Well, this was unexpected.
And that was putting it lightly.
Rain came down in sheets around them, the stone structure doing just enough to prevent them from being completely drenched.
"I'm sorry, this was certainly not what I expected," Zhongli murmured. "I thought the talk of rain was simply rumor to scare some of the seasonal merchants into staying longer…"
One second, they were lounging together on the grass after lunch (a picnic that looked as though he took multiple courses straight from Liuli Pavilion or Third-Round Knockout), and the next, a drop of rain plopped on her nose. One drop became two became too many to count and they were forced to retreat to the dilapidated tower unless they wanted to be soaked as though they'd fought an Oceanid.
"Does Liyue have a rainy season?" Lumine asked, suppressing a shiver.
Her dress was doing little for her in the chill, her bare arms breaking out in goosebumps as a biting gust of wind passed through.
"Not for another few months. This doesn't look as though it's going to let up anytime soon but it would also be unwise to stay here without more resources…"
They weren't that far from the harbor. It would be safer to return to the city and seek refuge there. In the dark distance, through the haze of rain and wind, orange lights glowed with the promise of warmth.
"My home isn't that far," Zhongli considered. "It would be better to return to the city for now."
"It's not the first time I'm caught in the rain, we could run for it."
Zhongli blinked once at her words before turning his head to look at her. He knew as well as she did that there wasn't much choice in the matter. Staying here wasn't entirely viable but neither was the idea of going out in weather that brought out more slimes than usual and seemed to give certain hilichurls pure glee.
"Dinner will be my treat, then," Zhongli said, taking off his gloves and then reaching for the clasps of his jacket.
"What are you—"
Before she could finish, her companion removed his coat, arranging it over both of their heads. Lumine found herself tucked close to Zhongli in order to remain under the protection of his coat, the scent of wet grass and wildflowers mingling with those unique to the man next to her, a menagerie of green tea, sandalwood, patchouli, and a hint of the incense used at parlor ceremonies.
"Are you ready, Lumine?"
She tried not to linger on the way he said her name, so tenderly and carefully. So many people simply referred to her as Traveler or Hero of Mondstadt. Few ever called her by her given name, fewer still said it with such…dare she think reverence.
With a smile and a single nod, they set off towards the harbor at a careful jog. Zhongli had the added benefit of height on his side and he could have easily outpaced her despite her stamina. The coat helped keep either of them from at least getting entirely wet but by the time they reached the covered entrance of his home, the pair was both soaked from head to toe and it was impossible to keep from shivering.
"I should have considered the weather properly before inviting you out, it wouldn't do for you to fall ill," Zhongli murmured, both of them taking off their shoes, a servant stepping in to sweep away the wet coat and soaked boots.
Zhongli tugged at his collar, his eyes darting to hers and holding her gaze. That was one thing that would never cease to amaze her; the understanding in his eyes, something deeper than comprehending the words she spoke. It was as if he could see through everyone to their very essence. He knew she didn't mind, having been all over and experienced all kinds of weather, but he felt responsible all the same.
Lumine let out a sneeze, as if to prove his point, breaking their conversation and the moment between them, the firm expression on his face regarding their current predicament replaced with concern.
With a soft order and dismissal, the other servant left the foyer with quickened steps.
It was much later, after drying off and facing the revelation that he didn't own anything that would fit her other than one of his shirts that fell to her knees, that Zhongli led her deeper into the house, sliding open a pair of dark panelled doors to reveal a den with a large U-shaped sofa with a table at the center, cushions on each side and draped in a heavy blanket, and further away, a desk with stacks of papers, and surrounding all of it, shelves and shelves of books.
Tea was already prepared, the spout steaming and the room smelled warm, even if it didn't quite feel it just yet.
When she approached, the warmth that instantly melted the remaining chill in her feet disappeared. Lumine had seen such tables before, a gathering place for families in winter.
They curled up on the same side of the table, Lumine's back to Zhongli's chest, continuing their proximity from earlier. His hands absently stroked her hair as he continued the story of a long forgotten warrior, his words like the honey she drizzled in her tea, sweet and comforting as the rain continued on, pounding at the glass panes.
"Zhongli?" Lumine whispered, her tongue heavy with sleepiness.
"Yes, bǎobèi?"
Treasure. Her heart skipped seven seconds, it seemed, every time she heard it.
"I couldn't imagine a better day with you."
"Neither can I," he replied.
He pressed a kiss to the top of her head before his nose teased her neck, lips pressing softly at her pulse point. Zhongli rested his chin on her shoulder and she felt the remaining tension of the day fall away, both of them drifting into a light doze.
For some, it wouldn't have been considered the perfect day by any means. But she was just as content with him here, warm and wrapped in his arms as he painted a visual for her with descriptions that she knew were more than just his imagination, as she was anywhere else.
It was moments like this that reminded her that as much as she wasn't from here, she wasn't alone. And he would never be alone again. Not if she could help it.
Author's note: 'Bǎobèi' has, from what research I did, has many, many meanings as a term of affection. It was used here in one of the oldest meanings (I believe), and it kind of stuck; it's the equivalent of 'babe' but in certain context can also mean 'treasure' or 'precious thing'. Because Lumine is an absolute treasure and Zhongli, I think, would consider her such.
Thank you so much for reading!