Chapter Text
“Distracted, huh?”
Xiao shakes his head, running a hand through his hair as he cringes inwardly and tries to snap out of his thoughts. Blowing out his cheeks then giving the other a dismissive wave of his hand, Xiao returns:
“It’s nothing special. Mind your own business.”
“That doesn’t help my curiosity,” Childe insists, “What’s so special with that shop over there that you’ve been uncharacteristically staring at it for the past 20 minutes instead of working?”
Xiao can’t help it. Since two days ago, most of his mind and thoughts are consumed with Venti, what Venti’s doing, and why Venti is still bothering him at night. Though, he doesn’t mind the latter part as much as before anymore.
He doesn’t want to pry. Venti’s personal life is none of his business, after all. Primarily since they met just recently. But on the other hand, Xiao is genuinely concerned, scared that something deleterious is happening to Venti. Then again, who he is to judge? He should naturally let it go and... set his mind at ease.
Hence, the main reason Xiao’s been debating whether he should stop by their bakery and ask if the other boy—his neighbor—is doing alright. For all that, this weird, bizarre feeling is preventing him from seeking Venti’s well-being.
Xiao glances at the ceiling to avoid eye contact and states, “this is our break time, idiot. We have no customers around this time.”
He shoots Childe a curious look, eyeing him from the corner of his eyes. Watches as the other man fiddles with his earring.
“The point still stands.”
“Sure.” The corner of Xiao’s eye twitches. “Alright.” He takes in a deep breath. He leans against his chair. “I’ve recently met someone who works there. I was simply checking if they were still in that place. Happy now?”
“Sus,” comments Childe with a lopsided grin, “say, Xiao, why not just walk to the shop and ask the said person to pay us a visit? Simple as that.”
Evidence suggests that Xiao’s shy, although he would never admit such a thing to anyone. Seldom has he felt this way toward another person, and that’s why he’s sensing his self-consciousness speaking up.
Thus, he blurts out the first thing that comes to his mind, “that’s the problem. They have no idea that I’m a tattoo artist, and I’m having second thoughts about whether I should let them know.”
“So you think that them knowing your job will make them think any less of you?” A short fit of laughter slips from Childe’s lips. “That doesn’t make sense.”
“Childe, that is a bakery. This is a tattoo shop. That’s complete opposites.”
“Opposites attract,” Childe muses.
“I’m not sure if that phrase can be used in my current situation,” Xiao sneers.
“I see. Well, they’ll understand one way or another. I can definitely go do that for yo—” A resounding set of ringtones cut him off before he is able to complete his sentence. Childe reaches out for his pocket, squints at the screen, and with an unreadable expression, he lets out a small, “Zhongli?” As he answers the phone. “Huh, why do you ask? Is something wrong— no, of course not. Well, yes. I should be free. Xiao’s here, after all.”
Unfortunately, Xiao exactly and unerringly knows what they’re talking about.
He then proceeds to smack his head against his desk. “No. Childe,” he hisses.
“Fine! That’s an awesome idea!” Childe fakes a chuckle, shooting Xiao a threatening look that shouts ‘shut the fuck up’ to which Xiao almost snarls. They exchange a few more words that Xiao can’t make out since he’s too busy lamenting for his ruined day. “Sure, go ahead if you’re busy. See you around, xiansheng.”
The moment Childe hangs up, Xiao rises to his feet and deliberately paces toward him. “One question. Why.”
“It’s Zhongli, Xiao! I can’t not accept a dinner invitation from him! You do understand, right? This is important.”
“More important than this place?”
Childe points out, “you are here.”
“And that’s the exact issue,” Xiao huffs out. He has only accepted this position because Childe’s here to help him when they get too busy with work. Knowing that he’s going to take charge for a day is... terrifying. Already exhausting. Why must he suffer because those two lovebirds want to go out on a date? “I am here. I cannot fathom overworking to save my life.”
“No need to go all advanced vocabulary,” Childe groans with a defensive tone. “Just do this once. If not for me, for Mr. Zhongli, alright? He’s your close friend, after all.”
“Only once,” Xiao says, “but you’ll have to let me know how it went.”
“Bet! Don’t overstrain yourself. It’s just going to be a few hours on Wednesday and I’ll be back very soon.”
“Ha. You better.” Xiao slides the bakery on the other side a glance and crosses his arms over his chest. “I’ll be back.”
He exits before Childe can answer, carefully wandering near the other shop. There’s a pause, and Xiao lets out a few sharp breaths while overthinking the things he’s planning to tell Venti. It doesn’t take long until Xiao approaches the place, heart beating audibly in his chest. He fakes a slight smile, then enters while the door chimes and notifies the person inside—Diluc—of his arrival.
“You’re here again, kid.”
Xiao shoves his hand inside his pockets. “Hey. Is... Venti here? I wanted to see him.”
“He is not. He disappeared yesterday and never came back, though I never questioned it. Such things... happen every now and then.” Xiao doesn’t question it, either. He lets his smile fade away from his face while he offers a small nod regardless of his disappointment and apprehension. “If you want to talk with him, you can mostly likely find him at home.”
“Ah,” he says with the lack of any better words, “I see. See you, then.”
Diluc cocks his head, the corner of his lips quirked up. “Take care.”
And that leads to Venti almost screaming his name outside the apartment in the evening, leaving Xiao startled and panicking as Barbatos meows loudly and jumps off the couch.
“Xiaooooo,” comes the familiar voice that Xiao has already missed so much. “Open the door!”
He doesn’t think twice. He runs to the door with eyes wide open and jaw almost touching the floor, heart drumming in his chest. When he opens it, he’s met with the scene of Venti dressed up in a long, baggy, green sweater that covers his knees with black trousers. His hair is covered with a dark beanie except for the aqua braids, a scarf wrapped around his neck.
“Venti?” he finally manages to ask.
“Oh, hi! Finally. I was wondering if you’re home or not.”
Xiao takes in a deep breath. Venti doesn’t look like someone who’s hurt, injured, or generally upset, but he still inquires:
“You doing alright?”
“Yup! I’m here to ask...” Venti clears his throat, offering a wink, making his heart skip a beat. “Ahem, it’s raining outside. So, do you want to go out with me and glide?”
“Go out with you...? Is that...?”
“Oops, bad wording. Go out together to play a bit a grab some snacks on our way, I mean! I really want to go outside but... it isn’t fun all alone, is it?”
“I’ll come with you,” Xiao decides, “just hold on for a moment.”
Venti grins. “Sure! Don’t keep me waiting so long, though, hehe.”
Xiao heads back inside to grab his coat and fill Barbatos’ bowl with enough cat food, awarding him with a small pet. The rain falls on the roof of his apartment, getting heavier as the minutes pass, the scent of fresh dirt and water wandering in the living room. With a deep breath, he leaps on his feet and moves toward the window.
He can hear it being tapped on with heavy rain. A few people are running outside with their umbrellas for some shelter and cover, water dancing on the roof of the cars, glistening on the ground. Xiao doesn’t know why or how one can even suggest going out for a walk in this weather. He’s not the type to complain about the rain, though. That’s Xiao’s favorite. Who cares about getting a little wet as long as it’s not dangerous?
He walks back to the front door.
“Okay, let’s go,” he says, locking the door behind him.
They eventually decide to visit the local park a couple of blocks away. They tranquility walk next to each other, Venti’s hand occasionally (and purposefully) brushing against his arms while he hums to himself. Thankfully for Xiao, the rain and darkness don’t make the redness on his cheeks apparent. He merely looks down and eyes the puddles gathering and plinking on the ground.
The rainfall gets heavier for a second there, and Xiao’s never regretted not bringing an umbrella this badly. He drops a few Liyuen swears under his breath, careful not to let Venti hear them.
“Mr. Zhongli told me you like it when it rains. Then, I thought, why not spend more time with you when I have the perfect opportunity?” Venti starts—
Wait a minute.
Zhongli?
How does Venti know Zhongli?
Xiao blinks, confused, lost. “Wait, you know Zhongli?”
“That old block-head? Of course I know him! He was... ah, I believe... my friend’s friend back in elementary school? Although he’s not that old... old habits never die, they say.” Venti laughs to himself, playfully getting closer to him, bumping their shoulders. “Anyway, yeah. I was talking about this particular neighbor of mine when he told me that you guys are friends too. Small world, huh? It’s quite funny to me.”
“Small world,” Xiao echoes. The more surprising thing is the fact that Venti has spoken to Zhongli about him, rather than those two knowing each other. He needs to ask Zhongli for a more accurate, real story later. “So you talk about me with him?”
Venti presses his lips together. He looks down to withdraw eye contact, sweetly smiling. “I, uh...haha, you got me there,” he murmurs, “um, I mean, why shouldn’t I? You’re our new neighbor and all. We must pay extra attention to you, no?”
Pay extra attention.
Thank the Seven it’s raining.
“You can say that.” Xiao nods. “So shared friends, huh?”
“Precisely. But that friend is gone for good now.”
“Oh.”
“Ah, I believe I know what’s going on in your mind now. We were friends until high school, then they moved miles away and we never had the chance to meet up again. I’m not upset, no worries about that! Quite the contrary, I’m very grateful that they decided to pursue their dream and leave Mondstadt in order to do that.”
Twisting the rings on his finger, Xiao lets his eyes fall shut as the rain falls on his face and hair. His ponytail is growing loose, but he doesn’t bother fixing it. He’s enjoying it as is.
“How about you? What do you want to do? Is that even okay to ask?” he sighs.
“Sure is!” Venti starts, “I, for one, want to be able to visit anywhere I want freely of my own accord. I have a penchant for traveling, so if one day I manage to gain enough money, I will travel to every city in Teyvat.” There’s a pause. Xiao opens his eyes and lets his gaze fall on Venti’s face. “As of now, I like my lifestyle. Working in Sir Kaeya’s bakery with Master Diluc is quite an experience, you know.”
Xiao then crosses his arms, intimating Venti’s actions and getting closer to him for warmth. Or maybe he’s just touch-starved. Nobody has to know. “Childe and I work together near here. He’s Zhongli’s... actually, nevermind. I don’t even know what they are.”
“Oh? Interesting, interesting! Well, that’s fair enough. My love for sweet things is showing now. I’m really glad I managed to convince Sir Kaeya to open that bakery, otherwise... haha.”
“Why? Is he that stubborn and obdurate? From what you told me, he appears to be a friendly person.”
“Not really... let me put it this way. Him and Diluc didn’t exactly have the best relationship. They’d never get along after one upsetting incident that happened when they were young. Master Diluc didn’t want to work in a place that his brother had opened. And Kaeya... likewise, but he did want to reconcile at long last.”
He nods. “My friends in college,” Xiao continues with a sharp breath. He watches as the steam roams around in the air, waiting for him to reveal his childhood secrets, “a fight happened between us and they left. They did not come back. None of us really thought we could reconcile at any point in the future.”
Venti stops walking.
So does Xiao.
Did he say something wrong?
Honestly, he doesn’t know anymore. All he wants, for once, is to be truthful and sincere. To show that Venti can trust him with all that information. Quite frankly, Xiao doesn’t feel threatened. He knows that he can trust Venti despite knowing him of late. This aura, energy—or whatever others call it—this person gives off is... warm, just like home. Xiao trusts him because he feels safe.
“Xiao...”
He stops, too, turns toward the other boy, and takes a step ahead. Their gaze locking, Xiao feels the corner of his eyes curving up, and he continues staring at Venti’s now-wet face.
“You don’t have to be sorry, Venti. People leave. I’m good with the ones around me that I consider my friends, as of now,” Xiao says. “It was for the good, that’s what I’d been telling myself in the past few years. It worked, because I’m doing better than back then.”
Venti gives him the once-over. “If you say so!” Then, while he grabs Xiao’s arms and tugs him forward, “well then, no more sad thoughts. Come with me.”
“Hey—”
“Come here! Look!”
Right as Xiao is about to protest, Venti pulls him to the other side and jumps in the big puddle of water, mischievously splashing all of it over him, and he coughs hard.
If he was wet before, his clothes are soaking now. He’s undoubtedly looking like a drowned rat, many thanks to Venti. Not that he minds, but... Xiao can’t let this one slide without taking his revenge.
“Venti—” Another splash— “Sure, if that’s what you want.”
And he surges forth to splash the rest over Venti, making his clothes spatter with cold water.
“Wait! I— nooooo—” Venti trails off as he lets out a yelp of surprise. Then, he poses a defensive position, sticking his arm forward and gesturing Xiao to back away. He laughs. The scene in front of him is even funnier than what he’s imagined. Both of them are drenched in freezing water, but neither seems to care about it as much. “Xiaooooo! Don’t come close!”
And that’s how Xiao, the person who’s claimed to despise such childish acts, ends up following Venti around the park for five straight minutes as the other cries and screams now and again, causing everyone present in the area to gawk at them stupidly. Which makes Xiao desperately wish for someone to open the ground up so that he can hide beneath it.
The problem is, Venti’s quick. He runs fast, too fast for Xiao to be able to catch up. Notwithstanding that, he manages to get more spray of rain over Venti, which he considers a win. Xiao has absolutely zero idea what has gotten into him, playing around this recklessly and indulging in these shameful behaviors. Regardless, he never stops until Venti eventually gives up and falls to the ground.
For a second here, Xiao thinks Venti accidentally injured himself while running. But having a closer look, he’s reassured that the other boy is merely exhausted from all the racing. On this account, he, as well, sits next to Venti upon the large puddle.
“Man.” He sighs.
Next to him, Venti’s chest rises and falls with rapid breaths, eyes shimmering with tears after laughing too hard. “Yeah... oooof... I think... I got carried away there. I’m in need of air.”
They sit here for a few more minutes, listening to the rain (now less heavy) tapping against the objects around them as they pant for air. The few kids that were playing with their parents in the playground are now gone. The park’s not as crowded as the moment they arrived here, and that makes Xiao feel at least a bit better.
“Venti?” Xiao breaks the silence. “Do you want to eat ice creams?”
“Wait, seriously? In this weather?!”
“In this weather. I won’t joke about that,” he confirms, “if you feel like you’ll get ill, we don’t have to go.”
“No, of course not! I’d love that! I’m just concerned about your health since you look like someone who... gets sick quite quick.”
Xiao huffs out a laugh. “Pfft, me?”
“Yes, you,” Venti responds with a wry smile tugging at his lips, bolting upright and offering a hand for Xiao to grab, “you look soft.”
So Xiao does. He holds on to Venti’s hands and intertwines their fingers, hesitating at first, then tightens his grip and stands up.
“Wow. That’s... well. Something people usually don’t say to me.”
“Glad to be the first, then! Alright, softie, let’s go now shall we?”
He doesn’t reply. Instead, he flashes a slight smile and heads toward the small ice cream parlor on the right side. Venti follows quietly, though he doesn’t enter the store, dragging his feet against the ground and waiting for Xiao to come back.
It takes a few minutes for Xiao to guess and pick a flavor that Venti would like. Truth be told, he only chooses chocolate because he’s never met anyone in his life who doesn’t like chocolate. However, he sees Venti as the type that would go for the tasty and fruity ones. But as said, Xiao only wants Venti to enjoy the food. Ruining the experience is the last thing he wants and—
Oh gods. He’s overthinking again.
“You better not catch a cold,” Xiao comments as he exits the parlor after paying for the ice creams and hands one of them to the other boy who’s beaming at him. Venti urges him to sit on the bench together, slowly eating their ice-creams.
“What if I do? Will you get worried?”
“...what kind of question is that.”
“You never answered it.”
Xiao sighs in defeat. “Of course I will,” he admits, taking a bite of his own, “especially if I’m the one that caused it.”
“Well, the weather surely is cold. But it will, on no account, get ever old. It is often taken for granted.” Venti ducks his head. He wraps his arms around himself and lets a hiss escape his mouth. “But now that I think about it... I can’t be very much enchanted. I’m freezing.”
“Venti... you’re shaking.”
“Ah, I suppose I am...”
Xiao frowns. “Let me take care of it,” he says.
“Xiao, what’re you—” Xiao shushes Venti as he takes his coat off and puts it on the other man’s shoulders, fixing its position so that Venti’s body is covered with warmth. “You don’t have to! I’m fine, I promise! Nothing I can’t handle!”
“Stop. Fidgeting.” He laughs. Helping Venti properly wear the coat, Xiao lets out a sigh of relief. He pulls the sleeves of his sweatshirt down and mumbles, “there. Better.”
“It smells like you,” is the first thing Venti says.
Xiao doesn’t have to see himself to know that there’s a hint of pink upon his cheeks.
“What were you thinking, agreeing to eat an ice cream when you can’t handle much coldness,” he whispers instead and changes the subject.
“Apologies.” Venti keeps sniffing and taking in the... scent of whatever he finds pleasant. Xiao only hopes he doesn’t get too embarrassed. “What happens to you, though?”
“It’s not important, don’t worry about it. Take care of yourself.” Xiao eyes the people in front of them, his ice-cream already finished, thanks to his hurried eating habit. Then, he squints, the corners of his eyes twitching, lips set into a hard line as he meets a familiar person—a child—hiding in the corner. Xiao opens his mouth. Closes it. Trying to form words. “Wait, that’s—” The child turns around, confirming his suspicion. Xiao immediately springs and rushes forward. Venti curiously following him. “Qiqi?”
“Oh.” The girl, Qiqi, glances over them, specifically at Venti. She hugs her plush toy tighter. “Hi, I am Qiqi. I am... lost. We should have stayed indoors today.”
“Qiqi, is there anyone to take care of you?” Venti asks before Xiao.
Xiao raises a brow, a line forming between them, head tilted to the side. Venti’s tone of voice changed quite... abruptly.
Qiqi rubs her eyes, gaze darting around as if she’s looking for answers. “Gēge was here. But gēge went to buy coconut milk and... and... sorry, I can’t remember.”
Venti kneels in front of her.
Xiao can only stare.
“Who’s that, Qiqi?” the other boy asks quietly, kindly.
“Gēge? He’s a... um. I am sorry, I get nervous.”
“No worries, haha!” Venti laughs awkwardly, scratching at his cheeks. He taps a fist against his lips with a gesture of thinking. “I’ll stay with you until you find your brother, alright?”
Xiao starts, “she’s Zhongli’s sister. I hadn’t expected to find her here.”
“How come I never learned about that?”
“Maybe the subject was never brought on?”
“Oh, right!”
Xiao turns his head. “Qiqi, where did you last see Zhongli?” he asks.
“Gēge was there, then he wasn’t. Qiqi got scared. Ran as fast as she could to find gēge.”
“Qiqi, can you hold my hands?” Venti chimes in, lifting a hand for Qiqi to grab.
Where did the ice-cream go?
“Yes?” Qiqi tries, then repeats, “yes...”
“Thank you!” Venti stands up. Qiqi’s hand is still in his as he gestures over at Xiao. “Say, Qiqi, you know Xiao, am I correct? He’s a friend of your brother, so we aren’t bad guys. We will help you find him, then you can have your coconut milk, too. How does that sound?”
“Promise?”
“Promise.”
“Thank you very much.”
“You’re good with kids,” he comments. Venti guides them forward and carefully caresses the back of Qiqi’s hand.
“Oh, am I?” Venti smiles. “Years ago, I used to take care of a lot of my family members. Specifically much younger ones. It became a habit of mine, since there weren’t a lot of people to babysit them at that time. I got good with kids, and yeah.”
Qiqi then proceeds to tug at his hand, hugging her toy and hiding her face behind it. “Where is gēge? Is he not here?”
Xiao continues, “there’s a corner shop right here. He might be there. We’ll see.”
“Okay...”
Xiao must admit, the scene in front of him is one of the most adorable things ever. Venti keeps Qiqi close to him as they take slow steps, hands locked, searching the area for Mr. Zhongli. If only he—
“Qiqi!”
The recognizable voice draws their attention to itself. Zhongli rushes to them with a worried expression but gives them a gentle smile nevertheless. Qiqi doesn’t hesitate to run into her brother’s arms.
“I thought I lost you...”
“You gave me a fright, Qiqi.” Zhongli pulls her into a hug, kissing the top of her head with a sigh of relief. Then, he settles his gaze on the other two. “Thank you for accompanying and sheltering her, Xiao, Venti. I am very grateful for your help.”
“Haha, no problem...” Venti answers awkwardly.
Qiqi rubs her eyes. “I’m very sorry I ran away. Won’t happen again.”
“It’s quite alright, my dear Qiqi. You were in safe hands, to say the least. That is all that matters,” Zhongli says. “Again, I am very thankful to you for keeping her out of danger.”
“We did nothing. We were about to head back, too, then we saw her wandering around.” Xiao bites the inside of his cheek.
“Little miss Qiqi can be... careless and forgetful at times. I apologize in advance.”
“Nah, it’s cool! Besides, I got to meet the famous Mr. Zhongli’s sister! No better time, I guess,” Venti trails away, “we should get going, right? It’s getting late.”
“Ah, of course. Please, don’t let us distract you.”
“Thanks. Let’s go,” Xiao suggests, then, as he wipes the water off his face, “oh, and I heard about the dinner plan with Childe. Just wanted to tell you that don’t rush it, I watch over things at work. Enjoy your... meeting while it lasts.”
“I appreciate that, Xiao.” Zhongli smiles.
“No problem. See you soon.”
“Looking forward to it.”
“Bye, Zhongli and Qiqi!” Venti adds.
“Goodbye...”
Qiqi waves at them with wide-open eyes, holding onto her brother’s overcoat. Venti gives them a playful wink and grabs at Xiao’s sleeve just for the hell of it. While he appreciates the... closeness and intimacy (not a great choice of word, he must add), he wishes that Venti hadn’t done it in front of the two. Still, Xiao decides to stay quiet about it, as he sincerely doesn’t have any serious issues.
Until Xiao notices the unusual activity from the other side of the park. That is to say, he learns about the presence of the very two familiar troublemakers that can turn his life to hell under one second.
“Venti,” Xiao begins. “We’re being stalked.”
“We’re what now.”
“Being stalked.”
Venti turns slowly but unwillingly, humming under his breath as a nervous habit, drawing his mouth into a straight line. There’s some nervous laughter before panic sets in. “Oh my goodness...! Are we in danger? Are they going to kidnap then assassinate us?! What if we get killed... who is stalking us?!”
“Two fucking kids,” he ridicules, “Chongyun and Xingqiu.”
“Two kids are going to assassinate us?!”
“Nobody’s assassinating anyone,” Xiao takes a deep breath. He pushes his hands into his pockets. “Actually, I might be. Hold on here and don’t scream.”
“Xiao—” Venti cries, “I’m too young to go to jail!”
Xiao slips him an amused look.
This is going to be fun.
“I just want to talk. That’s all.”