Prompt: Reader loses their pet and Zhongli wants to surprise them with a new puppy.
Pairing: Zhongli x Reader
Word Count: 1.5k
Warning(s): It’s a little sad but mainly fluff
Author’s Note: I’m sorry that I don’t post much. I haven’t been feeling too well lately. I’ve been meaning to write and post but just never actually managed to gather the strength to do it. Also, feel free to send in requests.
Zhongli hated to see you cry. You’ve been crying for hours, it felt like, maybe even literally. Just earlier in the day, you found out that your family pet had passed away and it absolutely shattered your heart. You grew up with that pet, it was in your family since you were little. He was aware that you knew it was bound to happen, your pet lived a long life and was showing signs of old age. You just also wished you were there when they took their last breath. Not long into your and Zhongli’s relationship, both you and your boyfriend had agreed to stay together because of how he lived much closer to your work than your family did. Doing this however meant leaving your pet with your younger siblings and parents at the family home, you did still visit often though.
“Is there something I could get you?” Zhongli asked, “Maybe some tea? I have some that’ll help you relax.”
You sniffled a bit, trying to gain a bit of your composure, “Thank you for the offer, love,” You responded, slowly, “I’ll have to pass for right now though. Maybe we can have some together later.”
The former Geo Archon knew that would be your answer but he still wanted to try. He didn’t really know what else to do, Zhongli never has had a pet before like mortals did, all he knew about them was that they didn’t live nearly as long as humans do. After a moment of thinking, he did what he thought you probably wanted the most right now, some comfort. He sat down next to you on the bed and pulled you close to him, wrapping his arms around you and planting a butterfly kiss on the top of your head.
It had been a couple of days and you were slowly coming to terms and going back to your usual self after your loss.
“Zhongli?” You called to him as he was just pouring himself a cup of tea.
“Yes?” He responded, “Would you like some?” The dark headed man asked, lifting the teapot slightly to signal what he was referring to.
“No, thank you,” You declined, “I wanted to ask if you’d want to go out for a walk.”
This piqued his attention, you had been wanting to stay inside lately, only leaving to go to work, “Where would you like to go walk to?”
You shrugged, slightly, “Maybe just around Liyue, we could also pick up something to eat to bring home if we end up walking around longer than intended.”
Zhongli couldn’t help but smile a little, you were starting to be back to your normal self, “It’s been awhile since we’ve done that so I’m okay with going.”
Soon enough, you were ready and both of you found yourselves walking the streets of Liyue, stopping inside of stores to browse and look at items. You both weren’t planning on buying anything today, though.
You suddenly halted and stared off to the other side of the street, “Look!”
The bright eyed man next to you looked in the direction you were pointing to see that you were pointing to a pet store that opened not too long ago, “Would you like to go inside?” He asked.
You looked up and grinned, “Can we? I just want to look. We won’t be in there for long.”
As response, he started heading towards the store, grabbing your hand at the same time.
Upon entering the store, you see shelves filled with pet food, accessories, such as collars, toys, and more. Then, you hear something that sounded really similar to a bark.
“Did you hear that?” You asked your boyfriend.
“Hear what?” Zhongli questioned, slightly confused.
You ignored his question as you headed farther into the store to see that they had an area with a variety of different pets. There weren’t that many there but more than you thought you would see. A few puppies, kittens, even a few lizards and other reptiles you could come across outside.
Immediately, you went over to the puppies and looked at them. There was a puppy with a dark brown coat with a few lighter tones at its paws, tip of its tail and ears, “This one is so adorable!” You gasped, pointing to it.
Zhongli kneeled down next to you to get a closer look, “It seems to really like you as well.”
“You think so?” You asked, looking between him and the animal, “Are we allowed to pet it or anything?”
“Please, feel free to,” A female’s voice appeared from behind you, making you jump slightly, “Would you like for me to take him out?”
“Yes please,” You nodded with a large grin.
Your short visit to the pet store lasted longer than you thought it would, by the time you went outside, it was dark.
“What happened to that supposed to be a short visit?” Zhongli smiled a little.
“I’m sorry,” You apologized as you both made your way to the closest food vendor, “I didn’t realize we were in there for so long.”
“It’s okay, I enjoyed seeing you be happy and having fun in there, [Y/N],” He gave your hand a squeeze as you continued walking. I missed that smile and laugh so much.
Your mood continued to improve throughout the following days, you came home with a smile and wanting to spend time with Zhongli and not being sad in bed. Something that you also had started doing is going by that pet store to visit and play with that puppy you saw the other night.
Zhongli was able to tell that you were starting to grow closer to the small puppy whenever he may end up visiting with you, on the couple of occasions, when you both may be out to get food or just to spend time outside. He even felt like he was creating some kind of bond with the little guy, too.
One day, you were going to go visit the puppy again, only to see him gone.
“Excuse me,” You asked the closest employee, “Where’s the puppy that was here?”
The employee looked in the direction you were referring to, “Oh, I’m sorry, he got adopted today.” She told you.
You tried not to frown at hearing the news, you were hoping to save up and buy him yourself soon, but it seemed like someone had beat you to it.
“That’s great,” You smiled just a little, it was a forced smile, “Thank you.” You said before leaving the pet store and making your way back to your home.
When you got home, you were greeted by your boyfriend. You gave him a smile, hoping that he wouldn’t pick up on your down mood, “Hello, sweetie.”
Zhongli, however, knew already that you were feeling down, “What’s wrong?” He asked.
There’s no point in trying to lie to him.
You sighed, “That puppy got adopted today.”
“Oh, I know,” Zhongli stated, holding back his smile. He did know already, as he was the one that went and adopted the puppy while you were at work.
“You know?” You looked into his golden eyes, confused, “How?”
Before the former Archon could respond, there was a bark just nearby, Zhongli saw your mouth open a little, “I already know, because I was the one who adopted him.” He let his smile show now as the puppy ran into the room and right to your feet.
You quickly went down onto your knees and picked the small dog up, holding him close to your chest, “Oh my..” You whispered, completely speechless.
“I saw how you looked at him and how happy he was making you. So, I managed to get the mora and bought him today while you were at work.” Your boyfriend told you, “Do you like my surprise for you?”
“A-Absolutely,” You stuttered, “Thank you. This is amazing.”
“What do you want to name him?”
You looked between the puppy and your boyfriend for a moment. The colors of the dog’s coat were so similar to the ones that Zhongli usually wore.
“I’m going to name him, Rex.” You flashed a smile to the Geo vision bearer.
“Rex?” Zhongli asked, “As in Rex Lapis?”
You nodded, “He reminds me of you with the colors in his coat. I can’t help but think that the name suits him. Even though you are no longer Rex Lapis,” You looked up to your boyfriend, “Are you okay with that? Or shall we come up with something else?”
Zhongli just shook his head, “No, the name is fine. Rex sounds nice to me as well.” He gave you a smile before grabbing Rex from you and holding your new member of the family in his arms, “Welcome to the family, Rex.”
You smiled at the sight, you’ll always remember and treasure this moment. This moment was perfect to you.