The god's last wish (Zhongli/Diluc x OC)

8

'Will you paint me again?"

Anthea woke up with tears falling down the corner of her eyes. Trails of the dreams she does not remember anymore loomed in the form of a stinging pain in her chest. 

She felt as if she had just been in a very long sullen dream where she had left someone really important. Yet no matter how desolate and longing her emotions made her feel,  she couldn't seem to remember why. 

Feeling cold early in the morning, Anthea turned over near his husband and snuggled herself towards him. Diluc, although still half asleep immediately moved to pull her closer.

And just like that, the warmth from his body dispersed all her worries. "I love you."

"I love you too." Diluc replied. It was a faint whisper but she heard it clearly. And it made her heart pound just as much as the day he first said those words.

—

"You're going beyond the outskirts today?" Anthea asked his husband as she sliced her breakfast steak with a delicate knife.

"Afraid so. I've been informed by the underground unit that there were abyss mages roaming around specific areas. I have to check for myself." Diluc replied as he hurriedly wore his cloak. 

"Aren't you going to eat breakfast first? In any case, I don't want you to fight with an empty stomach."

Diluc smiled and shook his head as he leaned towards his wife to give the side of her forehead a gentle peck. "I'm really sorry Thea, but if I want to get answers from them, I'll have to get going now. I'll return before nightfall. I've left extra pocket money for you in our room, please take time to do whatever you want here in Liyue. Okay?"

Anthea nodded hesitantly. Although she didn't want him to go alone, she has faith that he will immediately return as he had promised. Afterall, her husband is known to be the strongest in Monstadt. And she knew it was true, both in vigor and in wit.

A glimpse of sadness flowed down  Anthea's heart as she watched him walked away. She knew him very well, and although they vowed to share all their struggles with each other, Diluc still had a habit of keeping his worries to himself until he finally collapses and breaks down. When those times come by, Anthea always made sure that she's there to comfort him. But how would she possibly bring him comfort when he's away?

To keep her away from magnifying her anxieties, Anthea decided to take a stroll around Liyue by herself. Compared to Monstadt, Liyue was rather huge. Just one glance upon the Harbor's architectural designs, you can already tell that it is indeed a prosperous country. However, every time Anthea gazes at the view, her bewilderment is immediately replaced with unfathomable sorrow. She knew not of the Country's history, but why is it that she feels as if so many sorrowful things has transpired in the place during the past? How can one place that she's never been before break heart deep within upon just a single glance?

"Are you lost again?" Anthea turned her head to face the man she met in Chihu rock.

"Not this time." She replied with a smile as she diverted her gaze to the endless horizon.

"Then why do you look as though you can't find your way?" 

"Perhaps deep inside, I am."

"Is it because of your husband?" Anthea shook her head.

"It's because of me. Whenever I look at this place, I feel lost."

"Then would you agree if I offer a tour for the day? Perhaps you'll get your answers when you see Liyue's best spots. My name is Zhongli by the way." He offered as he held his hand out to her.

Anthea stared at the man's eyes. He was flashing a gentle smile, but she wondered how can a well-formed man have such striking yet very lonely eyes. 

"I guess so." She replied as she took his hand. However, when their fingers brushed against each other's, she felt as if lightning had struck her heart.

Anthea felt a sharp pain in her head. 'Will you paint me again?' Once again, she heard the voice in her dream. 

"Are you alright?" Zhongli asked as he held her shoulders. Out of impulse, she found herself avoiding her grasp.

His eyes widened, confused of her sudden reactions. 

"I'm sorry, I was just startled." She said as she shook away all the memories she had of her sullen dreams. "I actually have to return to the Pavilion before nightfall, so shall we go ahead?"