Chapter Text
In this universe, the view was alright.
A pair is seen, a shy distance setting them apart. The sun stays still, fiery orange raging with yellow and pink, clashing. Dust settles in the air, waiting for a gust of wind that will never come.
Nothing special, nothing new. Clouds sigh, idly moving with the wind. He's seen it before. It's been this way for the past few months, maybe years. He wasn't sure of the time; not that it matters now, anyway.
Instead, he looks at her. The ghosts of destruction howling for Zhongli's attention are long forgotten as he watches Guizhong stare at her hands. Her confusion couldn't be more obvious, and in spite of the pain lodging in his throat, he chuckles. In a dry land empty of hope, she shines so brightly. His light. His darling angel. Unlike the sun, it doesn't hurt his eyes. Even if she did hurt him, he didn't care. He would burn if it meant holding onto the last star he'll ever see.
"I want to know something," Guizhong states, gingerly averting her gaze to face the man next to him who hums in response, waiting for the other to continue.
She leans forward, curious eyes meeting cautious ones.
"What is it like to… breathe?"
Zhongli's heart breaks, the ache in his chest weighing heavier. He didn't need reminders of what he wishes weren't true, each time he closes his eyes.
"It's difficult," he says simply. "You're quite the lucky one for not experiencing it firsthand." Guizhong pauses to ruminate over his revelation, and Zhongli chuckles, picking a flower and perching it on her ear. "You need not worry, darling."
"Anything I can do to help?" She asks hopefully, and it makes him smile.
"You, yourself, just the way you are—here, right next to me, holding my heart like a precious stone-" he breathes deeply, chest becoming too tight for air. "That is enough, my angel. Now come on, it's time to change your batteries."