Characters// Zhongli x GN!Reader
Content// Fluff/slight angst??
The sun was starting to set in Liyue Harbour as the normally crowded marketplace began to settle down for the night. Night in Liyue Harbour was a truly remarkable experience. Liyue Harbour really was beautiful… but the man accompanying you tonight could easily rival the beauty of any city. Zhongli after all was nothing short from perfection.
“As I recall” Zhongli stops, turning towards you, “You had something you wanted to ask me, correct?”
You quickly drifted back to reality, suddenly remembering that you had something you wanted to ask the ever so knowledgeable consultant.
“Right! Though, it might sound a little odd to someone like you” You start off with, looking up at him.
“I’m sure it’s nothing I won’t be able to grasp” He smiles down at you, “ would it be better if we settled down somewhere?”
The light in His eyes and his gentle smile were suddenly illuminated, as the lights started turning on in the nearby shops and booths. There was a faint spark in his eyes almost as if he was scanning you for your best interests. He really was something else.
You laugh relishing in his company.
“Y/N? Are you alright?” He questions you worriedly, the faint spark is quickly replaced with a look of concern. Zhongli gently places a hand onto your forehead, “ Occasionally the nights in Liyue can get cold. Do make sure to take more care of yourself” He sighs.
You smile, placing your hand over his “I’m fine Zhongli~ I just really enjoy your company you know?” Grinning at the fond smile that forms on his face.
He lightly shakes his head, and grabs onto your wrist “ Come on now, I’ll take you to a place I just happen to know that has a simply beautiful view of the Harbour at night”
The two of you peacefully walk towards the spot Zhongli had mentioned. Throughout the walk Zhongli casts several fond glances at you. Smiling to himself, he really did enjoy the peaceful company you gave him. Rarely has he ever felt so at peace in his entire 6000+ years as an Archon and as an adeptus. The last time he could recall feeling so at peace was too long ago in the older times with Guizhong and the other adepti. You seemed to have some sort of calming effect on him, so he really was fond of you. Always catering to his needs, whether it be making up for his lack of mora or simply accompanying his side whenever he had a rare day to himself.
“It appears we’ve arrived” Zhongli says, signaling towards the cliff side, “Be cautious around the edge of the cliff” He warns you, gently taking hold of your hand. Zhongli watches you intently as he leads you to the edge of the cliff, relishing in how your eyes light up at the night sky. You gasp, the view from up top the seemingly plain cliff was definitely worth it. You smile widely, “The view is amazing Zhongli~” you sigh dreamily.
“I had the impression that it was” He agrees, letting go of your hand as the two of you sit in peace admiring the view.
“Shall we continue on with our talk or do you want to spend more time watching the stars?” Zhongli breaks the momentarily silence, his eyes gazing into yours as he awaits your answer.
“Oh yes! Sorry, I momentarily forgot in the spur of the moment” You ramble, blushing at his gaze. “To put it short… I was curious about whether the Archons might’ve had lovers. It might seem unusual however to me I find it really intriguing, after all, having been alive for so long it wouldn’t be unusual to feel lonely at some point... Would it?” You begin, gazing at the stars. “Although, to narrow it down a bit, I’ll ask about if you think Rex Lapis may have had a lover in the past or perhaps even have one currently” Grinning, you stick your hand up reaching for the stars as if you could capture them in your palm. Zhongli meanwhile glances at you curiously, mouth slightly agape in surprise. He knew you were the curious type but he wasn’t expecting something like that from you.
“Ahem, excuse me” Zhongli clears his throat, composing himself. “ Rex Lapis most certainly would've experienced love at some point throughout the centuries. Though... I’ll leave it to you whether that love was romantic or not”
“Hmmmm” You murmur, hand coming up to grab your chin as you lose yourself in your thoughts. “ Do you so happen to perhaps know anyone that comes to mind?” You question, eyes shimmering with anticipation.
“ Of course” He says, hands coming up to caress your cheek, “It’s you. You, Y/N”
Your face contorted from excitement into confusion, “Me? But then that would mean you would have to be…” You gaze up at him, eyes going wide. “No, th-that can’t be. Don’t tell me you’re Re-” You were suddenly cut off by a bright golden light, before feeling someone bury their head into your neck.
“I apologize for the sudden reveal, and my current behavior… but indeed, I am in fact Rex Lapis” He whispers into your neck, arms moving to grab you by your waist as if you could drift away from him at any moment.
“Zhon- Erm I mean Rex Lapis…” You murmur, running your hands through his hair as if to comfort the Archon. It was really unusual to see him in this state, it was rather… How could you describe it? Bittersweet, yes, that was what it felt like to you having the Archon look so vulnerable like this.
“Zhongli” He says, face lifting up to look into your eyes, “Please continue calling me Zhongli, there’s no need for any formalities”
You smile at him, heart beating against your chest. Though there were slight differences in him in his Archon form, Zhongli will always be the same Zhongli you’ll continue to love no matter what form he’s in.
“Of course, and I hope you know that I’ll always love you no matter what. My love will always reside with you and in the stars” You say, tears starting to fill your eyes as you realize just how much he meant to you.
“And you too, will continue to shine like gold in my memories, love” He promises, a hand coming to rest on your cheek as he wipes the tears away.
The two of you continue to sit under the ocean of stars that made up the night sky long into the night. You nuzzle peacefully into him, falling asleep in his embrace hoping you could stay like this for millennia.
. ⋅ ˚̣- : ✧ : – ⭒ ⊹ ⭒ – : ✧ : -˚̣⋅ .
Hi guys~ I’m back :D and finally posting the “Tales of love” version for Zhongli! I hope you enjoy~ I made this one slightly angsty sorta ?? Zhongli and Yanfei still haven’t come home yet so ill just hope my luck gets better with this tribute <3