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Though Baizhu was often locked away from the world, either immersed in his studies or simply resting in his bed, it was not difficult to notice when the annual Lantern Rite Festival was rounding the corner. Not only does his pharmacy grow a bit more busy, requiring his assistance and presence more than usual, but he takes notice of the Liyuen people growing much more antsy throughout the weeks closing towards the festival. More people begin visiting the bank, many carts of ingredients arrive at the doorstep of restaurants, stands begin to be set up, planners are practically sprouting grey hairs as they rush around to ensure absolute perfection, performers and foreigners from all over begin to fill up inn rooms.
Just another day that happens to be mildly busy.
The vibrant happiness of the celebration would only last for a fleeting moment. Much like the lanterns that they set forth to the skies, it only flies so high before later plummeting down even harder into its demise.
Baizhu sighs from his place seated in his bed, quietly sipping at his ginger tea, sweetened with a spoonful of honey.
Qiqi had already long set off for the pharmacy along with Zhongli escorting her, so it was just him, Changsheng, and the hustle and bustle outside that he quietly watches through the window. The bright displays of smiles and people bursting with energy even when they were fatigued and stressed… well, Baizhu quite envied that. Rumor has it that even the traveler, who is not even of this world let alone from Liyue, is running around with their little companion and assisting with preparations.
Baizhu’s only contribution to the Lantern Rite Festival was to provide medicine to foreigners who would unfortunately fall ill to the new conditions of the land. He had never actually helped with the preparations; he only quietly watched from the sides, just as he always had. And as long as he had lived in Liyue, he had never exactly participated in the Lantern Rite Festival before, being either bedridden for the day or simply lacking the motivation to focus on anything else than his pursuit in the medical field.
The cup makes a soft clink as it is gently set on the nightstand and Baizhu heaves a sigh. Lazily, he swings his legs over the side of the bed, tapping his feet on the cool wood floor. His body intensely protests at his attempts at moving and he feels the urge to sink back into his bed, but when Changsheng gently nudges her head against his jawline, he makes the resolute decision to finally stand. His legs wobble ever-so-slightly like a newborn fawn, but he gathers his balance and takes his time shuffling to the kitchen.
He ignores the creak of his bones and the tiredness pulling down on his muscles, going through the familiar motions of preparing breakfast for one. Congee should do fine as always. He bends down with much trouble, scooping a cup of rice into a pot. Then, out to the well he goes. To pull out a bucket of water causes his being to tremble and his face to trickle sweat, but he succeeds and proceeds to slowly drag the bucket back to the small kitchen.
Allow the water to cook the rice until glutinous; add ginger, spices, and fowl in the meanwhile; add spring onions last; pour the porridge into a bowl; allow it to cool.
By the time Baizhu is finished, he collapses in his seat, his body feeling much heavier than it was previously. He slumps and attempts to take deep breaths until he deems himself to be better. Changsheng slinks off to find her own breakfast as he quietly begins to eat, only the sound of muffled chatter through the walls filling in the silence. Eventually, he stops eating at some point, only quietly stirring around his bowl, being immersed in the hypnotic motions. His mind wanders elsewhere, dreaming of things just beyond his reach. He doesn’t even notice when Changsheng returns to him with a full belly and makes herself at home around his neck again.
When the door swings open, he looks up and is surprised to see two familiar figures at his doorway. The doctor smiles and leans his cheek against his hand.
“Aren’t you two lovelies supposed to be at work?” Baizhu questioned, playfully raising an eyebrow.
Qiqi’s little feet lightly thud against the floor as she scuttles over next to Baizhu’s seat and drops a handful of candy on the table.
“Candy.” Is all the small girl utters before climbing into the seat next to him.
Zhongli arranges his shoes neatly outside of the door before stepping inside, amber eyes flickering over to the half empty bucket of water on the floor for only a moment before setting its sights on his beloved. A gentle smile graces his features as he takes long strides over to press a gentle kiss against Baizhu’s temple, which the man gladly accepts.
“Everyone at the pharmacy ended up wanting to send Qiqi home, saying that they had everything under control. They might have felt a bit bad as you can see.”
They both glance at Qiqi spreading out red packets filled with money on the table, arranging it neatly.
“I suppose the Lantern Rite Festival has begun already. But to think that they would make this decision without consulting me first though? I may have to have a talk with my employees about this.” Baizhu hums, a mischievous glimmer in his eyes.
“Do not be too harsh. They had only good intentions.” Zhongli takes his seat on the opposite side of Baizhu, and though he is shaking his head, the smile never left his face.
“I know. I know.” Baizhu settles his golden eyes on Zhongli and tilts his head. “And what is your story?”
“I was allowed a day to rest, perhaps also due to the Lantern Rite Festival.” Zhongli replies, voice calm and steady as always. Oh, how Baizhu loved to listen to that voice.
With a nod, Baizhu focuses his attention back on the porridge, mind pondering on any other topics he could bring up. Before he could open his mouth to speak, he felt a light tug on his sleeve and looked to see the source, spotting Qiqi holding up the red packets.
“Dr. Baizhu, Qiqi has mora. What does Qiqi do with the mora?” Purple hues stare intensely, awaiting a response.
“Oh? Would you look at that; Qiqi has more mora than Zhongli.” Their eyes briefly meet in an amused exchange before Baizhu returns his attention back to the girl. “Would you perhaps like to save your mora in your jar?”
Qiqi hums, as if thinking, and then took half of her six packets, sliding it over. “Some.” She stuffed the three left in her pockets and idly kicked her feet under the table. Taking the packets, Baizhu begins to stand up to search for the jar, but he feels a firm hand on his shoulder, coaxing him to sit back down.
“I will go.” Zhongli insists, and Baizhu has no choice but to give in, handing over the packets.
“How very thoughtful of my lover. You know where it is, yes?”
“If I remember correctly, I believe so.”
When Zhongli disappears into the next room, Baizhu looks at Qiqi and feels his curiosity peaking as he notices her constantly looking at the mora in her pocket.
“So, what do you plan on using the other half of your mora for, dearie? Are you planning on getting a toy?”
Qiqi shakes her head slowly and she stares off for a bit before finally speaking. “Festival. I want to make a Xiao Lantern.”
It was an understandable reason, he thought. Children and adults alike have most likely been running around with their own lanterns. It wasn’t a surprise that Qiqi would want to participate as well. “Alright then. We can ask together if Zhongli can take you to see Jingming about your lantern.”
There was silence until Baizhu felt a small hand grasp at his, and his eyes met with blank but vaguely pleading purple irises. “I want Dr. Baizhu to come with us too. Will you?”
Now this took Baizhu by complete surprise. He wasn’t quite sure why Qiqi would want him to go as well, as this was certainly a first for him. He stares for a moment or two as an awkward laugh escapes his throat.
“Well,” he’s not sure if he’s okay enough to go out today, but he sees Qiqi’s face, and who is he to deny such a request, “okay, I’ll come with. But Dr. Baizhu is very very slow. You might even have to carry him.” He gently taps her nose and she falls back into her seat, a semblance of a smile on her face as she kicks her feet under the table. Qiqi glances up at Baizhu once more and then pushes the pile of candies closer to him.
“For Dr. Baizhu.”
“Ah, but aren’t these for you?”
“Doesn’t matter. Qiqi can’t taste.”
Right.
Baizhu picks through the assortment of candies and finds one that catches his eye. He holds out a piece of candied ginger towards Qiqi.
“I think Qiqi will like this one. It has a bit of spice, so it won’t be too bad. You’ll be able to feel the spice, I believe. It’s quite good for the body as well.”
Qiqi took the candy, albeit a bit reluctantly and began quietly nibbling on it as her mind seemed to wander elsewhere.
Zhongli no longer lingered near the doorway and finally stepped back into the kitchen, not hesitating to walk over and pick up the bucket left on the floor and return it back to the well with much less effort than it took for Baizhu to carry it over. When Zhongli returned, Baizhu clapped his hands together lightly and moved to slowly stand up.
“I suppose we’ll have a family outing tonight,” he notices that both of their attention is caught at the word family and decides to continue, “though it’s still a bit early, we can set off in an hour or two. We’ll have some time to make a lantern before the festivities begin. In the meantime, I’ll go get ready as I am still in my nightclothes.”
~~
In front of the vanity mirror, Baizhu sat, watching silently as Zhongli finished up braiding his hair. Qiqi was not far behind, seated on Baizhu’s bed, still devotedly nibbling on the candied ginger from earlier.
When he feels his braid gently thud against his back and sees the tall man lean down to place a chaste kiss to the top of his head, Baizhu could not help but close his eyes, now outlined with ink and red powders, and indulge in the sensation… in the warm feeling that bloomed in his chest.
“Done.” The deep voice quietly rumbles and a calloused but gentle hand takes Baizhu’s own, guiding him slowly to stand; he is steady and dependable, just as his element entails. Baizhu’s body feels as if he might just float away with every passing second that their hands envelope one another.
“Qiqi.” Baizhu calls out softly and she gracefully hops from the bed and lets her tiny legs carry over to them. By pure instinct, Zhongli and Baizhu release their hands and hold it out towards Qiqi, who gladly takes them both. They each adjust their robes ever so slightly and Baizhu instructs Changsheng to watch over the house while they’re gone before they set off.
~~
The sunset is beautiful. That is the first thing Baizhu notices while they are walking. To see colors of pink and orange casting its glow upon Liyue was quite the pleasing sight indeed. The three are relatively silent during their walk towards the harbor, save for the occasional greeting or comment on the decorations. They pass vibrant bushes of silk flowers along their way and Baizhu temporarily admires them until they fully pass them.
It almost takes his mind off of the dull ache of his body.
They are luckily one of the few groups huddling around Jingming for lantern making, and it is not long before they are next. Qiqi watches intently, showing as much amazement as she could before handing over fifty mora and quietly starting on her own. Baizhu stands back, observes her quietly as always, and watches as Zhongli occasionally chimes in with advice and helps with the more dangerous parts. He can’t help but smile at the sight. Zhongli is much too good.
He would be a wonderful father.
The Xiao Lantern is assembled before long, and Qiqi holds it up, looking quite satisfied with herself. Baizhu claps and Jingming congratulates her while Zhongli carefully guides her away from the crafting bench and in the direction where Baizhu stands.
“Happy Lantern Rite!” They hear Jingming call out to them, and they politely return the sentiments.
“What a beautiful lantern, Qiqi. What wish will you write on it?” As much as it pains him, he carefully bends down to closely examine the lantern held out for him to see. He couldn’t help but feel as if it were the most beautiful thing ever.
Qiqi glances at Zhongli, then at Baizhu, then down at her lantern. She even seems to start fidgeting a bit, as if hesitating to speak her next words. Finally, a single word serves to shock them both.
“Family.”
Zhongli and Baizhu stare, taking a few seconds before the word is finally processed. They exchange a quiet look, eyes communicating their utter confusion and inability to know what to reply with.
“Ah,” Baizhu begins, but he could not find the words to continue.
And it seems like he didn’t need to find much when Qiqi gingerly set her lantern down, grabbing Zhongli and Baizhu’s hand. Again, she repeated, “Family.”
All the words die in his throat. Baizhu looks down at their hands and bites his lip. Family, huh? He shows a weak smile and reaches over with his free hand, tucking a strand of Qiqi’s hair behind her ear. “Anything for Qiqi.” He whispers, voice barely audible.
Zhongli reaches over to carefully hold Qiqi’s lantern before it is blown away, pressing a quick kiss to the top of her head. “Your wish shall be granted.”
Their hands release, albeit reluctantly, and Baizhu is grateful for the strong pair of arms that help him back up from his kneel on the ground. He takes a moment and stretches his limbs until he feels comfortable enough to walk again.
“Shall we sit down and have some sweet dumplings? I’ve heard good things of Yi’nian’s stand.” Zhongli glances at Baizhu and guides the two to find a good place to sit, allowing Baizhu to sit first and giving him the lantern to hold in the meanwhile, “I will fetch the food.” He picks Qiqi up and gently sits her on a chair.
“I shall wait then. Have a safe trip.” They share a smile full of warmth before Zhongli leaves for the food cart.
“Dr. Baizhu likes Mr. Zhongli very much.”
The smile is still plastered on his face as he watches the man’s retreating back. “Indeed.”
It isn’t long before Zhongli is back, explaining his mora insufficiencies, and Baizhu ends up giving Zhongli his pouch of mora.
~~
After a good meal and complete with satisfied stomachs, they begin to see people setting off their lanterns into the crisp and clear night sky. Though seeming clearly excited, Qiqi does not express it, simply opting to glance back and forth between the table and the floating lanterns. Zhongli and Baizhu obviously take notice of this, sharing an amused look before Baizhu speaks up.
“Would Qiqi like to go release her lantern?” She perks up at this, purple eyes lighting up ever so slightly.
“Yes, please.” She nods, clambering down from her seat. Zhongli promptly stands up and opens his arms for her as an offer to pick her up, which she gladly accepts, jumping into his arms and being hoisted up. Balancing Qiqi in one arm, he reaches out with his free arm, offering his hand. Baizhu, of course, also gladly accepts this, using the assistance to stand, and using this opportunity to loop his arm around Zhongli’s, loosely clinging onto his arm.
Upon reaching the edge of the waters, where everyone else stood, Zhongli let’s Qiqi down and Baizhu hands over her lantern. They light it up, but Qiqi does not release it yet, as if waiting for something. Her eyes meet Zhongli and Baizhu’s, and they immediately understand.
They both reach over to place their hand on the bottom of the lantern with Qiqi’s, and she seems to radiate with joy. Together, with a smile on each of their faces, they lift the lantern up into the sky.
The lantern, shining warmly, gently floats to join the rest of the others in the sky, carrying all of their hopes and wishes for this world, hopefully for the gods to see and grant. Qiqi watches, practically craning her neck all the way back, until she can no longer detect her lantern amongst the others. Still, her eyes are focused on the radiant show of lights, dancing through the midnight blue sky.
Beautiful.
Baizhu thinks to himself.
He turns to look at Zhongli and Qiqi, who are immersed in watching the sky, bathed in a warm glow. He almost feels like a lantern himself.
Beautiful indeed.
And he can’t help but to continue to think.
Perhaps living a fleeting life would not be so bad if it were this vibrant while it lasted.
~~later that night~~
They had arrived home quite late and had already tucked Qiqi into bed long ago. Zhongli and Baizhu now quietly sit in Baizhu’s bed, reading a book together. At least, only Zhongli may be reading. There is too much on Baizhu’s mind and all the pages are a blur.
Slowly, their fingers intertwine together and Baizhu squeezes his hand firmly.
“What a lovely evening.” Baizhu starts.
“Indeed.” Zhongli replies, eyes tearing away from the book to look at his beloved.
“I didn’t expect to have as much fun as I did.”
“I’m glad.”
Baizhu doesn’t hesitate to steal a kiss; he was always a selfish man. Their lips meet in a soft and graceful dance, long and loving. It communicated things of such grand sweetness that words could never do justice with.
They separate, but still remain as close as possible. Their noses nuzzle together, and their eyes never leave one another, looking deep and willingly allowing themselves to get lost.
Unfortunately, Baizhu breaks contact and buries his face in Zhongli’s shoulder. “Zhongli,” His voice is barely a whisper, “will you promise to take care of Qiqi for me?”
It is Zhongli’s turn to squeeze the other’s hand. He ponders over the words for a moment and, for the first time, hesitates. Accepting this means that…
He admires the hair cascading down his shoulder like a river of liquid emerald. He thinks of golden eyes, bright and beautiful, conveying sharpness and wit. He thinks of a heart so strong and ambitious even with a body so weak and brittle that attempts to douse those flames. Oh, how he wants to hold on so badly.
Still, Zhongli sighs and presses a gentle kiss to the crown of Baizhu’s head. “You have my word. I shall protect and watch over her.”
Baizhu lifts his head with a smile and meets him for one more chaste kiss.
“Thank you.”
“Anything for you, my beloved.”