Reborn

Chapter 5

It has been a month since Morax was reborn as Zhongli. He has grown accustomed to his new life now as a human, a husband, and a funeral parlor consultant. Despite it being one month already, Y/n has not suspected a moment just yet. Be it relief, luck, or ignorance; Y/n chose to remain happy with him.

"Dear, can you help pick out Sunsettia for me?"

Y/n pointed up at a tree branch far over her head with an adorable pout as Zhongli strode over to her. She squeaked, hands finding purchase of his arms as he lifted her up.

"Careful now, darling. I'd hate to drop you and see you be hurt."

Y/n giggled and reached up to pick the Sunsettia from the tree branch.

"Got it!"

Zhongli lowered her down, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead.

"Mhm," Y/n hummed, hugging him. "What's gotten into you?" She hummed again.

"May I not show my wife I care for her well-being?" Zhongli hummed back. "Come. It's late and I'd hate to be ambushed by any possible Treasure Hoarders. Perhaps even some Hilichurls may attack us without warning."

Y/n eagerly nodded and put the Sunsettia away in her basket. Hooking it to her arm, she hooked her free one through Zhongli's. Together, the pair started to make their way back to Liyue Harbor.

A powerful wind pushed past them, thunder in the background, threatening rain, and a storm.

"Zhon-"

Her husband came to a full stop causing her to stop too.

"Who goes there?"

Amber eyes scanned the area, an arm wrapping around his beloved's waist, tugging her closer to him.

The rustling of a bush caught Y/n's attention and a man stepped out.

"Aw," he cooed. "And just when we thought we were going to ambush you."

Her breath hitched and looked around her surroundings. Treasure Hoarders.

"Zhong-"

"It's alright, darling," Zhongli cut her off. "I will deal with this swiftly."

"But I-"

Zhongli let her go with a soft sigh.

"It's a shame this is how our night had to go, Y/n, dearest."

Before Zhongli could blink, a tornado had erupted. Not just any ordinary tornado...flame. The Treasure Hoarders yelled and yelped, some fleeing and some holding their ground.

"Afraid of some fire?!" A Treasure Hoarder yelled. "Cowards!"

It's not her you should be afraid of.

_________

"Dear?"

Y/n didn't say anything. Arms hugging her legs to her chest, eyes focused on the window she sat in front of. Zhongli quietly sighed and placed the tray of tea down on the tabletop and approached her.

"Dear?" He tried again. "Are you well?"

A shake of her head.

Good. She responded.

Zhongli knelt by her side, gently taking her hands from her legs.

"Eyes on me, dearest."

Watery e/c eyes met his amber ones.

"What happened was not your fault, dearest. You did it out of not just instinct but out of protection as well."

"B-but I hurt them," she whispered. "I hurt them."

Even as enemies, she still cares.

"Again, dearest. You did it to protect yourself and me. They would've harmed us if you have not."

Tears started to spill and he cupped her cheeks to wipe them away.

"Don't cry, dearest. Don't cry."

Hiccups escaped from her lips and her arms clung to his neck, face buried in between the junction of his neck and shoulder. Gently resting a hand on the back of her head, Zhongli moved, allowing her to sit in his lap instead as she sobbed.

"I'm scared."

Scared of her own vision. What a horrible thing.