Then Came You (Zhongli x Reader)

I

Zhongli let go of your hand and walked over to the cart. He pushed it from the back and started moving in the direction where you came from. You stood there, eyes on his back, the peaks on either side flexed and stretching the coat fabric. His words still ringing in your ears, you shook your head, sharply exhaling through your nose before jogging to catch up with him.

The cart driver who was waiting patiently for you to return rushed over at the sight of the two of you and helped you in tying the cart full of ores to the back of his. You did a final inspection and covered it with a tarp you had brought along with you. With Zhongli's help, you secured the tarp with a jute rope and when everything was done and dusted, the two of you settled back in and continued your journey towards Wangshu Inn.

"Can we stop for a little while when we reach the Guili Plains?" Zhongli leaned over to ask the cart driver who responded with a confirmatory call.

You were too emotionally drained to question him, so you just closed your eyes and leaned against the cart, savouring the idea of a much-needed nap. You wished Zhongli a 'very good night' and dozed off, thoughts full of your mother.

Zhongli watched quietly as you slept, the sound of your breathing a calm rhythm. The night air hinted a little chill in the coming hours and so he proceeded to remove his overcoat and draped it over you, making sure to cover your legs and shoulders. You snuggled against it, Zhongli's smell washing over your senses.

As he sat there with a hand resting over his knee, he mentally slapped himself.

'What was it that made me grab her hand like that, so out-of-the-blue?'

He thought about how your eyes had gazed back into his when he had pinned your hair behind your ear; how when the tears had fallen from your eyes, his heart had ached, and he had involuntarily wiped it away; how he had wanted to embrace you when you sobbed, wanting to provide you comfort and warmth.

His stomach churned and he groaned lightly, remembering your flushed face back when you were on top of him. He inspected you once and proceeded to scoot further from you, afraid of what he would do if you were sitting any closer.

Zhongli shifted over to the open back of the cart and untied his hair, the gentle breeze making his long, dark brown tresses flow. He looked up at the sky, a sigh escaping his lips as he thought about her.

His best friend, Guizhong.

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Recommended song: "I found" by Amber Run

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II

You awakened when you felt the cart come to a stop. Noting Zhongli's jacket covering you, blood rushed to your cheeks. You searched for him, making your way out of the cart only to see him stand at the edge of a cliff, clad in his vest and grey shirt, hands in his pockets, looking over the Guili Plains.

Zhongli was the portrait of serenity and semblance; his quiet nature intriguing and beguiling at the same time. You walked to where he was standing, handing over his jacket.

"Thank you," you grinned.

He noticed your presence and dipped his head, accepting his jacket from your hands and neatly folded it over an arm.

"I have told you a lot about myself already," you said, stretching your stiff neck.

"I think it's your turn – to tell me some stuff about yourself," you demanded.