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Zhongli had always found Diluc's flames beautiful. Passionate, fiery, and unrelenting like it's wielder, so much so that he couldn't help but keep his eyes on the young Ragvindir heir, especially when the other's lips curled up in a rare, fleeting smile in their embrace, even if it's scorching.
After all, one cannot just gaze upon the sun. It shines on as a promise, that a new day will always come, despite however black the night can be. A promise for a new beginning. Warm and selfless, it burned on, even if that means forsaking it's own life. Had it not been for the sun, the Earth would have rotted away, imprisoned in eternal, unending darkness.
Rex Lapis never saw the need for a light that come and goes, yet Zhongli yearns and adores the sun just as strong.
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Childe, Tartaglia, Ajax. So many faces, but Zhongli would do anything so he can hold the man in his arms. From the bloodthirsty, battle ridden, to the big brother who's eyes regained a semblance of light, holding his younger siblings in his arms. So beautiful, so diverse, he took Zhongli and together, they waltzed into an entirely new emotion to the newly turned mortal.
The moon, serene yet so honest, being a beacon in the dark when the sun rests it's eyes. The moon, that seemingly dances in and out of view by jealous clouds' designs, will always be a guide for lost souls should they need to find the way home. Had it not been for the moon, the Earth would have forever been blind to the word love.
At nights when Zhongli could not sleep, he watches the moon, his body relaxed and free, his lovers' sleeping faces illuminated by the silver light.
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Kaeya, gods, Kaeya. Zhongli had seldom met such a man in his many, many years treading Teyvat, and he could not help but let himself fall. Such tragedy that drove him and his sworn brother apart, yet they still found eachother by sheer conviction, and even now, Zhongli still finds this man to be otherworldly, entangled in silks and webs of lies, but his heart stayed true until the end of time.
The stars seemed so short-lived, compared to the sun and moon, yet the Earth will gladly say that the skylit canvas will never be complete without them. Mischievous, twinkling and flickering, so fragile yet still able to carry the hopes of the endless galaxies, serving as a gentle reassurance that no matter where, they will always shine on your darkened path. Had it not been for the stars, the Earth would have been lost to the many emotions that come along with being ordinary.
When Kaeya drops the carefully constructed facade, Zhongli wants nothing more than to capture it for an eternity, keeping it tucked away where no impurities could ever dream of touching.
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Lifetimes ago, Rex Lapis had asked a certain goddess what it means to love, confused to what she truly meant by her heartfelt confession. She only laughed, and through saddened eyes, said she will answer his inquiries on another day.
War torn them apart, and Rex Lapis wandered on, alone and lost, convinced that he will never find the answer forever.
Zhongli, who had finally know love, warmth and happiness, could only hope she rests in peace.
The earth, blessed and loved, lives on.