly. "I pay him well, and there is always work around here I could do if I cared to, but I don't need to. Were you not listening?"

"Honestly?" she answered as she kept her eyes locked onto his, "No. I wasn't."

"But that's your fault," she admitted while watching the smile he had in place expand, "Your hairs down, your shirts half undone, and that shade of pink on you drives me fucking insane. Do you want to hear more?"

"I'll leave that entirely up to you, cutie." His statement got him the pursed lip contemplation he deserved,"I just wanna know if you wanna go upstairs and play with me."

"Lead the way, hot stuff." She declared, ready to fall victim to anything he wanted to do, "I want a good view of that ass while I've got the perfect opportunity."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa let out an exasperated sigh as she sank down into the chair in the front room. The only fear she had then was a petty one about falling asleep as she waited for Baizhu to enter the door she watched.

~>゜)ーーー

The chiding Lisa took in response to the double handed grip she took on her target had her beaming with pride as Baizhu glanced back over his shoulder.  The expressed fear of tumbling on the steps she took as too far and her expression transitioned as she settled on what she needed before they could move on.

"I told you I needed a minute." She reminded him as she ran her hands over him.

"You said," he countered as she watched the ends of his hair shift as he settled into holding that position, "you wanted a good view."

"It is a good view, baby. " She agreed, "it's great, but I still have things I need to do."

"If you're trying to retaliate -"

"I wasn't even thinking of that," she admitted and changed her course to grasp at his waistband, "but now that you mention it."

"That's cheating," she reacted with a pout as she continued with her plan and moved up a step to get closer, "and you know it."

"I'm just trying to get a good view of it, darling," she countered while cursing the hair that fell into the way as she pulled at the back of his pants, "could you move your hair?"

"You," he interjected as she found him complying with her wishes and sweeping it over his shoulder, "wanted it down."

"I still do," she admitted while awe took over at the perfection she caught a glimspe of.

"Are you satisfied?"

"Barely," she spat as kindly as possible as she moved to slide a hand towards opening the front of the pants would allow the space necessary for what she had in mind."why are you so damned impatient?"

"And if I do wind up biting you," she continued, without allowing him to delay her as the fingers that took to the buttons demanded to remain to continue the thought she had previously while in the main body of the pharmacy, "it's your own damn fault."

~>゜)ーーー

"Hey there," Lisa released to the sight of Baizhu's weary expression as he moved away from the front door, "Cutie.  Long time, no see."

Chapter Text

The intoxication Lisa ran her tongue over urged her to go against the idea she had of adhering to the words that had been spoken moments before. There was no intentional retaliation in her mind as her fingers slid over the piece she should have released before its inevitable struggle against the fabric that bound it.

"Baby," Lisa spoke up as her decision was made,"would you do me a world of a favor and turn around? It's becoming all too tempting to bite your ass."

~>゜)ーーー

"Work was fine," Baizhu answered as he sat on the loveseat across from her, "and with Changsheng's ability we managed to save a man who would not have made it through the night."

"With that being said,"  he added with a solemn smile, "there are some things I need to share about how this works."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa pursed her lips at the way her name was spoken as she watched Baizhu move through half of the turn she needed him to perform. An overwhelming urge to do as she pleased hit her as she absent mindedly ignored what he said and while running a hand up the outside of his thigh began to formulate the best plan of attack.

~>゜)ーーー

"So," Lisa worked on processing what was shared while trying to figure out how it actually worked, "you took in what was killing someone else...why in all of the seven realms would you do something so asinine?"

"To save lives," Baizhu stated calmly, "where even medicine can fail."

~>゜)ーーー

"Lisa," Baizhu said, much to her dismay while lifting her chin forcing her to look up just as at the exact moment she had freed her main objective,"there are a thousand other things I'd prefer to do with that mouth of yours."

"A thousand?" She repeated with her brow rising as her hands spoke of his glory, "that's a high claim there, Doctor Baizhu."

"I meant it, " he countered as she caught the minute changes to his expression that stemmed from the effort she put into stimulating his libido manually. "Don't test me."

~>゜)ーーー

"And now we wait?" Lisa released while trying not to fear for the worst, "What kind of symptoms are we looking for?"

"Honestly," Baizhu began with his eyes falling to where they were held in his lap, "I have no idea, and there is no telling what exactly I'll wind up with,  because as we speak Changsheng is working on metabolizing it within my system and when it hits it will be in a much weaker form than the victim it was taken from."

~>゜)ーーー

"I live to test you, darling." She stated while hoping that the diabolical thoughts she had could be conveyed through the clear cut devotion she showed him, "what if I woke you up in this manner?"

"I believe you know," Baizhu's words made her heart skip a beat as her excitement grew,"exactly what your fate would be. "

"I do," she boasted proudly, "I just want you to remind me."

~>゜)ーーー

"So," Lisa released at length as she ran her hands up the arms of the chair while looking him over,"I take it fucking is off the table then?"

"I'd advise against it, just because I'm not sure what is going to happen, " Baizhu offered gently, "but I'm also not going to try to stop you."

"But," she countered with thought, "You're sick. Technically."

"Technically," he repeated, "but no matter what symptoms I come down with, I'm not contagious in the least, so there's nothing to fear there."

"So then we can fuck."

"Technically, yes." His answer was all she needed to set her mind on the objective, "but I ask before you attempt to do anything with me, would you mind working on dinner while I prepare a concoction that will help me through this process?"

"Sure," she released quickly, "anything for you, handsome."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa's focus was on the eyes that studied her as she took in his thoughts on the matter. The way they fell to the lips she parted suggestively as she poured her emotion into the delicacy her touch ran over.

~>゜)ーーー

"So," Lisa began as she watched the care Baizhu had while allowing Changsheng to depart his frame onto a cushion he had set down on the kitchen table, "I heard a few rumors about your friend today."

"Anything good?" He asked while moving to lock onto her gaze.

"They're coming from Amurta,"she admitted as she offered her hand to lead him from his place, "and have  evolved from their Haravatat origins, so I don't even know how much of it is actually viable, so I don't even know."

~>゜)ーーー

"DOCTOR BAIZHU!"

The death of any recognizable expression fell from Baizhu's face as Lisa jumped from the rapping at the door at the base of the steps and the shouting from Herbalist Gui.

"I ALMOST FORGOT ABOUT HONGDOU, SHE'LL BE HERE ANY SECOND!"

~>゜)ーーー

"Well," Baizhu spoke as she watched him pause to address her, "in his defense a lot of the rumors include violence,  but that's just because of his physique and his brash manner of speech when it comes to dealing with the nonsense he's forced to face."

"I respect his desire to not waste his time and energy," he continued with a small smile breaking out on his face, "though at times, if he could just set things aside to at least speak in a more neutral way, he may not come off as such a tyrant."

~>゜)ーーー

"In Gui's case," Baizhu explained as Lisa recovered from the shock that had taken over while following Baizhu into the bedroom, "it does count as an emergency."

"For the life of him," Baizhu explained as she watched him go through the process of selecting a new pair of pants from the wardrobe to her left, "Even with him being kinder than I am, he cannot assist little Hongdou."

"She unfortunately has an extreme aversion to swallowing the pill form of the medicine she needs to be rid of a condition she has," the subject matter of what was shared kept her eyes locked onto his face rather what she wanted her focus on as he changed,  "and the alternative we produce here is a far worse fate with how bitter it is."

"As this has gone on," he continued as she moved to assist by taking her time securing the closures of his shirt, "it has been reduced to only I that can convince her to take it, and if I am unavailable her mother is forced to open a commission for assistance, and not very many are willing to even attempt it."

~>゜)ーーー

"Or rather," Baizhu corrected himself with a smirk, "put on a facade, because I fear that his normal, neutral state may just be too much for most to handle."

~>゜)ーーー

"This girl," Lisa admitted as she ran her hands over the fabric covering his upper half, "sounds like a fucking brat."

~>゜)ーーー

"Sounds like he's got a resting bitch face," Lisa released nonchalantly as she watched Baizhus attention fall to opening the front of his robes, "but that really doesn't explain the whole disappearance of the girl he was fucking."

"What girl?" Baizhu asked with his brow lightly knitting together as he looked to meet Lisa's eye."There's no girls in his life that I know of, and no way he'd change his mind so suddenly either."

~>゜)ーーー

"She's just a child." Baizhu countered just before he collected her hands within his and moved to break away, "and she is petrified when it comes to swallowing the capsule."
"
"I believe she may play up not liking the bitter alternative,"he continued as he stopped short of leaving the room and released her hands to be reapplied to his persom,"so, you may be onto something there, but that fear she has is real, and fear has the ability to shut out all of your other emotions."

~>゜)ーーー

"No, he's not into guys," Baizhu offered with a small smile, "he's just highly opinionated."

~>゜)ーーー

"I'm not sure what has taken place that the poor thing can be moved to tears and nearly shaking when you bring up swallowing pills," Baizhu shared as she watched him move to collect his hair and began the process of twisting it up into a feasible bun, "because it is usually a learned predisposition, but I cannot fault her for that."

~>゜)ーーー

"Excuse me, what?" Lisa asked and watched Baizhu's smile expand, "I'm going to need you to repeat that."

~>゜)ーーー

"I can however, " Baizhu continued as she wrapped her arms around him when he reached out to make a selection for what he would secure his hair with, "work with her on gently attempting to get her to take the pill, and when that fails, no sympathy for the bitter medication she has to take before she's allowed to leave my sight."

"Baby," Lisa released as she watched the way he tilted his head slightly as the hair pins were put into place,"that last part sounds rather exciting. Would you do something like that with me?"

"I'd be more than happy to," he said to her surprise before dashing her hopes against the shore,"but you're going to have to claim that you don't want to swallow something so that I can force you to take the alternative."

"But what if I want to be a good gitl?" She asked with a wink, "and show you how good I am at swallowing?"

"That isn't what you asked me to do," he countered with his lips moving to mirror the grin she had in place, "and just hang onto that thought for when you can convince me that's what I want."

~>゜)ーーー

"Women," Baizhu repeated himself without changing his intonation, "are walking vaginas."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa happily followed Baizhu down the stairs while working out details for her ideas while watching him open the door and step beyond the frame. As she met up with her thoughts were interrupted with the implications of her presence in the nonpublic portion of the pharmacy.

"Baby," she released as she gazed into his reptilian eyes, "as much as I'd like to walk out there proudly as if we were up to no good, I don't know of that's what I should be doing right now."

"You're free to do as you please, Lisa," the doctor offered while tucking rougue curls behind her ear, "and if you'd like, you could duck out the back exit to make an appearance at the front, but I welcome your presence in every aspect of my life and I mean it wholeheartedly."

~>゜)ーーー

"That's rich," Lisa stated with a slight giggle, "he's on to something there, you know?"

"But needs to experience at least one to stake such a claim in public, " she added with her brow raised, "without coming off like a complete fucking dickhead."

~>゜)ーーー

"Maybe I should mess up your hair just a tad then," she offered and was thrilled with the smile that spread over Baizhu's face,"to make sure you looked good and well fucked."

~>゜)ーーー

"Haven't your preconceived notions been brought to light after being exposed to the act itself?" Lisa asked as she watched the lace cami finally made a reappearance as Baizhu removed his uniform.

"I'm not really a good example." He countered as she soaked up the sight of his almost bare shoulders. "I had full capacity of what that activity could entail before becoming a part of it. Not to mention my own personal reaction to it as well is vastly different."

"You're no fun, handsome." Lisa claimed before pursing her lips in thought, "I thought you'd back me up."

"I would have thought," he offered with the beginning of a smile forming on his lips, "that you'd have asked me if I had any preconceived notions that I'd like you to help to be rid of."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa took to the spot near Gui, who was in the process of filling a prescription to study the youth in question.

Partially blocked by the frame of her traditionally handsome mother, Hongdou looked like a young girl that would be better off in a field of flowers chasing butterflies instead of coming out of hiding at the sight of the green haired doctor that approached.

She timidly stepped forward while wiping at her eyes and then moved to ball up the length of her dress into her hands as she listened intently to what Baizhu spoke about. The mother looked a mix of flustered and embarrassed as she watched their exchange, the child she couldn't control or understand directing her daily life and forcing her to visit the pharmacy on the daily.

Lisa caught the genuine smile he wore as he moved to offer a closed hand, with his palm up, as if he very well held the pill he had that the girl wouldn't take. The emotions that went into play as she watched the girl peer at his hand before moving to stare at him in wonder had her wishing she was closer to truly appreciate him to her fullest.

~>゜)ーーー

"Now that you mention it, " Lisa cooed as she ran a finger up the strap sitting  over his shoulder, "I like that idea a lot."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa released a deep breath as she watched the little girl recoil when Baizhu opened his hand. His response was gentle speech that urged the girl to halt the obvious retreat to her mother's skirt. The next step was dropping the wrinkled mess she had made of her skirt and as she moved to return to where she had been she held on to suspicion as she glanced from his face to his hand and back again.

~>゜)ーーー

"If you wish to indulge in such a fantasy," Baizhu stated, drawing her attention to meet his gaze, "we must make haste to get the concoction prepared. If I don't have it,  well, I'd rather just explain as I make it."

~>゜)ーーー

"I don't know how he does it," Gui commented at her side, had Lisa nearly laughing at the way Baizhu raising his brow had the youth immediately stopping the tears she was working on. "That little girl has nearly made me cry."

"You'll get there, sweetie,"Lisa offered as she glanced over to see the look of concern Gui had."You need to work on handing out tough love. Just be glad you're so charismatic. That one is harder to learn."

~>゜)ーーー

"Baby," Lisa released sympathetically as she looked over the herbs Baizhu had selected to go into the cauldron, "What in the world are you trying to do to yourself?"

"What do you mean?" He asked, glancing up from where he worked on dicing up a large flower head. "This is what I need."

"Why is everything you come up with so disgusting?" She asked as she moved to stand beside him. "Can't you add something sweet to balance it out?"

"I could," he offered as he went back to work, sending the blade down through the plant matter to strike against the cutting board, "but there is no point, and the bitter is easier to recover from than the symptoms I'm enduring."

~>゜)ーーー

"He said sort of the same thing," Gui admitted as Lisa took in the girls victory against the bitter medication Hongdou had to take in the smile that was offered the doctor, "I just think it's too hard to do that. I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings."

"Unfortunately feelings get hurt at every turn," Lisa explained as she enjoyed the deep bow the little girl performed for Baizhu, "it's the delivery,  and the affection you have behind the act, and it's better than allowing all to rule you just because you don't want to break a heart or two."

~>゜)ーーー

"That's pretty tragic, handsome." Lisa offered as she studied the look of concentration he had in place.

"Honestly," Baizhu countered as he met her gaze with his shy smile moving into existence,"there is something that's sweet enough to counterbalance the medication."

"What is it, baby?" Lisa asked as she gave into the need she had to tuck the longer strands of green behind his ear, "I'll go grab it for you."

"You don't need to go anywhere," he claimed just before his focus went back to chopping. "You already have it."

~>゜)ーーー

"I'll try to work on that," Gui confessed as Lisa idly twirled the ends of a strand of hair around her finger while devouring the sight of Baizhu moving to stand, "but I think the hardest part may be accepting that I'm standing firm and potentially hurting someone just because it's for the greater good."

"You're not wrong, sweetie," she related with a glance to the brunette at her side,"and there's always the aftermath where you'd be the one to pick them up, dust them off and make it better as they grow."

~>゜)ーーー

"Well, handsome?" Lisa asked as she leaned into Baizhu's personal space, "are you going to tell me what that is?"

"Can I get this on the heat first?" He asked and got a look for not answering her question that dissipated almost immediately, "I'd rather have you show me what you think it is."

~>゜)ーーー

"That was all a little too cute downstairs, handsome." Lisa released to the one that placed a hand on the small of her back and planted a kiss on her shoulder. "I'm not sure what to do with you now,"

"But I hope," she continued as he settled in with both arms wrapping about her middle, "you'd care to join me for a spot of tea."

"I'd enjoy that immensely," his words were released gently near her ear as she moved her arms to rest over his limbs.

"How's Changsheng faring?" She asked while moving to catch a glimpse of his face.

"She's taken to napping." He answered, "I can't tell if she was that engrossed in that book or if she had gotten bored of it."

~>゜)ーーー

"I still can't believe," Lisa spoke to the contents of the cauldron she studied, "You're going to injest this."

"I haven't really a choice." Baizhu explained drawing her to look over to find him with both hands steadying himself on the table. "I hope you don't mind that I'd like to tone it down a bit now and enjoy your company."

"Of course not, baby," she released as she stepped closer to where he stood, "you go ahead and sit, I'll grab something to eat."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa was thrilled with the way Baizhu took to the space at her side after setting aside the mug he held on the table beside Changsheng's perch.

Following his touch along the outside of her thigh she moved to face him, draping her legs over the ones he crossed while accepting him into her arms.

"Baby," Lisa released as she thought about how uncomfortable it had to be with his glasses pressing into her upper chest as he relaxed against her frame, "you could have told me you wanted to cuddle."

"You wanted tea." His words inspired the proud smile that went into play on her lips,"I'm not going to disrupt your plans."

"You have every right, baby," she offered as she combed her fingers through his hair,"You pulled an all nighter after loosing a decent amount of blood."

"There's still so much to do." He lamented around the birth of a yawn.

"All of it can wait, love." She countered and moved to run her hand along his shoulder, "let me get you to bed."

~>゜)ーーー

"I'm fine," Baizhu claimed as Lisa took a seat beside him while setting down a platter holding a selection of raw finger foods, "just feeling slight fatigue, which is a very common beginning."

"I've got to admit," she released as she studied his emotionless face, "I don't really like the idea of you getting sick, baby."

"But I'm not sick," he offered with a hint of a smile forming, "I promise. I just run through the symptoms for a spell."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa felt that the move from the loveseat to the bed had invigorated the man that took to immediately moving to press against her. Baizhu fed her the gentlest of kisses while interlocking his legs with hers and running a hand up her hip dragging her dress along with it.

"This," Lisa explained when he broke away,"is counterintuitive to the plan."

"If you would," she released as she watched him nearly flinch to the fingers she placed on the edge of his frames. "You don't need these right now."

When she twisted with her arm extended to set his glasses aside she found him becoming further entangled with going against her idea for him. His hand moved to grip her bottom and pull her in closer as he brought his leg up to shift his frame to sit slightly lower than hers.

The thoughts she wanted to share she hung onto when he wrapped his arms around her waist to hold her tightly while planting a kiss over her heart.  The awakened desires she had she released a deep breath to as she dutifully pulled the hair pin he had used to free his hair.

After setting it down to rest near his glasses on the side table she moved to expend the devotion she had for him in the hands she used to run through his hair against his scalp. She whispered sweet nothings to him just before kissing the crown of his head and settled in to focus on everything she found intoxicating about his presence.

~>゜)ーーー

"Changsheng won't let anything bad happen to me in relation to anyone she heals." Baizhu explained as Lisa ran a hand down his back, "the contract prevents that from happening."

"It does work to my advantage, technically." Baizhu admitted as Lisa selected an olive. "And she's stuck with me unless some outside influence can take me out."

~>゜)ーーー

As Lisa's vision came into focus her mind worked out the details on what she had experienced. She clearly recalled Baizhu moving against her, the breath that had caught in her throat and the brush of his lips beside her ear.

The volume of the voice she registered seemed to be the same, but the timbre of that near musical tone and the distance she registered brought her to accept the reality she was a part of.

"Did I," she asked herself as she moved to sit up, "just have a normal dream?"

~>゜)ーーー

"You look really tired, handsome." Lisa explained as she admired the shape Baizhu's mouth took as he accepted the morsel she placed between his lips, "and it gives you a very sexy quality."

"And," she added as she leaned towards him,"makes me think about the slow and gentle we're not awake yet fucking."

"I'd love to indulge you," Baizhu explained as she watched his eyes move over her, "but I can't risk the outcome along with what I know may happen."

"I know, baby." She offered, accepting the fate being handed to her. "I just need you to hear me say it."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa toyed with the hem of the shirt she had borrowed as she leaned against the door frame enraptured with the scene playing out in the next room.

From her vantage point over the back of the loveseat was Baizhu, with his hair back up in a bun as he looked from one side to the other. In the opposite direction from where he spoke she watched as a youth rose with her light brown hair done up in two buns crying out for the attention of the others.

"We saw it, I promise!" The girl exclaimed as she gestured widely with her arms, "except it was two times that size and had three times as many eyes!"

"Is that so?" Baizhu asked and the bright youth bobbed her head up and down and the laugh he let out rang gently through the air.

"Yuegui wasn't scared!" She continued as she spun around before pantomiming a series of attacks where she cried out, "and neither were we!"

"We took it out so quick,"she continued as her voice took on a serious tone as she continuedto fight the air, "with a hiyaa, and a ha!"

"Wooow," the lifeless, monotone exclamation that she watched Baizhu's attention move to where she knew the small Qiqi had to be.

"Don't say wow like that, Qiqi," the girl explained as she lifted her arms up to gesture with, "you were there!"

~>゜)ーーー

"It's fine, baby." Lisa released as she helped pull Baizhu to his feet, "I'll help with anything you need."

"I think," he let out as the step he attempted seemed to be too much leaving him to lean away from her while grabbing the back of the chair he left, "I should sit back down."

"You're not going to just sit there having to pee." She countered and squeezed his hand gently, "Let's go to the bathroom,  babe. It's not too far."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa felt the full-on blush her face took on as the boisterous brunette released salutations, making her the center of attention. She was nearly beside herself when Baizhu moved to put a knee to the place he had sat and extended his arm over the back of the seat to offer her his hand.

"Qiqi,"Baizhu spoke as the one in question popped up at his side to watch him intently as she moved forward, "Yaoyao,  this is Lisa."

~>゜)ーーー

"Okay," Lisa admitted as she leaned against the wall beside the one she held in place,"this is rougher than I thought."

"But we can do this, baby," she offered with a wink, "just a little bit further.'

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa looked from the young girl who released rapid fire questions as she glanced over to find respite in Baizhu's eyes. The smile she found herself mirroring gave her a sense of grounding, and the hand she felt take hers was more than enough reason to try to integrate herself into the conversation.

~>゜)ーーー

"Baby," Lisa offered as she put a fist to her hip while looking down at Baizhu, who had slid down the wall to rest his bottom on the floor near her feet,"what do you think you're doing?"

"Trying to figure out," he answered as he looked away from her, "how this is going to work."

"I am too, honey," she offered as she ran a hand over the green hair atop his head,"and I think I'll plop you down and then take my leave if that's alright."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa was grateful that the young Yaoyao had turned her attention to explaining everything to her polar opposite best friend who had a slight look of surprise on her face as she listened intently.

"I'm a librarian," Lisa released with a sigh while losing herself to Baizhu's reptilian eyes,"and I am far from interesting."

"If that's the case," the doctor claimed with a smile, "maybe I should tell you why I find you extraordinarily intriguing."

"I don't think your reasons," she countered with a wink, "are the same as the children,  Doctor Baizhu."

"I may be guilty as charged," he openly admitted with a sweet smile,"but I wouldn't list those reasons here and now unless you wanted me to."

~>゜)ーーー

"Handsome," Lisa released while running her hand over Baizhu's upper back while trying to ignore how his lean on her suited the emotions she had going into play,"this is where I'm supposed to leave for a minute."

"But I'm not going to." She added with hope to not offend him, "I just can't,  so do whatever you need to do and let's get you to bed."

Chapter Text

"Are we done with the book now?" Baizhu asked after clearing his throat to get the attention of the girls who spoke amongst themselves.

"Oooh," Qiqi released at length as she moved as quickly as she could to take the seat next to the doctor opposite of where Lisa sat,"it's...story time."

"Qiqi we did that!" Yaoyao countered joyfully as she bounced over to stand before Baizhu, "we got to the part with the giant spider."

"A..." the undead youth repeated in a soft tone, "giant... spider?"

"Yeah!" Yaoyao agreed with her hands moving to fists in excitement, "just like those ones we fought near those ruins. You remember that?"

"Ruins?" Qiqi placed a finger against her chin as if deeply concentrating while Yaoyao nearly shouted confirmation. Her large magenta eyes then moved to study Baizhu, "I...I don't remember."

"Do you want me to read about the spider?" Baizhu asked while offering the open book for her to spy the depiction of the story's focus. "I could do that for you if you'd like."

"Qiqi!!" Yaoyao lamented loudly as the young girl at the doctor's side agreed to his offer, "that'll be the third time!"

"We should have a snack instead," the brunette declared then with a smile as Lisa managed to keep the giggle that wanted to escape under wraps, "and coconut milk."

~>゜)ーーー

"Come on, baby,"Lisa ignored the concerns Baizhu had brought up as she moved her hand over his upper back once again, "Can you do it? Just for me?"

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa set her hand just behind Qiqi, who had taken to climbing onto the table to watch what was going on.

She smiled at the way the young girl sat on her heels with her hands politely folded on her lap. Her friend, opposite of her observing Baizhu who gave directions while performing the act of chopping a stalk of celery.

~>゜)ーーー

"You did such a good job, baby,"Lisa confessed as she ignored everything outside of collecting the man that wound up clinging to her when he made it back onto his feet. "And I'll tell you all about the treat I'd like to give you,  but first,  we really need to get you to bed."

~>゜)ーーー

"You," Lisa pointed out as Baizhu took the seat at her side, deserving the smile that crept onto her face, "Never get a moments rest, do you?"

"They do keep life interesting," Baizhu explained as she watched his eyes move over her,"if that's what you mean."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa adored the pitiful look she was given as she pulled the gold frames free from Baizhu's face while explaining what she needed next.

Her concerns were focused on the chills he had mumbled about as she struggled to keep him moving and the flush his face had taken on as she finally sat him down on the mattress.

She shushed away his incoherent stuttering as she freed his hair from the bun. After leaving him a kiss on his hairline, she repeated what she needed of him and thanked him for listening to her direction by leaning into her,  resting his forehead against her chest.

After she quickly moved to secure his hair in a high pony tail she tried to get him to agree to climbing into bed and nearly broke down along with him as he started to choke on his words while trying to tell her he wasn't sure he had the strength enough to complete the action.

~>゜)ーーー

"I disagree," Lisa countered while enjoying the way his shoulder bumped against hers as he moved to accept the bowl of apple slices, "if this 'outfit' was more cohesive I'd accept being called cute."

"I literally put your shirt over my nightgown." She explained, gaining his eyes as he took a bite of the piece of fruit he held."I had no intentions of doing anything outside of lazing about, and my usual garb I feel is a bit too much for the everyday I'm feeling here."

"Then allow me to be biased," he offered, "I find you stunning in just about anything you chose to adorn yourself with."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa shrugged off any ideas contrary to triumph as she moved to look over the man she had finally gotten into a position she could accept him sleeping in.  She thanked the archons the bed was left unmade as she went through the process of collecting the blanket from under each of his legs in turn before moving to find him looking miserable as she pulled it up over him.

"Baby," Lisa cooed as she pushed Baizhu's nearly soaked bangs off of his forehead, "You're burning up."

"Fever," he stated the obvious. With his eyes closed and his facial features relaxing, he looked like he could be sleeping. "I'm freezing."

~>゜)ーーー

"And that's," Lisa released with a wink, "why I'd rather be in the buff covered by you."

~>゜)ーーー

"Just sleep, baby," Lisa told the owner of the golden eyes that found hers, "I'll be right here for you."

~>゜)ーーー

"What?" Qiqi asked as Lisa glanced over to find Baizhu looking away from her.

"Don't look at me like that," Yaoyao stated in her high pitch as Lisa caught her friend's wide eyed stare, "Master has explained it enough for me to recognize it when I see it."

"And if you look at Doctor Baizhu, you can see it," she continued as her undead buddy followed her gesture to study the one in question,  "he's got the googly eyes for her."

~>゜)ーーー

"Holy," Lisa released at length as she thanked the archons she made it in time while running her hand over Baizhu's upper back,"shit..."

~>゜)ーーー

"Why, Doctor Baizhu," Lisa spoke as the girls giggles grew fainter as they fled the room, "I hear you have a crush on me."

"Did I," she asked as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, "hear that correctly?"

~>゜)ーーー

"Baby," Lisa offered while securing the hair that kept falling into Baizhu's face,"You're far from fine."

Her heart broke as the words he parted his lips to share were lost to returning his face into the opening of the waste bin he hugged to continue purging the contents of his stomach.

~>゜)ーーー

"I don't think she has a full grasp on what she speaks of," Baizhu stated as he stood,"but her master most certainly would if she were here."

"You didn't answer my question, handsome." Lisa asked while following suite to stand before him.

"I think it may be too soon to admit to having a crush on you, unfortunately," he answered with a smile that spoke a vastly different message, "I think I'll be able to discern the truth of how I'm reacting to your presence as I spend more time with you, so remember to ask me later."

"Why can't you just say it?" Lisa asked with one brow rising.

"That would be too easy," he countered with a question of his own as she caught the flush on his features masked by where his glasses sat,"wouldn't it?"

~>゜)ーーー

"I think this is worse than what happens when we fuck, if that helps any." Lisa admitted, hanging onto the idea of positivity and loving the weak smirk that toyed with Baizhu's lips. "You're cute as hell, even sick baby."

"Do you really want this?" She asked as she lifted the piece of root she held up between them, "Isn't there something else you can do?"

"I won't eat it," he stated with his face scrunched up a tad, "it's for the nausea."

"Then I hope it fucking helps," she released with thoughts on what he'd already been through, "open up sexy, I got something for you to suck on."

~>゜)ーーー

"No Qiqi," Yaoyao demanded as Lisa smiled at the book that was being brought in by the purple haired youth who picked up the pace to get safely to Baizhu, "Not the spider book again!"

~>゜)ーーー

"Oooh,"Lisa cooed as she gently tugged on the root she wouldn't give up completely to devour the sight of Baizhu's lips pursing slightly, "Baby I think you're too good at this."

"Gimme just a second, " she released when he shivered and moved to reposition the blanket that was trying to slide off his shoulder. Once she was satisfied with how cozy he seemed, she put her hand back onto the plant matter he had in his mouth and mouthed a kiss to him before continuing. "I might not be able to last if you keep this up."

"Would you like that baby?" She asked while catching on to how long it took for him to blink and the partial dilation of his elongated pupils. "I'll do whatever you like."

Baizhu's attention fell to where his hand moved under the blanket to bump up against her knee. She counted the herbal supplement he gnawed on as effective and the strain that melted away from his facial features when she returned to his eyes after placing her hand over his.

"It's okay, baby." She claimed as she moved in while running her hand up his forearm and jumped to holding her arms out to collect him,"come here, I can make it all better. "

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa released a giggle to the way Yaoyao ran back a few strides to collect Qiqi who stood with a finger against her chin concentrating on them.

"Don't forget to do your stretches tonight," Baizhu reminded the purple haired youth that watched him intently, "or I'll be doing them all alone before bed."

"I'll make sure she remembers,"Yaoyao spat out as Qiqi took her time to respond in her own way, "don't worry!"

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa released a deep sigh of relief when Baizhu's breathing evened out. The idea he had shared about him being 'fine' she scoffed at as she yanked on the blanket to make sure it covered the nap of his neck with the way his head was held at an odd angle with his forehead against her upper chest.

~>゜)ーーー

"Gui will be fine," Baizhu explained as he led her away from the pharmacy, "I've been working with him and  pushing him lately to have confidence in his ability to diagnose common ailments and how to treat them."

"I find it challenging enough to stay away from the pharmacy and to allow him to work." He admitted with a genuine smile, "I  have a great weakness to my calling and the ability to help those that come seeking assistance."

"I know you do, baby," Lisa boasted matching his smile, "I've always admired that about you."

~>゜)ーーー

With curiosity fueling her Lisa ran a finger up the trail of saliva that had run down over her breast. Thinking solely of the man it originated from her desires flared as she fantasized about the sample she was getting and the others she'd hope to obtain and thought nothing of the act she followed by placing it between her lips to savor it against her tongue.

Her immediate reaction was retching to the extreme sour that took over her senses. Recovering with deep breaths sucked in between her lips that still held onto the grimace she had made she recalled to implement Baizhu had in his mouth that acted as the diving board for rhe drool she had tasted.
"
"I don't understand why you torture yourself like this, babe," she told him as she moved to take hold of the end of the damp stick.

Tugging did nothing against the way he had it clamped between his back teeth, forcing her to rethink what she would do with him. The solution she could reason gave her pause, but knowing there was something that could find an answer to the mysteries he held gave her a calm and made laying him back worth her effort.

Lisa urged him gently as she went back to trying to get the root free and paid him compliments after he complied.  Her attention then went to the trail her hand took over his chest and abdomen to where the blanket had been pooled from when he was in a seated position.

"I'll be back, handsome." She claimed softly as she pulled the blanket up to cover him properly,"I'll only be gone for a minute."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa followed the length of Baizhu's arm from where he had taken up her hand in his to study him in profile.  Her thoughts went to their last moments together at Akademiya and the confessions he had made that stripped her of everything before breaking her into two.

Seeing him as he always claimed, just fine, was a true relief, and the moment she found him glancing over and meeting her eye, the world around them halted.

"I wanted to follow you, Zhu," She released from a throat she felt closing on her,"but I couldn't."

"I'm glad you didn't," he offered as he moved to stand before her."I heard you graduated with an extreme honor, and that news made me very happy."

"How the hell did you make it all the way here alive?" She asked as she tried to fight the emotion pouring over her. "You were so sick."

"I was fine," he admitted with a sad smile, "it's merely a condition I have learned to deal with over the years."

"And there is no one to thank," he added while moving to take her other hand, "he wouldn't accept it anyways. He wouldn't even accept my gratitude towards his actions, stating it was simply what friends do."

"I was hollow after you left, darling." Lisa spoke as she ignored the tear that took to rolling down her cheek, "and...because of your wishes, with you being blotted out by the Akasha...my pain went into my studies so that I could get the fuck away from there as quickly as possible."

"You two were the only ones who were permitted to remember me there," Baizhu explained as she lost his hand just to find him moving to wipe the moisture from her face with his thumb, "the Akademiya were none too happy with the clauses in the contract they made with me when I decided to go there to study modern medicine."

"A lot of good it's done us," Changsheng's voice drew her to spy the red eyes that studied her, "You've barely used any of those remedies."

"Changsheng," Baizhu spoke to the snake on his shoulder, "you know full and well that nothing is as strong as the power found here in the plantae of Liyue."

"Their techniques, on the other hand, were nice to learn." He continued as Lisa found a content smile moving to outweigh the shadows of the past, "and the why I do not open my doors to those toting their midwives along with them."

"That is the one thing I stand firm on." He claimed as she watched him study her, "I do not agree with someone who does not have the medical backing to give comprehensive support to both the mother and the child during gestation."

"It only took one house call to force my hand in making that decision." The doctor shared with his expression hardening, "and every other after that of the same ilk is but another nail in my coffin."

~>゜)ーーー

"Hey there, friend," Lisa offered the snake that rose up to address her with its full attention, "can you tell me how Baizhu is?"

"He's fine," the rude tone she pursed her lips at, "he's done a good job,  Lisa. You need to recognize this and let it run its course."

"He doesn't seem fine, Changsheng." She spat with her eyes narrowing, "he's running a really high fever, and he was throwing up."

"And?" The snake asked nonchalantly, "I'm working on it as we speak, not that it's any of your business. I don't even know why he's chosen you of all people to be involved in his personal affairs."

"I see no benefit from this endeavor he's taken to." The reptile added,"I'll have you take your leave now.  See if you can find something productive to do and leave him be."

~>゜)ーーー

"I can't get anyone to understand the significance of changing from that here," Baizhu explained before offering her a warm smile, "it's as you have stated, a land seemingly untouched by the effects of time."

"If anyone can, it's you, Zhu." Lisa offered as she felt enveloped by the emotions behind his gaze, "and you will, when it's your hands that bring our child into this world."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa was more than ready to throw the snake into the mess Baizhu had emptied into the bin she picked up. The desire to complete the act was strengthened by the short trek to the bathroom where she heard the continuation of the slurs she had walked away from.

~>゜)ーーー

"Well," Lisa explained as she found a smile moving into place, "I made the potion right after I booked the appointment to see you, so we have roughly three weeks before the effectiveness wears off."

"We can get some practice in before then," she offered, moving to lean slightly towards him, "pick out our favorite positions and weed out the ones we don't find worthy of such an event."

"Is that enough time for us to partake in the traditions you'd like to uphold to be wed?" His question forced her mind to focus on their reality, "I was thinking about taking you into the mountains and obtaining a blessing from the adepti for our joining. Nothing extravagant."

"That sounds extreme," she admitted as her hands were guided towards her back and released for him to embrace her, "and yeah, we can do that and stuff,"

"But we've got to go to Mondstadt and go through a service." She continued while placing her hands on his chest, "if not for us, but for my closest, most dearest friend in this whole damned world.  There is no way she'd accept that we ran off and put rings on in the mountains and fucked like bunnies to celebrate."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa held her breath to listen to the raspy quality Baizhu's breaths had taken and the fear she had grew as she noted how shallow each had become. She let out multiple curses after placing a hand on his forehead, finding his temperature unchanged, and looked to the doorway blaming the serpent who seemed to not care about the way he felt.

~>゜)ーーー

"I like the way you think, cutie," Baizhu offered, gaining a delicious grin from the one he held, "would you like to head to the mountains now?"

~>゜)ーーー

"Changsheng," Lisa demanded and got a red eyed stare from the coiled snake that still sat in the chair where she had left it in the kitchen, "would you please look at him and make him better?"

"I can't take this," she admitted with emotions, making it hard to collect her breath and calm her nerves, "he's really not doing good."

~>゜)ーーー

"I never thought you'd ask," Lisa confessed just before she moved to collect his lips against hers for a chaste kiss more than worthy of the busy street they stood on. "Do you really want to do that?"

"What?" He asked before his volume dropped drastically and his eyes narrowed slightly, "fuck like bunnies?"

"No, baby," she corrected him flirtatiously, "the rest of it, but I counted 'fuck like bunnies' as what we'd do regardless."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa stood by with the length of her nail caught between her teeth as she watched the snake she set down. The silence killed her as the white serpent did nothing except to study him without getting closer. When her impatience got the better of her and gave her the reason to speak out, she halted the attack as she watched Changsheng twist around to look at her.

"He's fine," the snakes usual tone did nothing for the irritation she has rising and her hands balled into fists was as much of a reaction she'd allow knowing the creature was tied to his very existence, "and will improve as time progresses."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa wondered what he had excused himself for as she watched him on the return to where he had left her. She looked him over as she thought about the shopkeeps' reaction to whatever he handed over and was more than curious about the way he came back empty-handed.

"We're set to head out now if you'd like," Baizhu offered sweetly as he went to take her hand once again. "I have need for nothing outside of you,"

~>゜)ーーー

"That literally makes no sense," Lisa spoke her thoughts aloud as she watched the snake curl up as if resting.  Her attention then moved to Baizhu's face that gave her concerns no rest as she watched his brow knit together. "Fucking useless bitch."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa smiled when she found the youths from earlier running towards them.  Her footfalls halted just after Baizhu's and glancing over caught his expression before she saw Qiqi halt to pull out her notebook.

"What are the odds that we would meet again so soon?" Baizhu asked as Yaoyao performed a frantic wave.

"My master told us we were going for a walk to blow the stink off of us," the young brunette announced proudly as she followed the doctor's movement to where the girl with the long purple braid stood."I just hope it includes some food. The last time we walked, she wouldn't get us anything to eat at all."

"Didn't you just eat?" He asked with a smirk and got a loud giggle as a response he ignored for the most part as he knelt down beside the quieter of the two girls, "What's wrong?"

"Um...." the girl released as she flipped pages just before looking over to meet his eye, "I...I don't remember."

"That's alright, little one." He offered sweetly as Lisa spotted the handsome figure the girls had left with approaching, "I don't want you fretting over any of the tasks at the pharmacy at all,  you're to enjoy the day with Yaoyao and Madame Ping."

The spell tag on Qiqis head flopped up and quickly fell back into her face as she performed a curt nod before tearing off to chase after her friend. The wizened Madame that had been mentioned came to rest as Baizhu returned to his full height, making Lisa wonder what piece of wisdom she was going to impart.

Seeing the way the older woman gestured towards Lisa gave her pause and a reason to move and begin to slowly make her way to where the girls were crouched down together. From her vantage point she could make out a lizard warming itself in the sunlight that dashed away as soon as Yaoyao reminded her friend of what it was and the sound of disappointment Qiqi released was washed away by the brunette who jumped up and declared that they should go look for more on the steps leading down to the harbor.

~>゜)ーーー

As soon as Lisa realized she had dozed off, she cursed herself for not watching over Baizhu properly. Moving to check on him the void of his presence that welcomed her doused her in a wave of panic she wasn't prepared for.

She scrambled to catch up with her thoughts and nearly fell when she moved to search for him within the apartment. Her hastened footfalls slowed as she rounded through the doorway into the hall the fear she had began to boil over as she thought about the doctors condition and the distance he'd have to travel to find his glasses if that was what he even thought of doing upon waking.

~>゜)ーーー

"Come on, girls." Madame Ping called out, and Lisa smiled at the way the girls bounced at her words before running off. Surprise hit her when she was addressed along with them,"I was talking to you too, dearie."

"I'm glad to see," the older woman told her with a sly smile as she met up with her, "There is actually a soul in this world that can handle that man."

"He's quite the looker," the older woman leaned in to share," smart as hell and good with kids to boot. You can't find too many of those these days."

"That's all without mentioning what else he has to offer, like that rear end of his." Madame Ping added and the smile that went into play on Lisa's face was for a woman she found after her own heart. "He's missed you for a long time and he's never even told me, I just know these things."

"Now, off with you," she stated with a smile and a gesture of her hand, "and save the date for when you're stuck with the kids. Go home, sit on his lap and talk about the first topic that pops up."

~>゜)ーーー

"Baby," Lisa released as she inched closer to the green haired beauty she found leaning back against the bathtub and his head leaning on the rim. "What're you doing in here?"

"I'm thirsty," Baizhu explained as he closed his eyes, "but extremely nauseous."

"Water now," he continued while opening his eyes to catch the sad smile she offered, "would just be testing my fate."

~>゜)ーーー

"I pray," Baizhu began as he took up her hand in both of his,"that she imparted wise words that held value for  you."
"You sound rather curious, love." She spoke while thoroughly enjoying the way he studied her, "and you make me wonder what it was she said to you."

"How 'bout we make a trade," she asked as she let her eyes move over him, "you tell me, and then I'll tell you."

~>゜)ーーー

"Wouldn't drinking help," Lisa offered thoughtfully as she ran her hand over Baizhu's bent knee, "even if it only stayed with you for a short time?"

"Technically, yes." He answered, his eyes unwavering from hers.

"Then you need to, baby." She urged him and ran her hand up to rest on his thigh. "I'll go get you some."

~>゜)ーーー

"You have to go first," Lisa claimed with a wink, "because I highly doubt she told you anything close to what she told me."

~>゜)ーーー

"Lisa. I'll be fine." Baizhu claimed as she moved to sit on her heels beside him, "you really don't need to worry about me."

"Don't start with that bullshit again," Lisa countered as she moved to scoop a bit of water from the bowl she held with a spoon. "This is the amount you get for now. It'll help you not guzzle like you want to, which will force you to throw it back up."

~>゜)ーーー

"Well, for starters," Baizhu began as he led her to stand in the shade of a tree along the side of the road, " she asked what I thought I was doing with you, and I admitted my intentions."

"To which she told me we were not required to complete." He stated as her thoughts went through what they had spoken on. "The mountain climbing portion is a test of sorts to prove that we would cooperate and provide for each other."

"I'm glad you went first, baby." Lisa explained as he released her hand to wrap his limbs about her waist, "she was gentle on you."

~>゜)ーーー

"Let me put it this way then," Lisa confessed as she moved to offer him the spoonful of water, "if you don't take this on your own I am not afraid to force you."

"And I'd rather you be naughty when you feel good," she continued as her eyes moved down to the plum strap that had fallen along his shoulder, "so that I can properly attend to you."

~>゜)ーーー

"I don't believe I told you I was finished," Baizhu claimed with a smile, "now, did I?"

~>゜)ーーー

"You don't have to treat me this way," Baizhu explained as the emotions she released fell flat to his words, "I'll be alright.  I promise."

"Of course I know this," Lisa countered as neutrally as possible as she set the bowl aside, "but I'd like to, just for you, if you like it."

"I'm not being disrespectful," Lisa confessed as she placed her hand against the side of his face,"I'm just  trying to help you feel better."

"If that includes me having to strip," she continued with a wink, and moved her hands to run down over her breasts, "I'll do it in a heartbeat, and I'll show you what you can do to pay me back when you're back to your usual self."

~>゜)ーーー

"No," Lisa agreed and wished his upper shoulders were free of the creature that looked as though it had dozed off once more, "my apologies,  please continue."

~>゜)ーーー

"You'd like that," Lisa cooed to the wicked smile that went into play too briefly on Baizhu's lips, "wouldn't you?"

"You, by far," she declared, "are the naughtiest boy I've ever met."

~>゜)ーーー

The adepti," Baizhu began at length as Lisa toyed with the idea of slipping her hands under the shirt that separated her from his chest, "know what I am, and have been quite supportive of my endeavors."

"And at any rate. the last person I healed in Sumeru that was the reason that I was forced to return, and that reaction I had to utilizing Changsheng's powers stuck around for quite some time, solidifying this condition that I suffer from in the communities eyes." The smile he produced then was of the sweetest variety, "the fatigue, shortness of breath, and a cough lingered for over a year."

"But I digress," the doctor released while studying her visage,"Madame Ping has been a staple in my existence for quite some time now and was the one that introduced me to the individuals that helped move my practice from outskirts of town to where it stands now."

"Atop those steps, like a beacon, Is what she told me at the time," he shared as she tried to imagine how the two had interacted through the years, "and now all I hear is bickering because of how many steps there are."

"She said that climbing those daily counts for my portion of the mountain, despite the fact the town is built to weather the wrath of the sea, and as for you," he claimed, pulling her a bit closer, "if I'm having trouble with it, you're to drag my ass up them and take my ass to bed."

~>゜)ーーー

"You've got on my favorite," Lisa admitted as she set aside the shirt she removed and ran her hand over the thin fabric that counted marginally as coverage, "so I hope you don't mind being forced to settle with this."

~>゜)ーーー

"Madame Ping," Lisa agreed with a grin, "is a wise woman, indeed."

~>゜)ーーー

"You're doing such a good job, baby." Lisa told the owner of the fingers that ran down her upper arm rather than the breast beside it, "How's your stomach taking it?"

"Hurts," his one word answer deserved the look she gave him as she let the spoon go to rest in the bowl before setting it aside once more, "but I don't think I'm going to throw up."

~>゜)ーーー

"She is one of the ones that don't see my 'condition' before seeing me, and I appreciate that." Baizhu stated calmly, "but be forewarned that there are those in the community who throw pity at me as if I am perpetually ill, and I just let them be. They mean no harm and act out of ignorance because I am lax to explain the truth when it really is none of their business."

~>゜)ーーー

"Do you want to go back to bed?" Lisa asked as she placed a hand on Baizhu's thigh.

"I'd rather stay here," the answer he gave made her purse her lips at him, "I don't think I can make it back there yet."

~>゜)ーーー

"I apologize for dragging you through the reeds," Baizhu stated as his fingers spread over her lower back,"I'm not attempting to avoid sharing all that she told me, but to add insight."

"I appreciate it," Lisa released before offering a smile,"I think it would be hard for me to hold back on kicking someone's ass for speaking to you incorrectly, and I also cannot wait to for more interactions with the Madame."

"She complemented," Lisa shared with thoughts on exploring the region herself. "Your ass."

"Was that it?" He asked with his brow rising.

"You're supposed to share first, Baby. Remember?"

~>゜)ーーー

"Anything you want me to distract you with?" Lisa asked with a wink.

~>゜)ーーー

"She informed me," Baizhu began after a pause where he closed his eyes to collect his thoughts, "that I had brought you to the wrong place for our date."

"What date?" Lisa asked with her brow knitting,"Last night?"

"Right now," he countered, "as if what we're doing now could be considered a date."

"Are we on a date?"

"Do you want it to be?"

"Maybe."

"Then it's a date."

"You didn't even ask me out."Lisa released while narrowing her eyes to study the man she was attached to, "so it doesn't count."

"Would you like to go on a date with me?" Baizhu corrected himself with his brow lifted.

"I'm," she admitted while scrutinizing him, "not sure."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa was grateful for the relaxation she saw registering over Baizhu's features as she smoothed the blanket over him.

"Hey there, sexy," Lisa said as soon as she caught him opening his eyes and looking over at her, "come here often?"

~>゜)ーーー

"All I know," Lisa released as she moved almost close enough to press her lips against his, "is that you have a nice ass, darling. Tell me more and maybe I'll go on this 'date' with you."

~>゜)ーーー

"I do, actually."Baizhu explained as Lisa watched his eyes clamp shut and a grimace took his features for a moment before he was able to look over at her once more. "But I don't believe it was here in this space, to be technical."

"We're going to have to remedy that."Lisa stated as she walked her first two fingers up his arm, "aren't we?"

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa's eyes opened in shock to the act she found herself part of. She had hadn't fully recovered from her back butting up against the tree they stood below before the hand that slipped through the slit on the side of the tunic she wore to gripped her rear forcing her heart to try to keep up the elevated tempo her emotions demanded.

She let herself go to his whims and closed her eyes to focus on the gentle tap against her lower incisors from the piercing through the tongue that had slipped between her teeth.

~>゜)ーーー

"As amazing as that sounds,"Baizhu explained as Lisa ran her fingers along his jawline, "I have to advise against it."

"The penetracion is the problem," he said to the face she made,"You've got a higher chance of getting an infection because of the water itself."

"That's not fair." Lisa released with a pout, "how else do you expect us to fuck in here?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Baizhu retorted with his own question and a wink she that made her heart skip a beat. "The way we usually do."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa was lost to the words she followed that led her to place her hands on the front closure of his pants. Baizhu's gentle touch landed on the knee she held aloft with her heel planted against the rough bark of the tree as she did as directed and diverted her attention as it trailed up her thigh.

She found him lifting her chin to lead her away from the sight of what her fingers told her of the desire he had for her and the release of that delicate subject added to the unsurmountable turmoil she had within the confides of the position she was in. The featherlight touch that left her jawline she found moving to place a finger perpendicular to his lips to motion for silence before moving to rest against her lips.

~>゜)ーーー

"I'm not really sure," Lisa explained to the one that smiled despite the pain she could see etched into his face. "I understand what you're talking about."

"Then come here," he explained and patted the hand his had been resting over, "and I'll show you."

~>゜)ーーー

Lisa's eyes moved over the sparce company they had at the mouth of the bridge that welcomed those who came to call to the beauty in the merging between the magnificent manufactured structure and the might of open sea that churned beyond. Seeing they were being ignored, she gave into the thoughts she had of expressing her gratitude to what he made of her and stared directly into his golden eyes while running her tongue along the length of the finger he still held aloft.

~>゜)ーーー

"I like this," Lisa admitted as her hands slid around Baizhu's neck to trail down his chest as she felt an unexpectedly portion of him waking up, "but if we were naked and in the tub wouldn't it just be torture with how cold the tub is?"

"Technically," he released with half closed eyes and a smile she wanted to exist in, "so I think we'd be better off somewhat as we are now."

~>゜)ーーー

The silent cries Baizhu captured from Lisa's lips as their precise movements ignited the fire betwixt them left her lost to the beauty in the pain of being completely engulfed. The eyes she watched narrow slightly mirrored her tragic fate when she found his demise drawing her to tumble over the edge along with him.

~>゜)ーーー

"I feel bad for even talking about this with you," Lisa admitted as she ran a finger along the lips she found too tempting to be real, "let alone fooling around with you like this."

"I'm not technically sick," Baizhu stated with lucid eyes masked in the haze of the fever that she hoped would break, "It's what was placed in me clawing at my insides to remain within as Changsheng works on consuming it."

"You can feel that?" Lisa asked with dread crashing into her.

"I've learned," he answered calmly while moving his hand up her thigh, "that it's best to ignore my qi all together while this goes on. The physical pain I'm in is enough without feeling the effects it has on my vital energy."

~>゜)ーーー

"We've got company." Lisa explained softly as she moved to look down at the one who pulled away to glance up up into her eyes.

The smile Baizhu gave her had a swirl of emotions rising within as she thought about what they'd accomplished. Delight settled in as she left the sight of him lifting a handkerchief to his face and found the guard closing in on them.

The clean-cut brunette inquired on the condition of the doctor who had moved to releasing a violent cough. She gave  gratitude to the expressed concern and happily took Baizhu's hand to pantomime the assistance he needed to stand.

~>゜)ーーー

"You don't need to do that," Baizhu's counter was deserving of the look she gave him, "I'll be fine."

"But if we're not going to fuck," she released while enjoying the way the item in question pushed against her, "You'll be tortured."

"It'll die down,"he explained as she idly ran a finger over the circle that stood out in the fabric of the cami he wore, "if you stop messing with me."

"I can't help your hyper sensitivity," Lisa openly admitted as she moved to gaze in his eyes, "or my desire to make you feel good."

"And I'm shocked you even pierced them knowing how sensitive they are." She added as she tried to ignore how fascinating they were. "But I also want you to know they're one of my favorite things in the world."

"I appreciate your honesty," he confessed just as he had as every other time they were brought up, "and for the self-restraint you show."

"I didn't know they were like that." He continued with his brow rising, "You should have started playing with them a couple of years ago, and maybe I wouldn't have."

~>゜)ーーー

"I see," Lisa teased flirtatiously when she pulled away from his lips, "you use your 'condition' to your advantage."

"That was your fault," Baizhu shared as she yanked on the hem of his shirt to keep him in place, "you wanted me to share what I was told, but you didn't specify in what manner."

~>゜)ーーー

"I don't think they'd be as fun as they are now had you not," Lisa released proudly as she settled down at Baizhu's side with her head resting on his thigh while enthralled with the distortion of the blanket he had over his lower half, "Technically,  so I doubt I would have played with them."

"I have preferences," she released almost giddily as she walked her fingers over his lower abdomen and devoured the sight of the way his body reacted to her finger running along the true victor of the favoritism she had, "and I can tell he wants to come out to play."

"Weren't you just telling me about how you feel bad for arousing me?" He asked, forcing her to give him a look while pursing her lips.

"I clearly remember telling you that you should allow me to relieve you of this pressure," she countered with her brows rising, "you'll find the endorphin rush you'll get will help you fall back to sleep."

~>゜)ーーー

"Now," Baizhu offered as he led her by the hand back to the stone path, "would you like to go on that date with me?"

"After that?" Lisa released with a wink, "I never thought you'd ask, cutie."

~>゜)ーーー

"What the hell do you mean you'd rather just cuddle?" Lisa asked the owner of the hand that landed on hers just as she was thinking about touching on the topic she wanted once again,"You can have that once I'm done with you."

~>゜)ーーー

"Except," Lisa released as she moved to intertwine her hand with Baizhu's as they moved to retreat from the escape to the mountains, "it's my turn, you know. To share the details on what I'm to do with you."

"And unfortunately for you," she continued as her focus moved to take in the visible portions of the harbor, "I can't go on a date with you when we don't have the children to derail my plans."

~>゜)ーーー

Everything Lisa contained demanded that she give into the desires she had dwelling within her as she accepted the kiss Baizhu gave her.

It was literal perfection with the length of time it took for him to pull away from their open-mouthed lip lock that spoke of deeper emotions tha