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It is Christmas Eve in Mondstadt. There are two lovers in the Dawn Winery master bedroom relaxing in the early morning of dawn. Diluc Ragnvindr is currently snuggling up to Zhongli’s chest with his arms around him. Zhongli smiles down at Diluc and kisses the top of his head. Zhongli tells Diluc one of his stories from before he was the Geo Archon. However, an hour later Diluc starts trying to get up, but Zhongli tightens his arms around him.
“Where are you going this Christmas Eve morning my phoenix” asked Zhongli. Diluc tries harder to get out of bed, but Zhongli is determined to not let him. Diluc sighs as he tries to explain.
“I need to get to the tavern to get ready for tonight. There are going to be a lot of citizens celebrating the holiday and we need both me and Charles there to keep up with the busyness.” Diluc explains as he keeps trying to escape Zhongli’s tight embrace. Zhongli sighs as he finally loosens his arms around Diluc. Zhongli accepts this explanation, but is still not pleased about it. Diluc kisses Zhongli’s lips in thanks and gets out of the bed. Diluc starts to get dressed to get ready for the busy day ahead of him.
“You can come into the tavern when it opens. There will be a big crowd though” smiles Diluc as he puts on his boots. “I’ll serve you osmanthus wine since there was some made earlier in the fall” smiles Diluc as he looks at Zhongli still in the bed. Zhongli smiles as he hears this and gets out of bed. He approaches Diluc and embraces him. He kisses Diluc for a few seconds and then Diluc takes his leave to Angel’s Share. Zhongli sighs then starts getting ready for the day.
Zhongli wanders around the streets of Mondstadt on this snowy day. He starts thinking of ways to make this holiday special for Diluc. Many ideas are in his head, but he does not know which one to go with. He could get Diluc a bouquet, but does not know how that would work with this weather. He could get some of the tea Diluc likes from Liyue, but he would not be able to make it back in time even if he teleported. He could make a grand meal for when the tavern closes, but that would be very late at night. Diluc would surely be tired from the busy day. Suddenly, he heard a certain bard shout his name.
“Zhongli! What are you doing here in Mondstadt?” Venti greets, running to the retired Geo Archon. Zhongli looks at Venti as he approaches and smiles.
“Hello Venti, I am here to visit for the holidays this year” Zhongli smiles in greeting. Venti gives Zhongli a knowing smirk and crosses his arms.
“Oh we all know who you’re visiting” Venti smirks. Zhongli sighs at Venti and blushes a little. That’s when Zhongli thought of something, and he would need Venti’s help to do it.
“I have a favor to ask” Zhongli begins.
“Oh?” Venti smiles.
“I need you to help me do something in the tavern tonight. It is of great importance” Zhongli explains in a thinking pose. Venti’s smile turns into a grin.
The tavern is open and there are many knights and citizens celebrating the eve of the holiday. The tavern is decorated with many Christmas decorations that have been prepared this morning. Both Diluc and Charles are at the bar tonight preparing drinks and cleaning glasses. Venti is performing tonight with many Christmas carols that the whole of Teyvat have sung since long ago. Kaeya is sitting at the bar drinking his favorite wine. He is glad he does not have to get information from anyone in the tavern tonight.
Diluc looks at the front door as it opens. He sees Zhongli enter the tavern and sit at the bar. He is lucky there are still enough bar seats empty for him. Diluc wordlessly gets a glass and fills it with osmanthus wine. He takes the glass to Zhongli with a smile, then helps the next patron. Zhongli takes a sip of the wine and sighs in content.
Zhongli looks at Venti as he performs the song “Jingle Bells”. The patrons were definitely loving the performances tonight. As Venti finishes the song, he looks at Zhongli and winks at him. That is the signal that he is performing one more song before their plan. Zhongli nods and takes another sip of his wine. Kaeya starts to get suspicious as he sees this interaction and is very interested in what is going to happen next.
Diluc is still serving patrons as Venti begins performing “Winter Wonderland”. Zhongli smiles as he looks at Diluc. He sees Diluc’s ruby red eyes and thinks ‘my beautiful phoenix’. Diluc notices Zhongli’s stare when he has a moment and smiles the way that is only just for him. Then it is back to work as more patrons order wine.
Venti finishes the song and pauses for a moment. He smiles to the crowd and waves to get their attention. The attention is seized and Venti’s smile turns into a happy grin.
“It’s a good night for a co-performance is it not? I have a friend here tonight that would like to sing a song for you tonight” Venti grins. Venti looks at Zhongli expectantly and the retired Geo Archon nods. Diluc does not seem to notice as he is busy serving patrons and Zhongli stood from his seat. He walked to Venti and stood beside him. Zhongli bows to the crowd and Venti begins to play the song they are going to perform. It is time for Zhongli to do his part.
I don't want a lot for Christmas
There is just one thing I need
Diluc looks at Zhongli in shock as he notices his voice. He sees him next to Venti as the Anemo Archon plays his lyre. Kaeya figures out what is going on and grins knowingly.
I don't care about the presents
Underneath the Christmas tree
I just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true
This is when Zhongli looks at Diluc with a smile. Diluc blushes a little at this and figures out what his lover is doing.
All I want for Christmas is you, yeah
This is when Diluc’s face and ears blush as red as his eyes. Zhongli turns back to the crowd and continues to sing on the beat Venti brings.
I don't want a lot for Christmas
There is just one thing I need (And I)
Don't care about the presents
Underneath the Christmas tree
I don't need to hang my stocking
There upon the fireplace (Ah)
Santa Claus won't make me happy
With a toy on Christmas Day
Venti continues to play the jolly beat as Zhongli starts to dance a little to it. The crowd is all smiling and cheering with Zhongli’s melodious voice. Kaeya is clapping to the beat and grinning at Diluc’s massively blushing face.
I just want you for my own (Ooh)
More than you could ever know (Ooh)
Make my wish come true
All I want for Christmas is you
You, baby
Zhongli looks at Diluc again and smiles at his blushing face. Diluc begins to cover his face with his hands because he can’t handle all the love Zhongli is sending him. Zhongli looks back to the crowd and sings as Venti signals for the next verse.
Oh, I won't ask for much this Christmas
I won't even wish for snow (And I)
I'm just gonna keep on waiting
Underneath the mistletoe
I won't make a list and send it
To the North Pole for Saint Nick (Ah)
I won't even stay awake to
Hear those magic reindeer click
Diluc takes his hands away from his eyes so he can look at Zhongli sing and dance. He notices it is a good look for him. Zhongli gets ready for the next chorus.
'Cause I just want you here tonight (Ooh)
Holding on to me so tight (Ooh)
What more can I do?
Oh baby, all I want for Christmas is you
You, baby
Zhongli sees Diluc looking at him and smiles lovingly at him. Zhongli looks back at the crowd for the next verse.
Oh, all the lights are shining
So brightly everywhere (So brightly, baby)
And the sound of children's
Laughter fills the air (Oh, oh yeah)
And everyone is singing (Oh yeah)
I hear those sleigh bells ringing (Oh)
Santa, won't you bring me the one I really need? (Yeah, oh, oh)
Won't you please bring my baby to me?
Oh, I don't want a lot for Christmas
This is all I'm asking for (Ah)
I just wanna see my baby
Standing right outside my door
Zhongli looks one more time to Diluc as he sings the last chorus.
Oh, I just want you for my own (Ooh)
More than you could ever know (Ooh)
Make my wish come true
Oh baby, all I want for Christmas is you
You, baby
All I want for Christmas is you, baby (You)
All I want for Christmas is you, baby (Ah, oh, ah, oh)
All I want for Christmas is you, baby (You)
All I want for Christmas is you, baby (All I really want, baby, ooh)
All I want for Christmas is you, baby (All I want, all I really want is you)
The crowd cheers at the ending of the song. Zhongli faces the crowd for a final time and bows. Venti grins to the crowd as he bows as well. Zhongli takes his leave and Venti begins to play his next song. Zhongli returns to his bar seat in front of his drink. Diluc looks at Zhongli with his blushed face and ears and the retired Geo Archon smiles lovingly at him.
“Merry Christmas my phoenix”