𝙜𝙤𝙡𝙙 || 𝙯𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙡𝙞 𝙭 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧

𝙜𝙤𝙡𝙙

In his eyes, you were the purest of the pure and yet he knew that he could never have you. You were mortal, while he, immortal. The span of your life was nothing but a mere second in comparison to the years he lived. And yet... he couldn't help but fall head over heels for you. As desperately as he tried to claw himself out of the hole he fell, he could never make it out.

"Hey, Zhongli!" Your voice called out to him, snapping him out of his train of thought.

"Ah, (Y/n)," he acknowledged, his lips instinctually curved upward into an endearing smile.

"I know it's probably a bit late and last second, but I've got no one to come to the Lantern Rite with. Would you please come with me?" You were ever so energetic, like a little pup, Zhongli realized.

"Yes, of course. Although may I ask you a question?"

"Sure, anything!" You beamed.

"Why is it that you invite me to the Lantern Rite? Do you not have many friends?"

"Well, I did ask Childe first, but he said he was too busy with work, and Aether, sadly, needs to go back to Mondstadt, so I thought of you!"

He was pained, his heart ached, for he will always be the last choice no matter the circumstance. That was always the case, was it not? Nonetheless, he was grateful you still considered him as a friend. Someone worthy of accompanying you to the Lantern Rite.

"Let us go, then. Time is of the essence," he ushered.

"What do you want to do first? Would you like to visit some food stalls? I'd like to! Or watch some dramas? Maybe make some lanterns? I've never made a lantern before, we don't do that in Mondstadt!" You immediately went full gear, excited to try out all the festivities Liyue had to offer.

"I presume you would like crafting lanterns. You do like arts and crafts, do you not?" Zhongli suggested.

"Mhmm, you're right. I think I'd like to make lanterns. Maybe I could even get some inspiration out of it," you grinned. "As a toy maker, it's my duty to make the best toys of the highest quality!"

Just like him, you were a creator. Although you only created childrens toys, your creations brought joy to whoever owned them. You always strived to help others– to bring joy to the children's faces. He loved that about you, the way you were so considerate of everyone else.

"Oh? Is that a cat? Poor thing!" The second he takes his eyes off of you, you were already off, helping a stray cat.

"It looks like it has just given birth, but it does not have enough food to feed its kits," the former archon pointed out, further enabling your kind nature.

"Awww, that's so sad. Why don't we feed the cat? Wanmin Restaurant is still open, right? We could get it some food!" You got up to leave, but the mother cat persistently rubbed herself against you.

Zhongli smiled, whether it be people, animals, adepti, former archons or gods, they all loved you for your kind, gentle yet out-going nature. You offered the cat a bright smile, scratching its ears, promising that you'll be back at a moment's time.

Reluctantly, the mother cat moved out of the way, allowing you to leave. Zhongli followed you close behind, not wanting to lose you in the sea of people that populated Liyue's streets. Easily slipping through the crowd, you reached Wanmin Restaurant in record time before returning to the cat.

You jovially smiled as you watched it eat, "Now, she won't have to starve any longer."

"You're too kind, (Y/n)," The brunette couldn't help but sigh.

"I know, a lot of people tell me that, even saying that I'm kind to a fault, but I can't help it. As peaceful as Teyvat is, it's still a cruel place. Everyone needs to work hard and scramble to earn what they can in order to survive, and not everyone could wield visions, so I aspire to make Teyvat at least the slightest teensiest tiniest bit better with my toys." You explained, each word you said dripping with passion.

Zhongli chuckled, "Then I hope you achieve your dreams."

After your encounter with the cat, you explored the various things Liyue had to offer, whether it be food, lantern making or dramas, and no matter the place, Zhongli would obediently follow. Even if he was only following you, he didn't find one second he spent with you boring or a waste of time.

You glanced at the taller male, offering him a closed eyed smile, "Has anyone ever told you how precious your smile is? It's worth more than millions of Mora, and your cute chuckles are worth a trillion." 

If you said his smile was worth millions of Mora and his chuckles trillions, then yours were priceless. He figured he could stare at you all day if given the chance; he found you to be simply enchanting. Zhongli was completely utterly smitten with you, a 'simp' as the Traveler would call him.

"Thank you," he thanked. "I think your smile is one of your most defining features. I dare say it is bright enough to light up the entirety of Teyvat." 

You bashfully averted your gaze, cheeks burning a crimson red, "Aww, thanks."

Once satisfied, Zhongli suggested that you and he watch the Lantern Rite from a further distance. Eagerly, you agreed, trusting Zhongli's seemingly endless knowledge. Even if he spoke of the most littlest things, you knew he had knowledge of almost every single item or phenomenon in existence.

As you watched the lanterns float away, the smile that played on your lips widened, your eyes sparkling with glee and joy. Under the lighting of the lanterns, you looked simply ethereal. From the way your (h/c) hair rippled in the wind to your ever so expressive face to the kindness that resided within your pure heart, Zhongli was tempted– tempted to commit another selfish act.

"(Y/n)," he called.

"Yes?" You mindlessly replied, eyes still focused on the entrancing floating lanterns.

"I... never mind," he bit his tongue right on time.

"Huh? What is it? You can't just go calling for someone and say it's nothing!" You exclaimed, puffing out your cheeks childishly; Zhongli wished to pinch them.

"I am sorry, it was my mistake." He apologized. 

"If you say so," you reluctantly returned to enjoying the floating lanterns, which were now hovering right above Liyue, illuminating the city with the light of a thousand flames.

As Zhongli stared at the ever so beautiful fleeting sight, he came to another realization, one that he refused to acknowledge. All beautiful things easily came to an end, just like the lanterns that eagerly chased the rising sun, just like you.

And so, he would forever treasure you in his memories for you shined like gold within them..