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The city was buzzing with the promise of a new year, and many people were getting ready for the night festival that would dawn on the city in an hour or so. Zhongli walked down the streets of the bustling harbor. It was already approaching night by the time he finished writing his letter. He wrapped the letter up, sending it along with Cloud Retainer's help. (The adeptus had stared at him for such an odd request. Though she didn't question him, Cloud Retainer's eyes were sparkling as she flew away.)
Zhongli observed as a few couples walked by, faces painted with smiles and laughter. It would be nice. To give his smile freely to Aether and receive the same in return. To feel something close to that warmth in his stomach. The telltale thump-thump-thump of his living – mortal – heart, marching to a beat Aether conducted.
Zhongli pressed a hand to his face, trying to dispel such thoughts from his mind. Aether, no matter how precious he was to Zhongli, only saw him as a friend. Whether Aether ever saw him as otherwise was a fact that Zhongli couldn't discern.
Ah. Still, he wished to hear his voice.
"Zhongli!" Yes. Exactly like that. Aether's voice always sounded more pitched when he yelled, and Paimon's voice would soon–
"Is Mr. Zhongli growing deaf or something? I don't think we're too far away from him."
Zhongli snapped out of his musings, blinking hard before turning around. A lone hand was raised against the gradient of the sunset, waving right at him. The owner of the hand beamed at him, the flying companion also following suit.
The breath is swept away from him. How could it not be? The gold of Aether's hair highlighted by the vibrant Liyue sunset, his eyes catching the light of the lanterns lit for the festival.
"Aether. What are you doing here?" Zhongli was sure that he was out of Liyue Harbor. He had asked around before, just in case, and yet... There he was, right in front of Zhongli.
Zhongli's hand hovered in the air, reaching for Aether. To do what, he did not know. To touch him? To make sure he was real? He settled for bringing his hand to pat Aether's head.
Aether didn't seem to mind, replying casually, "I got your gift a few hours ago. I didn't know today was your birthday!"
"I don't think I told you," Zhongli murmured, still in a daze over the traveler's sudden appearance. (It felt like a birthday gift from the universe, if he was being honest with himself.) "Still, you were heading to the Stone Gate, were you not? That is quite the distance away. To get here so fast..."
"Ooh, ooh! Paimon's got this one," The fairy-like girl cheered. "So when Mr. Zhongli's gift came, Cloud Retainer offered to let us go into her portable domain. She said that Mr. Zhongli might be spending his birthday alone. So Aether sai–"
"Alright, that's enough Paimon," Aether cleared his throat, dismissively waving his hand. "We thought we might accompany you for the remainder of today. We...we could take that stroll? If you'd like?"
Zhongli felt his mind empty. Had Aether just accepted to go on a date with him? Aether looked at him expectantly, waiting for his reply. But Zhongli could only manage a small "Ah." Aether frowned at that, looking worried.
"I..." Zhongli glanced at Paimon, who gave him an encouraging thumbs up. "I would love to."
Aether lit up, eyes disappearing as he smiled. "Good, because I got you a birthday present." Aether revealed a beautiful bouquet, which the traveler was hiding behind his back previously. Zhongli was surprised. Sure, he gave Aether a gift, but he wasn't expecting a gift back. He wasn't even expecting to see Aether this soon. It was quite profound how warm he felt when he saw the beautiful gift.
"Did you pick these flowers yourself?" Aether nodded, looking pleased. "They are...most lovely." Zhongli took in the sight of the flowers once more.
There were silk flowers and glaze lilies in the center of the bouquet. Around the beautiful blooms were qingxin, violetgrass, horsetail, and even some jueyun chili flowers. (Zhongli couldn't help but observe those rare beauties. Those are notoriously hard to find, as the period of growth between the flower to the chili was only a mere two days.) There were a few star conches tucked here and there amongst the freshly picked flowers. A string of finely polished cor lapis and noctilucous jade kept the bouquet in one piece. (No doubt the handiwork of Cloud Retainer)
"Mmhm, I asked Cloud Retainer to stop by a few places on the way. That's why I arrived so late," Aether said apologetically. "Sorry that I couldn't get you a better present."
"No, no..." Zhongli couldn't take his eyes off the bouquet, transfixed on each and every Liyue specialty that Aether had bought him. "I am...more than happy to receive these." It was odd, because being the Geo Archon and the guardian of Liyue, he had seen such beauty and wonders before. Even in his life as Zhongli, such fineries were seen often around the harbor as well as in the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
And yet the sight was so novel.
Like a breath of fresh air amongst the bitter smog of his endless memory. That feeling...how Aether-like. (Zhongli was always one to associate the traveler with freedom. Zhongli believed that he couldn't try to hold on to Aether, for he might wither in his grasp if he did. His freedom was beautiful, afterall.)
Aether's hand touched his arm, "Should we go where there are fewer people?" Zhongli realized that he had been staring at the bouquet for too long. He started to look around, finally paying attention to his surroundings.
The streets had filled up more than he expected, and people were now lining up at the various stores that had opened for the night. He felt a tug on his side and looked down to find Aether holding on to his coat. Zhongli offered up his arm for the traveler to hold (As he had seen others do for their partners many times.) and was rewarded with a gentle smile. They traversed to a less congested area before Zhongli spoke again.
"If you would like," Zhongli offered. "I know a good place where we can watch the festival."
"That would be wonderful," Aether smiled, meeting Zhongli's eyes yet again. They really did shine with the deepest of gold, comparable with gold found in Mingxing Jewelry's finest pieces.
"Oh! Aether! That's Aether right?"
Xiangling's voice reached the ears of the party of three before they saw her. Aether jumped away from him right away. Zhongli frowned momentarily. He was probably just surprised. Xiangling appeared, wheeling a cart piled high with foodstuff. There were other ingredients, and yet the one that caught Zhongli's attention was a container with a few different elements of small slimes. How strange.
"Xiangling," Aether greeted, steadying a teetering pile of jueyun chilis on her cart. "Are you cooking for the festival today?"
Xiangling nodded enthusiastically, "Yeah I'm running a food stall, wanna go see?"
Aether shook his head, "Not today. I'm gonna be accompanying Zhongli."
"But Paimon can go! Paimon isn’t someone who could pass up Xiangling’s cooking," Paimon grinned widely at Aether as he handed over a smaller pouch of what seemed to be Mora.
Paimon whizzed over to Xiangling's side but not before waving and saying, "Bye-bye! Have fun on your date!"
Date?
Zhongli’s gaze slid over to Aether, whose cheeks were starting to redden. He looked at their now-intertwined hands. When had that happened? He hadn’t noticed it until now. But this was...a date. Exactly what he asked from Aether a mere few hours ago. Yet Zhongli couldn't get rid of this startling pressure on his chest.
"Uhm," Aether still wasn't looking at him, his voice quiet. "Should we...go?"
Zhongli snapped out of his reverie, "Yes. Let us go take in the sights."
The two perused the streets, the usually talkative Aether uncharacteristically silent. Zhongli spent that time looking at Aether. His eyes seemed to glow brighter in the lantern light. It bathed him in an otherworldly glow, and Zhongli had to stop himself from reaching out to brush back those flyaway hairs.
"Um," Aether’s eyes found Zhongli’s before darting away. "Are you sure you wouldn't rather be spending your birthday with someone else?" Up until now, Zhongli hadn’t even entertained the thought of spending his birthday with anyone else other than Aether.
"I...wanted to spend it with you, Aether." And that was the truth, plain and simple. Zhongli wasn’t the type to change his mind when a decision was made. Tonight made it clear that he absolutely adored the wind-swept traveler. There was no force in the world that would change his mind about that.
So Zhongli wasn't upset at being asked the question. He was more upset that Aether thought so little of himself. "I wanted this," Zhongli gently raised their hands. He saw a spike of panic in Aether's eyes as he covered his face with a hand.
Zhongli brought Aether's hand up to his lips, kissing his knuckles.
"Z-zhongli," Aether stuttered out. "People m-might get the w-wrong idea..." How adorable. How absolutely loveable. A high blush that he tried to cover, eyes that shook slightly out of nervousness, that hitch in his breath. Zhongli wanted to push him some more if that meant he would get to see more of this side of Aether.
"Let them see," Zhongli smiled, stepping just a little closer to Aether. Aether rewarded him with surprised eyes, before–
"Well if it isn't Mr. Zhongli," A merchant called out. "Come to buy some flowers today?" Zhongli's smile slipped a bit as he turned around to see Bolai, the flower merchant.
"Good evening Bolai," Aether greeted the other kindly, his cheeks still flushed with embarrassment.
"Word around town is that Mr. Zhongli is going to get married soon," Bolai said casually. "So I prepared my best silk flowers for your bride's flower ball!"
He's going to be what?
This had to be the first time in his mortal life that he had been this shocked.
"You're...getting married?" Aether whispered, his eyes blowing wide open. His eyes that were so bright moments ago were now looking at the ground almost sadly. Zhongli felt his heart thump in his chest. No. This wasn't right. At this rate Aether would misunderstand.
"This is the first time that I am hearing about my own marriage," Zhongli addressed Bolai first. "Where did such rumors arise?"
"Hmm, right," Bolai placed a hand beneath his chin. "I heard from my friend, who heard from their sister's husband, who heard from his master that heard from–"
"Bolai," Zhongli felt exasperated. "I would appreciate it if you would get to the point." Something must've startled the man, as he shrunk back suddenly. Aether was still silent by his side.
"I-it all started from Wangsheng Funeral Parlor! I swear! All the staff were talking about it." Wangsheng Funeral Parlor? How did such a rumor come from Wangsheng Funeral Pa–
A faint memory came back to him.
"You should ask him out on a date, Xiansheng!"
"Hu Tao," Zhongli sighed through his nose. It must've been her who told people those falsities. That girl was more trouble than she was worth. He would have to deal with her when they got back.
"Rest assured the rumors are false," Zhongli declared. "I...will not be getting married so soon." He looked over to Aether as they walked away. Maybe if it was Aether he would be willing. To see Aether in traditional Liyue wedding garb... Zhongli locked the image deep in his heart, yet he didn't allow himself to hope. It was just a passing fantasy afterall.
As the two approached a quiet hill, Aether finally spoke again, "Are you...really not getting married?" There was a small frown on his face. Did the idea...upset Aether? Or was he merely displeased that, had Zhongli been getting married for real, he didn't inform the traveler? Zhongli, not one to be able to read others too well, chose to push away the questions.
"Of course not," Zhongli replied. "It was merely a silly rumor made by an irresponsible person." Zhongli reached out, smoothing the small furrow on Aether's brow. "Don't worry, dear traveler."
"I-I wasn't worried," Aether blurted out, body going rigid. "It was just surprising...is all. I didn't know you had someone you like." Zhongli chuckled. The irony that the person he likes is right in front of him.
Zhongli retracted his hand, taking off his outer coat and laying it on the ground. He sat down, patting the spot next to him. Aether sat down, moving the birthday bouquet behind them for safekeeping. Their shoulders touched slightly. It made Zhongli think about what it would be like to embrace Aether. The festivities winked up at them, ever so brilliant from so far away.
"Would you like to know a secret, Aether?" The traveler's eyes twinkled at the words that passed Zhongli's lips, nodding in earnest. Zhongli leaned closer, letting his mouth hover over Aether's ear. Aether's golden locks tickled his nose. Zhongli could smell the faint scent of earth and flowers coming from the traveler. It may easily become his favorite scent, even more so than Fate's Yearning perfume that he was so fond of all this time.
"I...do have someone that I like," Zhongli murmured slowly, trying to sort out his thoughts. "I just haven't told them yet." He pulled away, thought he missed the warmth dearly already.
"Are you...ever going to tell them?" Aether asked, curiously looking at Zhongli.
"Perhaps. If I compose myself enough, it might even happen soon," Zhongli felt another smile slide into place. How many times had he smiled just this night? It had to have been more than he had smiled in the past centuries.
"I think...I think the person you like would like to know if you liked them," Aether said in a quiet voice. He was fiddling with his fingers, as if he was nervous about something. Did the traveler know...?
"Really?" Zhongli leaned a little closer. "Tell me dear traveler, how would you know that?"
Aether huffed, blowing at his bangs, "W-well, that's because they might like you back...and they might want to be with you..." Zhongli hummed, turning to sit towards Aether. Maybe Aether did know. He talked as if he knew. Was it obvious? Zhongli's heart raced at the prospect of being found out.
"And if they don't?" Zhongli's question hung in the air, gently swaying with the wind. Although Zhongli's voice was calm, this question was one that made his hands shake.
What if...Aether didn't like him.
It was entirely probable that the traveler didn't return his feelings. That was probably the case, Zhongli convinced himself. The traveler had so many other people more worthy than he. His friends from Mondstadt were already better candidates for the traveler's love than him.
He was...he was someone who still had nightmares about the past. He was a coward who tried to forget, even though he was the only one capable of remembering. He was darkness, stained with the blood of hundreds of millions, a war machine who lived, and Aether...Aether was...light.
Aether wasn't someone that Zhongli could selfishly hold. He was too beautiful to be his. The first thing he noticed was his radiance. The traveler shone with a light from another world, and enraptured him. Then there was his smile, it was the time when Tartaglia first introduced them. Zhongli was sure it was out of politeness but it still made his heart ache. And then his strength, the size of his heart that had him fighting for anyone who was in need. Then the little things. His preference for food and how he would always give others the bigger portion. The graceful way he braids his hair in the morning, to the way he always makes sure that Paimon is warm throughout the night. Zhongli saw it all.
Seeing turned into searching. And searching turned into yearning. In the end, Zhongli found himself surrendering into that warmth called yearning. The same warmth that nipped at his heart almost painfully, even at this moment.
"Well if they don't," Aether said slowly, his brows drawing together. "Then obviously they don't deserve your love!"
Zhongli couldn't help the small breath that caught in his throat. Such a bold answer. One that made Zhongli chuckle a bit. There was no one in Teyvat – in all the worlds that exist – that deserved love more than Aether did. Zhongli was sure of that much. Even if Aether didn't love him, he would continue loving Aether, if only in secret.
"Then," Zhongli looked back at the festival. "I have something to tell y–"
"The fireworks are starting! How many more minutes?" Someone in the streets yelled.
"One more minute! Just one more minute till the new year arrives!" Another chimed in.
Just his luck, to have his confession be interrupted by the coming age of Liyue. He sighed, "I'll tell you once the new tomorrow dawns upon us."
"Alright," Aether just smiled at him, not asking any questions. The streets bustled, and there were many people gathered at the port to celebrate the new year. They sat quietly awaiting the countdown to start.
FIVE!
Zhongli glanced over at Aether. His eyes were transfixed on the shining lights below, a soft smile tugging the traveler's lips. There were strands of blond hair loose from his braid, lifted with the passing wind. Zhongli tugged off his glove, his hand reaching out.
FOUR!
Aether caught him before he could reach. The traveler's eyes stared curiously at him. Zhongli felt his breath stutter. Aether reached out too, taking Zhongli's hand and pressing it to his face.
THREE!
Zhongli swallowed when his eyes involuntarily zeroed in on Aether's lips. Ah. This was bad. This was really, really bad. When his dearest traveler was looking at him like that...
TWO!
"Can I kiss you?" The words come so effortlessly that Zhongli doesn't have time to think about the consequences. If he didn't take the chance now...would he ever?
ONE!
A beat, before Aether smiled, a sweet and small thing, "Sure, but usually people wait till the fireworks are o–"
ZERO!
The cries of "Happy New Year!" fell on deaf ears.
There was no hesitation when he kissed Aether. All Zhongli could feel was the warmth that nestled between him and Aether. His lips, they were...softer than Zhongli imagined. Aether responded eagerly, drawing Zhongli just a little closer. His lips were pulled into a smile as they kissed. His mind emptied as Aether's hand reached his face. He was warm, warm, warm–
Zhongli opened his eyes, feeling the flutter of eyelashes against his cheek. Aether let out a small hum. Oh Archons. Zhongli would treasure that sound in his heart. The gentleness that Zhongli had lost so long ago had returned to him in the form of a kiss. Aether, Aether, Aether...it was all for him. Everything. Everything would be for him.
They parted languidly. Zhongli was reluctant to let Aether go, keeping a hold of his hand. He took a shaky breath, "Sorry, I just..." In the dark, Zhongli couldn't tell whether Aether was blushing or not. But his cheeks did feel warm, and his breaths fell fast. Just like Zhongli's.
"Don't say sorry," Zhongli was entranced with the sweet smile that Aether gave him right after. He always knew how to set Zhongli's heart at ease. Aether had kissed him back. Aether had smiled at him afterward. Did that mean that…? He took a deep breath, the grounding scent of earth, flowers, and Aether wrapping around him.
"Although," Aether glanced at Zhongli, something like mischief coloring his golden eyes. "You made me miss the fireworks! I wanted to see, this was my first festival in Liyue after all." Zhongli felt an easy laugh escape his lips when he saw the pout Aether wore.
"Well, I'll...I can take you to the Lantern Rite Festival, if you'd like," Zhongli said while his mind was still reeling.
"How bold of you," Aether raised an eyebrow – Archons, would Zhongli even last the night? "You haven't even confessed yet and you're asking for a second date?" He was...well, he was right about that.
Zhongli surged forward planting a kiss on Aether's cheek, "I love you." It was blunt. But Zhongli couldn't possibly bring himself to form more complex words when his brain was in such a state. He didn't miss the way Aether's eyes widened as he laid the traveler on his back against the damp grass.
Zhongli kissed Aether's nose, "I...I love you." He peppered more kisses on Aether's face, murmuring those three words over and over again. Eyelids. Cheeks. Forehead. Under the curve of his jaw. At the crown of his head and the base of his neck.
At some point, Aether had started laughing. (It was the sweetest sound that Zhongli had heard in the last millenia, he was sure of it.) It was loud and alive, and most certainly a sound that Zhongli could never get tired of hearing. He nuzzled against Aether's neck only to hear him let out a small squeal before his laughter grew loud again. How beautiful.
Aether's heartbeat thrummed under the palm of his hand, a content sigh leaving his lips as he curled into the traveler's side. Aether's laughter had just died down, small giggles still escaping every once in a while, "I didn't know that Consultant Zhongli was so good at flirting. I bet you can charm all the people in Liyue."
"It's only for you," Zhongli answered sincerely. Aether paused before gently carding a hand through Zhongli's hair. The feeling was new and tender and not at all like the other touches of affection that Zhongli had experienced in the past.
In the past, Zhongli gave things easily, especially if it was due to a contract. But never his heart. Human emotions were complex and confusing and as Rex Lapis the God of War, he had no need to understand them. And yet Guizhong and the rest of the adepti changed that. He felt for them. He learned how to from them. Ever since the loss of his dear friend and lover Guizhong, he had reigned in his heart. He threw away human emotions and devoted himself solely to his duties.
And now? Now that he has even given up his duties? He had no choice but to embrace being a mortal himself. He wanted this. He chose this. It was the only way to continue on. He became Zhongli
And as Zhongli...he was able to dream of loving once again.
Aether got him here. To the point where he could unlock the ancient chains that bound his heart. To the point where he would willingly hand over his life if it meant saving Aether. To the point where...he had someone. Someone to remind him that he was here, in the present, and not stuck somewhere in his lengthy past.
"I...love you too." Zhongli closed his eyes. Those simple words. He didn't need to hear it. He didn't need to and yet, coming from Aether... Zhongli felt tears pricking his eyes. Not long after, a brush of fingers on his face, no doubt wiping them away. His mouth curved into a wobbly smile despite the tears (Of joy? Of relief?) running down his face. How long has it been since he shed tears for another, and not out of sadness? He cannot bring himself to remember, not when Aether pulls him into a tighter embrace. Aether was only a blur of light in his tear-filled vision when Zhongli pulled him down for the second kiss of that night.
On a quiet night at Liyue Harbor atop a small hill overlooking the new year, the former-archon was able to relearn what it meant to be in love.
And thus, the mortal Zhongli – not Rex Lapis, nor Morax – witnessed yet another new tomorrow dawn upon Liyue Harbor. Only, unlike past years, he had someone to be there whenever he got a little too lonely. His beloved Aether would be there for him.
And that made all the difference.
===
extra.
Hu Tao skipped through the parlor, seeing the hustle and bustle of many different people as the workday started. She was in a good mood. Afterall, Hu Tao hit the jackpot by starting that rumor about Zhongli. Everyone in Liyue Harbor and their mother were buzzing about Zhongli's supposed wedding. Hu Tao smiled widely thinking about it.
Speaking of the devil, Zhongli stood not too far away, staring at an assortment of beautifully preserved flowers in a vase. Hu Tao froze. If Xiansheng were to catch her there...there would be no end to her suffering.
"Hu Tao Nushi." Zhongli's voice pierced through the air like a spear. Hu Tao physically flinched as she slowly turned around.
"W-what a surprise to see you here, Xiansheng!" Hu Tao laughed awkwardly as Zhongli approached her.
"I work here," Zhongli replied bluntly. "And I do not appreciate rumors of my wedding spreading around the port, Nushi." Hu Tao steadied herself, ready for the incoming lecture from the consultant.
"However," Zhongli's eyes softened just a tad. "I will let you go this time as it didn't do any harm. You can give your thanks to the traveler who didn't misunderstand. Next time I won’t be so lenient." Zhongli's hand patted her hat - just one light pat - before he walked away.
What...was that? Did Zhongli just...hold off on giving her a lecture? She turned around to see one smiling traveler awaiting Zhongli at the entrance to the Parlor. Hu Tao mentally zipped her mouth. Maybe she could tease the traveler later on when Zhongli wasn’t here. Anyway, the important thing was that she was spared the wrath of Zhongli's lectures for today. And earned some precious new information that she could discuss later when she was bored.