prompt 21; zhongli

anon ask

prompt 21: “I love you - I am at rest with you - I have come home.” - Dorothy L. Sayers

“i know in liyue, gift-giving is a new year’s tradition, but it felt wrong sending gifts to everyone but you.”

the box is simple yet elegant in design, ebony with gold vine inlays, and he can feel the geo energy emanating from within. but it is your smile that demands his attention. he would never call you shy; few would dare to bully their way into the affairs of gods after all, but there is a demureness about you he has never seen before. carefully, he sets aside the box in favor for your hands; running a thumb over the divots of your knuckles.

“my dear traveler,” he murmurs, and your starlit eyes glow. “while i appreciate the thought, you have already given me the greatest gift of all.” he draws your hands to his lip. “you.”

his confession startles a laugh out of you; breathy and pleased.

“i’m sorry?” 

“you,” he repeats; pressing another kiss to your fingertips. “you have given me a peace that i have not felt in millennia. you have brought me hope for a future with more than just mere existence. you are my love; my light; my home.”

he lets go of your hands to catch your chin; turning your shying face back to him. your cheeks are warm beneath his fingers. 

“i love you.”