[they remind him a little of a number of different individuals. full of whimsy and persistence, and for him, maybe that's better. it's hard for Zhongli to say, personally.]

Does it... I suppose that is something I don't do very often.

[also, wow, he is not stuffy and strait-laced??? rude, Pyre. he's just.... okay, yeah, he's stuffy and strait-laced.]

You needn't-- [and they're fishing a wallet out of their top, so Zhongli just... shrugs it off. he's supposed to be a mortal and living the rest of his life out, right?] If you insist, I will accept your generosity.

[and so he picks a couple of candles - one supposed to ease one to sleep, one that's supposed to bring about feelings of euphoria - and add them to the list. once Pyre has paid and subsequently looped an arm around his, he only exhales a slight sigh.

does this make him miss Tao? perhaps, just a tiny bit.]

Very well, lead the way. I'm Zhongli, it's a pleasure to meet you, Pyre.

[evidently, he knows better than to try to escape this. small positives.]