KOKOMI

"It seems I've forgotten my mora.... again." A sigh left the tall male who glanced at his partner who merely shrugged in reply.

"It's fine Zhon you don't have to worry about it." He smiled as he paid for the item his lover wanted, handing it to said male who smiled slightly. "I still don't understand why you buy so much stuff though. Not like we'll need a golden roll of paper towel?"

"It is actually a old scroll with a golden casing! I was quite surprised that this young lady had this in her shop." The scroll suddenly dispersed into golden particles as Zhongli started to walk further down the path of Liyue.

"Oh really? Aren't you lucky to have found it." He chuckled. He could see the little sparkle that came into the brow head's eyes as he continued to explain the origin of the scroll. He didn't actually care that much but it was an excuse to hear his voice and make him happy.

However that was kind of hard to do with the bag of stuff he currently had in his hand. It was mid-day, and Zhongli had dragged [m.name] out of bed to join him on his usual walk. Those walks usually turn into shopping. He dosen't mind of course, but sometimes he really hates that little sparkly thing that Zhongli can do to place items into his 'inventory'. Appearantly his inventory was to small for these bags, but who was he to complain, they weren't that heavy.

Zhongli's eyes widened as he spotted another thing that caught his interest, his eyes lightening up as he quickly walked towards the stall. A chuckle passed through [m.name]'s lips as he followed without hesitation, glancing away to get his mora out as he let Zhongli search for whatever he may want. Wouldn't really dent his wallet anyway.

"Ah if you don't mind-" Zhongli suddenly stopped, hearing whispering behind his back as he silently glanced at the couple that 'whispered' to eachother.

"Do you see how much stuff that man is carrying?"

"Yeah I do. Not to mention it looks as though he has to pay..."

They both glanced at Zhongli who flinched at the look of disdain he received.

"Has he no shame? Ripping off this man with a smile on his face..."

Zhongli looked down. Why was he letting those words affect him? He glanced at [m.name] who seemed to be having trouble fishing out his mora from the weight of the bags.

He silently whispered to himself. "Does it really look like that?" He fliched, hearing them continue to belittle him.

"Nevermind." He stated, grabbing the hand that [m.name] was using to get his mora out, and walked away.

[M.name] raised an eyebrow, he noticed the shaking of Zhongli's hand, but he didn't understand what would make him act like this. He's usually so calm and collected..."Zhon? Are you okay?" He called out softly, gripping his hand to comfort him, as said male looked down at the ground. "Nobodies close by...so what's wrong?"

"Am I... taking advantage of you?" He questioned, voice sounding soft and hesitant, almost shaky, as he rethought of all the times the both of them have been out. Did it really look like that? Did their relationship seem so...fake?

[M.name] rested the bags down before holding Zhongli's hand in his own. "What are you talking about Zhongli? Taking advantage of me? What gave you that idea?"

"I head people whispering-" He was suddenly cut off by a sigh, causing his shoulders to sag.

"Zhon. Do you know those people who you heard 'whispering'?"

"No of course not." Zhongli raised an eyebrow. Where was this getting at.

"Then why are you letting this affect you? They don't know you and you don't know them. They don't know how loving and caring you can be. They don't know how smart and perceptive you are. And they never will. So don't let strangers put stuff into your mind, their opinion on OUR relationship is exactly that. Their opinion." He chuckled, bringing the male into a hug, waiting for him to hug back, and smiling in content as soon as he did. "You got me worried. Seeing the calm and collected Zhongli shaking made me rush into a cold sweat."

"I'm sorry for being a bother." He mumbled into his shoulder (or hair, if you're short) as he closed his eyes in content, basking in the smell of his lovers fragrance.

"You aren't a bother Zhon. And you never will be..." He chuckled, rubbing his back to comfort him, smiling at the soft hum of satisfaction that fell from said male's lips.

Extra : The people who saw the entire ideal raised an eyebrow, watching the two hug lovingly.