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Zhongli could remember the Outlander, his memory of her brighter than all others. Dandelion blonde hair, silk smooth and cut short; amber eyes, like glimmering jewels under the striking sunlight; pale ivory skin that was as smooth as the flesh of a newborn child; a smile as bright at the sun, brilliant like the stars that she had come from.
He remembered her whisper soft touches, lilted words as sweet as honeyed sugar, and the warmth of her open embrace.
Closing his eyes, Zhongli let his memories of her replay in his head, steadfastly ignoring the dull pain that echoed in his chest.
"Zhongli," she whispered, her voice tender with emotion. "My dragon is so handsome."
Heat warmed his cheeks, a foreign feeling settling in his chest, one that made him feel as if he was suffocating and yet breathing all the same.
"Good morning, Lumine." Looking over his shoulder, Zhongli blinked, his breath catching in his chest as he slowly took in the woman sprawled out on his bed.
Sunlight shining down on her, Lumine seemed to glow, her body enveloped by the gentle light, a halo seemingly floating over the soft blonde of her hair.
"Is something the matter?" The pools of liquid amber she had for eyes filled with concern, warmth flooding him at her worry.
Reaching over to tenderly rub her cheek, Zhongli smiled. "You look stunning, that is all."
Lumine's cheeks flushed red, her lips parting in surprise, and without a second thought, Zhongli leaned over, sealing their lips together for the first time that day.
Hu Tao would understand why he was late for his meeting. Even if she didn't, he had no reason to explain himself.
"Lumine..." he whispered, clutching at his chest, the steady ache building.
The stars twinkled in the skies above.