Not Everything Lasts Forever | Xiao

003

2 weeks.

“You're shivering.” The Adeptus said, They breathed out a cold breathe as they replied, “It's fine.”

After a few more minutes the sun began to set as they bid their farewells and their eyes traveled towards the orange sky, I must treasure my time in Teyvat as it lasts, they thought.

They then started slowly walking towards the harbor and went straight to the funeral parlor, they opened the door and closed it, greeting the employees and climbing the stairs to go to their room.

As they placed their hand on the door handle a familiar voice was heard, “Well you're home early, did anything happen?” The cheerful Funeral Parlor Director asked them, “No not at all, just a bit sleepy that's all. I'm gonna take a nap.” they yawned and entered their room.

Hu Tao was then left outside, she shrugged and slid down the stairs and walked towards the front door, “I'll be going out for awhile Mr Zhongli!” she yelled as she left the Parlor.

Hu Tao then walked around the Harbor, the sounds of various vendors selling their items going from food to many different rocks like Cor lapis, Noctilucous Jade, and others.

She smiled as she exited the Harbor and went to Wuwang Hill, entering the silent and eerie atmosphere she breathed out slowly.

Looking around the place, a few spirits floating around the area, and some fog covering the place.

She had decided to visit the border for some guidance from those who have crossed to the other side.

On the other hand, [Name] had just woken up from their nap as they stretched their arms and yawned, walking out of their door only to be met up with utter silence, Hu Tao must've went on a walk, They thought.

Closing the door behind them, they walked towards the room in which Zhongli would normally be in.

Either watching the scenery, reading a book, or just drinking some tea.

They opened the door to see Zhongli staring out into the distance, not noticing that someone has entered the room until they sat beside him.

“Ah, you have woken up. The Director went out for a walk and said she was going to be out for awhile.” He informed them and poured them some tea as they nodded.

They blew on the hot surface of the tea as they drank it, noticing that the atmosphere seems to be a bit quiet they decided to start a conversation.

“Hey Mr Zhongli, what was it like? Being Liyue's Archon I mean” They asked, He thought for a moment before he replied, “It was... quite tiring” he began, “But it was also, I suppose as you call it, Fun, as well.” He finished.

They hummed in response, drinking their tea and urging him to continue, “Managing contracts, and punishing those who break them are infact tiring, but when the day ends, or when I meet up with my companions—friends—the tiresome feeling disappears.” He said.

“That sounds nice” They smiled warmly, finishing their tea. “My apologies, for this might be a little out of the atmosphere but... How is your condition?” He asked, they stopped for a moment then replied, “It's... a bit uncomfortable. But I can handle it until the time comes.” They stated in a soft manner.

Zhongli nodded and finished his tea as well, “Would you like to go on a walk with me?” he offered in which they accepted.

Walking through the bustling streets of Liyue Harbor, it's almost refreshing after that atmosphere earlier.

“Is that Ganyu and Keqing? it's rare to see them outside of the office” They said as they looked to the direction of Wanmin Restaurant where Keqing could be seen arguing with Ganyu, telling her to eat all of her food which made them chortle.

The hours went by as they went around Liyue Harbor.

Discussing certain topics, enjoying the beautiful view of the high lands of Liyue, and indulge themselves in passing the time.

The sun was setting as the sky was painted with various shades of orange, red, and yellow.

The two decided to return to the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor before it got too late and Hu Tao might start wondering where they went when she returned.

It was a silent walk, and they finally reached the Parlor.

Zhongli opened the door and urged them to enter first which they gladly did as Zhongli closed the door behind them.

Skipping to close to midnight, it appears that they couldn't sleep.

Therefore getting out of bed and leaving the Parlor. They thought, where could they go this late at night to pass time and get themselves drowsy?

That's when something crossed their mind. They left the Harbor as they silently walked to Wangshu Inn, Who else would be the only person who doesn't sleep at night and stays alert to protect Liyue Harbor? that's right, the Conqueror of Demons, they thought.

As they reached the Inn, they went up the stairs and reached the front desk seeing Verr Goldet asleep, they chuckled, must've been a tiring day, huh?  they thought as they quietly walked to the balcony where the Adeptus would normally be.

The cold wind blew on their face as they walked to the railings.

“And what are you doing here so late at night?” a very familiar voice asked which caused them to jump in surprise, “Archons! you scared me!” they said, “Nothing, nothing~ I couldn't sleep so I thought why not come bother you, aye?” they told him with a brow raised as the Adeptus looked at them with a deadpanned expression.

“Go back to Liyue Harbor and get some sleep” He said, about to disappear as he always does, when suddenly, “I don't wanna sleep tonight when I can stay up thinking about you~” they sang whilst doing double finger guns, causing him to stop and sigh. “Fine, I'll accompany you. But just this once” he said, clearly done with everything as they laughed in victory and pulled him to a seat.

A/n: Suddenly I forgot how Zhongli speaks