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Zhongli takes life at his own pace. The ex-archon has enough time and patience to spare as the world passes him by. It's better this way. Enjoying the small things and being mortal truly has its own benefits, such as being able to enjoy quality time with his beloved. If he were still ruling over the lands, he would never be able to enjoy such a luxury.
With a brush in hand, he carefully leads it through thick, red locks. Tangles are met and some force is required to pull them undone. Never is he forceful enough to cause pain to Diluc.
It's a small tradition Zhongli has come to find peace in. Offering him a moment of his time to care for him once he's returned home. It's no grand gesture, but it is one that comes from the heart.
Diluc is tired. It's a constant and familiar state for him. Whether it's due to fighting against monsters or working at the tavern, rest is not something he is accustomed to. His body is always on alert, always on the move. Stopping means something is wrong.
Or it used to feel wrong. Having a peaceful moment was rare in his life. Slowing down to see the world around him, taking a moment to catch his breath, and spending time with Zhongli. Lately, he's been getting used to it.
His muscles relax, his shoulders fall and he closes his eyes. Trust is a hard thing to be earned in Diluc's eyes. If he were told a couple of years ago that he would be putty in another man's hands, he would have believed the other person was mad. And yet, here he is, sitting beside someone who he allows to touch him freely. Having his hair brushed isn't something just anyone could do, especially since it left him open and vulnerable.
"Almost done," Zhongli chimes in.
Zhongli's art isn't perfect. There's so much to brush through and he isn't familiar with hairdressing. All he knows is simple care. Brush enough so his fingers could easily run through it. That's all he needs to do.
Diluc hums in response, eyes still shut as he enjoys these final moments. He never knew how good this could feel. If this goes on any longer, the brushing might just lull him to sleep.
Once it does come to a stop, Diluc opens his eyes. As he does, he's greeted by his boyfriend standing before him. A gentle smile forms from Zhongli's lips as he admires him.
A golden hand with traces of geo reaches out to caress his face. Only in times of privacy does he take off his gloves. His exposed hands feel different, hard yet smooth like stone. Despite the feeling, Diluc finds himself leaning into his touch.
Silence falls between them as Zhongli simply admires the tired man. Diluc may not be in the best condition, especially after coming home from a long day. Eye bags are starting to form, there's that small cut on his cheek, and even with recently brushed hair he still seems like a mess.
And yet-
"I've lived a hundred years, seen millions of things," Zhongli starts. "But I want you to know, you make me feel like nothing before."
Then, he presses his lips to his forehead. He doesn't bother brushing aside his bangs, simply letting his lips meet with them too.
Zhongli's compliments and affection can be a bit...intense. He's always flowery with his words, yet always managing to get Diluc's heart racing. Like now, his cheeks match the color of his hair.
Sometimes, he wishes he could do the same. To just admit how much he loves him, to tell him that his world is so much brighter now that he's in it, to say that he feels like the hole in his heart has finally been filled.
"I don't know how you can say such things with a straight face," Diluc breathes out. His lips twitch to form a small smile.
"It's easy when it's true."
Zhongli is prepared with an onslaught of praise. They both know this. Any reassurance needed and he'll devote his time and words to him. It gets Diluc flustered and it's a miracle his heart never explodes whenever he does this.
Thankfully, Zhongli spares him from that attack for tonight.
"You should rest, my love."
His hand falls from his cheek. Diluc misses his touch, his warmth. But, it's found once more when their hands slip together.
Zhongli leads him to their bed. It's nice and cozy, big and comfortable for two. Diluc slips into bed first. Zhongli always insists he does despite him saying he could adjust no matter what position the ex-archon would take. Diluc takes up little space. Never is he sprawled out like a drunk, rather getting close to one side with just the right distance from the edge.
When Zhongli slips into bed beside him, his arms immediately settle around his waist. He stays close to act like a protective pillar throughout the night. Once he's settled, Diluc eases into his embrace.
It's easy for him to fall into place beside him. He never thought he would be able to admire an ex-archon's body before. Although hidden behind fabric, he's seen the scars of the past etched onto his body. He wasn't the only one with stories written on his skin.
"Good night." Diluc leans his head against Zhongli's chest. For a moment, it seems as if that's all he would say. "You're...You mean a lot to me."
Diluc's face burns. He feels his heart ignite and warm his body. He's glad to be hiding his face against his chest. It was so difficult to say something like that despite how simple the words were.
"I am happy to hear that," Zhongli whispers. Despite not needing to, it only seems right to speak in a quiet tone for the night. If he's lucky, Diluc would fall asleep quickly in his arms. "Know that you mean everything to me."
His words only serve to add fuel to the flames of his heart. Sleep seems harder now after hearing that, but the flames are able to subside when he feels fingers running through his hair. The simple action soothes him, just like earlier. Now that he's in bed, more comfortable and in a warm embrace, it's never been easier to fall asleep.