I am afraid I am having difficulty determining what exactly is mine and what is not. There are distinctly intrusive thoughts that cannot be kept at bay no matter how I try to keep my mind from them.

But perhaps– perhaps in this we might be able to aid each other.

[ Slowly, fingers stiff and aching from lack of movement, he unfurls one hand to offer it to Diluc palm up. Thin lines of dried blood are caked on his palm - the remnants of purifications down with other members of Meridian. For many reasons, there was a lingering discomfort knowing that one of Teyvat's own stood across the divide. More uncomfortable still knowing how close Rosaria and Kaeya are to Diluc. However in moments like this, infrequent as they may be, perhaps they could be of help to each other. ]

I can only ease that feeling of hopelessness, but not extinguish it completely. And it would comfort me greatly if I was able to lighten your burden by any amount. Moreover, I would wish to lessen the sounds of the world that was left behind for my own peace. Those memories do not give me the hope I believe to be intended.

[ The other hand that still holds Childe's shard is brought close to Zhongli's chest, right over the cavity where his heart would be where his shard now serves as substitute. It had not worked with Childe because ultimately their intentions were (should have been) to be on the same side. To both return to Zenith. But there is no ambiguity here with Diluc.

Surely it would work this time. ]