Chapter Text
The quiet ticking of the old grandfather clock is an ever constant reminder of the time Diluc Ragvindr has left in this world.
It’s also an aching reminder that he doesn’t have much time left to love him .
Zhongli. Or Morax. Or Rex Lapis. But Zhongli prefers the former of his many names- mostly because Diluc uses that name and it’s what everyone knows him as.
Diluc sighs. He glances at the clock and sets the cup down, folding the towel neatly and placing it back where it belonged. The clock rings and the tavern door swings open to tonight’s guests. Men and women alike pour in, filling up the once empty seats of Diluc’s inn.
“Hey, Master Diluc! How are we this fine evening?” A small, seemingly underage boy grins at the grumpy redhead, setting his lyre down beside him. Though blessed with youthful looks, the boy was pretty old.
He sighs. “The usual?”
“You know it!”
As the night goes on, Diluc gets restless. Where is he?
The doors quietly creak open, revealing a tall, slim, and irresistibly handsome young man. He has long brown hair tied in a low ponytail and serious, but calm amber eyes, with red eyeliner lining the rim of his eyelids.
It’s him, he thinks.
“I see you’ve finally decided to come; you're not one to be late.” Diluc says playfully, acting as if he wasn’t waiting eagerly for his arrival. An amused chuckle interrupts the two-a too familiar chuckle. He glares at the dark-skinned knight, the knight’s deep, sapphire blue eyes glinting with mirth.
“What seems to be so funny, knight?”
“Nothing; you two are just too cute~” The mysterious man takes a sip from his drink.
Zhongli stares at him quizzically. “How are we ‘cute’, Sir Kaeya?”
Kaeya shrugs, going back to his drink and to his seatmates. “Nevermind,”
Then, the two are in their own little world again.
Just the two of them.
A fiery, ruby red meets a calm and soothing amber amidst all the laughter and cheer, both silently wishing to be in each other’s warm embrace.
Wanting more than just this .
It made his heart ache with a sadness oh-so-profound; it was almost unbearable.
“Master Diluc.” His head shoots up from the sink and he curses himself for looking up too fast. “How was your day today?”
Diluc shrugs nonchalantly, going back to wiping the dishes. “Same old. I worked on some papers, monitored the shipping, helped clean, and-” He grabs his shirt, feeling a sharp pang in his chest and stumbles backwards. The cup clatters on the floor, drawing attention to him.
“Master Diluc!” Zhongli exclaims, rushing around the counter to help him.
A couple of people look over curiously, some going back to their own drinks. Kaeya whips around and stares wide-eyed at the redhead. Diluc grunts, inhaling sharply as the pain spreads throughout his body, pulsing through his veins. He brushes Zhongli off and picks up the cup.
You can’t let something as small as that ruin a perfectly good night.
“I-I’m fine. It’s okay.” Zhongli stares at him for a moment longer and goes back to his stool. But he wasn’t the only one worried sick about Diluc.
Kaeya swirls his drink around, tapping his finger onto the wooden counter. Zhongli glances at him curiously. Why would a knight be so worried about a tavern owner?
But the show must go on.
The night is painfully slow, but at least the pain subsides and Diluc is now free of his duties at the tavern for the night.
“Would you like me to fly you to your home?”
“No thank you. I don’t see the point in wasting your powers for such a silly thing such as that,” he huffs, collecting his things and putting his coat on. “Besides, didn’t you give your gnosis away? You can’t do anything without it.”
The former archon stiffens. “I was the first to have won the Great Archon War; surely Celestia will give me another. Or maybe I don’t need one at all,” He holds the back door open for the tavern owner, breathing in the sweet, sweet scent of dandelion wine as Diluc passed. Oh, how it made Zhongli’s heart skip a beat. Thank Celestia he didn’t pass out.
“But still. Just to take me home? The ride wouldn't take too long from here to there-even if
it did happen.
As the two bicker back and forth, Diluc fails to notice the blue-haired knight waiting for him a couple ways from the tavern.
“As long as you’re safe and okay, brother. We’ll talk another day,” Kaeya nods in
approval and walks away, muttering silently to himself.
By this point, they had quarrelled themselves halfway to the Statue of the Seven.
“It’s decided. I’m flying you there and that’s final.” Zhongli lifts his head and stares at
Diluc, awaiting his approval.
He glares back, of course. “Fine. But if you can’t transform, then I’m just going to stay
at the hotel in the city.”
Zhongli smiles, satisfied, and backs away, closing his eyes. Diluc watches worriedly as the wind blows past them, his friend’s chest glowing with a Geo sign.
“Celestia, hear my prayer as I humbly call upon you; grant me the ancient powers of Geo again and my form of Rex Lapis. I offer you nothing but my lowly soul.”
Just as Zhongli utters those words, he begins to levitate, and his body emits an amber glow, hints of gold here and there. Is he seriously getting his powers back for such a stupid thing? But, at least he’s getting them back.
The process finally reaches its climax when a ringing noise is heard, the light glowing even brighter, and Zhongli floating even higher than before; you would think he was ascending back into Celestia.
Was he?
Diluc looks away, not wanting to be blinded by the bright light emanating from the former archon. Well, not the ‘former’ archon anymore- his powers are back.
WHOOSH!
When he looks back, a large creature is looming over the field, creating a dark shadow.
A beautiful dragon circles elegantly around it, putting Diluc in a trance.
It had a huge majestic body with scales that were a soft brown fading into a warm yellow, sparks of gold everywhere on its body. There were yellow spikes along its body, decorating its spine down to its tail, which for a second looked like a blazing flame. It had slitted amber eyes with an orange-red line similar to that of the sunset rimming its eyelids. Truly, its beauty was immense.
It peered down and lowered itself to where Diluc could hop on, but all he could do was just stare in amazement; it was clear that the creature made him speechless.
“Zhongli..? I-Is that you?”
The creature blinks. Yes, it is, but when I am in this form, address me as either Rex Lapis or Morax. But nevermind that-climb my back and hold on tight;I’ll take you to your home now.
“Telepathy, huh?” Diluc mutters to himself as he climbs aboard. As soon as he’s secure, Morax takes off and flies into the night sky. They fly at a steady pace, watching the dusty sunset morph into a deep, midnight blue littered with the bright stars of the night; the night sky of Teyvat is glorious.
It’s beautiful, isn’t it? Morax’s voice interrupts Diluc’s thoughts. He clears his throat.
“Yeah.”
Are you hanging on tight?
He adjusts his position. “Now I am. What are you-” Morax stoops down below, flying straight down at an inhuman speed.
“Morax! Slow down!” Fear pulsates through Diluc Ragvindir’s veins. ‘I don’t know what’s worse- dying by sickness or this.’
Then, the dragon stops, hovering a couple feet off the ground.
We’re not done yet!
Diluc scowls, rolling his eyes. “Are you kidding me-” His own terrified scream cut him off.
They fly to Dragonspine, circling the peak whilst admiring the vast, vast land of Teyvat. The contrasting colors blended quite well together; despite Diluc trembling with absolute fear, he still managed to enjoy the view.
But the peace was only momentary.
He grunts, grabbing his chest and squeezing a mixture of Morax’s fur and scales.
Ow-Master Diluc! Are you alright?
“House…quickly…pleas-” Another spasm hits the young man and the dragon speeds to his house, catching the attention of the staff working.
“Oh my-”
Don’t ask questions and just help him off-now!
They nod and get to it quickly, guiding their master to his quarters as Morax becomes human again and follows them inside.
“Leave us alone,” he says, sitting down on the king-sized bed next to the redhead. The servants bow and leave the two quietly.
Diluc groans, attempting to sit up. “Lay back down.” Zhongli gently pushes him back down and scoots closer. The archon can’t stand to lose another dear friend of his and he isn’t going to take any chances with Diluc.
“Rest for now, okay?” He smiles softly, stroking his friend’s cheek and brushing the hair out of the way. From another point of view, you would have thought the two were lovers.
Diluc dreams of becoming his lover. But for now, he’d give into the exhaustion of the night.
In the morning, he awoke to his maids cleaning up his room and laying out his clothes on his bed. He winces at the sunlight pouring through the window.
“Master Diluc!” a girl who seemed to be at least 20 exclaimed. She and the others quickly gathered around their rising master, anxiously awaiting to see how he’d react.
He shoos them away from his bed, much to their relief; their master is still okay. “Where’s Zhongli? Did he leave Dawn Winery already?”
They shake their heads. “He’s with the chef, trying to help prepare breakfast for you. Would you like us to help dress you, Master Diluc?”
“No thank you, just finish cleaning and then head downstairs. Tell Zhongli I’ll be down soon please.” As his maids quickly finish the job, he changes into his day clothes and follows suit, putting his hair up in its usual style.
“Good morning, Master Diluc,” an old man greeted.
“Hello, Martin. What’s for breakfast today?”
“We’ll be having congee, fried fish and rice, egg pancakes and almond tofu with oolong tea. Sounds…sounds yummy , no?” A deep but calm voice interrupts the conversation, a small grin donning Zhongli’s handsome face. A couple of maids laugh at how the serious man tried pronouncing the word “yummy”; Diluc shakes his head in amusement.
“Good morning to you, too, Zhongli. Let’s sit down,” They sit down and after a quick prayer to the Seven, they dig in. And boy, was the food delicious . Diluc had some Liyuean food before, but never anything like this . The mild aroma of the congee matched its taste; easy to eat and is a very nice palate cleanser after eating the salty fish. That on its own had many flavors to go through. Its skin was brown and crispy, the meat’s juices filling Diluc with delight. Then, they moved on to the “fancy” egg pancakes. It was stuffed to the brim with veggies and meats galore, all the different colors and flavors complimenting the golden hue of the eggs. But when dipped into the fish sauce, though, you add a whole other layer of flavors to the mixing pot. It-
Diluc’s train of thought was interrupted by Zhongli’s voice snapping him back to reality.
“Master Diluc, how are you enjoying the food so far?” The redhead nods contently.
“Simply put, it is extremely delicious.” The amber man smiles, waving the maids over.
“Could you bring us the tofu now? It seems that we’re ready to move on to the last course,” He glances at Diluc for approval, who nods eagerly. “And please bring us the teapot!”
The tofu comes out quickly, a bright aura emanating from the soft solid. As soon as the plate was set down, Diluc immediately dug in and almost cried. It was warm and easy to swallow; the sweetness of the sauce and the slight bitterness of the almonds balanced quite nicely with the tasteless tofu. And as he took a sip of the tea, it sent a soothing chill down Diluc’s spine. How could he describe it? The taste? It was…bitter, yes, but what else? There was a certain sweetness in there-a twang . Nonetheless, it still tasted good. But what if he ate it with the tofu? Would the two go well together?
Zhongli beams with joy as he quietly watches Diluc thoroughly enjoy the tea and tofu. After all, it came from his nation; his pride and joy. He sets his teacup down and clears his throat.
“What would you like to do today, Master Diluc?” said man sighs, shaking his head.
“I’m afraid that I won’t be able to have much choice in what I’ll do today; it’s just another work day for me. You, however, have the freedom to do what you’d like. You could even go back to Liyue, if you wi-”
The amber man scoffs. “And leave you ? Most certainly not ! It’s Saturday-it’s the weekend, Diluc, and you need to enjoy it. Especially since you seem like you’re not doing well-probably because of stress. You’re constantly working and you need to know that it’s okay to take breaks! You remind me of the Yuheng, Keqing….” Redhead was shocked; that was the first time Zhongli had ever addressed Diluc casually- or anyone, for that matter. Other than the first time they met, because, well, you know- first meeting and all? But, after a year or so of Zhongli’s very formal acquaintance, how could he not be surprised?
Diluc chuckles, which turns into a laugh. “What is so funny about taking breaks?”
“No, no, it’s just-you never address me casually like that! You’re always so formal, and it’s such a rare sight to see you act like this,” Diluc marvels at the man sitting opposite him in amusement and amazement; a touch of gratefulness, too. Zhongli never acts like this with others, and if he’s like this with him of all people, then he must be special-right? Oh, how Diluc hopes so.
Zhongli’s eyes widen, a light blush painting his perfectly carved face. “I-I see.” He clears his throat and takes a sip from his tea. “I’m sorry if I was being rude,”
Diluc chokes slightly on his drink. “O-Oh, no, not at all! I like it when you’re like this,”
There was an awkward silence between the two and the servants. Did the table always have these intricate designs? The wall looks extra nice today.
Redhead clears his throat. “But, I suppose I could clear today’s schedule... just for you .” He mutters the last part, picking at the tablecloth. Zhongli’s face lights up.
“Really? Well, thank you, Master Diluc! I have a great plan on what to do today,” They get up from the table and stand aside as the servants clean the table up.
“Meet me back down here in 30 minutes; that should be ample time to get ready, I believe. Are you okay with that? Oh, and you should pack a few bags.”
Diluc cocks his head curiously. “Hm. I’m alright with it; I’ll see you then.” Diluc grins the whole way back to his room and quickly freshens up and dresses himself in a white, puffy blouse, a black vest-similar to the white one he always wears-, black trousers, and his regular boots. He slides his fancy leather gloves on, a simple design lining the edges, and ties his hair up in a neat ponytail. He sprays on a light cologne and straightens out his coat.
Diluc strides down the stairs excitedly and meets Zhongli outside on the sunny front porch. The archon was dressed in his usual coat, dress shirt, slacks, and shoes, but he had no undercoat and his shirt was buttoned up to the last two, where some of his chest could be exposed. How could a man be this elegant and poised? It was as if he was blessing the sunlight with his natural glow. Was Zhongli an angel?
Redhead blushes and clears his throat. “Oh, hello, Master Diluc! You look lovely.” The archon has the audacity to smile, his radiating glow growing brighter. Diluc walks over to Zhongli and chuckles.
“I think you look nice, too. I’m sorry if the clothes in the dressers weren’t to your liking-”
“No!” Zhongli exclaims. “N-no, not at all! I just felt a little bit uncomfortable using your clothes is all.” He fiddles his fingers, sneaking glances at the redhead standing before him. His porcelain skin glowed under the sun and his ruby red orbs shone with embarrassment and- was that affection?
“Well, what are we doing today?”
Zhongli smiles mischievously. “You mean, this week ?”
“I only cleared my schedule for today, thou-”
“I cleared your schedule for the whole week, Master Diluc.” The duo turn to the faceless voice.
“Martin!” Diluc stares at his butler in bewilderment. The old butler had been by his side since day one; he served both his father and him with utmost respect and loyalty.
Martin chortles with amusement. “Don’t you worry about nothin’, Master Diluc- we’ll handle the rest for ya. It’s ‘bout time you came around to havin’ fun.” The old man cackles once more before turning heel and walking back inside.
“...Er, shall we go now?”
“Yes.”
They both step back a little as Zhongli puts focus into his form, and within a blink of an eye, he’s Morax again.
‘Climb aboard.’
Once he was sure that Diluc was settled, he takes off and soars high into the sky, the manor soon becoming nothing but a tiny house from up above.
‘Do you happen to know of the country Inazuma and its archon?’
Diluc ponders for a moment. “No, I don’t believe I do.”
‘Well, apparently…their archon, the Raiden Shogun, had closed off her country to all outsiders that aren’t there for trade or business since last year. She’d also put out a “Vision Hunt Decree” that restricts you from using your vision, except for a handful of people she deems worthy, such as the face of the Yashiro Commission, Kamisato Ayaka. Miss Kamisato holds a Cryo vision and was a part of the rebellion against the decree, yet the Shogun still didn’’t take it away.’
Diluc is speechless. That was actually happening down there?
‘Crazy, right? She’d even surrounded her country with storm clouds. It’s a little weird to think that such a shy girl had turned into a dictator like that. I’ve heard that was her way of pursuing eternity for all of Inazuma and its people. Luckily, the Traveler came along and stopped the Decree and changed her views altogether…somehow.’
“That’s…yeah. Wow.” He shifts in his seat, peering down to view the harbor below them. Why wasn’t Morax stopping?
“Morax, we’re going past the harbor. Are we going to Guyun Stone Forest?”
Silence.
Alarm fills Diluc’s body as the realization slowly hits his head.
“Morax, turn around! Don’t take us there! Why are we going to Inazuma?! If you want to pay your friend a visit, maybe you should send a letter!” he cries, gripping a spike and hugging his bag closer.
‘Don’t worry about it. I’ll keep you safe- trust me.’
“It’s kind of hard to trust you when you’re going full-speed ahead.” Just as he utters those words, a thick shell of amber forms around him, encasing him in rock.
“Is this your idea of protection? What kind of a shield is this?” He knocks on it, examining it carefully.
Morax is silent, and Diluc gives up. “Just trust in a dragon who just got his powers back. Sounds good to me,” he grumbles to himself.
Thunder rumbles overhead, lighting shooting right next to them. Morax swerves, darting from side-to-side in a zig-zag to avoid getting struck. Diluc couldn’t see through the outside, so he was stuck having to trust a literal dragon. Well, a conscious one, at least.
Suddenly, it stops. He feels Morax land and the amber encasing him in that little shield is now gone. Diluc hops off, slinging the bag over his shoulder and admires the scenery of Inazuma while Morax transforms and tells him more about the country they were at. There are cherry blossoms everywhere , green grass and purple roofs littering the city. Many people are dressed in robe-like clothing called ‘kimonos’ and ‘yukatas’ . Both could be worn by either gender, but yukatas were apparently more popular in the summer, as they were lighter and provided more air circulation for the user. Diluc nods along, half-listening to Zhongli’s rant. He looks around and spots a huge tree peaking from the mountain up north.
“Zhongli, why don’t we take a hike up that mountain there? I see a very large, purple-pink tree and I’d like to get a closer look at it,”
“I think we should go at a later time.” Zhongli fixes his shirt, glancing at said tree with a certain glint in his eyes that Diluc couldn’t decipher. “Why don’t we enjoy the town instead; we can slowly make our way up there. How does that sound?”
Diluc slowly nods his head in agreement, narrowing his eyes thoughtfully. “Yes, yes. Will there be any alcohol vendors or places with such?” Zhongli laughs heartily as they head down the steep hill.
“Yes, of course. Alcohol is everywhere, Master Diluc.”
“Good. I hope you can hold your liquor,” Diluc gives the archon a cheesy smile, making his heart skip a beat. Is he blushing? Oh, archons, please don’t be blushing.
Side by side, they head down to the bustle of the city and go straight to the food vendors. The vendors eye them curiously but excitedly as they rarely had any foreigners in so long. New smells enter Diluc’s system with delight, almost sending him into overload.
“Say, Zhongli. Are you hungry?”
“I could go for some food right now. Why don’t we head to Kinimami Restaurant? Their business has been running for a while and they have some of the best Inazuman alchohol there. What do you say?” Zhongli offers with a polite smile.
“Absolutely. Let’s go!” This is the first time Zhongli has ever seen Diluc this openly happy. There were instances where he’s come close to this moment, but never as ecstatic as this, making his heart skip a beat. Is he blushing? Oh, archons, please don’t be blushing.
They spent a total of two and a half hours walking around, trying new and old cuisine, and drinking the night away.
Zhongli lets out a contented sigh, patting his stomach.
“‘Stuffed’ is the correct term you use when one is full, correct?”
“Yes,” Diluc nods.
“Well, I’m stuffed. I am thoroughly impressed with what new cuisine has come up since the last time I came here. Dango milk and lavender melon milk are delicious!”
Diluc smiles softly at his bumbling friend, looking back at the starry sky above, the tiny lights littering the sky forming constellations Diluc was too drunk to remember.
“Shall we sleep outside or find a tavern to rest in?”
Zhongli shoots up and grabs Diluc, dragging him down the hill.
“I remember where an old friend lives; perhaps her home still stands at the southern end of Narukami Island where Inazuma City ends. Come,” He slurs out his words, stumbling down the rocky path with Diluc on his literal heels.
As they stagger their way to the southern end of Narukami Island, thunder begins to crackle overhead.
They didn’t pay much mind to it; too drunk to care.
Finally, after around 20-30 minutes or so, they reached the entrance of Zhongli’s old friend’s residence. Only two guards stand in the way of a reunion.
“Excuse me, sir. You need to go back. Do you have any charms as proof of pass? If not, then we kindly ask you to leave the premises. The mighty Raiden Shogun does not allow visitors without the omamori charm or a formal invitation given to by Herself or the Guuji, Miss Yae Miko."
Zhongli pulls out said charm, swinging it in the guards’ faces.
“I have said charm, now let me and my partner through!"
Diluc's heart skips a beat.
Partner ?
He probably meant it in a friendly way, don’t take it too seriously. But what if he meant it in that way? Like in a…” love ” kind of partner? Well, that’s a pretty gender neutral term. They’ve never had that kind of talk before, though-
Diluc’s intrusive thoughts stop once they somehow reach the Raiden Shogun’s greeting room. The air was electrifyingly tense and hard to breathe in, the mats squelching beneath their shoes. He was amazed at how much power was being emitted from the Raiden’s seemingly peaceful and simple meditation stance. He glances at Zhongli whose eyes were now only slightly glossed from the alcohol, his amber gaze staring straight ahead at the archon.
Raiden’s eyes fly open and she sighs, peering down at them with a bored expression on her face. The expression soon changes once she realizes the former Geo Archon, Rex Lapis, was in her presence.
“...Rex Lapis. I see you’ve brought along a friend. Give me a moment to summon Ei,”
Diluc stares at the purple archon quizzically, wondering where the portal she summoned went or goes to.
The portal opens again almost immediately, causing the duo to jump slightly.
“It’s really you, Morax.”