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Chapter Text

Once in awhile, a lady would woke up alone in one secret cave in the high peaks of Liyue, in contrast to her thousand years of age, she would always look like a young lady in her early or mid twenties, possessing a (hair color) locks that reach mid back and (eye color) iris.

She would wake up once in a generation, nothing particular really, that's just how long she would often wake up in her long, sweet slumber. 

Always making a visit in Liyue Harbor and would often meet up with someone who has a pair of amber iris, hanging with that person for a couple of years before going back in the cave, feeling satisfied with a smile on her lips, she would be cast to sleep once again.

That's what she would often do, but not this time.

"Rex Lapis died? wait no.. He was assissinated? and the murderer is still out there?"

She couldn't believe such non-sense utter bullshit after hearing to the story of the blond young man traveler who introduce himself as Aether with a floating fairy like thing right beside him, Paimon.

But they didn't look like they were lying. Even if they ask to face your wrath for waking you up, you did nothing for they didn't look like they were lying. After a good couple of seconds.

"Well that's none of my business, go out of my lair, I'm going back to sleep"

You wave your hands back and forth waving them away so you can go back to sleep

And because the form you're currently showing was not to your liking, but you don't have a choice not wanting to show your true form.

There was a moment of silence, until a high pitch like voice spoke as you shift on your flowery bed ready to sleep.

"But Paimon thought you're Rex Lapis contract lover, do you really hate him that much you don't care even if he's dead?"

That take your sleepiness away.

"Get out, I'm trying to sleep, children"

You said with a sigh turning your back at the two 

You heard footsteps away from you echoing inside the cave, soon nothing can be heard. Eventually you let out a sigh, sat up from your seat and warp your arms around your legs, thinking carefully.

But after awhile, you figure out nothing, only to get irritated. But you need to calm yourself, nothing ever comes good when you feel like that.

"Morax"

You utter his name

Though you've been strangers to friend and to lovers. Sometimes you couldn't figure out what was happening in that big brain of his. 

"Just what the hell is that being up to"

Suddenly you felt restless. 

At the same time, in Liyue harbor, upon the chaos happening because of the assassination of Rex Lapis during the rites of descension. A young man with bright amber iris was calmly taking a sip of tea when when he suddenly choke on it, which has never happened before. 

After awhile, a soft laugh escape his lips, bright amber iris looking up from the sky.

"Ah, she heard about it"

And she's coming back.

With just the thought of her, he felt his heart skip a beat. In his early days, he would often feel strange about that feeling, but after spending times with you he get used to it and learn that that feeling.

And he couldn't wait to see you again, though it might not feel so long to you, for all you did was to sleep and wake up, it has been so long for him, at least a couple of hundred years.

For the first well being who show him such feelings, he couldn't wait to feel your warmth, something he was longing for, for a very long time.

Chapter Text

Not many mortals knew the details of the Archon War that ended thousands of years ago, even if they knew it would only be a few details but not the whole event. Even a few Gods would rather forget than remember that bloody war that almost took their own lives.

But you're different than them, in your slumber, you would often dream of what happened in the past like a fresh memory. You would often dream about your first meeting with your lover, just like now.

The Goddess of Wrath, Goddess of War is what they often call you and just like that they fear and ignore you, making you an outcast among the Gods

Unlike them, the God of Contract held no fear and strangely approach you

In which you just casually ignore

You've heard that God

He was highly intelligent

And you felt like nothing good would happen if you get involved with him

because he was also the God of many names

and he was also a God feared by many

Yet he was like you

he was someone who loved his people just like you

little by little

You grew fond of him

Maybe it's the way he talked, or the way he approaches you when no one else dared to

Maybe it's the warmth he made you feel throughout your lonely days

The people of Liyue couldn't help but to look at the young lady who was currently passing by minding her own business. They were mesmerized by her simple yet elegant look and the aura she was giving, her (hair color) locks were let loose, letting it flow in the direction of the wind as a calm breeze passed by, deep in her (eye color) iris seem her fierce yet calm nature. 

The rare piece of jewels she was wearing as enough to make any woman of age envy her. Unknown to them, this piece of jewel was nothing more than a crafted gift by her lover. They watch her silently, wondering who this lady could be. Yet as they watch her, the more they piece bits by bits together.

"Excuse me Madam, may I ask where the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor is?"

Even the way she spoke was full of elegant and respect

You nod as you finally found the way, but in contrast to what the old lady says, you went on the opposite direction. Before anyone could react.

"It seems like you never changed"

You felt a hand holding you by the arm gently 

It was a familiar soft-touch, enough to make your heart long for it. 

"You still have a terrible sense of direction, My Lady"

As you turn around, you could feel your heartbeat faster.

It hasn't been that long to you, all you do after meeting him was to take a rest, to sleep, then you'll wake up and meet him again, but you know it's been so long for him.

As you did, your (eye color) iris meet with his bright amber ones as he bends his back, hand now holding your as he bring it close to his lips, kissing the back of your hand, leaving a soft lingering feeling. 

Everybody who sees this couldn't help but to comment how perfect the two figures are for each other. Both looking elegant and obviously fit for each other. But once again to their exception, opposite to the young man consultant of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.

"You got a lot of explaining to do"

It was an obvious impatient and irritated tone of voice

Yet it only made the young man with bright amber iris chuckle, thinking,

Yes, It has to be this way. This is the (First name)(Last name) he loves and longed to be with.

Chapter Text

Your lover, the God of Contract, Morax, now known as Zhongli was a man of mystery, you'll never know what's going on inside his head. Not like you're interested on what's going on inside that big brain of his. Even so

"I trust your judgment"

You said with a sigh after he explains his plans to you

It seems dangerous but it was worth the risk.

You've been strangers, to friends, and to lovers.

You've been over the times of gaining trust and testing each other so it was natural to trust each other, besides it's not like you could say something when he already made up his mind. Besides, you've been thinking about those matters too. That the people of Liyue seems to be very much dependent to him. 

"And I'm leaving"

You stated with a sigh

You just came out in thoughts of something really did happen to him, but it was just a stupid fluke like you expected. You need to come back and have a rest.

By your words, you notice the sudden shift of atmosphere in the room you're currently in which was one of the guest rooms of the funeral parlor. 

"Mor... Zhongli"

You utter his name, unlike your voice of annoyance earlier, this time it was a soft and gentle tone

"You know I can't stay long in here"

You want to, but you really can't

Your body is slowly failing you, it was something both you and Morax, Zhongli knows.

You place your soft and warm hand on his cheek, gently caressing it. He always love it when you do that, so he nuzzle against it, feeling the warmth of your hand as he do so.

"Its been so long since I've seen you"

He might never know if you'll wake up the next time you fell asleep

He was scared, for the second time in his life, he felt such emotion in his life. 

The first one was warmth, the feeling of closing your eyes and picturing the sun. That's what it feels like being in love with you, warmth. While the second one was fear, he was scared to lose you, and he once did almost lose you.  He was scared because he knows that there is something about you that he wouldn't find it in someone else.

"Stay with me"

He suddenly pull you into a hug

Silently burying his face on your chest as he do so, you were standing so it would be natural that that was the position. After hesitating for a bit, you held him in your arms, gently caressing his long hair, messing with it in the process. 

"Alright, just for a week"

It might also be the last, but you didn't dare say those thoughts out loud

Because you know that look in his face.

Stay, 

He thought as he held you close.

He needed you more than you could think. In your embrace, he felt warmth.

He didn't want to let go. Not back then, not now and also not in the future.

Chapter Text

"Why don't you just.."

You hesitate for a moment

"Make some mora"

You whisper into him as you watch took some mora out of the pouch that Tartaglia, one of the eleven harbingers gave him earlier

You wonder how that young man would react once he knew he's been deceived. Nevertheless you push that though out of your mind. Just wanting to rest for a moment as you wait on the receptionist desk as you check in for a room.

"That's against the law (First name)"

He said with a sigh

If you knew your man was broke, you should have brought some money with you, but now you can't go back to your cave. It would be a long and messy journey. After all without a guide, mainly Morax, you barely make it to Liyue in a span of 4 days.

With his words you couldn't help to pout as you followed him towards your shared room in the in. With him leading the way, you couldn't help but to stare at his back.

Soon they enter the room, it was an average room for two people, a couple to be exact given there is only one bed inside the room. Then there could only be silence they enter.

"Mo- Zhongli"

You called him out as you started to remove your accessories and place it on the table right beside the bed 

You could only hear him humm in return as he starts to remove his extra piece of clothing until he was left with only his under shirt.

He knew you're tired, so both of you were preparing to lay down.

"Do you remember out first contract?"

You suddenly ask, making him frozen for a moment before he answered 

His memories with you has always been vivid to him.

Morax would never approach someone without any important reason, you knew that from the start, expecting him to say it as soon as you get closed

But as days turn into months then years passed by, that thought was left and forgotten deep inside your head

"(First name)(Last name) let's make a contract"

Zhongli was never the first one to make a contract, yet he did it with you

You can feel a war coming, and so did he, and he was gathering strength to protect his people

You understand that, for you are no different wanting to protect your own people

"Let me hear about it"

You answered him

It was never like you to best around the bush, of course you need to get straight to the point

There he explain the terms of contract with you, making sure not to leave any details as he carefully observe your expression, yet it remains emotionless, something you often show when you're in a deep thought

"I have a condition"

You agree, but you also need something

"Take my people to yours"

Basically, you're saying to take your believers with him

"Since I will lay down my life in order to protect your people, make my people yours"

that was your first conditions

"Second, keep this a secret between us. No one shall ever known about this contract except the two of us"

You remind him

You raise your third finger

"Last, when the war emerge. I'll be working on my own, but of course, I'll take down who ever comes as a threat to your nation"

"Yes, I do remember"

He replied after a long silent 

"What about it?"

He wonder why you're suddenly asking about it

"Nothing much, it's just sometimes I forgot that Liyue has some of my people too"

You stated, glancing at the window before walking towards the bed 

He too followed, casually slipping under the covers with beside you. And you quickly went close to him, making him open his arms as you  take his offer and nuzzle on his arms.

"It's been so long since I held you like this"

His voice seems happy, yet there was a hint of longing and tiredness hidden on it

"It wasn't for me"

You answer truthfully on his chest 

But that doesn't mean you don't miss nor long for it. You can feel his warmth through his embrace, something you only feel once in awhile. You guess sleeping right beside your lover was a greater choice instead of sleeping alone in that cave.

You guess it wasn't that bad to be greed for someone sometimes. Even if the price you could be your life.

"But I guess I missed you"

You said, looking up from his chest to face him

Yet he was already looking at you as he secure you on his arms, as if afraid you'll escape or vanish in seconds.

"I love you"

You felt his hand that was holding yours gave it a gentle squeeze before pulling it close to his lips once again and gave the back of your hand a kiss

You blink, a strange yet familiar felling of warmth on your chest was enough to make your heart ache

"I love you too"

Chapter Text

The Archon war that lasted for a couple of years was over a moment ago

He can't find you, you are no where near his site

He felt strange, he felt his heart wildly beating on his chest as he looked for you

For a moment, a flash of his and your friend, Guizhong dying came into him, not too long ago, his friend, your friend died

The war is finally over

he was one of the archons who manage to claim one of the seven

but where are you?

where in Celestia are you?

He couldn't scream your name, he's been doing that for awhile yet he received no reply, there was so many fallen archons around him

but he still couldn't find you

And its slowly scaring him

he felt like something was pulling his heartstrings

He never felt like that before

not even when he face so many archons

Suddenly he sense your elemental

it was weak and far away

So he followed the source of power which would obviously lead to you

And what he saw scared him

he found you leaning against pilled up bodies of fallen archons, obviously having a hard time breathing, all sorts of wound on your body

you're bleeding badly

No

You're dying

"Mo.. Morax"

You utter his name as you barely lift your head to look at him

Other batch of golden blood drip down your mouth as you gave him a cracked smile

"I fulfill my cough.. part of contract"

He doesn't know how to react

all he could feel was some sort of aching on his chest

"Why ar--ugh!"

he watch you bit your lips

before coughing another mouthful of golden blood

Before he knew it, he was kneeling right beside you

his condition was pretty bad, but not as worst are you

this was a mere scratch to him

He held you hand tightly

he could feel it slowly losing its warmth

"Why are you crying?"

You use your free hand to wipe his tears

You're healing

you are, but the damage was so severe it was barely working and it didn't help you ease the pain

You can barely feel your body, but if one thing was clear, it was the hand that was holding yours

it was warm

"You can't leave me"

it was a voice that held authority

He already lost his dear friend

not you, please not you too

"You can't leave me (First name), I'm begging you. You can't"

In those bright amber iris of his was sorrow

He was scared, he was in sorrow as he watch you slowly die in his arms, but his mind was working well, finding a way

"You're mine (First name). You can't leave me like this"

It's not like you choose this

but the god of wrath was someone who has many enemies

that's why you face them all on your own

"Of course"

It was a soft and weak voice

you gave his hand a weak clench

"I'm yours"

Just like that

the second contract was made

"Zhongli!"

He snap back at your voice

He blink, only to see your face held panic. Your brows were frowning as your (eye color) iris was looking at him with worry. 

Upon seeing him snap back to reality, you let out a sigh of relief. Pulling your handkerchief behind him resting on the night stand of your room before wiping of the tears on his cheek and his ruined eye shadow you were applying. 

"Geez Zhongli. I didn't mean to poke your eye, why are you crying?"

You pout, bending your back once again to reapply the orange eye shadow as he sat there quietly 

But to your surprise, he pull you into his lap, then proceed to bury his face on your shoulder, warping his arms around you. This cause you confusion,yet proceed to hug him back in a couple of minutes with him waving no sign of moving.

"What happened?"

"Nothing, let's just stay like this for a couple of minutes"

He murmur on your shoulder

He can feel your warmth, unlike to his memory. He can feel you breathing right beside him.

He never want to loose that warmth.

Chapter Text

"The last time I see you you're still a child"

You stated, walking towards the familiar black-green haired Adeptus who has his back on you

At the same time, Xiao, who heard your voice turn around, only to be greeted by an almond tofu on his face.

"Here"

You gave into him and started leaning against railings of the Wangshu Inn

"Still avoiding the crowds and humans huh"

"You!!"

You humm, turning around to face him

He was looking at you with wide eyes, he couldn't see it. But he could feel it.

"You're dying"

You just humm in return

It's not like there was a point of denying obvious things.

"What Morax found was temporary solution, no one can escape death, Xiao"

When Xiao heard you sigh, he felt the weight of the world with it.

Still he was dumbfounded, because here you are right in the middle of the night, silently staring back at the moon as the moon light hit your figure.

You're like a mother he never had, you've always been my his side along side his master, her friend Morax and you. You would often visit him during those days, right beside you would always be Morax admiring you in the distance.

Yet he can feel your elements slowly scattering in the wind, going back into nature where they originally belonged to.

He heard your condition from Morax right after the archon war. That's why Morax decided to seal you every hundred year in order to prolong your life. But the seal was slowly becoming undone, no, it became undone.

Sooner or later, you'll be gone.

"Why are you looking at me like that, Little Xiao?"

You asked, not even looking at him not glaze still focused on the moon

"I accepted my fate a long time ago"

You said with a sigh

"Yet I still want to feel that warmth"

You let out a chuckle

"I was greedy"

Then you look at him

"Little Xiao"

You voice was soft voice, reminds him dreams he consumed 

"When the time comes"

You walk over him, he was still holding the small bowl that contains the almond tofu

"Please watch over Morax"

you ruffle his hair

Usual, he would be mad, saying how you're ruining his hair, yet he say silent, making a bitter smile appear on your lips.

"It seems like you've grown, Xiao"

You couldn't help to smile, genuinely this time

"But you'll always be a Little Xiao to me"

He was like a little brother you never had. 

"Then. I'll get going"

You have him a quick smile

As you figure starts to vanish in front of him, he ask you as question 

"Will you be back?"

You wonder about that to, but

"Who knows, Little Xiao"

You just smile at him, and there you completely vanished 

At the same time your figure appeared right beside the bed inside your shared room in the inn. His sleeping form was still right were you left him almost half an hour ago.

He was still sleeping peacefully.

"You'll catch a cold"

You whisper as you tug the covers on his neck to cover his bare chest

Then you let out a chuckle

There is no way an archon could catch a cold or get sick. Yet being alone here with him made you think of the impossible. Often made you think you're just a normal couple, not gods or archons. 

You caresses his cheeks affectionately, a gentle smile appearing on your lips.

"You know I have to get going soon Morax"

then there was silence, only the sound of his and your breathing can only be heard.

"Sleep well Love"

You brush off the lost strand of his hair on his forehead before giving him a kiss on the forehead 

You lay down right beside him without making a noise and snuggle on his chest, feeling his warmth.

Soon enough you fell asleep. 

At the same time he blink, bright amber iris showing as he warp his arms around your small figure.

Chapter Text

"Don't you have something to do?"

You asked him as you yawn in your free hand, the other casually warp around his arm as the two of you took a stroll around Liyue 

"I have nothing to do for the rest of the week"

More like he has the poor traveler working for him

"Then what do you want us to do?"

You ask, yawning once again

"Are you tired? We can rest for today if you want"

He asked, stopping as he look at your features 

You then roll your eyes at him,

"Says the one who kept me up all night"

For a moment, he blink at you then he let out a soft laugh.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to"

He lied and give you a kiss in the forehead

Cherishing every moment he have with you. The clock is ticking, the day will pass by. It's already the third day. All the two of you could ever do was to take strolls, often eat outside using someone else money ehem Childe ehem but to you it was pretty much satisfying. 

The two of you had always been like that in the past, just enjoying simple things and admiring your people who was leaving peacefully, although Liyue is in chaos because of their God right beside you. You knew they'll be fine.

"Have you every heard about the story between the God of Contract and Goddess of Wrath?"

It was the storyteller of Liyue

As one of the crowed who was passing by, you gave Zhongli a light tap before stopping alongside the crowed taking interest. 

"Well the Goddess of Wrath was no simple archon. Not only was she one of the most feared archons but she was also one of the adeptus of Liyue, as well as the contract lover of Liyue"

Contract Lover

That term couldn't help but to amuse you.

In contrast to your amuse face. Morax, Zhongli who heard these things for the first time was frowning.

He didn't like those words, it made him feel like your relationship was nothing more than an mutual benefit and was not based on your feelings.

And you who suddenly felt the shift of mood of your lover let out a chuckle and tug him away from the crowd. 

Morax was a man of tradition and history. When he heard of that he couldn't belief what kind of bullshit was that. He wasn't mad, but he wasn't pleased too.

"They say it was no more than a contract for the Goddess of Wrath never dare show up even by the death of her supposed to be beloved"

You stated with a chuckle

"They say she only made such contract with him so she could be under his protection"

Then your chuckle turn into laugh

"What kind of wrath is that?"

You laugh

Zhongli was only looking at you. And you look back at him after you finished laughing.

"I guess you don't like that story huh?"

"Its non-sense"

He stated clearly 

Once again you couldn't help but to laugh at his face, he was frowning, and it was cute. You haven't seen him like that for awhile.

Everything seems to be well.

Until your laugh was cut off by a sudden cough in which you quickly cover your mouth by your free hand that wasn't holding onto him.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes, where should we go next?"

You smile at him

Freehand clenching that goes noticed by him yet said nothing. Right in your palm was a golden blood.

Chapter Text

You're currently cooking breakfast, since Zhongli isn't a picky eater, you decided to just buy your favorite dish in Liyue. All thanks to certain someone you get to have some mora. 

Having your morning stroll, a yawn escape your lips. You're pretty much tired, but you can't let Zhongli do all the works while you're still here so might as well buy some breakfast for both you.

You're pretty sure he was still sleep, it was still early and the sun was just setting, he asked for a break from his boss just to spend the week with you, you know he still has some works to do in regards to his funeral as Rex Lapis. You don't know how he do it, but this past few days he barely part with you.

But to your surprise, as you enter the room, what you find was messy sheets, messy things, in short the room was a mess. It was obviously not your doings last night.

"Zhongli?"

You utter his name, looking for the archon inside the room

"Zhongli"

You call out for him for the second time

Still there was no answer, about to call him once again when you felt someone yank you from behind, making you whine as the person made you face him.

"I thought you're gone"

Ah, it was Zhongli

"I really thought you're gone"

He pull you in his arms, buried his face on your neck as soon as he did

You'll be done sooner or later

No one knows the truth more than Zhongli, Morax who has his seal in you that's the only thing that is keeping you alive. He knew more than anyone that you'll be gone soon. And he hates it, he hates it that he could only find an alternative way to prolong your life. He hates it.

Loving you changed his life, the warmth that you gave him changed his life.

So when he saw the empty side of the bed right beside him, he felt alarmed, he felt panic, he felt sorrow.

He can't stand the thought of losing you.

It's not like you couldn't tell what happened and what he was thinking.

"Hey"

You pat him on his back

"I'm still here"

You caresses his back

"I'm still here Morax"

You smile bitterly

"I'm not the type to just leave without saying goodbye love"

You said with a short laugh

"I just bought us some breakfast, I thought you'll still be asleep"

You carefully lift his face to take a good look of it

He was crying and he was looking away from you, more like starting to avoid your face. There was one simple reason. You hate it when he cry. You've seen him cry before, on your death door thousand years ago. You don't like the sorrow reflected on that bright amber iris that seems to be staining them. You don't like it when he cry because he was hurting, you don't like that you're the source of his pain. 

So you hug him, keeping his face on your shoulder as you turn to give head a kiss.

"I'm sorry"

Chapter Text

Both of you were once again taking a stroll in the harbor, everything was peaceful until you two meet his friends. Even Tartaglia was there along with the traveler. Perhaps it was a coincidence, no, perhaps it was fate. It was such fate to see him looking satisfied and happy without you.

Suddenly a part of you felt relieved, and a little sad, maybe.

"What a beautiful scene you're looking at Lady. Though I would be much beautiful if you're there"

Suddenly you felt a gentle voice right beside you, it was familiar yet unfamiliar, as if you've heard that before

"Oh, it seems like I've said my thoughts out loud, I apologize Young Lady"

You look at the person who was speaking right beside you for a moment

It was a person with the most mesmerizing eyes you've seen, at least second to Morax's amber ones. It was a beautiful purple eyes. She has a long raven hair, and she was wearing a simple black outfit.

After awhile, you open your mouth

"You're not a human"

There she let out a chuckle, yet you continue

"You're here to pick me up"

A smile creeps up on the lips of the lady who seems to be in the same age as her yet call her a young lady

"You're death"

You stated, looking away from her and focus your glaze at your lover who seems to be teased by his friends

"Well you're wrong about one thing and right about two things"

The purple-eyed female replied to you before following where you glaze was on

Once again there was silence, but the purple-eyed female never leave you alone as you stare at Zhongli in the distance. It was really a satisfying scene, he would often look over your direction to check on you. It's not like he left you alone, but it was you how automatically distance yourself away from the group, thinking you'll be gone every soon.

"I think he was very lonely"

The female spoke once again, it cause you to flinch 

"Lonelier than he lets on, maybe lonelier than he could realize"

Suddenly you felt the glaze of that female into you

"Lonelier than you could realize, (First name)(Last name)"

By her words, you couldn't help hut to get frustrated,

"I know"

You whisper, hands forming into fist

Because you knew that already, that's why you somehow felt relief to see him surrounded by someone who cares about him, someone who cares about him other than you.

When you first meet him, you thought he was a man with many allies, but their relationship with others were nothing more than a contract. He was lonely, he was lonely before he met you, but you made him feel warmth and he no longer feel alone.

Zhongli was a man of history and tradition, but he live through thousand of years, along those years were thousand of memories, but if there is only one thing that remains, that would be you.

You still haven't left him, and it pained you that you will soon do. Death is something no one can escape.

"But what can I do even if I want to stay?"

That's the truth

You wanted to stay, you wanted to be with him, you don't want to be part away from him, you don't want to die.

His warmth was addicting, all you wanted to feel was his love and warmth that shows your world different meaning. It shows you that you're not just wrath, that you could be different too.

"That warmth and love changes your lives"

Your (eye color) iris meet her purple ones

"It should come as losing one of you would pretty much will done the same"

She added

"That's why you're wrong about one thing and right about two things"

She starts to smile at you

Strange enough you find that smile oddly familiar

"I wasn't a human, and I am here to pick you up. But I'm not death"

Your eyes widen at her worlds

She's not death? Then what is she?

"My identity is not something I could easily give away. And I'm here to fulfil and pay a debt" 

A debt? To you? When did you ever did something for this being?

"What is it that you desire the most?"

That question made you silent, you don't know why she was suddenly asking such a strange question yet your eyes once again landed on your lover.

And he was already looking at you before giving you a smile and a wave.

"I want to stay"

You answered truthfully 

"I want to stay here with him, alive. I want to stay by his side"

You really want to, then and now, you badly want to

That was your desire, that was your greed, that was your wish.

You want to stay by his side, wrap your arms around him without a care in the world and feel his warmth.

Then for a moment, your thoughts was cut off my a gentle laugh.

"If that's what you ask for, thought, you have something to do"

Chapter Text

"Thus that mean I'm going to be alive?"

"No, but you will be alive"

"Wha--"

"(First name)(Last name). Life leads to death, and death leads to new life"

that shut you up

"Living things will eventually die, and Gods were no exception either"

that was the truth

"You have to go"

then the purple-eyed female let out a exhausted sigh

"You're supposed to be gone a long time ago"

that was also the truth

"That's why you need to go. Death is not something you can escape (First name)(Last name)"

then she smile at you

"But you'll be back"

she stated

"I promise you'll be back"

strange enough

It feels like you know this person right in front of you, she seems unfamiliar yet familiar to you in some ways

"Do you trust me (First name)(Last name)?"

"You're the only choice I have"

then the purple eyed let out a chuckle by your answer

"You're still the same (First name)"

She laugh

"Know who's maybe by the time you came back, you're no longer the Goddess of Wrath"

but the Goddess of Warmth

"Then, I'll need to get going"

just like that her figure starts to crack

"wait"

that made you look at her

"Who are you?"

you ask

"Just an old friend of yours, one who owes you"

as she smile and said those words, she vanished

Looking back, you felt extremely tired, but you felt light.

"It's getting cold outside, let's get in"

You look back, it was Zhongli who went out in the veranda of the room to pick you up. The sun was setting in the background, it was a peaceful scene.

But instead of going in, you smile and wave for him to come closer to you. When you does, you pull him into a hug, feeling his warmth.

Trust me, he want to stay like that forever.

"Zhongli"

You nuzzle on his chest, breathing his scent as you run your hands on his back up and down

"My Love"

You clench on his clothes

"My Morax" 

Just like that, Zhongli close his eyes shut. He could only feel your warmth, he could only feel your embrace. And he knew what was coming.

But he don't understand why the heavens needed the only being he needed.

Before his thoughts go deeper, he felt you running your hand through his hair, it was a small gesture, yet it always calm him up. 

"I'll be gone"

You felt him tremble in your arms

You felt really tired, the fatigue and damage you received and failed to heal back then was slowly coming back as the seal slowly gives in.

"But Love"

You look up into him

He wasn't crying, but it doesn't mean he wasn't hurting.

"I'll be back"

You smile at him and his eyes widen, looking into you

"I'll be gone, but I'll definitely be back"

He watch your figure slowly starts to crack

At the same time you felt no pain, you felt extremely light. 

He couldn't help but to hold you.

"Could you wait for me?"

You ask

"I will"

He stated without thinking twice as he raise a hand to hold your cheek

He rest his forehead against yours

"I'll wait for you no matter how long, as long as you come back"

Then your lips met his, just like the first time you kissed, nothing else matter, nothing at all. 

When you parted, your foreheads were still touching as both of you tired to catch up your breath. His eyes remained close, and you couldn't help but to smile at him.

So your held up a hand to caress his cheeks, all he could do was to lean on your touch, lean on your warmth.

And you watch your hand cracked golden light emitting in between those cracks.

"I'm yours forever, Morax"

You smile at him as he kept his eyes closed as he bit his lower lips which started to draw blood.

"Don't miss me so much"

You chuckle

You felt really light, and there was seal finally gave in. As your body starts to vanish blue petals starts to swirl around your figure.

As he open his eyes, all he could see was your unwavering smile. You lean in and gave him a peck on his cheek.

"See you soon my love"

There you vanish without a trace, only leaving hundreds of blue petal swirling in the air. And Zhongli who was left alone, lift up his hand, few petals handing on his palm before being down away by the wind.

Strange enough, he didn't feel that bad. Unlike before, he knew you'll come back.

He look at the horizon where the sun was still setting, he didn't know if it was the sun lights doing, but his cheek where your last touch is. There was still warmth.

Still, a single drop of tear flow down his cheek, followed by another, and it continue to fall. 

The warmth was still there. But he missed you already.

He'll be waiting for you among the stars, so make sure to come back when you're ready.

Don't forget that somewhere in between hello and goodbye, there was love, so much love.

-faraway

The End

Chapter Text

How long has it been? it's been almost half a year since he gave up his gnosis, it's been half a year since you're gone. If he was being honest, it was hard. But it was bearable, he was not alone. He still have the people of his present.

The warmth was still there, to his surprise. He doesn't know if it was illusion, but he felt your presence in his sleep.

It was bearable.

You'll be back, so he will bare with it.

So he went for a morning stroll, something he always done with you when you were around.

It was weird, and unfair how simple things reminds him of you. But it doesn't hurt as much as he expected it to hurt. It was hard to wait around for something that might never happen. But it's harder to give up when you know it's everything you want.

The first week, he didn't seem to think too much about it, he still have to deal with the fatui and what could possibly be the outcome of his gamble. But after that was settle, he felt doubt, and be felt lonely.

He all he could do was to remember your voice.

It was bearable, 

Xiao would sometimes visit him once in a month which was rare for him to do, it was obvious that he was checking up on him by someone's favor.

Although it hurts everyday for the absence of someone who was once there.

Your warmth was still there.

It was bearable. 

It has only been half a year, yet to was barely bearable. When he has his seal on you, he was still sure you'll come back. So he manage to endure all those years of you being asleep, because he knew you'll wake up eventually.

But this was different, he'll never know when will you be back, or if you'll ever come back. But he decided to hold on. All he ever wanted was to be wrapped around your arms, to feel your warmth, your love. 

He was never ready for you to leave.

"Excuse me Sir, may I ask where the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor is?"

It was a familiar voice, it was enough to make his heart throb painfully in his chest.

But then he turn around.

What he saw seems awfully familiar, but this time instead of asking a Madam, you're talking to the guard. He watch the guard pointed his way, and you thanked him.

And as expected, it was you. It was you for you have a terrible sense of direction, instead of going towards his way you take the opposite way the guard just told you. 

And he walk, no, he chase after you.

"That's the wrong way Miss"

It was a very soft and elegant voice

A smile made its way on your lips, and you turn around to face him.

After half a year, the pair of lovers meet again in the nation they and their friends founded together.

"Then would you mind sho-"

The lady with (hair color) locks and (eye color) iris was cut of mid sentence with a soft pair of lips. 

"What took you so long?"

He pull you into an embrace

Ah, You miss this warmth.

"Our time apart has made my love for you stronger"

He added

"I love you so much its crazy"

You smile at his words

"I love you too"

That was truth

"My soul chose yours and a soul doesn't forget that"

You chuckle in his arms

"And Zhongli"

You heard him hum in reply

"Let's make a contract"

Before he could ask, you step back and pull out something form who knows where and shove a piece of paper in his chest. He grab it to inspect it.

It was a marriage contract.

"What do you think?"

His glaze shifted between the contract and you

Then he let out a heartfelt laugh, brushing his hair back with his free hand.

"You're silly"

He chuckle

One could tell that was his brightest face for the past few months.

Fight for your fairytale

The End

Diluc