Archive of Our Own ^beta

1. Jean

Xiao and Venti had absolutely nothing going on.

Jean for sure thinks so, at least a few hours ago, she did. Jean was one of the few people aware of Venti's identity and she didn't really pride herself in it. It was so awfully obvious that she wanted to know why she didn't notice sooner. The day she found out was way, way more different than other normal ones.

She awoke with the wind rattling her window harshly, curtains fluttering in all directions and Jean almost thought the glass broke through. The air was clouded and stuffy, barely even able to move around freely with the strong currents breezing around. 

"Jean, you're awake!" Barbara screamed, her hand clamped around the door frame for balance. And that just made Jean more startled. "No one can exit their houses without almost getting blown away."

"I can see that." Jean replies, getting out of bed - almost falling over from how the wind was swirling. Showering and changing was awfully hard - harder than it's ever been and Jean has never seen nor experienced anything like it.

"Sister, Sir Diluc is here to see you. I'll leave you be." Barbara enters Jean's room again but this time, bringing Diluc - with his ruffled hair and wind-blown clothing. 

Once Barbara leaves the room, Diluc starts the conversation. "We have to talk about this." He says, waving his hands around, motioning toward the wind. "I haven't seen him for the past three days."

"Now that I think about it, I haven't either. Do you think he's the cause?" Jean asks, agreeing with Diluc's logic but wants confirmation.

"I'm sure of it. He blabbered about it a while ago." He places himself on Jean's sofa, huffing while he eyes his surroundings.

"We need to find him." Jean whispered loudly and Diluc nods his head in approval. "I think I know where he might be." 

So, Jean and Diluc find themselves at Windrise, the Statue of Seven in view. Here, the winds blew harsher, way harsher than it does in all of Mondstadt. At first, Jean believed Venti would be at Stormterror's Lair but Diluc urged her that he already checked there. Her next option was Windrise, and to their luck, Venti was sitting on one of the higher branches - any sign of happiness wiped away from his face.

Once Venti spots them, he waves to them and then, goes back to moping. "Hey, are you okay up there?" Diluc shouts, his sight covered by the wind forcing his hair onto his face.

After his reply never came, Jean and Diluc both agree to climb up Vanessa's tree. It was disrespectful, of course but Mondstadt would be torn down by its own archon if they don't do it. Jean would go to the Cathedral and ask for forgiveness later.

Jean seats herself beside Venti on a branch and Diluc follows beside her. Venti turns to look at them and sends a soft, pained smile at them. "So, what's wrong?" Diluc starts and Venti just pouts.

"Well, let's just say the archon of love isn't doing very well at their job." Venti replies, leaning back on the thin branch, his hands clamped tightly to stop himself from falling off.

"A love issue?" Jean asks, and Diluc is already climbing down the tree once he hears that. 

"I'll leave that to you then. I'll be-" Diluc suggests, pointing at the ground. "I'll be here while you discuss that." Jean almost forgot about Diluc's lack of interest in anything concerning with romance. He's always been that way, afraid of any romantical issue - and he somehow attracts that a lot considering the bouquets, chocolates and letters at his door step every Windblume. 

"So, Venti." Jean coughs, hoping to get his attention. "Is there something wrong? The winds have been rather strong."

"It's a bit petty, I'll admit. But, do you know Liyue's Last Yaksha, Xiao? The lonely one in Wangshu Inn?" Venti asks, drooping his head low.

Jean thinks for a moment, bringing her fingers to her chin. "I do, actually. Ningguang has mentioned him a plenty of times."

"Well, guess what? He accidentally got himself into a relationship." Venti replies, rolling his eyes.

"Accidentally?" Jean won't say she wasn't curious. She doesn't even know why he's bringing the Yaksha up.

"This girl he never met before tells him that she loves him." Venti huffs, pouting while he turns his gaze away from Jean. "And, him being the block-head's son, he says he loves her, too! He doesn't even mean it!" 

"A relationship? If so, what's wrong? Wasn't he lonely?" Jean genuinely questions, waving her legs as they hang off the tree branch. She didn't even know the Yaksha had parents but it was Liyue's history. She didn't actually get much from diving into it.

"That's the problem, Jean! He's already in a relationship with me!" Venti sighs, and the breeze that gusts by almost blew her off the tree if she didn't have such a tight grip.

Jean was surprised, extremely surprised. She thought she heard him wrong but the way the goosebumps shrilled in her arms just proved that it was extremely real. Guess her archon has been running around, dating adepti instead of doing his actual job but Mondstadt was doing okay so it doesn't really matter.

"I'm not the best at this but I think you should talk it out with him," Jean recommends after she handles her shock, patting him softly on the back. Hopefully, her advice works out. "If you just keep it inside, it'll hurt you, him and the girl in the process. I'm sure they'll understand."

"Thank you, Jean." Venti smiles, "Just to make your day, you remind me of Vanessa. Just as amazing as her." After that, Venti dissipates away and the wind was still rustling hardly, but a bit calmer than before. 

"So, did you manage to get through with him?" Diluc asks once he sees Jean climbing down the tree. 

"I hope so." Jean laughs, her heart pacing. Once she gets back home, she's going to have a full-blown screaming session. Oh! My! Barbatos! She reminds him of Vanessa!

When Jean wakes up the next day, the winds blew soft and peaceful.

2. Barbara

Oh my lord, Barbatos might or might not have something with Liyue's last Yaksha.

Barbara was shocked to say the least. Of all the people in the world, Barbatos turned out to be Venti. Not that she hated him but she wasn't technically the nicest to him either. It started like how a normal day would - fans, singing, praying - an extremely normal day. But then, something in her starved to go pick some wolfhooks, for a drink mixture she wanted to test out.

So, she headed her way to Wolvendom, a hand-made wooden basket in hand, hopping with each step. The winds were rather calm today, more magnificent and more comforting than the breezes that brushed by her on other days.

It seemed like nothing was wrong at first glance but then, the smell of blood. Barbara was terrified - someone was injured, pretty badly by how metallic the air felt. Barbara hides herself behind a nearby tree, and watches someone pass by.

Liyue's last Yaksha?

Barbara has never been to Liyue, not once and she doesn't plan to go there anytime soon. But, she was still informed about what happens near Mondstadt's borders, especially about the legendary adepti there. And judging by his clothing, Barbara was sure he's one of them.

Barbara came out of hiding, watching the Yaksha slay a few slimes with extreme ease. His belt scrawled a cursive writing of his name in Liyuen. Xiao. Then, Barbara was going to ask Mister Xiao here if he was okay.

"Who are you looking for, sir? Your lover?" Barbara asked when she noticed the expression plastered across his face - extremely similar to the ones she, herself made when she couldn't find Jean.

"You could say that." Xiao huffed, crossing his arms across his chest after dissipating his spear. And Barbara felt relieved that he trusted her enough to remove weapons, and also relieved incase he saw her a threat. 

"May I have their name? I do have many ties around Mondstadt. I can try to help finding them." Barbara suggests, reading his uneasy posture. She's always up for helping others, just like Jean does. 

"I don't think you'd be of any assistance." The Yaksha replied back, but Barbara wasn't giving up that easily.

"I'm sure I'll think of something, sir!" Barbara says, placing her arms on her hips.

"But, he's not technically findable." Barbara doesn't know what Xiao even meant by that, but she's never failed at her tasks before so it doesn't hurt to try.

"I can do anything if I put my mind to it!" She continued pleading, hoping that she could at least help someone on such an unproductive day.

"Archons, you sound just like him." Xiao sighed, walking deeper into Wolvendom - closer to the area where Boreas accepts challenges.

"See, I'm already making progress!" Barbara cheered for herself, trailing a few steps behind the adeptus.

"Perhaps you can help me by just getting to the people?" Xiao replied, probably getting tired of her enthusiasm. 

"Do you mean Springvale? Or the main city of Mondstadt? Do you mean the Cathedral? Dawn Winery or the tavern?" Barbara used this tactic, only to urge people to ask for help, instead of making her force them into spilling out. She learnt this from Jean - from when she's tired of dealing with unwavering clients.

"I- I'm not very familiar with these places? Where do you think he'd be?" Xiao questioned, turning to look at Barbara again. Yes, her plan worked!

"Depends on the person, really! Telling me who he is won't hurt!" Barbara exclaimed, looking enthusiastically at Xiao.

"Fine." Xiao huffed, finally giving up. "His name is Barbatos, spelled without the m." His reply coated with a way-too-heavy-amount of seriousness in his tone. Barbara doesn't even know why there was an 'm' in spelling Barbatos. 

"Huh?" Barbara could say nothing else but that. Was Xiao making some kind of joke? No, he looked like he was telling the truth. Well, he technically is immortal - perhaps they're friends. But, oh my lord - the Yaksha knows Barbatos. 

"I told you he's unfindable! He's probably getting drunk off his head right now and I won't be there in time to stop him." Xiao sounds irritated, and Barbara would be offended if she wasn't getting drowned from panic.

"Barbatos is a drunkard!" Barbara couldn't help but almost raise her voice. This means that Barbatos has probably been wandering around in the form of a human for who knows how long. That means, she might have talked to him with the amount of people she's socialized with - she had a conversation with him, with the Barbatos! 

"He's also a bard, his songs are extremely gorgeous. Do you know where they stay often?" Xiao sighs again and this just confirms Barbara's assumptions. She's talked to Barbatos! She! Talked! To! Him! 

"I'll- I'll lead the way right now!" Barbara stuttered, ushering the adeptus to follow her as she quietly leads him to the main city of Mondstadt. There's no other place that drunk bards stay, other than Angel's Share.

Barbara arrives at the tavern and surprisingly, she barely had any fans to slow her down - probably terrified of the Yaksha beside her. Once she opens the entrance to the bar, a bard immediately runs and grapples themselves onto the adeptus's waist. 

"Alatus, there you are!" The bard smiles, hands locking the Yaksha - Alatus? - into a hug. Barbara remembers him, the guy who broke - and technically fixed - the Holy Lyre. She hadn't seen him since, trying her hardest to stay away from him so she can stop herself from bursting at him.

Barbara was going to wait for Xiao to point out who Barbatos was, so she can deeply apologize for not realizing sooner. "Sir, did you find your friend?" She questions, an innocent one so he doesn't suspect anything.

"Oh. This is him." Xiao nods, pointing his finger at the bard who destroyed the Holy Lyre. "Thank you." He continues, the bard - BARBATOS?! - still hugging him. 

Barbatos probably saw how pale her face went, and how much her heart beat paced. She purposely ignored him, didn't manage to help him in time and even wanted to scold him. Oh my lord, she had sinned so much. 

"Please don't tell anyone." Barbatos whispered to her, and there was such desperation in his voice. She would obey either way. He was her god after all.

"About you and Mister Yaksha or your identity, s- sir?" She whisper-asked back, nodding her head.

"Both." He says, finally letting his grip on Xiao loosen. Barbara nods again and makes her way back to the Cathedral, moving swiftly to save more time.

She fell asleep that night with more than just a basket of wolfhooks in mind.

3. Ganyu

Xiao has some romantical affairs with the anemo archon, it seems.

Ganyu expected this, for extremely long, actually. She's discussed the topic with the other adepti for an unusually large amount of time. No one would deny that Ganyu was the closest with Xiao among the adepti, among all of Liyue to be exact. 

He was her tutor, a teacher, a (close?) friend, family even.

She always seemed to avoid him before the events of the Jade Chamber, but he always looked distracted nowadays - lonely was a better word. At first, she thought she'd regret it but one small conversation brought another. One laugh brought another. One small meal brought a table full of extravagant dishes and of course, plates of almond tofu. Before either of them knew it, they were closer.

Very much closer.

Ganyu trusted him, and woah, she did not expect their friendship to get this strong. She'd spend most of her free time with him, not that she had a lot but even 15 minutes out of her day was enough for both of them.

Ganyu has a few hours to spare the day she found out. She's on the roof of Wangshu Inn with Xiao beside her, the trees covering their view of the full moon. Ganyu has realized the past few weeks that something happened to make Xiao shake up a bit. At first, she was worried but the behavior was so familiar that it warmed up to her quickly.

"You're in love." Ganyu accuses that night, cup in her pale hand and leaves in her tousled hair. She sends him a smile - one full of a teasing evil that even Xiao couldn't describe it.

"What makes you say that?" Xiao questions, bringing his spoon of tofu up to his mouth and taking a large bite. 

"Doesn't matter. Going to tell me a story now, are you?" Ganyu jokes, punching him lightly on his shoulder. It's a routine they learnt to have - when something interesting pops up, they'll voice each other their stories if they're comfortable. She found about his karmetic dept, his past - she found about Alatus this way. 

"Perhaps I might." Xiao takes a breath and that confirms that this was going to be a long story. "Have I ever told you about the anemo archon?"

"The anemo archon? No, not at all." Ganyu replies, taking a sip of whatever liquid was in her glass. "Is this your vision story?"

"My vision could be for another time." Xiao shakes his head, continuing his previous talk. "Well, let's see. How do I start?" He seems lost in thought for a moment. 

"From the beginning, obviously." Ganyu jokes and Xiao tries to cover his laugh.

"This one begins after karmetic dept takes over the rest of the Yakshas. I am yet again alone in this world." Xiao starts, and Ganyu is a bit worried with the fact he began the story like this. "I was slaying ruin guards in Guili when-"

"When?" Ganyu ushers him to continue but also take his time.

"My karmetic dept took over." Xiao says, his voice barely a whisper. "I was dying slowly and awfully painfully. I thought it'd be the end."

Ganyu stares flabbergasted and worriedly. Just as she was about to say something, Xiao nods his head at her, telling her it was alright in their own language.

"It actually was the end." Xiao sighs, placing his empty plate beside him. "But, I heard it. The sound of a Dihua Flute. It was-" Xiao pauses to find the words but nothing could describe what he felt that night. "-was gorgeous."

Ganyu takes a large breath, "What happened next?" 

"I don't know how I did it or how he did it. But he saved me, the anemo archon." Xiao smiles, a small hesitant one but it was genuine.

Ganyu just stays silent, watching how Xiao looks so peaceful whilst he talks about his experience. "He sounds like an amazing person."

Xiao nods and they bask in a silence for a moment. "What does this have to do with love, though?" She asked, actually confused on why he chose this story. At first, she didn't notice it but it slowly made sense. Then, it hit her right in the face.

Oh. Oh! OH!

"You're on your knees for another archon!" She says, a bit loudly and hopefully, Wangshu Inn's residents did not hear that, especially without context.

"Don't word it like that." Xiao retorted, shaking his head vigorously.

"Does Barbatos know?" Ganyu questions, her eyes widening.

"Shh! Don't say his name, he knows I'm talking about him now." Xiao covers her mouth with his hand, urging her to stop speaking. "But, yes, he does indeed know."

"What did he say? Is he angry at you?" Ganyu whispered this time, even though she knew Barbatos could hear her, no matter how low her voice was now.

"Angry? The feeling's are pretty requited and I'm sure they still are." Xiao states so bluntly that it almost sounds like he's done this speech, a very many times.

"You're dating-" Ganyu stutters, fiddling with her thumbs after she puts her mug down. "-the anemo archon? And, you kept it a secret! What the hell, Xiao!"

"It wasn't a secret! No one asked." Xiao says, glaring hardly at Ganyu.

"Who would randomly ask you if you were sleeping with the anemo archon!" Ganyu continues their argument. She can't believe she never knew before.

"We haven't even gone that far, yet. I'm just jittery because our anniversary is coming up!" Xiao huffs, denying whatever idea Ganyu comes up with. "Wait, I have to go. Someone near Qingxi is in need of help." He informs, waving Ganyu a light goodbye and dissipating away.

Ganyu might as well leave, too. She's spent her last non-busy hour with Xiao and she only has about ten minutes till the Qixing are in need of her assistance again. She better head back to the bustling part of Liyue again, just to make it in time. Too focused on the time, she almost didn't feel the change in wind.

"You must be the friend Xiao mentions a lot." Ganyu hears a voice, turning around swiftly. She's neither seen him before nor heard him. But, she knew well that this was the anemo archon. "Do you have time to talk?"

Ganyu believes that being late to her meeting won't hurt.

4. Hu Tao

Xiao totally, very much, had a crush and it's 98% the anemo archon!

Since the story's travelling pretty, pretty long with sad and quiet beings, why not more energetic people right? Of course, first on the list is the very, very amazing Hu Tao! She's always suspected something from Xiao - closed-off, tsundere-ish, quiet and always loyal. Hu Tao thinks he sounds like the second love interest in a YA novel that literally everyone loves - except the actual main character in the story, of course. They always somehow never choose the non-toxic, second love interest!

Getting off topic but speaking of novels - a cup of coffee, a few pages of paper, the best types of ink and a wheezing Feiyun Commence Guild leader was how Hu Tao found out about Xiao's not-so-well-kept-secret relationship. 

It was a rather normal week and Hu Tao couldn't find any decent person to prank, no decent people to bury, no decent people around at all - especially with Zhongli gone for some (Fatui!) business. 

So, she finds herself at Third-Round Knockout with Xingqiu, sharing a few talks and a few meals. It was pretty average till Hu Tao gets an idea. 

"Hey, I was thinking. I listened to a conversation! And guess what they were talking about!" Hu Tao starts, pleased with her latest scheme before she even managed to carry it out.

"You eavesdropped?" Xingqiu raises an eyebrow but it was obvious that he's extremely curious.

"Our mighty last Yaksha! He may or may not have a secret crush!" Hu Tao whispers, giggling a bit. "And, why not write a book about it! To help him a bit! Don't worry, I asked for permission already!"

Xingqiu seems lost in thought for a moment but he says, "I'm in! Let's write one about Chongyun after!"

Hu Tao rejoiced in her seat, pulling out a few pieces of paper and slamming them on the table. "We need to know who it is, first!"

"I think it might be the the geo archon? Or maybe the-" Xingqiu started, seemingly placing his fingers on his chin but not continuing his sentence once one of his employees came by and asked for his assistance. "Ah, Director Tao, I'll be taking my leave. I have some affairs to take care of. We could discuss this later."

Hu Tao was left alone at the table again but now, she wasn't that bored. She scribbled down a list for who might have any connections with Xiao. Wandering around Liyue to help her think, she's almost at the Statue of Seven in Lisha once she's finally satisfied with her list.

Shenhe
Yanfei
Ganyu
Morax
Someone from the Liyue Qixing (that isn't Ganyu)
Zhongli

She reaches the sacred statue and she finds herself with an amusing sight. A drunk bard - on the verge of collapsing, with a bottle of Liyuen wine in hand - was sitting on the crisp grass.

Once Hu Tao sees him, she waves to him whilst shoving her list into her pocket. "Hello! Nice to meet you! I am the great Hu Tao, the best and also only funeral director in Liyue!"

The bard stands up from his seat, waving back at her. "Well, hello Hu Tao. Not to brag but I'm the best bard in all of Mondstadt! I go by Venti, you must've heard of me by now!" He says, bringing out his empty hand to shake hers.

"I haven't ever heard of you but it must just be the silly Liyue network. What are you doing out here in Liyue if you're from Mondstadt?" She questions, grasping his hand and eyeing the vision sledged along his waist - an anemo one. 

"Visiting a very close friend of mine! Couldn't find him at our usual spot so ventured deeper!" Venti answers while Hu Tao takes out the list of Xiao's might-be crushes again - hoping to continue while she helps this bard to the more crowded part of Liyue. 

"What's that?" Venti asks, trying to take a peek at her note.

"You can't tell anyone but do you know that ancient immortal up in Wangshu Inn? He's an adeptus and-" Hu Tao tries to ponder if she should tell him. Might as well tell him, it won't hurt, right? It's not like he's an archon or something. "-and I think he might have a secret crush. So, I'm trying to find out who by writing the people he'd make a good relationship with!"

"Oh my, I'm interested!" Venti replies, throwing his empty alcohol bottle in the nearest trash can. "Who do you have so far?"

"Well, firstly I have Shenhe." Hu Tao exclaims, looking intently at her list.

"Shenhe?" Venti huffs, "I don't think they're that close!"

"How would you know they aren't?" Hu Tao accuses, pointing a finger at him.

"Let's just say that I have a bit of connections with the adepti!" Venti retorts and Hu Tao just nods.

"Then, why not Shenhe!" Hu Tao asks, ready to scribble out Shenhe's name from the list if Venti came up with a good reason.

"Knowing immortals, they've already lost many people." Venti sighs and Hu Tao was sure that his voice almost went quiet for a minute. "They probably wouldn't want any relationships with mere humans, afraid of losing them, of course."

"That sounds reasonable." Hu Tao replies, looking at her new list. "Guess there won't be any humans on this list, then!"

Shenhe
Yanfei
Ganyu
Morax
Someone from the Liyue Qixing (that isn't Ganyu)
Zhongli

Hu Tao wanted to scratch out Zhongli's name, too but there was still a little spark in her that thinks he's an adepti, too. "Okay, so! Next on the list is Ganyu." 

"Ganyu? I'm sure they're only friends!" Hu Tao listens to Venti's reasoning but there was no proof they had nothing more. 

"They're pretty close, actually. They spend time with each other a lot and considering Mister Grumpy Yaksha, he hates socializing but he seems to enjoy his moments with Ganyu." Hu Tao rambles her speech and she could almost feel bloodlust somewhere around but she decided it was just the wind. 

Venti mumbles something and Hu Tao didn't catch it but she'd assume it was something along the lines of, "I'll have to have a talk with him one day." She had no idea what that meant but she didn't feel like prying.

It might just be a coincidence or perhaps the world wanted Hu Tao to have extra luck today but Hu Tao bumps head first into someone. At first, she was about to laugh it off but once she realizes who she meets, she thinks she's awfully lucky. 

"Oh, Director Hu Tao! Biggest apologies!" It's Ganyu, her hair is messed and she looks apologetic. "I was just picking Glaze Lilies nearby but then, the wind started pushing me in this direction, really hardly, too."

Hu Tao isn't a big fan of archons that aren't Morax. but she just wants to scream thank Barbatos. "Before you go, I have a really important question!"

"Yes, she does." Venti adds in and Ganyu probably noticed he was there just then. Hu Tao doesn't know why but she suddenly looks nervous. 

"Oh, Oh! Greetings Bar- I mean Venti. I enjoyed the time we had last week at the Inn and I'd love to accept your- your invitation." Ganyu fiddles with her thumbs, a habit she's learnt to have. "And, Director Tao, you may ask away."

Hoping to confront Venti about his friendship with Ganyu later, Hu Tao asks the adeptus about Xiao. "So, rumors have been flying around about you and Liyue's Last Yaksha. And, I was thinking if you had anything more than friendship with him."

Hu Tao hears Ganyu squeak and give a worried glance at Venti.

"Venti here says you're just friends but I'd like to hear that from you!" Hu Tao continues, ready to either tick Ganyu's name or scratch it out.

"We have nothing going on! Not at all! And never will!" Ganyu smiles, "And, your intuitions are almost right though. He actually is in love with someone but it's not me, not a human, not an adepti either. I'd love to give more-" Ganyu looks around and stares at Venti for a moment again. "-more information but I wouldn't want to expose anyone."

Hu Tao and Venti both thank her for her information, and once Ganyu turns away, jogging back to pick Glaze Lilies - Hu Tao stares at the vision strapped around Ganyu's waist. It was shimmering, a blinding yellow but it seems only Hu Tao noticed.

Shenhe
Yanfei
Ganyu
Morax
Someone from the Liyue Qixing (that isn't Ganyu)
Zhongli

Too focused on erasing Ganyu's name from the note, she doesn't notice the paper getting snatched from her hand till the thief was already running away.

"A hilichurl! It got the list!" Hu Tao shrieks, getting her polearm out, ready to charge. But, the hilichurl already burnt to ash once she tries to attack. She turns to look at Venti, who was laughing at Hu Tao's confused expression.

"You looked so ready! Too bad, I already defeated it!" Venti giggles and Hu Tao looks at his vision again - a dull, colorless green. "Okay, so back to the list! Where were we?"

"Only Morax and Zhongli are left on the list!" Hu Tao says and she hears Venti choke on nothing.

"Absolutely not!" Venti groans, rolling his eyes. "He's nothing but a jerky, naggy blockhead who is no fun!"

"Do you mean Zhongli or Morax?" Hu Tao laughs, shaking her pen so ink comes out.

"I know them both very well." Venti replies, flicking his wrist. Hu Tao assumed this was sarcasm, obviously.

"Well, then if it isn't them, who would it be?" Hu Tao sighs, almost losing hope.

"Perhaps an archon?" Venti suggests, pretending like he wasn't setting himself up.

"But, why would Mister Yaksha have ties with anyone other than Morax?" Hu Tao seems to think hardly for a moment.

"Maybe the neighboring archons come by for visits? I suppose he'll love the coolest one around." Venti recommends, waving his hands around.

"I don't think he knows the Sumeru archon." Hu Tao teases, and watches Venti's face drop, knowing he's from Mondstadt.

"Come on! You know! The anemo archon! They're for sure the best couple ever!" Venti argues, forgetting about covering his identity.

"You don't even know if they met each other!" Hu Tao continues, scribbling Zhongli and Morax off the note.

"What if I told you, that I was the-" Venti smiles, one full of so much bullshit that Hu Tao almost burst out laughing. "-the anemo archon." He whispers, looking contently at Hu Tao.

"I know," Hu Tao raises an eyebrow, scrunching the list into a paper ball and throwing it away. "You couldn't be more obvious."

"Huh?" Venti looks confused as Hu Tao hands him a piece of stone from her pocket.

"Here, this is starsplinter iron. It reacts to visions, making them glow." Hu Tao explains, pointing at her pyro vision which was glowing uncontrollably. "But yours, however, did not shine at all." 

Venti makes his mouth into an o shape, staring at his (fake!) vision. Damn, he sucked at this identity thing.

"And, isn't it weird that you know almost every adepti and even Morax?" Hu Tao scrunches her nose and Venti fakes a gasp.

"Back to the topic with the Yaksha, please!" Venti responded, crossing his arms across his chest as he seated himself on a nearby eroded rock pillar.

"Well, don't we already know?" Hu Tao answers. "I already suspected it, just wanted to know how long you'd go to keep this a secret." 

"Not very far considering what just happened," Venti sighs, shaking his head.

"How long have you guys been together?" Hu Tao leans her back against a tree, dodging the Sunsettias falling onto her.

"Four decades, coming Monday!" Venti puts four fingers up, muttering words to himself.

"The way you guys made out with each other longer than Zhongli's lifetime amount of knowledge." Hu Tao jokes, letting out a loud snort.

"Ah, about that, he's like twice my age." Venti stares at Hu Tao's expression, watching it change in a matter of a few seconds.

"What does that mea-" Hu Tao stops laughing till her smile got gusted away. Oh. 

"If my identity is going down, so is his." Venti sniggers and then, the wind shifts. Hu Tao can't find him after she blinks. He's gone.

When Hu Tao returns back to Liyue and lies on the comfort of her bed, her feet aching from her journey. She finds a pen and a piece of paper, scribbling a few words on it. Then, she dozes off - the paper slipping from her hand and out through the window, blowing with the breeze.

The paper flies a large distance, landing onto a balcony of a special someone. 

"You told her?" Xiao notices the note, reading it and sending a weird glance at Venti.

"She was curious, alright!" Venti defends, laughing with lyre in hand. "Do you want me to play a song?"

Xiao lets the paper fly away with the breeze yet again, nodding as he listens to Venti's music till slumber.

5. Zhongli

Xiao has been dating Barbatos for decades and he barely had any clue. 

Zhongli was observant, extremely so but even he, of all beings had little to no idea that Barbatos was - what's the term called again? - making out with his own adepti. He wouldn't technically say that he was all at fault for not realizing.

He had an extremely busy week. With Hu Tao becoming clingier, Ganyu becoming distant, Xiao becoming distracted and his work piling up an awful amount. Zhongli was a man with a lack of free-time but he still tried his best to spend his days with almost everyone he knew while he still could.

Considering the extreme gap since he's last conversed with Xiao, Zhongli finds himself at Wangshu Inn on a Monday morning, waiting to spend the whole day with the adeptus. 

Once Xiao returns from his daily morning survey, he looks a bit frightened to see Zhongli there. "Morax, is there anything you need me to slaughter?" Xiao starts, bowing down as a sign of respect.

"Drop the formalities, please. I'd like to have a stroll around Liyue with you, today." Zhongli requests, watching Xiao fiddle with his gloves.

"Today, sir?" Xiao questions, making sure he didn't hear it wrong. For once in Xiao's lifetime, he doesn't feel like accepting Morax's demand - not that he hated spending time with Zhongli, but he couldn't have picked any other day.

His fourth decade anniversary with Venti was today.

Xiao's going to have to choose between his savior and his savior. 

Hardest decision ever, really.

"Of course, Morax." Xiao stutters, tapping the anemo vision twice. It was a signal which Venti and him discussed, incase one of them were in trouble - whether it was just loneliness, karmetic dept or anything in particular which needs the other's comfort.

"Shall we head down to the harbor then?" Zhongli smiles, reaching out for the door handle as Xiao trailed behind. They follow the pebbled path, basking under the sun as they head their way to the more packed parts of the nation. Their weapons were ready - for any hilichurl, lawachurl - anything in particular. 

"You look rather nervous, Xiao." Zhongli starts, turning back to see Xiao distracted with his thoughts - just like he was the past few weeks. "You don't have to be so afraid of me."

"Oh, it's not that at all. It's just been a tiring week." Xiao replies, and Zhongli knew it was a made-up lie but he didn't push any further.

Beside a small waterfall, Zhongli stops in his step but Xiao's distracted state accidentally hits head first into Zhongli's back. From the impact, Zhongli drops his spear off the edge, watching his Vortex Vanquisher drop off the cliff with the river's flow. 

"Morax, I'm so sorry. I'll go get it out now." Xiao says immediately, dissipating to go grab the spear when he sees Zhongli's upset posture. 

Zhongli was upset - not because of his weapon, of course not - but something was up with Xiao. He isn't this careless, or this distracted and Zhongli hasn't seen him in this position even once. He had to figure out what was happening, and fast. Perhaps it's fatal.

Too focused on his thoughts, Zhongli doesn't notice someone behind him till they poke him on his back with their finger. Zhongli almost jumps in place and as he turns around, he lets out a large sigh. "What do you need, Venti?" He asks, irritation laced in his tone.

"Well, can't I meet my second favorite immortal of all time!" Venti whispers loudly, embracing Zhongli in an awkward (waist) hug. 

"I thought I was the first? Who took my position?" Zhongli questions, pulling himself away from Venti's embrace. 

"That's a secret, you'll never know!" Venti lets out a laugh. "Anyway, I'm here because the wind told me you're having an outing! Would you mind if I tag along?"

"You'd follow along even if I said no." Zhongli groans, bringing his palm up to his face. "I'm spending time with someone. He's not a particular fan of socializing. I don't even think they know you."

"I saw them go down for the spear and I'm sure they know me! My anemo users wouldn't mind." Venti denies, shaking his head.

At that moment, Xiao returns, bringing back Zhongli's refined weapon with him. "Bar- Barbatos?" Xiao squeaks, handing Zhongli his spear before bowing again.

"See, I'm sure he doesn't mind!" Venti laughs, looking at Zhongli's unamused expression. "Now, our next location!"

"I was thinking foo-" Zhongli started but his sentence was sliced.

"I was thinking food! Isn't that a great idea?" Venti ignores Zhongli's killer glare, running beside Xiao and slinging his hand around Xiao's arm.

"Leave the poor adeptus alone, please." Zhongli requests, raising an eyebrow at Venti's actions.

"He's okay with it! Right, Xiao?" Venti asks, gripping tightly on Xiao's forearm with his fingers. 

"I- I don't mind at all." Xiao sputters, awkwardly letting Venti drag him around by his arm.

Once they (finally!) arrive at Wanmin Restaurant, Zhongli is extremely relieved. He hasn't met someone as annoyingly but interestingly talkative as Venti in all the years he's survived. Now, his difficulty arises. He doesn't seem to be able to make any mora without his gnosis, so he's going to have some payment issues. Knowing Venti, he probably doesn't have any mora either.

"Oh my, Ganyu! Nice to see you again!" Venti exclaims, waving at a specific someone sitting at a table and Zhongli wonders how he knows the adepti, especially someone who barely leaves Liyue like Ganyu.

"Of course! Hello Venti, you too, Xiao. Greetings, Mister Zhongli." She smiles, staring at Xiao's and Venti's entangled hands. "Today's meal can be on me!" Ganyu suggests, already giving the pay to Xiangling as she does.

"You really don't have to." Venti exclaims and Zhongli agrees with him for the first time this decade. 

"No, no I insist." Ganyu shakes her head and arms to deny. "So, let me see. One plate of almond tofu, one slow-cooked bamboo shoot soup and anything with alcohol?" She asks, gazing at the menu.

"No alcohol, today! I need to stay sober, only for today though!" Venti interrupts and that surprised Zhongli, a lot actually. "I'll share with Xiao. Are you alright with it?"

"I am." Xiao huffs, hoping that Ganyu would just order already.

They're seated at the table and Zhongli would admit, Venti wasn't that bad of company. He was interesting to say the least, childish but intelligent in his own free way. They indulge in useless but humorous conversations, and Xiao does seem more open so perhaps inviting Venti along was a good idea.

"Here, here." Venti laughs, feeding Xiao with his spoon while the adeptus doesn't even hesitate to take a bite. At least, don't forget Ganyu and him are here!

Xiangling returns and places three drinks on the table, today's special. Ganyu thanks her and she hands only three straws to everyone which left Zhongli confused since four of them were here. "Don't we need four straws and drinks?" He suggests and everyone shakes their heads. 

"Nope, we're alright!" Venti smiles, taking a sip from his cup and sending it over to Xiao who also drinks with the (same!) straw. Zhongli of course, knew they were close but not that close. 

After waving good-bye to Ganyu, they head their way, touring the city. It was going pretty average till Xiao pauses in his step.

"Barbara?" Xiao asks once he sees a pig-tailed girl, so obviously standing out from the extreme Mondstadt attire. She's ordering a toy from a stall, waiting for it to be given to her.

"You've been to Mondstadt, Xiao?" Zhongli questions once he sees the girl running towards them. 

"First time only about a week ago, actually!" Venti replies and he laughs at Zhongli's flabbergasted expression.

"Hello," Barbara exclaims once she arrives at their location. "I'm just travelling around Liyue while my sister does her duties with Lady Ningguang." Barbara turns to look at Zhongli and waves at him. "Hi, I'm Barbara."

"Zhongli." He nods back, observing how she looks awfully close with Xiao and Venti - almost as if they've known for a while.

"It's Monday, right?" Barbara asks, looking at Xiao and Venti. "Let's go ask for some carvings! I'll pay!"

"What's the occasion?" Zhongli questions, placing his hand on his chin while Venti agrees to her proposal. 

Barbara raises an eyebrow at Venti but then she just replies cautiously. "Nothing much, actually. Just an outing with friends."

"Oh, Oh! Xiao, I have a few ideas but I think it would take too much time." Venti hums, thinking contently about what carving to choose. Xiao whispers something to him and suddenly, it jump-starts Venti into requesting a special piece.

Waiting for the other three to finish getting their carvings, Zhongli hesitantly watches Xiao seem less distracted and more open. Guess Venti does have some affect on his vision users.

After their items were done, Zhongli sees an amazingly done carving of Xiao on the edge of a mountain, watching Venti play the Dihua Flute. It was gorgeous, he's heard tales about Xiao being saved by someone's music. But, he never knew it was Venti. Perhaps that's why they're so close. Under the painting were small letters, XV was what was written. Zhongli doesn't know what it stands for but it's probably a signature, right?

As they continue their journey, Zhongli spots a particular someone. "That's Barbara's sister?" He sends a short glance to another girl in Mondstadt's attire, looking through lines and lines of flowers. 

"Oh, hello, Venti! Greetings, Xiao. I heard a lot about you." Jean smiles, nodding at them as she hands them a bouquet of flowers she picked out. "I'm Jean, sir. Nice to meet you." She bows a bit, putting her hand out and Zhongli shakes it cautiously. "I finished my business with Lady Ningguang. I actually picked these for you. Hoping to drop it off once I see you at the tavern later this evening."

"Oh, yes about that, we might not be there." Venti apologizes, explaining to Jean in Mondstadt tongue and Zhongli did not understand anything they said. 

Jean sends a laugh once he finishes his explanation. "I wish you the best of luck. I'll be off now. Better reach Mondstadt before night falls, right?" She says that and jogs away before Zhongli can even exchange anymore words with her.

Xiao plucks a flower from the nearby shop table, a gorgeous qingxin and hands it to Venti. "For you," he smiles and god, Zhongli was terrified to see how genuine Xiao was being. 

"My, my! What a gentleman." Venti replies, and Zhongli was sure they forgot he was even here. He didn't know they had a flirting type of friendship. 

"Moving on." Zhongli interrupts, leading all of them to wander through countless stalls and buying countless of materials.

"Look at that one, Xiao!" Venti squeals, pointing at the wine put on-show, an ancient one with such a scentless yet pungent odor. 

"Do you want me to get it for you?" Xiao smiles, looking at the unusually high price. Nothing he can't afford, though.

"Oh my, thank you, Xiao! I love you! I'll go grab it!" Venti giggles, accidentally placing a kiss on Xiao's cheek before he runs off for the bottle.

Zhongli fakes a cough to get Xiao's attention, watching Xiao fiddle nervously with the edges of his gloves. "Care to explain?" Zhongli folds his arm across his chest.

What the hell was going on between them?

Once Zhongli has this thought, the wind blows a piece of paper to block his vision. He tries his best to get it off, reading the content. I mean, it did answer his question though. Zhongli recognized the hand-writing very well from the amount of papers and documents he's signed at his job.

Hu Tao's writing. It read: 

Xiao's lover is:

VENTI !!  

Zhongli is confused, extremely so. Hu Tao doesn't technically tell the truth but with what he saw today, she's probably being honest. 

"Well, so," Xiao starts, awkwardly standing as he taps his foot, impatiently waiting for Venti to return.

Once Venti returns, the bottle in his hand, Xiao pleadingly looks at him. "I know." Zhongli huffed, looking disappointedly at both of them. He's not upset they're together, but the fact they never told him.

"So, well. Guess I'm coming to adepti reunions, right?" Venti jokes, hoping to ease the unwavering tension. 

"No, but how long has this been going on?" Zhongli questions and Venti nervously chuckled whilst Xiao turns away from his gaze.

Venti replies after a short silence, shuffling closer to Xiao. "Four decades today, actually." 

"What."

++Bonus. Everyone

"Okay, so we both have a lot to tell you." Venti says, hands glued with Xiao's.

They both have decided to tell everyone - about their relationship, of course. They're in an abode which Madame Ping created for them, just for the occasion.

There were way more people - and the occasional adepti - than either Xiao and Venti expected. There were the Knights of Favonius, the adepti, the Qixing, the archons - it's a very interesting sight to see them all here, really.

"So, Xiao and I have been in a very loving relationship." Venti smiles nervously, empty hand going up to scratch the back of his neck.

There was an awful silence other than a few shuffling sounds. Then, everyone screamed in unison.

"WE KNOW!"