Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Terror. A pure, unnatural terror filled Venti to run as fast as he could. The pain in his body, especially his legs, from the horseback riding and walking had disappeared as adrenaline pushed him. He had long since strayed from the path that would have led him to help, but he couldn't think to realize this. Only knew the fear, that those creatures chasing him were something worse than death. Ominous howls got closer, louder, the sounds distorting. Omens. Threats. Promises. The bard didn't understand it, the motivation to run until his body gave out. Hadn't even seen whatever they were, only heard their howls and immediately his thoughts stopped.

The sun was slowly rising, the first hints of light revealing the landscape to Venti. Plants were changing in appearance, not that he spent enough time to notice what was and wasn't normal. But he could see he was nearing water. Too much water. A frightened cry left him, blue eyes welling with tears because he was too close to his limit. Either he was going to drown, or those beasts would get him. "Help!" The call was almost a sob, his heart growing heavy that he hadn't even tasted freedom. No one was there to hear him, to respond. Legs hitting the water, he shivered. Risked glancing behind him, if only to see the faces of his death.

If he were to use a descriptor, he would call them 'Not-Wolves.' They had the general shape of wolves, but they were blurry and had smoke like heat waves emanating off of them. Their eyes glowed in the same way Venti always pictured lamp fish's did right before consuming prey. Just looking at them felt wrong, and he realized too late that his entire body locked up. Was it something they were doing, or had the primal fear finally taken his legs from him?

"Help… Please…" The voice was a whisper, hardly audible to even his own ears over the spine-chilling snarls of the creatures. Wolves but not, an appearance that only became more warped and unsettling the longer his eyes remained on them. Front legs but no back, instead of claws there were talons creeping closer, closer. What were these things, and why did they terrify him to the point he couldn't even breathe?

"Evil Conquering!" A voice hissed, a spear and body falling into the middle of the creatures in a burst of blacks and greens. More spears erupted from the ground, piercing through two of the monsters. The ones struck immediately shifted their attention to their attacker, heads lurching forward to snap at them. The stranger shifted past them in a blur of pale greens, almost turquoise, ignoring the strikes to stab at one of the beasts still stalking towards Venti. Within seconds of well-placed slashes, the individual had the attention of all the monsters yet still struck at them without hesitation. No single attack was wasted, the spear either stabbing directly into the creatures or from above when the stranger sprang upwards only to dive upon them once more.

The fear was steadily ebbing away to relief, watching this person dealing with the beasts with such practiced motions. This was someone who handled these kinds of situations. Against all hope, someone skilled had seen Venti's plight, and come to rescue him. As the sun rose higher while the person one by one took out the monsters, their appearance became visible. A shorter person, body lithe and built for mobility. Given how they moved as they fought, Venti would have been surprised had they been taller or bulkier in build. The clothes they wore were entirely different from what he had seen until then, and trusted that he was finally in Liyue.

More relief - he had made it. He had crossed the border, just as he was instructed to.

They had a pale body, and Venti wasn't sure if he caught the glint of tattoos on their arms or not. The only features he wasn’t certain on, was if the teal hair was part of the horned mask they wore or if that was their own. The black and greens that surrounded their body followed after like a trail, thick and occasionally obscuring their body entirely in it. Was that magic? Had to be, Venti couldn't come up with any other explanation. Wide green eyes watched as the last of the beasts howled, in sorrow or pain, and was pulled into a vortex. The only sounds now were labored breathing, both Venti and the stranger trying to catch their breath.

"You need… To run." The stranger spoke through what sounded as grit teeth. The hand on their spear tightened, leather straining audibly in the grip. "Not much… Time." Their voice was rough with pain. Had they gotten hurt? Venti couldn't just leave them! Trying to stand up to attempt helping, it was then he realized the adrenaline had wore off and he couldn't stand up. His body lifted itself maybe a few centimeters, just to collapse back into the water. "...You’re… Hurt…" The stranger struggled to say, and the noise they made ached enough that Venti's heart sank. Their body was starting to tremble, the strange energies around them getting thicker.

Without the fear or creatures tying up his attention, Venti hadn't felt or noticed it. How oppressive the energy rolling off the stranger was, like air pressure trying to exert downwards and trap bodies beneath. Venti's stomach felt queasy, yet somehow he innately knew it was from empathy for the stranger and not the strange aura. Pieces of him simply knew the other was trying to keep the last vestiges of themself, in a vain hope to give Venti enough time to recuperate and run.

Venti needed to help him. A tug in his chest, a whisper in his ear with hints of how he could. Not that he understood how, with memories scattered and lost as they were. Closing his eyes, Venti began to sing softly. It was more a lullaby than anything, and he ignored the rational part of his brain telling him how silly this was. That trying to lull a storm to rest with music was impossible, especially for someone like him. A song bird is best in a cage to be looked at, to serenade at request, the nun had said. Perhaps she was right. Venti couldn't fathom how this would help, but the voice whispered, trust me, and it wasn't like he could physically do anything else.

When he opened his eyes, Venti jolted in shock to see yellow eyes staring back at him with equal surprise. The fog of darkness was gone, along with the mask. Now there was a young face, perhaps late teens or early twenties. Midtwenties would have been pushing it, but then some people in their thirties could still get mistaken for teens, he supposed. They wore what looked like red liner, and when the breeze brushed the bangs from their face Venti saw bushy, unkempt brows. Sticking out from teal hair (not the mask then, the bard thought) were ears, pointed just enough to be noticeably inhuman.

"You're…" Whatever the stranger was going to say, Venti didn't get to hear. He didn't even get the chance to notice blue points in his hair had been glowing a soft turquoise, the light fading as he lost consciousness.

***

With a gasp, Venti’s body jerked violently into a consciousness full of pain. His lungs burned, his body sore and weak and the ground beneath him was remarkably soft as he collapsed back onto it. There was an ache in his chest, yet he found himself only capable of lying there, wheezing as his body attempted to fill itself with air once more. His body was cold, but the coolness of each breath was a reassurance in the whirlwind of increasing confusion. Thoughts were shifting from base instinct to coherency, and as he tried to grapple with everything he felt Venti was also trying to make sense of the how. Why? What happened? The only knowledge he held right then, was that everything hurt, he was too exhausted to move, and that his name was, ‘Venti.’ He couldn’t remember anything else. What was he doing before he, at least he assumed that he did, fell asleep?

“We… We did it.” A voice, not his, spoke in awe. What did ‘ we’ do? Was Venti included in this we? What had been accomplished?

“I can’t believe it… The implications of this are, there’s just so much…” Another voice, this one was tapering off into murmurs about whatever implications there were. Venti wanted to know who the speakers were, to see what was being discussed in such reverence and excitement. Hands flat on the ground - a ground covered in what felt like flowers - he tried to push himself up again. But the burst of energy that came with suddenly waking had been spent, and he could only feel the trembling of the limbs when he tried. A whine left him, frustration and pain welling up inside at his sudden inability to move or even see. Was this sudden? He supposed it was, as muscle memory told him this was far from his normal.

“We didn’t plan to succeed on the first try, there’s so much to do… Hardly prepared…” A third voice, and there was shuffling following their voice. Venti could only assume they were putting together what needed to be done, and he desperately wished these voices would expand on whatever this was. To talk! Communicate! Actually… Maybe if he asked? That was right! He had a voice, a mouth - he could talk, even if he couldn’t move!

Except he couldn’t. He could only gasp, his tongue numb and when he tried to move his lips into words his thoughts scattered into disoriented pieces. Was he drugged? Fear moved through him, memories seeping in once he stopped trying to speak. Organ thieves? Were the flowers he felt beneath him actually ice? Was that the real reason he was cold? Also, why was that something he could remember? That was a terrifying thought!

“They’re beautiful.” A fourth voice, mesmerized. “They’re here for us, for no one else.”

“They’re here for all of Monstadt.” One of the other voices corrected, but Venti wasn’t sure which one. None had spoke enough for him to keep track of which order they had actually spoke in. Maybe the second person that had spoken…? But he wasn’t certain, couldn’t even really recall what the second person had said. “I can’t believe a god truly appeared before us, just because we called.” Another voice laughed at what might have been the second voice’s comment.

“We did a bit more than ‘call,’ I’d say.” It felt right to assume that had been the third voice, though Venti wasn’t sure why. “We should get them cleaned and clothed, this isn’t a proper.”

Cleaned and clothed… Suddenly, it all clicked. He could feel the flowers beneath him, soft and slightly itchy against his bare skin. The tickle of his bangs, and longer hairs that fell across his shoulders and chest. That was it. No comfort of clothes, he was lying in a bed of petals in the complete nude. The hammering of his heart was not just from his attempts at moving, but at the mix of being naked in front of complete strangers without knowing why… And the words being used about him. Were they saying that Venti was… A god? That couldn’t have been right. None of this was making any sense! His memories were distant, but the confidence he felt in his mortality told him that he couldn’t be a god. Venti needed to talk, to ask questions, to tell them he wasn’t some deity popping in for a visit!

“We’re all born naked. I would say this suits them best.” A delayed answer regarding Venti’s nudity, and he very much disagreed with that! There were times to be nude, and this was not one of them.

“The body needs an adjustment period, otherwise they’ll destabilize and we’ll have to try again with a new body. We can’t risk a second attempt, there’s no guarantee we’ll succeed. We cannot move them.” The voice was explaining, and once more none of their words made sense.

“Then can we at least put a blanket over them?” Whoever the third voice was, Venti decided that if he had somehow ascended into a god, they were the only one he was going to bless. He was cold and felt exposed. A blanket would suffice if they couldn’t provide him anything else.

“Yes, that’s fine.” For the most part, there was general agreement. The one voice tried to convince the group that a blanket wasn’t necessary, but was easily overruled. The conversation shifted back to what to do, the voices quieting to where Venti could barely hear them. Trying again to speak, to move, and once more his body couldn’t adhere to such simple requests. This was miserable. Venti felt like he was trapped in his own skin, and he couldn’t even scream about it. Then, something soft was put over his body. The blanket. There was no energy, no way to express thanks. Perhaps he could, eventually. But not right then. Using as much of his strength as he could, he tried to open his eyes to at least see the face of the third voice. His lashes were thick with sleep, and all he could make sense of was a fuzzy world and what could have been a silhouette.

The effort expended, the blanket warming his body, and the cracks of his eyes closed was when sleep overtook him once more.

***

A dream. A memory. One he wanted far behind him, far as he could put it. Eyes fluttering open, his body still ached as it had then but in different ways. Even better, he could open his eyes and was greeted by a wooden ceiling illuminated by the yellow light of the sun. A relieved exhale left him, mostly because while he had no idea where he was… This wasn't where he had escaped from, and that was his priority. Beneath him was a bed with poor support, made of a hard material and the mattress felt more like a blanket. Venti wanted to think floor, but as he turned his head to gather his bearings he saw he was surrounded by wooden walls. Not tall ones. Likely one to keep him from rolling out of the bed, as if he were an infant. Odd.

Groaning, his hands grabbed the sides of the bed's walls and used it to help himself pull forward so that he could sit upright. As he did so, he noticed he was wearing someone's night clothes, the fabric the only soft thing he felt upon waking. Venti was pretty sure it was the worst bed he had ever slept in. His back felt stiff, and his legs sent a flare of pain in protest that he dared to move. These last two days he had put them through too much. His thighs especially hurt. Why didn't anyone warn him what a workout it was for them when horseback riding?

There hadn't exactly been a choice in the matter, but he could have at least known to expect this.

"Oho! You're awake!" A chipper voice greeted, with the sounds of footsteps approaching following after. Head looking towards the words, and sudden understanding hit him as to why the 'bed' had been so uncomfortable. He had woken in a room full of coffins, with him lying inside of one. Frowning, Venti tried to puzzle that one out. How did he end up in a coffin…? "How was your rest? I wanted to put you in one of our nicest caskets, but my consultant reminded me no one wants a used one!" The voice laughed merrily, and that got Venti's attention enough to care more about who was talking than why he was in a coffin.

A young person with long brown hair pulled back into two low ponytails. They wore a more formal outfit all in black, which contrasted equally with their white skin and red eyes. "Your clothes are being cleaned, by the way, so you'll have to give mine back once they're back."

"What happened?" Venti finally asked, trying to backtrack. He had been trying to get into Liyue, but then… The memory of the creatures returned, and he shuddered so hard he felt the wood creak.

"Please don't vomit in that. We may not be able to sell it, but I had plans to repurporse it." The person requested, voice still jovial. "But if you gotta get it out, get it out." They continued. Dark as it was, if they were this comfortable with coffins, then if they were comfortable with dead bodies… Venti getting sick wouldn't bother them. "Are you asking more how you got here, or before that? Because none of us know the before that."

"I was… Wait!" Venti gasped, the memory of the stranger that had saved him resurfacing. "There was someone with me, they looked in pain! They saved me from…" He trailed, neither knowing what to call them nor wanting to think about them.

"Oh. I was told one of our yaksha pulled you from the river, which is probably why you were covered in mud? I haven't heard any news about any of them falling to their karma, so I'm sure he's fine.” They explained. The words made sense, though there were aspects of it that Venti wasn’t sure he entirely understood. Yaksha… Falling to karma… Brows knitting together, he tried to remember what he could. If a yaksha was someone who wasn’t human, that would explain how he had managed to deal with those beasts. As for falling to karma, was that what was happening to him? That energy, so full of malice radiating away from someone that showed no signs of anger. Or maybe he had it wrong entirely. Regardless, Venti decided to learn what he could, and maybe start stretching his arms at least while he did so.

Both shoulders popped, the sounds echoing through his clavicle and back as he did so. “Oww!” He hissed, his sides sending shooting pains as he stretched muscles that were far too sore. The stranger watched him, leaning one side of their face onto an upward palm with a passive curiosity. “Oh boy. Well, I suppose I should thank you for giving me a place to sleep.” Venti laughed, a bit strained as he did so. Wow did everything hurt. Even so, he wanted to be grateful and maybe learn more about his situation. Clearing his throat, he offered the only thing he could: his voice. “Within the confines of wood in silken line; one part earth and from the river the body’s peat; a steady shovel beckons yet another soul home, for it is time to rest rotting feet.” The short song lacked flourish and his typical intricacies, but he had foregone those in hopes of appealing to what he suspected to be closer to this person’s tastes. A target well hit, based on how bright their eyes became.

“Your clothes said Monstadt, and I was so hoping you’d be a bard!” They exclaimed, and immediately scooted closer. “But I think your stuff could use a big more, oomf, you know? Really drizzle that ohoHOHO and bwah thick on top!” At their grin, he cracked one of his own. Oh yes, he knew exactly what she was getting at.

Chapter Text

As the two exchanged verses, Venti learned that who he was speaking to was Hu Tao. More commonly addressed as Director Hu, because she was the director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. That the form of poetry and song he was familiar with, was much closer to Monstadt’s idea. Or so he was assuming, as when she said it he had simply agreed because far as she knew, he was a bard from Monstadt. Far as Venti knew, he wasn’t from anywhere around here but was clueless how to begin explaining that. He was starting to learn the intricacies of Liyue’s poetry, with Hu Tao gleefully sharing with him the various books that she had in the parlor. Initially he assumed most of them would be more morbid, but was pleasantly surprised to find the beauty in each delicately crafted work that weaved life, mortality, death, and possibility. Given the option, he would have stayed in that coffin discussing sonnets and stanzas and everything else he could with someone so proficient in knowledge. Especially after she started sharing some of her own with him!

Alas, speaking to one another in increasingly complicated meters was cut short by a deep voice that carried a smoothness to it that was peculiar in its familiarity. “Director Hu. I see your guest is awake?” The newcomer had entered the room, and the first thing that struck Venti was how perfect their posture was. Even with an incomplete memory, Venti felt confident he had never seen anyone in his life with a straighter back. Their hair was a dark brown, with the tips a shining bronze. Their skin tone was similar to Hu Tao’s, along with their clothes although unlike her shorts they wore suit pants and while her attire had floral accents to it this person’s had golden scales. The eyes were especially striking, two perfect samples of amber highlighted with gold. This person was also just tall. If Venti could stand, he suspected he’d reach their chest at the highest. Yet for all the attractive features they innately had, there was this odd agitation he could only assume came from being interrupted.

“Mr. Zhongli, welcome back! Want to see the poem we were working on?” Hu Tao offered, jumping out of her chair with the paper in her hand. “It’s got that bang! I’ve been trying to find!” She continued, offering up the scroll in the same way a child might offer it to a parent. Were these two related…? No, that doesn’t make any sense. She wouldn’t have addressed him so formally if they were, Venti thought.

"I would be delighted to, Director Hu." Zhongli replied, voice smooth and solid like stone. The request hadn't changed the relaxed visage, and Venti wondered if this was a normal occurrence. Just a funeral director, writing stanzas with an almost drowned stranger. The usual, apparently. "I take it our friend here is, indeed, a bard from Monstadt?" Zhongli continued, amber eyes flickering briefly to look at Venti with an unreadable expression, before returning to the papers.

That was… Peculiar.

"Mmhmm! Right, Venti?" Hu Tao offered the invite to bring their third wheel into the conversation. "I know you're going to want to give a lot of feedback, but now that you're here…" A sly, almost devilish smile made its way across her features, red eyes glinting with mischief. "I can drum up some business!"

"Please do not go overboard with the offers again, Director Hu. Coupons may be the way of the future, but cutting profits from them too sharply will outweigh the gains." Zhongli's words carried a certain weight with them, a maturity and wisdom that ill-matched that youthful appearance. The height and sharp features made first impressions be that this was an older man, but the smooth face was telling how few years it had actually seen. And yet the way Zhongli spoke, it was as if this were an old, weary soul trying to keep his charge out of trouble.

"Yes, yes, Mr. Zhongli~" And with that, Hu Tao left the room. Seconds later, she popped her head back in. "Oh! I haven't fed your guest yet!" She informed him, and at this Venti raised a brow.

Venti was… Zhongli's guest? This was getting more strange by the moment, his nails digging into the wood once more. He liked Hu Tao. She had vitality, creativity, and was a free-spirit yet still held true to her responsibilities. There was a safety in her presence. But she was leaving him here with this… For lack of a better descriptor, old man trapped in a body like that?

"I'll have the reception handle walk-ins. You get him some food, all right? Later!" Just as quickly as she returned, she was gone once more.

"So. You're a bard from Monstadt. What brings you to Liyue?" Zhongli asked, his eyes focusing on the task of neatly folding the paper. The lines were precise, aligned perfectly as he closed it to the size of an envelope.

"Hahah, call it big fish in a little pond situation. Once everyone knows you, there's nowhere to go. Figured I'd expand my reach." The lie fell from Venti's lips so easily. The bard felt an innate trust towards the man, but also a burning refusal to ask for help. An unusual tug of war between common sense and a stubborn streak, well hidden beneath a proud smile.

"Is that right? How interesting. May I inquire after your name, Mr. Bard?" Zhongli asked, his voice full of formality. The paper, folded too perfectly, was slid with a ginger care into his pocket.

Alarms were ringing in Venti's mind, but he ignored them. What was there to worry about? "Venti's the name, master of sonnets and songs!" He gave the best bow he could, wincing as his muscles burned in his legs when he stretched them from the movement.

"Venti, a pleasure. My name is Zhongli." The man returned the greeting, his manners matching both his tone and expression. "I'm actually quite familiar with the bards of Monstadt, and I must apologize, for I am not familiar with that name?"

The alarms that had been going off suddenly made sense. Venti's smile faltered, having been caught so quickly and so easily into the other man's trap. This guy… Venti thought, feeling a frown but forcing the smile on his face to remain. Managing a sheepish laugh, he let his body lean into the coffin, scratching the back of his head.

"Ahah, you got me. I'm actually… Not there yet. There was too much competition, and I couldn't stand out. Figured I could learn a lot in Liyue, but I ran into a bit of trouble." A bit was underselling what actually happened. Additionally, if Zhongli caught him in this second lie he was pressed for what to do. This Blockhead needs to mind his business, this is fine! The thought came unbidden, but it was right. Fine was relative, after all. Plenty of folk would have loved to pass out in a river, almost drown, and wake up in a coffin.

Actually, replaying those thoughts, Venti suspected only those of Hu Tao’s ilk would be particularly pleased with that turn of events. Personally he was just happy that he woke up at all.

“I see. You picked a most excellent destination for honing your skills, then. Liyue is a prosperous country, with its many bounties including history, art, and culture.” Zhongli didn’t question Venti about what he meant with ‘a bit of trouble.’ Nor did his face show any signs of belief or disbelief, merely eyes that held a hint of interest with something else. Hopefully the bard’s answer satisfied him. “Now, I should make good on Director Hu’s promise of feeding you. A taste of Liyue cuisine will do you well after such a rough start.”

Food sounded nice, but depending on where the two went Venti hoped for something much better with which to whet his tongue. If he was lucky, along the way perhaps he could meet someone else. Someone that didn’t watch him with a gaze that hid thoughts yet so easily saw through Venti’s. Hands on the sides with the best grip he could manage, Venti tried to push himself up and out of the coffin. With a wince followed by a sharp cry of pain, his arms gave out as he crumpled back into the wooden box. The calm temperament should have been reassuring, yet for some inexplicable reason Venti felt his face get hot with embarrassment that Zhongli had been the one to witness that.

“...I will get you assistance.” Zhongli spoke, melancholy in his words that was out of place with his otherwise courteous speech. Footsteps barely audible, he exited the room. Sucking in shallow breaths, Venti let his body remain limp within the coffin. What about that had been so humiliating? That was just some random guy, and Venti’s body had gone too many kilometers without fuel. Of course he couldn’t support himself yet! So why had Zhongli seeing it aggravated him so much!?

Within minutes Zhongli had returned, another gentleman there with him with that same polite demeanor. The newcomer was genial and careful of where hands went, lifting and carrying Venti with a respect that probably felt as ridiculous as it looked. One finely dressed man lifting a much smaller one in someone else’s pajamas. “Couldn’t carry me yourself, huh?” Venti asked, quirking a black brow at Zhongli as all three exited the funeral parlor.

“I fear I lack the strength to move you without incident. I do apologize.” Zhongli offered his condolences, but Venti could just sense there lacked sincerity to it. Also, that was a lie. The bard wasn’t sure how he knew, but he just knew it! As the gentleman kind enough to carry Venti to a cart passed the taller man, Venti could have sworn that Zhongli’s visage was closer to worried than the pleasant polite he had been wearing the whole time. Just as quickly as he thought he saw it, however, it had either gone or simply had never been there. The carriage took the trio plus the driver through the streets, and since he got to sit Venti took the opportunity to get nosy about his surroundings.

The architecture was drastically different from what little he got to see of Monstadt. Even the air itself carried with it a distinct taste and smell. A tang of flavours blended into meals that made his mouth water from the scent alone, a promise of delicacies on the wind. It was as if the world itself was embracing autumn with all the golds and browns. The only drawback he could find, was that every cobble and home held a rigidity to it. There was such a thing as too much structure, and what he was seeing of Liyue Venti got the impression that no inch of the city happened without more time spent on planning than actual construction. Frowning slightly, he tried to find where any space for sporadic bouts of inspiration could have slipped in with the buildings.

By the time the carriage stopped, Venti had to be shaken awake by the third gentleman after having dozed off, his neck at almost ninety degrees behind his shoulders. “We’ve arrived, Mr. Bard.” The gentleman spoke with a quiet voice, with the same softness as a parent would with a drowsy child. Giving his thanks, Venti didn’t get the chance to even try to walk himself inside before the kind stranger lifted him once more. A handful of passerbyers gave the three an odd look, but for the most part everyone seemed more interested in their own jobs or errands to care about the unusual sight. The restaurant itself was a breath of fresh air. The design was akin to an open one, the tables casual and each one offered a view of the kitchen. The stuffiness of Liyue’s perfect stacks of buildings seemed subdued within the restaurant, a friendly warmth that filled Venti’s nostrils with more than just tasty scents.

Once he was settled into a chair, the man gave a nod. “If you require further assistance Mr. Bard, please ask one of the Millelith. Not all of us can spare you help at all times, but if we are able to we want to ensure all visitors enjoy their stay. Please feel better.”

“Thank you, Zexuan. That was very kind of you.” Zhongli gave an appreciative nod of his head, of which was returned by the other man.

“All in a day’s work, Mr. Zhongli!” Zexuan’s entire demeanor lit up at the compliment, all but beaming before he exited the restaurant.

“Does this happen often?” Venti finally asked, resting his chin on one hand before tilting it just slightly to the side.

“Does what?” Zhongli asked, amber eyes on fingers that carefully, one by one, removed black gloves.

“Do people often get carried around by the… Millelith, he called them?” Venti asked, and across the table those hands paused in removing silken gloves. A second ticked, and then the gloves were removed entirely though Zhongli’s eyes did not look up.

“No. They do not. Out of curiosity, how familiar are you with Liyue?” Zhongli’s inquiry filled Venti’s shoulders with tension, but the bard merely spread his smile in apology.

“Not especially so, I’m afraid. I was encouraged to learn what I could here by a good friend.” That wasn’t entirely a lie. The knight that saved him was the closest thing to a good friend Venti had in this world, and even that was stretching it. “Would you mind telling me about it?”

“...No. I would not.” Zhongli’s voice lowered, a sadness Venti suspected to be there lurking beneath each syllable. “Let us order, first.” He suggested, looking up while taking in a deep breath. Right back to that marble posture. I should sit on his shoulders, see what happens, came the first of many intrusive thoughts. “Would you be remiss if I ordered for you, given your inexperience with our cuisine?” A simple nod was the consultant's answer. When a young girl with blue hair approached them, personality bubbly and excitable, Venti was once more disappointed that he got stuck with the stuffy boring guy.

The food was served quickly, along with a bottle of wine complete with two glasses. Spotting it, Venti’s eyes widened. His attention was so fixated on it, he didn’t notice the quirk of Zhongli’s brow. Truthfully, Venti had no idea what he was eating. Whatever it was, it was one of the best blends of spices and textures he had ever put in his mouth. Exempting apples. Nothing could ever beat a ripe, crispy apple… But this meal certainly came close. The sounds his stomach made, and how his toes wiggled while he ate didn’t bother him. If it bothered anyone else, the hunger that guided him with each mouthful prevented him from noticing. And the wine - the wine! His throat said that harder liquors had burned down his hatchet before, but the familiarity of it was divine all the same. There were hints of apricots, and he hummed happily after each glass he downed.

“What is this?” Venti finally asked, attention fixated on his plate and glass alone.

“Osmanthus wine.” Zhongli answered between his calmer bites.

“Mmm! Tastes the same as I remember.” Venti found himself saying with a laugh, but didn’t dwell on it too much. Well, at least that was one more nugget of recollection he had now. Zhongli watched him, those amber eyes once more burning too deeply into Venti.

“Is that right? And where are those who share the memories?” Zhongli’s turn of phrase was peculiar, as if he was asking more than just Venti. Asking people that weren’t there, that once were there. Was asking Venti in a way that he didn’t understand. Do we… Know each other? That was a silly thought. If they did, this man would have said something by now.

“Hah… Around, I guess?” Venti said, grinning in spite of the discomfort brewing inside. “I didn’t know this came from Liyue. A friend shared a bottle with me before.” He explained, just in case Zhongli was getting suspicious again.

“That would make sense. Osmanthus is often our choice for ‘reunion wine,’ and if you were meeting with an old friend that would be the ideal selection.” That somberness was back in Zhongli’s voice, and the behavior combined with the words was practically offensive in how cryptic it was. “You were curious about Liyue, so please allow me to offer you some insight to my home.” Despite being an obvious change of subject, the timbre voice made it flow so naturally Venti almost didn’t catch on. But once Zhongli started discussing the wonders of Liyue, there was no stopping him. At a glance, the man hadn’t seemed to be much of a story-teller. Yet his even tone combined with his calm demeanor made the way he weaved fact and legend to share the history of Liyue didn’t sound practiced or rehearsed. There was an undercurrent of passion and pride, quiet yet encompassing like a mountain. Despite himself, Venti found that he was leaning forward with his chin rested on both hands. The only other item he gave his attention to was the wine, of which he was fairly confident that he had consumed the majority of. There was a distant buzz in the back of his skull, but not enough for him to admit to being tipsy. Not yet. If another bottle was procured, maybe.

The pair found themselves in the little restaurant for hours, exchanging curiosities and explanations. Of all that they shared, one thing tugged the most at Venti. “Can I… Be honest with you about something?” He lowered his voice, suspicious that his question would garner him a great deal of curious attention. When he got a nod, he leaned in a bit closer. “You kept talking about this Archon, that Rex Lapis. Things called Visions? What… Are they?”

Yet another in a long line of even stares, but despite that even gaze Venti could sense the confusion within the other. “I think that is best saved for a more private setting.” Was all Zhongli said.

“Director Wu covering your meal again?” The blue-haired girl asked as the two approached her, Venti able to walk on his wobbly legs after rest and food.

“Ah… I suppose so.” Zhongli admitted, closing his eyes. “I recall setting my wallet down, but not picking it back up.”

“Heehee, I suspected that would be the case. We’ve already reached out to her, you two please take care!” She said, waving at the pair when they walked past.

“Thank you, Xiangling.” Zhongli offered her a grateful smile, and with that they left. The walk was silent, and Venti was disappointed to find there was no carriage again this time. As they strolled Liyue, the sun setting and casting an orange glow across the town as a whole, Venti couldn’t suppress his yawn. For whatever reason, he was this guy’s guest for now. But for how long? Where would he go, and what would he do after this? At least now he had a better understanding of the environment he was in. “There are Seven Archons in Teyvat. One for each element, one ruling within each region.” Zhongli was talking again, keeping a casual countenance to give any eavesdropper the impression the two were having a more philosophical than educational discussion. “Rex Lapis was the Archon of Geo, and ruled over Liyue for millenia. Of our two neighboring nations, there is Sumeru with the Dendro Archon Lesser Lord Kusanali… And Monstadt, of which the current status of its Anemo Archno, Lord Barbatos, is unknown. You may know what I am going to ask next, having said this?”

“How am I from Monstadt, and don’t know what an Archon is?” Venti asked, determined to keep his eyes on where he was walking instead of the pensive gaze he was receiving.

“Something of that nature, yes.” Zhongli dodged being direct, and that annoyed the bard. Perhaps that was payback for his lies until then? Maybe it was the alcohol in his system, but that little whisper telling him to hide everything from the other had gone silent.

“...There’s a lot I don’t remember. Everything before a couple of days ago, it’s… I can’t recall any of it.” Venti walked a fine line of truth and omittance, leaving out details he didn’t feel comfortable sharing. With the way the other man was obviously holding back information, it was impossible for Venti trust him completely. The wine was good, but not that good.

“I see.” Zhongli went quiet, his brows knitted in thought as they both kept walking. The streets were lively, even with the approaching night. As they turned a corner, the taller man gave a thoughtful hum. “Five-hundred years ago, there was an event known as The Cataclysm, among other names.” Something in those words made a shiver travel down Venti’s spine, a cold that made him tremble softly. “There was a land without an archon. Until that day, its people were free… Much like that of Monstadt. Shortly after that land fell, the Anemo Archon disappeared. Many believed he died as a result of the Cataclysm. There are… Stories, that the freedom the archon tried to give his people came at a cost. Others believe he simply gave up his seat and passed into obscurity. Today, most in Monstadt doubt he ever existed at all, living almost like those of… Of that now lost kingdom. There has been growing concern that due to the irresponsibility of Barbatos, that Monstadt will follow in that nation’s footsteps, and meet a similar end.”

“Okay, hang on. Real quick: did you get mugged in Monstadt or something?” Venti asked, turning his waist so that he could face Zhongli while still watching his steps from the corner of his eyes. The entire day, this man had been praising Liyue and making little remarks about Monstadt and its Archon. Venti didn’t entirely understand what an Archon was at the time, but was able to gather they were important. Especially now that he heard the Archon’s name, ignoring the shiver that joined hearing it. That was what those people had called him. Addressed him as a ‘god,’ and listening to Zhongli talk about Archons he was understanding the connection. About Barbatos being a god, not about himself. From his current view, how he was this Barbatos person was still a mystery.

A flicker of an odd expression passed across Zhongli, like that of annoyance or recollecting a bad taste. It was gone far too quickly for Venti to gather every emotion in that split-second, but between agitation had been almost fondness. Almost. “That is not relevant.”

Oh, I was kidding but I guess I was right? Venti thought. Logically, he should have felt bad for the guy. Getting mugged had probably been a traumatic experience, and yet he found a grin trying to snake its way onto his face. “I’m starting to think it is.” The bard said, and found disapproving amber eyes looking down into his green ones. Oops, right, that was a sore subject. Time to divert away! “That aside, what’s the point in what you said? You still haven’t even explained these Visions to me.”

“All in due time.” Came yet another in Zhongli’s many vague replies. Hands on his hips, Venti paused a moment so he could properly glare at the taller man. The consultant simply kept walking, unperturbed. Giving an audible huff, Venti put his arms down and hurried after the other. The two found themselves exiting the large city gates of Liyue Harbor, a carriage in the distance. “Yesterday, one of Liyue’s yaksha approached me with you in tow. As your memory is lost, you would not be aware that Liyue’s Archon, Rex Lapis, has passed a year ago. Without his guidance, Liyue has stepped into the era of humans and thus the yaksha have been reaching out to us more. I was surprised that my humble job of consultant was taken to so genuinely by them, but as any citizen I was more than happy to do my part and assist him. He did not know what to do with you. The Diligent Yaksha had rescued you, with the understanding yours would be the last life he saved before losing himself to karma. However…” Zhongli stopped, his brows knitting together as emotions waged beneath the smooth stone of his visage. Only his eyes gave any hint to what he was feeling, and even those obscured most of it. Turning his gaze to look down at Venti, he hesitated.

Blinking, Venti felt the hot tears on his face, the motion setting them free. Reaching up, he placed fingers on the streams in surprise. “Why am I…? Sorry. Uh, please, continue.” Clearing his throat, Venti awaited more of what was to come. Zhongli watched him, eyes searching for something. Sighing, whatever he was looking for wasn’t there.

“Visions are gifts bestowed upon mortals by the gods to acknowledge their worth, and allow humans to manipulate one of the Seven Elements. You do not have one, yet you used one of those elements: Anemo. Even more curious, was that you used it to cleanse Liyue’s Diligent Yaksha of his karma.” The carriage was much closer now, and spotting the pair the driver hollered a greeting.

“Heheh, you think something that amazing was me?” Venti’s laughter was shaky, his nervousness palpable. “ I just, sang him a lullaby. It was the only thing I could do. I know music can save people, but not that literally…” He trailed, before hesitating. Looking up at Zhongli, he asked in spite of the fear, “...Could it?”

“It appears that it did.” Zhongli said simply, and then motioned towards the carriage. “Arrangements have been made with Wangshu Inn, where you will be staying. I suspected you did not have a place to call home, and if I am incorrect I apologize. Adjusting your destination will be no trouble at all.”

All he could do was stand there, stunned. Just like that? Dumped all of that on Venti, and then just decided to say farewell? What was with this guy?! Next chance I get, I’m forging his signature to request him the most potent laxatives there are! The intrusive thoughts returned full-force, and he puffed out his cheeks in exasperation. To make it all worse, Zhongli had the audacity to smile fondly down at Venti! As if the rising annoyance was somehow endearing!

“That’s it?” Venti asked, brows pushing down on his eyes. “And no, of course I have nowhere to go! And if I do, you know I don’t remember you Blockhead!”

“Ah. I never thought a time would come in which I would find such joy in that name.” Zhongli sighed, his shoulders subtly relaxing. A warmth was in his eyes, arms behind his back as he casually held his wrist. “Yes, though I do not see how a warm bed with a roof could elicit such disappointment. In fact, I am confident that the inn would be all-too happy to let a blossoming bard such as yourself play there to help cover the cost of food. There are many travelers that cross through there, including those from Monstadt. It would be a good opportunity to… Are you all right?”

“Lord Barbatos, everyone will gather just to hear your pretty little songs. You’ll serenade for us, won’t you? Here. I have some hymns you can practice with. Won’t you let me hear your voice?” Her words echoed in his head, his entire body locking up in that moment he forgot there weren’t walls surrounding him, trapping him. Zhongli’s hand was on his shoulder, the glove having been put back on somewhere between the restaurant and there. An odd thing to notice, but it helped pull Venti back from the memory.

“Sorry. Uh. Stage fright.” Venti lied. The hand remained on his shoulder just long enough to give a gentle squeeze, and then retracted entirely.

“...You can discuss your options with the inn. I apologize for presuming.” Zhongli was back to his normal mask of formality, yet he could not keep hidden the way amber eyes gave a worried search over the bard. Shifting beneath the gaze, Venti coughed.

“Yes.” Venti agreed simply.

“I should also mention that the yaksha you met will be assisting you with your Anemo usage. I suggested it, as he carries an Anemo Vision and is best suited to doing so. It seemed mutually beneficial, so that you may cleanse his karma in exchange. You do not have to worry about this arrangement starting immediately. A fake Vision should be arriving shortly to help you cover up your peculiarity, and I would recommend waiting for it.” Cordial and informative, Zhongli was slipping back into the way he presented himself when the pair first met. It was still him, just a different side of him.

“I know I should thank you for everything you’re doing but… Why are you?” Venti asked. There was being a generous person, and then there was this.

“Anyone in Liyue would do what they could to support our adepti, and those that have saved them. Perhaps to you, an outsider with no memory, you do not understand the importance of your actions. You may see this as kindness, but it is my and Liyue’s gratitude guiding these actions.” There was nothing that Zhongli had said throughout the day to give Venti any reason to doubt the authenticity of his words. Even the jabs seemed to come from a more good-natured source. Having no reason to, Venti still suspected there was more to this that the consultant wasn’t sharing. “I hope your journey is safe, Venti.”

“Thank you. You too, Zhongli.” Accepting he was not going to get more out of the man, Venti continued his walk towards the carriage. Hearing the footsteps of Zhongli leaving, an idea hit him. Well, he couldn’t get the whole truth but… “Hey! Zhongli!” He called, cupping his mouth to help carry his voice. The consultant stopped, head over shoulder with a quirked brow. “I’m sure she was just being polite, but you do know your wallet’s in your left pocket, right?”

“Is that right? I see. Thank you for making me aware, Bard.” Zhongli answered back, the depth of his voice carrying as if through the ground itself. Face blossoming into a happy smile, Venti gave a final wave before hurrying into the carriage. Didn’t even bother to see if the consultant checked his pockets - he already knew the man would.

As he made far enough distance, the carriage out of sight, Zhongli reached his hand into his left pocket. Felt only the sharp lines of the poem he had folded up to read later. Briefly closing his eyes, he let out a long exhale. “You never change, do you, Barbatos?” He asked the wind, amber eyes glowing with hints of Geo as he looked upwards at the sky.

Chapter Text

Wangshu Inn was a welcome sight. Venti had assumed that it would be a small building, likely closer to wherever the border was between Liyue and Monstadt. Probably another building of wood and stone, each corner cut straight with no hint of deviation. The same rigidity of Liyue Harbor.

Instead, it was a glorified tree house and he was ecstatic at the idea of sleeping in a bed several stories in the air. At how each night would be spent being rocked to sleep by boughs swaying in the wind, a lullaby in the rustling leaves. Having been built inside a tree, the design was focused exclusively on maximizing space without sacrificing safety. Which meant the sides weren't identical in the slightest! If Venti let his imagination go too wild, he'd almost think Zhongli knew him well enough that he'd prefer this. That was ridiculous, of course. The two couldn't have known each other before today.

Could they?

Getting settled into the inn was relatively lax, as most of the staff seemed aware he was an expected guest. No one asked questions, but he did note a fair bit of smiles his way. Venti matched them easily, and simply allowed them to show him around. The elevator was a blessing, as he knew there was no way he could walk all the way to the top where they were putting him. "What instrument do you play?" One of the employees asked. "We received your items from Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, but found no instruments. If you would permit it, I would love to find a replacement for you."

These people really loved their adepti, didn't they? Offering a stranger a room and instrument. All over a silly song that Venti still doubted did anything of real help. Perhaps Barbatos wasn't dead. Perhaps he was just gallivanting around Liyue, saw what was happening, and intervened.

"If you're really okay with it, I'd love that!" Venti beamed up at them, once more missing Hu Tao. Thus far, she had been one of the few people he interacted with that didn't require craning his head backwards just to see their face. "I play most everything, so whatever is easiest for you." It was the one talent that didn't leave his memory, unlike everything else. The notes were on the back of his lids, sheets and scores dancing through his vision every time he closed his eyes. String or wind, percussion or brass… His fingers and lips could never forget how to bring the best sound out of each.

"Really? I have this flute in that case! Please wait in your room, I'll be right back with it and some dinner!" They said, leaving in a rush. Yawning, Venti looked around the space as he waited. The door remained open to allow the lights from the hall to illuminate his temporary room. There was a single, full size bed. Ample room for one person, but space for a second if those two people were really close.

The sheets were made, covering the one pillow by the headboard. A blanket was folded at its bottom, an offering in case a cool enough breeze wafted through the open window. Approaching it, Venti ran his hand across the wooden framing of that window. If he wanted to, he could climb up and just jump out of it. Green eyes looked down, gauging how high up he was.

Far too high up to just jump out a window.

Stretching both arms out, he gave a pleased hum finding fingertips couldn't reach the width of the frame. This was much more homely than where he had first woken up. A shiver went through him, and he chose to blame the night chill in spite of how warm the air actually was. Moving away from the window, he found a nightstand. Rustled through the drawers, and was pleased to find his clothes were in there. While far from fancy, it was the only thing that was his. The first gift he was given since waking in this world, without any expectation of the kindness being returned.

"You're the symbol of freedom, and it's wrong to keep you trapped." The knight had said. Letting out a sigh, Venti returned to the window and let his eyes wander. Much information as he was collecting, things still didn't quite make sense. People wanting a puppet tried to summon a deity, an Archon, and instead got him. The idea that he had some kind of power didn't add up, but the more he thought on it the more he wondered if those people did something to him. After all, he looked just different enough now that he couldn't completely dismiss the idea. His face shape was just different enough to look uncanny in the mirror, and the tattoos he had now weren’t there before.

No longer thinking about it, he moved on.There was no point in changing out of his borrowed pajamas, not with the sun now set. There was a growl from his stomach, and he ignored the pangs that started to follow. With how much he ate earlier, how was there room for more?

Settling on the sill, Venti waited. Let his eyes take in the scenery, his nostrils get their fill of the air. In time, the gentleman returned with a plate in tow.

"My apologies for taking so long." The man said, setting the plate down on the nightstand. The flute was in a box, and placed far more delicately on the bed. "I have other guests I need to check on, but please, if you need anything go to the front desk." Offering a smile, he was just as quickly gone.

The food didn't last much longer than the gentleman's visit did.

However, the flute was given a great deal more attention and time. The instrument needed to be cleaned, and Venti did need to make a trip to the front desk to gather what supplies he could for it. Once he got it as close to pristine as he could, he started tuning it up. There wasn't any damage, and no pieces needed to be replaced. Each note he would test, eyes closed with ears hearing only each sound.

When he started to play, that was when he felt most at home. Back against the window frame, one leg stretched in front of him on the sill while the other dangled off the side. Notes were sharp, then soft, following the song on the breeze. If he wasn't concerned about other guests, Venti would have played the whole night. Unfortunately, there were. While he didn't know exactly how long he played, eventually he forced himself to stop. The moon was high in the sky, and Venti hoped he wouldn't get in trouble if it was especially late at night. No one came to request he stop, at least.

With a yawn, Venti slid from the windowsill back inside the room. A flash caught the corner of his eyes, the bard immediately whipping his attention towards it. Initially, there wasn't much that he could see. Just the view of the surrounding marsh, illuminated by the moonlight. Poking his head back out the window, he craned his neck and tried directing his attention up this time. There, at the the top of the tree… Venti saw a silhouette. His memory of their first meeting was disorienting, there had been far too much panic to recall much clearly. But that flash was familiar, and Venti smiled up at the figure. Gave a friendly wave that wasn't returned. The bard didn't let that bother him too much. It was possible that it was just someone who worked at the inn. Or simply didn’t notice, as the bard couldn’t be certain the silhouette was facing him. Irregardless, he felt better at having attempted the hello.

With that, he went back inside to go to sleep.

On top of the Wangshu Inn the wave had not, in fact, gone unnoticed by the silhouette. Crouched down on the branch, a long, shaky breath left the man whose youthful face betrayed his millenia of years. He had just returned to the inn, though he had been there earlier. Been there since before the bard began to experiment with the flute, tests of songs that blended into one another. Had watched the carriage arrive with Venti, hiding away as he often did. A cry had pulled Xiao away over an hour ago, and it was with discomfort that he had been caught upon his return.

Xiao wasn't sure what to make of the bard. Only knew that Rex La… Zhongli had made a request of him.

Yesterday should have been Xiao's final dawn. He had felt it, the karmic debt he carried was full and weighted. Was dragging him down, further then he had been pulled before. Refused efforts until then to be saved. If he were to be honest, he had become too tired to want to be saved. Was ready to sleep, finally, after over two-thousand years of this. Xiao had enough loss, both seen and caused enough death. Heard a frightened call. Believed it to be the last one he answered, especially when he saw the Riftwolves.

Xiao hadn't seen the creatures in some time, but the times he had seen them were when people were… Doing things they shouldn't, messing with things nothing should mess with. There was a danger to the creatures, the void they carried a poison to elemental beings. All living creatures in Teyvat have a certain amount of elements to them, and Xiao took extra precautions to ensure he dispatched all the hounds that were tracking the poor fool from Monstadt.

That was all Xiao thought the man was.

The roar of the debt was loud, ready to collect from him with a steep interest. Xiao just needed to hold out a little longer, give the mortal a little extra time to get away… To escape so that in his final moments, this time, Xiao could trust the only person he would hurt was himself. The snarls of his karma started to quiet, shifting from primal to melodic. A song. A voice he hadn't heard in centuries, cradling his soul and gently putting the fury of that debt into a peaceful sleep. As easily as the sun behind them rose.

For the first time, Xiao looked at the person he rescued. At the person that rescued him, in return. Black hair with braids by his cheeks, the tips glowing the same turquoise of his eyes. The rest of his hair was short and wild, leaves poking out of it. His clothes were a mess, a white, frilled blouse that was soaked and covered in mud. Most of the shirt was no longer tucked into green shorts, just as dirty as the top was. There were cuts and scrapes on him, all the signs of someone who had been pursued through underbrush and more.

“You're… Barbatos?” Xiao whispered, eyes wide in disbelief. The man's eyes slid closed, collapsing forward. Wasting no time, the yaksha dashed forward to catch the other. Stunned and confused, holding someone that had been missing for five centuries. Leaning in, faces close enough he could feel that the bard was still breathing. That was good. Looked the face over, a face he had only actually seen with his own eyes once. Xiao trusted his memory, but there was one memory he trusted more. Especially in the matter of recognizing Barbatos. Scooping the unconscious body into his arms with a grunt, Xiao tilted the bard backward so that his head could rest on the yaksha's shoulders in order to protect the neck.

There was too much about this that didn't make sense. If this was Barbatos, why didn't the Archon use his Anemo to deal with the Riftwolves? With the Gnosis, Barbatos far exceeded what Xiao could do. Had heard the stories of Barbatos leveling mountains, entirely because his foolish humans kept trying to climb and then die on those peaks. A weird way to coddle humans, Xiao thought, but it wasn't his place to comment.

Verbally, at any rate.

So if this was Barbatos, why didn't he? Letting the energy surround them, Xiao teleported both himself and the bard away from the more quiet riverfront. If this wasn't Barbatos… Had a new Anemo Archon finally appeared? If they had, why did he look almost identical to the previous one? True, there were only finite characteristics in life, and inevitably two creatures would share enough features to appear identical. It was a hard truth of being a long-lived being in a world of very mortal humans. There would come a day you would see someone, and just for a moment, believe they were alive again…

It was never that person.

But having the same features as the previous Archon? The chances were nigh impossible.

The two appeared in a dark space, and Xiao lightly rapped at the bottom of the door with his foot. Didn't want to risk hurting his charge anymore then what he was risking right then. The karmic debt hadn't been fully cleansed, and would begin its trickle of tainting Xiao and the air around him soon enough. If this was a normal human with a unique gift, the yaksha needed him away before the debt made him ill on top of his injuries. Within seconds, the door was open and a worried Zhongli stood before Xiao on the other side.

A worry that shifted immediately to shock. Without a word, Xiao shoved the body into Zhongli's arms. The consultant had been ready to receive the form, well-aware that if the yaksha brought him a body he wanted it to be safe.

Knew that something was very wrong, but amber eyes noted there was also a pleasant surprise amidst all this.

The karmic debt around Xiao was drastically lighter. If the situation wasn't what it was, he would have smiled at the sight. “...This looks like…” Zhongli murmured, pausing when he finally looked at the face. Let the head loll to the side as recognition flickered past his visage. Given the likeness of the face, Zhongli opted a less gentle manner of holding. If this was Barbatos, he would be fine.

It was also deserved.

Now that the bard was secured in Zhongli's arms, Xiao took a step back into the dark space the pair arrived in. It was a closet, with minimal items stored inside. This was by design. Rex Lapis had died, but he also could not bear to leave the yaksha to suffer without support. The neighboring areas could not offer the yaksha the help they needed with the burden each carried, and thus Zhongli made sure each was aware his home was open to them.

Until now, none had accepted his offer. All of them insisted that as Rex Lapis was dead, and Zhongli was a human, they would no more intrude upon him than they would any other citizen of Liyue. The respect they had for his needs was equal parts endearing as it was heart-breaking. Lesser Lord Kusanali was too inexperienced to save the yaksha, and there was no more Barbatos to save them. Until this moment, Zhongli feared before his mind left him, he would suffer watching the minds leaving his loyal yaksha. The medicine he made and sent to his loyal children, ignored next to their graves.

A possible solution was now in his arms, neck at an angle most unfortunate. A sore neck never killed someone, so the bard remained dangling.

“Is it him?” Xiao asked, voice tinged with hints of curiosity.

“...I'm not sure.” Zhongli admitted. The differences were subtle, but living long as he had and suffered as many interactions with the Anemo Archon as he did Zhongli saw them. Each and every tiny deviation that made his brows furrow. The Geo within him could feel it, the brush of Anemo that wafted from the body like an invisible odor. Even more convincing, was holding the body was comparable to holding a bird. Lighter than one would expect, as if the bones were actually feathers. At the bird comparison, amber eyes glanced over at the yaksha.

“Is he an imposter?” Xiao pressed. This is troubling him, Zhongli noted.

“Tell me what happened.” The consultant requested, stepping aside to invite Xiao to actually come into the house. The yaksha didn't need to hide in his closet, not when he was always a welcome guest. Xiao didn't move. Remained where he was, and relayed the events of the morning. It was almost surreal, the sensation of Xiao delivering a report to the man of Geo. If the adeptus let himself, he could even pretend nothing had changed. That Rex Lapis was still at the yaksha's side, the one thing unchanging.

But even mountains wore down as time passed. There was a bitter irony to it. When was the last anyone heard or saw Time? Yet even now, she warped and altered and eroded them all.

“I do agree that if this is Barbatos, he would not have been in need of your help.” Zhongli agreed, frowning slightly. The annoyance at the familiar face had faded. In its place was a sadness. A sorrow that only silence could bring, when the concert had ended and those songs would play no more. With care, Zhongli adjusted the body so the bard would be more comfortable. Barbatos was equal parts menace and friend, and there was an unsavory, coppery taste in Zhongli's mouth at the past tense that came with the name, Barbatos. “Would you be willing to keep an eye on him for me, Adeptus Xiao? If nothing else, it sounds as though he has abilities he knows not how to use. All Archons so far have known they were, because they claimed that power or inherited it. I do not see how one could become an Archon without knowing it… But often strange things happen when people attempt to circumvent the Laws, so I dare not dismiss the possibility.”

“I will.” Xiao agreed, no hesitation. No matter the face he wore, Xiao would always follow him, would always follow the god that saved him. There was no Xiao without Rex Lapis, a name the yaksha treasured from the moment it was his to be called.

“I will see if I can ask him to cleanse you of your karmic debt,” Zhongli was speaking, and at his words Xiao was trying to refuse. The consultant continued, pretending he couldn't hear the protests. “In exchange for being taught Anemo by Liyue's Diligent Yaksha. It would put me at ease, Xiao. I can no more force you than I can your siblings, but please. I can rest better if I know you'll have peace again, even if only for a short while.”

How could Xiao deny his god a request so earnest? Standing stiff, the adeptus nodded his head slightly. No matter who the bard was or wasn't, if he was going to be in Xiao's care it didn't feel right asking anything from him. Dealing with the curse and anger of gods who could not die, that refused to move on from their resentment, was the yaksha's purpose. That was his contract, and he would honor that contract.

Teaching was not his strong suit. It sounded like Ganyu's claims that he was, in fact, quite good at it had reached Zhongli's ears. Because of her silly fantasies, Xiao was going to have to deal with trying to train someone again. If this was combat, that would have been logical. The yaksha had few days in which he didn't have to fight. Anemo was entirely different. The Vision embedded into his glove was quiet, and he wasn't sure when he last made use of it. The Vision served a single purpose: to mitigate humans asking too many questions. The fewer who realized a yaksha saved them, the less hassle he had to deal with.

By the time most mortals pieced it together, Xiao was gone.

“Thank you, Alatus.” Zhongli's voice cut into his thoughts, his misgivings interrupted. The man was smiling down at Xiao, those amber eyes the same ones that always looked into the yaksha's golden ones. The warmth in them was familiar and reassuring, the guilt ebbing away. “Would you like to stay for breakfast? I have brewed a delightful white tea. Should be cool enough for us, if you would like.”

Xiao's eyes pulled down, gazing at the frame of the closet he was in. It felt almost symbolic. Xiao in the darkness, pulling away from humanity. Zhongli in the warmth of humanity, always trying to invite the adeptus back into it. Shoulders tightened, and when he couldn't speak Xiao opted to shake his head. The gentle smile remained on Zhongli's face, but fleks of sadness appeared in his eyes. Little, tiny pieces of pale yellows, taken from a sunset.

“I understand. Should you change your mind, please know I've always tea at the ready and seats at the table.” Zhongli promised. He did not close the door, not until Xiao had teleported away.

Chapter Text

A week had passed. 

Nimble fingers calloused from years of playing instruments tested each branch before Venti pulled himself up further. There had been no signs of the yaksha returning to his perch today, making this the opportune moment. It was the middle of the night, most of the inn was already asleep. The workers who were awake would check the roof at timed intervals, prepared to assist their yaksha once he returned. Not that Venti had seen any instance of the mystery man contacting anyone. That included Venti, of whom was supposed to be learning something from him. Venti, who was playing his flute every night. The guy was getting free concerts, and at this point Venti only knew his name because he asked around. 

The yaksha had a lot of titles, but Xiao seemed to be his actual name. Not that Venti was sure, given they still hadn't formally met. 

As he maneuvered his way upwards, he would occasionally glance down to check his footing. The potential drop didn't create vertigo or fear - simply awe. That he was so high, and the ground so far away… Venti felt like he was climbing into the sky, and if he kept going he'd be able to touch the moon itself with his song. 

Each time a breeze caressed his face, he'd lean into it. Take a slow, languid inhale of the fresh air one could only get this far above the ground. A hint of the tree's bark was mingling into the air, a scent that Venti never wanted to become nose blind to. 

As he sampled the air, he became perhaps too focused on it. The next purchase his hand attempted to grasp onto was a weak branch, the snap! a warning he both heard and felt too late as a result of his distracted mind. The pull of gravity was a foreign sensation, the backwards experience of falling down instead of up more startling than the cracking of a branch. The other hand had a solid grip on what he thought was a sturdier branch, but was proven wrong as it couldn't handle the sudden yank of Venti's full weight on it. Another sharp crack, and neither hand found a branch to stop his descent. His rear hit part of the roof as he fell, but not enough to stop him from falling off that next. The part of the overhang his rear bounced off of was not above the balcony, him rolling down past the building onto air alone. The bruises forming from each collision couldn't compare to what he was plummeting towards next.

Venti was falling. It felt wrong, his stomach knotting upwards into his throat. In his chest, he could feel his heart breaking. He knew he should have been more terrified than sad, yet the tears of sorrow were the only ones coming from his eyes. Venti was falling, and his heart ached in how badly he yearned to be rising upwards instead of plummeting down. “Please!” He called out, as if he could implore the clouds to assist him in defying physics. His hands were desperately trying to reach the sky, the top of the tree, anywhere that wasn't the ground. 

The earth trapped him for too long.

A breeze from underneath him, a faint glow in the blues of his hair, in tattoos he kept covered, in eyes that begged to fly once more. 

Then arms caught him, one lifting him from under his knees and another supporting his back. In a flash of black shadows, Venti was startled from his trance to find he was in someone's arms, held atop the roof of Wangshu Inn. Blinking rapidly, mostly to get the moisture from his eyes so he could see, Venti cast a bewildered gaze upon his savior.

An annoyed visage stared at him, lips pulled into a tight frown. It was the man that saved him. No, he's a yaksha, right? Is man the right word if you aren't human? Or is it wrong to ask that? Venti pondered, ignoring the agitation directed at him. 

“What were you doing?” Xiao asked, his voice gruff. Did he always sound like that, or was he simply that perturbed?

“Falling.” Venti answered ever-so helpfully. He even offered a smile, despite needing to wipe the last of his tears away. The yaksha's frown deepened.

“Why?” Xiao pressed, ignoring such obvious bait.

“Ehe… Well… I fell?” Venti stuck his tongue out, stalling as he tried to find a way to be honest without telling the truth. Eyes of gold held no amusement. Not a dad-joke guy, apparently. “I wanted to hear what the acoustics are like at the treetop?” That was close, but not quite right. That consultant, Zhongli, had said that this Xiao was supposed to be helping Venti learn ‘Anemo.’ Naturally, Venti was a bit curious about the person. According to everyone at the inn, Xiao hung out on the rooftop. The workers kept an eye up there as well, confirming they weren't making things up. That Xiao prioritized his duty as a yaksha, only returning if nothing called to him. Until now, this seemed as good time as any to investigate his… Living space? Venti wasn't sure he trusted the yaksha lived there. That the inn workers believed he did, certainly. Not that Venti agreed that was the truth. 

The yaksha didn't appear to be convinced. “You almost killed yourself… For acoustics.” Xiao repeated, daring Venti to clarify his claim. 

“When you put it that way, haha, yes!” Venti couldn't help the laughs that left him. Somehow that felt right. As if he would even rearrange geography to build that perfect concert, to feel the vibrations of every instrument, every song all over his body in a symphony that was felt as much as heard.

This garnered him a frown and silent judgement.

“Fine.” The yaksha said, voice flat. Venti assumed that was the end of the conversation. He would be dumped back into his room, another night in which not even pleasantries were exchanged. To his surprise, there was a green glow from Xiao's hip, emanating from the mask. On his left hand where a Vision was set in a glove remained quiet, Venti noting its odd silence. The wind gathered at Xiao's feet, and with no more effort than walking he leapt into the air, bard still in his arms. The Vision began to glow, its light noticeable in the midnight darkness. A breeze danced from underneath, lifting the pair up, up, up. Looking all around him, Venti's eyes brightened as the two moved through the air almost as if flying. 

This was it. This was the feeling his heart chased after, this was what was supposed to happen. 

All too quickly came the gentle landing atop the tree, leaves chattering as they were tousled by the sudden weight. Throwing his head back in delight, black hair touched by Anemo swayed in the motion. Eyes that blended blues and greens reflected back countless stars, a hand reaching towards them to test if he could really reach the moon. Pure, unbridled delight. The sensation of Anemo, of wind, moving around him was almost euphoric. In that moment, Venti wasn’t just in the sky - he was part of it. 

That the memory this was temporary was what made his chest ache, his smile falter. 

“...Do you want to test the acoustics?” Xiao's voice reminded Venti why he was there to begin with, but it was gentler. That gruffness he spoke with was quieted, replaced with something soft. 

“Right! That's… Why I'm here.” Venti muttered, trying to push that ache as far down as he could. “Is it safe for you to put me down?” The bard requested. Wordlessly, Xiao placed Venti onto the branch the yaksha landed on. This was as high as they could go without falling, Venti noting the man hadn't let go until he was confident the bard was secure. Reaching into his bag, Venti pulled out what was now his flute. Pressing the mouthpiece close to his lips, fingers got into positions as his eyes closed. This was something he could do without sight should his eyes fail him. Notes were tested, getting a feel for how sound was heard, was felt, was carried at this altitude, amongst these leaves. Let the taste of the air filter through the flute before hitting his tongue, lungs filling with the sky and song. 

A song, unfamiliar yet painful in its intimacy, weaved from his heart and from his lips. Words not his, spoken by someone long gone that he couldn't recall, came to him. A woman, though he didn't recognize her. Long pale hair, somewhere between gray and brown, hands that loved memorizing every note of every instrument just as Venti did. “He loves this song.” She said, fingers plucking at her instrument. “But maybe that's because I composed it for him?” A laugh, a wink, a finger to her lips asking this to stay a secret. “Promise me you'll play this for him?” In his heart, he knew when she asked for that promise she didn't know. 

She had no way of knowing. 

Who was she? What didn't she know? Who was this ‘him’ that Venti was supposed to play this for? When did this happen, and was this memory or dream?

As his thoughts sought answers and found none, he continued to play the song the woman had taught him. Much as he wanted to know who the music was intended for, it was a beautiful song all the same and he would play for that reason alone. When his eyes finally cracked open, Venti glanced at where Xiao was standing. The yaksha's arms were crossed, his eyes closed as the breeze tousled the teal hair. That stern visage was relaxed, the muscles that normally pulled his brows and mouth down fully at ease. An easy smile came to Venti's lips, the movement not interrupting the flow of music. 

Even if he didn't know who the song was for, it warmed Venti's heart to see it could at least bring comfort to Xiao. That was, after all, what Zhongli had said Venti was there for. Closing his eyes once more, the bard put more of his heart into the music. That ache was buried too deep to infect the notes. Without its presence, the bard let his joy at seeing the affect the music had on Xiao carry the notes. Whoever that woman was, she hadn't written the song to be a sad one. No, this was some kind of oath. What sort Venti didn't quite recall, but if he played this enough… Perhaps someday he would. 

A piano would fit this better, Venti thought. The memory didn't have a piano in it, but even so that somehow seemed right. 

As he so often did, Venti lost himself in song. Felt his mouth go dry, and even then only stopped because he was coughing too much to play properly. Putting the flute away, securing it, he turned to look up at Xiao who remained standing there. The yaksha's eyes were still closed, expression peaceful as a resting man. Realization dawned on Venti that, at some point, Xiao had fallen asleep. While standing. 

Yaksha are something else… Venti thought, taking stock of the growing list of inhuman capabilities the other had. Sleeping while standing took the cake, for some reason. Not wanting to interrupt the man, Venti turned his gaze on the tree he was in. If he was careful, he was certain he could get down. Biting his lower lip, he began to climb down the tree as quietly as he could. The leaves complained as he did so, the tattle-tales, and between every particularly loud jostling of the branches Venti would check the yaksha hadn't woken. 

The way the inn spoke, Venti suspected this was his first real rest in days. At minimum. The bard couldn't fathom how anyone could live like that. Maybe it was due to the emotional and physical toll he took when first waking, but most mornings Venti woke up wishing he could just nap for a few centuries. The fact that Xiao made a point to be awake and alert much as he was for long as he did… It was frightening. No, that wasn't right. Worrying. That couldn't have been good for Xiao's heart, at the very least. To be afraid to sleep, always scared to do so would be to be too late. That type of guilt in someone who would live for so long. That was too much, wasn't it? 

That was too cruel of a request, yet it was one that Xiao filled. Pausing in his climb, watching the idle form of Xiao there was an ache in Venti's chest. More empathy than sympathy, a subconscious hand reached out in offering. This had to be why so much of Liyue so readily tried to help their illuminated beasts. No one could make Xiao or others like him stop saving everyone he could. An everyone that included people like Venti, a stranger that didn't belong to Liyue… Yet Xiao decided was someone worth saving all the same. 

A foot slipped, a startled yelp leaving Venti's mouth. Reflexively he caught himself, breath held as his descent had stopped as quickly as it started. This would have been fine, except the sound alerted Xiao. In a burst of greens and blacks, the adeptus was scowling and collecting Venti once more. This time, he teleported the pair onto the inn's balcony. Unlike the way he was held earlier, now it felt oddly like the bard was a sack of troublesome potatoes, and Venti wasn't sure how he felt about that. 

Nothing wrong with potatoes, but apples were just so much better!

“Why didn't you tell me you were done?” Xiao growled, that frown back in full swing. For a split second, the yaksha genuinely seemed ready to just let go of Venti so the bard would fall to the ground flat on his rump. Thankfully, he didn't. Instead, he tilted the bard forward to allow him to plant feet onto the floor of the inn's balcony. Even in moments of weakness, Xiao had the strength to resist tossing nuisances onto wooden floorboards 

“You were sleeping. I didn't want to wake you.” This time, Venti told the truth in its entirety. 

“...Just wake me next time.” Xiao sighed, eyes closed as he flared his nostrils. That looked like counting to stop angry words. Not an expression Venti had seen recently, but felt oddly like one he was especially familiar with. 

“I'll consider it next time.” Venti promised, a playful smile on his face. No reply, only more of what Venti assumed was mental counting. Taking a step away, the bard assumed this was where the two would part. Each got what they wanted, sort of. To an extent the bard did, anyway. He hoped the yaksha got something out of it, after all the trouble Venti put him through. 

“Where… Did you learn that song from?” Xiao asked, his voice still rough but had some curiosity to it. Glowing gold eyes watched Venti, and now that they were open the bard found he couldn't look away. 

“Uh… I, hah, don't really remember?” Venti admitted, scratching the back of his head. “Was it… Bad?”

“No!” Xiao was immediate, startled by his own urgency in reassuring what he heard wasn't ‘bad.’ Sucking in a sharp breath, Xiao then gave a slow exhale. Voice steadier this time he amended with, “You play beautifully, that song was… Good night.” And he immediately left in swirling smokes of greens and blacks. 

On the balcony, Venti's gaze remained transfixed on the spot Xiao used to occupy. His heart was hammering, contrasts hastening its pace. There was obviously the warmth that came with receiving a compliment from someone who put on airs of stoicism. Xiao lacked the indifference that his mask claimed he had, that much was clear. Venti didn't need to be good at reading people to figure that out. Someone who didn't care wouldn't have been able to resist the urge to drop someone so troublesome. Still, the real Xiao that came out just to compliment Venti was one he hoped to see more of. Wanted to see more of. 

Across from that warmth was confusion. That song was one that Xiao recognized, based on the way he stopped himself. That was a song that Venti probably shouldn't have known. None of the music books he was given contained any sheets that matched what he played. That woman in his memory wasn't one he knew, either. Was it possible… That the world was bleeding into Venti? That he would become this, ‘Barbatos’ and lose himself just like that woman wanted? Wrapping his arms around himself, Venti shivered as if the gentle breeze gave him a chill. 

If he were honest though, Venti had to admit that he didn't really know who, ‘Venti’ was, either. 

“And I missed my chance…” Venti realized, closing his eyes as he verbalized his thoughts. No, had to get distracted by, ‘you play beautifully.’ Of course I do! I know that! Mentally kicking himself, Venti blew out an exasperated breath. Did the yaksha even know his name? Was that the sort of thing yaksha cared about? Xiao didn't appear to be the mean sort, but lacking knowledge on cultural differences made it tricky. Shaking out the annoyed energy he had at himself, he walked back inside the inn.

“Am I going to have to start assigning watch, Bard?” A woman asked, her words clipped by a grin betrayed her tone. It was Verr Goldet, leaning on the front counter as her blond hair fell to the side. 

“For so lovely a scene, all should Watch with eyes most keen.” Venti replied playfully, slipping into his rhymes with ease. It did wonders in selling that he was truly a bard from Monstadt. The bad ones he said for fun got laughs, but failed in convincing anyone he wasn't talented. After his first performance behind a curtain, everyone demanded to know how he wasn't famous. Huai’an, Verr Goldet's husband and the innkeeper, commented that Venti was going to get regulars to visit. A flash of fear, the bard asking if any of them were from Monstadt.

The married couple exchanged quirked eyebrows, but didn't press. Instead, Huai’an assured Venti that no, not really. Most of them were farmers from nearby, who didn't want to make the trek to Liyue Harbor for entertainment. “Especially now that we offer better entertainment.” Verr Goldet had added with a wink. The two were supportive, and immensely accommodating. When Venti claimed he suffered from stage fright, another of his many lies, neither questioned the validity of his words. Sometimes the bard wondered if they preferred to keep things simple and accept what he said at face value, or if there was more to the inn than simple hospitality.  The way Verr Goldet spoke to him, watched him, had that knowing look… He suspected there was more to it all. Decided so long as they weren't asking too many questions about him, he would reciprocate the polite acceptance. 

There was a small stage in the restaurant, and when it was Venti's night to perform they put up curtains. Allowed him into the hallway behind it, a back entrance he could use without being seen. The fear hadn't abated, but there had been plenty to occupy himself with thus far. For example, tonight. Venti wanted to learn more about Xiao, tried and failed to climb the tree. Met Xiao for a second time, and didn't collapse this round. Overall, the bard decided this was a very successful night. 

“Sweet talk doesn't work on me.” Verr Goldet laughed, speaking in the present. “Normally, I'd kick anyone out without question for bothering our ‘friend.’ But I heard music…” She moved from tilting to leaning forward, eyes widening with a growing hope. “Is it true? Can you really…?” She was trailing into silent implications, asking without cluing in potential eavesdroppers. A nervous laugh left Venti, adjusting the bag his flute was in. He felt unnaturally exposed, naked beneath her gaze despite his flimsy attire. 

I should do something about clothes. Where do I even go to get more? He wondered. The night clothes Hu Tao lent him had been sent back, along with his poem of gratitude. Which left him with exactly one shirt, one set of shorts, and shoes that were too big for his feet. Everything was secondhand from the knight, who had apologized profusely that he lacked anything proper. The stains from Venti's escape wouldn't come out, and no matter how hard he scrubbed his clothes looked dirty. It had also been frustrating that he was stuck in his room after he washed them, nothing else to wear as it dried. Five days of the same outfit, it was bound to have body odor on it. 

“Who knows? But, I'm happy to keep doing it.” Venti answered, shoulders tightening in. “If they say it helps, who am I to argue?” He continued. 

“Music does have a certain magic to it. I'm certain it does.” Verr Goldet decided, nodding her head and pulling away. Her warm gaze turned upwards. Most people would assume she was turning her eyes to the heavens, but Venti knew she was looking to someone much closer. “I know in older folks, when their minds are going the songs they loved as children help them.” She closed her eyes, smile wistful. “The songs you've played so far, some I haven't heard in ages. Each took me back, to memories I thought I had lost.” She opened her brown eyes, and looked at him. Held his eyes with her own. “Even if it only helps by a margin, I'm willing to go all in. If there's anything you need, please. Ask. Call it bribery to keep you here.” And she smiled. Anything? Venti echoed, hopefully. 

“In limited supply are my threads, perhaps more clothes for the day? Each step is dangerously tread, these soles on my feet won't stay.” If she really meant it, then Venti was going to try. Her laugh rang out, good humor in ample supply.

“Hahah! I'm sorry, I thought you were going for the suffering artist look! I really apologize, I should have asked instead of assumed. I didn't realize that's all you have.” Verr Goldet at least had the decency of putting on airs that she was slightly ashamed. “Of course. I can lend you some of our uniforms to borrow until a tailor can fit you into ones of your own. I'll also get a cobbler in, get you some shoes. Would you prefer Liyue or Monstadt in style?”

“Uh… I don't want to ask for too much. I already drink more of your wine than I probably should.” Venti gave a nervous laugh, running his fingers through the shorter strands of his hair near the base of his neck.

“So that's why I've been told I need to order extra, extra .” Verr Goldet nodded with newfound understanding. “We all have our vices.” She paused, taking stock of Venti's build and size. “You must have one Abyssal tolerance to drink that much and still play so well.”

“Music is why I wake up, Verr Goldet. No amount of drink can persuade me to hurt a single note by playing it wrong.” Venti assured her. “Give me an instrument, I'll play it with the same affection as two lovers do.” At this, her eyes lit up. 

“Prove that to me, and you're going to have one Celestial closet.” Verr Goldet promised. “All right. It's getting late, I have paperwork, and you've given some of us extra work. Get to bed.” 

“Okay, okay… But. If I want to… Talk to ‘some’ of you… How would I do that without falling out of a tree?”

“You don't.” Her tone shifted, a protective exterior turning her once happy face into something colder. “So long as you play, we can all hear you. You'll have a place here. But do not bother my people.” Verr Goldet didn't use a name, but she was clear in her warning. 

Venti learned two things right then. One, his arrangement with Xiao was not discussed with the inn. Two, Verr Goldet was much more than an inn owner. A simple business owner didn't turn into a soldier on the flip of a mora. 

“That is excellent information to have!” Venti went with those words instead of, this is frustrating news. With a flourish and a bow, he exited to let her do paperwork. 

Well. Now what? 

Chapter Text

The second time Venti awoke, his arrangements were far better. This time, he was clothed and in a bed. Even better, the exhaustion had lessened significantly. Opening his eyes a crack, he initially took for granted that when he lifted his arms to rub the crust from his lashes that he was able to do so. Recollection came swiftly, and soon as the crust was clear he opened his eyes fully. At the same time, his hands began to check over his body, delighted to feel the fabric over his skin. The sights were not as informative as he hoped, but he could see and that was an improvement. The bed he was in had a canopy on it, the soft fabric still. It wrapped all around the bed, hiding his view of the room. Or he assumed it was a room. And the bed. Venti simply knew he had never been in one this big before, nor slept on sheets of such soft wool. His hands ran over the smooth light green, enjoying the sensation against his skin.

He lay in the middle of the bed, feeling much smaller as he took in its size. The blanket was soft, made of something he had never felt before. Whatever the material, it was ideal for snuggling into. The pillows were just as great, the right amount of firm without being painful. Actually, he could have used the pillows as a bed if he wanted, there were so many. The bed was clearly designed for someone far more important than Venti, but he was happy to enjoy its comfort until that someone figured it out. This had to be what people meant when they talked about sleeping on a cloud. The more he recognized its comforts, the greater the temptation to go back to sleep.

"My Lord, are you awake?" A voice called, full of trepidation. Immediately, Venti's body tensed. My Lord? He thought. Oh no. Just as he was getting adjusted, he was going to lose his spot! All good things always ended too quickly… "I suppose not." A sigh full of disappointment. There was a long pause, and Venti wondered if they were still there. He hadn't heard anyone come in, so it was possible for them to leave and him not hear. "Just another quick peek, though…"

Another?

The curtain of the bed's canopy was pushed aside, and a very human face attached to thin shoulders and wirey hands emerged. The face was masculine with sharp features, and startled blue eyes. The hair was a short, almost crew-cut blonde. The person was wearing what Venti assumed was maybe a ceremonial robe? There were symbols stitched around the collar of the clothes, the fabric predominantly white. The person's jaw dropped. "M-My Lord, you're awake!" They gasped and stumbled, the voice becoming more familiar the more it spoke.

So to this person… Venti was a lord? But that didn't make any sense. He wasn't. He couldn't recall what he was exactly, but 'lord' felt wrong in every way.

"This is amazing!" The surprise was turning into delight, and in their excitement they hopped up and entered the bed fully. Reactively, Venti sat up and scooted backwards into the headboard of the bed with a gentle, thump! "I mean, we knew you'd wake eventually, but that you would wake for me, meet me first…" They continued, oblivious to the way Venti was trying to shrink from their approach.

Venti had dated enough red flags to be able to recognize one, and this. This was a giant red flag. A small piece of him, distant from the growing fear, felt disappointment at the sudden knowledge he had poor tastes in relationships.

"This feels like destiny." The person went on, now close enough to reach forward, as if to touch Venti. There was fear, he had the energy to do something. But he couldn't think of what, and Venti felt foolish for his inability to defend himself. The hand was there, inches away from his cheek. "Lord Barbatos, if you could… Can you tell Barbara how amazing she is? It would make her so happy. She prays to you everyday which, you probably already know, haha… She's your most faithful. Honestly, I didn't believe in you myself until I heard her singing about you… How wonderful you are, how lucky we are to have you, how beautiful you are… I mean, you're not Barbara, but you're a different kind of beautiful…"

There was a lot to digest from all that, but mostly Venti was worried for this Barbara person. Did she know about this guy? Was he a stalker? A boyfriend? Venti didn't know, but he felt concern for the woman being spoken of. The way the person talked about her was… In reverence, but not in the spiritual way. It was in the same way 'nice guys' talked about women, up until the aforementioned women rejected them.

"Barbara?" Venti repeated, mostly to see if he could speak now, but equally to show he heard lest this person escalate to feel heard. The blue eyes got wider, and a grin split their face.

"Yes, Barbara! Oh, her name sounds so good on your tongue…" That sentence made Venti's skin crawl. He needed out, away. Glancing around, Venti tried to see if anything could jog his brain into functioning. There was no way he had always been this helpless. The fog on his memories was thick, and made something so simple far too complicated. "Say her name again." They requested, and Venti's stomach turned.

No. He did not want to say her name. This felt… Wrong. All of this was wrong and unsettling. The only thing he could think to do was press himself as tightly into the headboard as he could, to try and put some space between the two. Venti did a soft shake of his head, felt the loose plaits someone put his hair into swaying with the movement. Not getting the hint, the person moved even closer.

"Please? Please Lord Barbatos? I have so much faith in you because of her. Come on. Grant my wish. Please? Please?" The person was all but begging at this point. Giving this person what they wanted wouldn't make them go away. Venti was pretty sure they would just ask him to keep saying it, promising every time it was the last.

"Albert?" Another voice, this one feminine, and Venti hoped this one was reasonable.

"Our Lord is awake!" Albert replied, not even bothering to look in the direction of the voice.

"And you didn't come tell me?" The second voice demanded, an anger in their words. The curtains were pulled back, parted by gloved hands and what looked like a elderly nun. They wore glasses, brown hair with grays mingled in coming out of the habit they wore. Crow's feet were at the corner of their eyes, hints of age that spoke of either experience or a harsh life.

"I had to tell him about Barbara!" The person far too close to Venti, Albert apparently, said in attempt to defend themself. The nun frowned, and reaching forward grabbed the bottom of Albert's garb to pull him away from Venti. For his part, Venti let out a relieved sigh. Finally.

"Have you no respect?! That is our Archon, Lord Barbatos! You do not just go to a god and start making demands! We listen to them!" The nuns' scolding continued, Albert removed entirely off the bed.

A god? Venti thought, bemused. Last time, he vaguely recalled a similar claim. Did these people really look at him, Venti, and think: yes, that's what a deity looks like. Yet, they also kept addressing him as 'Barbatos.' Technically, when they looked at him they weren't seeing Venti. Did he not look like himself? What was he supposed to look like? His body didn't feel wrong or foreign to him. But also, in a way, this didn't feel like his own? The sensation was a conundrum, one he couldn't make sense of.

"I'm sorry, Lord Barbatos." Albert was saying, and Venti was pulled from his thoughts to witness the apology. The person didn't look especially sorry, but they did seem concerned about the nun next to them. There was just too little that he knew to know if he was safe to refuse the forced apology. If this nun wasn't going to be creepy like Albert was, then Venti wanted to appease them, to have someone to help him until he could remember how to help himself.

"Apology accepted. You're a passionate fellow, huh?" Venti knew how to be amicable. Was willing to try and be the benevolent god that he was guessing they expected of him?

"That's one way to put it…" The nun muttered quietly, while near to them Albert's eyes lit up.

"Oh, I am! I'm Miss Barbara's number one fan!" Albert exclaimed. Ah, so she's 'Miss' now that the nun is here… Venti mused. There was also some disappointment realizing he squandered the chance to scold Albert, too, now that he was aware the nun wasn't fond of Albert's manners.

"Albert, go tell the others our Lord is awake." The nun instructed, refusing to let Albert be further entertained. Albert looked at her, and then at Venti. There was a longing in his eyes, and Venti sincerely hoped it was a normal kind and not a Barbara kind. The kind one would have when they didn't believe in the Tooth Fairy, only to discover that the story had been real.

A fluttering of annoyance coursed through Venti. Sure, he could recall something as asinine as the tooth fairy, but not how to protect himself?!

"Albert." The nun repeated, and immediately the person left as instructed. There was a click of a door, signaling Albert was gone. Finally, Venti let his muscles relax, his body to sink back into the pillows though he remained sitting up. Now that there wasn't a creep and curtains blocking his view, he could see more of the room he was in. It was… Huge. There were hints of furniture, of potted plants, of lamps and paintings and tables and… Zero natural light. Did the room not have windows? "I do apologize about him, Lord Barbatos. Albert is not a true faithful, but he has been instrumental in gathering the materials to return you to us."

"Return to you?" Venti repeated, his curiosity piqued. Perhaps he could even tell the nun they got the wrong person?

"Yes. Monstadt has been without its Archon for too long. Your people have been losing their faith in you." The nun paused, lips turning into a frown, a sheen in their eyes. "Your Church has done what it could, but I… Well. Any longer, you would not have had a church to return to." They said, shoulders drooping and the first hint of tears started to fall down their cheeks. "It's so good to have you here. Now that you're here, the faith can be renewed." The sorrow once etched deeply into their wrinkles eased, a smile full of fondness changing the age of their face entirely. "Welcome home, Lord Barbatos."

What could he say to that? He wasn't this Lord Barbatos. Revive a people's faith? He didn't even know what he looked like! Or was supposed to look like. No, he had to be honest. Lying would only create a more complicated mess. "I'm sorry, I don't know your name, but-"

"Deaconess Erne." The nun offered, smile still pleasant.

"Oh. Yes, thank you. Deaconess Erne, I really am sorry but… I'm not Lord Barbatos. My name's Venti, and I don't even know how I got here, but-" He stopped as the nun held up a hand, shaking their head slightly. The nun's expression wasn't sad or upset it was… Pity?

"Perhaps you once were called 'Venti.' But that was a different life, wasn't it? You are our Lord Barbatos now." Deaconess Erne said, taking steps forward so that their legs bumped the bed, and their torso was over the mattress. That visage so full of pity contained something else, a different emotion that made Venti uneasy. Continuing to lean towards him, one gloved hand reached across to run fingers over one of his legs before clutching tightly onto his ankle. His body tensed, eyes widening at the nun. "Am I clear, Lord Barbatos? We, your loyal believers. Your loyal followers. We brought you to us to better serve you. You belong to us."

A chill ran down Venti's spine, his suspicion about the room having no windows suddenly answered. The nun smiled, and he shivered. Underneath that pity, was a possessiveness. He didn't understand what was going on, and this nun clearly had answers. They didn't care who he actually was, in fact seemed to understand that he was someone else. No, they only cared that he fit whatever the criteria was for him to be this 'god' of theirs. The fingers around his ankle tightened, the bite of nails pressing into his skin. "Am. I. Clear, Lord Barbatos?” Erne asked, voice somehow so gentle in spite of the underlying threat to the words.

"...Yes…" Venti whispered, his fingers digging into the sheets. The hand released him, the deaconess pulling away with a pleasant smile.

"I'm very happy to hear that. You'll be resting today, but tomorrow we'll be helping you recollect everything you may have forgotten since you were last with Monstadt. We'll be checking in on you periodically, so please, let us know if you need anything, Lord Barbatos." And with eyes curved into delighted slits, Erne left the room.

Once more alone in the bed, Venti tried to calm his heart, to ease his nerves. He needed to recall who he was, what he could do. Figure out an escape plan. Staring at the door that Erne had left through, he knew if he didn’t break out of there… That nun would ensure there was only her Lord Barbatos, and no one else.

***

Venti snapped awake with a gasp, hands clutching sheets. The blanket had long since been thrown off, the bard swinging his feet off the bed before standing up on shaky legs. The room was tilting, the trembling the memory created was complicating the walk from the bed to the window. Air. He needed air. Head outside, Venti took in long, deep breaths. Filled his lungs with the crisp morning air, the sun not even risen yet. Reminded himself that the room was far away. This was now. Venti was somewhere safe. If he wanted to, he could leave. No one would stop him. No one here told him who he was or wasn't. No one here touched him, dressed him a certain way to adhere to their wants.

The moon was full. It always was. The sisters used to take turns, and the moon would change when they did, a voice, his own, a memory, a story, so many things those words were and weren't. His head was throbbing. Air. He needed to be up and above again. To only feel wind, nothing else. With little care the trouble he risked, Venti climbed out of his window. His eyes could now only see the lonely branches atop the tree. No silhouette this time, but Xiao wasn't his goal. Thin fingers tested every grip and give before committing, past lessons well-learned. So fixated on reaching the top, he hadn't even noticed he left without any of the instruments.

Since his conversation with Verr Goldet the other week, more instruments came his way. A guzheng, a lute, and a dizi. Venti had been quietly curious why there seemed to be a focus on stringed instruments, but said nothing. If they were going to keep bringing him new ones to play, he refused to risk making an offhand comment that made it stop. As it were, the space in Venti's room was inevitably going to be consumed by instruments.

He couldn't wait.

When Venti reached the top, he felt as if he could breathe properly. Each breath wasn't a gasp, there was no struggle as he inhaled. There was a chill, his lungs starting to burn with cold. The bard ignored the sensation. He needed this. To be this high, to lose himself in the sky. If gravity wasn't the problem it was, he would have spread his arms out and let himself fall backwards. Instead, he relaxed best he could without turning back into a fall hazard. Could let his mind go blank, the fear pushed out of him by the wind as it flowed through him.

What a life it was, to be a bird to fly free and sing without expectation.

When Venti opened his eyes, the first hints of dawn's orange glow was on the horizon. A short hum left his throat, the only tension in his body was that of his hands holding onto the branch he rested on. Despite his reluctance to do so, Venti knew he needed to return to his room. Couldn't risk Verr Goldet misunderstanding his intentions. Shifting to head back down, he froze. Roughly ten feet away from him, sat Xiao. The adeptus was watching him, one bushy brow quirked upwards.

“...” It wasn't often that Venti was at a loss for words, the plethora that he had at his disposal. But he hadn't heard Xiao, hadn't felt the weight added to the tree. There had been no indication at all the adeptus returned, and Venti knew he hadn't been there earlier. Xiao said nothing. Was probably waiting to see if Venti was going to fall again, or something. With a dumbfounded expression the bard finally said, “I'm Venti.”

He was more eloquent than this, but not right then.

Still, Xiao said nothing. The quirked brow did move, joining its twin to press down over golden eyes in an inquisitive gaze.

“I never got a chance to introduce myself to you.” Venti explained. This should have felt way more stressful than it was. The silence from the yaksha was heavy, but Venti found that he was oddly unbothered by this. As if this was normal, but this was definitely not normal. “You're Xiao, right? The Diligent Yaksha. Uh. Conquer of Demons. There's more… You have a lot of names. Do you have a preference?”

“Xiao.” The yaksha answered, tilting his head in the typical forty-five degree angle dogs favored so much. The motion caused his longer hairs to fall from his cheeks, exposing the points of his ears.

Cute, Venti decided.

“Venti?” Xiao asked, his expression thoughtful as he tested the name of his tongue.

“Yup. Just Venti. I'm not as… Rich in names as you are.” Venti commented, aiming for a more light-hearted joke since the dad ones didn't fly. A grunt was his response. The bard would find the yaksha's sense of humor yet. “Let me guess,” Venti attempted to make his voice more gravelly, but ended up sounding closer to a chain smoker, “‘Why are you up here?’” Then, he switched back to his normal voice. “Oh, I just needed some fresh air.” Once more, he moved to his chain smoker voice, “‘You should have asked, I don't have time to waste saving you.’” Venti kept flipping between the voices, until Xiao's brows raised upwards towards his hairline.

“I don't sound like that.” Was all he had to add to Venti's, in his opinion, brilliant act. That was it? Venti saved the yaksha an entire conversation, and all Xiao had to say about it was to nitpick.

Everyone was a critic, ultimately.

“I'm a musician, not an actor.” Venti conceded a huff. If he could without falling, he would have crossed his arms. Show the other just his serious he was.

It wasn't that serious, Venti would have absolutely risked the fall if it was.

“A musician without an instrument.” Xiao commented, having noticed there weren't any on Venti's person.

“I always have an instrument: my voice.” Venti corrected. Xiao nodded. Then, he motioned at Venti to continue. No, to… Sing? But then Verr Goldet would know he was there! Would assume he was being a menace, but he wasn’t. Not this time, at any rate. “I can't. I don't know if you're much for keeping secrets, but I'm not supposed to be here.”

“But you will if we're somewhere else.” Xiao asked it so simply, that Venti hadn't thought before he nodded. “All right. Hold on.” With that same simplicity in which he spoke, Xiao scooped Venti up. The bard didn't fully process what was happening until after the pair had already been teleported.

Venti had no idea where he was. All he knew was that it seemed to be a mountain, the view was beautiful, and they were high up. Far higher than when they were at the top of Wangshu Inn. As his brain processed the abrupt change in scenery, Xiao had since put him back down before putting distance between the two again.

Once he gathered his bearings, a laugh left Venti. If Verr Goldet knew, she would probably be furious. Or perhaps confused. For a guy people were supposed to leave alone, Xiao was very… Hands-on. Glancing at the yaksha, Venti wondered if he was lonely, if he needed some form of contact. If all he ever did was fight… When did he ever get to experience the more gentle of touches? Eyeing the man, Venti immediately knew.

The guy needed a hug. Bad.

So, Venti stood himself up. Opened his arms, and beckoned Xiao to bring it in. He received a stare, complete with a frown. “Is that a singing posture you typically use?” The yaksha asked.

“No. But, it is the best hugging posture.” As he said this, Venti beamed over at the other. The frown got deeper, but Venti didn't let that discourage his efforts. “Come on, you'll love it!”

“...You know nothing about karmic debt and its effects, do you?” Xiao asked. There it was, that karmic debt talk again. Venti shook his head, but kept his arms open. The offer of a hug remained ignored, a weary sigh leaving Xiao. “I'll keep it simple. Millenia ago, there was a war amongst ancient gods. Those slain, being gods, could not truly die. Their malice and fury lives on as a result. Monsters are born from it, and will rampage until they are forcibly stopped and the malice is subdued. In that sense, those who subdue it each time, are killing a god. As one of the yaksha, it is my duty to stave off these monsters to keep Liyue safe. The cost of killing a god is taking on a karmic debt. Murder, even in the name of saving lives, is still murder. It carries a weight, a sickness. Close proximity to mortals means exposing them to my debt, and it takes many forms. I make contact only when necessary.”

“That's the simple version?” Venti asked, his arms starting to tire but he kept them open. Just in case.

“I prefer to not waste time with extraneous details.” Xiao said. At least his direct way of talking was starting to make sense. Even so, that cemented it. Xiao definitely needed a hug. A nice long one, that lingered. Venti had a goal now.

“I love details. The more you have, the better story to share. But I'll get those from someone else.” Venti assured the other, noting the way the yaksha's shoulders eased. “But what I can't get from anyone else is… Zhongli said you were going to help me with Anemo, in exchange for music. I've been curious if that's true?”

Another sigh, the tension returning and tightening Xiao's shoulders more than before. “Yes.” Pleased was not the expression Venti would describe Xiao's face as when he confirmed.

“Ah. You've just been that excited.” Venti nodded, ignoring the confused glance he was receiving. Xiao was a smart guy, he would figure it out. Venti was very aware that the yaksha wanted to do literally anything else. “How about this. For today, you just… Stand over there. I'll stop trying to hug you.” For today, he left out, “You can explain to me what Anemo even is, what Visions are because so far I've been faking it and people are starting to get suspicious. And I'll sing whatever you want, however long you need. Well. I'll need water eventually, but bring me some and it'll be however long you want.”

Xiao listened, his expression turning neutral. Whatever he thought of what Venti said, he didn't show.

“...That song you played, the other day. When you were in the tree.” Xiao started slow, thoughtful, even if his visage didn't reflect his tone. The bard nodded, a silent confirmation he knew to what the yaksha referenced. “Does it have lyrics?”

Venti gave a sad smile, his heart hurting knowing he was going to disappoint Xiao with his answer. “I'm sorry. If it does, I don't know them. But I can hum it for you today, and if you like, I can try to find out?” Venti offered, hoping that would be enough.

“Humming is fine.” Xiao confirmed, but spoke no more of it. Instead, immediately went into explaining Anemo, the seven elements, and Visions. Xiao was straightforward, and his explanations were as light as they were easy to understand. The yaksha recognized each sign that Venti was beginning to get distracted or that his mind would wander, and on each occasion Xiao would engage with him by testing what the bard retained thus far. There was a sternness to Xiao's teaching approach, but also understanding. At no point did Venti feel talked down to or ignorant, Xiao taking his role of educator with that same dedication as his duty of being yaksha.

When he finished the impromptu lesson, the sun had already rose and even reached the middle of the sky. Venti's stomach turned with hunger pangs, and his head was starting to pound. How was Xiao unaffected? Did he not need to eat or keep hydrated? A conversation Venti wanted to forget came to him, of a woman unafraid to discuss digestive philosophy yet seemed afraid of something Venti still didn't understand. The fear in her eyes, diamond-shaped pupils shaking. Pushing that memory away, the bard gave his own tongue a soft bite. His mouth was getting dry, and he hoped to at least create some saliva.

It was then Venti realized that the raspy voice was no longer speaking, and Xiao was watching him with that impassive visage. “Is that… All today?” Venti asked, ignoring how his own voice was starting to get raspy. This entire time, maybe the yaksha just needed to keep better hydrated.

“You look tired.” Xiao commented after he gave a short nod. “I'll take you back to the inn.” He continued.

“But I haven't-” Venti pointed out, stepping away when Xiao began his approach.

“You've played plenty before now. I also don't have water for you, of which you said you'd need.” Xiao cut straight to the point, standing still instead of pursuing. Chasing people didn't feel right to Xiao, even when he had to. The Treasure Hoarders of Liyue were respectful of all adepti, but on occasion new members that were ignorant of what to look for would create trouble. Their senior members would get after them, but sometimes they didn't get a chance to intervene before Xiao had to get involved.

A loud gurgling interrupted the pair's exchange. With a nervous laugh, Venti patted his stomach. “Did I say water? Could have sworn I said wine. Ah well, ah well. If there's a place nearby… And you're distracted.” He blew out a breath. Xiao's pupils had thinned into slits, cocking his head away from the bard. The pointed ear gave a twitch in reaction to a sound, and Venti had to suck in his lips to stop himself from audibly reacting to the motion.

The yaksha was adorable, and Venti suddenly understood why Verr Goldet was so protective of him. No one could possibly be afraid of someone after seeing how cute they were. Venti knew that even if Xiao put his blade to Venti's throat he wouldn't be frightened. No, he would be too busy trying to see if Xiao liked being scratching behind the ears, an act that was probably the furthest from being respectful.

An excellent question nonetheless.

“Wait here.” Xiao ordered, before disappearing in a cloud of dark greens and blacks. Glancing around the mountaintop he was left on Venti shrugged. He was pretty sure he didn't have a choice in staying. Climbing a tree he could do. A mountain? Instinctively he knew mountains had never been in his wheelhouse, and this was not the time to try and change that. With a dramatic sigh, he slid down to the ground. At least he could rest his poor legs after standing all day. Mentally go over everything he learned.

It was weird. Most everything Xiao told him had felt like a reminder. As if he had learned it all before, the information nudged from the recesses of his mind into the forefront. Even more strange was that some of it, Venti could tell it the depths of the subject. The Visions, primarily. That it was proof, yes, and was granted to those who proved they carried the will for it. But there was more. So much more, a second truth to it that made him shiver. Venti had no idea why he knew that. Didn't ask about it, didn't mention it. Allowed Xiao to keep it simple, mostly for Venti's own well-being. Don't think about it, he instructed himself. Licked his dry lips, and tried to ignore the gnawing hunger and thirst as he waited.

Chapter Text

Xiao had met Barbatos twice. Those two meetings were both brief, and in each case one of them wasn't in the best of states. The first had been a few years after the Archon War ended, and much of that time in Xiao's life was… Close to a blur. He was adjusting to the life of the yaksha, adjusting to a life that he got to choose. The idea that Rex Lapis would never force or manipulate him was foreign, after the time Xiao had spent under… Well, he didn't matter anymore. The yaksha was also still coming to terms with his new reality: that the time in which the beasts felt safest with him, was one he would never experience again. The atrocities he had committed, against his will as it was, stained him as a threat. The only safety he could offer was protection from afar. 

That first time, Rex Lapis had brought all the yaksha to the meeting of the Seven. While his memory was fuzzy, there were a few things that he could recall. Bonanus whispering that Morax wanted to ‘show off’ his ‘children’ to the other Archons. That stood out, because Xiao distinctly recalled thinking what a silly idea. At the time, to even consider the great Lord of Geo saw his newly appointed yaksha as anything more than tools or pawns to be used sounded like wishful thinking. The way he saw it now was quite different, though Xiao still wasn't sure the Archon ever looked at the other adepti as ‘children.’ That still seemed to be stretching plausibility. A discussion he didn't have with Bonanus anymore, because she would insist he ask the man himself.

No, Xiao would think. I'm not asking him something so asinine, he would tell himself. The answer was obvious, and Xiao wasn't going to ask because he already knew. The answer was going to be no. Which was what it should be. This in no way bothered him, a thing he told himself. If he didn't talk about it, no one would know that it did.

All the Archons were impressive, each in their own unique way. There was power unlike anything that Xiao had witnessed, the thrum of the Gnosis’ combined with the innate godhood of the Archons was equal parts inspiring and terrifying. If the Archons were to start a new war and fight each other… Xiao couldn't imagine anything in Teyvat surviving. But he was confident that Rex Lapis would win. Obviously.

As the meeting was between the Archons, the Seven gathered together and talked. Discussed what the best path for humans were, what each could do better on. Could remember the tone Rex Lapis took when speaking to Barbatos, chiding him for being, ‘too lax’ on the humans he presided over. Which was true. Barbatos was known for his lackadaisical approach to his region. Only Rex Lapis was brave enough to say what surely all the others were thinking. 

From the direction of the discussion, Barbatos didn't take a single word the Geo Archon said to heart. The first of many reasons Xiao didn't pay him much mind. Back then, Barbatos was little more than a pretty face that Xiao had mistaken to be a thorn in Rex Lapis’ side. The yaksha was too young and inexperienced with any of the Archons to know the depth of friendship the gods of Anemo and Geo shared. As a result of his youthful mistake, Xiao put his attentions on other subjects.

However much as Xiao had tried to disregard Barbatos during that meeting, this had not been mutual. The time came when he couldn’t avoid the other, and suddenly there was a face in his view with glowing eyes of Anemo. “Oho, so you're one of Morax's new kids!” Barbatos had said, voice and eyes full of delight and mischief. 

What had his face looked like? It was so blurry. The eyes were really the only thing that stood out in his memory. “I'm not a child.” Xiao had corrected with a scowl, turning his body to the side so he could continue staring forward at nothing. Looking back on it, Xiao wondered why he hadn't corrected Barbatos about being Morax's child. 

“Not technically, but you'll always be a kid in your father's eyes! Right, More-Blast?”

“It's Morax.” Morax had corrected his name, but thinking back on it… He didn't correct Barbatos about being a father, did he? “Please refrain from your usual disrespect, you'll upset him.” 

“Take back what you called Lord Morax.” Xiao had hissed, his eyes gleaming with a fury. The name-calling had been the biggest factor the yaksha put so little effort into remembering Barbatos, a protectiveness towards his savior overriding common sense. Such a reaction was not befitting of his station, and even worse could give the wrong impression about Morax’s ability to defend himself. At the memory, Xiao understood what was happening far better in the present than in the past. Barbatos was playfully teasing Morax back then, wasn’t he? The same way that Bosacius would tease the other yaksha.

“Xiao. Please. I understand you are upset, but he is my guest.” Morax spoke gently. With an agitated growl, Xiao stood down once more. If he hadn't been given instruction, he likely would have tried to hurt Barbatos. The fact the Anemo Archon at no point seemed concerned or threatened had been annoying. Which was silly to be irritated by. As an Archon, no matter how soft he appeared, Barbatos was more than capable of handling an angry yaksha. With the information he learned since then, Barbatos probably could have handled Xiao back then without even hurting him. Morax likely only stepped in to save Xiao's fragile dignity. 

“They're nicknames, not name-calling!” Barbatos had teased, sticking out his tongue playfully towards Morax. “But, since it upsets him… I'll be good.” 

“Thank you.” Morax sighed. “Please stop harassing my yaksha. We'll be bringing out the wine soon.” That had been a bribe to entice the Anemo Menace away from Xiao, who was still bristling at what he believed was an airheaded nuisance.

“Soon, hmm?” Barbatos echoed, wings flapping to carry him after the Geo Archon. Those. Those Xiao remembered in perfect detail. Those beautiful white wings, full of wind and song. Every feather a piece of art, the full wingspan a large masterpiece. Seeing those wings made his heart and back ache with longing. That Xiao’s own had been ripped from him, his life still more years with wings than without during that meeting of the Seven. Instinctively he reached towards them, before quickly retracting his hand in shame. 

Xiao jolted in surprise when Barbatos was suddenly next to him again, a finger over his lips. “I know everyone is different, but… When I was hurting the most, music made things… Less painful.” He had said, placing something wrapped in fabric that vibrated in Anemo energy. “Morax sees something wonderful in you, and I trust what he sees. Take care, Yaksha.” And with that, he rushed back after Morax before the other Archon even noticed he disappeared.

It was such a different attitude from what Xiao had come to expect, it took some time before he checked inside the cloth. A xun, carved with care yet simplistic in appearance. Beneath it, was one of those white feathers. Just enough Anemo contained within it that Xiao could, if he wanted, glide as if he were in flight once more. 

The thoughtfulness he was given by Barbatos that one meeting, was not one he heard ever mentioned or discussed. Perhaps, when looking back on it, Xiao hadn't been alone in not saying anything. 

That meeting was an old memory, one that in the present the yaksha mulled over.

Sitting atop Wangshu Inn, Xiao stared out at the sunrise. Rex Lapis, no, Zhongli had simply asked Xiao to keep an eye on Venti. To help him understand how to use Anemo, in exchange for being cleansed. Though it had only been a week, Xiao wasn't adjusted to the lack of heaviness that used to constantly threaten to crush him. The memories of suffering he caused, that dead gods caused… Was not scratching at the corner of his eyes, its once constant whispers now only there after dealing with a monster. It felt wrong. The lightness in his chest and thoughts felt wrong, a guilt that he had this clarity for something so simple. 

Venti was a swift learner, and very eager to test what he could do. Xiao had asked the bard to not use Anemo without supervision, however…

Yesterday Xiao had to rush from one emergency to a second. The second one being that Venti had tried to fly out of his window, and did not understand that using the wind didn't mean he could fly. Despite the urge to unceremoniously dump the foolish bard onto the ground, Xiao made himself deposit the other down gently instead. Ignored the slight regret at choosing to not throw the nuisance.

Yelling at Venti would have been well within Xiao's authority. Instead he merely frowned at the bard. Didn't say a word. Simply frowned, before leaving to check back on his initial emergency. A monster had attacked an elderly man, and the monster had been dealt with. But Xiao wanted to observe the elderly gentleman made it home safe, and the injuries truly were only limited to some bruises. 

Today, there had been neither kind of emergency. Just Xiao trying to recall what he could of Barbatos, to compare what he knew of the Anemo Archon to this bard. To try and connect what he could. There wasn't much. Xiao didn't know the Archon well enough to recognize any similarities.The limits of his personal experience made this difficult. In observing Venti though, he did notice something of note. That there were two sides to the bard, the transition from one to the other seamless. There was the typical carefree attitude of a Monstadt citizen, pleasant and playful. That was the mannerism in which Venti most often carried himself, a certain whimsy in his movements and words. Such moments were the ones in which Venti typically spoke in rhyme, turning conversations into verses with ease. 

A few workers at the inn would sometimes join him, the poetic speech more contagious with each interaction.

Then, there were those moments when Venti was alone. Brief glimpses into something else. When Venti would pause, his eyes glazing over as he stared off to the unseen. His fingers would clutch his shorts, nails biting past fabric and into skin. His eyes would widen, pupils constricting to pinpoints. As quickly as he would lock up, Venti would suddenly blink rapidly. As if his eyes had dried up in those seconds, the bard gasping for air or perhaps something else. Once those moments passed, Venti would throw himself into music. 

There never seemed a reason for which instrument he would grab. But every song Venti played after his dazes, Xiao heard the undertone of longing. Without a doubt, something ailed Venti and the bard chose to not share it with anyone. There was some kind of connection between Venti and Barbatos. It was not Xiao's duty to find out, nor had he been asked. But his mind wandered to that first meeting with Barbatos. To the way Zhongli’s gaze on Venti was both hopeful and mournful. 

If Xiao could uncover something to help Zhongli smile, to offer the ex-Archon some comfort, Xiao needed to find it. The best chance he had was with Venti, and that meant more interaction than he was accustomed to. As he still didn't know if the bard was human or not, Xiao wanted to maintain his distance. There were some beings innately immune to the karmic debt, though the best protection from it remained Visions and Gnosis’. Venti didn't have a Vision, but everything else was unknown. 

Thus, the yaksha waited for the morning. When the strum of strings or sounds of a flute carried on the wind. Pointed ears listened for when the sound came from a room instead of the dining area, for when music was the only sound the bard made. That was the best time, and that was when the yaksha was most confident Venti was alone. 

Teleporting to just outside the window, Xiao knocked on the windowsill. A previous day he had simply teleported into the room, a decision he quickly regretted when a memory with someone else came to mind. However, unlike that memory with someone else there was no angry yelling or accusations of, “perversion.” To his confusion, Venti had been surrounded entirely by instrument parts and stared at the yaksha in surprise. Only to shoo Xiao out, the yaksha concerned that he had teleported on top of a piece and possibly broke it. Now, he didn't dare suddenly intrude a second time and risk breaking something else. While lighter than he appeared, Xiao was clueless how delicate or sturdy any of those pieces were. Why risk it now that he was aware? The only instrument he had ever owned had been stored away after… Well, it didn’t matter. The xun he had been given was blessed by an Archon, and survived far longer than any normal one could have. It didn’t give a good basis of what was ‘normal’ for durability versus delicacy in other instruments.

“You can just come in!” Venti laughed from inside, jovial as he always was when Xiao came. Permission obtained, Xiao entered the room and was relieved that it wasn't strewn in parts a second time. It did, however, have a small table set with snacks and drinks. The bard wasn't using it, as he was sitting on the bed with books all around him along with some of the instruments. A precaution, perhaps? Subtly as possible, Xiao let his eyes flicker to see what the bard was reading. The story wasn't one he knew well, but Xiao did recognize it as the legend of the Three Sisters. Was Venti studying mythos? At the rate he was going, soon the bard would go from being suspiciously ignorant to being unusually educated. “If it's okay, I'll be a few minutes. Help yourself to some breakfast!” Venti offered, his eyes not once leaving the page he was reading. Xiao gave a hum in reply. 

He very much doubted that Venti needed extra time. The perfectly made almond tofu exposed the situation for what it was. Grateful as Xiao was to the support of the humans at Wangshu Inn, he also frequently found himself annoyed with them. If Venti got roped into helping them deliver food to Xiao, it meant one of two things. The first, was they noticed the yaksha was regularly collecting Venti. The second was that the bard blabbed. Xiao was more inclined that the staff noticed, simply because there was little he did that they didn't know about. It could have been both, though. 

On principle he wanted to ignore it, but reality was his mouth watered at the texture it offered as an alternative for what he could no longer have. The hunger he carried for dreams waxed and waned, often strongest when Xiao was at his worst. Dreams were at once a comfort and a torment for him, one he could not imbibe in. The guilt was too strong, and Xiao would not hurt anyone else like that again. Not so long as he had a choice.

The almond tofu did not survive. Xiao merely took the plate and disappeared, refusing to look at Venti. He didn't need to look to know the bard was smiling at Xiao when he did. 

As if to hide that had been his motive, Venti didn't call Xiao back for another thirty minutes. 

Chapter Text

“All set!” Venti announced proudly, a lute in his hands and a bag slung over his shoulder full of papers. Xiao raised a single brow, but didn't verbally ask. The silent question went ignored, Venti continuing to beam. “What am I learning today?” He asked. 

Xiao said nothing as there was no point. Simply scooped Venti up, careful of the instruments and ignoring the bard’s laugh. What about this amused Venti was anyone's guess. This was just the easiest method of moving the humans, as had been taught to the yaksha by Bosacius.

Within seconds the smoke the pair left behind had dissipated, the room now empty. Xiao took them to Wuwang Hill, the area offering long steeps that were ideal for an Anemo user that seemed determined to use his power for subpar flying. The falls weren't too far, and at worst Venti might break something. The yaksha couldn't protect the man from stupid, but he could at least teach him in safe areas. There were also rarely humans that came through there, as the closest village was Qingce and most its inhabitants were too elderly to travel. This allowed privacy, and both needed that. One of their sessions, the fake Vision Venti carried had fallen off. It wasn't until later that Venti noticed, and it had been a headache trying to find the bauble. If Venti would at least try to pretend his imitation was real, there were quite a few issues that would solve. 

In the yaksha’s case though, all of that was someone else’s nightmare to contend with. Xiao's instructions were simple, all he had to do was teach. Once Venti placed his belongings on the ground, the two got started. Using Anemo to elevate oneself off the ground was a practice in balance. The instructions were concise, Xiao's stoic voice a solid flow of guidance. The first part consisted primarily in him testing Venti's balance, instructing the bard to move across increasingly more challenging constructs without falling. Fallen trees, uneven stones, and lines drawn in the dirt. 

“When do you float?” Venti asked, moving across the tree without once looking down. His feet, now in shoes that fit, glided across with toes that scraped just barely to check it met with something solid. Xiao watched him, finding the ease in which the bard moved to be peculiar. Without training, humans didn't just intuitively know this level of balancing. Venti should have fallen at least once, but instead he fared no more trouble on these courses than he did on solid ground. Actually, Venti almost seemed more stable by treating the world around him as if he walked on air instead of earth. 

“I don't.” Xiao replied curtly. At that, Venti lifted his leg to swing it and let his body follow to entirely face the yaksha. For a rare occasion, this time he wore a frown with black brows knitting in confusion. 

“Why not? When you caught me that night, and used Anemo to carry us back up… Didn't the wind lifting you feel amazing? I've been wanting to do that again so bad !” Venti spoke, an ache in his voice near the end. His fists clenched close to his heart, body tightening into itself before he jumped upwards, arms above his head, and hands open with fingers spread. “It's like flying!”

“It isn't.” Xiao spoke flatly, his visage feigning disinterest. “You can't fly using only Anemo for the same reason using a Wingglider isn't viable to travel the world. Actual flight requires a light enough body, and appendages that can be used to catch air currents, lift the body from the ground or ease a landing… In addition to a mechanism used for guiding the body, otherwise the wind will just toss you wherever.” The explanation was supposed to be flat, however a certain bitterness was in his words. His arms were crossed, with shoulders straight. 

No , Xiao thought with sorrow and frustration. Anemo from a Vision alone would never be enough, it continued. Releasing a controlled exhale he added, “You're… Preternaturally light, and your body… Seems to make Anemo. It might be possible for you to float. But that jump I did, that wasn't even close to flying.”

As he listened to Xiao speak, Venti lowered his arms. Glanced down, before sliding his feet down so he could sit on the fallen tree. Gave his whole attention to the yaksha, as he always seemed to do. There was no doubt in Xiao's mind that Venti wanted to learn, to embrace the power he had. What was odd, was that Venti never seemed interested in learning why he wanted to.  

He wants to fly so much it hurts, Venti thought as he heard the other's clarification. The indicators were there, quiet as each give away was. Those glowing gold eyes turned somber, an emotion that those bushy brows couldn't hide no matter how low they were furrowed. The way that Xiao's shoulders tensed, causing the definition in his biceps to become more pronounced. Between each sentence was a split second pause to ungrit teeth, to silence the urge to bite back a scream so Venti wouldn't know it lurked beneath the surface. 

So of course Venti's goal shifted slightly from, I have to learn how to fly , to, I gotta find a way for us to fly together! A lofty goal that he hoped there was time for him to fulfill. There was a tug of war inside of him about how to go forward. On one hand, the faster he improved the closer he was to that goal. On the other, Venti didn't know the extent of how long these lessons would go. At what point did Xiao decide he graduated? If nothing else, Venti wanted to do something nice for the yaksha. A bit grouchy yes, but in an endearing way. Xiao was also just nice, despite how adamant he was about being everything but.

There was a gentle soul inside of that guarded exterior. Venti couldn't stop recalling that first time the two met. The way Xiao was prepared to give to his life, to just give a complete stranger the chance to live. Even today, Venti watched Xiao from the corner of his eye. That irritated twitch at the corner of the yaksha’s mouth, recognition at the game being played with the offering of food. Despite knowing that Venti didn't need a few minutes, Xiao didn't press. Merely took his food and left until told otherwise. The option was always there to call Venti out on his lie, but not once did Xiao ever do so. 

People like Xiao were few and far between. That guarded exterior was there to protect a fragile heart, one that needed to know more kindness. Whatever had hurt Xiao in the past Venti couldn't undo. What he could do though, was to find a way to thank the other. To genuinely show Xiao how much Venti not only appreciated his help, but just who he was. 

Venti was also just curious what his smile looked like. If it was serene or crooked, shy or that type of wide and contagious. No matter the appearance, Venti felt confident it was beautiful. “Venti?” Xiao called, pulling him from his thoughts. 

“Sorry. Just, a bit thrown off by, ‘preternaturally light.’ That is a new one. Would you mind if I added it as a lyric to a ballad I'm writing?” Venti asked, dodging the possible follow-up question of: do we need to stop today? An offer Xiao always made if Venti got too distracted. The bard still wasn't sure if the inquiry was made out of consideration or an attempt to escape what perhaps felt like babysitting to the yaksha.

A raised brow was his answer, an unfortunately unclear one. 

“I'm supernaturally light, huh. Does that mean anyone can bench press me…?” Venti murmured, moreso to himself. 

“Do you want to float or not?’ Xiao asked, easily bringing the interaction back to where it was supposed to be. 

“Yes!” Venti nodded eagerly, quickly jumping from sitting and back to standing on his feet. A lesson that would ultimately wait due to a cry, loud and shrill, puncturing the air like a hot knife through butter. More followed, the frequency filling Venti's thoughts with a slew of possible explanations.

There was no pause between the terrified screams and Xiao’s reaction. Duty summoned him, and Xiao made no hesitation to react. With a startling swiftness, the yaksha dashed to the edge of the cliffside. While labeled a hill, the two were at the highest point and it was still a good ways down. Xiao kicked off from the rock in a backflip as his polearm appeared into his hands. In little more than a blink, Xiao was plummeting away. Panic bloomed in Venti’s chest, and he scrambled after the other in a desperate dash to somehow grab him before he fell to his death. Why didn't he teleport?! Venti thought, frantic in his blooming fear. Too slow, too late. All he could think about was he had to do something, had to save Xiao from either injuring or killing himself! What he lacked in the finesse of Xiao’s smoother, practiced movements Venti had a certain grace in spite of the fact he was leaping off of a mountain ! The map could call it a hill all it wanted, but Venti knew better! Legs pressed together, his hands over his head and pointed forward as if he were diving. The bard leapt, falling after. He wasn’t going fast enough - Xiao was already so far away, spinning downwards to his target. Venti stretched his body, as if somehow that would create less wind resistance. The wetness of his eyes was less about the air hitting him as he fell, and more about the terror he wasn’t going to be quick enough. Faster, he needed to be faster…!

There was an ache in his shoulders, a sharp pang as he kept trying to stretch forward. His hair was whipping around behind him, the plaits smacking his neck and ears. He was gaining speed now, finally! Just a bit more and…!

Xiao landed atop his opponent, the almost dragon-like creature releasing a pained roar at having been stabbed. Just as quickly as when he leapt off the mountain, Xiao ripped his spear from the creature’s back, kicking off of it in a burst of turquoise light. The yaksha was fine. Somehow. Venti’s relief was short-lived, his eyes widening because now he was falling! What was he thinking?! Of course Xiao was fine! He wasn’t human, and he had been doing this for centuries to boot! What could someone like Venti have done to help him? At the speed he was falling, if he tried to spread out his limbs in an effort to slow his fall… Wouldn’t the wind pressure risk breaking them? That was fine - he was willing to risk broken bones over death! As he tried to spread himself out to slow down, there was no resistance threatening his bones as he did so. The fall was starting to feel as if he was… Not so much falling, as he was sinking. Even more strange, was how effective this effort was. Venti had anticipated a subtle change, not one so drastic. The rate in which he was falling had slowed to a mere feather fall, as if gravity barely even noticed Venti was there anymore. 

Now, Venti could simply watch Xiao work. Speed seemed to be the yaksha’s strong suit, in addition to his small and lithe form. The bulk of the beast that Xiao was fighting couldn’t maneuver to match its opponent, nor was it quick enough to try and catch him. With a snarl, it shook its body before flames burst forth from its scales. The green jade of Xiao’s blade paused, his expression hidden behind his mask with its glowing eyes. What was he waiting for…? The creature roared, and charged towards Xiao. It howled as it came at him, and when it raised its claws Xiao leapt upwards, a trail of that glowing turquoise swirling beneath his feet. Polearm in hand, Xiao repeated the downwards spin of his initial jump and brought the blade’s tip down. Right into the skull of the creature, at the base of its neck. The fire on that back of the creature hissed, before bubbling and cooling into cold, black lava rock. With a wave of his hand, Xiao’s mask was gone. Closing his eyes, he sighed.

“That was amazing!” Venti cheered, waving his arms up and down as if mocking wings in flight in his excitement. 

“What are you-?” Xiao gasped, startled from his quiet moment to turn yellow eyes to the voice. Those same yellow eyes with their soft glow widened, the muscles in his face going slack from shock. 

“Are the people okay? Oh, if they missed what you just did, I will make a song so they’ll know!” Venti continued, green-blue eyes searching for the source of the scream. There was a small collection of people, none of which showed any external injuries that he could see. A total of three, none of which appeared conscious. 

“Venti, you…” Xiao began, taking slow steps forward. It was a silly hope to carry, but part of Venti wondered if the other was stepping forward to catch him. His descent hastened, Venti reaching his hands out towards the other. Mesmerized by something, Xiao’s hands clasped with the other’s. Their hands twined together, and Venti was reminded how it felt to walk on air with someone. Figuratively, of course. 

Standing firm and solid on the ground, Xiao looked up into the other’s eyes. Intuitively knew that Venti’s toes weren’t even on the ground as he floated. “They’re beautiful.” Xiao whispered, his eyes on something behind Venti. Curiosity piqued, even if it did somewhat ruin the moment, Venti followed his line of sight.

White feathers. Pure, solid white feathers. 

Startled, Venti turned his head more. Tried to make sense of why there was this wing in his way, and was Xiao talking about those or what was behind it? At his thought of it moving, the wing did so. Realization hit him. These were… His? Wings? Venti had wings ? Since when did he have wings?

“Xiao-” Venti began, only to look down and see that no part of him had made contact with the earth yet. What if he couldn’t land? Would these wings be out forever? Was he stuck with them? Fear and panic spread through him, his body once more foreign to him. His stomach turned, the faster his thoughts raced the more his wings started to flap wildly without direction. The hands he once held in greeting slid out to instead tightly hold onto Venti’s wrist, pulling him down. 

“Venti-” Xiao’s voice was calm and even, but Venti’s mind felt a panic that was primitive and overwhelming at the fingers that held his wrists captive. A sensation of claws clutching tightly onto him, holding Venti down and ripping him apart piece by piece in scattered memories that stole Venti’s rationality. The wings kicked up dust as he wriggled, panic-ridden brain forgetting the yaksha was holding him instead of a nightmare. Xiao knew that clutching onto the other wasn’t the best, but equally was afraid if he let go that Venti would fly off with no understanding of where he was going or how to stop. That in such a short instant, he would lose the other. As much ache as doing so created in his heart, Xiao was a being of duty and would not risk Venti hurting himself. “Venti, focus on your breathing. Can you do that? Just your breathing. Deep breath in, hold, slow breath out…” His voice, normally guarded in its tone, was gentle. Reassuring. Much as the grip frightened some unknown piece of Venti, that voice broke through the terror, reassured and made him feel safe. So he listened. Swallowed down as much panic as he could, and just… Breathed. Adhered to the instructions as he was given, Xiao carefully pulling him down with each sentence.

By the time Venti was breathing normally, Xiao had pulled him into an embrace, pressing Venti’s ear against his chest to listen to the steady, rhythmic beat of his heart. Venti could feel the vibrations of Xiao’s words, the reassuring hold Xiao had with one hand on Venti’s back and the other on his head. Safe. This was… Safe. With the last long exhale, Venti’s toes were on the ground, his wings no longer disturbing the nearby dirt. Leaning fully into the hold, Venti placed his hands on the other’s back, moving more towards the middle when Xiao’s body tensed as fingers got too close to the shoulder blades. Now that he was calm, the two were quiet. 

When was the last time Venti had felt this safe? Try as he might, he couldn’t really remember. A memory, blurry and disjointed. A man, someone Venti had just broken up with. The man was… Frustrating, disappointing. Was always trying to instigate more. The two couldn’t touch without him trying to escalate the interaction into more, to the point that a hug filled Venti with apprehension and his nerves made his whole body tense to the point he woke up with aches. There was no expectation of more in this embrace, and there was a security in that sudden realization. 

It was odd to be held by Xiao. Not bad by any means, but strange. The yaksha moving into action when there was danger was expected. That was his life. But this… This wasn't something Xiao had to do, let alone doing it so gently and patiently. 

“Did they… Hurt?” Xiao asked softly, keeping his voice quiet just in case. 

“The wings?” Venti ventured, and a gentle ‘hmm’ confirmed his words. “No. I didn’t feel anything. I still don’t really feel them.” To his own ears, it sounded silly. “I just had to get to you. From that height I was scared that you wouldn’t make it.”

“For the future, I’ve developed a talent for falls like that. I know how to manipulate Anemo and my innate powers to land without injury.” Xiao’s explanation was simple, and Venti was certain had he not been panicking moments ago the words would have carried much more of an edge to them. There was a tenderness to Xiao, and that made it so hard to want to let go. But he had to. Venti suspected that with his patience, the yaksha would stand there holding Venti for as long as he needed the other to. Anything longer wouldn’t have been fair to Xiao, and it wouldn’t have been fair to the three people that needed to be checked on. With a sigh full of remorse, Venti managed to pull himself away somehow. No resistance came from Xiao, the yaksha simply allowing Venti the movement that he needed. 

Venti was going to say thank you, but he noticed the other’s gaze was still on his wings. “Sorry. I’ll try to figure out how to make them go away.” He apologized, taking a few steps back. If those people saw, they were bound to get the wrong idea.

“No!” The word left Xiao’s mouth before he could think, and the two watched each other with surprise. “Don’t apologize. Take your time. I’ll go check on the humans.” He amended his words, the gruffness returning along with the tension in his shoulders. Trying to move towards juts of rock that Venti hoped would conceal him, he wondered at what just happened. 

In their short time training together, Xiao had maintained his distance. Venti tried to respect it, because antagonizing someone who looked two wrong words away from killing someone was a poor long-term life decision. The yaksha simply didn’t seem particularly interested in Venti outside of gratitude for saving his life, and that a funeral consultant suggested that Xiao protect Venti until… Well, he could protect himself. He was confident he could manage that better if he knew more about the dangers he could face. At the very least, Venti was quite pleased all those years of archery finally had a practical effect. A memory surfaced, vague and disorienting with much of its details verbally given to him rather than from his own eyes. About how he was drunk, and shooting arrows at targets from a dancer’s pole.

Chuckles left him, because what else was there to do but laugh? Venti couldn’t remember the names or the faces of the people that regaled him with the tale of his own poor judgments. Wherever they were, he hoped they were doing well. Right. The wings. He needed to make them go away. But how? He wasn’t even sure where they came from. Just as before, the wings seemed to react to his thoughts, because when he looked over his shoulder to assess the wingspan they were gone. As a test, he thought about the wings returning. If he could understand how to work them…

Turquoise light stretched out from his back, a breeze accompanying the emerging extremities. A handful of feathers drifted from the wings, and the light wind subsided. “That easy, huh?” Venti murmured, and delighted laughter followed suit. Wings! He had wings ! Once he learned how to fly, how far could he go? Would this world allow him to finally reach the stars and hold the moon, to know what it was to dance with the clouds? Doing a slow spin, green-blue eyes twinkled as he watched the wings move with him. Quelling his joy, Venti thought away the wings. Now with the appearance of a regular person, he hurried out from his hiding spot to check on the people and Xiao. 

All three people were now up, though two of them were searching around the area for something. The third, a tall woman, seemed oblivious to her growing wardrobe malfunction. The fastener on the woman’s qipao had somehow come undone, the asymmetric collar sliding over her shoulder awkwardly. The fabric wasn’t stretchy, and the longer Venti watched the interaction the more he recognized this was not an instance of clothing complications.

“Truly, great Conquerer of Demons, you must let me thank you properly! I’m an amazing cook, I can make anything you want.” The woman was saying, batting her eyes and trying to lean forward to offer Xiao a view he otherwise wouldn’t have had being almost an entire head shorter than her. Somehow, Venti managed to keep his amused snort to himself. For his part, Xiao didn’t seem to notice the cleavage trying to catch his eyes. Instead, he continued to frown up at her eyes.

“Conquering demons is what I do. There’s no need to thank me.” Xiao scowled, his tone unpleasant and his expression annoyed. His bushy brows were pressed down over his eyes, body rigid but there was no polearm in either of his hands. 

“But Mr. Conqueror… Don’t you ever want to conquer something… Other than demons?” The woman’s flirtations were quite brazen, and on anyone else her innuendo’s meaning would have been heard loud and clear. Unfortunately for her, Xiao merely eyed her as if trying to decide if she injured her head after all. The way Xiao looked at her, how obvious she was being, it was caomical enough that Venti couldn’t help the snickers that escaped him. Xiao’s annoyed visage was confused for a split second, before the sound of his charge took his attention from the strange question. 

“You’ve returned.” Xiao commented, and nodded at the lack of wings. Gold eyes went back to the woman, who was hurriedly trying to fix her clothes having been caught by a stranger that wasn’t the yaksha. “My duty to Liyue is to deal with demons, and the karma that comes with it. Anything outside of that, seek the Milleleth’s protection.” His warning and advice(?) given, Xiao walked towards Venti who by this point was just openly laughing. Venti couldn’t help it! That woman had clearly never heard of subtle, and somehow Xiao walked away from the situation none the wiser. The entire exchange had been equal parts endearing and hilarious. Standing in front of Venti, Xiao watched him continue to laugh. With an annoyed growl, Xiao easily scooped up the bard and teleported the pair. Right back at the top of the ‘hill.’

By this point, it was assumed Venti was unaffected by his karma. Xiao generally made no physical contact unless he had to. The Anemo abilities gave suggestion that the bard was fine if near the yaksha, as Vision-wielders were safe from the contagion. And just now, when he hugged the other moments ago… Well, thus far, no signs or symptoms. That was going to make teaching Venti less stressful, and added more to the possibility he was Barbatos. Somehow. Meanwhile, unlike Venti, those humans would start to feel its effects if the yaksha remained there any longer. 

But that was background noise, and currently Xiao was trying to make sense of why Venti had been laughing. Somewhere in that exchange, Xiao missed something. Whatever happened to make Venti laugh this hard, the context eluded Xiao and that annoyed him. As the Vigilant Yaksha, nothing should have gotten past his honed senses. Yet he clearly missed something! His frown only grew deeper as Venti’s laughter continued. Ensuring Venti wasn’t going to meander off in his humor, Xiao put down the bard so he could go settle himself on a rock. A nice solid rock, one ideal for thinking on. There was no one around to tease him about pouting, and he found relief in at least that. Unless Venti prodded him, the two were going to take a break. One in which Xiao cleared his mind, his only focus on potential cries for help. Pointed ears listened for the calls of humans, the snarls of demons. Heard only the breeze flowing through the trees, of birds flapping their wings as they took flight. Those wings…

Wings spread out, a white that would make ivory appear more cream. The glow of Anemo coursing through Venti, lighting up pieces of his hair, his eyes, and just faintly beneath his clothes the tattoos of an Archon’s body. That carefree smile, and how happy he was to find that Xiao was fine. Simultaneously Xiao felt the jealousy, the guilt he felt any jealousy at all, and the awe. Attempted to push away how natural it felt, the way Venti’s hands slid so easily into his when trying to land without even realizing he was flying. I shouldn’t have said anything. I doubt he’ll say it, but I know he’s upset with me, the yaksha thought with a sigh. The way Venti had reacted about the wings was unsettling. The potential within Venti was akin to a whirlwind. Depending where you stood, determined just how intense the experience would be. If Venti was going to be afraid of his power, he was going to hurt himself and those around him. Back held straight, Xiao promised himself that when that time came, he would be there to protect everyone he could. 

Attempts at meditation weren’t going as intended, but Xiao skillfully made no reaction as Venti plopped next to him. To his surprise, Venti wasn’t making any attempts at conversation or chatting. The bard merely slid back on his hands, tilting his head back to gaze upon the first stars beginning to show as the sun set. The silence was refreshing, and Xiao was content to enjoy the companionable silence. Shoulders easing, the yaksha imagined his thoughts getting caught up in a gust. The emotions that came with the memories twirled in a circle, spinning around until all of them were a blur of colour. Next each one was carried away by the wind, drifting further away until the weight on his shoulders lifted for the moment. 

Quiet singing pulled him back to the present, and as his eyes fluttered open he took note that the sun had long since set. There had been no calls for him. No demons that dared to challenge him, instead choosing to remain dormant or hidden. From the corners of his eyes, Xiao let his gaze settle on Venti. The bard was lying on the grass, knees pulled in and moving left to right and back in tune with the singing. The action was reminiscent of a metronome. His arms were stretched above his head, hands playing with blades of grass as the wind made them dance over palm and fingers. 

Green and blue eyes caught his, a small smile spreading into the song as his lips curved upwards slightly. Shoulders tensing, Xiao immediately pulled his eyes away, gaze fixating on the ground below. That short second of eye contact, that tiny smile. Such brief and inconsequential things, and yet there was a fluttering in Xiao’s chest he had never felt before. 

Chapter Text

Adjusting the cap upon his head, Venti took one last look at himself in the mirror. At long last, he was finding his attire better matched with how he saw himself. Kind as Verr Goldet had been in lending him what she could find, he was grateful to be wearing what felt right. When he put all the pieces together, he could look himself in the eye and truly feel that he was a bard. It felt good to look the part, not just being called one. Doing a spin, he grinned watching the tail of the large jacket behind him twirl in a graceful arc. The folds in it combined with its shape, almost felt like wings on his back. And on the topic of wings… Venti was still over the moon that he could just summon a pair for use. If he wanted to, he could just crawl out of his window. Spread his wings out, catch an updraft and take flight. If Xiao hadn’t specifically told him not to, Venti would have. The respect he carried for the yaksha was the only reason he listened.

It was hard to resist the urge, though. As if ever since he learned of their existence, the wings ached in his back. Sometimes when he sat, no matter what he did there was a discomfort beneath his skin. Venti would have to keep shifting, and on more than one occasion Verr Goldet came in to check on him. When Venti asked if he could try the same snack their ‘honoured guest’ usually got, he had been surprised when Smiley Yanxiao gave a wink at the request. “Gonna be your new usual?” The cook had asked, a wide grin on his face.

Venti didn’t know what to make of the question. “A gift so sweet, why not offer it on repeat?” Was all he could think to say. The confusion on his face gave him away, and the cook shifted from a playful, conspiratal look to that of relief.

“Oh, you just wanted to thank him… Phew, okay. I can do that.” Smiley Yanxiao said, with a decisive nod. It hadn't been what he asked, but he nodded even so. While he wanted to try it, Venti did want to give Xiao something he would like. To offer a meal to someone that he had never seemed to hunger. Surely the yaksha got at least peckish for a snack at some point? Venti eyed the cook, but said nothing more. Started to wonder if perhaps the cook’s fondness for Liyue’s Vigilant Yaksha went beyond ‘just a fan.’ It wasn’t dangerous in the way Albert was fond of Barbara. At those memories, Venti physically shuddered. If Smiley Yanxiao had a harmless crush on the Conquerer of Demons, that wasn’t any of the bard’s business. 

Trying to move forward with his day, Venti brushed aside any thoughts that wouldn’t help him. Spun on his heel, and headed outside of his room. The morning was still young, the sun cresting over the mountain ranges of Liyue. The clouds lit up with golden lining, moving slowly across the sky as the day began. As many people that busied themselves to keep the inn running and Xiao supported, Venti pondered what more he could do. The yaksha acted on duty, yes, but there were tiny tells that it went beyond something so simplistic. How Xiao would always ensure the humans he saved were not just safe, but could continue without help. The distance the yaksha maintained to keep humans safe from his karma, and yet he watched them with rapt attention. When Xiao put his gaze on someone, his attentiveness gave the impression he knew only the person those gold eyes were on. Initially intimidating, now it had become an endearing normal. 

Not once had Xiao stared into Venti’s eyes, as if he was aware how that could be threatening to the average person. But his attention was always there, and he was direct without ever being dismissive. According to those who worked at the inn and the records Venti found, the Diligent Yaksha had been protecting Liyue for over two-thousand years. During that time, Xiao had mastered the art of patience. Reacted to danger with finely honed skill, treating every danger he saved the humans from with the understanding of how intensely seconds could matter to mortals. 

There had to be something he could do for the yaksha. Playing music was essentially his job now, and Xiao would benefit from it regardless. The only extra effort Venti ever had to put in for him, was to try and find things that the yaksha would enjoy. A feat made all the more difficult by how little he had to work with. Aside from the one song unearthed from his own muddled memories, Venti practically turned the inn’s literature upside down trying to find more ancient tunes. Verr Goldet suggested the bard make a trip to Liyue Harbor to visit their bookshop, that he may have more luck there. Or he could play on the street outside, and hope he caught the interest of a famous second son from Feiyun Commerce Guild. Allegedly, this second son of the guild’s manager had an extensive library. 

No way that Venti could do that, claiming his stage fright wouldn’t let him. A claim that Verr Goldet’s face said she wasn’t buying, but politely didn’t say anything. The bard just couldn’t risk it. The fear would freeze him from the inside, just picturing himself being recognized by someone sent to find him by Deaconess Erne. So far, no one had come inside asking odd questions or providing descriptions that matched too closely to Venti’s appearance. Occasionally, the Millelith would come through and offer sketches of wanted or missing persons. Each time Venti would listen, holding his breath and praying that none of their searches included someone like him. Huai’an had noticed the way Venti eavesdropped, apprehension on his face. Polite as his wife, he didn’t ask about it. Doubtlessly, the man shared with Verr Goldet the nervous way Venti always listened in on these conversations. What those two might have discussed would have made Venti sweat, but he wasn’t going to let himself focus on that.

No, he was going to do some digging! 

With determination in each step, Venti set out to ask around about any local events. This was a land of culture, of history! There had to be something fun going on! The best place to investigate nearby happenings was in the eating area outside, down on the ground where the scent of silk flowers would threaten to drown out that of everyone’s breakfast. Before joining the elevator, Venti checked everyone was wearing the different styles of Liyue’s fashion. Some were more dated, others more modern. One of the visitors was wearing attire from Venti was pretty sure someone said was Fontaine in design? He wasn’t sure. Part of him agreed that was right, not that he could think of why any part of him would feel that way. Given it was safe, he hurried onto the lift. 

Noted a gentleman that, as of last night, had been outed for cheating on his husband. The man lacked the modesty to even try to deny or even humbly accept his shame! Instead, he had the audacity to tell the husband he cheated on that, ‘you got too old, I needed a younger model!’ 

There were some things that Venti simply couldn’t abide. Pretending to be very focused on the harp he brought with him today, the bard subtly used Anemo to save the cheater’s pants from the waistline it once covered. A startled yelp left the man, the elevator shifting as he hurriedly tried to cover himself. The pants themselves would move this way and that, making it all the more difficult for the man to pull them back on. When the elevator reached the bottom, Venti hopped out with a merry laugh as he strummed the harp, pretending he was laughing at the situation and not at his success of creating it. 

Passing by him, leaning in close to his ear, was one of the inn’s workers. “Be more careful. You glow.” They had whispered, continuing on forward without pausing to give Venti an opportunity to thank them. I glow? He thought. Redirecting his path to walk off the deck, he found a quiet spot to inspect himself. Used Anemo again, this time to simply disturb the leaves nearby. Noted the hint of pale green, just on his peripheral. Followed it to the tips of his hair, the once sky blue tinged with that light of Anemo. “Oh good. I’m a candle.” Venti laughed at the absurdity of his reality. The ironic chuckles tapered into disappointed sighs. “Can’t be subtle when I’m a walking torch on command.” He lamented, shoulders drooping. Eyes lifting up from watching the leaves he played with, he startled at a creature flapping delicate wings near him. Its appearance looked like a butterfly, but the body was so tiny compared to its wide wingspan. Offering his hand out, Venti wondered if it would react like a butterfly and flutter away. Its small body emanated a glow that matched the bard’s hair, wings shivering as it resonated with the Anemo that Venti produced. His eyes widened, the creature spinning around before landing in his palm. 

The creature had no feet, its body smooth as glass and just as solid. Nestling itself against his skin, the wings languidly flapped. Out of curiosity, Venti used more Anemo. The leaves swirled more in the small whirlwind he created for them, scattering and scraping noises increasing volume the more he used. The small creature nuzzled more against his palm, and another landed on his shoulder. 

“Oh, crystalflies!” An excited voice, youthful, cried out. “Mister, how are you doing that?” A child asked, scuttering sounds as they scrambled off the deck and over towards the bard. Glancing down, Venti offered a smile and lowered his hand holding the ‘crystalfly.’ “How did you catch one?! They always fly away for me…” The kid pouted, eyes the size of saucers as they offered up both hands to accept the creature. The wings flapped a slight protest, but didn’t resist being transferred from one hand to the next. 

“Must be my Vision.” Venti offered up, motioning at the fake one he wore. 

“A wind one!” The kid exclaimed in delight. “Mom says people with… Uh… Anemom?”

“Anemo.” Venti supplied helpfully.

“Yeah! Anemo! People with Anemo Visions don’t need anemograna to make wind. Is that true?” The child asked, their eyes never once leaving the crystalfly that remained in their palm. Venti observed the way they stared at it, wondering if it was truly so rare to interact with these creatures. Perhaps they were rare? Until now, he hadn’t seen one. 

“Anemograna?” Venti asked, and squatted down to be more on eye level. “What’s an… Anemograna?” Other than a mouthful, of course.

“Uh… They’re things that help you make wind?” The kid wasn’t actually that sure either, and Venti nodded. That didn’t really help him, but he appreciated the effort. “They must really like you!” As children often were, this one didn’t dwell on any topics unless it caught their attention. And crystalfly seemed to be the focus, Venti looking up to notice the edges of wings coming from his cap. He laughed, collecting more to transfer onto the child. Within minutes, the kid was practically vibrating in excitement as crystalfly rested on their arms and in their hair. They knew they should hold still, that the crystalfly were slowly starting to leave. But they were so excited! 

“There you are!” A woman’s voice yelled, her footsteps bringing her over to the pair. “What are you… Oh.” Words failing her, she gazed in wide eyes at Venti and her child. The two had crystalflies fluttering on and between them, Venti looking quite sheepish as he let the Anemo subside so the glowing would stop before she noticed. Shaking herself from her daze, she flapped her hands at the crystalflies. Not once did she hit them, simply disturbed the air around them to chase the creatures away. “How did you do that?” She asked in wonder.

“Vision.” Venti and the child said simultaneously. The two looked at each other, their faces splitting into grins as they both burst into laughter. 

“I had no idea Visions could do that.” The woman said, voice full of wonder. For a second time she had to shake it off, picking her child up. “I’m so sorry she troubled you, but thank you for playing with her.” With a pleasant and grateful smile, she carried her kid back towards the deck. Remaining squat on the ground, Venti mulled over what just happened. There were many marvels in this world, and he was learning the best ones would sneak up to surprise him. Though the woman and child left, it felt as though eyes were watching him. Looking upwards, to the rooftop of Wanshu Inn, Venti couldn’t see if the gaze he felt belonged to a more golden one or that of someone far more mortal. 

***

Bowstring pulled back, arrow knocked. It wasn't just the target that Venti was focusing on, but the Anemo he was trying to infuse into the arrowhead. A feat that he was complicating, the glow in his peripheral acting as a constant distraction. Now that he was aware it was happening, it was becoming impossible for Venti to ignore. A constant, literally visible announcement he was using one of seven elements. There was no subtlety for when he used it. Was this the case for every Vision holder? But then, Venti didn't hold a Vision so could what applied to them really mean the same for him?

Nimble fingers, hard and calloused from years of plucking strings, released the arrow. Watched as the wind twisted its course, his lack of focus affecting its trajectory. Watching from a rock he was standing upon, arms crossed, Xiao watched as the arrow pierced into the ground with a soft, ‘thump.’ The yaksha's visage remained neutral, in spite of the oddity. 

“Should I have… Tried a different weapon, ehe?” Venti asked, trying to laugh off the bad aiming. 

“No.” Xiao answered quickly, shaking his head. There were no people to be found in this area of Jueyan Karst, secluded enough that stray arrows weren't a threat to innocent bystanders. With his karmic debt, Xiao knew the local wildlife would steer clear of the two and were also safe. Not that he had concerns about stray arrows prior to then. “You were performing fine yesterday. If you're not feeling well, we can conclude here. Pushing yourself while ill offers no room for improvement, only frustration.” 

The pot called the kettle black, and did not notice the irony. 

“I'm feeling fine, I'm fine, perhaps even better with wine.” Venti found the rhyme left his lips, dismissive and not entirely untrue. The bard could always use a nice glass of wine. Or cider. When he looked at the yaksha, the other was staring him down. Patiently waiting for at least an explanation. “I glow.” Venti finally said, motioning at his hair. “Why do I glow? You have a Vision - do you glow when you use it?” He asked. 

“No. The Vision does.” Xiao's reply was simple, and got a frown from the bard. “...As for the ‘glow,’ typically Elemental Beings have reactive bodies when they utilize the element of which they embody. I assume you're not human, if we ascertained solely by your lack of reaction to my karmic debt. Do you know what type of Elemental Being you might be?” The yaksha had been giving this some thought, which surprised Venti. The adeptus seemed so detached from everything, that he had given Venti any thought at all was curious. 

“...A slime?” Venti suggested, his brows bending in uncertainty while he attempted a more playful grin to show he was joking. Xiao narrowed his eyes slightly, not amused. “I don't know? I've been assuming human until what you just said.” It had never occurred to Venti he was anything but human since he awoke, but somehow what Xiao said didn't feel wrong. “Do you got a list of Elemental Beings?”

“No.” Xiao shook his head, straight to the point. “I know what creatures call Liyue home, and you don't fit any of those descriptions.” 

“So definitely not from Liyue.” Venti could at least rule that out? He had woken in Monstadt, and that had felt right. The fear that Erne put into him felt like having been chased from home. There was a thoughtful hum from Xiao, his eyes no longer on Venti. Instead, his gaze was out the corner of his eyes. “Did Mr. Zhongli tell you about my memory?” The bard finally asked. 

“He did.” Xiao said, his thoughtful expression remaining. “You don't recall anything about who or what you are?” He sounded… Surprised. 

There was a first for everything. 

“I know my name is Venti, and that I love music. Calling myself a bard sounds natural, but that's more a lifestyle than my makeup.” Venti mused, and for lack of anything better to do adjusted his body to face the target once more. Knocked a bow on his arrow, and tried to focus on the target - not the glow as he infused the Anemo. Released the string, missed once more. “...Is there a way I can… Not do this?” He asked in exasperation. Set down the bow, and grabbed the two plaits on either side of his face. Wiggled the glowing hair at the yaksha, who ignored this. 

“...I'm not sure. It is not an experience I'm familiar with.” Xiao spoke after a moment, sighing as he pulled away from his thoughts. “I can inquire with the other adepti, but in the meantime practice is what I would recommend.” The only adeptus he knew of with a similar experience now lived as a human mortal, and Xiao would honor that desire. That meant not asking the former Geo Archon how he was able to use Geo without the effects it once had on his body. Or if he even could. Hard to say with how covered Zhongli was. Xiao suspected the glow maybe had something to do with the Gnosis he once carried… But that would mean Venti carried a Gnosis himself without knowing it. 

Given the power of such things, Xiao doubted Venti would have gone this long without noticing something of such magnitude. Regardless of what he did and did not know. “Do you… Own something that looks like a chess piece?” Xiao ventured, just in case he was wrong. He had never held one, and recognized this much he was assuming. 

“A chess piece? No? Why?” Venti frowned, tilting his head slightly at the odd line of inquiry. Released the plaits in his hands, now dangling limply against his chin and cheek. The glow gone entirely. 

“An impossible thought. Nevermind it.” Xiao said, and motioned at the bow. “Since you are fine, then let's resume practice. Until you learn how to not ‘glow,’ you should improve on not getting distracted. A misfire can seriously injure someone.” He instructed. Just like that, Venti found himself practicing again in spite of not wanting to. 

At some point, Xiao disappeared. The yaksha didn't even bother saying anything by this point, his need to suddenly leave a normal occurrence. The help he was providing Venti wasn't his priority, and the bard took no offense about this. People's lives were far more valuable than Xiao watching Venti run back and forth, collecting the arrows as he worked on using Anemo in weaponry. Since he wasn't being watched, however, Venti grinned. There was no one to correct him if he wanted to get a little… Experimental. 

So he tried different things. Tried to focus if he could feel the channeling of elements in his body. No luck. After all that trying, he was exhausted. All of that felt like a waste. The only benefit was that all of his efforts seemed to have attracted a few crystalfly, and some other flying creature. The second one had a ball of light for what he assumed was a head, but could have been a body? There were tiny wings, and as it moved segmented parts trailed after like a tail. As it moved through the air, tiny wind currents flowed along with it. 

Anemograna, he thought in wonder. Somehow knew this was what the child had been talking about. Reached his arm upwards, palm up towards the sky. Giggled as one anemograna tickled across his skin, wrapping around his arm like a snake and leaving goosebumps in its wake. Tried to contain his laughter when feeling more of these creatures curiously inspecting him. Like tiny little friends that wanted to say hello. 

Beaming at them, he looked around to try and see just how many there were. A familiar silhouette caught his eyes, further away than Venti would have thought Xiao would be. One of the crystalfly that was heading towards Venti was trying to give the yaksha a wide birth initially, but then a hand that held Anemo was extended outwards to the small being. Inviting, the Vision attached to the shoulder the arm belonged to glowing with its use. 

The crystalfly floated towards the offered hand, enticed by the Anemo it held. Swaying to and from, it slowly bobbed closer. It was mere inches away... When suddenly the creature flinched, wings flapping rapidly as the crystalfly retreated as though burned. Simultaneously, Xiao retracted his hand, body physically flinching at the rejection. Fingers curling in tightly, the soft glow of gold eyes were put out as Xiao shut them. Slowly, those orbs opened once more to look at his hand and let out a long sigh. His gaze turned away, refusing to look upon those creatures any longer. 

The sight made Venti's heart ache, a sudden understanding coming with what he witnessed. What a lonely path it must have been, to dedicate one's life to saving those he could never touch. Venti looked at all the creatures around him, the sound of fluttering wings comforting. Listened to the tune of the way his heart yearned to give Xiao some of the kindness the yaksha bled, letting the music it was conducting inspire him on just how to do that. 

Chapter Text

The planning had been the hardest part. Asking if there were any events in Liyue that involved music, no matter how small. Venti wasn't sure if the answer he eventually got was true, or if it was Verr Goldet stepping in. It happened suspiciously after Venti had discussed with Huai’an over drinks the idea he had in mind. Both had a habit of getting a bit too chatty over wine, a fact that annoyed some within the inn. The pair were in Huai’an's office, and the man finally pressed his bard guest about why he needed to find something with music.

“I think I may have found something Xi-, sorry, the Conqueror of Demons, might enjoy. He's saved my life and lots of others. Wouldn't it be nice to repay him?” Venti said, motioning upwards and above their heads to where the yaksha liked to stay.

“Oh, of course.” Huai’an agreed, nodding his head a bit too fervently with flushed cheeks as the alcohol permeated him with each sip. Carefully with his hands, he refilled both of their glasses. “But it's so difficult to get him to let anyone. Before you stayed with us, a gentleman would often send us special medicine to help him manage his pain. I would say the fact your music helps alleviate his suffering to be the greatest gift you could give him. The music of others couldn't come close.” He continued, taking a sip from his drink at the same time as the bard.

“Mmm. You might be onto something. But… I have this idea. And I think it'll do more for him than my music could.” Venti pressed, but withheld what it was. Didn't want to say it, and then be wrong. To disappoint anyone else more than himself if he was wrong.

“Oho? What a mysterious stranger we have.” Huai’an laughed heartily, rumbling out from his belly. “Well, I may know something… But how do you plan to get the Diligent Yaksha to wherever the music is? He'll never go to a place with large crowds. I know it's to protect us humans, but there's part of me that… Please don't laugh, but, I think our Diligent Yaksha might have developed social anxiety over the years. Sometimes I'll see him practicing talking, before he goes to your room. It's kind of cute, but also a bit sad… You're so easy to talk to. It's taboo of me to say, but I think saying the wrong thing is the only thing he fears.” Huai’an was somber as he spoke, eyes reflecting into his as he stared into his wine.

“Does he?” Venti asked, eyes softening at what he heard. Huai’an was right - if it was true, that was both adorable and distressing. “That's exactly why I'm trying to find a small one. I don't intend on bringing him to the event, just close enough to hear from afar. A place he could still have his peace and solitude.” The bard explained, and took another long drink from his glass. Relished the way it burned down his throat, and warmed him from belly outwards.

“I see. Please allow me some time to confirm I heard correctly, and I'll get back to you.” Huai’an promised.

At the time, Venti hadn't put much merit into it. There was always the possibility that Huai’an drank his memory of their talks away. Two days later, he got word that Qingce Village was holding a small celebration. There would be a large bonfire, music, and a story-teller would be there. Nothing large or extravagant, as majority of its villagers were elderly. Just a small expression of gratitude in memory of the adepti that had done so much for the people of Liyue.

It was convenient, which in its own right explained why it was so perfect. Venti dared not question the opportunity he had been given. Instead, climbed out of his room and into the tree. Made his way up its branches, the safe ones memorized by this point. On more than one night he clambered into Xiao's perch to play the yaksha a private concert. A few of those times Venti had fallen asleep, lulled by his own music, only to awaken in his own bed. Blankets pulled over him, and his braids undone. As if someone tucked him in, and tried to ensure he was comfortable.

A someone most certainly not under the employ of Verr Goldet.

Often, Venti didn't know if Xiao was there when he made his way upwards. The bard simply went up there after he performed for the inn's guests. On this particular night, he was eagerly making his way there. Grinned widely when he saw that Xiao was there, standing rigid as if he were a statue. “Xiao!” Venti called out happily. The yaksha turned his head slightly, one pointed ear directed at the bard to show he was listening. “I need you to do me a favor!” Venti continued, pausing more to ensure he settled into his usual spot safely. “There's this thing happening at Qingce Village-”

“I'm not going inside a village, my-”

“-karmic debt, yes, yes, I know.” Venti was perhaps too dismissive, but the lightness of his tone combined with the topic managed to catch the yaksha off guard long enough to no longer interrupt. “I'm not asking to go inside the village. More like… Near the village? One of the maps I got of Liyue, there's this mountainous area outside of Qingce Village, if I'm reading the formations right, the music will sound amazing!”

The bard planned this out extensively, knowing the best way to convince Xiao was to use enough truths the other didn't catch there was an ulterior motive.

“If it's an event, you can get a ride.” Xiao said evenly, finally recovering from the other's nonchalance towards such a serious subject.

“Sure, to the village. But they'll think me rude for refusing to stay, just to listen on some rocks, right? And I can't climb that with these arms! Look at them!” Venti went on, offering up his arms as evidence that he suffered from muscles made of noodles. “I'd have to fly, and you said I wasn't allowed!”

As Venti's excuses continued, Xiao pinched the bridge of his nose. “Fine. I'll take you there. You'll have an hour before I pick you back up. Am I clear?” The yaksha said.

“Yes!” Venti beamed, eyes shining with delight. Pleased his plan was going better than expected, he pulled out his Dihua flute. “I found some new music sheets, but they're a bit… Bouncier than what I've played before. Would music for dancing bother you?” He asked, both genuine and with a hidden agenda.

“...” Xiao had to pause, caught in a moment both familiar and foreign. Of an Archon whose face matched Venti's, with the same type of flute, that played a tune that part of the yaksha hoped to dance to someday. Was it coincidence or was this fate? “No… I don't mind.” He finally managed to say, brows knitting together as he tried to sort through the complicated feelings that happened when he thought of Barbatos.

“That's great!” Venti smiled, and without hesitation practiced fingers started to play. The tune wasn't of Liyue origin, but it was catchy. Xiao let one ear listen, while the other focused on the voices of his home. Heard Venti unconsciously tapping his foot, knew without looking the bard was still smiling.

Whatever or whoever he was before this, Xiao did not doubt music was central to who Venti was. The other only seemed truly at piece when he had his hands on an instrument, and a song that he weaved with it using fingers or lips. Sometimes, Xiao wished he could bring himself to ask the other to bring more string instruments. To more often hear the bard’s melodious voice, to relax in his soothing vocals.

To stop himself from hoping Venti would fall asleep up there by him. There was a comfort in having someone who could be safely near him. If circumstances weren't what they were with the other yaksha, Xiao could have been around them more. As it was, the five now only gathered to share intel and updates. The damage of the Cataclysm had left its marks on not just each of them, but on the relationships they shared. Those days had taught all five that not even they were as safe with each other as they once believed.

At how easily they almost lost each other, if not for the intervention of a Dihua flute and an Archon that…

No, Xiao wouldn't think about that.

Shaking the thoughts away, he listened to the music. Forced himself to focus on the notes as they swayed, moving into his ears like the waltzes he heard about that Fontaine so favored. Let the music help him leave behind those memories, and live in the present.

The music eventually ended, and the time passed as it had these last few weeks. The time to deliver Venti to the small mountain by Qingce Village had arrived, and it was there that Xiao found that he didn't need to support the bard beneath his legs or back when carrying. Not when Venti clung tightly to him without a single foot on the ground.

In fact, the bard might have been stronger than he advertised himself as. Especially given he was holding onto Xiao's torso for dear life, his arms shaking with the strain to keep himself attached. “Please stay!” Venti was begging, looking up at the yaksha with wide, pleading eyes of blue and green.

“No.” Xiao was firm, but not unkind. He was also not sure how to remove the bard without hurting him. Or even how to handle this situation. Getting latched on to wasn't an occurrence he was experienced in. So he was just waiting for the other's strength to give out. Xiao hoped it was as soon as it looked.

“Please! I'm scared to be alone!” Venti said, adding on false tears to really sell his ‘fear.’

“There's nothing here except… Look, you've nothing to be afraid of. You have Anemo well under control.” Xiao felt like he was talking to a wall. A wall with a face getting redder from the struggling it was undergoing to hold on. Blowing out a sigh, Xiao put his arms under the other and helped alleviate the bard’s weight. Venti let out a long breath, arms falling to rest temporarily against Xiao's chest. The yaksha blinked, ears twitching at the casual intimacy. Venti's arms were still trembling from the strain, but he could relax. “I'm going to put you down, and then I'll be back in an hour. That's what we agreed on.”

“Yeah, I know but… It's spooky.” Venti mumbled, now twiddling his index fingers together. Made himself as small as he could in the other's arms, and looked up slightly at the yaksha with hope-filled eyes.

“...Of all the…” Xiao grumbled, and immediately Venti knew he won. “Fine. But if someone calls, you're coming with me and we won't be returning.” The yaksha said, that firmness in his voice once more.

“Yay! Oh thank you, Kind and Gracious Conquerer of Demons!” Venti said, wrapping his arms around the other's neck and hugging Xiao tightly. Pressed their cheeks together and rubbed his face against the yaksha. Felt how rigid the other's body became, the arms holding him stiff. “O-Oh, haha, sorry. I got carried away.” Venti apologized, and quickly slipped out of the other's arms.

After a few minutes, Xiao eased up but his shoulders remained tight with tension.

To really sell they were there for the music, Venti set down a blanket and got comfortable. Maintained enough space from the edge neither could be seen, but close enough the two could hear the laughter and songs be carried on each draft of wind. When Xiao asked Venti to practice, what the bard had been doing wasn't what he meant.

Learning to guide the wind, to share whispers with the creatures of Anemo. Memories that visited him in his sleep, the kinder ones amidst nightmares that shared secrets with him. To listen to the strums and beats from below, the song that was Liyue and the stories it gathered in stone.

The music from the village carried across the breeze, guided along by Venti’s hands showing it the path to take. The sound of string and wind instruments surrounded the pair, songs of mortals celebrating the lives they protected them past, present, and future. Xiao watched him curiously, yellow eyes reminiscent of fireflies that lit up to show him the way home. At the gaze, Venti caught it with his own and offered a soft smile. This wasn’t the time to tease or play pranks. No more misleading words. No, what Venti had in mind was something to give Xiao. A heartfelt thank you, not just from the bard but every person that Xiao’s kindness had saved. Standing up from the blanket, Venti brushed off dirt and set about offering his gift.

The winds started to pick up, and bits of Anemo flickered as he concentrated on the energies. Let it sweep over the yaksha, seeping through cloth and skin to collect the karma. Particles came out the other side of Xiao, the wind cleansing and carrying the remains away higher and higher into the sky. All to, just for a moment, create a constellation of Xiao’s heart that beat just to save Liyue, to save people. “Venti…?” Xiao said softly, the name leaving him without knowing he said anything at all. The gusts continued, strong enough to move hair and fabric, but not enough to do more. A tiny whirlwind of music enveloping the pair. With a sheepish smile, Venti offered a hand to Xiao. There was no expectation. Nothing in the moment was an obligation, the bard doing nothing more than wearing his heart on his sleeve in hopes that, for once, Xiao would feel safe.

Those yellow eyes locked onto the hand, and the yaksha’s mouth turned into a thin line. Endearingly bushy brows furrowed, and his shoulders rose further in tension. A silent decline, one that the bard had anticipated. Convincing Xiao would take time, and in this moment it seemed they had ample of it. No need to rush it. Pulling his hand away, Venti flipped through the mental cards of words he could offer. A search he paused on, mental finger lingering but hope was still blooming. Xiao took hesitant, shy steps forward until the two had less than a foot between them. A shaky gloved hand slid into the one Venti had put back to his side. “May I have this dance?” Venti inquired, smiling into his eyes with the same warmth that flooded his chest. To give the other a chance to decline, to step away if he was trying to rush.

Xiao’s heart skipped a beat, looking into green-blue eyes that now glimmered with Anemo energy, but also adoration. As if the wind itself, once carrying his wings, was now trying to encourage him. His body trembled, all at once nervous yet entranced. When was the last time he let himself soak in the touch of another? The fear of himself had grown deep enough, he dared not even let the other adepti touch him. Standing there, holding his hand like it was a treasure, was Venti who waited for him. Would keep waiting for him. One dance. Just this one, for the person so willing to be patient with him. Pulling Venti forward, Xiao put his other hand on the bard’s waist. The action earned a startled sound from Venti, not a noise that until then the adeptus had the pleasure of hearing. That alone made this well worth it.

Falling into place, Venti’s other hand settled on one of Xiao’s shoulders. Neither moved to a specific dance, instead listening to the music. Steps scraped across the dirt beneath shoes, each cautious to not step on toes on accident. Slow and steady, topaz and peridot peered into the souls opposite. Time stopped, the music quiet in the wake of the beat the pair shared. B-bump. Hands loosely held by palms touching, a gloved one shifted so that fingers could intertwine. B-bump. Two glowing eyes, reflecting tenderness in both pairs. B-bump. All the while, the bard wore a fond smile while the yaksha could no longer hide his anxiety but pressed on because he wanted to. A hold never too tight but always reassuring, Xiao shifted to lead Venti into a slow spin.

One that the bard easily used to float upwards, anemo light keeping him aloft. A flicker of loss, of confusion, quickly replaced with surprise with Venti gently tugged on Xiao to pull himself up afterwards. Hesitant steps, and a sweet, perfect laugh left the adeptus as he found himself aloft in the air with the other. This wasn't something he had taught Venti. None of this had been covered in their lessons. Xiao had never been able to get Anemo to work like this for himself, and accepted the loss for what it was. But now… Venti found a way, and was sharing it with him.

Gravity could pull all it wanted to, but Xiao was once again free from its hold. Every inch of him lit up, as if gravity controlled not just his body, but his soul. The joy of being free filled the yaksha, eager to experience a dance in the sky. The kind he had once experienced with birds, spinning with the winds like petals on a breeze. Before he had been prisoner to a god's cruel mechanisms, before he lost his wings like someone's clipped prize bird. Held Venti's hand and waist, moving the two across the Anemo dance floor. For a precious moment, there was only them and the sky. No limits existed, there were no walls or floors or even ceilings to stop their dance.

As they spun, and Venti was gently dipped the smile he wore was contagious. For the first time, saw what Xiao looked like when he smiled. It was warm and gentle, the type that inspired poets like Venti to write entire books dedicated to it. Venti was mesmerized, willing and hopeful that Xiao would continue their dance, would keep letting Venti follow after each of his steps. Knew everything he was doing was worth it, that the moment would only be sweeter as they took more steps towards it.

Excitement pressed the anxiety away, and Xiao pulled Venti into a tight embrace. A pause in their dance, but it was one the bard was all too happy to return. On it lingered, Venti leaning into and letting Xiao soak up the contact, the affection, the everything he could possibly need or simply want from Venti. To offer all that he could to the adeptus. Hands that clutched tightly onto the bard’s hands left, fingers sifting over lower and upper back as if trying to recollect the best way to hug without once letting go. “Thank you.” Xiao whispered into black hair, inhaling the scent of cecilias and dandelions. So caught up in the experience, didn't question why someone so far from Monstadt carried its scent on him like it was his own. Forgot to be scared that someone might smell the blood and death on him, scents that to him never truly left. With a long, slow, exhale Xiao forced himself to pull back. To let go, before he simply forgot how to live without touch.

But how could he? Fond eyes were watching Xiao, no hint of pain. There was only happiness in the eyes of Anemo, and if that wasn’t enchantment enough there was a matching crystalfly resting on Venti’s head. Breath catching, the yaksha let his eyes sweep around them. The whirlwind carried with it more than just the music now. Crystalflies fluttered around in it, and even anemograna danced along the gentle gusts. Glancing down, the two had floated several feet up and there were twinkles of even more of the elemental creatures celebrating the sky touching earth. A light fluttering brought Xiao back to where he was, with Venti. Eyes looking to the side, he saw that there was a matching crystalfly resting upon his own head. A crystalfly. A wind-touched being. So delicate, a being far too fragile to get too close to something like Xiao. Far too tainted by karma, the little things would always run away before he could ever get close enough to even consider reaching towards it.

Without the pull of gravity, the pains of the karmic debt… Time would start ticking again, and Xiao knew he would once again feel the pain both brought him. Arms and hands went back to their original positions, one holding Venti’s hand with fingers wrapped around each digit and the other on his waist. Resumed their dance, inhibitions long since abandoned. The music was in his ears and his heart, guiding each direction the two would glide in. The pair danced with the crystalflies, with the anemograna, and with each other.

Their dance invited the creatures, delighted by the warm winds the two shared and created together. Anemograna would wind between their legs, swirled about waists and arms. If Xiao took his hand from Venti's waist to let a crystalfly land on an extended finger, several would try to land. To hold something so fragile without breaking it, felt like a crack in his heart was being filled with something new. Something wonderful that the bard before him brought, kind visage not once wavering. Cautiously, Xiao placed the crystalfly on top of the bard’s head as if it were a flower. The act garnered him a beaming smile.

Unconsciously, Xiao's ran the back of his hand along the side of Venti's face. A glove stopped him from feeling the other's hair or skin, but he could feel the weight of the other leaning against the touch. How long had it been, since someone leaned into instead of flinching away from Xiao's hand?

“Is this okay?” Venti asked quietly, voice low and musical. As if he were singing a lullaby instead of checking on Xiao.

“...Yes.” Xiao didn't have the words right then to convey everything he felt. But he did know that this was more than okay. That maybe, just maybe, he didn't need to be firm in making the two leave after just an hour. That maybe, if they could, dancing the entire night would also be more than okay.

When tomorrow arrived, Xiao’s cheeks would ache from how much he smiled but every second would be worth it. There was no risk of mistaking this night for a dream - for no dream his tongue had tasted compared in the sweetness of this.

Chapter Text

"You can touch them, if you like." Venti offered, quite happily at that. The pair were in Jueyan Karst, bard standing before yaksha with his wings out. Wings that Venti had noticed the frequency with which the yaksha kept looking at them, hints of longing in his eyes. Why wouldn't Venti offer a touch? Yet Xiao was always refusing kindness, hiding behind the claim of his duty, his contract. The man needed new excuses. Honestly, Xiao could learn a lot about excuses from Venti, if he was willing.

"Touch… Them." Xiao repeated his words, his brows furrowing as they so often did. It was cute, honestly. The bushy brows sometimes had stray hairs stick out in front of those glowing yellow eyes, distracting Venti from the yaksha's cat-like pupils. The expression was so close to a pout, and Venti was starting to suspect that perhaps those frowns were more cover-up than agitation. As Venti mused, green-blue eyes watched the other for the more subtle signs. Xiao wouldn't be honest with himself, so inevitably he wouldn't be honest with the bard.

Xiao’s fingers twitched, testing the sensation of reaching, the fantasy of running along the offer. Then the tension of the body, shoulders pulling in, back becoming a painful rigid instead of his usual perfect posture. Finally, fingers curled in until both hands were a fist. The yaksha wanted to, but for some reason refused. Or Venti assumed, until he noticed hints of red on the other's cheeks. Was he too embarrassed to admit that he wanted to?

"I can't. I'll hurt them… You." Xiao answered, his voice tight.

"Xiao, don't be silly! You'd only hurt them if you wanted to." Venti readily dismissed the fear. Both knew that Xiao's karma didn't affect Venti, and the bard couldn't picture Xiao doing anything to hurt him. On purpose, at any rate. Accidents happen, and it would be cruel to assume Xiao was exempt from that reality. Venti took two steps closer, bending forward so he could look up at the other with a slight tilt of his head. A mischievous smile played on his lips, a plan forming to help give Xiao what he wanted.

"Wings… Are a lot more delicate than you realize. I will." Xiao continued softly, that annoyed visage slipping into multitudes of emotions. Pain, sorrow, and regret. Venti's smile faltered, and all over again he wondered at everything that Xiao wouldn't say. The bard wanted to know so badly. To hear the tales of Liyue's Diligent Yaksha, the stories so sad they affected even Xiao. The one who kept it all locked up, tight and secret and lonely.

"I trust you, Xiao." Venti was no longer trying to persuade the other to do what he wanted. No, now he wanted to help pull the other back out of whatever hole he was drifting down into. Their dance, with Xiao smiling, suddenly seemed so long ago despite only two days having passed.

"That's because I protect you." Xiao countered, quick to justify and push away.

"Oho? Is that how you see it?" Venti asked, standing upright again. Pulling his lyre out, his fingers outlined a symbol of wind, the anemo ensuring his most recent tuning was still the best. Those same fingers strummed, his music easing into song.

"In the land of stone carved from law,

Does a sweet melody travel in winds.

Changing tears into dew does this land he regrew,

Not with contracts but a heart so pure.

If there are a thousand winds,

Then he's saved as many of each with never a need for thanks.

The sun is warm yet he is warmer,

The land's bounty is kind yet he is kinder,

For his motivation is that his love, like stone, runs deep."

Truthfully, Venti could have continued. But Xiao seemed the type that hated compliments, constantly trying to dodge any offered under the guise he was 'just doing' his duty. Xiao's hands twitched, tempted to applaud yet he managed to resist.

"...You're wrong. I do this, because it is my duty-"

"That you took up because you love Liyue, and you love the humans in it." Venti interjected, hoping the warmth he felt towards the other could be seen in his eyes. For Xiao to understand that Venti truly saw the goodness that he so desperately tried to hide.

"Rex Lapis asked me to." Xiao dodged, refusing to deny or confirm. At this, the bard raised a brow.

"I heard that Rex Lapis was a blockhead, but was he so emotionally constipated he assigned a yaksha that hated humans to protect them?" Venti asked, and immediately regretted his word choice when Xiao shot him a withering glare. Important note: don’t diss Rex Lapis in front of Xiao, Venti thought to himself.

"He was not!" Xiao hissed, quick to defend his Archon. "I never said I hated humans." He corrected, ready to say more but then noticed the cat-like smile on the other's face. Recognizing what he said, Xiao merely scowled and crossed his arms. "Whatever. It doesn't matter."

"You say so." Venti said, a tune in his voice. “I am sorry for what I said about the Rex Lapis.” He amended, and noted the way Xiao's shoulders eased at the apology. Good. Now, to enact his plan. With a spin on his heel, his wings unfurled. One wing lowered, and the length of the primary feathers caught just under Xiao's chin. The feathers slid along, almost like a finger. Venti could almost feel the weight as Xiao followed the touch of the feathers, letting himself be pulled in the direction of their movements. The contact was short and quick, the entire purpose to just give the yaksha a tease to hopefully help him accept doing what he wanted was fine on occasion. Xiao wasn't going to hurt Venti's wings, he was being needlessly paranoid.

Action completed, Venti put the wings away so he could look over his shoulder at the other. His smile might have been too smug, but this would have been worth it if…

Venti paused, the pride in what he did faltering before he could only feel confused. Because behind him, Xiao was staring at Venti, his entire face red. Including those pointed ears of his! The yaksha also didn't appear to be breathing simply frozen how he had been left. "Xiao?" Venti ventured. Had he done something wrong, or offensive somehow?

The voice broke Xiao from his stupor. His left hand shot up to cover his face, yaksha looking away to hide his growing embarrassment. That was, it felt so… Intimate. The touch was light, and the feathers were almost caresses. He could feel how the longing built an ache in his chest, a need for two beautifully different desires.

This bard was dangerous, and Venti just stood there, ignorant and oblivious to the power he had.

“Did I… Do something bad?” Venti finally asked, hesitant to move forward but also wanting to check on the other.

“N-No. Just. Unexpected.” Xiao managed to stammer out, barely able to hear his words over his pounding heart. He couldn't bring himself to look at the bard, not right then. What was he supposed to do now? The Anemo lessons were decreasing in the actual teaching as Venti learned so quickly, and increasing in… This. Whatever this was. Venti smiling at him, or trying to hold his hand. Surprising him with almond tofu each time the yaksha arrived to collect him. In fact, this morning Venti basically jumped into Xiao's arms.

The sensation had been so natural, so normal. As if the bard belonged there, arms around Xiao's neck and beaming up at the yaksha, chattering away without any apprehension. To further complicate things, ever since the two danced that other night… Xiao couldn't stop thinking about Venti, kept feeling a heat in his chest. There was no way that he could…

…Could he?

This wasn't Xiao's strong suit. He trusted this was Venti's, but asking what was becoming the object of his affections for guidance wasn't an option. It put Venti in an uncomfortable position, and Xiao refused to do that. No, he would just figure it out on his own.

This would have been a perfect time for someone to call for help.

There was no call for help.

Accepting there was no tactical retreat available for him to collect his thoughts, to adjust his expressions, he rolled his shoulders. Tried to focus on what he would bring to the meeting with the other four yaksha. Anything except the person near him, waiting with a nervous smile. “...It's quiet here. It'll be a good opportunity for you to stretch your wings. Getting a muscle cramp in them isn't advisable, and using them helps prevent that.”

Xiao closed his eyes, trying to not let the frustration at himself show too much. He was supposed to focus on anything else - that recommendation required his attention. He couldn't take the words back, however, as an excited Venti was already getting a running start to take flight. Golden eyes cracking open, Xiao's fists tightened as he restrained himself from reaching out, to refuse the call to catch one of the loose feathers that floated down. Tainted hands weren't allowed near feathers so dainty and pure.

***

Hours later, the meeting wasn't proving to be very distracting, either. Venti had been returned to the inn, and now Xiao stood in the circle made up of Liyue’s five yaksha. Every few weeks Bosacius would summon all of them, a habit he started a little over two years ago. Prior to that, the five only interacted when they answered the same call. Xiao suspected a certain someone requested he try to amend the damage somehow, as he would no longer be there. In theory.

In actuality, the man who now called himself Zhongli still found ways to be there. Such as sending specialized medicine to help each of the yaksha with their debt, even though it was no longer his duty.

“There's been a rise of Abyss activity around the Chasm. Those tiny mages are pains in my ass, and keep terrorizing the geriatric hilichurls. You'd think as old as they are, those damn Abyssholes would have some respect for the elderly.” Bosacius scowled, one set of arms crossed while the other held a clipboard with papers collected. He also wore glasses without lenses, which looked rather silly on him but none of the others had the heart to comment on it. “I know grandma and grandpa ‘churls aren't really our duty, but they are temporary residents until their time. And well, as Liyue grows we're needed less… So it's something to do.” He continued.

“Is it just me, or does it sometimes feel like humans get in trouble just to give us something to do?” Indarius asked, sitting upon one of the rocks while fiddling with a contraption Cloud Retainer gifted her years ago. It wasn't that she hadn't figured out how to use it, it was that she had broken it and was always trying to fix it. The Pyro yaksha must have ‘fixed’ it ten times over by now, yet the device somehow remained broken.

“No, a few it's definitely to flirt with us.” Menogias corrected, leaning against a pillar of rock and enjoying the cool slab of stone. When he said that, Xiao was reminded of Venti's remarks.

“...With… Innuendos?” Xiao asked, brows furrowing heavily over his eyes as he mulled over that conversation. Was reminded of who he was trying to not think about.

“Oh, the Innuendos! Why you wouldn't beli-… Xiao?” Menogias asked, his own golden eyes widening in surprise that the person he was responding to was Xiao, and not anyone else. Normally, the Anemo yaksha said nothing the entire meeting. That had been true of him the entire time the other yaksha knew Xiao. Even more startling was the topic he chose to join in on. “Xiao, what did the mortal do?!” The protective streak that made up the core of every yaksha reared upwards, Menogias’ eyes flashing with sudden fury.

“What did they say? We'll deal with it for you. Such matters are not ones you should ever have to suffer.” Bosacius added in, eyes snapping from his clipboard to catch Xiao's eyes.

Blinking rapidly, Xiao was temporarily at a loss at the rapid reaction such simple words garnered. Even Indarius set down her contraption, a deepset frown upon her face. “No, I was just… Curious.” Xiao finally managed to say beneath the protective gazes of his yaksha family. Didn't want to bring up his conversation with Venti, because then he'd have to talk about Venti. Could still hear the bard’s good-natured laugh when the adeptus pressed him about why he was laughing after that woman spoke to Xiao. How embarrassing it had been, for both of them, for Venti to explain what the woman meant by, ‘Conquering something other than demons.’

Venti had been almost shy the more Xiao pressed for better explanations of innuendos. At the time Xiao had been more frustrated at a new level of human interaction he'd have to parse through. That the mortals were anything but direct with him was annoying. For what purpose did they flirt with him using double meanings? “Well, sometimes people do it because they're testing if the other party is interested? I was laughing more at her than you, but you were pretty cute with how oblivious you were!” Venti had said, a carefree smile on his face.

Cute wasn't a descriptor that Xiao often got nor cared for. But now… If Venti thought he was, perhaps being cute wasn't so bad…?

…Xiao groaned, realizing he was doing it all over again: thinking about Venti. Why couldn't he shake thoughts of the bard?

“Yes, but… Since when do you know what an innuendo is?” Menogias asked, faltering somewhat. He had expected Xiao to be more uncomfortable. Instead he seemed distracted? Looking up at him, Xiao narrowed his eyes into a disapproving glare.

“Do you think me ignorant?” Xiao accused. With a cough, Menogias retreated back to his original place.

“No, just… It didn't seem of interest to you, is all…” Menogias murmured, voice trailing off.

“Curious, huh?” Bonanus chirped, her demeanor relaxing after the reassurance Xiao wasn't being harassed. Indarius went back to her device, but Bosacius looked on with interest. “What about it made you curious?”

“...Nothing.” Xiao muttered, crossing his arms and withdrawing out of the conversation.

“Oh come on, Little Bird! Ask your Big Fishy anything you'd like!” Bonanus pressed, refusing to let him escape so easily. “You so rarely speak, I want to know! Please?”

“It's nothing, really…” Xiao's voice got quieter, hoping she would let it drop.

“If you don't tell us, I'm going to assume the worst and have to contact the Qixing about how Liyue’s populace conducts itself around us yaksha.” Bosacius warned, and around him there were eager nods.

“Fine.” Xiao growled, eyes glaring down at the ground. “It was recently brought to my attention that sometimes mortals will say something with a multitude of meanings. I just wanted to verify that this was what Menogias meant.” He hoped that would appease the other's.

“Oh! That makes sense. Verr Goldet really does go above and beyond for you, doesn't she?” Bonanus said, swinging her legs as she spoke.

“It… Wasn't Verr Goldet.” Xiao corrected her, and as he felt the heat hit his ears realized he should have just kept quiet. There was no longer a Rex Lapis to pray to, but Xiao prayed to him all the same the other yaksha didn't notice the red on his ears.

“Not Verr Goldet?” Bonanus repeated, curiosity beneath her words.

“Not Verr Goldet.” Menogias confirmed, the grin grating in how obvious it was in his words.

“So… If…” Bosacius, fine leader that he was, was for the first time in a long time stumbling in how he was going to handle this. He cleared his throat. Couldn’t find his words, eyes catching the red of the normally impassive Xiao's ears. Cocked his head to the side, and looked at the other yaksha seeking guidance from them. Those precious moments of faltering bought Menogias the time he needed, stumbling over his robes as he rushed before Xiao with Bonanus excitedly on his heels.

“Who is it? What's their name?” Mengias asked, eyes glittering.

“What are they like?” Indarius inquired, keeping a more respectful distance than the Geo yaksha. Noting he was losing control of the meeting, Bosacius joined in approaching Xiao. Catching on to what was happening, he of course asked the most important question of all.

“Are they strong? Can they protect you?” Bosacius asked, invested for more than one reason. Namely, Xiao's well-being. But also, a strong opponent to challenge and get stronger with.

“What are you all even talking about?” Xiao asked, shoulders rising up to almost touching his chin. The red on his ears was slowly spreading to his cheeks, doing nothing to help him hide the growing embarrassment.

“All you do is protect. You deserve to be protected for a change.” Bosacius answered, genuine and heartfelt words. With a frustrated growl, Xiao massaged his temples.

“With standards like that, it'd be you or R-... Whatever. We've all signed contracts to protect, I don't understand why it matters when we're all protecting those around us regardless.” Xiao wanted this conversation to end. This was a meeting to discuss yaksha matters, not if someone was teaching him about innuendos.

“So they aren't strong?” Bosacius sounded disappointed. Not in Xiao, the four-armed yaksha could only ever feel pride in his Anemo compatriot. No, in the fact that this wasn't someone he could challenge.

“You can either tell us, or we'll ask Verr Goldet.” Bonanus spoke softly, but her words were heard loud and clear. She wasn't trying to threaten him, more a reminder and a warning about the lengths Xiao's siblings would go.

Archons, I don't need Verr Goldet asking Venti questions, Xiao thought miserably. That was bound to raise warning flags to the bard, and Venti was too well-versed to not notice something so obvious. The ‘boss’ of Wanshu Inn would never dare to disturb their local yaksha with such inquiries. The recent resident, on the other hand…She definitely would. “Fine. Just don't bother Verr Goldet.” Xiao relented. Opening his eyes again, his frown deepened finding four pairs of eyes watching him expectantly.

“His name is Venti, and he's a charge assigned to me by Mr. Zhongli.” Xiao tried to keep it as concise as he could, and to put as much distance between himself and the bard as possible. At the words, he could see the questions brewing. “He's lost his memory, and Mr. Zhongli suspects he is either the missing Barbatos, or the new Anemo Archon. I've been teaching him how to use Anemo, and he's been using it to cleanse my karma.” There, that was a decent summary.

“I gotta challenge him.” Bosacius announced, squaring his shoulders with Electro sparking in his eyes.

“Did you not just-... I just said he might be an Archon!” Xiao reminded him. With a dramatic snap of his head, Bosacius removed his glasses and wore a wide grin.

“I know!!!” Bosacius gushed, his excitement palpable.

“Ah, our Little Bird's first love. I remember mine so well.” Menogias sighed, his lashes fluttering. The word choice turned all of Xiao's face red, the blush consuming his usual pale complexion.

“L-Love?” Xiao repeated, alarms in his head and a pounding in his heart.

“Yes, we all remember your first love.” Indarius grumbled in reference to the Geo yaksha.

“I really do think we could have worked out.” Menogias sighed once again.

“I'm sure you two would have been very happy together if she hadn't been lying about it to try and kill you.” Bonanus… Agreeing didn't seem right, but equally so she wasn't disagreeing with him.

“Well, that decides it then. How long have you two been together?” Menogias asked, his smile gentle in spite of his overflowing enthusiasm.

“I've been… Training him for about a month now.” Xiao suspected that wasn't quite what the Geo yaksha was asking, but he couldn't parse out what else he meant. His poor brain was still struggling to recover from the blow that, ‘first love,’ dealt.

“No, as in… Romantically.” Menogias corrected, even wiggling his brows in a wave-like pattern as if to help explain his meaning.

“We're not. Venti's just my charge. Once he's trained, that will be the end of our interactions.” The words were bittersweet on his lips, and Xiao hadn't anticipated the sadness that came with that reality. That after this was over, he would miss the time with the bard.

“Ah!” Menogias exclaimed. “Then sweep him off his feet!” He instructed. Thinking on all the times Xiao picked Venti up to transport the bard, he was pretty sure he already did that? “Woo this Venti, romance him!”

“I don't… Think that's wise.” Xiao muttered. From the corner of his eyes noticed that Bosacius had since left the conversation, and was now asking Indarius if she thought he was still in shape. This was becoming an even bigger mess. Groaning, his hand left his temples to cover his face. The last thing any mortal needed was a four-armed, electric yaksha showing up on their doorstep demanding a duel. Assuming Venti was mortal, at any rate.

“Why not?” Menogias, for all his occasional eccentricities, was genuinely curious. Xiao could see in his eyes that the other yaksha was willing to listen, and let rest if the explanation was reasonable.

“I… Menogias, I wouldn't call this a ‘first love.’” Xiao's cheeks burned at the words, but were already red as they could get. “He's… Even if it was, why would… Why would he want to be around me?” The last of his words tapered off, an ache in his chest. “Besides, I have a duty to Liyue. It would be cruel to ask anyone to accept always being second. I couldn't ask that of someone like Venti.”

“Little Bird, why, I'm sure all of Liyue would love to be around you if they could!” Bonanus spoke first, focused in on reminding her sibling that he had value even if he didn't see it.

“Very well, how about your first sweetheart? You are clearly sweet on this Venti.” Menogias pointed out, not so easily swayed. “I can't tell you what to do. Your life is yours, after all. But, please consider my words. In the thousands of years we've known each other, I've never seen you look smitten. It's new, but not bad. You may not feel this way for anyone again. If your words are true, and you two will part ways… You will regret not trying. And being what we are, that is a very… Very long time to regret. If things don't work out, nothing has changed. He will move on, and I trust so will you. So, why not try to see if things will work out?”

There were times the other yaksha made sense. This was one of those times, and Xiao wanted to hate it. He did. But there was something inside of him, a small ball of hope.

“...I don't know what to do.” Xiao admitted, and received fond smiles from Bonanus and Menogias.

“And that's where we come in.”

Chapter Text

“He's going to be pissed.” Indarius grumbled, her gaze on the meal set before her as the pair waited in Wangshu Inn's kitchen. Sitting across from her was Menogias, making happy noises at the tea he was sipping upon. At the stove, doing everything he could to focus on his cooking, was Smiley Yanxiao. It wasn't everyday that two yaksha showed up, asked for treats, and then said they were there to see someone. Add on one clearly enjoyed the offerings the cook put forth, and it was all he could do to keep his hands from shaking. 

“I suppose. But, we must perform our due diligence, yes?” Menogias pointed out, and lightly rapped his fingers against his mug thoughtfully. The pair had already spoken to Verr Goldet and her husband Huai’an, and the conversation was peculiar. Not the sort of person that Menogias would have guessed Xiao would be interested in based on that alone. The best explanation he could come to, was that the owner and his wife were not aware as to what Venti's true identity could be. Which was good. Such things were best left as unknowns to mortals. 

“Venti claims to be a bard from Monstadt, but he seems to be in hiding from something - or some one . He likes his drink a bit too much,” Verr Goldet had explained, casting a glance at her sheepish husband, “so I've entertained drunken foolishness as the likely cause, though I've no proof. My subordinates did some investigating, and found there hasn't been a bard named Venti in centuries. Either that isn't his real name, or he's not actually from Monstadt.” 

“What do you make of his character?” Indarius inquired, eyes as intense as the Pyro she wielded boring into Verr Goldet’s eyes. The mortal woman held the gaze, a respect and reverence in her own eyes. While the goal wasn't to assess Wanghshu Inn, the yaksha still felt pleased with this. 

“Thus far, he's punctual to all his performances. Arrives early to check the instruments, to test he can be heard. I'll give him this: his musical talents are demanded the most at our inn. Our clients love that they can request most anything, and he can perform it. Means he's studious and serious about his art. However, he's played a fair number of pranks on people, and the one time Director Hu stopped by for a visit was enough. I told them both they had to spend time together elsewhere. Not here. If you intend on speaking with him, a bit of advice. The more he rhymes, the less of him you'll see. That said, just because he stops doesn't mean he's telling the truth or he won't use his words to redirect conversation. Aside from that, he's friendly and no one's complained about him, including the Conqueror of Demons, and I trust his assessment over mine.”

Her warnings painted a rather unflattering picture of the bard, but the two yaksha supposed it was the nature of Verr Goldet. She took her job of tending to and informing the yaksha of what she deemed important seriously. The most telling part of her words, was that in spite all of her concerns she still made no effort to kick the bard out. Clearly, he wasn't that bad. 

Although now, Menogias suspected Verr Goldet was starting to catch on that Xiao was more invested in Venti than initially thought. The way her brow rose, before furrowing. “Does… The Conquerer of Demons need… Help with Venti?” The woman was hesitant to ask, uncertain how to best broach the question politely. 

“No, we have it under control.” Menogias assured her with a smile. Verr Goldet looked between the two, said nothing, before nodding. 

Menogias got the feeling she didn't trust their yaksha ability to adequately woo a human. If she wasn't so good to Xiao, he would have complained but kept it to himself out of consideration for the Anemo yaksha. 

After that discussion, the two yaksha were waiting in the kitchen while Verr Goldet went to retrieve the bard. Once Smiley Yanxiao wrapped up his current dish, he would exit to avoid extended contact with the karmic debt that was beginning to permeate the room. 

Within minutes the plate and drink were on the table, and the cook was gone. Not long after, there was a knock at the door as Verr Goldet and Venti entered. “Ah, these are my esteemed visitors!” The bard declared, and Indarius noted there was subtle relief in his words. Venti extended his arms in a greeting, beaming at the two with a face both thought no one would see again. 

When Xiao told them that Venti might be Barbatos, they assumed the uncertainty was due to a different body. That had been the way of the Archons, especially the ones that tried to fit in with humans better. Both sat speechless, Indarius’ mouth dropping open while Menogias’ eyes went wide as they could. Seeing their shock, Verr Goldet pinched Venti's ear so she could whisper sharply into his ear, 

“ What did you do?! ” 

“No, he's fine.” Menogias said quickly, starting to stand to save the bard’s ear from further abuse. At that, Verr Goldet released the ear and apologized to the bard. “He's just not what we pictured, is all.” The Geo yaksha explained, mind racing between past and present. Xiao wasn’t a fool, he doubtlessly noted the similarities. More than that, if this had been arranged by Zhongli then there was no one better in the world to assess who this was. Which begged the question: what about this Venti made them doubt Barbatos had returned?

“Is that a compliment or an insult?” Venti asked, rubbing his ear while trying to keep the frown wanting to form at bay. 

“Please knock three times if you need anything. Again, I'm sorry about that Venti.” Verr Goldet said, and hurried out before she embarrassed herself with a second misunderstanding. 

“I need to talk to her.” Indarius mumbled, both hands on her face and rubbing it. “She has no idea how wrong she has some of this…”

“Thank you for joining us, Venti. Would you like a seat?” Menogias offered, motioning towards the chair with food already prepared. 

“Oh, don't mind if I do!” Venti smiled, quickly joining the two at the table. Eyeing him, Menogias was surprised at the eagerness. Definitely not the attitude from Liyue, that was very Monstadt in nature. “...Does our karmic debt not affect you?” He asked, and got a shake of the head. There had been no hesitation, the bard was already eating. 

All Menogias could do was observe, and wish Xiao had been more transparent. From what he could see, this was clearly Barbatos. Perhaps without his memory, but Menogias couldn't fathom how this man could be anyone else. As this went on, Venti finally motioned at the Geo yaksha with a curious face. 

“I'm sorry, this is going to be rude, but… Did you ask to meet me to stare at me? I know I'm very handsome, but if you don't stop soon I'm going to blush.” Venti said, batting his eyes playfully at Menogias. 

The Geo yaksha blinked. Next to him, the Pyro yaksha furrowed her brows, trying to make sense what about the person in front of them managed to interest Xiao. But the next second, she was five-hundred years in the past, bleeding and crying and being held by the same face and arms as this bard. 

It was jarring the difference, but equally hadn't this been her first impression of Barbatos, too? 

“My apologies. You just… Bear an uncanny resemblance to someone else.” Menogias explained, gathering his bearings at length. For a split second Venti froze, fingers tightening on his chopsticks, before relaxing. A laugh escaped the bard, his eyes to the side and not on the yaksha. 

“Is that so? I'm confident I'm much easier on the eyes - but even more confident in how easy I am on the ears! But enough about me! Actually, I think I know why you're here.” Venti spoke clearly and easily, the two yaksha tensing. 

Oh no. Had they given Xiao away? Verr Goldet was right, the bard was clever!

“You two want me to cleanse your karmic debt too, right?” Venti asked, leaning on one hand while he grinned at the two now sweating yaksha.

Indarius relaxed her shoulders, relieved the bard hadn't recognized the real purpose. Instead, he was bribing them with a distraction away from his face. She was willing to accept it, if only out of respect. Even if she was curious why. The way Venti didn’t want to be recognized made him all the more suspicious.The smoothness of the redirection from who he might be was reminiscent of how Zhongli did the same, and just further cemented her belief this was Barbatos.

“We couldn't ask such a thing of you without offering something in return. It would be unfair to Xiao.” Menogias, kind, sweet, honest Menogias. With a sigh, Indarius had to accept that only she caught on.

“It'd be my pleasure.” Venti's grin softened to a smile, eyes easing from mischief to kindness. “You two are like Xiao's family, right? I get it. You wanted to make sure I'm not hurting him. I've actually been trying to find more ways to thank him.” He admitted, glancing down briefly before looking back at the pair earnestly. “I'm going to play music regardless, so even if he wasn't helping me I'd be doing it. It just… Doesn't feel like it's enough. Xiao's been very kind and patient with me. But if I help you two, I know it'll make him happy.” Venti finished, looking hopefully between the two yaksha. 

Indarius and Menogias turned to each other and nodded. If this was who Venti was, their brother never stood a chance. At least they were able to make sense of that mystery.

“We understand the sentiment, however, we can't just-” Menogias was trying to decline, as while he understood Venti's feelings it still felt like the pair would need to express gratitude. But his words fell upon ears that ignored them, Venti waving him off and already playing the flute. 

It was a different flute this time, the sound similar but distinct from the Dihua flute the two heard once, long ago. Peaceful, all the same. As if the pain and frustration and isolation of far too many years had been weights upon their shoulders lifted off. Menogias’ first thought was: I miss him . The memories of farming for Geo mushrooms, and planting them as ‘surprises’ for the other yaksha. Rex Lapis finding them instead, and leading Azhdaha over to Menogias’ traps to ‘eat these treats.’ The way Azhdaha's tail wagged, pleased with the find. 

The way everyone was once there, and they all remembered each other.

“Oh…” Standing up, blinking his eyes to keep back the tears, he smiled at the bard. “That was very lovely. I hate to be so rude, but there is something I must attend to.” Menogias explained, and disappeared in flecks of bright Geo. The usual dark cloud was gone, the weight of his karmic debt temporarily alleviated.

“Did I play something wrong?” Venti asked, flute set down as he stared at the empty space that Menogias once sat in. 

“No. The karmic debt affects us all differently, so when it's gone… Hmm.” Indarius drummed her fingers on the table, lips pursing while she tried to find the right words. “We all wake up differently?”

“Oh. A bit like when I first played for Xiao, he seemed like he was falling asleep?” Venti inquired, curiosity genuine. 

“Is that how he reacted?” Indarius asked, a small laugh leaving her. The heat of her eyes eased, the wild fire a calm, somber flame. “That does sound like him.”

“You don't seem different?” Venti pointed out. 

“Perhaps to you.” Indarius said. She could feel the difference, a playfulness she hadn't experienced in decades returning to her, like oxygen rekindling a flame. But not here, not yet. “I did want to talk to just you… I don't think you'll understand, but. I want to thank you. So if there's anything you need-”

“Could you explain what karmic debt does ?” Venti asked, not even hesitating in his request. Watched her with wide, inquisitive eyes. She blinked slowly, and then nodded at the same speed.

“Yes. Karmic debt affects humans differently than us yaksha, perhaps because most of us started as illuminated beasts and not human.” Indarius began her explanation, starting with the basics. “In humans, that I've seen, it can cause hives, fevers, nausea, joint pain… It can exhaust the body, some find they can only sleep,  others cannot sleep. After days of no rest, visual and auditory hallucinations occur, along with other signs of extreme sleep deprivation. It's often mistaken for illness, but exorcists, those trained at Wangsheng Funeral, and more experienced doctors can identify the signs of the source being karmic debt. We yaksha are essentially killing machines, and taking a life is a sin regardless of reason. That is one of the Laws of Teyvat, and the debt we accrue is part of that divine punishment. 

But, this is a choice we make. We, being what we are, can handle the pain it gives us, body, mind, and soul. We chose this path. Liyue has always shown its appreciation and gratitude, but outsiders haven't always understood. I have never, not once, regretted my decision to become a yaksha.” She ended with that, cheeks flushing as she realized how far she deviated from her original task. But when she looked up, Venti didn't seem annoyed or confused, simply relieved. 

“I'm happy to hear that. The way Xiao talks, I never got the impression your roles were ever forced on you… But it's still really nice to hear you've never regretted it. You've done a lot for Liyue. Don't be shy in visiting me to give you some relief too, okay? You may not be asking for a reward, but it isn't bad to give one to you because I want to, is it?” Venti asked, tilting his head slightly. 

“No… It isn't. But if you're offering, I actually do have a request to make of you. If you're willing.” Indarius began, somewhat shy with what she was about to ask.

As Indarius and Venti spoke, far away the first of many distractions was ongoing. Xiao found himself scolding both Hu Tao (dressed in what looked like curtains) and Bonanus (covered in leaves after having been caught hiding in a tree nearby) how irresponsible it was to pretend someone was in danger. 

These two are better at pranks separately than together , Xiao thought by the end of it all. Hu Tao, of course, didn't even look sorry when she apologized. She did, however, ask Xiao's opinion on the poem she and Venti were creating through letters. An opinion he didn't think she needed, but he was already there and Bonanus was insisting that he give it a read. If he didn't know any better, he'd  suspect the two were trying to distract him. But what was there to distract him from? So he ignored the feeling, and instead inspected the chaos that was Hu Tao and Venti's… Sonnet? Ballad? Whatever it was. 

***

It was the next morning, and Venti was nestled in the branches of Wangshu Inn's tree as his fingers lazily strummed the lyre. The leaves kept him well-hidden, and he was improving at using a gentle breeze to guide the music to the eating area far below. Once more, Xiao hadn't come to collect Venti for practice nor did the bard find him in his usual spot. Apparently Liyue was busy with its dangers. Although, Venti began to muse, noticing the familiar blackish smoke with the new Electro particles sizzling within several feet above him. I'm starting to think this isn't unrelated , he continued. It was just a bit too convenient all these other yaksha just happened to be free while Xiao was being called for. 

Each of the five yaksha had names of respect that Liyue addressed them as. That type of respect didn't come from personalities that ignored the people's plights. This new yaksha finished his teleportation, and started to look around. Tilted his head, two arms holding steady onto a branch while the other two cupped his ears. “Below you.” Venti called out, not once stopping his strumming. The yaksha looked down, broke out into a grin, and cautiously headed down. This one was probably the largest person Venti had met. Tall and broad, the Electro yaksha shook the tree as he made his way to the bard. 

“Venti, right?” Bosacius asked, his voice deep and boisterous.

“That's me.” Venti laughed. “Bodacius, right?” He asked, utilizing a wordplay and hoping it didn't offend the other. From what Indarius told him, it was unlikely but he still worried. 

“Hah! You're not wrong, but you're not right either!” Bosacius laughed, adding a quick correction. “You got some time?” He asked. 

“Does the sky have clouds?” Venti answered his question with another. The yaksha looked upwards, and then back to the bard. 

“Yes?” Bosacius asked, more to confirm. When he goes a nod, he grinned and just plucked the bard up with his spare hands. Venti yelped, clutching his lyre to him to protect it from the sudden manhandling. Adjusting him, Bosacius teleported the two away with. 

There had to be some kind of explanation for why the yaksha kept picking him up and carrying him bridal style, Venti reasoned. This clearly wasn't just a Xiao thing. Perhaps it was a habit started by Bosacius, being the leader of the yaksha. He would carry his siblings like this, so they all assumed that's how to move everyone. Regardless, he felt rather small in the large yaksha's arms, made even smaller by the towering mountains of where the two had been moved to. 

“Here we are! No mortals can be hurt out here!” Bosacius declared happily. He did not let the bard go. Would it be rude to ask to be set down? Venti couldn't place his finger why, but Xiao holding him felt… Natural? Normal? Bosacius’ hold had a similar sensation to being trapped, and he wasn't fond. Just as he thought this, Venti made a surprised squeak when he was moved yet again. This time, he was held beneath his arms, facing a more serious yaksha. “I realize this is sudden, so you're welcome to decline. But I want to see what you're made of. I was told that Xiao is training you, and I'm curious to see what that looks like.”

Is that all? Venti thought, blinking owlishly at the yaksha in front of him. It made sense, he supposed? 

“I just want to test you. Is that all right?” Bosacius asked, that serious visage of him not once wavering. 

“I'm not being trained in banishing evil or spirits or anything… I'm not sure I could pass your tests?” Venti answered sheepishly. 

“Hah! No, I know.” Bosacius laughed, finally setting the bard back down on the ground. With a wide motion, he pointed at a table carved into the stone of the mountain's side. “Just a quick arm wrestle, and a bit of a chat! I want you to hit me with everything you got!” He explained, one set of arms on his hips while the other crossed over his chest. 

Venti looked at the yaksha's bulky, muscular arms. All four of them. Looked down at the noodles he had, of which barely managed the heavier instruments the bard played.  He wants to test what Xiao taught me, and all of it? He wondered what that was supposed to mean. “Are you… Sure?” Venti asked, hesitating even as Bosacius casually strolled over to the table. Started to wonder if the yaksha knew what the bard was being taught, especially if he was suggesting anything physical. 

“Don’t be so shy! You’re starting to sound like Conqueror Shorty, so I know what I’m getting into.” Bosacius assured him, and at the nickname a snort escaped Venti’s nose. The bard immediately clapped his hands over his mouth, eyes wide and his cheeks turning red. Roaring laughter left the yaksha, one of his hands slapping the stone table. “I’m damn funny, don’t get your knickers in a twist that you agree!” 

So Venti did, chuckles leaving him as he finally followed suit. The bard couldn’t laugh too much at Xiao’s expense. The two were so close in height, Venti wondered if they were the same or one subtly taller than the other. Wonder if Bosacius will start calling us the Shorty Squad , Venti mused. The rock formations that were made into chairs were hard and cold, but functioned just fine for sitting. Rather uncomfortably, but Venti didn’t comment on it. Navigating the differences in each yaksha was interesting. Of the four he had met, Xiao was the most straight-laced and serious. Menogias wore his heart on his sleeve the most, everything he felt hitting his face before leaving his mouth. Indarius was holding something back, always biting her tongue before speaking. But she seemed to have a soft spot for Venti for some reason, and she wondered if what she omitted was related to why. 

Bosacius, however, was turning out to be the most fun. 

Cracking all four knuckles, Bosacius placed one hand on the table. Waited for Venti to imitate the actions, albeit with only one set of arms. The large yaksha had to scoot back, and took a few minutes of adjusting so that their hands could clasp comfortably. Forcing Venti to stand with his elbow off the table wasn’t fair, and Bosacius leaning so low his whole arm touched the table was the opposite issue. The Electro yaksha did find it odd, though. Holding Venti had felt eerily similar to when he used to have to carry Xiao. Small, and very light. As if the two were bundles of feathers rather than grown adults. Naturally, Bosacius knew why Xiao was so light, bird that the Anemo-user was. But wasn’t Venti supposed to be human? Did humans come in such small, light, and soft frames like this normally? 

It was weird. That should have tipped Bosacius off more than it actually did.

“On the count of three?” Bosacius asked, and got a determined nod. Grinning, he started the countdown. Decided he would give the little one a chance, only use a fraction of his strength to gauge what Venti was made of. Those seconds would also let him accommodate his power, so that he didn’t accidentally break the other’s arm. Xiao would be pissed if Bosacius harmed his sweetheart, intentionally or not. The grin on his face got just a little goofy, amusement flashing in his eyes at the sentence: Xiao’s sweetheart . It was kind of cute. 

The distraction was ultimately where Bosacius went the most wrong in his series of misunderstanding just what he was dealing with. The burst of Anemo sent him flying, Venti’s eyes glowing and wide with sudden horror at just how much more powerful the gust ended up being. He had expected some kind of resistance given he was told to hit with everything you’ve got ! “Bosacius!” Venti exclaimed, hurrying over to where rock and rubble had fallen around the yaksha, an imprint of his body against the mountain wall. 

“HAH!” Bosacius was cackling, blinking his eyes as they returned to focus. “That was one Abyssal of a shot!” He continued. Seeing that he was fine, Venti’s shoulders relaxed. “No wonder Xiao was tasked with training you. Fucking Anemo!” And on went the Electro user, amusement sparking in his eyes. Opting to be more sportsman-like, Venti extended his hand. Bosacius grinned, accepting it. A grin that widened as Venti tried to pull him up, before sighing and using Anemo to push the other back into a standing upright position. “If you want strength-training, I don’t mind.” The yaksha offered.

“I appreciate the offer, but I’m too attached to my beauty sleep.” Venti said, sending the taller man a playful bat of his lashes. “Okay, bend down to me.” He instructed, motioning Bosacius to lean closer. Lacking the proper knowledge that Venti was a menace, Bosacius did as requested. Adhering to human inquiries was a standard part of being a yaksha, and he didn’t see any reason to be wary. Venti feigned that he was dusting off some of the debris, before with a playful puff of air left Venti’s mouth and sent Anemo particles out that whisked away lingering karmic debt. 

Bosacius blinked very slowly, and very carefully. Staring back at him, was Venti who was beaming with pride at his own actions. “Four down, one more to go. How’s it feel?” The bard asked, the glow of his eyes and hair receding finally. 

There was a tiny man standing before Bosacius, with the power to throw him into a mountain using minimal effort. This same man just admitted to actively trying to help him and his family, complete with a cute face and a nice smile. “...Beautiful.” 

As all that happened, Xiao found himself once more scolding Hu Tao and this time Menogias… In Yaoguang Shoal. When he arrived, Hu Tao was cackling as she rode atop a Ruin Guard, polearm’s blade wedged tightly between its ‘eye’ and the metallic molding around it. The machine was spinning, trying to fling her off but the human held tight. Menogias was using his Geo in an effort to trip the machine, but suspiciously wasn’t having much luck.

This wasn’t the kind of situation Menogias needed help with. At this stage, if Xiao got a mora for every time he was abruptly summoned by Hu Tao calling for help… He would have two mora. Which wasn’t a lot, but it was weird that it happened twice in the same week. Thoughts that were quickly shelved, as Hu Tao was starting to master the direction the Ruin Guard moved in which made her the most dangerous woman in Liyue for an entire hour that day.

***

It's a yaksha thing, Venti concluded as he was lifted once more beneath his knees and back. Bonanus was all smiles and buzzing excitement, her thank you! on repeat despite Venti reassuring her there was no need. Indarius’ request had been simple: cleanse Bonanus and let her take you to Liyue Harbor . That was easy enough, it would give him an opportunity to stop by and say hello to Hu Tao. Perhaps scratch the itch to leave a reminder note on Zhongli's desk about buying cabbages. For simply no other reason than to confuse him. 

Once more, he found his expectations to be far off the mark. Venti assumed she would take them close to Liyue Harbor, perhaps change into something less conspicuous. Instead there was a coolness that hung around the pair like morning few as she teleported them into… A small, dark room. “Uh… Bo?” He asked, wondering if he should use Anemo in order to act like a glow stick for the two. With a grunt, she leaned back for his weight to be more against her chest so she could more steadily hold him with one arm. “You could put me down-” Venti was trying to remind her, wondering why the yaksha insisted he be carried everywhere. She simply used her now free hand to knock on the door, all but bouncing on her heels. 

“Coming.” A familiar deep voice responded. Venti frowned, his brows furrowing. Were they in… A coffin? Light poured in, revealing that two were in…

Zhongli's closet.

Eyes of amber and red met those of blue and green, equally startled to see the other. 

“Mr. Zhongli!” Bonanus exclaimed, starting jumping up and down forcing Venti to yelp and cling onto her neck so she didn't just throw him upwards into the ceiling.

“...Cleanser of Evils and…” Zhongli paused, gathering his bearings, “...The bard.” He greeted at length, stepping back to let the pair into his bedroom. 

“Look at this place!” Bonanus chattered, no longer bouncing and waltzing after the consultant as if it were her room. 

“To what do I owe the pleasure?” Zhongli asked, as if yaksha popped up in his closet carrying bards on a regular basis. 

“Oh!” Bonanus’ enthusiasm faltered, and she at length looked back at Venti with an uncertain smile. “This, uh, gentleman, uhm…”

“I asked for a ride to Liyue Harbor. I'm supposed to meet Hu Tao for lunch, but, I forgot to catch an earlier carriage, ehe.” Venti wasn't sure on the why, but for whatever reason Bonanus needed a cover story. He was also very unclear why they were in Zhongli's closet, and if there was some deeper meaning to it all. Regardless, the Hydro yaksha had been so excited and he wasn't going to ruin it.

“I see.” Replied Zhongli, who was very aware that Hu Tao was currently assisting Bosacius with something near Luhua Pool. And also mentioned nothing about lunch with Venti. “Well. While he does that, would you like to have some tea while you wait?” The consultant offered. It would be rude to upset the bard’s lie by telling him there was no Hu Tao to meet for lunch, after all. Zhongli couldn’t possibly be so crass, and if Venti ended up wandering aimlessly trying to find her… Well, Liyue Harbor was a beautiful place, he would be fine.

Bonanus’ eyes sparkled. 

“Yes please!” She agreed immediately, nodding her head and jostling the bard once more. 

“That's wonderful. Now, you may want to set him down, otherwise he will be late.” Zhongli instructed. Blushing in embarrassment, Bonanus finally released Venti.

“Sorry. I forgot you were there.” She apologized. 

Meanwhile, over near Luhua Pool, Xiao was standing with a frown, bushy brows furrowed in growing confusion. Standing in front of him, bending down so they could look into each other's eyes, was Bosacius. One set of hands were on Xiao's shoulders, the other set holding the Anemo yaksha's cheeks and squishing them slightly. By this point, Xiao was starting to catch on to the other yaksha visiting Venti. There was a lot about it that he didn't know, and even less in regards to what was going on in this moment. Behind the pair, singing off-key at the top of her lungs, was Hu Tao.

The lyrics leaving her mouth were chaos incarnate, and Xinyan was behind her accompanying the funeral director's brand of madness with equal gusto.

“I'm in love.” Bosacius had confessed, when Xiao finally demanded to know what was going on, why Hu Tao kept calling for help, and especially why this time when she was apparently holding an impromptu concert. 

Golden eyes glanced over to Hu Tao, who was rotating her head in circles, ponytails flying all over in imitation of Xinyan's more practiced headbanging. While Xiao could see the appeal, the funeral director didn't really seem to be Bosacius’ type. He was at a loss as to what he was supposed to say. 

“...Con… Congratulations?” Xiao finally managed, the confusion evident on his face. 

“You're so damn lucky, Little Bird. I'm gonna do everything I can to help you.” Bosacius meant that to be reassuring, but in Xiao's personal experience… Bosacius’ help in anything outside of combat was… His best, but not necessarily the best. “You should try crushing boulders on your chest. Show him how strong and resilient you are.”

“...I don't understand.” Xiao tried to say, though with the hands smooshing his cheeks together the words were muffled. “Do you need me to intimidate a rival for you…?”

“Dear sweet Little Bird.” Bosacius’ eyes started to water, and he shook his head. “I'm telling you how to seduce someone.” The Electro yaksha continued. Xiao's brows lowered until he could see the stray hairs from his brows. 

Was that what was going on? Bosacius was trying to seduce Hu Tao while she was practicing, but she thought his karmic debt took over when he started beating himself up with boulders? Xiao really hoped this was the key information he was missing, because this was disorienting.

“Okay.” Xiao decided that he was just going to accept it for now, if only to get Bosacius to leave Hu Tao alone for the time being. Everyone in Luhua Pool that day had a very wrong idea about what was actually being discussed. Except Xinyan, who smartly let the yaksha affairs remain theirs while she focused on her music. 

Chapter Text

If your words are true, and you two will part ways… You will regret not trying. And being what we are, that is a very… Very long time to regret, Menogias’ words echoed around in Xiao's head. He was sitting on the edge of a small rock formation, watching Venti's aim transform into Anemo and perfection. The yaksha took the two to Jueyan Karst, a location he was more frequently taking the pair to. Venti's progression kept getting more advanced and harder to hide, making the secluded area safest. Xiao was starting to wonder what the point in ‘training’ Venti was. Almost as soon as the yaksha taught him something, the bard was mastering it. 

Xiao suspected all he was really doing, was helping unlock skills that Venti already had but simply couldn't recall. How much longer until Venti asked to move on, to do something else? Far as Xiao could tell, he was boring. Not even a good audience. What could Venti possibly want to do with him outside of what was mandatory? Menogias said to ‘woo’ Venti, but Xiao didn't even know what to say to the bard! All he could do was observe the other as his duty, while playing out countless scenarios that ended with either Venti becoming uncomfortable, or simply laughing at the yaksha. Xiao just couldn't fathom it ending any other way, try as he might. 

The worst ones were when Venti became frightened of him, could see the blood that covered Xiao's hands and stained his very being. 

“Hah! Three perfect hits in a row!” Venti cheered, pausing his shots to look over at Xiao. Not sure what to say or how to say it, the yaksha simply gave an approving nod. That seemed to be what the bard wanted, as his grin widened and he went back to practicing his shots. 

What could Xiao say? You smell nice when you're sober, the thought was immediately dismissed. No, insulting Venti's vices wasn't right. You have a pretty smile , sounded like something a creep would say far as Xiao was concerned. He didn't want to come across as creepy. I love listening to your voice , was probably one of those compliments Venti heard so often he wouldn't even register it anymore. A sigh left him, eyes drooping slightly. Living with so little karmic debt weighing over him made his spirit feel lighter, but also allowed the range of emotions he recognized feeling much bigger.

Perhaps having a ‘sweetheart’ in the past wasn't an issue because he couldn't feel it. Too buried in the pain to notice the happiness that tried to sprout.

“You okay?” Venti asked, much closer than Xiao recalled him being. More on instinct, the yaksha teleported away, polearm in hand before he realized who and what he had reacted to. Still standing on one of the rock formations next to where Xiao had been sitting was Venti, no signs of alarm that the yaksha suddenly had a weapon in his hand. Just a sheepish, apologetic smile. “Sorry. I shouldn't have startled you.”

“...It's fine.” Xiao mumbled, putting his polearm away and returning to his spot. “Are you ready for the next lesson?”

“No, I was just a bit worried. You're usually more,” Venti paused, considering how he wanted to word this, “attentive? I wasn't certain, so I did fib a little,” he held two fingers close together to emphasize how small his lie was, “and actually hit four in a row.”

Ah. He was testing if I was paying attention, Xiao realized too belatedly. “I'm sorry.” The words felt lame on his tongue, but he wasn't sure what else to say. As the bard’s mentor, he should have been watching the other. Not letting his fantasies and fears get the best of him. 

“It's no biggie.” Venti assured him, waving that aspect aside. “But I am worried about you. I asked if you're okay, and you dodged the question. I was worried maybe it was the filth-”

“Karmic debt.  Filth is something different.” Xiao corrected, trying to suppress the way his body wanted to react to the mix-up.

“Sorry.” Venti apologized again. The yaksha hadn't hid it well-enough. 

“It's not that. I'm fine.” Xiao was settling, finding the neutrality he normally spoke with at length. 

“You're just distracted?” Venti pressed, one of his brows raised while he tilted his head slightly. The yaksha wasn't sure how to respond. Denying it would have been an obvious lie, given the bard tactfully caught him being distracted. But admitting to it also invited the other to ask what was going on. Xiao was not going to answer that. 

“Thinking about what the other yaksha said.” There. That confirmed without confirming, it was true, and allowed a safe confidentiality.

“Ah.” Venti nodded, seemingly satisfied. Climbing onto the same formation as Xiao, he scooted against the other's body so their arms touched as they sat side by side. Xiao's entire body tensed, something the bard chose to ignore. He simply pulled out his flute, fingers running over the holes thoughtfully. “Think all you want. I'll give you music while you do.” He said, beaming at Xiao as if it were the most natural thing he could do.

The yaksha looked away, refusing to give himself the opportunity to stare. Gloved hands clutched at the rock he sat upon, trying to keep his heart steady as the flute began its song. What was the bard doing? Xiao wasn't a proper audience for something so beautiful. He wasn't even a mortal, let alone someone capable of showering him in praise or… Anything. Despite those thoughts, he still found himself listening and losing himself to the tune. Finding a familiarity in the moment.

As these moments often did, they ended far too quickly by a cry for help. Naturally Liyue was silent when Xiao needed an escape. But if he was enjoying peace with Venti? Some human decided to touch a bubbling, smoking flower that had petals for teeth. 

Because curiosity, or something.

In the past, Xiao believed his karmic debt was only the physical and emotional pain constantly wracking him. Lately, he wondered if there was a piece of the karma that could never be cleansed, that he would always have to pay for his actions with bad timing. Trying to not let his annoyance show, he teleported to the cry for help to deal with the problem. On instinct, or perhaps something else, brought the bard along without thinking. As Xiao set about his work, Venti scurried to the side more to avoid getting scolded than anything else. If the bard wanted to, he was equipped and capable of doing so… But the times he had tried, Xiao had scowled about how it, “wasn’t Venti’s duty.” Bringing the bard along was a dangerous habit that he needed to stop, but always realized after instead of before. Making quick work of the creature, he let out a long breath. Followed by an annoyed huff, as the human started babbling on about gratitude or something instead of just leaving.

“Please, Mr. Adeptus! I promise, I'll do more than help you rest if you'll accompany me to bed.” The man pressed, not discouraged at all in spite of the yaksha keeping distance between them. Another successful rescue, another human with their weird nonsense. Venti continued to try and keep his laughter subdued, to let this continue unfolding. Eyeing the mortal with a frown, Xiao shook his head. 

“I don't need sleep.” Xiao informed him simply, continuing to watch the man the same way one would watch a strange-looking insect. Neither curious nor disgusted, just unclear what it is or what to do with it. “Travel safe.” With that, Xiao returned back to Venti.

 Once more, the adeptus was none the wiser he was being flirted with. Again . “Why are you laughing?” Xiao asked, voice gruff and tinged with irritation. Why was it almost every time Venti was around when Xiao saved someone, the yaksha came back to his laughter? What was so funny?

“Sorry!” Venti continued to chuckle, eyes alight with amusement. “You just… Never notice how many people hit on you. As in are trying to seduce you, not fight you.” The bard clarified, just in case. When someone was that dense when it came to romantic affairs, it seemed prudent to be clear as possible. That garnered him a frown. 

“They're expressing gratitude. One mustn't conflate kindness with romantic intent.” Xiao thought he was being informative, but Venti continued to smile. The only change was he raised a single, amused brow. “ What ?”

“I know the difference between being nice and being flirty. Someone you don't know,  inviting you into their bed to thank you for your deeds… Think about it. He didn't say anything about sleeping. In fact, he insinuated… ‘Activities.’” The bard typically listened, and asked questions. Was more focused on understanding the world than much else. This was not what was happening, and the more Venti talked the less Xiao found he cared for this particular subject. 

“I'm dangerous to humans. They have no reason to be interested in me. There has only been polite gratitude.” To an extent, Xiao was aware he wasn't just trying to convince Venti at this point.

“First, being dangerous doesn't discourage humans. In fact, some of them are attracted to that danger.” Venti started, not pausing even when Xiao's brows furrowed in disapproval. “Second, whether they’re flirting or not, there's always genuine gratitude. I haven't seen anyone giving ‘polite’ or obligational thanks. Liyue is fond of you. Third… You're really great, Xiao. People aren't just flirting with you for kicks, they're doing it because you're cute and you're kind.” The bard said it so casually, not a doubt in his mind about the validity of his words. 

Xiao's ears went red, the yaksha turning away with a grumble. Venti's grin only widened, because the other was adorable every time he got flustered. “If what you say is true… Have you been flirting with me?” The question wasn't accusatory. The way Venti heard it was a passing curiosity. Based on what he understood about the yaksha, Xiao was just trying to make sense of new information. To better identify what to look for in the future, because it made sense to educate himself. 

Fixating on what he knew of the yaksha, he missed the subtle hope that had been in Xiao's voice when he asked. 

“No, you don't have to worry about that!” Venti said hurriedly, trying to be as assuring in his words as he could. “I wouldn't put you in an awkward position like that.” He continued, offering his most sincere smile. Unbeknownst to him, that had been the opposite of what the yaksha hoped to hear. 

Xiao thought over how to reply to that. As he did so, he collected Venti once more and teleported the pair away. Back to Huaguang Stone Forest, a healthy distance from prying human eyes. If Venti wanted to test out his wings once again, there was plenty of space. Cloud Retainer was even within distance to recruit for help, if she wasn't too invested in whatever gadget she was developing. On top of one of the many high rising formations, Xiao's brows remained low in thought. 

The way it sounded, it was as if Venti wouldn't ever flirt based solely on what he perceived to be Xiao's preference. Did that mean…? He glanced briefly at Venti, who was watching him curiously but patiently. Xiao let out a scowl, and set the bard down to stand on his own. 

When was the last time Xiao felt his heart flutter at the sight of someone? A long time. Too long. Last time, he hadn't spoken up. They had been none the wiser. This time… Venti wasn't affected by his karma. Made the air around him calm, the heaviness that always hung over the yaksha fade away. Rolling his shoulders, he decided it wouldn't hurt to try. “How do you… Know if someone is flirting with you?”

“...This is bothering you, isn't it?” Venti asked, laughing softly. With a hum, he scratched the side of his face thoughtfully. “I think… That Mr. Zhongli might be better apt at teaching you that.”

“...The Funeral Parlor Consultant.” The pause wasn't just because getting recommended to a funeral for flirting advice was a strange one. It was also because Xiao was trying to remember what Zhongli was supposed to be. If Venti wasn’t Barbatos, he couldn't be permitted to know who Zhongli once was. 

“That's him!” Venti chirped, pleased to hear that yaksha knew with whom he referred. 

“ Why ?” Xiao normally didn't care enough to ask, but this could be a lead. If Venti intuitively knew, then that meant…

There was an ache in his chest. Xiao frowned, the conflicting needs creating unfamiliar trouble within. If Venti was Barbatos, then perhaps Zhongli would smile again. Be happy to see he hadn't lost all of his old friends. But then, Xiao realized in his own way, he hoped Venti was just himself. Wasn't an Archon that would inevitably leave.

Wasn't the same person that gave Xiao such a sad smile that last time they met. 

“It's kind of his job, isn't it? He gives consultations on anything, not just funeral rites. Until you can do it on your own though, I'll be happy to point out every time someone does hit on you.” Venti's offer was kind, and his speech didn't give Xiao any reason to suspect the bard of hiding the truth.

He didn't say it directly, but Venti wasn't sure he'd be able to teach someone like Xiao that sort of thing. The yaksha was serious, and came across as the antithesis of romantic. Mentally, he scratched off his plan to offer classes teaching interested parties how to flirt with someone. Xiao would think him a hypocrite, and Venti already felt as if he toed the line between burden and somewhat respected. Idly, he wondered if maybe he shifted the subject to romancing someone, then maybe…? Should be different enough. 

***

***

Hours had long passed, Venti already returned to the inn and even finished with his music for the night. In an official capacity, that was. Outside the tavern, closer than he should have been, Xiao could hear the songs as Venti sang them. The skill in which the bard could keep clear tunes in spite of being inebriated had thus far been his greatest feat. In the brief respite of being alone, Xiao wasn't afraid to be impressed. There was no risk of a smug smile, curving into knowing green eyes that so easily saw through Xiao’s mask of indifference. No risk of the bard seeing more than what he was supposed to. 

The fact Venti was a master when it came to music and knew it, well, Xiao doubted he could express that in a way Venti hadn't heard a hundred times by now. 

There were some laughs inside, the singing paused as Venti joined in. Sighing, the adeptus reminded himself that this was inevitable. This was going to be the future, no matter how well or poorly he tried to ‘woo’ the bard. Xiao couldn't be close to humans, and Venti needed them as his audience. Needed a proper audience, that wasn't a single surly yaksha on a rock in the middle of mountains. The two would eventually go their separate ways to fill separate needs. Arms crossed over his chest, he wondered when that time would come. Judging by the liveliness inside, it was going to be sooner than later. The bard had already made great strides in taking care of himself, and wouldn't need a yaksha hovering over him. 

Not that Xiao had ever actually hovered. 

As his thoughts pulled him further down, an alarmed call of his name pulled him from his spiral. Without hesitation, Xiao disappeared in the deep blacks and greens of a smoke-like after image. Reaching forward, Venti fell into Xiao's arms with a delighted, drunken mix of giggles and snorts. The stench of alcohol burned Xiao's nostrils, the yaksha reactively flaring them as he tried to exhale the smell. Held securely but not too tightly, Venti easily threw his arms around Xiao's neck, legs kicking once to get more comfortable in the hold. The idea of simply dropping the bard didn't even occur to Xiao. 

The patrons inside gave an excited cheer, a few raising a toast. "To our Conquerer of Demons!" One of Venti's fellow drunks shouted. Tending to the bar, there was a rather sheepish employee of Wangshu Inn. Xiao narrowed his eyes at them. Had this been intentional? 

"Sorry, Sir Adeptus… I was trying to get him down, and then he tripped trying to dodge me." The employee explained, expression guilty. 

"He was right though!" Another in too many drunks said. Right about what?

With a sigh, Xiao braced himself to deal with the smell of wine that was on Venti's breath when he turned to face the other. Except the smell was far closer than it should have been, and Xiao's body froze as lips delivered a kiss to the side of his mouth. Yellow eyes widened, his pupils turning to slits in his surprise. The way his ears were burning, he knew they were red. With a slight wobble, Venti pulled away with a pout.

"You turned your head!" Venti slurred, understanding hitting Xiao all at once. My cheek… Venti had intended to kiss his cheek! If he hadn't moved his head… "Oh, did you want a kiss -kiss?" The bard asked, too far gone to notice how quickly he was flustering the yaksha holding him. "C'mere-" Venti, innocently or not Xiao was too panicked to care which it was, was trying to turn the adeptus' head back towards him for a 'kiss-kiss.' Felt his head turning, almost leaning into the guidance. Heart trying to hammer out of his chest, Xiao shoved Venti into the confused arms of Smiley Yanxiao who had just walked in to see why the yaksha was suddenly there and being celebrated.

"I-I've been here too long!" Xiao stammered, and the second he was free from the bard he teleported away from the inn, away from the person that made beautiful and terrible things bloom inside his chest. 

Standing there, drunk Venti in hands, Smiley Yanxiao looked at the bartender. The cook was perplexed and hoping for some answer. The bartender paid him no mind, his gaze locked on where the yaksha had been. Long ago the names of the yaksha became obscured with titles, namely to defend Liyue’s protectors from nosy outsiders. Namely, Sumeru's Akademiya. On some level, to also avoid drunks calling out for yaksha as Venti just had. Xiao showing up wasn't a surprise, the man had worked there long enough to know well what was going to happen. 

That's why the bartender tried to prevent it, without success. Knew he was going to get one Abyssal of a scolding from Verr Goldet when he talked to her about it. But also suspected he would need to tell her the one thing he hadn't expected of the yaksha.

Snapping to, turning to Smiley Yanxiao to ask him to take Venti back to his room, the bartender pondered how he was going to word this. “What was the Conqueror's name again?” One of the guests asked with a slur.

“Sorry, I think it was… Oh, what was it?” The bar tender faked pondering. 

“Oh, it was Chaoxiang… Chaoxiang!” Another drunk cheered, and soon the whole bar agreed that was what they heard. The bartender sighed, relief flooding him that Smiley Yanxiao hurriedly left the room before a drunk Venti could try to correct anyone. 

It was going to be a long night of him needing to wait before he could tell Verr Goldet their yaksha had, just for a moment, looked like he was ready to kiss that bard back. 

A conversation that happened in the early morning, all while Xiao paced at his perch and tried to not think too much about what happened. 

Xiao knew some drunks were simply flirty. Told himself that there was nothing more or deeper last night. But… As Xiao remembered, his ears turned red all over again. How warm Venti was against him, the feel of the bard’s lips pressed against his… Even if it was only the corner. Pressed a finger against the spot, his lips trembling as emotions overtook his body. The joy when it happened. The disappointment it meant nothing. The need for it to be again, but more centered, more reciprocated. The hurt that it wouldn't happen. 

The calm in understanding that last night, Venti probably was bragging that Xiao would show up if the bard called for him. If nothing else, Venti trusted Xiao wholly and fully. Taking in a shaky breath, he tried to get his heartbeat under control. To focus on what was, instead of what could be. And that was the fact that alcohol lowered inhibitions, to a point. If Venti was offering a ‘ kiss -kiss,’ then maybe… Just maybe, there was a part of the bard that wanted it as much as Xiao did. Maybe. 

Let the little spark of hope bloom in his chest that there was a chance. 

For the time being, he needed to pass time until Venti was awake and moving. The bard slept in late, and Xiao knew he should be waking the other up sooner. But every time he tried, Venti just looked so… Safe and peaceful. It felt wrong distributing him. 

Deciding to put his focus on what he could even teach the other anymore, Xiao put his attention onto that. Tried to approach it the same way he had when asked to mentor Ganyu. With logic at the forefront, a focus on what Venti needed . As he did, Xiao's shoulders tensed. Flying… Venti had wings, and would inevitably need help with that. Maybe Cloud Retainer can, since she… Still has hers, it was a thought that he tried to not linger on. 

When the sun had reached the halfway point, he teleported into Venti's room. Appeared outside the window, lightly rapping on the wooden frame to see if he was allowed in. Human custom dictated that he always check, in case the person inside was in the nude. Something he learned with Ganyu the hard way, as he fled her room in confusion as she fired ice at him while screaming. It took Cloud Retainer to calm her down, equally as confused as a Xiao had been, about why Ganyu panicked. 

“He saw me naked!” Ganyu had said, tears in her eyes while her face was bright red. 

“One does not understand. One has seen you naked many times? Does One… Need to see the Conqueror of Demons nude to feel better?” Cloud Retainer asked. The words that left Ganyu's mouth were foreign and horrified. She looked to Xiao, sputtering. “How are you not embarrassed?”

“Oh, One understands now! Ganyu is shy about the shape of the form? But when you are so round, you are so cute…” And on Cloud Retainer went, Ganyu shifting from embarrassed to humiliated. At that point, Xiao quietly slipped away, deciding there was no training that day. He also decided that from then on, he would just knock instead of teleporting into the room. 

“Come on in!” Venti called out to him. Invite received, Xiao hopped through the window. Noted the feathers on the ground, hesitating in picking one up. “Could I… Make a request this time?” Venti sounded uncertain, and immediately Xiao steeled himself. The bard remembered last night, was upset, and now wanted to terminate the agreement. Xiao knew that coming. That was fine, he could handle that. “My back has been getting… Itchy. Itchier. Lately.” The bard began. 

Not upset? Xiao wondered, eyeing the bard. 

Venti was fiddling with his fingers, as if nervous over what he was about to ask. “I noticed you get weird about this, but I don't really know who else to ask. Should I be… Stretching them more? Is that why it's getting worse?”

One sign of karmic debt was something akin to an allergic reaction. Some forms were itchy rashes, and immediately Xiao was instructing the bard to remove his shirt in order for him to inspect. If they had been wrong this entire time, and Venti was becoming infected… Seeing the shift in demeanor from uncertain to urgency, Venti didn't hesitate. Removed his shirt, and let his wings unfurl to the best of his ability in the small, cramped room. 

Gloved fingers ghosted over Venti's back, creating goosebumps along the bard’s arm from the almost-contact. Behind him, there was a sigh of relief and he echoed. Whatever Xiao thought was the problem, was apparently not the case.

“Your wings are dirty.” Xiao observed, gold eyes flicking at white feathers with light stains from the outside.

“I can't exactly clean them in the public washroom.” Venti reminded with a laugh. “I don't even know how to clean them. Do I just… Find a puddle, and roll in it?”

“Do not do that.” Xiao sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose, brows furrowing. He could… Maybe give the bard instructions? Venti was skilled at following any provided. Xiao trusted he could hear and easily follow directions. As for a place he could do any of it, the yaksha went over the places he knew.

“Oh! You could show me!” Venti said, excitement in his voice as he pulled his wings back in. Hurriedly he put his shirt back on, turning around to face the yaksha. Collecting the adepti's hands into his own, Venti beamed at the other. “If two people work together, we'll be finished in no time! You'll help me, please?” The bard ended with a hope-filled plea, eyes imploring Xiao for a yes. 

Xiao swallowed hard, his entire body tensing. Venti had no idea what he was asking of the yaksha. How could he? Venti didn't know that Xiao was, in essence, a type of bird. The sort that only preened the feathers of family or a mate. Venti of which was neither, but Xiao's heart longed for him to be the latter. 

He should explain. He needed to explain! But instead what left his mouth was: “A-All right.”

Chapter Text

 Venti realized after he was already lifted into Xiao’s arms, that he had out of habit slid into the hands scooping him up. The surprise caused him to blink, a sensation in his brain akin to static shock. Why was it so much more natural when Xiao did it compared to the other yaksha? That he belonged there. Shutting his mouth, his own arms wrapping tightly around the yaksha’s neck as the cloud of energy moved them from Wangshu Inn to wherever was a ‘safe place’ to get wings cleaned. Wings with a span larger than the bard’s body length. There was a rustling of leaves and nearby flowers, and the strong, thick scent of ocean. Not quite opening his eyes yet, Venti took an extra moment to chide himself. Under no circumstances could he let himself get used to being carried around like some spoiled charge. What was he going to do if Xiao ever planned on walking him somewhere? 

…What was he going to do if Xiao had every intention to keep holding him? Why am I fixating on this? He wondered, only to blame it on how he had been woken before noon. Typically, Xiao let the bard wake on his own before collecting him. This time, Venti's shoulders were shaken, gently, and when he opened his eyes to complain was taken aback by the striking, glowing golden eyes of Xiao staring at him. For the first time in the memories he carried, Venti thought it was a sight he could wake to every morning. A thought he immediately brushed off, ignoring it in favor of getting ready. Had made the mistake of forgetting why Xiao had woken him, and in retrospect Venti realized he probably wore too many clothes?

Regardless, the second he was ready the pair repeated the same interaction. Each time, Xiao’s left arm would start by sliding beneath Venti’s thighs to under his knees. Almost immediately, his right hand was already steadying Venti’s lower back. With strength that did not match his build, Xiao would quickly slide the bard against himself and hold the other bridal style. Always in this way, careful to ensure that Venti’s head never ended up on the yaksha’s left shoulder. There was a guard or a pauldron, Venti wasn’t sure which it was supposed to be. But there was a jut of what looked like two ivory horns, one twice the size of its smaller counterpart. The bard assumed the yaksha was simply being cautious of the pokey guard. Or perhaps Xiao didn’t care if Venti got gored by accident by the horns. Maybe it was because he had the long sleeve on his left arm, that draped to the yaksha’s knees. That he was so accustomed to accommodating the sleeve, that having legs there made no difference? Whatever motivation for the consistency, it was only adding to this becoming a habit. 

“We’re here. Have you heard any of the stories about Sal Terrae? God of Salt? …Havria?” As he always did, Xiao got straight to the point. Venti was curious what prompted the need to ask a question this time, however. There was also an underlying emotion, something complex that was a mix of too many things to easily identify in tone. Blue and green eyes opened, Venti stiffening when his gaze was met with golden ones for the second time that morning. The two quickly looked away, both sides startled. 

“Sorry…” “Sorry!”

The two apologies differed in tone, but matched in timing. Venti laughed softly at their unison. “Uh… I heard a bit about the God of Salt from one of the storytellers? That she was a kind god, of whom used her powers to bless her people and to protect them? That she died to another god during the wars…?” There was always some discomfort when Venti heard himself mentioning the Archon Wars. In this instance, he assumed it was because Xiao had been alive during that time. That perhaps the discomfort was fear this was a friend of Xiao’s, and if he spoke too impolitely of her the yaksha would take offense. That was what he told himself.

“...Something like that.” Xiao said softly, those complicated emotions swirling in his eyes as he focused his gaze on the distance. Following his eyes, Venti held a breath at what he saw. It was beautiful. The pair were on a small structure of rock, surrounded by red flowers in full bloom that taller than either of the two. Below the formation was a circle of stone, the center opened up to show the river around them was flowing in a perpetual waterfall into a cavern below. Past it was the vast expanse of the river, so wide that for a moment Venti forgot it wasn’t an ocean. There was a dotting of sandbars, some holding ruins, some holding thick trees of reds. Even further into the distance was the Wangshu Inn, a thin mist obscuring parts of the building and the tree it was constructed around. To the left and the right were mountains, each leaning slightly as if parting way for anyone standing there to see much of Liyue’s beauty. Clouds of gold lined with pinks rose behind the landscape, and for that moment Venti yearned to have the hands of a painter. To capture this moment, for fear his memory couldn’t capture it well-enough for later. 

If not a mural, then he supposed he would simply have to compose the song the calm blue waters whispered to him. 

“Her name was Havria, and she was very gentle. Sal Terrae was the last of her domains, and it is also… Where she spent her last moments with her people.” Xiao’s voice was quieter, his eyes lowering. Venti shifted his gaze, always following behind the other with trepid curiosity. There, in front of the stone circle, was a tombstone showing signs of crumbling. Pieces near the bottom were becoming eroded by the tides, and at the top chunks had been knocked off. 

“This is her grave.” Venti had meant it as a question, but the words came out understanding that yes, it was. There was a nod just within that of the bard’s peripheral. 

“Her home is deeper in, this area outside is more… Like an entrance. No one will see you here, and Havria never even had the malice to curse those who took her life. It is safe. But I also understand most people fear places like these.” Xiao’s stare remained on the tombstone.

“It wouldn’t be disrespectful?” Venti clarified.

“No. I wouldn’t have brought you here if it was.” Xiao answered, his voice becoming more gentle and the waterfall in front of them beginning to take away the sound. “She’s been alone a long time…” The yaksha added, and Venti wasn’t sure if he actually heard the other speak. The bard felt his heart clench. “The Archon Wars were cruel. Nothing gentle was allowed to survive.” 

Despite the irony in what was said from who spoke it, Venti didn’t laugh. He couldn’t. Only frowned at the yaksha, who was still holding him. Who on a multitude of occasions could have simply dropped Venti the first chance he got. Yet, every time, Xiao kept hold of the bard until he was ready to be put back down. If the need to prove Xiao wrong to himself wasn’t so powerful, Venti would have tested to see just how long he would have been held. “Plenty of gentleness was allowed to survive.” Venti spoke with a sternness that, were he not feeling so heated, would have startled him. A piece of his heart trying to climb out, to share a truth that the yaksha refused to see. “I’m looking at one, right now.”

“I’m not-”

“Then throw me down into there.” Venti ordered, one hand no longer holding on so he could motion down towards the cavern below. A pair of confused gold eyes shifted from the tombstone to stare at the bard. “You know I can fly, I’ll be fine. Give me a good ol’ toss! Because otherwise, I’m starting to think you planned on carrying me down.” The accusation garnered a few stammers from the yaksha, his pointed ears turning red and his eyes trying to look at anything except Venti.

Oh, I was right? Venti thought, the beat in his chest hastening. 

“I’m not throwing you.” Was all that Xiao could manage. “I protect Liyue’s inhabitants, that’s my duty, my contract, it has nothing-” On he was going, filling the air with his excuses as Xiao kept trying to dodge seeing the kindness that he carried. With a roll of his eyes, Venti wriggled himself out of the arms that had been carrying him. Gloved hands hovered by the bard, not daring to risk the other falling through his fingers should he trip. Venti’s own bare ones took Xiao’s into a light hold, and he beamed at the other.

“Hey. Listen to me. Just because you’ve done terrible things, it doesn’t mean you’re terrible. By that logic, that would be saying some pretty cruel things about Rex Lapis, wouldn’t it?” Venti asked, poising the question in a way to hopefully at least get the other to think. “Because you’ve done a lot of really wonderful, kind things. Like what you’re about to do.” The bard gave a wink, and at his words Xiao’s flustered visage shifted quickly into fear. Letting go of Xiao, Venti kicked himself off the rock formation… And let gravity pull him downwards. Offering two peace signs with both his hands, Venti stuck out his tongue when he heard the yaksha yell out his name in annoyance and concern. Watched as Xiao leapt upwards before doing his spin to dive down in after him. 

Because that was just how Xiao was. No matter the blood on the yaksha’s hands, his heart would always yearn to save instead of kill. Xiao would spend the rest of his life slaying monsters, just so people could live. All so mortals could walk down the streets in Liyue Harbor, could travel the roads between towns… All safely, all without fear. This land’s beauty was able to thrive, because of yaksha like Xiao. 

This was not the first time that Xiao had to jump after someone to save them. This was, however, probably the first time the person he was ‘saving’ wrapped their arms around him when he reached them. Letting his wings out, Venti laughed at the confusion on Xiao’s face, lit up with the Anemo of his hair and eyes. “We’re gonna make a splash!” He yelled, laughter continuing. Not sure what else to do, Xiao wrapped Venti’s head with his arms in order to protect the bard’s skull. This is what I meant by being kind, Venti thought with a sigh. Using the Anemo, of which was all but second nature now, Venti slowed their descent considerably. The air parted the mist from the waterfall, exposing the lily pads growing thick around the edges of the cavern’s lake. He turned them from being headfirst to now being feet first as they splashed into the water. Both parted to emerge above water, hands treading to keep themselves afloat. 

“You could have hurt yourself.” Xiao grumbled at Venti, glaring in full force.

“With you around?” Venti asked incredulously. “I couldn’t if I wanted to.” He pointed out, opting to not return the angry stare attempting to burn into him. Instead, he inspected his surroundings. There was the waterfall, of course. A single tree, with no leaves and cracking bark. There was more to the cavern, leading in deeper into which algae and grass grew upon. Along the walls were hints of things growing, and he hoped it was the violetgrass that he had seen in other aerated areas. 

The scent of salt was stronger, but not overpowering. The area was dark, the hole above too small and too far to allow enough daylight to fully illuminate the area below. An idea came to Venti, his eyes lighting up figuratively and literally. 

“This isn’t wide. You could have broken a wing, you were too reckless.” Xiao’s scolding continued, and that time he had a point that Venti couldn’t refute.

“...You’re right. I apologize. I shouldn’t have let my emotions get the better of me like that.” Venti admitted, sucking in his lips and finally returning the yaksha’s look. He was sorry. Wings seemed to be a rather… Sensitive subject for the other. Piece by piece, Venti was unraveling why without having been told. 

“So long as you understand.” Xiao grumbled, refusing to look the other in the eye. Tilting his head to the side, Venti watched him with a puzzled visage. What was that for? Xiao didn’t look angry anymore. So why did he look away? “I’ll give you privacy.” Piece said, the yaksha began to swim towards the rock with the dead tree that clung to it with roots that stubbornly remained. 

“Wait!” Venti called after, awkwardly swimming after with wings that smacked the surface of the water as if to help him. This did not help. “I don’t… Know what I’m supposed to do? I thought you were helping?” There was a lack of literature on how to clean one’s own wings. There also wasn’t much literature that Venti had been able to find on how to bathe a bird as a starting point. He also suffered from eyes that far too easily found other tomes much more appealing to read. Such as collections of hymns, legends in Liyue, music theory… Topics that he was inevitably drawn to, nose buried within their pages without a thought. 

Still treading water, back to Venti, the yaksha was silent. Venti hoped he hadn’t upset the other too much. There was a chance that Xiao would leave, if only to prove a point. He had no reason to stay, and if Venti’s guess was correct then this might even dredge up painful memories. The more he learned, the more time they spent together… The more Venti suspected that, at some point, Xiao had wings of his own. Wings that the adeptus could no longer use. Eyes glowing a vibrant Anemo turquoise stared at the other’s back. The thick fabric didn’t betray the skin beneath it despite being made of a white cloth, hiding whatever secrets may or may not exist. The long sleeve attached to his left arm flowed in the water like a snake, and some guilt began to build in realization that the fabric couldn’t be easy to swim with. 

Still, Xiao paused when Venti called. Who had put it into Xiao’s mind that he was a monster, when he was so… Wonderfully, poetically, beautifully gentle? It didn’t matter, Venti decided with a deep breath, tilting his chin up to more easily breathe without accidentally drinking the water. If he accomplished nothing else, he was determined to help change the yaksha’s mind. Somehow. 

As he tread the water, Xiao had hoped Venti forgot about that. That had been too big of an ask, and he had to accept it. But… He could help, and it be okay. Right? Venti had kissed him with platonic, nonromantic affection. Humans would embrace without romantic intent. Surely Xiao could assist Venti in cleaning his wings in a perfectly normal, platonic, friendly way? I can try, he thought as he accepted the situation he found himself in. 

“Come here.” Xiao relented, changing his direction to an area of shallow water. The beaming smile that filled Venti’s face couldn’t be restrained, and he eagerly swam after the yaksha. Sitting himself on the rock first, Xiao then assisted the bard in following suit. You’re doing it again, Venti thought with amusement but dared not verbalize it. The shallower water reached their waists where they sat. Shirts, sleeves, and cape all clung to their torsos having been thoroughly soaked. Neither moved, the only light were hints of the sun from above, and the glow of pale green and deep gold. Letting his legs hang off the edge that led to a sharp drop into deeper waters, Venti lightly splashed water with feet as he waited. Silence stretched out, no instruction and nothing happening. There had to be a reason for the pause, and the bard didn’t mind waiting. There had been enough occasions in which he had to wait while Xiao rushed off to save someone or deal with a creature, this didn’t feel entirely different. Except Xiao was next to him, quiet over something.

“If this makes you uncomfortable, you don’t have to.” Venti said, offering the escape that he suspected Xiao needed. Waiting he was fine with. But now he was worried that this wasn’t a matter of Xiao trying to figure out logistics. That there might have been something more, an old wound that was being forced open. 

“I’m fine.” Xiao was unexpectedly curt in his reply, Venti turning his head with a raised brow. That was not how a ‘fine’ person would speak. Behind him, Xiao’s brows were pulled together in thought, his mouth a thin line. His ears were also very, very red and steadily spreading into cheeks. 

What was he embarrassed about?! 

What was it about wings that got the other so flustered? Venti knew he was missing something very critical here, and it bothered him that he couldn’t figure it out. 

Exhaling a shaky breath, eyes glued a bit too much on white feathers, Xiao tried to talk with a steady voice. For the most part, he was successful. For the less part, Venti caught the subtle tremble. “This’ll be easier without clothes.” This surprised Venti. Of all things, he hadn’t expected the yaksha to be flustered by partial nudity. 

Fingers underwater tapped slowly on the rock, Venti trying to find the best approach. Personally, he didn’t mind. Getting naked to get clean made sense, and there would be areas of his wings that couldn’t be reached with a shirt, corset, and cape in the way. Those same areas would be difficult to reach with his own two hands, so having Xiao to get that for him would be nice. But not nice enough to demand the yaksha do something he was so clearly uncomfortable with. Shrugging, Venti decided to be direct. The two were too far deep for him to dance around it. “Xiao. You don’t have to help, I promise. Getting naked doesn’t bother me, but I should have considered it might bother you.” 

“Bare skin doesn’t bother me. Modesty is a mortal concept.” Xiao muttered, taking in another deep breath. “I was worried it would bother you…” 

“Is that it?” Venti asked, laughing. The red on Xiao was starting to recede, fading the more he controlled his breathing. “Don’t stress about me. Hard to get embarrassed when there isn’t much to look at!” He joked playfully about himself. Reassured that was all, Venti immediately set about removing the top half of his attire. The second problem Venti discovered about his leap into the water, was as he removed the corset the sudden understanding the leather was probably not going to take kindly to this treatment. Eyes searched around the cavern, trying to locate a rock or something to put it on. The dead tree was next to the waterfall, and would do nothing to give the corset a chance to recover. There wasn’t really anything. With a pout, he bundled up the clothes he removed, and with Anemo shot it far enough to land in a wet squelch on the rock that was the mouth of the underground cave. Taking his cap off, he slid one side of the rim on his pointer finger, and pulled it back with the other hand’s thumb and finger. Squinting in mockery of aiming, he released it with more Anemo to propel it far enough to land on the pile. 

There was no reason to take his shorts or stockings off, but he did choose to remove his shoes. That was going to be terrible to walk in later. Wait! I can dry it off! With my abilities! Excitement filling his chest, Venti may have sent his poor shoes a bit further than where his clothes were. The misfire couldn’t dampen his spirits, not much could. Discovering he could magic away wet stockings in equally wet shoes into dry ones was empowering. Delighting in his increasing skills in Anemo, Venti took a peak towards Xiao to see if his mentor took any notice. Standing up, Xiao was focused on twisting out the long sleeve he had removed. To Venti’s surprise, he also took off his top. The shirt had been rather skin tight to begin with, and the flesh beneath looked the same as what was implied. There were a few scars, some that dipped down while others were more raised. Venti did note that he couldn’t really see any of Xiao’s back, and he wondered if that was intentional. The shirt itself had already been wringed out, and was now draped over the yaksha’s non-tattooed shoulder. The long sleeve joined it shortly. To the side resting on rocks, were Xiao’s gloves, the shoulder guard, and the long fabric that was draped down the front of his legs. Standing in only his pants and necklace, Xiao had an almost casual appearance. 

It was… Pleasant. 

Shifting his thoughts away from how nice Xiao looked, Venti put his attention back onto his feet, still inside his wet stockings. Attempted to ignore the heat that was growing on his cheeks. Soon as his gaze was off the yaksha, Venti could hear Xiao walking through the water to add his remaining attire to the pile. He doesn't want me to see, Venti thought. Could feel the yaksha’s side-eye, ensuring no peeks were being snuck his way. Fine, he wouldn’t look. But, on the subject of visibility… Closing his eyes, tilting his head back, Venti encouraged the breeze around them. Let the Anemo energy slip out of him subtly, let it entice all those little elemental creatures to the pair and cool his face off. The dimness of the cavern would make it hard for Xiao to see, Venti reasoned. There was a smile on his lips even so, all-too aware that the real reason wasn’t for the sake of sight. 

Finished, Xiao joined Venti in sitting down. “Are you certain you’re okay with me… Touching your wings?” The yaksha had to raise his voice in order to be heard over the waterfall, hesitance and wonder all rolled into one.

“Your touch is nice, Xiao. I like it.” Venti found himself saying, glowing eyes opening up and gleamed with the same softness as his words. Then he heard the words that left his mouth, and felt heat flood every inch of his body. “Y-You’re very gentle, it’s fine!” He added in a rush, hoping the other wouldn’t read too much into that. If Venti was lucky, the waterfall’s noise would make Xiao mishear it as something else. An incomprehensible statement, that was far from what was actually said. 

“If you’re sure.” Xiao was still hesitant, which was frustrating because did he hear or not? On repeat, Venti tried to convince himself the other didn’t. That Xiao was too easily flustered, and if he had heard correctly would have teleported away or something. “...Venti?” The yaksha asked, and in spite of the embarrassment, Venti’s smile returned in full force. Fluttering in from above were the Anemo crystalflies, the anemograna, and a few other glowing creatures. Venti was quite pleased to see how well he succeeded in enticing them all. Now the cavern was filled with the pale green glow of Anemo, the small critters a ballet of movement. 

“See? It’s okay.” Venti reinforced, motioning at their new companions. Holding out a hand, one of the crystalflies landed on an offered finger. Eyes crinkling, he looked back at Xiao. “You don’t scare either of us.” He reassured, voice warm and comforting. There was a dumbfounded expression on Xiao for a moment. Swallowing hard, Xiao let out a shaky breath and nodded. Pleased at his work, Venti gave an approving hum and resumed looking forward once more. Lowered his hand slightly, before lifting it up to encourage the crystalfly to resume flight.

“I’m… Going to touch you now.” Xiao said, taking some effort to sound normal. There was still some shakiness.

Venti was right, Xiao's hand remained steady and gentle. The same care that the yaksha used in carrying Venti was matched in helping the bard preen his wings. Venti could hear the water be disturbed when Xiao would rinse his hands between. Felt the soft, warm puffs of Anemo that Xiao used to dry each area as he made his way through. If Xiao needed to tilt the wing this way or that, would murmur a warning or make a request. A shiver went up Venti’s spine as Xiao’s hand ran along the top of the wing, fingers sliding across marginal covert feathers to the alula, and away from primary coverts. Anemo slipped between feathers, pressing the water carrying debris out and away. Hands that cautiously, curiously, traced the bones beneath skin that emerged covered in a white down. The contact caused Venti to do a sharp inhale, his shoulders tensing with his wings following. 

Going in, he just assumed getting his wings would have been weird, at worst. Instead, now that he was getting help, the whole thing felt… Intimate. Tense as his muscles were in growing understanding, his insides were soft and warm, malleable beneath the hands that were always so tender with him. Made his chest hurt when he tried to rationalize, because there was a fear in the thought, Xiao’s like this with everyone, that made him want to cry. How simple Venti must have been, he thought in sudden realization, to fall so deeply for someone who treated everyone this kindly. To know that the longing to be close was a goal he chased not to be friends, but in hope for more.

Venti’s memories were a mush, his life from before an incomprehensible blur. This moment was one that he hoped would be added into that pile, his cheeks burning. To forget that the hammering in his chest was for the person behind him, a beat skipping each time those touches could be mistaken for a caress. If Venti hadn’t persuaded Xiao to help him, to feel his touch like this… How long into too late would he had been in figuring it out? 

Abruptly, the hands were gone. “I’m sorry.” Xiao whispered, his voice thick. “That’s… All I can do.” 

“Oh. Oh! Y-Yes, that’s okay. I appreciate what you could do.” Venti made himself answer, even if his voice sounded shy to his ears. Couldn’t just ignore the other, not after he spent so much time and effort helping Venti. Not wanting to ruin the wings so quickly as they were cleaned, the bard pulled them back in. The feathers felt clean and fresh, and Venti wondered if that was really an ending point rather than a stopping point. But, Xiao knew more about this than Venti did. Whatever else was left, if anything, he decided he would need to figure it out on his own. Venti doubted his heart could handle doing this a second time. The pounding was so loud, he was starting to fear that the other could hear it over the waterfall. The itching was preferable to this sudden understanding. “You did way more than I could have on my own.” He added on. Felt as if he needed to fixate on it, to keep the conversation as neutral as possible. 

“I didn’t hurt you, did I?” Xiao asked, his voice odd. 

“No!” Venti answered in a rush. “It just. I’m not used to having wings yet. It all felt… New.” Venti decided on. That was neutral enough, that was truthful enough. 

“That’s good.” Xiao said. From the corner of his eyes, Venti could see the shadow of Xiao nodding. A quiet fell over the two, each of them distracted by individual thoughts. The cavern was still twinkling with the flittering of the crystalfly and the anemograna, orbs of Anemo acting as dancing lights. A sight that would have been beautiful to anyone to behold, the lights reflecting off of the water in a smooth reflection like stars. The violetgrass on the walls lined the sides of the lake, lily pads adding to the framing. 

Biting his lower lip, eyes taking a chance look at Xiao, Venti realized just how beautiful it really was. At some point, the yaksha had pushed those long strands in the front of his face behind his ears. For the first time, Venti could see all of his face without Xiao hiding behind his hair. Xiao looked up, and their eyes met. The silence continued, neither looking away nor knowing what to say or do. 

Venti’s heart ached, it soared, it wanted to stop. Could feel pressure building behind his eyes, and knew he had seconds before tears would fall. Couldn't tell if he was leaning in, and felt a fear in that particular leap.

Naturally, he had to ruin the moment before he fell deeper.

“Water fight!” Venti declared, and with his hand scooped water to fling it at the other. This had the exact effect the bard wanted: the moment was gone. Whatever that moment may have been was lost to their stares broken, Xiao flinching at the sudden splash in his direction with minimal warning. There had been confusion at Venti’s proclamation, the yaksha unable to make sense of the what or why. 

“What the-?!” Left Xiao’s mouth before water stopped his words, the yaksha sputtering. Not daring to stay there any longer, Venti scooted himself back into the deeper water. Taking in a deep breath, he went under as a precaution to whatever retaliation awaited him. If there was any. He definitely confused Xiao, Venti couldn’t discount that there wouldn’t be any. As he went down, a few curious crystalfly followed after him. Scared for them, Venti created air bubbles for the creatures that bobbed down in an imitation of delight. Whatever about himself that made him such a magnet for the little Anemo beings, Venti couldn’t deny he enjoyed it. Grinned despite himself as he was lit up like a lamp by the crystalflies bouncing around him, as if he were a torch attracting moths. Except, he supposed that was an imperfect comparison. Given that yes, parts of him lit up like a torch, but the ‘moths’ that floated around him gave off far more light than he did. As his lungs started to burn, Venti decided he needed to learn how to use Anemo to hold his breath for as long as he wanted. 

A trick he wasn’t going to learn while running out of air. Kicking his legs, he swam back up to the surface to take in a deep inhale with his tiny Anemo friends following. Still sitting in the shallow end, leaning forward with furrowed brows, was Xiao. “What was that for?” He asked, narrowed eyes adding more to a look of confusion than annoyance. 

“Nothing!” Venti lied, trying to laugh it off. To act like he was just being playful, and not avoiding the emotions he was finally recognizing for what they were: yearning. The very source of those emotions sitting in front of him, confused and oblivious. “I figure, since we’re basically done and don’t have anything to do… We could have a little fun!” If he couldn’t convince himself, he could at least try to convince Xiao. Xiao, a man who lived for over two-thousand years, and seemed to maintain his sanity solely by not asking the big questions. A skill that Venti would do well to learn, he decided. 

Still sitting, watching Venti closely, Xiao didn’t seem convinced. Thankfully, the yaksha continued to live his life the way he always had. “I assume a water fight… Isn’t an actual fight.” That’s my Xiao, right to the point, Venti thought, flinching when catching that he used ‘my.’ No, he couldn’t think like that. There was literally an inn of people that had far more right to think that way than he did. Also, those same people would probably make Venti disappear if they ever knew he even thought it. 

“No, not really. It’s more like… A bit like, you know how sometimes people will make snowballs, and throw them at each other? Try to dodge them and hit the other? Same concept, except it’s with splashing!” Venti explained. 

“Why?” That confusion was still there, Xiao earnestly searching the bard’s face. Just in case the other was trying to mess with him.

“Because it’s fun! Come on. Try it!” Venti said encouragingly, kicking his legs a bit harder so he could use both hands to briefly urge the other to join him. Remaining on his perch, Xiao eyed Venti with uncertainty. His jaw tensed, brows remaining furrowed. Flared his nostrils out, and for a frightening second Venti was starting to worry he had angered the yaksha somehow. Gold eyes paused in their scrutinizing gaze, flicking down in slight confusion. Mouth parted just slightly, as if Xiao wanted to say or ask something. Venti looked down as well, trying to follow the adeptus’ line of sight. The symbol on his chest was glowing, just like his hair, his eyes, and the ones on his arms. Yet it was dimmer, as if it had to permeate through what looked like the star-shaped scar. Realizing that was why Xiao stared, Venti bit his lower lip. Tried to fight the urge to cover himself, suddenly very self-conscious. Noting the shift from playful, Xiao immediately averted his gaze and said nothing. 

All at once, Xiao let out another of his heavy exhales. Scooting forward, he leaned over to look down at the deeper waters. Fingers gripped onto the edge, Xiao weighing if he should or shouldn’t. Had his head cocked to the side again, pointed ears straining to hear for anyone that needed him. There was silence, as Liyue remained at peace. Lifted his eyes to gauge Venti, eyes that eased from narrow to what might have been indulgent. Pushing himself forward, he was in the water with the bard, treading it. 

Xiao knew better than to use all of his strength to splash. The purpose was to… Play. Not to drown the other person. So, with as close to an open mind as he could muster, Xiao lightly smacked the water in the direction of Venti. A few droplets landed on the other, garnering several blinks. Pulled Venti out of his insecurity. Right. He probably isn’t used to goofing around… Venti thought, his own brows having their turn to furrow in contemplation. There was only one time he could think of in which he saw Xiao smile. Right. The two would just need to ease into it, give the yaksha time to figure out how to have fun. “Close! A bit more like this!” Venti said, and sent another splash. Xiao tensed, closing his eyes as the water crashed over him. The weight of the water pulled some of the longer hairs, clinging onto his cheek. “Part of the fun is trying to dodge!” Venti continued. “Try it!” 

“Okay…” Xiao said, still uncertain, but put more force into his next attempt. Staying where he was, this time Venti also had to close his eyes as the water rained over him. With a wide grin, he beamed over at the yaksha. “Much better! Okay, my turn now! Try to dodge!” Soon as he said it, Venti regretted his word choice. Because of course Xiao dodged… By teleporting to the other side as soon as Venti splashed towards him. “...You know, normally people would call that cheating…”

“You said to dodge?” Xiao reminded him, confused as to why doing as instructed was suddenly ‘cheating.’ 

“I said normally! Part of the fun is you don’t use anything special. No adeptal powers, no Visions, no… Whatever I got.” Venti wished he had thought to say, ‘no Anemo,’ before and not after the fact. Regardless, he was pretty sure he got the point across. “Otherwise you’ll be splashing me, I won’t have a chance.” The bard continued, his smile not once faltering in all of this. A nod was his reply, and Xiao swam back over to his original spot. 

The two created a rhythm of splashing and dodging, Xiao quickly picking up on what was and wasn’t allowed. Learned that going under the water’s surface counted to dodge, even if getting more wet than what the splash would do seemed counterproductive. That he could use both of his hands to splash if he wanted. Got shown to cup both hands together, and how to squeeze to fire a stream of water out. That also counted, though would take practice to be more effective. Found diving forward to get closer, to try and splash the other before they dove under was allowed. 

Found that, somewhere in all of this, Xiao was enjoying himself. Was enjoying the gleeful laughter leaving Venti, their exchange having progressed from an amicable back-and-forth to both sides blatantly trying to get a splash in before the inevitable retaliation. There were no longer turns, just the pair sharing this moment of joy in the once quiet and lonely halls of Havria’s. Gods never truly died. That was what made them gods. As he dove under, Xiao knew that watching them would make her smile. Could almost feel the fondness from the walls, could picture her leaning against the cave entrance with that gentle smile still on her face. Diving deeper down, keeping his eyes open Xiao decided he would try a new tactic. See if that was on the table, or was ‘against the rules,’ of which he still wasn’t clear on. Part of him suspected that Venti may have been making some up along the way. 

Wrapping his arms around Venti’s waist and thighs, he lifted the other up and out of the water with himself. Legs kicked hard, Xiao taking advantage of the buoyancy the two had in the water to keep his head from sinking underwater again. A startled squawk left Venti at suddenly being held above the water, legs and arms briefly flailing before registering that it was Xiao and not some monster. “Hey that’s-”

“No fair?” Xiao finished, raising a brow with a ghost of a grin because he knew it. Did it anyway, because the reaction it wrought was both funny and adorable. Eyes lit up with Anemo narrowed, Venti pursing his lips. “Is this ‘cheating,’ too?” The yaksha asked. In his arms, Venti shifted so he could rest a hand on a bare shoulder and stare down with that frown.

“Of course it is! How can I splash you back! The only thing I could do is… Is…” Venti didn’t finish his sentence, and instead started leaning back with his face turned away. The first thing that came to his mind was: kiss you! But he was not going to say that. He was not going to do that. Wanted to kick himself for even thinking it. Angry at himself for what felt like moving too quickly, wanting things too fast from someone that wouldn’t feel the same. Wouldn’t even want the same. 

Venti was not aware that Xiao’s thoughts mirrored his own in some way, and with pointed red ears simply let the other go. As a result, with a yelp the bard fell backwards unceremoniously into the water. Splashed about to get his head above water once more, but was too flustered to dare look at the yaksha. “Uh… I’m getting hungry, actually…” Venti lied. No, he couldn’t do this. Thought he could, was irrevocably wrong about it. Even when he tried to make his thoughts stop, the second he let his guard down there he was again. 

“Oh… Right…” Xiao nodded, somewhat dazed. More surprised at the odd disappointment that filled him. This should have relieved him, hearing that Venti was ready to return to the inn. For a moment, he had almost made a terrible mistake. Tried to shake it off, to focus on what he needed to do. Because of his distraction, when he swam back over towards his clothes he forgot. For that brief moment, forgot he allowed Venti to see his exposed back. Quick as it was, Venti saw it.

The scars on his shoulders blades, the only remainder of what had once upon a time been wings…

Chapter Text

Venti's days were becoming busier, and he hadn't quite figured out how that happened. Whereas Xiao never woke Venti up, Bonanus wasn't shy about jumping on his bed and excitedly asking, “Do you wanna go to Liyue today?!” 

Sleeping in was one of the few luxuries Venti indulged fully into. He also always felt it by the end of the day, body sluggish and his eyes heavy. On those days, Venti was back and ready for Xiao before the yaksha arrived. Even would get a fresh plate of almond tofu for Xiao, inviting the yaksha to eat lunch with him. Originally the invite was solely due to Venti's curious and friendly nature, but lately the bard worried that he had ulterior motives he simply never recognized until now. Was he taking advantage of Xiao? Was this really okay? But if he suddenly stopped, would that worry Xiao? Would the adeptus find it relieving? 

After returning to Wangshu Inn once training was completed, Venti would eat and then set up for that evening's either music or story. The fear was beginning to dissipate, but he remained hidden as that had become his motif in a sense. Apparently part of the ‘fun’ for the audience was guessing details about Venti, despite regulars having drank with him afterwards. They often pretended they didn't know, which allowed Venti to join in the game, as well. The more drinks between himself and the others, the more outlandish and impossible the ‘Bard Sprite’ became. 

Naturally, the drinking afterwards was a normal occurrence. It was only polite, after all, for Venti to so graciously accept the drinks bought for him. 

Then he would head to his room, and on days without Bonanus climb up to the terrace to play music for Xiao. On days with Bonanus, Venti would play from his room only to fall asleep in the middle of the song. The next day he would wake up with a blanket over him, despite never having it on the bed when he closed his eyes. There was a suspect, and he had beautiful gold eyes that glowed more brilliantly than Cor Lapis. 

That was busy enough. But lately, Verr Goldet or Huai’an would pull Venti aside and ask him strange questions. Not in that the questions were odd, but the fact they were asking him . Things like what his favorite food was, favorite drinks. Was his passion for music limited to playing it, or did that include listening to it? Did he know any Liyue dances, and would he like to learn? Then suddenly he was being taught the steps, and be told halfway through they got someone to cover for him that evening, to take his time learning. 

There was something going on, and Venti tried to not dwell on what it could be. Too often his thoughts turned to a going away party, and that Xiao caught on and became uncomfortable. Where would he go? A big piece of why Venti was finally feeling safe in the Wangshu Inn wasn't just that nothing happened after this long, it was that Xiao was there. Instead he put his attention on more important things, like not falling asleep in the middle of a performance because Bonanus shook him awake before the sun even rose ! Venti needed to put some boundaries in place before she tried to rouse him in the middle of the night. 

Stretching with a yawn, through bleary eyes Venti saw the blurred form of Verr Goldet hurrying towards him. Telling his shoulders and body to relax, Venti gave him a pleasant smile in greeting. “Afternoon, Boss! A fair and breezy day, any requests for what to play?”

“Not now.” Verr Goldet brushed his words off, and the offense Venti took from that showed on his face. “Sorry, busy, but I wanted to be certain the message got to you. Tomorrow evening, the inn is closed for a few hours so you won't be playing. I actually need you in the kitchen.”

Venti watched her, expression inquisitive. She didn't need to ask Venti if he had any plans, given his evenings were always the same. If there was a change, he told her . Or he assumed that's what would happen, given he hadn't found himself with any evening plans since arrival. 

“Is Smiley Yanxiao… Okay?” Venti asked, not wanting to pry into the cook's personal business, but also perplexed by the request.

“That's… A tricky question.” Verr Goldet replied, blowing out a breath while her brows furrowed. “But physically, there's nothing wrong. Anyway, you won't be cooking. You just need to be there. Understood?” She asked, eyes sharp and pointed at Venti.

“I guess I'll find out why tomorrow evening, then?” Venti prompted, and only got an ominous shrug from Verr Goldet. As her instructions were given, she resumed walking past him down the hallway. The swiftness of each step verified the truth in her words about being busy, though the inn itself didn't appear to be right then. What's going on ? Venti pondered, watching her retreating form with growing anxiety. Running fingers through the shorter hairs on his head, the bard racked his brain for backups and plans he could conjure if this was the worst case scenario. 

Hu Tao would definitely let him crash at the Funeral Parlor for at least a few days. Mora was the more pressing problem. Competing against established storytellers at Liyue Harbor was a much trickier business than the wandering poets that surrounded Wangshu Inn. Venti had confidence in his abilities, but Liyue was a land of tradition. Entire family lines passed down genuine lore and legend, keeping the past vibrant and alive for the present to learn from. That was more than just skill, and if Monstadt bards and their techniques offered anything that Liyue wanted, he would have heard about any that made headway before him.

There was a girl who was trying something new called “rock n’ roll,” and Venti had the pleasure of catching a few of her impromptu concerts. While she always drew a crowd, she also drew the Millelith and her crowds were never large enough yet . Venti could see and hear her passion, loved the way she blended music and visual storytelling. Had confidence she would be where she aimed to be. But like him, it would take time. And finding funds for a home suddenly didn't exactly offer the time he needed. 

So he played the best he could that evening, and the next morning was grateful Bonanus didn't surprise him again. 

The day of he tried to not be nervous. Felt the anxiety spike even higher that Xiao never stopped in to collect him like the yaksha often did. Tried to convince himself the two things were unrelated, and maybe Xiao had quite the curse of a god to deal with. That Xiao would be fine, he had been doing this a long time. Nothing to worry about.

As he fidgeted with the pages of a book he had been trying to read, there was a knock at the door before Huai’an popped his head in. “Venti! Perfect, is it all right for me to come in?” Suspicious but without reason to refute, Venti nodded and the man quickly came in. “We'll be needing you in a bit, but I was tasked to making sure you were ready.”

“Ready for the kitchen?” Venti asked, head leaning to the side as he tried to understand the man's disposition. Excitement, perhaps a bit nervous? Huai’an was always easier to read than Verr Goldet for Venti. 

“Mmhmm!” Huai’an gave an eager nod, an almost conspiratal smile trying to bloom on his mouth that he was desperately trying to wrangle down. Moving over to the bard, he set to work and Venti found himself simply letting the other. Couldn't find a reason to say no, and at this point his curiosity was overpowering the fear. A special kind of relief for his poor neck, as the soreness in his shoulders from all the tension was hurting by this point. 

“Do I get to know what's going on?” Venti asked, only to have a squeak of surprise leave him when Huai’an tightened the corset. The corset was more accessory than functionality, as wearing it properly added an unnecessary extra layer to any wind music he played. Yes, Venti could . That didn't mean he intentionally inflicted that choice on himself regularly. Apparently breathing was going to be a luxury for whatever was happening. 

“You're smart, I trust you'll understand. I'm not allowed to say.” Huai’an had a hint of remorse, but that excitement remained. As Venti's closest drinking buddy, he wanted to trust the inn's owner. At least Venti was trained to breathe with his lungs, and didn't have to deal with the tightness of someone accustomed to their stomach. There was a hint of betrayal at the lack of warning, though. 

Huai’an removed Venti's hat, using fingers to smooth and ‘fluff’ the flattened hair. Venti raised a brow when a qingxin flower was palced in his hair, and suddenly felt like he was a doll being spruced up. Taking a step back, Huai’an looked over Venti with a thoughtful look. Snapping his fingers, he removed the capelet and beamed down at his end result. “How do you feel about makeup?”

“You should know, I've already made an advanced directive with Director Hu at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. If you're trying to make me look nice for a coffin, she'll be very cross you didn't recruit her to fulfill my last requests.” Venti meant that mostly as a joke, but there was an uneasy piece of him that worried this was what was tonight's plans. The owner of the inn paused, before laughing. 

“I wouldn't dream of stealing a client of Director Hu's! No, I was simply tasked with ensuring you looked nicer than normal tonight. Just got a bit carried away there. Verr Goldet doesn't often let me have fun dressing her up, so I suppose you ended up the recipient of that need.” Huai’an laughed, sheepishly averting his gaze. “No makeup then. You're just fine, as always.”

I'm starting to feel like I'm being set up on a blind date, Venti thought. The guess that he had become Huai’an's doll to decorate for the evening hadn't been wrong. Still no clue why . Warm hands on Venti's shoulders, Huai’an looked the bard square in the eye. There was determination and hope in his dark brown eyes, glittering with that unbridled excitement that carried him through the door. His mustache was curved as he smiled down at the other. 

“No matter what, I want you to enjoy tonight. We got confirmation for reimbursement, and while figuring out the paperwork was unique we pressed on. Don't feel guilty. Just enjoy yourself.” Huai’an requested, and with a final squeeze pulled away.

“...Do you…” Venti glanced around, before moving closer and cupping a hand around his mouth to whisper to the other, “Do you need me to seduce and sleep with someone or something?” 

“Maybe.” Huai’an's answer was both ominous and unsettling. Venti hoped the man was joking. Yes, Venti was a bard. But he wasn't that kind of bard. And if they thought that, who was he supposed to seduce? Why? The inn was clearly a front, but Venti thought it was to support the yaksha.

Was someone trying to threaten Xiao? Was Venti expected to sleep with them and obtain a confession? The idea of getting intimate with a stranger made Venti's stomach turn, but if it was to protect Xiao…

“Don't worry about it. Let the night go naturally, and if that's the route it goes…” Huai’an continued, waving his hand towards the window. “Don't worry about us getting in the way.” And he winked. 

Maybe I'll want you to get in the way? Venti kept those words to himself, gave the other a smile and feigned this was fine even if his insides were on fire now. “I'll let Verr Goldet know you're ready. Be at the kitchen in thirty!” Huai’an instructed, all smiles and happy humming as he unknowingly left a Venti in even more anxiety than he had when first entering. Sitting down on the side of his bed, if the room was on fire he would have been a perfect picture of: This is Fine. On the bright side, the room wasn't on fire even if Venti felt like his insides were. It was in this way he spent the next twenty minutes, before trying to walk with as much casual finesse as he could conjure. Mustering false bravado was what he did as a bard. Inspire others, even when Venti himself would rather have gone back to bed and sleep away the evening.

Huai’an happily let Venti into the kitchen and it was… Not what the bard expected. The door was shut behind him, which based on comments alone added up. The kitchen was decorated, for one. Strung up along the rafters were lanterns flickering quietly, with more qingxin and violetgrass woven around the threads. Playing softly in the background was music, and Venti tentatively approached the source. Inspecting the device, he noted the disc moving in circles and the needle pressed upon it. Above that was metal similar in shape to some kind of horn, of which the music emanated from. On its side, attached to the box that supported it, was a handle that moved in a gradual, perpetual circle. 

It took him a moment to understand, but the word at the edge of his mind finally arrived. This was a gramophonel! Stepping away, he noted the table in the corner of the kitchen had  been set for two and already outfitted with the evening's meals. Walking over to the table, he looked at the plates with brows furrowing and a cock of his head. The seat intended for him was easily guessed, permitting him a perfect line of sight for the door at the top of the stairs. Across from him was for his mystery guest, of whom could see the folding screen used to separate the kitchen from this small seating area. 

Turning around, he was startled to find the folding screen with its usual depiction of the harbor, the mountains, and ships had been replaced. This one was similar in style, but portrayed a familiar scenery. High peaks with rolling mists, surrounded in the orange glow of sunset: Jueyan Karst. Bewilderment growing, Venti turned his disbelieving gaze back to the meals. His was obvious. When prompted, Venti simply said anything with apples, and apple cider. 

The apple bourbon chicken on his plate made his mouth water, the fragrant blend of his favorites combined into a dream come true most likely at Smiley Yanxiao’s hands, a wine bottle already uncorked next to it in designation as an ideal pair. Longingly inhaling the scent, his stomach growled and sent pangs of hunger that he chose to ignore. Across from him was grilled ticker fish, of which offered him no clues as to who he was dining with. The fear of what was going to be expected of him returned. 

While he wouldn't eat without his companion, Venti had no qualms downing a glass from the bottle on the table. Well, it would have been glass -sized had he poured it out first instead of chugging several deep swigs of the wine. Setting down the bottle that was now lighter than it had been seconds ago, Venti marched himself over to the gramophone. Until the mystery person arrived, he would just focus on this. Let the tones flow from it and into his veins, calming his nerves with strings and wind and song.

Outside the door, Verr Goldet was putting the last touches of fretting over Xiao. The adepti patiently waited for her to cease ‘fixing’ his hair, trying to not let the fear gripping his insides for her safety undo whatever effort she was working towards. The inn supported him from a distance, normally. Gave him a safe respite back when the karmic debt became too much. A place to rest between battles. Gave him offerings in meals that satiated old cravings, and stories to while away the long life he was destined to live. Having Verr Goldet abruptly approaching him and saying the inn wanted to provide him a gift was peculiar but not unwarranted.

Typically ‘gifts’ didn't require Verr Goldet to be in close quarters of him, adjusting this and that like a mother preparing a child for Kamera Day. The only information he had was that it was a, “special dinner,” and that the inn was closed to protect humans from having a yaksha staying for prolonged periods. “Thank you for being patient with me.” Verr Goldet murmured, eyes softening as she pulled back and created distance once more. “I know it'll sound funny to you, given how much of the world you've seen and experienced compared to me and the mortal life I lead. But, I do enjoy watching over you. Huai’an and I will never have children, and you are far from a child… But being able to assist you is an honor, and fills my heart with such joy. I hope tonight gives you a joy your heart needs.” 

Not sure what to say or how to respond, Xiao merely nodded. He was rarely close enough to humans to have any bare their hearts out to him, and normally he would have cut her off before leaving. Prolonged presence was an active danger, one lessened to such a degree by Venti the urgency was lost. Now, Xiao could listen. Could be present and mindful, get to know the mortals that dedicated so much of their efforts to respect and support the last vestiges of a bygone era. 

With an encouraging wave of her hand, Xiao raised a brow but walked into the kitchen. Upon entering, was momentarily distracted by the sudden appearance of lanterns above him and the floral scene of flowers around him. Frowned at the odd redecoration choice, as the flowers would quickly wilt and those lanterns weren't designed for functional use in a kitchen. If Xiao were familiar with mood lighting, he'd have an inkling that cooking wasn't their intended purpose for this evening. 

“Oh, well hello hands- Oh ?!” Came the familiar sound of Venti's voice, though the intonation was different from usual. At the first syllable leaving the bard's mouth, Xiao's eyes snapped to the other man. Saw the end of Venti spinning around, hip jutting out and the switch from eyes being batted to widening as big as possible in shock. The bard's hand twitched, sliding just barely over the counter and missing, fingers grappling at nothing as he began the slow descent from missing his target. In a dash of Anemo, Xiao moved from the top of the stairs to catching Venti in his arms. The adeptus wore his own look of surprise, as historically Venti wasn't clumsy. Except when he pretended to be, or had enough to drink. The telltale pink of the drunken flush that Venti wore after too many bottles wasn't there, so it wasn't that. Thankfully. 

That look made Xiao's heart beat far too quickly, combined with the stench and his stomach got nauseous. There was the hint of alcohol on the bard’s breath, so he had imbibed but not enough for this. That didn't seem intentional either. 

“Are you all right?” Xiao asked, both hands still on Venti to ensure he remained steady.

“Y-Yes.” Venti stammered out, eyes flickering all through the kitchen with the same confusion Xiao was feeling about all this. “I'm fine.” He continued, but neither made a move to let go. 

“...You should be more careful.” Xiao found the words leaving him, gentle and laced with a hint of worry. 

“Ehe, I will be.” Venti conceded, forcing the laugh out and pulling away. That baffled visage remained, the bard reaching up to scratch his head only to give pause. Had fingers brush against the flower in his hair, and brows furrowed. Watching him, gold eyes caught the new decoration and stopped himself from commenting how cute it looked. Obviously, neither knew what was going on and Xiao making remarks about the bard's physical appearance wouldn't be helpful or wanted, he told himself. “Right. So. Dinner. Am I right?” Venti asked, removing the hand from his hair and motioning towards the table. 

“Right?” Xiao repeated, but didn't actually know. Took comfort in the fact the bard didn't seem to, either. Without direction to guide them, the pair went to the table to sit. Both took time to process and wonder, the situation bewildering each for different reasons. 

Mouth upturned, hands resting on his cheeks, Venti pondered the best way to proceed. Based on Xiao’s behavior, the yaksha was clueless that - for some reason - Verr Goldet set the pair up on a… Date? If Venti treated himself and Xiao as normal people that were anyone but the two, what was happening was easily explained. Verr Goldet, being an objective observer, noticed the two shared a mutual attraction and stepped in to help by setting up a date. But neither of the two fell into the ‘normal’ category, and it confounded the bard. Old as Xiao was, there was simply no way he had never crossed paths with someone like Venti before. With that basis, if someone like Venti hadn’t piqued Xiao’s interest in the past then the idea the yaksha had a ‘type’ couldn’t explain this. The boss of Wangshu Inn would go out of her way to help Xiao, but Venti couldn’t imagine her doing anything to help the bard if it risked making the yaksha uncomfortable.

The only explanation was that Venti’s pining was mutual, and that confused him. The math involved just didn’t add up. As he ran through what he knew, visage still thoughtful, blue-green eyes watched as Xiao inspected the kitchen that for a rare change was empty save for the pair. The yaksha doubtlessly had few opportunities to really experience or look at the lifestyles of humans, and it was cute how that was the first thing he did. It was also a bit distracting, the way his normally disheveled appearance was… Straightened up? The yaksha's wind-tousled hair looked like someone ran a brush through it. Normally bushy brows were attempting to stick together in a thick line, missing their endearing wildness.

The food was starting to cool, and Venti wondered if Xiao wasn’t touching his grilled ticker fish for a reason or just wasn’t hungry. Or maybe didn't like it? But the inn would know that. Exhaling, Venti took up his utensils and started on his dinner. Ruminating on an empty stomach wasn’t making him any progress in finding the missing pieces for this puzzle. With luck, the tangy flavours Smiley Yanxiao enjoyed playing with would bring him some new inspiration. Chewing thoughtfully, recalling the cook added a new layer of confusion. Why set Venti up on a date with Xiao, when Smiley was right there having pined for far longer? The man had an established rapport with the yaksha, knew the exact ways in which the adeptus preferred his meal. If Venti ever had a question in regards to Xiao, Smiley Yanxiao was the first person he went to. 

“Venti,” Xiao started, his voice uncertain. Hearing his name, the bard looked up at him with inquisitive eyes. Felt confident he knew exactly what the other wanted to ask, but was too awkward to immediately speak. “Did… Verr Goldet say what this was?” The yaksha finally got out. 

It was nice to hear something predictable in an otherwise confusing evening. For all his experiences, Xiao was far too familiar with violence and too little with intimacy. It wasn’t pity that Venti felt. Something akin to empathy, though he couldn’t place why. Definitely sadness that reciprocating the gentleness he lived by was so rare an occasion, that Xiao never understood it when it happened. 

Humming, Venti set down his utensils and drummed his fingers thoughtfully. “First, this is distracting me.” The bard decided, sliding his seat backwards so he could stand. Took the two steps he needed to be next to the yaksha, his hands hovering inches from the other’s face. “May I?” Venti asked, respecting the space until consent was given. Xiao looked at the bard’s hands, his brows furrowing. Then he lifted a hand before dropping it, an indifferent motion to show he didn’t care. Nodding, Venti quickly shook his fingers through the yaksha’s hair, garnering a surprise sound from the other. Once that was fixed, he took his thumbs to Xiao’s brows and ran the digits up and down, undoing the slicking job that Verr Goldet had put so much effort into earlier. 

“Why?” Xiao asked, shaking his head and leaning backwards to escape the hands that were undoing all of the “boss’s” work. 

“You didn’t look like yourself.” Venti explained simply, not quite stepping away but a smile was back on his face. “I missed Himmel and Cecil.” He continued.

“Who?” Xiao asked, brows still furrowed but his eyes started to cloud with confusion. 

“Himmel,” Venti began his explanation, one thumb trying to mess up the left brow, “and Cecil.” He ended, the other thumb mirroring the first on the right brow.

“...” The loss of words Xiao felt was palpable, borderline audible in how loud it was from his stare alone. His mouth opened to ask something, only to close because he simply couldn’t remember how to form words anymore. 

“Your brows. They look like fuzzy, happy caterpillars!” Venti went on, unbothered by the stare and silence, happily filling it as he often did. “When you frown,” The bard pushed the brows down, “I can tell Cecil and Himmel are angry.” Then, he pushed the right brow up. “When you do this, Himmel is definitely annoyed but I get the sense that Cecil is intrigued. He’s giving me that, ‘very interesting Venti, please, go on,’ sort of vibe.” 

“You named my eyebrows?” Xiao finally sputtered out.

“I did.” Venti replied easily, beaming down at the yaksha. Of whom was finally registering that Venti’s hands had been on his face this entire time, and Xiao felt the heat on his ears. Hoped that his hair was tousled enough to hide the embarrassment. “I know the names aren’t very Liyue in nature, but it just kind of came to me one day and I didn’t have a solid enough grasp on how naming conventions work here. Do you think they're mad?”

“...My… My eyebrows?” Xiao asked, all but stammering by this point at the combination of being so close to the bard and the overall absurdity of the conversation.

“Yes! Himmel and Cecil. Do you think they like their names?” Venti asked, his smile curving into his eyes despite his mouth maintaining a more languid lift.

“I… I don’t know how to answer that.” Xiao finally deflated, at a complete loss on how to handle the situation he was suddenly in. 

“You could say…” Venti began, and then changed his voice to a slightly different pitch, “‘Yes, Venti. These names are wonderful. Hello, I’m Himmel!’” As he spoke in imitation of something, the bard used his thumb to make Xiao’s left brow artificially wiggle. “Nice to meet you, Himmel! I’m so glad you like the names. I think you’re both very cute!” Venti went on, happily carrying on the weird interaction, clueless as to what he was doing. The red of Xiao’s ears finally reached his cheeks, the yaksha averting his gaze to look at anything but Venti. Were this anyone else, Venti would get the impression Xiao was being bashful at getting attention from his crush.

But the yaksha was so touch-starved and a stranger to attention, that Venti rationalized it was more logical that Xiao was just being shy. Fairy tales were where people like Xiao fell for people like Venti, not reality. But at the same time, nothing about this situation made any sense outside the context of a date! Was it possible Verr Goldet got the wrong impression? That actually seemed feasible. 

“Do I… Need to say that?” Xiao's inquiry broke into Venti's thoughts, the bard quickly trying to laugh off the silence. 

“No, not at all unless you want to!” Venti quickly assured him. “As for what this is…” Trailing off, he hummed and thought over his words. As impossible as it was, a piece of him couldn't help but yearn and hope. If there was a reason, no matter how small, that the inn got the idea there was something more… Venti knew himself to be a fool to not try to find out. “I suspect that Verr Goldet and the others got the impression we needed to have a, a… Uhm, haah, words are usually my best point.” Nervous chuckles left the bard, and the yaksha waited as he so often did as Venti struggled. 

This was embarrassing solely for the simple fact that Venti sang foul sea shanties and bar songs regularly . That he walked into this kitchen, wholly prepared to seduce a stranger to protect Xiao. Yet telling the yaksha a simple, perfectly detached suggestion that maybe this evening had romantic connotations… That was the line for him? For him , Venti, the bard that had never met verse nor rhythm he couldn't play?

THAT was what constituted, ‘too much?!’

It was as infuriating as it was shameful. 

“A, uhm, a date.” Venti finally got out after what felt like an eternity.

“A date?” Xiao echoed, furrowing Himmel and Cecil. The eyebrows were just as confused as the yaksha they were attached to, clearly.

“Yeah.” Venti nodded, trying to read Xiao's expression but struggling to keep his own emotions from appearing on his face for the yaksha to read. 

“I don't see any?” Xiao murmured, his eyes scanning the plates for signs of the fruit. 

“No, a date as in. You know.  Well.” Looking around him, he gave a helpless shrug. “We should go somewhere else.” 

“Why?” 

“Because this feels too weird, and you're not even eating and I feel bad!” Venti explained without actually explaining. 

“I don't get hungry. This is a dish most adepti like, but I only eat it on… Special occasions.” That sombernese that bled into Xiao's words periodically returned. Rather than press, Venti merely nodded in understanding. 

“Then it's settled.” Grabbing the bottle of wine (a necessity really), Venti held out his free hand to the adeptus. Pulled lightly until the other was standing. “Let's go to Guili Plains!” He instructed, his free hand slipping out of Xiao's to slide into its place around the yaksha’s neck. Just as quickly as he lifted his legs into a light jump, Xiao caught the other with his arms. The two  fell into their normal pattern like clockwork, Xiao carrying Venti as he teleported the pair out of the kitchen. Away from the stifling air of expectation, away from prying ears. In seconds they were south of the inn, faint traces of mist rolling across ruins as night settled in and the moon started its march across the sky. 

“Why here?” Xiao asked, and gave pause when noting the bottle. Cecil, the bushy right brow, raised upwards this time. 

“To talk. To maybe hear the lyrics to that song. To feeling the wind and to watch the chariot ride ‘cross the lonely sky, ever chasing the morning star that captured her eye.” Venti mused, closing his eyes as the evening breeze caressed his face and passed through his thin shirt. Tried to stop the involuntary shiver caused by the chilly air, but even so Xiao pulled him closer to share warmth.

“And what a date is.” Xiao reminded him, one that garnered a laugh from Venti. 

“Yes, yes, let me finish this first!” The bard's humor was bright like his songs, and Xiao distracted as he was, didn't notice the bobbing light of a torch approaching until feet snapped a twig. 

Chapter Text

Guili Plains held multitudes of painful and beautiful memories. Almost all involved other adepti, though humans would be invited by the ever smitten Guizhong. On occasion the other Archons would be invited by, and Xiao paid such visits little mind. Duty bound as he was, he focused on protecting the humans. Every now and then he would allow his work take him closer, to listen to the orchestra of Guizhong and Barbatos with Streetward Rambler and Cloud Retainer contributing when not enraptured by the celestial sounds of gods combining. 

There was no doubt that if anyone could come close to such music, it would be Venti. The promise of an enchanting night to distract from whatever was going on at Wangshu Inn was more than welcome. Instead, Xiao found himself frowning down at a handful of Treasure Hoarders holding torches aloft and squinting. Venti simply watched them, the wine bottle emptying slowly as he drank. 

“You two shouldn't be here. Get lost if you know what's good for you.” One of the Hoarders warned, doing his best mean mug he could manage. To the bard, his scrunched face more reminded Venti of someone on day six of not being able to evacuate their bowels. 

“Just some dudes doing Romeo and Juliet bullshit!” Another Treasure Hoarder was hollering, hands cupped and directed likely at their boss. 

Ignoring them entirely, Xiao put his attention on the bard in his arms. “Do you want me to extract them?” 

“Extract us? How? Short little punk like you, I've punted bigger women!” A third Treasure Hoarder said with a laugh. 

“Weird flex, bragging about beating women.” Venti commented, pausing in his wine. With a sigh, he looked back into gold eyes. “You prefer to not get involved with mortals, right? I can deal with them.” 

“W-Wait, mortals?” The first Hoarder stammered, the mean face falling into fear. 

“I didn't say I… You know what, he's tiny! I'll take both your little asses on!” The third one snarled, hands going to his belt.

“No, hold on. These two were not here a few minutes ago.” A fourth Treasure Hoarder pointed out, concern lacing her features now. 

“Do most people not know you?” Venti asked, voice hushed. 

“No.” Xiao's reply was simple. 

“So… Are you going to put me down to deal with them, or…?” Venti trailed, and almost immediately was put down. 

“Shit, shit, fuck!” The fourth Treasure Hoarder squeaked, rushing to the third and bodily stopping him from getting closer. “Bro, check the shorty’s arm! That's a fucking adeptus . Wait. No. Sir Shorty’s arm…? Whatever! That's the one that saved Carmen from that awful goop death!” She spoke so quickly, pointed so urgently, that the third took an extra moment to process the rapid fire information. 

Standing there, Venti crossed his arms and sighed. His poor bottle wasn't even empty. Glancing back at Xiao, the yaksha looked almost bored with the proceedings. To himself, Venti wondered how often Xiao was dragging Treasure Hoarders out of trouble of their own design. To know the exact percentage of Xiao saving someone who got attacked by a monster, and Treasure Hoarders falling into an ancient adeptal trap. Or death goop, apparently. 

“We're so, so sorry Sir Adeptus!” Now all four Treasure Hoarders had their hands clasped together, heads leaning forward in earnest regret. 

“Yeah, if we knew this was where adepti got laid we would never have come here!” The first Treasure Hoarder wailed. Oh boy, have they got the wrong idea… The bard thought, wincing slightly. 

“No, that's not what's going on here.” Venti forced a laugh to hide how awkward that made him, waving hands back and forth in denial. “Besides, I'm not his type.” He added on. 

“Oh yeah, totally.” The third Treasure Hoarder agreed, the aggression little more than memory. “Adepti can do way better.” 

“We are super sorry, look at us, assuming your preferences Sir Adeptus! Please, spare us we won't assume again!” The first couldn't stop the apologies, tears in his eyes. Around this time, things finally clicked for Xiao. You will regret not trying. And being what we are, that is a very… Very long time to regret, the memory echoed in his mind. Had that been what Verr Goldet was attempting to help with? Looked at Venti. Didn't even realize gloved fingers reached over, took some of Venti's own into them. 

“Ah, sorry, I got distracted. I'll just-” Venti snapped back to life as he spoke, a brief glimpse of sadness leaving his eyes back to their usual calm.

“Why do you think that?” Xiao asked, finding it in himself to look the other in the eyes much as shyness tried to force him to look away. Blues and greens blinked, faltered, seemed confused. 

“Yeah! You're super cute!” The third Treasure Hoarder, also known as the peanut gallery trying to make amends, yelled out. Oh, how quickly the turns have tabled for that one.

“Don't interrupt!” The second hissed, smacking the third into silence. 

“I… Well. Why would I be?” Venti asked, nervous laugh leaving him while his chest felt ready to burst. Didn't refuse the hands that took his into it, might have even held it back. “For one, you're going to live a long time. We don't even know what I am, and if I would even…”

“Do you not serenade the night with memories to be treasured? As a yaksha,” There was a startled gasp from one of the Treasure Hoarders that with great restraint Xiao ignored, “My tomorrows are never guaranteed. Lifespan isn't a factor, not when experiences matter most.”

“...Oh.” Venti's eyes widened, more surprised by the eloquence with which Xiao spoke. The yaksha had never been especially chatty, and Venti felt the ties of affection tightening around his heart. “Well, I mean, I'm sure you've met plenty of people like me. I know there isn't much I can recall, but I don't think I've ever met someone like you… Or anyone that's made me feel this way like you have.” The security that came with being with Xiao, the safety the yaksha offered him without hesitation or demand for repayment paved the way for the heart's honesty to slip through Venti's lips. 

“You don't have to be special, to be special to me.” Xiao spoke with an unnatural patience, hand reaching to hesitate just next to the side of Venti's face. Emboldened by kind words, the bard leaned just barely into the hand. Felt the way fingers and palm cupped his cheek and one of the plaits, the rough leather of the glove comforting. “I… Enjoy the way you make me feel. Being around you is peaceful.” Self-expression wasn't Xiao's forte, but he hoped the emotions in his words were conveyed.

“You know… A date is when people make plans to spend time with each other, get to know one another… Decide if they want to be together, romantically.” Venti’s eyes curved as he smiled, his insides pliant and warm. Let go of the bottle in his spare hand, Anemo swirling beneath to ease it to the ground without shattering. Raised his hand to rest on top of Xiao's, the yaksha finally understanding what Wangshu Inn did. “I thought it had to be something else. That some mistake had been made, but… Xiao, would you want to?”

“...Go on a date?” Xiao asked, bewildered but eyes full of hope. The bard laughed, felt his eyes start to water as hope was flooding him. 

“If that's what you want, yes.” Venti nodded. “But I had meant… Be together, as in…”

“Partners?” Xiao asked, his own heart skipping a beat as gold eyes glowed brighter in excitement. His fingers holding Venti's shifted until those hands clasped. The bard gave a nod, and the first hints of a smile made its way onto Xiao's face. “More than anything… Yes, to both.” Voice tapered off to barely a whisper, their heads close but not quite touching. 

“Now kiss.” One of, it didn't really matter which, the Peanut Hoarding Gallery had spoken in an attempted undertone but unfortunately wasn't quiet enough to go unheard. The moment interrupted but not ruined, Venti started laughing while Xiao slowly turned to stare in surprise that the Treasure Hoarders were still there. Had none of them learned to read the room? Ignoring the fact this was an open space not a room. Regardless. No respect to leave the pair to some semblance of privacy?

“Sorry. I did say I'd deal with them.” Venti said grinning, letting go of Xiao to hop down to approach the four humans. All four had their attention on the bard, each face illuminated in the dark by the flames of their torches. “Could you please pretend you saw nothing? It would cause the yaksha a lot of trouble if people start gossiping about him!” He requested, holding one finger to his lips with a small wink.

“Promise. We'd never want to trouble one of our adepti.” The first Treasure Hoarder said, eagerly agreeing to the request. 

“But if you break his heart, I'm gonna break your-” The third Treasure Hoarder didn't get his sentence out before the second was trying to cover his face and Xiao had teleported in front of him. All four Treasure Hoarders immediately stared down at the yaksha, sweating bullets as he frowned at them all like a disapproving parent.

“Do not threaten him.” Xiao warned, not even trying to be intimidating yet still managed to be. The fourth Treasure Hoarder, terrified as she was, still found the silver lining that she was this close to an adeptus! Surely this was a sign their luck would turn around!

“Bullying someone into pleasing their partner solely for self-preservation destroys trust. You should try wishing couples, or polycules, a healthy relationship to show your support.” Venti offered the advice, free of fee, more to give himself something to focus on. Someone stood up for him, and that someone was Xiao. Was Venti certain he was awake?

“Yes, of course! Thank you! You picked a really generous person, Sir Adeptus!” The Third announced, voice high and nervous. 

“Very pretty, we'll send them really cute clothes for you to take off!” The Fourth offered, paying no mind to the way both bard and yaksha paled at the implication. 

“We won't tell anyone about your smart squeeze!” The Second promised.

“If you ever need us, we'll be happy to help!” The First declared. And just like that, the four all but ran away as they retreated. Before they got far enough to be impossible to hear the pair overheard, “shit! What are we gonna tell Boss?!”

The light of the torches faded, until only the moon's light could be used to gaze out around them. In a slight daze, Venti wondered what was next. Would anything change? “Hey… Xiao?” He didn't need to turn his head to know the yaksha was looking at him. Could feel the gaze, and his smile eased in the comfort of that knowledge. “I was afraid that when training ended, I'd never see you again. Does this mean…” This time, Venti made sure he was looking at the yaksha. “That I can keep spending time with you after, for as long as we can?”

Fingers brushed again, and this time Venti entwined fingers to clasp hands. “Call my name, and I'll always be there. For as long as you want.” Xiao promised. Steadily their heads got closer until foreheads touched. Just barely noses brushed, Venti laughing at how much it felt like butterfly wings. Knew his eyes were reflecting the small smile on the yaksha’s face. 

“Can we look at the stars together? I know if someone calls you'll have to go, but until then…” Venti bit his lower lip, hoping he wasn't trying to rush things. Pulling back, Xiao scooped Venti up in arms that were gentle but held the bard closer, tighter. A delighted laugh left Venti, bard kicking his legs as he made sense why Xiao carrying him always felt right unlike with the other yaksha. Both Venti and Xiao enjoyed it. Without a word, the yaksha teleported the two away. Further from the ruins, the two were now in an area full of flowers swaying in the breeze with drops of dew forming from the mist. The Anemo Vision on Xiao's wrist, normally dim, lit up as he used it to swiftly dry a space for the pair. Though they had swayed from the gust, all the flowers were in tact afterwards. Act complete, Xiao set down the bard. 

Eagerly Venti spun around before flopping into the bed of flowers. Gasped in surprise as the flora did not provide the cushioning he expect. Xiao raised a brow, head tilting slightly. “Did you not-”

“Oww. Ignore that. Come on!” Venti urged, pretending his poor back didn't hurt from the rock that stabbed into it and excitedly patted the spot next to him. There was some hesitation, before Xiao finally joined him. Without throwing himself bodily into the ground like an idiot. Both were facing the sky, barely any time passing before Venti took Xiao's hand into his own again. Toes wriggled in his shoes with the excitement and nerves coursing through him. Felt grounded that this was all real by the way Xiao's hand so carefully returned the hold. 

Venti closed his eyes, smile lingering as he focused on the sensations of the wind caressing them both, and the hand in his. A frivolous thought crossed his mind, that he could just fall asleep like this. Out in the open, unarmed, and wake up next to Xiao. “Are you familiar with Constellations, Xiao?” The bard asked. 

“Not especially.” Xiao admitted, turning to look at the look of serenity on the bard's face. His own uncertainty eased, finding a calm in Venti. Ran a thumb absently over the hand in his, and was reminded how far he was falling with the way his heart jumped when Venti's smile widened at the caress. 

“I know a few songs, if you'd like?” Venti offered, opening his eyes to look into Xiao's. A slow nod, and with that the bard serenaded the winds, the sky, the stars, and Xiao. Sang about the dreams the stars inspired and captured. The legends they had witnessed, and been written about them. Stories humans wrote claiming each pinprick of light was a tear shed by the gods, by the moons, even by the morningstar. At his side Xiao listened, eyelids getting heavier as the burden atop his soul was lifted by his favorite voice. To let the soothing singing distract him from thoughts that tried to turn dark, ill-used to experiencing the good. 

Tried to not let his thoughts wander too far in this peaceful moment. Xiao had no interest in undressing Venti, but it was hard to not wonder what sort of things he would look nice in. Thus far, everything he pictured the bard looked good in. Even the silly ideas brightened into something endearing the second Venti smiled in the fantasies. That way Venti's lashes lowered subtlety, his eyes crinkling from squishy cheeks pushing upwards when he was especially happy. The way that, Xiao once more finally realized, the bard looked at him every afternoon when Xiao joined Venti for lunch.

Hindsight was indeed perfect sight.

As the final song tapered off, Venti dared to scoot closer until their arms fully touched. When the other didn't pull away, he beamed. “Should we tell Verr Goldet?” He asked. 

“Yes. Otherwise she'll do that again.” Xiao said, his attention on their hands and the way thumbs would rub in the passing affection of ships in the night. Silent but solid, an important break in the stillness of the black. 

“Aww. But the food was so good, and the wine… The wine!” Venti gasped, free hand smacking into his forehead. “I forgot the rest of it, what a waste …” He wailed.

“Do you actually like the taste of that?” Xiao inquired, nose wrinkling just thinking of the stench. 

“Of course!” Venti laughed, humor returning even as his loss persevered. “I could eat and drink apples in all their forms all day. And hard cider makes me feel all floaty, like my feet never touch the ground. After enough, I forget that I've forgotten. In that window, all that matters are the notes I play and the stories I share.” 

Listening, Xiao let out a long sigh. “...Would you like to keep sharing stories with me?” He asked.

“I'd love to!” Venti said, and went right into one with the ease of practiced skill. Not a single word was missed or forgotten, Xiao a rapt listener. There was a nagging thought, a single desire, that lingered in the back of his mind that night in spite of his attentiveness. A simple one, at that. A hope that, in time, Xiao could give Venti those same feelings that the drink offered. That in their time together, Xiao could alleviate Venti's loneliness the same way Venti was doing for him. 

As the story carried on, Venti's words began to taper into a voice that became more drowsy than passionate the farther the moon crossed the sky. Lashes covered most of eyes that blended blues and greens, struggling to keep open. With a sigh, Xiao pushed himself up to sit up right. “Do you need to go?” Venti asked, voice drowsy.

“We both do.” Xiao answered, voice low to avoid disturbing the other too much. At that Venti made a few grumbles, and tried to follow suit. His attempt was thwarted by Xiao, who as always scooped him up to return the pair back to the Wanshu Inn. Was straight forward in his actions, setting the bard down soon as they were back in the room. Would have laid him down and tucked him in, but Venti held up a hand for him to pause. 

“Can't sleep with this on. Too tight.” Venti mumbled, practiced fingers already unlacing the threads. Let out a grateful breath, ignoring his musical training to enjoy a few deep, belly breaths just because he could again. As he freed himself from fashionable suffering, Xiao watched with eyes that didn't understand Venti's choices but didn't dare to verbalize those questions. Yet. “Ah! Better.” The bard sighed, an easy smile on his lips as always. 

Only hours had passed, but pieces of Xiao whispered, this is too good to be true, isn't it? “Venti…” He started, hesitated. Didn't know what to do or say or where to go from there if it was true. “Did you… Mean that earlier? About being…” Felt his ears getting hot all over again. Remaining sitting on the bed, Venti kept his smile on but couldn't hide the sorrow in his eyes. Took one of Xiao's hands, pressed it against the side of his face. Closed his eyes, enjoyed the sensation of the yaksha’s hand curving to cup his face. Venti rested his bare one atop Xiao's gloved one. 

“I do.” Venti assured him. “I don't say such things lightly.” Slowly he opened his eyes, looking into golden ones. “Do you? You can change your mind any time.” The bard didn't understand it, but felt it deep inside his core that Xiao needed an out to feel safe. 

“Y-Yes. And please, when you change your mind…” Xiao averted his eyes, body shaking from the too much in his heart. The joy where there had once been so little. The fear that Venti would grow bored and leave. The fear of the inevitable day that Venti would regard him with fear and horror. The day he saw just how much Xiao struggled to just keep his head above the ocean of blood his hands created, and left. 

A hand rested itself on his cheek, hesitant and pausing to see if Xiao needed to pull away. When he didn't, fingers lightly ran along the under and side of his jaw. Gold eyes gazed into glittering eyes that seemed more green with hints of blue. “May I move your hand?” Venti asked gently. Taking in a shaky breath, Xiao nodded. Venti's fingers around him gave a soft squeeze, and then guided the hand from his cheek to his chest. Placed Xiao's hands palm down, laced their fingers together. The blouse that Venti wore was thin and silky to the touch, the heat radiating from his body calming. “Feel that? The bard asked. 

Xiao did, the racing of Venti's heart fluttering like a butterfly's wings against his hand, rapid and quick and oh-so delicate. Xiao wanted to ask if the bard was afraid, but his tongue couldn't match the other's speed. “I'm happy. This isn't the thrum of regret. I see you, and I'm excited. Don't decide for me that my heart will change so easily. Please?”

“I'll try.” Xiao said. Pleased with that, Venti wrapped his fingers around Xiao's and gave them a light squeeze again. “I don't really have experience in this. I'm worried I'll bore you.”

“Haha, that's okay if you don’t. The hazy experience I can recall, I don't think will be good groundwork. So, why don't we find what works for us, together?” Venti offered, his smile starting to droop along with his eyes. 

“...I would like that. We can discuss that tomorrow.” Xiao decided, using his free hand to remove Venti's  from his face. Carefully pulled his other hand away from the bard's chest and hold, ignoring the loss it gave him and the pout that Venti made. 

“No, we can tonight! And see how boring you aren’t - I want to talk with you more!” Venti whined, but lacked any energy left him in to prevent Xiao from adjusting the bard from sitting on to lying in bed. Huffed as a blanket was pulled over him, to just under his chin. “I knew that was you…” He mumbled. Felt the last of his fight being drained from him when Xiao looked down at him with a fondness in his eyes, a smile almost on his lips. 

“You need rest, Venti. I'll see you tomorrow.” Xiao promised. And just like that, he was gone. Left Venti with only that sweet visage, one that easily helped the bard slide into sweet dreams. A welcome departure from the nightmares, from the memories that slipped through his fingers before he could reclaim them. 

Chapter Text

“Good morning!” A familiar female voice cheered, far too happily this early. Venti groaned, rolling over with the pillow on top of his head as his fingers clung onto it. The blanket was removed from his body, and he immediately curled into a ball.

“Nanu!” Venti whined, voice muffled by the pillow. “It's too early, I can't do this!” He continued. When his pillow was pulled away, he lay dramatically on the bed while pouting up at her. The yaksha stared down at him, head tilted, eyes vibrant and blue the epitome of confusion.

“Too early?” Bonanus echoed. “But you sing so beautifully about the sun's first kiss of the day, and how that gives us the blush of sunrise! Do you not wish to glimpse it more? Ever since I heard it, I have watched each sunrise!” What a cruel yaksha Bonanus was, turning Venti's own sonnets against him! Xiao would never!

Xiao! Snapping awake fully, his own cheeks showing their first hints of blush for the new day. Last night! Was that real, or a dream? As impossible as it seemed, that was real, wasn't it? “Venti? Are you okay?” Bonanus asked, more startled by how quickly he got up. Normally there was more resistance. Also that humans did not like being splashed with Hydro, and wet beds were bad so she couldn't do that again. “Do you have a fever? Your face is red. I know just the thing!” Summoning cool water to her clawed hand, she lifted it towards the bard's face.

“No, I'm fine-” Venti's words couldn't stop her, Bonanus' face that of determination to help. The rest of Venti's words were lost in burbles as the cold hand was applied to his face. There would be no need to wash his face now, he had that at least. Pulling the clawed hand away, Bonanus beamed at him. Bangs and part of his braids soaked, the bard gave a half-hearted laugh. “Nanu, I need sleep. I do love watching the sunrise, but rest is more important. Okay?” He tried to be soothing with his words.

“Oh. OH! Right, I'm so sorry! I just. I don't want Li-...Uhm… I don't want Xiao to know I'm here.” Bonanus explained, two claws from separate hands poking together. Idly, Venti wondered if she stopped herself from calling him, ‘Little Brother.’ A small, ‘heh,’ left Venti as he slowly realized Xiao's family probably showed up to make sure Venti was good enough for their ‘little brother.’

Did they see him as little because he was the shortest, or because he was the youngest? Regardless, Xiao was definitely the cutest.

“Any reason?” Venti asked, genuinely curious. The other yaksha had joined in requesting Venti act as her excuse to go to Liyue, though he still didn't know why. Nor why none of them wanted Xiao to know about it.

“W-Well… You know.” Bonanus stammered, looking away and not telling Venti what he was supposed to know. “Oh shit!” She gasped, big blues widening in alarm before teleporting away rather abruptly. Still in bed, robbed of his blanket and pillow, Venti started blankly at the space Bonanus once occupied. Even the smoke and particles seemed to dissipate as quickly as she left. Seconds later there was a knock at his window. Blinking as morning brain struggled to catch up, Venti took a moment.

Understanding finally hitting him, Venti hurried off the bed and over to the window. Standing outside of it, brows furrowed was Xiao. A confused look, not an angry one. Pulling back the curtains, Venti motioned him to come in. The yaksha entered, gold eyes scanning the room as if seeking something. Or someone.

“You're early.” Venti said with a yawn, covering his mouth as he did so.

“I thought…” With a shake of his head, Xiao rolled his shoulders. “I felt something in here, and then I heard you but you're never awake this early?” He spoke as if he was thinking aloud, that puzzled tone in each sentence. “And you're… Wet?” The adeptus added, even more confused as he noted the bard's damp hair.

“Oh, I am.” Venti hadn't intended the way his words came out in a grumble, wincing at his tone when he did. Xiao quirked a brow at this. Scratching the back of his head, the bard gave a nervous laugh. “For when I go to Liyue Harbor? I was… Getting ready to get ready?” He didn't want to lie to Xiao, especially after last night, but he didn't want to just throw Bonanus under the cart either. Even if she woke him up during forbidden hours.

“You leave for Liyue Harbor… And come back in time for noon practice… In the same day?” Xiao's disbelief was merited. Even taking a carriage, by the time Venti would have arrived he would already be on one to head back.

“Yup!” Venti realized, with great regret, he could not protect Bonanus. I'm sorry, you're a sweet shrimpie but I failed you Nanu, the bard thought. “Uh, you see… One of your… Siblings?” He paused, not actually clear on the relation between yaksha.

“Another yaksha?” Xiao asked, more to clarify.

“Yes. Asked if I would go to Liyue Harbor with them, but they actually don't hang out with me. Haha, between us I think she just has a really bring crush on the Consultant.” Venti explained, trying to at least save her the decency of not sharing her name.

“Consultant?” Xiao echoed, not recognizing who that was.

“You know. Mr. Zhongli?” Venti reminded him, playfully nudging the yaksha with his elbow.

Two things happened at the same time. Xiao's eyes widened in horror, and Bonanus busted out of Venti's closet with her face completely red and her own visage of terror.

“ABSOLUTELY NOT, THAT'S MY DAD!” “I think you have the wrong i-Bonanus?”

Both yaksha reacted verbally at the same time, Bonanus’ outburst almost drowning out Xiao. The two snapped their attention to one another, and all the red on Bonanus’ face drained away entirely having been caught. Instead of being upset that she was there, Xiao tried to settle his face into that one of neutrality while he hoped Venti didn't hear the, ‘my dad,’ that slipped out in all of this. Looking between the yaksha, Venti whistled.

 “Bonanus, you're here! Give me a minute to finish getting ready, and we can go visit Mr. Zhongli, ehe.” Venti announced, kindly pretending he heard nothing and began to prepare for the day.

“Hahaha… Ahaha, yup. I'm here.” Bonanus wanted to cry, between her slip-up and the way Xiao was watching her. Even Venti told her she was robbing him of rest, and she had never meant to! The tears started rolling down her cheeks, little sniffles leaving her. “Little-”

“Please not here.” Xiao requested, his ears immediately turning red. It wasn't that the nickname embarrassed him, but that he wasn't sure if he could handle Venti picking it up when hearing it.

“You're mad at me!” Bonanus wailed, burying her face into her claws. “I'm so so~orry!” She continued.

“I'm not mad?” Xiao was taken aback. This was how she used to be, unafraid to express herself. Unless… Gold eyes softened, the tension in his shoulders relaxing. That was why. It had been so long since he felt Bonanus’ presence without being tainted by the karmic debt, he hadn’t even recognized it was hers anymore. That was why he sensed a yaksha both familiar and foreign in the room, but no malevolence in that presence. “I would have preferred being told, but I'm not upset.” He assured her.

“R-Really?” Bonanus sniffled. A nod was her confirmation, a wobbly smile crossing her features as she wiped at her eyes. “... That means… Maybe we can just… Talk again? I miss it.” She said, voice quiet and gentle. “I got so used to not being able to, I kind of… Forgot it was an option.” She admitted, a few more sniffles leaving her. “And I think the others forgot, too.”

“What do you mean?” Xiao asked, the ease in his shoulders tightening.

“O-Oh! Venti, you're ready, right?” Bonanus squeaked, her attention away from Xiao and now on the bard. Of whom was mostly ready, and had been quiet out of respect for their discussion.

“I can wait.” Venti said, an innocent smile on his face.

“But…” Bonanus looked at him, and then back at Xiao who narrowed his eyes slightly. “Nnm… Fine. Everyone really wanted to meet Venti after the way you talked about him. But they were worried you would say no-”

“Ah, so that's why.” Xiao mumbled, one hand reaching up to massage his temples. “I knew you four roped Hu Tao into being an extra menace last week to visit. I'm… Glad to know the specifics, now.” He added with a sigh, pulling his hand away with a shake of his head.

“Aww, she was being a menace without me?” Venti asked, pouting at the news. “I'll have to ask her about it, her method of story-telling is unique and entertaining.”

“At least you aren't angry.” Bonanus spoke, more to herself than the other two. “Can we go now?” This time she was pouting, watering eyes imploring Venti to please let her escape Xiao's judgemental gaze.

“Yes, let's go. I'll see you after okay, Xiao?” Venti called, waving at the Anemo yaksha.

“All right.” Xiao gave a nod. Permission finally received, Bonanus did what all yaksha were fond of doing with traveling companions: moved to scoop him up like a bag of potatoes. An attempt that he stepped away from, his heart suddenly ready to jump out of his chest. Immediate fear, a lifetime of being taught only a partner could touch their person. That this would upset Xiao, even though if he took a moment to look at it rationally he would understand the yaksha probably didn't see it that way. For them, it was just a method of transporting someone.

“Sorry, but do you need to carry me to teleport together? If not, how about we hold hands?” Venti suggested, trying to keep nervous shakes under control.

“Oh that's an option? Convenient! I just thought humans were so fragile they needed to be carried!” Bonanus smiled, wide and excited. “Some of them are so tall, it's really hard to balance them safely!” She laughed, wiping her face one last time before clawed hands took Venti's. Her smile widened, eyes beaming when feeling his human hands returning the hold of her large claws. No shuddering or recoiling, simply accepted the hand like her yaksha siblings. Like Rex Lapis had. “Bye, Xiao!” And with her own wave, the two teleported out. Left behind in the room, Xiao looked from the pair and then down at his hand with a frown. Did Venti… Not enjoy when he picked him up? Closing his hand and eyes, a sad sigh left him.

Was it possible that hurt Venti, and that was why he didn't want to? Shaky breaths left him, uncertainty returning. No matter the reason, he would respect Venti's wishes.

As Xiao fell deeper into his thoughts, Venti found himself standing in the now familiar closet of Zhongli. Releasing his hand immediately, Bonanus was already knocking at the door to announce her return. The second strike of her hand, and the door was already opening for her. The Consultant was expecting the pair now, and Venti couldn't help the chuckle as he watched. “Mr. Zhongli, I brought you a gift!” Bonanus started chatting, walking out and offering a peculiar rock.

“Thank you, Cleanser of Evils. This is beautiful indeed.” Zhongli spoke with his usual deep, thoughtful voice. Accepted the gift with hands that moved in practiced motions, yet there was a fondness within his amber eyes at the rock. With the rock cradled in his palm, Zhongli placed it on a shelf that hadn't been there before and nestled it next to Bonanus’ other gifts. “Are you here to visit Director Hu again, or the book store?” The consultant asked, the right amount of curiosity in his voice to be convincing.

The pieces that Venti was learning about him, however, did make him wonder the depth of Zhongli's actual interest. The strange emotions being around the man didn't help the peculiarities of him, either.

“Actually, I was hoping I could borrow some of your time before exploring the Harbor today.” Venti said, ignoring the confusion on Bonanus’ face that quickly shifted to fear.

“Is that right? I'll be sure to make enough for a third cup, then. This way, if you will?” Zhongli motioned the pair out of his room. The house wasn't large or grandiose, but was full of comforts and the scent of tea. In the past, Venti always felt he had to leave quickly to give Bonanus her privacy with what he thought was her crush. It was the only explanation the bard could come up with, as until her earlier reveal Venti thought she had only seen him from afar. There was much more going on, and while he was curious that wasn't his goal. This time.

All three entered the kitchen, of which continued the small but homely feeling. While Zhongli busied himself with preparing more tea, his guests sat down at the table. Immediately Bonanus was whispering in Venti's ear, “is this about earlier?”

“No, nothing about that!” He assured her, and upon hearing him the yaksha calmed.

“Oh. Okay. Good! Mr. Zhongli makes the best tea. If you ever drink too much, he has some that'll sober you up just like that!” Bonanus said, talking away casually as she often did. At her choice of recommended teas, Venti laughed. News of his drinking habits spread quickly, it seemed. While quiet as he worked, Zhongli listened to the other two, occasionally glancing at them to show that he was.

When the tea was served, all three sat in a companionable silence, enjoying the tea while it was fresh.

“I was curious, do the yaksha not visit Liyue Harbor?” Venti asked, diving into the heart of his curiosity.

“They do not. Most adepti prefer to not involve themselves in human affairs, regardless if they are yaksha or not.” Zhongli explained, hands keeping a careful hold on his cup. “The children of adepti and humans have helped bridge the gap, in addition to the more recent agreement with the Qixing. It has given humanity the opportunity to prove they are no longer children that must be protected. Are you two here because the yaksha wish to visit Liyue Harbor?” Though the consultant spoke in his usual even, sonorous voice there was a subtle hopefulness in his tone near the end.

“That explains a lot.” Venti said, a good-natured laugh leaving him. Picking up his cup, he blew gently on it before taking a sip. Oh. That was delicious! “Are there any events coming up?” The bard asked, intentionally ignoring the question for the time being.

“The Lantern Rite is the next festival, but it is a few months out.” Zhongli answered, gaze shared between both his guests. As the two men talked, Bonanus gently sipped her tea while listening with wide eyes.

“So that would give us time.” Venti murmured, thoughtful fingers tapping his chin. “Do you know of any affordable places to eat that provides privacy?”

“Give me a date and time. I'm sure I can find something suitable.” Zhongli promised, the usual simmering warmth in his eyes turning into an almost glowing red. Almost.

The two conspired more, before Venti left to explore the city and give Bonanus some time with her friend. Who was definitely not her father, and even more certainly not someone who used to be called Morax. When noon approached, he scurried back to the consultant's house to be returned to the inn. To his surprise, the usual lunch was already in his room along with a written request: “was last night successful or did we complicate matters by stepping in? Please report at your earliest convenience.”

“Somehow, I get the feeling I've never done work that required reporting my dating status.” Venti said, chuckling softly as he set the note aside. The intentions were all well and good, if somewhat invasive. “...Holy shit, they have to report this to the Qixing, don't they? Huai’an did mention reimbursement, ahah, ooh buddy.” The bard didn't know if he wanted to laugh or cry at this realization. That sitting upon her plush seat within her floating palace was Ning-fucking-guang awaiting to hear from Verr Goldet if Operation Get Xiao A Boyfriend succeeded or not.

Those were Liyue tax mora, hard at work. Right there.

Venti wondered if he should mention that Treasure Hoarders actually had more luck than the inn did. Which then reminded him of last night, and all at once it felt so surreal. When? How? Why?

Think of the yaksha and he shall appear, Venti thought as Xiao knocked on the window just as he did every day. Venti pushed the confusion aside to focus on the good that was waiting on him. “You can just come in, you know.” The bard called out. Within seconds Xiao was back in his room, a bit more awkward than his usual demeanor.

“I've learned humans aren't fond of that.” Xiao explained, eyeing the window thoughtfully. Flashing back to getting scolded by Ganyu, and wincing. Sometimes her attitude and mannerisms caused him to forget she was the older of the two. Spending any time with Cloud Retainer was proof enough he wasn't alone in forgetting, either.

“...If you're willing to share, I'm curious about context. If not, no pressure. But, please consider this your invite to come in whenever you want.” Venti amended, hoping he would get that particular backstory but not assuming a yes.

“Whenever I want?” Xiao repeated, looking away from the window to look at Venti… Hopefully? The yaksha looked so much like a puppy for a moment, Venti felt his heart clench and the need to pet the other's head. That would be rude though, wouldn't it? So he refrained. This was still way too early. And what if Xiao took it to be demeaning?

“Absolutely! I just ask you let me sleep if I'm not awake when you pop in.” Venti put in the addendum solely because apparently the yaksha didn't need to sleep and Venti very much enjoyed that he could!

“Whenever I want…” Xiao trailed, voice quiet and thoughtful. As expected, no backstory, Venti thought with a tired smile. At least Xiao seemed… Excited? Bewilded? Both? Regarding his new permission. “Are you… Sure?” He asked, that hopeful look pointed directly at Venti.

“Absolutely! So long as you don't wake me-”

“While you're sleeping.” Xiao ended for the bard, nodding as he spoke.

“You got it!” Venti beamed at him, pleased that he was slowly getting this yaksha waking him situation under control. As he smiled, the discussion waned into a more uncomfortable silence. Rather than deal with it, Venti motioned at the plates. “Lunch?” He said, more to break up that quiet than to get food in his belly. Though food did sound good.

“Is it… A date?” Xiao asked, apparently now suspicious of food and Venti together.

“No, well, if you want?” Venti rambled, realizing after he spoke that maybe Xiao wanted it to be? “It just… Was a way to make sure you took a pause. The lunches in the past, I mean. And also because… It's nice being with you.” While talking, he watched for any signs of relief or disappointment. There was neither. Just an understanding nod from Xiao, who apparently was more focused on having a grasp on what the situation was supposed to be. The yaksha took his seat, with Venti joining him. That once uncomfortable feeling was replaced with the familiar, comfortable one. Something about good food seemed to keep the negative at bay, Venti letting himself soak in the moment.

“...It's nice being with you, too.” Xiao said gently, his eyes on his plate. At his words, Venti gave a nervous, though happy smile.

“I'm glad.” The bard said, eyes beaming at the other.

When finished Venti collected the dishes and set them on the counter. Walked over to Xiao, fully expectant and ready to continue on with their normal routine. Pushed down the fear that tried to drown out the relief that nothing was changed so far. He would have succeeded, had Xiao not extended out his hand. With a nervous smile, Venti looked at the hand with a slight tilt to his head. “Do you… Want to hold hands?” He asked, feeling silly that he did.

“...Yes…” Xiao's reply was slow, blinking in surprise at the option. “But, we should head to Jueyan Karst.”

Venti looked at the yaksha's face, and then back to his hand. The confusion was changing to apprehension. Xiao wasn't going to carry him like usual? Had he done something wrong already? “I'm sorry.” The apology left unbidden, Venti cringing because what was the point in apologizing if he didn't know what for?

“For what?” Xiao asked, his brows furrowing because he missed something. Again.

“I upset you, right?” Venti asked, wanting to kick himself for letting guesswork leave his lips instead of just asking. It was like his mouth refused to listen to his brain, and it wouldn't have been so stressful if there wasn't Xiao right there to be confused by it. Sucking in a deep breath, Venti put a mental sock in his mouth to let his thoughts out. “You’ve never tried to teleport with just hands before. Are you uncomfortable with that now that we… Are dating?” He didn't want to come across as accusatory, grasping at fuzzy memories in how to discuss this naturally.

“Wha-? I… No. That's, no.” Xiao shifted and changed his words, cheeks turning red as he shifted from one foot to the other trying to find what he meant. “This morning, you said… I thought that… You didn't want to be carried, which is why you told Bonanus…” He stammered and stumbled as he spoke. Ah, I was the problem, Venti realized. Deciding to not let Xiao flounder more than he had to, the bard stepped close and wrapped his arms around the yaksha's neck.

“You're right, but that was Bonanus. You're you.” Venti said, smile reaching his eyes and enjoying having golden eyes return his gaze. “I never mind when it's you. Actually, I,” the sentence paused by a laugh as Xiao immediately lifted him. “I enjoy when it's you.” He finished.

“You do?” Xiao asked, that perfectly puppy look back in full force. “I can pick you up like this?”

“Any time you want.” Venti assured him, daring to snuggle more against the yaksha.

“Except when you're sleeping.” Xiao added, garnering more laughter from Venti.

“Yes! Except when I'm sleeping!” Venti chuckled, echoes of his delight tapering off as the two teleported away.

Chapter Text

The next few days consisted of Xiao seemingly collecting permissions he struggled to act on. If Venti told him, “you can hold my hand whenever you want,” then Xiao would nod, shakily take the hand in the moment… But not later. It was the sort of thing that did make Venti wonder. If he initiated holding hands, Xiao would always immediately relax. Seemed to enjoy the contact, and showed no signs of forgetting he had permission… Simply didn't act on it. These were the sorts of things that made Venti wonder if he was asking the other to move too quickly. All that talk about letting Xiao set the pace, but the bard was second-guessing if he was trying to rush the other. 

 Not that he brought it up when speaking with Verr Goldet. Who at least didn't threaten him the way the Treasure Hoarders had tried. Which given her greater experience with the yaksha, probably only refrained because she knew it would upset Xiao. Or maybe she simply understood a relationship under duress was doomed to fail, and she wanted Xiao to have the best chance he could?

Venti doubted he'd ever really know. Verr Goldet was more guarded with him. 

It was a week after their confessions that Venti was sitting on his bed, watching Xiao leaning against the windowsill with one leg dangling off the side that he finally decided to approach it head-on. If he was pushing too much and Xiao was too shy to say anything, this would get worse before better. And by the Archons, Venti wanted this to work. In the week of feathery touches and those soft glances that Xiao gave him, the bard couldn't fathom aching for anything else more than this working.

“Hey, Xiao? May I… Ask you something?” Venti called, his heart fluttering at how quickly the other gave the bard his attention. Forcing his shoulders to relax, Venti patted the spot next to him on the bed so they could sit together. Xiao watched the motion, had a brief moment's hesitation, before moving to join the bard. Sat stiffly next to Venti, gold eyes watching with an unwavering attention. “Am I rushing you?” The bard asked, his own watching the yaksha with a matched interest. Could see the subtle rise of the yaksha's brows, before settling back into a more neutral position. 

“I don't understand?” Xiao said, searching Venti's face as if further context could be found in the bard's visage. 

“You seem… Excited, when I tell you that you can do things, like hold hands or hug. But then you'll get really tense and pull away. I just wanted to make sure I'm not asking too much?” Venti explained, noting the way Xiao's eyes looked away as he spoke and his lips turned to a thin line. 

“You're not.” Xiao sighed, his fingers clutching more tightly into the bed before releasing the sheets with a scowl. “I just.” Stopping himself, Xiao looked back to Venti before trying to look everywhere except at the bard. Worry flickered behind his eyes, shoulders pulling in more tightly as he clenched his jaw. 

“Xiao?” Venti whispered, hoping to pull the yaksha back to him. Lifted a hand to place it on Xiao's shoulder, pausing at how tense yaksha was. Would touch be too much or reassuring right then? Venti hated that he didn't know. 

“I don't want to hurt you. I want,” Xiao paused, closing his eyes as his brows drew together in a pained expression. “So badly to touch you, to be touched.” Slowly, golden eyes fluttered open, gaze fixed on the floor. “But then I think of all the ways I could hurt you. How fragile you feel in my hands, and how easily you would break if I'm not careful enough.” 

“Mmm. Can't say I've ever been called fragile.” Venti said, more to buy time and acknowledge that he heard. This wasn't Xiao being shy like Venti initially thought. Instead, it was something much deeper. This was something Venti needed to help Xiao prove to himself, to overturn centuries of what had been a cruel reality for the yaksha. When one's hands were only used to destroy, being kind must have been just as relieving as it was terrifying. “I'm confident I'm far tougher than you think, so I'll just have to prove it to you.” Venti said, winking at the dubious expression being sent his way. 

“What if you're wrong?” Xiao asked, that anxiety clutching his beautiful face. His uncertainty was evident in the way his brows knitted, the frown of his mouth, and gold eyes that would flicker to Venti before quickly darting away. Venti's own eyes softened, the bard scooting closer so that their legs were touching. Tried to not let the way Xiao flinched at the contact break his heart. No one should be so afraid of touch, Venti thought sadly. 

“You won't hurt me. I promise.” Venti assured him by finally placing his hand on the yaksha's shoulder. “See? No pain. All I feel is someone warm. Kind of soft, except here,” the bard continued playfully, giving a light squeeze with his hand over the bone of Xiao's shoulder.

“What if I do?” Xiao asked, that quiet voice of his heard with a painful clarity. The bard gave his shoulders a reassuring rub, not once daring to remove itself. 

“Then we'll talk about it.” Venti promised, eyes curving upwards with a smile. At that, Xiao finally turned to stare at Venti. The yaksha's visage was both curious and confused, trying to make sense of what was said despite understanding the words. “Xiao, I can't imagine you hurting anyone on purpose. You do so much to keep everyone safe that… If you, somehow, hurt me… I'd want to know how that happened. How you…” He trailed, other hand reaching up to press the back of it against Xiao's cheek. Felt the weight of the other leaning his head into the contact. Used his fingers to collect strands of teal, lightly playing with the hair. “...Could ever hurt me.” The bard finished, feeling his breath leave him the more the yaksha gazed at him. 

Venti knew, innately, there was a time he could play music without fear. A time when people all around him watched him sing and play, not once fearing a nun would press her claws into him if he drew too much attention. The eyes of an audience all on him, all entertained, and not once did those gazes ever make his entire being want to squirm beneath the way Xiao's did. Having Xiao's full, unconditional attention was at once overwhelming and intoxicating. If he were honest, Venti wasn't certain if anyone ever put such focus on him, in this memory or the previous one. Whatever the previous one was. 

Hesitant hands moved, still afraid but now emboldened. One circled around Venti's waist, pulling the bard closer. The other clasped around Venti's hand on Xiao's shoulder, moving it to rest over the yaksha's heart with the palm down just as Venti once did. Fluttering in tune with his own heart's pace, Venti felt Xiao's. An excited, anxious beat. Frightened, adoring, hopeful. Felt lips against his own, inexperienced but welcoming. Venti melted into the sensation, Xiao's hand sliding up his back to better secure the other as he laid them down together. It felt more like a suggestion, one that Venti was happy to follow. Despite being under the other, in no way did he feel trapped. Only… Safe. Wanted. 

It was a chaste kiss, simplistic but perhaps the best Venti had ever felt. One that lasted but a second, maybe two, before Xiao buried his face in the crook of Venti's neck. Two pointed ears were burning red, and with a giddy laugh, Venti moved his free hand from the other's cheek to comb fingers through teal hair. 

Unbeknownst to the bard, Xiao was reeling from the similar experience of being stared at as if he was the only thing worth looking upon. It was overwhelming, and his heart was racing. 

“Xiao I lo-...” Venti caught himself, tensing slightly. It was too early for that, wasn't it? The two had barely been together a week, and only just shared their first kiss. Yes, it was too early to dare call this love. Besides that, what if he scared Xiao away? What if love wasn't something the yaksha wanted or was ready for? “...I want you to be happy.” Venti amended.

“...I think… I am.” Xiao murmured into Venti’s cowl, the heat on his face starting to hurt. Was well-aware of what was almost spoken, and couldn't decide if he was grateful or disappointed that sentence had been changed. “Is this really okay?” He asked, the fear trying to steal away the joy he wanted to experience.

“More than okay!” Venti assured him, pressing a kiss to the other's forehead. Couldn't stop smiling, his palm still pressed against Xiao's chest and could feel the way his heart skipped a beat. “This is your hand now, Xiao. You can hold it whenever you want.” The bard decided, wiggling his fingers trapped between Xiao's chest and hand.

“Except when you're sleeping?” Xiao echoed the familiar words.

“Correction: Even when I'm sleeping. It's your hand now. You have full responsibility of it. Gotta remember to feed it and walk it and kiss it good night.” Venti said, a laugh leaving him when Xiao adjusted his head to look at the bard with confusion all over again.

“...You're joking about feeding and walking a hand, right?” Xiao asked. 

“Wouldn't you like to know, Conquer of Demons?” Venti asked with a grin, unable to stop himself from slipping in a playful tease. The yaksha quirked a brow at him. 

“Venti. I will put radish balls in your hand.” Xiao said completely deadpan.

“Are you threatening me?!” Venti gasped, eyes going wide. 

“I'm warning you.” Xiao corrected. “I have no idea how to walk your hand though.” 

“But it's so easy!” Venti laughed, easing into the playful banter now that he knew this was the case. Xiao's more serious demeanor was just his face. There had to be tells, Venti just needed to learn them. Not that he could identify any at the moment. “If you let my hand go, I can show you?” The bard offered. 

“No. Mine now. Your words, remember?” Xiao said, a slight frown to his mouth but no bite or possessiveness in his words. 

“I guess.” Venti spoke with a dramatic flair, letting his head fall more into the bed but only found Xiao's fingers weaving through his hair to support him. “What am I going to do when it's time to play music?” He sighed. 

“You can sing. Or ask nicely.” Xiao reminded him, no remorse for refusing to release his hold. Moved his gaze from Venti's face, to instead the hands caught between their chests. “...Can you breathe okay?”

“Xiao you're light as a bird. No. Wait. What did you call me? Preternaturally light, if I recall correctly?” Venti pointed out. “I appreciate you checking, but honest, I'm okay.” He added in the assurance, knowing how much Xiao needed it. 

“You are preternaturally light, based on the assumption you're human. I am a bird, it's only natural I'm light.” Xiao corrected him so easily, that initially Venti was nodding only to do a double-take.

“Shit, you are?” Venti asked, eyes wide once more as the surprise rose his brows next. 

“Yes? Oh. Do you not… Know what adepti are?” Xiao inquired, his attention shifting from their hands back to the dropped jaw of the bard's face. 

“I… I thought I did?” Venti stammered out. Couldn't hide the sheepishness he was feeling, or the confusion that he was… Dating a bird? Was that why Xiao was so short compared to the other yaksha?

“Only those of non-human status can be adepti. Us yaksha are mostly illuminated beasts, but adepti can also be gods. The living ones, that is.” Xiao amended the last part, to avoid any concern that the dead remains that haunted Liyue might also be adepti. “I'm an illuminated beast, specifically a peng. You… Didn't know?”

“Hah… No, but I thought I did.” Venti confessed, closing his eyes and trying to identify if he could feel anything bird-like about the other. No, the hands still felt like hands. Using his memory alone, Venti noted that Xiao's eyes were more reminiscent of a cat than a bird. His teeth  appeared sharper than a humans, but did birds have teeth? They had beaks. Were there teeth in beaks? Venti had no idea. Birds also didn't have cute, pointed ears. As for the wings…

That was a touchy subject, and Venti wasn't going to think about that further. His memory circled around to Xiao's right arm, and the green tattoo that was avian-shaped in design. Oh, and suddenly it made sense. Until then, Venti didn't understand why Xiao had a tattoo. Now… Now he realized that probably wasn't a tattoo.

“Does that upset you?” Xiao asked, traces of fear creeping into his voice. 

“No, not at all. Certain things just suddenly make a lot more sense.” Venti said, chuckling  to himself. “I just feel foolish I didn't figure it out. Is there… Anything special I should know about?”

“No. I stay in human form, so there isn't anything to be mindful of.” Came a calmer reply from Xiao, tinged with relief. 

“Human form.” Venti repeated. “You don't have to answer, but… Why do you stay in human form, when you have the option to be something as cool as an illuminated beast? That's a fantastic title, you know that right?” Venti couldn't help but gush, nor could he identify why hearing Xiao had a different form was so exciting. 

“Opposable thumbs.” Xiao gave a simple, honest, and oh-so real answer. “I don't recommend holding a polearm with a beak or talons.” 

“Hah! Was that a joke?” Venti laughed, warmth flooding him when the shadow of a smile was his response. Xiao wasn't exactly smiling, and Venti knew the playful words were to distract from what was likely the real reason. To be a bird without wings had to be painful, to be hard to look at and be seen like. For a brief moment, Venti forgot that was Xiao's reality. The memory from Sal Terrae wafted back into him mind, and Venti pretended he didn't know once more. If and when Xiao wanted to talk about it, the bard would listen. 

Until then, Venti was willing to feign ignorance and enjoy the moment for what it was. Playfulness and reassurance, so that one day it could just be happiness. 

The pair exchanged playful banter and questions, curiosities asked that were easily satiated. As drowsiness pulled Venti's eyelids down further the higher the moon rose, Xiao pushed himself up with slight trepidation. Hoped tomorrow he could relax with Venti the way he did now. Leading up to it, the yaksha couldn't fathom anything more terrifying. Yet in the moment of it all… There were no whimpers of pain, or eyes full of fear. Just laughter filled with mirth, and eyes of blue and green eager to always know more. The last thing he clutched to was Venti's hand, the bard's words from earlier swirling in his thoughts. It would be so easy. To press his lips to nimble fingers, the kiss good night that the bard joked of earlier. 

Close as the hand was, Xiao couldn't do it. Felt the heat on his cheeks, murmured a wish to Venti for good rest. With that, he teleported out of the room. Lying in the bed, body chilly from where Xiao's warmth had once been, Venti curled up beneath the blanket. Gave a long, somewhat disappointed sigh. Closing his eyes, Venti reminded himself of what they each gained every passing day. Let sleep pull him under, chasing dreams of hands intertwining.

Chapter Text

All five yaksha had found homes offered to them by Liyue's people. Not all five warmed up immediately to the idea, but there were those who accepted the idea more readily than others. Xiao and Bosacius were the two who took the longest, Menogias and Bonanus the quickest, and Indarius somewhere in-between. The Qixing footed the bill for each area, and not all were inns. As Xiao presided primarily over the Bishui Plain and Qiongji Estuary, near him was Bonanus who guarded mostly Lisha and the Sea of Clouds. Menogias watched much of Chenyu Vale, Indarius protected Minlin, and Bosacius was often in the Chasm. 

If there was a call for help outside of their residence, it was customary to appear near but with some distance just in case. Better to be there before it was too late, just in case the local yaksha was tied up with other necessities. Increasingly, the other four were assisting Bosacius more with the Chasm. The mines that had once been quiet since the Cataclysm now carried quiet murmurings of something. An incident with a miner had almost been deadly were Bosacius not there, and even the hilichurls were starting to act strange. Thus the Electro yaksha was finding he was working with humans more, and not as free to deal with the godly fury that still lurked and threatened areas further away.

Which was part of how both Bonanus and Xiao worked in tandem, dispatching the hungry maws of a long dead beast. The miners had clutched each other, ready to die only to watch in wonder as they were saved. By not just one, but two adepti! It was practically unheard of, but was exciting all the same. “Thank you! Thank you!” The miners said, heaping praise while the two yaksha nodded awkwardly. Xiao, as he usually left before he could receive the gratitude. Bonanus, because she was confused by Xiao's lingering presence but couldn't ask with humans present. 

“You're welcome! We'll, uh, be on our way. Right?” Bonanus finally encouraged, nudging Xiao along with her. “Jueyan Karst?” She suggested in a whisper, and at the nod the two teleported away. Once the pair was safely in the seclusion of the adeptal home, she removed her mask to look quizzically at the other. “It's just us now. Is everything okay?” She couldn't think of any other reason why he wanted to speak with her. Something had to be wrong, and her mind was racing with possibilities. As he removed his own mask, visage riddled with hesitancy and uncertainties her concern skyrocketed. 

Whoever did this to her little brother would suffer her claws! 

“You… Spend a lot of time with Venti, right?” Xiao asked, apprehension in his voice. 

Correction: anyone except Venti would suffer her claws. The protective edge eased up from sharp to blunt, softened by curiosity and understanding that whatever happened, ill-intent wasn't involved. “Not as much as you, but… Well, it's actually mostly time with father.” Bonanus admitted, clasping her hands behind her back and giving an apologetic smile. “Why?”

“I don't. Know what I can give him.” Xiao said, and immediately frowned at his word choice. But he didn't know how else to say what he meant, and stood there in a tense, awkward silence as his lips pressed tightly closed. 

“Oh. Is his birthday soon? Humans celebrate those, right?” Bonanus inquired, trying to make sense of the why. Gifts were easier to give if one knew the reason behind it. “Or do you just want to give him gifts?”

“No, that's not.” Xiao sucked in a shaky breath, running fingers through his hair only to pause as digits caught in tangles. “I just. He's so… He does so much for me. And all I do is what Mo-, sorry, Zhongli asked me to do. It feels like he's giving everything, and all I'm doing is taking. I want him to feel the way he makes me feel.” More had left his mouth than he cared for, but there was no retracting what he said or erasing Bonanus’ memory he said it. Could only look away, ears red, while she was grinning from ear to ear at him. Leaning forwards, taking tiny steps closer and closer. 

“Awe, my Little Bird is in lo-”

“Please.” Xiao interrupted her, his entire face turning red while his heart raced. He didn't know if that was what he was feeling, only knew how overwhelming the sensation was. “I just. Want to do something for him. To do more for him. Can you… Help me?” 

“...Hmm.” Bonanus hummed, eyeing him thoughtfully before pulling away from him. Allowed him space to calm down, and to stop teasing him. For now. Large clawed hands drummed thoughtfully upon her chin and cheek, larger than her face yet careful to never touch her eyes. “Give him things you find that make you think of him? So he knows he's on your mind? And spending time with him.” She suggested. “Though Menogias might be more helpful than me.”

“He'll ask for details.” Xiao explained, and she immediately nodded in understanding. “...Do you really think… Spending more time with him is doing something for him? That just sounds like doing something for me.” He murmured, a frown once more on his face as his brows weaved into confusion. 

“If you enjoy being around him, why wouldn't he enjoy being around you?” Bonanus inquired, eyes innocent and clear. “I've seen how he gets around you. He's happy. The way he smiles at you is super different from when he smiles at me. I'd even bet you a dream Venti would be happy to have you just relaxing with him, not even talking or doing anything. Just you being there. You know. Spending time together.” She suggested, once more close enough to nudge him. It was odd. This was the first time they had touched in centuries, and yet… The playful nudge was comforting, as if this was the most recent in a long line of such actions. 

“...A dream, huh.” Xiao wondered, glancing up at her as she simply grinned. 

“I'll even make it a sweet dream, if I'm wrong. But I know I'm right.” Bonanus laughed. “I'll get you almond tofu as a consolation prize once you figure that out.”

***

***

***

As Venti slept, a memory filterer through into his dreams. Of when he was still trapped with that nun in the unknown place, several days in. Or he assumed as much, the passage of time had been unclear without access to clocks or the outside. Venti knew he had his share of unreliable sleep, at least. No one he interacted with ever touched him, but there was also no safety with his circumstances, either. When any one them entered his room, he played along because everyone was more amicable that way. When alone, he was trying to remember, to plan, to make sense of his situation. It all started with a mirror. There was space in his room to change, complete with a folding screen to change behind, a dresser, and a full-length mirror. All the items were ornate, and shared the same symbols as what was embroidered on his captors attire. Probably a sign of the church. 

The clothes, of which he hadn’t paid much mind to because he wasn’t naked and that had initially been an improvement… Were suddenly not much of one when he saw them. He was wrapped in a white fabric that imitated clothes. If someone twisted select pieces of the cloth, they could easily unravel him back into nudity. Both innocuous and exposing, he wanted to be more covered. To be dressed as a person, not as a false symbol. Inside the dresser, there were more white fabrics. Nothing else was inside its drawers. He had scowled, forced to accept the costume. So he tried to focus on his appearance, and with that came snippets of memories. The second he saw himself, he intuitively knew he looked younger than he was supposed to. 

In his mind's eye, he was maybe in his twenties? The baby fat in his cheeks had eased, yet weren't this plump. Venti had been frequently mistaken for a teenager due to his petite frame, wide eyes, and tendency towards outfits that were ‘too feminine.’ How anything he wore was described as ‘feminine’ had never made sense to him. Last he checked, clothing didn’t have a preference.

 There were more differences than just his age, however, the more he looked. His hair was black, and the style was the same - short in the back, with the front hair kept long and braided to frame his face, reaching just slightly past his shoulders. He still had his bangs, curling just outside of his eyes. A new feature, however, was that halfway down the hair began to gradiate into a brilliant turquoise. On his upper arms and upper thighs he had tattoos, in that same light turquoise colour at the end of his hairs. There was also one on his chest, yet beneath it was a pinkish-scar, distorting the blues of the tattoo somewhat.

The last difference was that he had blue eyes, and while they were still blue… There was something different about his irises, though he couldn’t figure out what exactly. Leaning in close, he tried to understand what was ‘off.’ The shape was no different. Yet there was this uncanny sensation these weren’t his. As if he was looking into someone else’s eyes, not his own in a mirror. In fact, his entire body felt this way. His, but not his. A glove that fit him perfectly, yet was undoubtedly someone else’s. 

Finally, he noticed it. Deep greens were mingling with the blues, tiny lights waiting for their moment to glow. Venti had never seen someone with heterochromia before, but he doubted this was how that looked. Even more so, that was genetic. If his eyes had always been like this, he would have noticed long before now.

Eventually, he moved on in spite of the unsettling feelings and odd discrepancies. Instead, he tried to remember what mattered. More about who he was, where he was before this, how to help himself escape this glorified prison. What he was able to come up with was that his name was Venti, and music had been his reason to wake up every morning. That he had a mundane job that he sought to brighten with songs and makeshift instruments in an otherwise quiet… A quiet where? It didn't matter. Some kind of place that offered food and drink. That his antics brought smiles to his regulars, to new customers, and his co-workers. That he could remember sharing his songs on street corners as often as he could, and would find safe places to practice at being the best bard he could. 

That within his own chest beat a ballad, and its lyrics wove a tale of being free. 

Slowly, he began to form a plan. The first part was identifying his captors and knowing what he could about each. There was Albert, a young man obsessed with an even younger woman who was both idol and nun. He was worrying, and his gaze felt more objectifying than that of wonder. Next was Deaconess Erne, who was gentle when she got what she wanted, only to be strict and harsh when she did not. She would then switch gears, apologizing and reassuring in the perfect manners of a manipulator. If Venti didn’t know the signs for what they were, he would have mistaken her for difficulty regulating her moods. Erne knew very much what emotions to express and when. After all, the more he listened to her, the more he realized she did not want a god for her faith or her church. She wanted a pawn to play a god, with her controlling each step. 

After her was a strange woman that they simply referred to as, ‘K.’ Her eyes were odd, with a diamond for a pupil and unlike all the others she did not wear the clothing of the church. Instead her clothes were almost otherworldly. Her hair was a deep violet, with a streak of cream through it. Venti had a single interaction with her, and it was the closest to a normal conversation he had. Not because of the topics, but that she spoke to him as a person and didn’t seem especially interested in him outside of a scientific scope. 

That conversation had been the most enlightening and confusing out of all.

“How are you adjusting to your body?” K had asked him, clipboard and quill in hand. She was using one of the nearby desks pulled forward to rest the bottle of ink upon it. 

“My new body?” Venti repeated, raising one fine black brow at her. Hoping to clarify his best guess. That would explain why his tattoos, his entire body was both wrong and right. 

“Yes. Any pains? Have you retained all your senses? Hearing, speech, and sight seems unimpeded. The nutrition we provided - have you tasted their flavours? When you touch something, do you feel its texture or simply recognize you have made contact?” On K’s inquiries went, each one kept strictly to necessary. Venti felt as if he was talking to a doctor, not a ward. So she was the one he felt most comfortable asking.

“I’ve been wondering. What… Exactly am I?” Venti inquired, hopeful that she would give him the truth. 

“You are a deity.” K said it the same way she said everything. Indifferently. When she said it, he almost believed that he was a god.

“But the memories I have are of being human?” Venti pressed.

“That is an interesting piece of trivia. But it is not one you've any need to explore, nor does it help me any with my work. My priority is to ensure your body remains stable. To schedule regular inspections that soul and body remain attached, to avoid repeating the summoning process.” K answered, writing away. Venti guessed it was something along the lines of: “patient too attached to old life, not happy with god status. Appears entitled.”

“Regular inspections that… My soul doesn’t just start astral-projecting itself, or that I’m not just suddenly dead?” He asked. Her hand paused in its scrawls, and she looked at him through her glasses with a slight frown.

“Astral project? I am not familiar with this term. What does it mean?” It was the first question anyone had asked him. Equally, it meant there was information Venti had access to, but a scientist here didn’t. It was a term someone had shared with him. Who was it? Had they been close?

“It’s this concept, that… Actually,” Venti paused, and cleared his throat. To celebrate his semi-normal conversation, and that he knew something for once someone else didn’t here. 

So he sang her a little song. Nothing glorious or special, just one about being free from gods.  

His short song ended, Venti eagerly looked at K for a smile. Instead of the joy his music often brought, her face had gone pale and the quill in her hand was broken. K’s lips were pulled into a thin line, and in that moment all her eyes held was fear. Wordlessly, she left the room. Venti was alone once more, but the emptiness of the room felt far bigger than it had prior. 

He didn't understand what about his singing had unsettled her so much. 

The fourth person was a man aptly named Guy. There weren’t many interactions with him. He wore plated armor, once more dressed differently than the church-like attire the first two wore. He had short brown hair that he styled, a windswept look to him. His duties seemed to be primarily to ensure that Venti was still in his room, though on occasion with a guilty expression would shyly inquire if ‘his Lord Barbatos,’ would like anything to eat or drink. Where the others would bring him specific meals and typically water, Guy was already hard at work winning ‘his Lord Barbatos’’ favor with offers of delicious snacks like apples, and even better drinks like cider. Everyone else Venti was ready to run away from. But Guy? Guy was the real Chad of this place, and had the best tactic in trying to win Venti over in taking on this god role. 

Lounging on a massive bed, a glass of quality cider in his hand with a bowl of apples… This was the life of a god. 

But that was really the only interaction Venti had with Guy. The man was obviously some kind of knight, and his actions spoke volumes of his guilt and shame of what the four were doing. In spite of his actions, Guy had some sense of morality he was grappling with and trying to soothe with delicious offerings. Out of the four, Venti suspected his best chances would lie with Guy if he wanted to escape. As he concocted his plan, he was also trying to learn more about what was outside these walls. Wherever he was, it felt wrong. 

As the memory receded, Venti found himself awake and gasping in the now familiar bed of his room. The room he had at Wangshu Inn, decorated in instruments and musical sheets. A room still dark, illuminated only by a moon that peaked through his window. It had been some time since any of those memories emerged to haunt him. Apparently he could only push them down so far, before each one tried to leak back into his thoughts unbidden. 

Lying there, he wondered if he could go back to sleep. Felt the fear of what the next memory might be, heart beating too quickly with anxiety for sleep to be an option anymore. The nudge of questions he was afraid to get answers to, implications he wanted to pretend he was ignorant of.

It was too late in the night to play music. 

But maybe… There was someone who was awake? Sitting up in his bed, blanket falling from his chest to his lap, Venti's fingers curled around the fabric's hem. Hoped he wasn't being a bother. “Xiao?” He called softly, as if volume was the difference between interrupting or not. 

Almost immediately there was the familiar flicker of karmic residue and Anemo, Xiao appearing at the side of the bed. “You called?” He asked, surprise in his voice and eyes. 

“You came!” Venti exclaimed, that panic subsiding as delight filled him. Only to quickly recede, fear he was being a nuisance impeding once more. “Sorry. Were you busy?” The bard quickly amended, fingers fidgeting with his blanket in the beat it took for a response to be given. 

“No.” Xiao shook his head, gold eyes noting the odd poking the bard's fingers were subjecting the blanket to. “Are you hurt?” The yaksha guessed, trying to piece together the sudden summons. Venti did often stay up late and sleep in late, so being awake around this time wasn't necessarily odd. What was odd was the fidgeting, but also that rarely did Venti wake up before noon once he laid down. 

Also, Venti hadn't just called him out of the blue before. 

Not that he minded, but it was curious. The timing was oddly convenient, Bonanus’ words from earlier still in his mind. 

“Ahaha, no. I'm… Awake!” Venti decided, not wanting to discuss the reason behind being awake. “And thought, I bet I know who else is awake! Because you don't sleep.” He continued, filling the empty air while hoping Xiao wouldn't press him for more information. 

“Not often, no.” Xiao confirmed, brows slowly covering his eyes as he listened to the other's prattling. Was Bonanus… Right? Was Venti just coming up with reasons to have Xiao visiting him? “Would you…” He hesitated, scared he was wrong. That Venti was trying to signal something to him and he was just too dense to notice. “Would you like my company?” It sounded silly when he said it, but Venti brightened at that question. Suddenly the offer felt like the smartest words that ever left Xiao's mouth. 

“Yes!” Venti exclaimed, and scooted over while excitedly patting the space next to him. The unusual fidgeting was paused by the movement, and Xiao wondered if the bard had been nervous.

Was Venti worried that Xiao would just shrug and leave?

Getting into the bed next to Venti wasn't a smooth affair. Xiao was stiff, forcing himself to trust Venti's words from the other day. That the yaksha wasn't going to hurt the other by just being there. To remind himself how obvious it was that Venti wanted him there. That Bonanus seemed to be right, that spending time with the bard was the best thing he could give.

They sat side by side, a left and right thigh just barely touching with legs outstretched beneath a shared blanket. Lithe fingers twined with Xiao's gloved ones, warm and comforting with the soft hold. “Oh! Hah!” Venti's laughter filled the room, catching himself before resting his head on the yaksha’s shoulder guard. “Sorry, forgot about that!” 

Calmly, Xiao reached with his free hand to start undoing the clasps for it. 

“Oh, no, you don't have to-” Venti said quickly, eyes widening in surprise to the wordless action. The yaksha remained quiet until the guard was removed entirely, and set it on the nightstand. “Xiao…”

“If this is my hand, then this is your shoulder.” Xiao spoke gently, though swallowed hard immediately after. In the dim light of the moon, Venti was certain the yaksha's ears were just a little darker than usual. Smiling, the bard let out a long, content sigh as his nestled cheek against the shoulder. Really, Xiao blushed so easily. 

It was sweet. 

As the safety encompassed him, Venti didn't notice the way his eyes drooped or how readily he was falling asleep. All he knew was that while his eyes were closed, the fingers holding his didn't let go this time. 

***

***

***

The next day, Bonanus had returned to Wangshu Inn. This time, at the more reasonable time of after sunrise. She was there mostly in part because Venti had some final details to work out with Zhongli, before setting his plan into action. When she arrived, Xiao was there as well enjoying the usual lunch with the bard. “Well that's not fair! I didn't get an invite!” She said with a playful pout, hands on her hips. Slowly standing up, Venti gave her a lopsided grin. 

“Yes you did, you're here because I invited you!” He laughed, putting the dishes onto the counter as always. He simply took them to the kitchen to wash when he headed down in the evening to perform. 

“Not for lunch!” Bonanus pointed out, puffing her cheeks out in exaggeration.

One foot sliding over, hip jutting slightly, Venti raised up both hands with the palms facing the sky in a grand shrug as a sigh left him. The dramatic flair he added to what would have been an otherwise simple motion had been intended to be more playful, to emphasize that the heart of the discussion wasn’t serious. Only to jolt with surprise, a familiar hand on his waist with another sliding up his forearm to twine their fingers together. Startled, he tried to look behind him to confirm that yes, this was Xiao. The confirmation was immediate, their noses brushing and Venti jerked his head back to ensure nothing more than their noses bumped. “Oh?” The sound fell from him lamely, completely caught off-guard by the impromptu embrace and perhaps some pink on his cheeks. 

The two hadn’t been together long, and Venti was enjoying learning all the little things about Xiao that he was. But this was… Unexpected. The yaksha was shy in so many ways, that Venti just assumed he was that way in all areas. Especially so when in front of one of his fellow yaksha, who was watching this unfold with wide eyes and slightly slack jaw. “You’re… Okay with PDA?” Venti asked curiously, eyes both hopeful and apprehensive watching the way Xiao’s expression returned the gaze with its own inquiry. “Public displays of affection?” The bard explained. 

The answer wasn’t immediate, Xiao’s brow only slightly furrowed as he mulled over the way he wanted to respond. As he did so, his thumb ran over the pad of Venti’s palm beneath the bard’s thumb. Leaning in close, Xiao took in a deep breath that Venti felt by his neck, goosebumps rising all along his arm at the unfamiliar sensation. The yaksha buried his face into Venti’s hair, fingers at the bard’s waist drumming thoughtfully. Even before Xiao pulled away at length to answer, slowly Venti was recognizing all the signs he had given for what was going to be said. 

Gold eyes stared into his, warm and genuine. The sort that Venti doubted he had ever seen on anyone else. “I’ve wanted this… For over two-thousand years. If eyes on us makes you uncomfortable, I will stop.” His voice was almost shaky, and Venti’s heart clutched at that subtle wavering. “But for this, I don’t mind being stared at. Especially if it’s by eyes that belong to a nosy, eavesdropping individual.” There was the shadow of a smile on the yaksha’s lips, but gold irises lit up with an adoration that created a fluttering in the bard’s chest. 

“You wouldn’t even mind a kiss?” Venti ventured, deciding to test the waters. Perhaps return the favor of getting flustered, even. The bard should have seen this coming, but he really did believe that Xiao would get embarrassed, bury his face in Venti’s shoulder. But no. Without hesitation there were lips on his, eager and gentle all at once. Pulling away, that shadow of a smile almost an amused grin on his face, Xiao gave a nod. 

“I would never mind a kiss.” The yaksha confirmed. 

It was a weird sensation, to be the one blushing between the pair, Venti decided. Glancing to the side, he noticed very red ears. Ah, he's just hiding it really well in front of his sister, the bard thought with amusement. Good, so long as he wasn't alone in being embarrassed. 

“Oh my Archons, Menogias is going to love it when I tell him about this!” Bonanus gushed, hands pressed to her cheeks as she basked in the glory of her brother finally opening up to someone.

“Please don't.” Xiao whispered hoarsely, this time definitely trying to hide his face. 

Chapter Text

In a way, it was almost becoming a game: all the different ways Venti could approach Xiao, and how readily and easily the yaksha would receive him each time. If Xiao needed constant touch and affection to help him feel safer and more comfortable reciprocating, who was Venti to refuse? Getting creative was just part of the fun.

On this particular occasion, the pair were at the top of Mt. Tianheng. Rather, Xiao and the other yaksha were at the top, listening to Bosacius brief them all on whatever it was he discussed with his fellow yaksha. Venti tried to be respectful and give the group their privacy, exploring the mountain and enjoying the different views of both Liyue Harbor and of the Jade Palace. It was when he started to test the acoustics, that his decision to give the yaksha his space went out the window.

There, on one of the ledges, was a collection of wild glaze lilies. The flowers were huddled close together, blue buds tightly shut until the sound of Venti's flute wafted too close. The bard had witnessed the flowers blooming in both the light of the moon and the song of his instruments, recognition flashing across his eyes when petals started to unfurl. Immediately he stopped playing, holding his breath and hoping the flower would stop. It did, paused in its motion at the sudden silence. While not many, there were a few glaze lilies in Dihua Swamp by the inn that the owners maintained in efforts to help the flowers return. Those were how he knew anything about them. Precisely due to the rarity of seeing the flowers in the wild, he knew he needed to show Xiao. Knew that the yaksha would be happy to see the blooms, that subtle curve in his eyes to hint at a smile.

Little more than thinking about it made Venti's legs wobble from how that expression alone made him melt, but he persevered. Because it would make Xiao happy. Using Anemo, he lifted his way up the mountain to reach the gathering of yaksha. Wings would have been preferred, so he could just fly up there… But the Jade Palace was right there, along with an active trade route. Someone would see, and inevitably questions would be asked.

Once he reached the top, the excitement was too much. Grinning ear to ear, Venti ran at Xiao without restraint. Gold eyes glanced at the movement, and seeing it was the bard that slight curve of lips already formed. Xiao held out a hand, fully expecting it to be taken. Not one to disappoint, Venti grabbed the hand and was swung around the yaksha, laughing as his momentum carried him. Using it to his advantage, Xiao lifted their hands that were clasped together up, pulling Venti along to spin him around in one graceful turn. Using his other hand, he grabbed the bard by the waist so he wouldn't keep spinning, and pulled the two flush together, side by side.

The other yaksha clapped, as while this was becoming more common that was still impressive. The part about Xiao smiling, that is. All four could see the way Xiao's shoulders relaxed the closer Venti was to him, and the way gold eyes could only see the bard. A bit annoying when trying to talk to Xiao, but none of them would complain. At no point did Venti ever try to take advantage of it, and had enough awareness to attempt not being a distraction.

Attempt. Usually. Clearly not anymore, at least for today.

“I need to show you something!” Venti urged Xiao, leaning away slightly to use his weight to lead the yaksha where he wanted. Neither men moved, but Xiao did look over to Bosacius. The Electro yaksha gave a nod, wearing what was almost a pout as he did so. Permission given, Xiao released Venti's waist but kept hold of the bard's hand as he was urgently led away.

When the pair reached the edge, Venti took both of Xiao's hands in his own and jumped downwards. Laughed when Xiao immediately scooped him up with a scowl, moving the two down the rocky side with the bard instructing each step. “I was going to land fine!” Venti chuckled between directions.

“Shoes like yours tear too easily on these rocks. I trust your footing, not your attire.” Xiao replied, pausing on a ledge to wobble when Venti kicked his feet happily at the compliment. The second the movement stopped, he resumed the downward travel. Within minutes they reached the area, Venti practically jumping out of Xiao's arms in his excitement. “Don't look yet!” The bard said hurriedly, removing his cape to use it as a curtain in front of the glaze lily. Accepting as he often was of these things, Xiao closed his eyes and crossed his arms. “Okay! Look!” Venti instructed.

Opening his eyes, Xiao raised a brow at the area of ground obscured by a green cape lightly fluttering in the wind. “Ta-da!” The bard made the best fanfare he could, twisting and swishing his cape away without impacting the flowers. Minus the breeze it caused, the buds swaying lightly.

“...Glaze lillies?” Xiao murmured, the one raised brow lowering alongside the other. There was surprise, but equally confusion. Not impossible to grow there, but Mt. Tianheng wasn't exactly the flower's preferred environment, either.

“I didn't expect it either!” Venti was putting his cape back on, chattering away as he did so. “I was just playing some music, and noticed something moving. I don't know much about their blooms, how long they last afterwards, so I stopped to get you! And also… I thought you'd be happy to see more.” Venti found the more he learned, the greater the amount of information he still had ahead of him. Glaze lillies fell under flora that were important to Liyue, but Venti wasn't well-versed in why. Only that the flowers were endangered, and finding any in the wild was an occasion for celebration.

“I am.” Xiao said gently, confusion ebbing out of his face into a more complicated expression. A bundle of emotions were each trying to move Xiao's facial muscles in different directions, the bard at his side patiently waiting to find which one took precedence. After a moment, the yaksha's visage became bittersweet: eyes were mournful, but there was a gentle smile to offset the sad gaze. “Thank you. Did you want to continue what you were playing? They only bloom for the moon… But I've been told that pure, beautiful music has the same effect. I think… I would like to see it, if you're willing?”

With a nod, Venti pulled out his flute and played. The notes started soft, easing into the air gently. Followed the breezes suggestion on when notes should go higher or lower, listening to Liyue's natural rhythm and song. Venti noticed that if he listened closely, he could hear all types of music. That of humans laughing, of leaves shifting in the wind, and even that of creatures like hilichurls singing. Cracking an eye open slightly, he checked if the glaze lily was still willing to unfurl into a bloom. As the pale blue petals lifted and stretched as it woke from its nap, Venti glanced back towards Xiao.

The yaksha’s gaze was on the flower, his eyes soft with fond memories. Old as he was, Venti hoped a day would come in which Xiao would indulge them both in those recollections. To know the names that lived on with the yaksha. The experiences that brought him as much happiness as they did emptiness. A pointed ear was tilted towards Venti, listening to the flute while witnessing the moment.

The song tapered off, glaze lily swaying in the final steps of its dance. Lowering his flute, Venti found himself smiling at the flower. It really was pretty, and he wondered what Guili Plains may have looked like all those years ago, full of glaze lilies that bloomed beneath the stars and full moon. Closing his eyes, he tried to imagine it. Felt the ache in his chest, the image somehow vivid and clear. As if this were a fond memory of his own, despite not having been alive long enough to have witnessed.

“Do you need to go back to Wangshu Inn?” Xiao asked, breaking Venti from his thoughts. Blinking, somewhat belatedly, he noticed the yaksha had put his hand on the bard's shoulder. That content visage was gone, etches of worry between bushy brows.

“No, I'm fine. Sorry, did I space out too much?” Venti asked, trying to laugh it off.

“You just… Stopped. If you're tired but want to stay, I can find you a proper place to rest. The others will understand.” Xiao explained, hand remaining just in case. To help assure him, Venti placed his own hand over the yaksha's. Gave it a gentle, reassuring squeeze.

“Sorry about that. I can wait here until you're all finished. Actually, I kind of wanted to speak with all of the yaksha when you're finished.” Venti said, a soft, lightly nervous laugh following his words.

“I'll check.” Xiao said. Venti assumed that meant the yaksha would leave and return. Instead, he found himself being lifted up by Xiao and teleported with him back to the top of the mountain. Blinking as he processed, Venti looked around himself and then upwards into the just as startled green eyes of the Electro yaksha. “Bosacius, how much longer is this meeting?” Xiao asked, the only one not startled by this turn of events.

“There isn't much more I can add.” Bosacius answered, taking an awkward step back so as to give the other two more breathing room. “Are you both leaving?”

Rather than answer, Xiao looked to Venti and offered an encouraging nod. With a laugh, Venti accepted the opportunity given. “I wanted to speak with all the yaksha about outing for all of us to go on. See if everyone was interested.” He explained simply.

“Have at it!” Bosacius’ confusion immediately shifted into that of excitement. This was exactly what Rex Lapis had been hopeful of for Bosacius to do, eventually. But if this little bard could accomplish it sooner, he was willing to go all in to support it. Venti looked at Xiao, who didn't seem entirely sure why he was being looked at but was fine with it. Accepting that the yaksha wasn't going to read his mind, Venti just let the other keep holding him. The bard hoped a look was all Xiao would need, but the two weren’t there yet. That was fine, he could accept things as they were.

Being held was more comfortable, though it did impact his presentation.

“Good day, if I could have all your attention please!” Venti spoke while throwing his voice, ensuring they all heard him. The other yaksha had been watching from the corner of their eyes, curious but also attempting to respect privacy. Now they didn't have to pretend they weren't eavesdropping. “I’ve made some plans with Mr. Zhongli, the Consultant of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, and I am taking you all to Liyue Harbor for a night on the town.” Initially, Venti had considered extending this as an invite. However, the more he thought about it the more he worried the yaksha would refuse on account of being polite and awkward. While he didn’t know the other four nearly as well as he knew Xiao, the bard had quickly picked up all of these adepti were awkward in different ways.

“That’s… A lot of karmic debt to have together in a very populated area. Not to mention if we’re all there, demons will exploit that.” Indarius pointed out, her brows knitting as worry made its way on her face.

“I know, and that’s exactly why I’ll be there!” Venti assured her, flashing a winning smile that at least Xiao struggled to say no to. Hopefully the other yaksha had a similar weakness. “I’ll be cleansing your karmic debt while we’re there, so it’ll be a breezy night. You may want to dress warm? Oh, and we definitely want to try and blend in! Let you enjoy Liyue Harbor as it is! As for the demons, I was thinking everyone could take turns. This way you all have an opportunity to enjoy the night, and still protect Liyue. Mr. Zhongli is also working to make arrangements with notable exorcists, so there'll be extra support.” Fact was, Venti had given this a lot of thought. If any of the yaksha could come up with an excuse he wasn’t prepared for, he would have been impressed.

“A breezy but cool night, with the intent to blend in…” Menogias mumbled, a slight smile spreading across his lips as light danced in his eyes. The other yaksha tensed - they knew what was coming. “Venti, would you be opposed to me putting together some outfits for everyone?”

Venti blinked, momentarily surprised before the expression shifted into delight. That wasn’t something he was prepped for, but there was genuine enthusiasm and he wasn’t going to turn that down. “Please do!”

“Excellent!” Menogias beamed, clapping his hands together. “Would you be willing to accompany me while I gather materials tomorrow? You come to, Xiao.” One was a request, the other was a demand. Xiao was painfully aware that regardless of Venti’s answer, he was stuck being the Geo yaksha’s companion for the shopping trip.

“Sure!” Venti agreed, clueless to what exactly he was getting into. There was some guilt in Xiao’s heart, knowing he missed the short window to have warned the other. Tomorrow was either going to test the bard’s patience, or it would be as most things were with Venti - he would find a way to enjoy it. Actually, he would probably make the experience enjoyable. At the thought of Venti having fun, and being there to witness Menogias work his magic with the bard… Maybe, just maybe, Xiao was… A little excited at the possibility?

“How is he going to blend in?” Indarius inquired, pointing at Bosacius’ third and fourth arms.

“Me, my fabric, and my fabric scissors.” Menogias replied for Venti, not even allowing the answer the bard readied to pass his lips. At this statement, the Geo yaksha put his hands on his hips and narrowed his eyes slightly at Indarius. “I have all of that under control.” There was a finality to his words, of which Indarius pointedly averted her gaze and pretended to be distracted by a cloud in the sky.

“Of course, of course…” She mumbled, not daring to argue with Menogias about this. There was literally nothing more futile than trying to debate with him regarding this particular subject.

“So all of us are going to with you, Venti?” Bosacius wanted to confirm, but to also get the conversation back to the topic at hand.

“That’s right! We’ve a route planned and everything - Mr. Zhongli even found us a nice little place to eat at the end. I heard one of the storytellers will be there, so it’ll be a fun time!” Venti knew that the yaksha didn’t need to eat, but just because they didn’t need to for survival didn’t mean they couldn’t for pleasure. And what could be better than, at the end of a fun evening, relaxing together while eating a delicious meal?

“A meal together…” Bonanus murmured, of whom had be startlingly quiet this entire conversation. Venti had anticipated more enthusiasm from her, but instead she hadn’t said anything until now. A small, bittersweet smile crossed her features. “I think… I would really like that. To have a meal with you… All.” There had been hesitation at the end, as if she wanted to say something other than, ‘all.’ There was an odd look in her eyes, one that gave Venti pause as unease rolled down his spine.

“You okay?” Xiao asked, leaning in to peer at Venti. Felt the tightness of Venti’s body as he locked up, the Anemo yaksha feeling his own pang of fear at what the cause might have been.

“Yeah. Hah, sorry. I just… Anyway,” Venti apologized, and then shifted. It wasn’t something he wanted to talk about, but he also didn’t want to lie to the other. Forcing a smile and his body to relax, he ignored the unease settling inside him. “So it’s settled! A week from now, we’re all gonna have a good time in Liyue Harbor! We can meet up here, and then head down.” He suggested, and got nods from all around.

“I’ll collect you and Xiao tomorrow morning. How does nine sound?” Menogias inquired.

“Sounds early, but sure.” Venti laughed.

“Nine is early?” Menogias asked, quirking a brow at the bard and his habit of sleeping late. He gave a cluck of his tongue. “You should be out of bed, at the latest, at six.” He added on, shaking his head slightly. “That’s a Monstadt thing, isn’t it?”

“Xiao, can I speak with you?” Bosacius asked, motioning for the Anemo yaksha. Giving a nod, Xiao set Venti down and quietly wished the bard luck in talking with Menogias. Bosacius and Xiao stepped to the side for some kind of private conversation. Venti raised his own brow at this, but shrugged and moved closer to talk with the Geo yaksha.

“Could be a me thing?” Venti supplied with a laugh, his reply to Menogias delayed as he scratched the back of his head. “I didn’t know you were a tailor?”

“Oh, I wouldn’t call myself a tailor. I dabble in fashion, is all. When you live as long as we do, hobbies become very important.” Menogias explained, kind enough to let the topic of sleeping late fall to the side. “But on that note…” He put a thoughtful finger to his chin, rubbing it as he mulled over something. “I’ve noticed you wear… Rather generic Monstadt threads, sometimes more Liyue in style. If you’d like, I can make you something better? Not to brag, but you’ll be comfortable and trendy.”

“That’s very kind of you Menogias, but I don’t think I could afford something like that.” Venti added a laugh to his words, in hopes of offsetting the pain of his own reality.

“I was offering, no payment necessary.” Menogias said simply, waving a sleeved hand dismissively.

“Don’t let him fool you, he isn’t offering. He’s telling you, he just wants to sound polite about it.” Indarius stated flatly, no shame in putting him on the spot.

“No, I’m not telling him. I’m being respectful of his choice.” Menogias replied stiffly.

“His choice of whether he gets to know you’re doing it anyway.” Indarius retorted, a slight grin on his face. Her fiery gaze turned to Venti, softening slightly. “All of our attire is made and designed by this guy. I tried something from Fontaine once, just to see how it would look, and he got so mad I thought he’d get a Pyro Vision for it.”

“I didn’t care it wasn’t made by me, I cared that you picked something that unflattering! You completely washed out your skintone!” Menogias scowled, crossing his arms as he glared at her.

“I still think it should be more about function than fashion.” Bonanus mumbled, a sour look on her face as she recalled the Skirt Incident.

“Please, every demon paused in awe of the image I transformed you into.” Menogias sniffed.

“That wasn’t awe, that was confusion. They looked at me, and I could see it in their eyes. Those demons were wondering, what a crazed yaksha! See her approaching battle, looking like a cupcake instead of a warrior! I was so embarrassed!” Bonanus wailed, burying her face in her hands.

“I’ve never seen you dispatch demons so fast before, though.” Indarius commented, recalling rushing to the other’s aid when hearing her screech only to find nothing remained of the beasts.

“Because if they looked at me with that pity in their eyes any longer, I think the karmic debt would have taken me then and there!” Bonanus continued. Next to the two, Menogias sulked but didn’t change his opinion on the matter.

While the four talked, Bosacius leaned down to better look the junior yaksha in the eyes. Well… He supposed Xiao was no longer a junior, but the Anemo yaksha would always be his junior. “There’s something that’s been worrying me, Little Bird.” He started. “Will Venti be all right, doing that all night? You told us before he’s likely the new Anemo Archon, but we don’t know for certain. And if he doesn’t have a Gnosis and is using his innate abilities… That may be too much of a drain on him. I don’t want to upset him by refusing, but I do want to make sure he’ll be okay.” As the younger yaksha listened, Xiao nodded his head in understanding.

That was something he was worried about, as well.

“I’ve been wondering if he’s also using this to test if he has limits with that. I trust he’ll inform us if anything is amiss, he knows how important keeping the people of Liyue safe is to us.” Xiao answered, believing this to be an acceptable answer. A large hand was placed on his shoulder, and Xiao looked at his leader with some confusion.

“Xiao, you can’t risk him hurting himself like that. You’re his partner, right?” Bosacius asked, a serious visage settling over his normally casual one. It caught Xiao somewhat by surprise. This didn’t seem that intense. Had he missed something? Regardless, he gave a nod even as his ears burned at the reminder. Every time he thought about it, in spite of the shyness that kept taking hold, there was an inexplicable happiness that came with it. “He’s strong, but I worry he’s the type to let himself hurt for the sake of others. It falls to you to protect him.”

Xiao was clueless where any of this was coming from or why, but nodded even so because there was a certain logic to it. Only to shake out of it to narrow his eyes in accusation at the other. “Wait, how do you know he’s strong?”

“Don’t worry about that, now isn’t the time for such topics.” Bosacius replied, easily side-stepping the inevitable. “Promise me you’ll protect him.” He pressed, because apparently that was the most important aspect of this all. Which was confusing, because was it… Not obvious that Xiao had every intention of protecting the bard? Was he not doing something right? A sort of panic welled in him, insecurity flaring as he had no idea what he was doing and it was obvious to everyone. Would Venti stop feeling safe around him? Was Venti inviting all the yaksha instead of just Xiao, because he didn’t think the other would prioritize him? As the anxiety welled, he decided to speak exactly what he believed. To ensure that not just Bosacius, but everyone knew how dedicated he genuinely was to the bard and his well-being.

“I would die for Venti.” Xiao’s response was spoken with ease, resolute and confident. None of his internal fears bled into it, because this was a truth amidst the turbulence. Golden eyes were steady as they always were when Xiao spoke his truths, looking into Bosacius' gaze.

Until then, Venti hadn’t been paying too much mind to the other two. Much of what he could hear sounded like a conversation for him and Xiao to have together later. This, however, pulled his entire attention away from the discussion he was having. Holding up a finger to the three yaksha, Venti removed himself from their conversation with a frown on his face. No, this wasn’t language he was going to allow. Not for Xiao, not for any of the yaksha. “Venti?” Xiao turned his attention to the bard, surprised but his body language expressed excitement with how he perked up. Without a word, Venti pressed his forehead against the other’s. Ignored the slight surprise as he realized that, close as they were in height, he was actually slightly taller than the other.

Suddenly it made sense why Bonanus accidentally called Xiao the ‘tiniest yaksha,’ that one time only to become immediately embarrassed the bard heard her.

Standing there, dumbfounded, Xiao blinked up at him trying to make sense of the current flow of events. Did this mean… Venti was happy with what he said? But his face didn’t look happy, it looked more… Concerned.

Placing his hands on either side of the yaksha’s face, Venti pressed in slightly on Xiao’s cheeks. Clueless as to what or why, Xiao was still hopeful as his eyes moved from the bard’s gaze down to his lips. Perhaps he just wanted a kiss…?

“Xiao. Focus.” Venti requested, trying to bite back a laugh at the reaction he got. Mentally logged that away for later. Still confused but always respectful, Xiao’s eyes raised upwards again but settled on the bard’s nose this time. “Okay. Repeat after me: My name is Xiao, and I am a silly sandwich.”

“...My name is Xiao, and I am a silly sandwich…?” Xiao echoed, the confusion growing as he tried to search the bard’s face for some form of, well, anything. There wasn’t much to gleam from Venti’s expression aside from the soft smile, and brows that were knitted. Relief and concern, that much the yaksha could gather. The why was what eluded him, but that smile formed after Xiao repeated so whatever this was, ultimately, it was making Venti feel better about it so the yaksha was happy to oblige.

“And I’ll try to live for Liyue, to live for Venti.” At Venti’s words, it clicked what the bard was concerned about. Xiao’s eyes softened, raising his hands to clasp them over Venti’s. Thumbs ran gentle circles over the back of Venti’s hands, relishing the softness of the skin. The bard’s fingers were calloused and harsh from all the instruments he played, perfect for grounding but the contrast of the softer skin just on the other side was endearing.

“And I’ll try to live for Liyue, to live for Venti.” Xiao whispered, lowering his voice to make the promise more personal. Leaned his head against one of the hands, not removing either of his own. Relished the warmth of Venti holding his face, their foreheads still pressed together. For the first time, someone was asking Xiao to live. That Venti asked of Xiao not for sacrifice, but instead for something so simple as to share their days. That in such a simple request Venti knew to include Liyue, that so much of Xiao’s life was entwined in protecting his home. To have gone from being asked to die for Liyue, to being asked to live for it. Despite its simplicity, there was a warmth in Xiao’s heart that made his fingers tingle where they touched Venti’s hands. This wasn’t someone he just wanted to protect. This was someone he wanted to cherish. An impulse, a need, to express the joy and fondness that encapsulated him - to kiss this person without once caring that he had no idea how to.

“That’s all I’ll ask of you, promise.” Venti returned the hushed tone. Saw how Xiao tried to tilt upward, missing the other's lips and immediately pulling away in embarrassment as realization dawned on the yaksha: he had no idea what he was doing. “Sorry, no, I just… Try again?” Venti laughed, pulling apart so he could properly lean in and give the yaksha a kiss. Felt it be reciprocated eagerly, but even then Xiao refused to let go of the bard’s hands. Between presses of lips Venti laughed at that, heart fond and happy. Pulled back so he could look the other in the eyes, beaming when he noticed Xiao wearing that subtle smile he would give.

Felt movement beneath his fingers, eyes glancing to the sides of Xiao’s face curiously as to what the movement was. Did he get caught in strands and was tangling hair? That didn’t seem to be the case, his fingers could freely move. Well, as freely as they could with Xiao’s hands over his, trying to twine fingers. It was around Xiao’s ears. Tilting his head, Venti got an idea. Somehow managed to wriggle his hands free from the other long enough to push the long teal hair behind those pointed ears.

No movement. Giving a thoughtful hum, Venti leaned in to kiss the other again. If nothing happened, the bard still won. So did Xiao. Really, it was a winning situation all-around no matter what. Pulling back, eyes of greens and blues looked up and…

Saw the last motions of pointed ears wiggling.

“That’s not fair…!” Venti whined, immediately pressing his face into Xiao’s shoulder.

“What’s not…? Venti, what’s wrong?” Xiao asked immediately, looking around him to try and identify what it was this time. The yaksha knew that there would, eventually, come a day he could follow every fleeting thought process that the bard had. Until then, he was just going to have to get accustomed to being confused. A lot. When not getting much of a response, he looked to the other yaksha, as if any of them might have been privy to what he was missing this time. Several shrugged shoulders expressed that they were all just as lost. The only one amiss was Bosacius, who almost looked forlorn before turning away.

Quietly, Xiao wondered if maybe he should suggest to Menogias and the others to help Bosacius with his ‘Hu Tao problem.’

Chapter Text

Menogias wasted no time when he arrived. As soon as he appeared, he had all three of them teleported to Zhongli's closet. When the consultant opened the door, fully expecting Bonanus, Venti could have sworn he saw brief panic across his normally placid face. “Bane of Beasts, Conqueror of Demons… Venti.” He acknowledged each with their title, and Venti tried to not laugh at how obviously out of place his name was in there. 

“Mr. Zhongli!” Menogias greeted, eyes alight with inspiration. “I heard you'll be joining us this week.” He started, already leaving the closet while Zhongli's hand tightened on the door handle. 

“I will be. Venti here had a splendid idea of helping our yaksha experience the peace they help prosper in Liyue. I am only glad to help.” Zhongli spoke cordially, and he had a fond undertone in his words. But he also seemed keenly aware, just like the yaksha had, where this was going. 

“And we're very glad you'll be joining us! I was thinking of putting together a gift for you…” And on Menogias prattled. As he started, Zhongli seemed to accept he wasn't escaping the inevitable and followed after the Geo yaksha. 

“...Would it be… All right if I held your hand?” Xiao said softly, too quietly for anyone but the bard to hear. With a warm smile, Venti held up his hand and wriggled his fingers. 

“I told you, Silly. This is your hand.” Venti reminded him, offering out the hand to the other. Almost immediately Xiao's own clasped over it, twining fingers together. “You don't have to ask.” Venti added, and pressed a kiss to each of the yaksha's brows. “You've been neglecting this poor hand, but I can't be mad. I've been neglecting Cecil and Himmel, so we're just gonna have to help each… Other… Remember?” The bard trailed, tilting his head as he observed Xiao. Was the yaksha… Pouting? “Xiao?”

There was hesitation, as if the yaksha didn't want to say it. But whatever it was he wanted won out as he finally blurted, “M-Me too.”

“Oh? Ohhh. Heh, okay.” With a laugh, Venti kissed Xiao on the lips instead of brow this time. Held in the laughter that wanted to spill at the fact Xiao got jealous of his own eyebrows. It was adorable. The two finally followed after the pair of Geo men, one of which was waiting by the door a bit too eagerly. Soon as Menogias caught sight of his yaksha brother and the bard, he opened the door and started informing all who were listening where they were going. Zhongli gave the trio a polite wave of his hand, amber eyes watching them with equal parts warmth and something else. Before Venti could identify what it was, the door was closed with Zhongli inside once more. 

Despite not knowing, his heart beat out that it was hope. That there was hope in Zhongli's eyes as he watched the three leave. 

As it was no longer an early morning, there was a fair bit of movement in Liyue. Merchants would call out to the trio to check out their wares. Menogias politely declined, his surprising height making it easier for him to swiftly move all of them away from the calls. The height he had was the only reason anyone gave the group a second glance, no one the wiser there were two yaksha in their midst. Simply enjoyed the steady ocean breeze that was perhaps warmer than usual, but carried a pleasant scent. 

“Do either of you have special requests?” Menogias inquired, his yellow eyes searching shop fronts.

“You've already decided what everyone's wearing.” Xiao pointed out, and hearing the bluntness of his answer made Venti laugh. Giving the hand holding his a gentle squeeze, he swayed their clasped hands back and forth. 

“I'm sure he's just being polite.” Venti offered, amused smile still on his face. 

“Menogias is stubborn. When he's already decided something, if he's asking he's just feeling out what the reaction will be.” Xiao explained. There wasn't any bite to his words, merely sharing what he knew. Simple and straight forward. 

“That isn't true! I like to ask in hopes of inspiration. It's why I always ask before I make something. You four just never give me anything to work with.” Menogias huffed.

“We ask for it to be functional, and you rarely do that.” Xiao retorted smoothly. 

“Oh, what you're wearing right now isn't functional?” Menogias countered, quirking a brow down at the other. 

“You made this?” Venti asked, eyes widening in surprise. Immediately he looked over Xiao's clothes, paying no mind to the awkward shifting the yaksha made at the sudden inspection. “Your work is amazing! Xiao's always looked so good in that!” 

“Please don't encourage him.” Xiao mumbled, his ears turning red at the compliment. From the side, Menogias merely grinned at the exchange. 

“Would you be willing to make us something that matches?” Venti requested, paying Xiao's no mind. Menogias grinned, pulling Venti's free arm into his.

“That was always the plan.” The Geo yaksha assured with a wink, garnering a pleased smile from the bard. 

I don't know how I feel about these two agreeing… Xiao thought to himself, trying to determine if he felt more reassured knowing Venti was getting along with his family. Or uneasy about the fact it was this particular topic the two were getting along so well on. But as he thought about it, conjuring images of himself and Venti matching so well everyone knew they were a pair… The redness in his ears didn't go away, but he was understanding the appeal the more he thought about it. 

“Here we are!” Menogias declared, pulling the two into a building. The storefront was modest, and once they entered that modesty was tossed out the window. The inside was large, and filled with fabrics, trinkets, and all types of clothes from across Teyvat. There were fashions from every region, each style on display with favored accessories. Liyue styles were most prominent, its section the most expansive and taking up roughly a third of the store space. Materials ranged from high end silks to more affordable linens. “All right. I have a list of things I already know I need, but I do want to look for anything new, too. Xiao, if you could get one of the attendants to help with this,” the Geo yaksha requested, handing a piece of parchment to his sibling. “And Venti, I need to borrow you to check something.” He added, pulling the bard away while Xiao left to do as he was asked. 

This would go much faster if he did as he was told. Trying to change Menogias’ mind would accomplish nothing.

The ‘check something’ was Menogias testing colors against Venti's skin tone. And one other thing. “While it's just us, any requests for Xiao's attire?” At the question, Venti gave a thoughtful hum. Style wasn't his strong suit, and he racked his brain trying to think of what would look good. To him, at any rate. The bard assumed what he liked and what Menogias approved of were different. 

“I don't know much about fashion, so if you don't think it'll work please don't mind me.” Venti began, the only request he could think of one that he worried was too simplistic. 

“Mm, I wouldn't say my current goal is just fashion. Obviously, if you ask me to dress Xiao like a clown I'd refuse. But I do want this to be a pleasant experience for you two. It's been… A long, long time since I've seen him smile.” Menogias’ voice got quieter, his placid smile transforming into something more somber. “Actually, it's been a long time since any of us got together to laugh or have fun. I'm more excited about that than I am about making anything. This part is just a nice bonus, haha.” Briefly, there had been a flicker of loneliness in Menogias’ eyes as he spoke. But he quickly obscured it with closed eyes and a forced smile. “I genuinely do want to thank you for this.”

Instead of dismissing the yaksha's gentle words with simple statements such as, ‘it's no trouble,’ or, ‘of course,’ Venti softened. Placed a hand on Menogias forearm, more to offer physical reassurance with his words. “I don't remember much, if I have a family or not. But I can see that Xiao has one, and that you all mean a lot to him. If I can help support him or you or the others, I'm happy to. Maybe it's a little selfish on my part, too. Xiao has a beautiful smile, so it's pretty strong incentive.” At the last bit he gave a gentle laugh. 

“Hah, the truth comes out!” Menogias laughed, patting Venti's hand on his forearm fondly. “So, you going to tell me before he returns?”

“Oh, right! I was… Hoping, if it isn't something that would make Xiao uncomfortable, to have his hair up or pulled back? His ears are really cute, but he always has them covered.” Venti spoke with a casual tone, and could have passed for playful in the way he waved his hand. But the slight pout on his lips wasn't invisible, and Menogias’ own twitched in amusement.

“I thought we were supposed to keep a low profile?” Menogias teased, already waving away Venti's concerns when the obvious was pointed out. “Don't worry, don't worry. Bosacius is impossible to not recognize, but we'll just say the rest of us are simply adepti visiting with him. It isn't entirely a lie - all of us yaksha are adepti, and Bosacius would benefit from such attention.” The Geo yaksha assured, setting down a few of the bolts he had decided against. “I know how to make it happen. Under one condition.”

“And that is?” Venti asked, raising a brow as Menogias decided on a few selections. 

“Are my ears cute, too?” Menogias inquired, pointing at his own elongated ears poking out from long strands of deep browns and golds.

“Mmm…” Venti hummed, crossing his arms and pretending to consider. “Cute, but not as cute as Xiao's.” 

“That's acceptable.” Menogias conceded, slight playful grin on his face. It was around this time that Xiao had returned, carrying several items in a basket provided by the store. “Perfect timing!” He declared, eyes pleased at the bolts and bags that Xiao brought over to the pair. “I found what I need here, let's pay and go to the next store!” He said happily, carrying a few bolts he seemed to approve of to the desk.

“Ah. There's more?” Venti asked, torn between laughing and growing concern.

“I'll remind him you need to eat.” Xiao assured, sighing as he realized his full hands meant he couldn't hold Venti's. Noting the expression, the bard looped one of his arms with one of Xiao's. The two exchanged a quick smile, and followed after Menogias. 

The trip had gone on for most of the day, with a pause for lunch being the only real break. Despite how exhausting the long shopping trip had been, Venti enjoyed himself. Got to watch Xiao and Menogias interact with each other, in a manner outside of their yaksha meetings. Noted a few times Menogias would pull Xiao to the side, just out of earshot. Could only assume the Geo yaksha was asking his brother the same question he asked Venti. The bard wanted to know what Xiao said so badly. But equally, it was supposed to be a surprise.

And if he didn't know, that meant when the time came he could guess. What sort of thing would Xiao request? An odd, sudden influx of self-consciousness flooded him. Something about his body just wasn't quite right. If he looked in the mirror, he was off-putting. Would Xiao mention that to Menogias? That Venti was off-putting, and maybe there was a way for him to look… At least okay? The yaksha never really commented on his appearance. Was that why?

“Are you all right?” Xiao had asked when the pair returned, noting the furrowed brows on Venti's face. 

“Yes. Sorry. Just trying to figure some stuff out.” Venti tried to laugh it off, not wanting to worry the other but not wanting to lie. 

“Do you want to talk about it? Menogias is stubborn, but not unreasonable.” Xiao assured him, and started to put down what he had been carrying. 

“Not right now. Maybe later?” Venti suggested, quickly moving to try and help Xiao pick everything back up. The yaksha watched him, concern still in his eyes, but nodded. If Venti wasn't ready, he wouldn't force him. 

By the time they were finished, Menogias did a few trips with Xiao to get everything he collected to wherever he stayed. Farewells were said, and Xiao took Venti back to their own inn. More specifically, back to the bard's room. The second he didn't have to carry anything for the Geo yaksha, Xiao picked up Venti and not once put him back down. Honestly, the bard was tempted to accuse the other of turning carrying him into a hobby.

As if sensing his thoughts, Xiao gently put the other down, back onto his own two feet. But it had been a long while since Venti had done that much walking. In fact, he was pretty sure the closest he got to that much, was when he was trying to run from Monstadt, from those… The chill returned, making him shiver and increased the ache in his feet and legs. 

“Venti?” Xiao asked, hesitant and noting the sudden shift of mood. Not wanting to even think about it, the bard forced away the memories. Instead, went for the dramatic. 

“Oh, this is it! This is the end!” Venti exclaimed dramatically, relaxing his body entirely to crumple onto the floor. Reflexively Xiao caught him, one hand catching the bard’s waist and the other cradling Venti's head.

“Venti!” Xiao called, too reactive to immediately catch the playfulness. After a beat of the deadweight bard in his arms, of whom was breathing perfectly fine and even opened an eye to peek at him… Xiao realized this was entirely for the drama. Normally, Xiao would sigh and put him down. Or perhaps adjust how he would hold the bard so it was more comfortable for them both. Instead, he perhaps picked up the other sought distraction. Comfort, even. 

Xiao did put him down, but it was on the ground and he was still cradling the bard. “I've been told mouth-to-mouth can be life-saving for humans.” Xiao informed the ‘unconscious’ Venti. The bard had to contain a laugh, because of course that was the route his yaksha would choose.

His? Was that… Allowed?

The thought was pushed aside as lips pressed against his, warm and familiar. Lips that always left the taste of almonds behind, which was odd given that Xiao rarely ate. Simply had no need, only ate when he craved a sensation. “No response, huh?” Xiao murmured, his words a warm breath across Venti's face. “Maybe here?” He wondered aloud, next pressing little kisses on Venti's nose. Continued his quest to ‘save’ Venti, peppering the bard with kisses across his face. 

Even kissed the plaits next to Venti's face. After that, along his chin. Paused there, before the yaksha nuzzled his nose into Venti's neck, taking a deep, long inhale. Part of Venti wanted to just sit up and kiss the yaksha on the mouth, another wanted to wait and see if there would be more. As he leaned more towards listening to the waiting part, he let out a yelp when Xiao bit his cheek!

“Oww!” Venti pouted, rubbing at his poor cheek. 

“...Sorry.” Xiao's words at least had the decency to sound as apologetic as it was guilty.

“What was that for?” Venti asked, unable to lean up as Xiao was still quite close to his face. 

“It looked soft, and then… I didn't mean to.” Xiao mumbled his explanation, eyes averted as his ears drooped. That was not a face that Venti could be upset with. So, he put his hands on Xiao's face, pulled the yaksha close to give him a proper kiss. 

“Thank you for saving me from my demise.” Venti said, his tone playful. “Without your smooches, surely I wouldn't have made it.” He continued, mostly joking. It was enough to get a tiny smile from Xiao. As he no longer needed to support Venti now that he was ‘saved,’ Xiao ran his fingers through the shorter black hairs on the back of the bard's head. 

“I'll always come if you call.” Xiao whispered the reminder softly, bumping their noses together. There was nothing in the world that Venti believed more. Silly as it sounded, part of him genuinely trusted that anywhere in Teyvat he was, if he called for Xiao the yaksha would appear. Which was very silly, given that Xiao couldn't leave Liyue. The people would always take precedence. 

It was strange. Rather than be jealous or bemoan the fact he would never be the first priority, Venti felt like he understood. As if there was something, somewhere that mattered to him in the same way that Liyue mattered to Xiao. He just couldn't remember what that was. 

A knock came at the door, and Venti both felt and heard the huff from the adeptus still holding him. “Yes?” Venti called, hands leaving Xiao's face to run soothing fingers through the yaksha's hair. Felt the way Xiao relaxed his muscles, even if it was only slightly. 

“Mr. Bard, do you have a moment? I was hoping I could speak with you…” That was Smiley Yanxiao's voice. Biting his lower lip, Venti mulled over this. The cook rarely tried to talk to the bard, which made this a very interesting turn of events. But also, Xiao was sulking in his arms at this prospect. The adeptus would never tell Venti what to do, always let the other flutter about and do as he pleased. Really, the only input Xiao ever gave was the sulking, and with the twitch of his lips Venti suspected the yaksha didn't even notice that he was showing those particular feelings.

“Could we speak tomorrow? Maybe while you're making lunch?” Venti asked, fingers still petting the other. 

“Uh… Y-Yes. Yeah, that's… Fine… Uhm… Will the… Conqueror of Demons be with you?” Smiley Yanxiao asked nervously, and with a grin Venti was starting to understand what the cook wanted to talk about. Ah, figures they wouldn't have told him, Venti thought with a chuckle. 

“I don't think so, we don't have plans for training.” The bard answered simply.

“T-Training?!” Smiley Yanxiao choked. “He's, you're, he's t-tra…” There was more sputtering, and at this Venti felt… Confused. He looked to the yaksha, who was frowning and had his version of a puzzled visage.

“Yes?” Venti ventured. What was so wrong with training? Sure, he more or less mastered Anemo by this point, but he was trying to improve channeling it so when he used it, the fake Vision glowed.

“A-Actually, nevermind, I-I understand very well now, sorry for bothering you.” And with that, Smiley Yanxiao's heavy footsteps hurriedly left. The door not once opened, and Venti couldn't grasp quite what happened near the end there. How did Xiao training him answer Smiley Yanxiao's question if they were dating?

Oh. Venti realized, entire face burning as the blush engulfed his face. He thought I meant… A different kind of training… This was a mistake people kept making. The conversation loomed over the pair, and Venti kept putting it off. This was nice. This was safe. What if Xiao wanted something different, something… More? The thought frightened him. 

“Are you tired?” Xiao asked softly, fingers still toying with short black strands. 

“...I don't want to be.” Venti admitted with a sigh. This was such a nice moment, and he didn't want it to be ruined because he was thinking. What was the purpose of a brain if it was going to interfere?

“You get a choice?” Xiao asked, an attempt at a tease but there was subtle worry in there. With some shifting, he stood up slowly while picking Venti up with him as he did so. 

“You don't have to carry me.” Venti reminded Xiao, primarily out of guilt and concern. Even so, he did wrap his arms around the yaksha's neck. If the other put him down, removing those same arms was just as easy. 

Xiao did not put him down.

“You don't have to walk.” The yaksha retorted easily, turning his head slightly to look into Venti's eyes as he did so. Gold eyes curved with the smile on the yaksha's face, shameless in his adoration. Unable to say anything to that, Venti coughed and looked away. When Xiao got like this, it was difficult to not get flustered. The yaksha pressed a kiss to Venti's cheek, before setting him down on the bed. “Get some rest. There's… There's tomorrow. I'll see you then.” Xiao promised, placing his hand on the bard's cheek. Thumb gently rubbed where he had bit Venti's cheek, apologetic and reassuring. 

“I look forward to it.” Venti smiled, lips lifting as naturally as breathing. All his thoughts scattered, because Xiao was trying to live and Venti couldn't want anything more. 

Chapter Text

It was possibly a mountain that rose even taller than those in Liyue. The sort that reached into the sky and seemed to pierce through it, a circle of permanent clouds that wrapped around the mountain’s tip like a ring. Venti had looked up to find an end to the mountain, taking a few steps back to take in the sheer size. But at the mountaintop, gleaming within the perpetual blizzard, was a sight that made him shiver. All long his arms and legs skin rose gooseflesh, his hair standing on-end. Whatever it was, it made Venti feel nauseous just looking at it. Tried to ignore the unsettling familiarity it had, like a nightmare he was always trying to forget but never quite could. Not entirely.

From the corner of his eyes, Xiao was watching the way Venti tensed when he spotted the remains of the Heavenly Nail in Monstadt. Hoped that the bard didn’t understand or recognize what it was. Simply was a person reacting to the instrument of Celestia as humans often did. Although… Mortals usually reacted with fear mingling with awe. Venti’s visage was closer to that of horror. Slipping his hand into Venti’s, the adeptus ran a soothing thumb along the back of Venti’s hand. “Venti?” He called.

“Oh… Sorry.” Blinking rapidly, Venti forced himself to look away. Gave a hard swallow, as if the action would push all those feelings that thing created within him back to wherever they all came from. Put on his best smile, but couldn’t lift the corners enough for it to reach his eyes. “What is it?”

“Do you… Know what that is?” Xiao hesitated in his inquiry, but forced himself to get the question out. Much as he wanted Venti to be Venti, and nothing or anyone else… If Xiao refused to see everything there was about the bard, to see only what he wanted… Then he was only attached to an idea, and not the Venti he was holding hands with.

“I…” Venti found the words being lost on his tongue, eyes watching Xiao with a multitude of emotions. Should I tell him? Is it safe to…? If there was a time to tell the adeptus, it was now. The pair were alone, standing in the grass still within the boundary of Liyue. The chilly breeze from Dragonspine wasn’t the only cause for Venti’s shivering, and if he really wanted to he could just walk over to the snow that tried to breach from the land of wind into that of rock. No one else was around to overhear. No part of Venti thought that Xiao would tell a soul if the bard asked him to keep it secret. If he were honest with himself, Venti trusted Xiao with every piece of himself. Trusted the yaksha in ways that, perhaps, Venti wondered if he really should. Knew that the safety he felt with Xiao was one he could trust. Licking his lips, he tried again.

Venti’s words started out shaky, telling Xiao from start to finish. No, he didn't know what the 'start' was. But equally, he wanted to try. To be open with the yaksha about every part of himself. So, Venti told Xiao what he did know, and from where he started. How he found himself awake with no memory outside of his own name. The realization that Deaconess Erne was not there to bring back a god, but to groom a tool for her own purposes. The bravery of the knight that helped him sneak out, got him far enough to make the trek to Liyue. All the way to the Riftwolves, the unnatural terror they brought him. “...And then, when I called for help… You came.” The bard finished, eyes downcast the whole story. Instead, kept his gaze focused on their hands. Didn’t see much point in relaying what happened once he was in Liyue. In some ways, he suspected Xiao knew more than he did. “Sometimes I get these… Sensations. That something is familiar, but I can never figure out why. Little things come back to me. The small moments, seconds from days I can’t recall. Not enough of anything to say I know what I was doing before waking up in Monstadt.”

As he listened, Xiao maintained a stoic expression. Didn’t dare let any reactions slip through, as he wanted to hear everything Venti had to say. Couldn’t risk unintentionally scaring or shaming the other, despite the agitation blooming in his chest at the audacity of a mere mortal trying to create a god. Did she not fear Celestia? Five-hundred years had passed since the Cataclysm, but even if most of those horrors had faded from human memory, that fear now flowed in each of their veins. Furthermore, a Deaconess of Monstadt’s very church was trying to birth a false Barbatos? If there was a time for the Anemo Archon to make another of his surprise returns, this was most certainly it.

Gold eyes briefly, regrettably, glanced at Venti when he thought of the Anemo Archon.

The anger in his heart tightened into something he knew to be fear. All Xiao could do with those feelings was keep them inside. The shame that he now hoped Venti wasn’t Barbatos, despite how much it would mean to Zhongli if he were. Because if Venti were Barbatos… It was only a matter of time before he left, disappearing as the spring breeze did when summer’s heat came in. The Anemo Archon was not known for staying around for long, for any reason.

“I’m sorry.” Venti murmured, eyelashes quivering in tune with his mouth. Mouth pulling down as his brows pressed in together. “I don’t know anything about my life before. What I'm forgetting or if I'm leaving anything behind. But looking at that mountain… I think I feel sorrow and hate, and I don't understand why.”

“That’s…” Xiao wasn’t sure what to say. At a loss for words, he pulled Venti into a hug. Tightly wrapped his arms around the bard, and felt the hold be reciprocated. The Heavenly Nails were equal parts blessing and curse, but each represented the extent of Celestia’s habit of abandonment. Every region suffered the damage from one of the Seven Nails in different ways, but in all of them it was the mortals who suffered the most. There was a reason humans now favored praising the Archons, who could be touched with their hands, over a Celestia that left so many of their civilizations in ruins. Xiao didn’t know every cruel act performed, but learned and heard enough from Rex Lapis to understand why the ex-Geo Archon used contracts. “I don’t think there’s a wrong way to feel about it.” He finally settled on. “If you need to hate it, hate it as much as you need to.” He continued, garnering a small laugh from the other.

“I didn’t say I hated it… There’s just… I can’t grasp it.” Venti sighed, leaning more into Xiao. Feeling the added weight, little as it was, the adeptus straightened himself and secured a better hold. Couldn’t stop the smile as Venti pressed his nose against the yaksha’s cheek. “You I can grasp, though.” The bard pointed out, laughing as he was picked up by the other with feet kicking out behind him. Eagerly moved his arms around Xiao’s neck, nuzzling into the yaksha’s hair with deep inhales. There was always so many scents on the yaksha, that each sniff was a different one. A hint of the qingxin flower, only for the next to be an earthy smell - like getting a nostril full of mud. Then, what could have been laundry? These clothes didn’t have any blood on them, so it stood to reason these were clean.

“You can. Much as you want.” Xiao said, focusing on the bard. The way he felt in his arms, the warmth that spread from the nuzzling into his hair all the way down to his toes. “Call my name. I’ll always be there if you call.” It was a promise he meant with all of his heart, would repeat every chance he got. Never wanted Venti to forget that Xiao was there for him. At that, Venti stopped. Wriggled so he could be able to look into the yaksha’s gold eyes, the natural glow hidden in the light of day.

“I know.” Venti said, smile small upon his lips but wide in the curve of his eyes. Put both hands on the sides of Xiao’s face, leaning down to kiss the other in one of many languid dances. Pulling back just enough so he could speak, but pressed their foreheads together. “If I’m calling your name, it’s because I want to see you. So don’t rush away from saving someone else if I do. Okay?”

“...You’re safe here.” Rather than letting the conversation deviate, Xiao kept on topic. At no point would Xiao cease in the middle of saving someone. Equally, he wouldn’t just ignore a call for help if he was already saving someone. At times juggling helping the people of Liyue was troublesome, but the other yaksha were adept at ensuring such situations never happened. He trusted the others implicitly. But it confused him that Venti seemed worried that Xiao would just leave in the middle of performing his duty. Was that… The sort of impression he had given the other? No matter, those were musings and a different conversation for another time. “I just want you to feel safe.”

“I do. Mostly.” Venti said, one finger curling around some of the longer strands next to Xiao’s face. “I still worry that she’ll send someone over, but then I remember they couldn’t make me leave. I have a very important reason to stay. Pretending to be a god just isn’t in my schedule, you’ve got me quite booked.” Venti teased, eyes crinkling as he spoke.

The words were reassuring, and with a sigh Xiao rested his head against Venti's chest. Closed his eyes, felt the bard’s heartbeat. Could feel how it fluttered because of him, couldn't suppress the smile that knowledge gave him. Even if Venti wasn't as obvious as Xiao was, it was nice feeling they affected one another similarly.

Minutes passed before Xiao put Venti back down, with some regret. Settling into the grass, Venti patted the spot next to him. Turning his head slightly, Xiao listened for any calls within Liyue. Silence, save for the birds and the rustling of the wind. Happy to indulge further in the peace, Xiao sat next to the bard. Did nothing to stop Venti from swinging his legs over the yaksha's, simply wrapped an arm around Venti's waist as easily as he breathed.

“This would have been such a nice day for a picnic.” Venti commented, leaning his head on Xiao's shoulder. Nestled as closely into the yaksha's neck as he could when feeling the weight of Xiao resting his head atop the bard’s. “I really should learn how to make almond tofu.” He added, as if Venti knew how to make anything other than ratatouille. Or at least Xiao assumed. With a slight frown, there was a sudden self-consciousness. Could the bard cook? Xiao had never really asked. Knew the other loved apples and apple-based foods. And alcohol.

Xiao was grateful the bard was cutting back. It would have been nicer if the choice was based in Venti's own health and not because Xiao wouldn't kiss him when he reeked of alcohol. Small victories regardless.

“You don't have to. I only eat it for the texture anyway.” Xiao admitted, startling a bit at how easily he said it.

“You a texture guy? Like soft and fluffy things? Should I be worried for my thighs?” Venti asked, tone playful. Laughter left him as Xiao muttered something, burying his face into Venti's black hair. “My thighs are in danger! Oh, but now I don't have to cook at least!” His laughter was full of mirth, and delightful to Xiao's burning ears. In hopes of retaliation, he used his free hand to squeeze one of the bard’s thighs while he was distracted. “Hey!” Venti squeaked, before more laughter tumbled from his mouth. “You better not bite them!”

“Then don't tempt me to.” Xiao retorted. Partially to get back at the other, but partially because… Well, humans had a tendency to associate biting with a more sexual connotation. It wasn't something he worried about with fellow adepti, but Xiao wasn't sure if Venti would recognize the act as simple affection. The comment at least worked, the bard stumbling over words before finally huffing.

“Fine. You have my thighs for our picnic. What do I get to eat?” Venti finally said, a hint of a pout in his words.

Too much? Xiao worried. Mulling over it, he wondered if he could make it better with… Taking the question seriously? Pressing a kiss into black locks, gold eyes moved up slightly to take in their surroundings. “If the snow gets thick enough, we can eat it?” He suggested, voice genuine. There came a short laugh, before Venti wriggled to look up at the other with wide eyes. The two stared at each other, Xiao's brows furrowing as he tried to make sense of what was funny.

“Oh. You're serious.” Venti said, his blue-greens almost the size of saucers as he realized it.

“...Yes…” Xiao lowered his voice, moving into a quiet contemplation. Was it memory loss as to why Venti would think it was a joke, or had humanity simply finally became sustainable enough the past hardships had become forgotten by all but a few? “During times when food was scarce by flood or drought, compacted snow was a good way to satiate the pains of hunger.”

“Hmm. And now it's a snack you can put flavors on.” Venti mused aloud.

“Is that… What they do in Liyue Harbor now?” Xiao inquired. Humans never ceased to amaze him. Especially those in Liyue. All the ways they found to protect their past, while still moving into the future. Who would have thought snow, once a salvation, was now a treat? A slight smile tugged at his lips, eyes softening at the pleasant shift.

“Yup. I'll get you some when we're there.” Venti promised, brushing hairs behind the yaksha's pointed ears. “Is snow a texture you like? Seems… Crunchier than your normal?”

There was no way for the bard to know the weight of what he asked. Simply watched Xiao with curiosity, his focus not once having shifted away. Xiao was glad the other felt safe enough around him to ignore any strange sounds. The yaksha was also more familiar with what was normal and what was concerning, and Venti trusted that Xiao would only react if there was a need.

Clenching his jaw and shoulders briefly, Xiao made a conscious effort to relax both again. Saying no was an option. Venti knew when to pry, and when to respect a refusal. The bard wouldn't push if Xiao kept his silence.

Centuries had come and gone, changes both great and terrible with every cycle of seasons. A slow, shaky exhale left the yaksha as he leaned to more comfortably press their foreheads together. Maybe, just this once, it would be safe to share those memories with someone.

Especially if that someone had very round, squishy, and perfect for nibbling cheeks highlighted by beautiful orbs of greens and blues just above.

“I wouldn't say I like it.” Xiao began slowly, trying to find the best way to navigate how and what to say. It had been so long since he spoke with anyone about it. Not a topic he enjoyed recollecting, let alone sharing. “Two-thousand years ago, there was something called the Archon War.” He knew he needed to proceed under the assumption that Venti didn't know. Even if the bard had all his memories, this was a history few of the mortals were aware of. Liyue had a better understanding than most, but Venti was from Monstadt. Far as they knew, anyway. “Gods competed to take one of the Seven Thrones, and Liyue had a lot of gods vying to win. One of them…” It was hard to get out, to say. His tongue got too heavy as his heart dipped into his stomach, cold and painful. A hand soothingly rubbed his shoulder, the simple act grounding Xiao back into the present.

There had been no kindness or affection back then.

“Don't force yourself.” Venti said, his voice soft and reassuring. Safe. The yaksha pressed their foreheads together again, and tightly shut his eyes.

“I want to.” Xiao hadn't even realized how badly he wanted to tell Venti. Not until the words left his mouth before his brain could form a sentence. The caresses from the bard made it easier, kept him in a present to see the past more objectively. To see more as a distant past than a ghost that still haunted him. Taking shaky breaths, he pressed on. “There was a god that took the names of other adepti to control them. None of us had any say in what we did. Many of them died as shields, the god using us as weapons and fodder for his own safety. I remember every single thing I did, every crime I committed. He thought it was… Fun, ordering me to consume dreams of humans. To watch those very people lose the ability to look forward, to lose the core of themselves. When Rex Lapis freed me, I promised I would never consume another dream.

But it's hard to stop something like that. I had grown so full off of them for so long. It was like an addiction. I had fevers that I fought through. I thought my teeth would fall out from how hard they chattered when the chills came. My insides felt like fire, burning me up from within. It got to the point that I had to avoid humans, because I was so frightened I'd lose myself like so many other adepti and hurt them. Streetward Rambler and the Stove God… Helped me. They taught me the trick about eating snow to feel full, and the Stove God gave me Almond Tofu to trick my mind into thinking it was getting what it wanted. Over time, it ebbed the urges, the need. I can look at humans, and not want. To no longer need like I did back then.” When had he last spoken so much? Venti's comforting hands had maintained the same steady, soothing pace the whole time. Not once faltering in spite of what the adeptus confessed to.

The two were quiet, and Xiao kept his focus on the pressure of Venti's forehead pressing into his own. On the warmth of hands that caressed his shoulders, offering the occasional reassuring squeeze. Small reminders that the silence was to offer the yaksha a chance to collect himself.

Would more react the same way Venti had, or was the bard unique in his understanding? Suddenly, Xiao realized how far he had drifted from the people he loved and lived to protect.

“...Are you scared to take me to Liyue Harbor?” Xiao asked, chest tightening as the fear slipped from his thoughts and past his lips. The memories, distant as they were, still carried their weight. The hands rubbing his shoulders gave him another soft squeeze, and the blue-greens eyes he stared into curved softly as Venti gave him a gentle smile.

“No. I'm excited to take you back, especially after what you told me. I think you'll be amazed at how beautiful it's become. When were you last there?” Venti's words had the effect of a lullaby, easing the tension and fear out of Xiao's heart to let him relax. A short laugh left the bard, feeling the heat from Xiao's relieved exhale. “If you're willing, I have an idea of some things I'd like you to try.”

“I've… Never actually been. You really want to take me, all of us, there… To eat? Wouldn't it be better if we asked Smiley Yanxiao to make it?” Xiao asked, hesitating about the motive. Thought this had been for all the yaksha to see humans as they were?

“Oh? Are you fantasizing now? About us in my bed, surrounded by treats, feeding each other?” Venti teased, one brow quirking upwards as a mischievous smile spread across his lips.

Heat flared across Xiao's cheeks and ears. “I… I wasn't…” He stammered, sliding his forehead off of the other's so that he could bury his face into Venti's shoulders. Shoulders that were shaking from laughter, that bard wrapping his arms around Xiao's back so that he could rub it.

“Aww, I wasn't trying to embarrass you that time!” Venti said, fondness punctuating every word. One hand moved itself up into teal strands, tousling the hair. “I'm sorry. Do you not want to? I was thinking that would be nicer, and it'd be less stressful for you. Large crowds will be too much for you, right? Oh! Maybe after all of us go to Liyue Harbor, the next time can be just us two! Trying new things would be way less stressful with just us!”

Xiao very much doubted Venti lacked motives with his initial wording. The bard made flustering Xiao a habit by this point, and the yaksha was growing more determined to do the same to the other. It was just… Difficult. The few times he saw Venti blushing came with a flood of emotions and urges. What if he acted on one and went too far? Such as hugging the bard too tightly and injuring him? Pushing those particular concerns aside, Xiao nodded his head. His cheeks flushed at the idea of it being just the two of them for the next time.

Used the motion to shift so he could press his nose against Venti's neck, and breathe in his scent with every inhale he made. Felt the way the other shivered from it, and instinctively tightened his hold on the other's waist.

“Xiao…” Venti gasped, stiffening at the grip. The yaksha immediately eased it, fingers massaging over waist and hip in apology. Sometimes the bard made him ache with foreign desires. The need to kiss him until his face was red and his eyes struggled to focus on anything but Xiao. To whisper to the other all the ways he was safe. To destroy Venti's figurative demons the way he destroyed Liyue's real ones. “...Sorry…” Venti murmured, as if he had anything to apologize for.

“Don't. I didn't mean to grab you so hard. Are you all right?” Xiao asked, nose nuzzling against the soft spot just behind the bard’s ear. Hoping to maybe tickle him, to hear those little laughs again instead of that meekness.

“You didn't hurt me.” Venti assured him, tilting his head to the side to let the yaksha roam across his neck as he pleased. A little chuckle did leave him as the affections did begin to tickle, Xiao smiling against the other's skin when he heard it. “I'm just… Not used to this.” The bard explained, fingers still combing through teal hair. “There's a lot I don't remember. But the bits that come through… I don't think anyone's been as kind as you. And it surprises me sometimes, even though I know it shouldn't because it's you.”

There were a multitude of ways to interpret what that meant, and just as many ways to feel about it. Anger, worry, happiness that Venti felt safe with him, sorrow that there had been anything other than kindness. “Do you need… Space?” Xiao ventured, worried the other was overwhelmed.

“No.” Venti laughed, warm and sweet. The sort the yaksha imagined the kind of sound he'd want to fall asleep to. “This is perfect.” Venti promised, and that was something Xiao could agree with. To lie in the grass, breeze washing over them both, arms and legs tangled together. Xiao couldn't think of anything better. “Xiao?”

“Hmm?” The yaksha hummed, letting his eyes close as the warmth from the sun and Venti eased his body in relaxing.

“Would you… Ever want more? Than this?” Venti asked, pausing between words. When Xiao reopened his eyes to look at the bard, saw Venti bite his lower lip nervously while brows knit.

“I don't understand?” Xiao asked, frowning at the question and the anxious way it had been asked.

“Intimacy more than… Kissing or holding.” Venti attempted to explain, floundering about as he avoided asking explicitly what he meant as cheeks burned with shame at ruining a perfectly good moment. But the timing seemed right, and he knew he couldn't avoid asking forever.

“There's more?” Xiao asked, eyes widening in surprise, curiosity, and hope. But the way he reacted, the bard realized that Xiao genuinely had no idea what he was implicating. Was just getting excited that there was a Kissing Level Two that he never knew of, and now probably wanted to know.

Venti couldn't fault him. If someone suddenly told him there was a more advanced version of kissing Xiao, he would also be thrilled.

“Well. Yes. But.” Venti stumbled, losing his metaphorical footing as he tried to not laugh at himself. “Not what you're thinking. I mean…” He had to steel himself before saying it, easing when Xiao returned those comforting squeezes that the bard did moments ago. “I'm referring to sex. Is that… Something you'll want?”

“Oh.” Xiao's disappointment that there was no Kissing Level Two was evident in both tone and the droop of his shoulders. If Venti hadn't loved the yaksha already, that would have sealed his adoration. “I've never really thought about it.” The yaksha admitted, resuming resting his head atop Venti's as he considered it for the first time. “Do you?”

“No, but if you did…” Venti trailed, fingers playing with the other's hair again, more to distract as his heart clenched and hammered as he realized he was doing what he always had done.

“Then it doesn't matter if I do or don't.” Xiao decided easily, as if the conversation was that simple and required no further discussion.

“But Xiao, what if you-” Venti blurted, moving to sit up only to be gently pulled back down and held in a ginger hug.

“If you don't want to, then I don't want to. I never want to do anything that you don't want. If you change your mind, we can talk about it again.” Xiao spoke with surprising firmness, mindful of his hold to remain gentle. To not hold the other too tightly and risk hurting or trapping Venti, especially as Xiao's mind raced with a sudden, protective fervor.

That anyone would ask Venti to do something he didn't want was enough to fan the few flames of anger that Xiao had. It didn't even have to be Venti, if he really thought about it. Being asked to do anything someone didn't want to went against the yaksha’s core, had been a nightmare he lived too long with. Xiao wouldn't let anyone else live like that, not if he was around.

“Xiao.” Venti murmured his name, stilling in the hold. Could feel his eyes water, tears full of relief and joy flowing into his cheeks. Returning the hug, Venti buried his face into Xiao's chest. “Thank you.” He whispered, gratitude blending with love in his words. Felt his hair shifting beneath the kiss Xiao pressed to the top of his head. “Xiao?”

“You're safe. I promise.” Xiao said, and at that Venti finally settled. Accepted that just as much as he needed that reassurance, Xiao needed to know the bard felt it.

Chapter Text

The days leading up to Liyue Harbor was in the air, a quiet excitement buzzing between the yaksha. Even Xiao wasn't immune, a nervous energy palpable from him when the topic was brought up. The way Menogias would smile, proud and excited, Xiao couldn't help but be anxious. To see how much of his suggestions would be heard, to see Venti and be with him walking the streets for the first time in Liyue Harbor. The way his heart clenched, imagining even further into the future, what Venti would look like on those docks, eyes lit up as Xiao Lanterns rose up all around him. How beautiful and ethereal that scene would be, and how badly Xiao wanted to ask Venti to go with him when the time came.

To know he could go to Liyue Harbor, and that such a dream could become a reality.

But that was in a few days, the Lantern Rite several months away, and as antsy as he was getting Xiao wanted to keep finding ways to spend time with Venti. To explore Liyue through the bard's eyes more, to see his beloved home the way his new love did.

Because while he couldn't find the ways to say it yet, Xiao loved Venti. Was learning what love was, and trying to savor each second of it with the bard. Which was why the two stood on the peak of one of the many formations in Jueyan Karst, sudden gusts of wind tousling both of their hair wildly. It had been too long since he had taken Venti somewhere to stretch out his wings, too long since gold eyes could gaze at white feathers with equal parts admiration and longing. Knew that Venti’s eyes were closed, slight smile on his lips as he felt the wind through his wings. Knew the bard needed this more than anything else, and was happy to oblige.

“So, how do you want to do this?” Venti finally asked, opening his eyes to look into Xiao's. The yaksha furrowed his brow, head tilting slightly. It reminded Venti of a confused cat, and for some reason the thought made his nose itch.

“I thought you would want to fly? This part of Jueyan Karst has a lot of wind currents, so in addition to the privacy I thought you'd… Really enjoy it.” Xiao had to pause, the lump in his throat stopping the word, ‘love’ from passing his lips while making his heart flutter.

“Don't you want to? With me?” Venti asked, eyes innocent.

“Venti… I can't.” Xiao spoke blankly, the words hollow.

“I know.” Venti nodded, and extended his hand all while keeping that peaceful smile on his lips. “But I can. And I'm offering you to fly with me. So. How do you want to do this? You're very light. I'm sure I can carry you, if you'd like.” He offered, trying to keep his own heart in check. Knew he was walking a fine line, and was hoping he was doing the right thing. The wind looped around them, hair swaying about and occasionally into an eye. Wincing at his own hitting him, Xiao finally sighed.

And he stepped forward.

One arm around Venti's neck and the other around the bard's waist, he was barely able to murmur out a, “tell me if this is uncomfortable,” before Venti wrapped his own arms around the yaksha's waist and raced towards the edge with wings spread wide. With a leap, eyes glowing, the winds shifted and raced after the pair. Carried and nurtured white wings higher and higher, rising above the scene of Jueyan Karst and into the sky itself. Sweet and pure and for a moment Xiao forgot to remember thinning air or the dangers of flying too high.

All he knew was that scent, memories flooding back into the forefront as if he never once stopped rising into the clouds.

Inhaled deep, his nostrils filling with sky and flowers so familiar yet distant. Venti. Amidst the rushing of wind, Xiao heard the elated laughter of Venti in his ears. The familiar flipping of his stomach as wings shifted to follow the currents downwards, and even so the arm around Venti's neck released just for a moment to let fingers touch that sky he had so longed for.

Down the pair went, the wind whistling against ears. Xiao put his arm back around the bard's neck, forcing his eyes to stay open so he could watch the way the ground approached. The lightness that flooded his chest, recognizing the change as Venti adjusted to capture another current, the pair spinning across air to shift back upwards. To deny gravity, and a smile filled Xiao's face to experience that sensation all over again. To feel it again for the first time in a long time, heart hammering as he felt it with Venti. Could see the glow in the bard's eyes and hair, knew the winds were abiding to his call.

All so Xiao could fly with him.

With each rise and fall, the rhythm could more readily and easily be challenged. “How high up are you safe to fall from?” Venti asked as the wind sang around the pair.

“How high are you willing to take me?” Xiao countered, his tone playful as his eyes glowed both with unnatural light and unbridled joy. Venti grinned at him, and eagerly took them both as high as felt right. Something whispered to him that any higher was dangerous, and typically Xiao would be the one to warn him but the yaksha was enraptured with flight, with a deep carnal need to be in the sky overriding his otherwise more cautious attitude.

“This isn't too high?” Venti asked, noting they were higher than an odd building that floated in the distance. One that rose higher than the Jade Palace, at that. As if it was the highest point in all of Liyue, though currently that title belonged to bard and yaksha.

“Never high enough.” Xiao laughed, and winked at Venti in what felt like a flirtatious way before letting go. In a practiced tumble, Xiao righted himself as he summoned his spear. Spiraled towards the earth, could feel Venti diving after him. It was like a fall that would never end.

How many dreams did he have, before he stopped sleeping, that consisted of this sensation? Of falling, the wind all around him, and the ground never once reaching him? “Xiao, turn around!” Venti called out, practically in his ear. Curious, Xiao let the spear vaporize into fragments of elemental particles to turn around. Innately trusted Venti, that the other wouldn't let him hit the ground headfirst. Arms stretched out, pulling Xiao into an embrace he eagerly returned. “I wanted you for this part.” The bard whispered in his ears.

Moments from crashing into the ground, Venti spun the two in a sharp turn as he pulled them both back upwards into the sky.

Got to feel and know and taste the rejection of gravity all over again.

Pressed lips against Venti's, kissed the bard the way the feathers kissed sky.

They spent hours this way. Laughing, touching clouds, and finding ways to invent a dance that required at least one pair of wings. Wings that finally, Xiao no longer had to chase. Were simply there, beautiful and wonderful. Just like Venti.

When at length the two landed, Xiao had never felt so light. Had a smile that couldn't go away, his hand holding Venti's with fondness. The greatest treasure in Teyvat, and Venti said it was his. Didn't care that from her perch, Cloud Retainer was watching the two. Didn't care when they caught her attention, only cared that this was the best day of his life. Even better, there had been no interruptions or calls for help. Just the two of them riding the wind together.

“How do you feel?” Venti asked, eyes practically sparkling.

“Right.” Xiao decided after a moment, too many emotions that could only defined by how right this had been.

“Sooo… We should do this more?” Venti inquired, a grin curving his eyes as he lightly bumped shoulders with the yaksha. A grin that only widened when Xiao reciprocated it. “Is that a yes?” The bard asked, leaning in close so he could press his cheek against the other's.

“Yes!” Xiao laughed, a sound that Venti couldn't get enough of.

“Does this also mean you aren't weird about my wings anymore?” Venti dared to pursue, eyes glinting with mischief.

“I'm not ‘weird’ about your wings.” Xiao responded defensively, that carefree smile stuttering as his ears had the first hints of pink.

“You are still weird about my wings!” Venti pointed out, not daring to back down this time. “Come on, touch them! You've done it before!” He pointed out, sticking close to the yaksha as his wings wrapped around the pair.

“That's… That was an exception.” Xiao grumbled, eyes trying to not look at the white feathers that surrounded the pair. “Venti… I can't. They're… Delicate.” He tapered off, the smile once prevalent now a frown.

“They're not. No more delicate than me, I promise. You didn't hurt them when you cleaned them for me. Remember?” Venti tried, tilting his head down to try and catch gold eyes with his blue-green ones.

“I do.” Xiao agreed, and sighed. “I couldn't do all of it, if you remember.” He pointed out, as if this somehow proved his hands were dangerous to feathers.

“I didn't know you didn't.” Venti laughed, and moved to face Xiao. To take the other's free hand and hold it, clasping each in his own. “You comfortable telling me about that?” He didn't sound accusatory, just genuinely curious. Pretty blue-greens implored to know more, and Xiao found there was nothing left in him that ever wanted to refuse Venti.

So he confessed. “Preening is an act between mates, or parents teaching their young. Even then, I felt… More for you. I thought, I hoped I could do it as a friend. The way humans can hug or kiss a friend, and it have no more meaning than just helping. But… I couldn't. Too much of me kept wanting it to mean more. And it felt wrong, doing something that intimate with someone who didn't see it that way, didn't feel that way. I'm sorry.” Xiao ended, guilt on his face.

“That… Explains a lot, actually!” Venti tried to laugh the awkwardness of his belated realization off, all while also wanting to ask how long had Xiao liked him?! That long ago, Venti and him could have been holding hands and gazing into each other's eyes? He was as frustrated as he was flattered! “But now I have to ask… Want to continue? Finish what you started?”

“Venti. I just said I can't do that as friends.” Xiao said, thinking he was reminding the bard of a very important detail while also forgetting one of his own. At that, the bard quirked a brow before his expression became flirtatious and he leaned in close, pressing their foreheads together.

“Xiao. We're more than friends.” Venti reminded him, lips becoming a pleased grin as realization dawned on Xiao's face in the form of wide eyes and blush on his cheeks.

“We're dating.” Xiao whispered, eyes shifting from staring into space to looking into Venti's.

“Yes we - Oh!” Venti yelped, surprised by how quickly the other pulled away in order to scoop him up. “Now?” The bard asked with laughter. His reply was Xiao looking at him with those damn adoring eyes of gold, ears wiggling happily as the yaksha finally understood they were dating and preening was very much on the table. Venti heard more than felt his feathers fluffing at the sudden shot to the heart, overwhelmed by how impossibly adorable Xiao was. Unable to stop himself, Venti put his hands on the yaksha's cheeks, squishing them. “How are you so precious?” Venti demanded of the other, pulling Xiao's face against his chest as he hugged the yaksha's head.

Rather than resist being smothered in the bard's chest, Xiao accepted the embrace wholeheartedly, and nuzzled into it. Even inhaled deeply, though Venti doubted he smelled all that great given how much he had sweated from all the flying.

He assumed, but Xiao didn't stop and he preferred to keep cuddling over asking more questions that honestly… If Xiao enjoyed it, what did it matter?

After one last deep inhale, Xiao gingerly pulled back. His movements were slow and careful, not wanting to throw off Venti's balance given the bard had hold of his skull. Adjusting his hold, Venti was back in his arms and looking into his eyes. “Is it normal to… Have an urge to bite your partner really hard?”

“...Tell me more.” Venti instructed, intrigued and confused. He assumed this wasn't just a random question, and thinking back to the other day this was apparently an issue.

“I won't, I know it would hurt you.” Xiao assured him, brows weaving into uncertainty and worry.

“I know. I trust you.” Venti assured him, a hand brushing bangs from the other's eyes despite knowing the wind would put it back there. “Do you mean biting like you're hungry? Like… Marking territory?” He tried to not blush suggesting that, because it was better to get all options off the table to help narrow down what Xiao was trying to put words to.

“No? Why would I-? Wait. Maybe?” Xiao stopped himself, the redness across ears and face as he became more flustered by the gates that suggestion was trying to open. “I’m not sure. Sometimes you're very… Sometimes when I'm with you, you do or say things and I just need to bite you. But I know if I do, I'll hurt you and make you bleed, and I don't understand why I get that urge because I don't want to hurt you?”

Venti took a moment to think. After a pause and thoughtful consideration he asked, “Maybe you have cute aggression?”

“Cute aggression?” Xiao echoed, and waited for an explanation.

“It's a phenomenon that happens in humans, typically towards things like kittens, puppies, babies. When a person sees something really cute, I guess their brain gets overloaded with emotion and sort of… Thinks it's under attack? So it activates an aggressive response, but they don't actually want to hurt the thing. Or at least. I thought it was a human thing.” Venti ended, unsure if that made sense or if he even described it correctly. He couldn't really recall the full memory of when he learned about it, and as such wasn't confident he relayed any information accurately. "Not saying I'm cute, though! I know I'm not. That's just what it's called!

“...I see.” Xiao wasn't certain he understood, but part of what Venti said sounded right. Maybe it was simply different in adepti? Shaking his head, a huff left the yaksha as while he wasn't sure about that, there was something he was sure. "But that sounds right. You are cute. And sometimes you're extra adorable, and that's when… Yes. It makes sense." Xiao nodded in finality of his decision.

Briefly, Venti was struck into silence, his own cheeks getting a dust of pink on them. For his part, Xiao did fantastically in resisting the urge to get a nibble in. The obvious struggle on the yaksha's face helped Venti break from the stupor, trying to ignore how his heart hammered. He thinks I'm cute, the thought circled in Venti's mind. Of all the times Venti thought he looked off, there was Xiao thinking he looked cute.

Clearly, Venti wasn't that off. Not nearly as off as he had thought.

“Do you think biting a little at a time might help? Like my shoulder or arm?” Venti suggested, the memory of his poor cheek getting bitten still fresh.

“Hmm. Maybe… Could I… Try your cheek?” Xiao asked, almost hesitating. Looked at the bard with a hope, but kept glancing away sheepishly. As if he knew that was what Venti was trying to avoid, but was equally that tempted.

“My cheek???” Venti asked, willing himself to at least consider humoring the idea.

“...It reminds me of almond tofu…” Xiao admitted, embarrassed at his confession as he spoke and an apologetic smile on those same lips.

“Should I… Take that as a compliment?” Venti wondered, trying to hold in a laugh. When Xiao bit him last time, did his cheek have the same texture as tofu? He was kind of offended.

“The highest compliment.” Xiao promised, a loving smile overtaking the more demure one. Venti immediately agreed, the offense immediately wiped clean and replaced with pride. Because Xiao smiling was impossible to resist, and if being tofu was the best one could be in the yaksha's book… Then the bard was tofu. Xiao leaned in to bite, with Venti puffing out his cheek in preparation. At the touch of fangs lightly pressing against his flesh, Venti made the weirdest sound he could manage.

Pulling away, the yaksha took his turn quirking a brow at the bard. “You going to do that every time?” He asked.

“You wanna find out?” Venti asked, the grin giving away his plan.

So Xiao leaned in again, the bard preparing more odd sounds. Ones that never left his throat, overtaken by delighted laughter as Xiao peppered kisses on his cheek, his nose, and his forehead. Laughter so contagious that the bard heard Xiao's mingling with his in the best type of harmonization. Wrapped up in another in the many blissful moments the day brought, Venti hadn’t even realized that Xiao teleported the pair back to Sal Terrae. Not until Xiao asked him as their lips brushed with every word he spoke. “Are you going to make me jump after you again?” The question took the bard a few beats to understand, too lost in gold eyes that filled him with so much warmth in addition to the soft, subtle kisses between.

Glancing around and seeing where they were, a sheepish laugh left him. “No, but I was thinking…” Pulling his wings back in, Venti carefully slid out of the other’s arms. Took Xiao’s into his own, leading the pair over to the edge. “This time, we can together?” He asked, his slight smile being returned. Fingers twined, Anemo wrapping around the pair, they took steps off the edge and back down into the cavern. That initial shyness from their first venture gone, the water below welcoming them both back with a loud splash as they landed. As Venti lifted his head out of the water, laughing while catching his breath, the glowing from him continued to emanate. The two would, of course, need light. And what better illumination was there, than to invite the fluttering friends of crystalfly once more? When Xiao popped his head back out, he eyed the bard.

“...We didn’t bring you extra clothes.” Xiao noted, tinges of an apology and regret in his words.

“So? We didn’t bring you any extra either.” Venti pointed out, and received a shrug.

“I don’t need it. Wet clothes won’t make me sick, we don’t know if it will for you.” Xiao said, one hand remaining locked in holding Venti’s while the other helped his legs tread the water to stay afloat.

“What, so you would just get soaked from the rain and leave it?” Venti inquired, finding new worries for the other.

“It’s not so bad. I enjoy sitting in the sun and drying off. It feels… Nice.” Xiao paused, trying to decide which word he wanted to go with. “If it wasn’t so late, I’d suggest we dry off together.” He said, tone soft and fond. Venti tried to picture it, the two of them atop one of the mountains as the warm air moved across skin and wet clothes. The sun’s rays drying their clothes and heating their skin. Maybe they would even take a nap. The worry gave way to a grin.

“Next time?” Venti asked, hopeful. An eager nod was his reply, the only one he needed. “Then that’s a date!” He promised. “Now! Let’s clean up, and then we can have fun!” He suggested, pausing in his own one-handed treading to lightly splash the other. Xiao huffed at the sneaky strike, but didn’t retaliate. Hands released so the two could swim to one of the ledges and pull themselves up. Each took some of the soaked clothes off, more for ease of movement and access than much else. Unlike the first time, Xiao hesitated. His brows were furrowed, lips slightly parted as he considered his own comfort. With a sharp, deep inhale he slid his shirt off without trying to hide his back from Venti.

Parallel on either side of Xiao’s spine, just under his shoulder blades, were two stark white scars. There was a cleanness to the distorted flesh, not jagged or drastically uneven as one would expect if an appendage had been ripped off. There was a quiet implication of surgical removal, and in its own way was so much worse. Much as Venti wanted to run his hand over the scars, he withheld. Knew that exposing this part of himself was a point of vulnerability that Xiao presumably shared with no one outside of his family. Just how much trust he was putting into Venti right then.

Instead, when Xiao turned back to face him the adeptus found himself being given a long, adoring kiss. One that was paused and held and lingered, that allowed the two to feel every breath they made. Paused the world around them both, more words passing between lips than could ever be spoken. Pulling back just enough that he could press his forehead against Xiao’s, Venti let out a long sigh. Could only tense when Xiao’s bare hand rested against his chest, over the strange birthmark that blended into the glowing tattoo.

“You don’t have to answer, but… Is this a scar?” Xiao asked, tone gentle but concerned. The unspoken question remaining on his tongue, but Venti knew he wanted to ask: how many ways did they hurt you?

“I don’t actually know.” Venti answered with an unsteady laugh, his heart wanting to race as his body was flooded with as much security as it was with fragmented fear. “It was there when I woke up.” He explained, voice a whisper. Shivered slightly as clawed fingers grazed across skin, only to pull away accepting what the bard spoke was truth. The light of Anemo started to fill the cavern while the two sat in their thoughts, and managed to bring both back to why they were there. Wordlessly, the two moved away so Venti could turn around and give the other access to wings that bloomed out of his back once more. The silence reigned as Xiao got to work, his touches openly affectionate this time.

The way he would run fingers down individual feathers, sometimes even pressing light kisses as he did so. Periodically having to pause, because it was Venti’s turn to have ones of his own. More than once Venti made Xiao come around, just so he could press a kiss to Himmel, to Cecil, and then Xiao otherwise the adeptus would pout that his eyebrows, “got more attention.” (This was not true) Hands didn’t focus on just the wings, either. Sometimes Xiao would run his hand along Venti’s shoulders, curving a finger so a claw could slide black or turqouise strands of hair off exposed, ticklish skin. Venti couldn’t help the soft laughs that left him, enabled further when a quieter version would echo in return from Xiao.

It didn’t matter if it took longer because Xiao was being more thorough, or if it was because the adeptus simply enjoyed the feel of Venti beneath bare fingers. Xiao marveled at the sensation, to know what it was like finally to caress someone without hurting them. To love someone much as he did, and not be afraid of destroying them with that love.

“There. Perfect.” Xiao murmured, as if the wings before him were ever anything but perfect.

“My turn!” Venti declared, awkwardly spinning around on the rocky ground to face a puzzled adeptus.

“Venti, I don’t-”

“You have hair!” Venti cut him off, wouldn’t let Xiao to say that which hurt him the most. Pausing at the interruption, Xiao watched the bard with curious eyes. “You deserve to be preened, too.” The bard explained, his tone factual and eyes determined. Gold eyes eased, and Xiao’s shoulders relaxed.

“...Okay.” Xiao acceded, and in a slow, stiff motion shifted so his back was facing Venti. Instinctively tensed his back, spine going rigid at the haunting reality that Venti would be staring at what he had lost. That the bard would be able to guess at what happened.

Xiao had never been given a choice. That god, cruel and controlling, had ordered Xiao to let the god remove his wings. Much as Xiao screamed inside no, desperate as he had been to beg the god to let him keep those, to take anything else but his wings…

…No words left his mouth, and the god stole from Xiao the concept of freedom itself.

Memories that haunted him, but were being massaged away. Venti’s fingers ran through teal locks, fondly holding onto the thick strands. Felt his lids getting heavy when the bard let fingernails scrape across his scalp, occasionally moving in slow circles. Shoulders drooped, Xiao leaning back more to give the bard easier access. A pleased hum left his throat as Venti used one hand to scoop water and begin to soak Xiao’s hair. Ever careful with his other to protect the adeptus’ eyes from trickling droplets. Hair that had once been damp was completely wet again, Venti’s fingers combing out tangles and clumps of dirt.

When had been the last time Xiao made an effort to properly clean himself? The adeptus simply aimed to be presentable, and nothing more. As Venti cleaned through his hair, Xiao contemplated doing more than just the minimum again. Would Venti like that? Or would he prefer to do this for the adeptus? Even considering that Venti would want to take the time to care for Xiao… Gold eyes tried to blink away the tears gathering in pools, blurring his vision. Saying nothing, Venti’s hands kept at their work but the bard leaned forward to press a kiss to the corners of both of Xiao’s eyes. Shifted his head slightly to then press another kiss to the adeptus’ temple, before leaning back again.

There no longer was any denying how deeply, how hard, or how hopelessly Xiao was in love with Venti, the way his heart swelled and his world upended itself to start revolving around the bard. The second Venti announced he was finished, Xiao with urgency stood to pick up the other and hold him close. To give a kiss with every beat of his heart, until Venti full of laughter reminded him the two couldn’t stay there all night. Yet despite that, the two still chose to go back into the water and resume their game from those weeks ago.

As their joined laughter filled the cavern, the walls seemed to twinkle like salt beneath the sunrise. In that moment, as Xiao looked into Venti's eyes surrounded by the joy, by the light… He found himself remembering what hope was. What freedom meant. That if a god's anger could fester after their death, and turn into monsters… Then maybe, just maybe, a god's love could also persevere and instead start to heal.

Chapter Text

The moon was starting to peek down into the cavern of Sal Terrae, and Venti was showing signs of drowsiness. Xiao was able to convince himself to stop with the reminder that this wasn’t a first and a last. This was just one of many more days he had to look forward. This was one of many nights he got to spend with Venti, to feel this joy. Despite his wet shirt clinging to him as he wrangled it back on, Xiao wasn’t uncomfortable with Venti seeing his scars like he was with everyone else. As he covered up, Venti was trying to wring out the attire he had removed. Amidst his drowsiness there was a stubbornness, determination fueled by worry for Xiao. The manner in which the other would tense and relax, an eb and flow of dormant fears finally starting to bleed out. If Xiao needed a shoulder to cry on, Venti wanted to be awake in order to offer his comfort. The yaksha spent too many years bottling that pain, unable to let it out because he felt alone. The bard wanted to help the other understand how loved and supported he was, and that started with himself. There was always tomorrow to sleep in and catch up, after all.

Xiao scooped Venti up who was holding the rest of their clothes in his arms. While neither was nude, Xiao still preferred to teleport the pair back to Venti’s room at Wangshu Inn. As there had been no bard to play his usual songs that evening, the inn was unusually quiet. The noise that had now become commonplace was missing without Venti there to instigate, the two taking an extra seconds pause to verify there was no other reason to the quiet. Assured there was nothing more, Xiao set Venti down. Wet clothes in hands, the bard walked towards a corner of his room in which a drying rack was folded up. Pulling it open and using a wooden latch to lock it into place, he began to drape the wet items over its beams. He hummed as he worked, trying to maximize what surface the rack afforded in hopes each piece would dry evenly.

Clothes set to dry, Venti pondered about the shorts he was still wearing. Would nudity be an issue? So often in these circumstances it was seen as permission. But that wasn't the sort of person Xiao was. After their talk, Venti was confident in that. He was, however, not so confident in others. For some reason Venti half-expected Bonanus to just suddenly show up. What would she think? A paranoia he could blame on her past habit of doing that to him in his room, though at least now she knew better. Was that something he could finally be comfortable with here, in the privacy of his room? Especially now that he had taught all the yaksha to not just teleport in there without warning? After their talk about one another’s expectations, it was safe, wasn’t it? Venti was safe. Wanted to bridge the gap between emotion and knowledge, to feel the safety he knew he had. Spinning on his heel, bracing himself to ask, Venti faced the yaksha. Xiao’s eyes that had once been inspecting the pile of books near the bard’s bed flitted over to look at the other, his full attention once more on his partner.

“You should stay the night.” Venti found himself saying, still trying to decide if he was ready without quite thinking about what he would be asking. “There’s plenty of space in the bed for both of us!” The bard added, motioning towards the mattress to support his point. Xiao's eyes followed the motion, pausing on the bed before flickering back to Venti.

“Are you… Sure?” Xiao asked, hesitating as he did so. The two spent a lot of time together that day already. What if Venti was getting tired of constantly taking care of him? “If you enjoy being around him, why wouldn't he enjoy being around you,” that was what Bonanus had said. Xiao so badly wanted to believe, so focused on his thoughts wasn't even aware of the worry sneaking its way into his face.

“I've never been more sure of anything.” Venti promised, moving closer so that he could clasp their hands together.

“Do you… Enjoy my being here?” Xiao asked softly, unable to look Venti in the eyes as his heart clenched. Couldn't bear the thought that the answer could be, “no.” Instead, hands pulled out of his to cup the yaksha's cheeks. Gently, Venti ran his thumbs beneath the other's eyes, moving in a crescent.

“I enjoy you. I enjoy talking to you, listening to you, being with you.” Venti promised, his hands firm but still soft with affection. Despite his fingers being rough with a musician's calloused digits, the touch was grounding for Xiao. Tilting his head so that his green-blues could finally look into Xiao's yellow ones the bard shared his own worry, “Am I being too much? Do you need an out?”

“No. No. Venti, no.” Xiao murmured, arms wrapping around the other's waist and pulling Venti tightly against himself. “You're never too much - I just want you happy.” The yaksha said, taking in a slow, shaky breath.

“Okay. Well, I'm happiest with you.” Venti spoke in a promise, not once releasing the cheeks he treasured in his hands. “I want you to stay. Would you be comfortable staying here tonight? With me?” The bard asked, hopeful yet realistic. The last thing he wanted was the yaksha to feel obligated, but equally Venti wanted to reassure him.

“Yes.” Xiao nodded, his insecurities once more pushed back. Allowed his face to rest more into the hands cupping his cheeks, willing to melt into this hold. Now that Xiao was calmer, Venti leaned forward. Tilted his head just slightly, eyes of blues and greens and so much more glancing into gold ones. Only to flick back down to lips, as if contemplating a kiss. Always eager for one, Xiao leaned in preparation.

Instead of following through, Venti pressed their noses together. Gave a slow nuzzle, a quiet laugh leaving him when feeling a puff of air across his face. “Venti…” Xiao pouted, the bard unable to suppress his grin at the response he was getting. Getting the yaksha to sulk was rare, and it was difficult for Venti to not enjoy the new expression he was witnessing.

The hand on his lower back moved upwards to the back of his neck, index finger sliding along Venti's jawline. Finger and thumb grabbed his chin, gentle but commanding, and lifted the bard’s face upwards. Startled, Venti's eyes widened, staring directly into Xiao's furrowed ones. The yaksha pressed their mouths together, the kiss lingering. Heat was rising to Venti's cheeks, more surprised at how readily he melted into the demanding kiss. Pulling away, Xiao let out a long sigh. “Please don't tease me like that…” Xiao murmured, expression softening but a hint of the pout still remained.

Venti couldn't say anything, a squeak and nod leaving him as the blush overtook his face. Xiao stared at him for a long moment, before his own face turned red from his neck to his ears. The hand left Venti's chin, and Xiao pulled out of Venti's hands in order to bury his face into the bard’s chest while his arms held tightly onto Venti's waist. "Sorry…" Xiao murmured, guilt lacing his words.

"N-no… That wasn't… Bad." Venti admitted, swallowing hard because bad was the opposite kind of feeling that experience was. The yaksha's usual shyness was cute, endearing, and made teasing him fun. But the brief glimpse of Xiao's confidence and boldness was…

Venti's heart wasn't quite sure it was ready for the palpitations that came with the swooning, but he was far from against it.

It also created a new first fpr the pair. They were both flustered. Hands hovering awkwardly in the air, Venti finally pressed his own face into the yaksha's hair as he decided what to do from there. Regardless of how attractive that had been, even if the intent was playful that wasn't the right moment to tease Xiao. As Venti tried to calm his thoughts, the bard rested his hands onto Xiao's shoulders. Two racing hearts steadily slowed to the usual rhythm for each, neither moving just in case it was, ‘too soon.’

For long as he had been there, the bard’s room was becoming very much his. Music sheets and books filled with legends were everywhere, the area covered in songs readily shared. The collection of instruments Venti had accrued, mostly from travelers or locals, took up half the space. The motivations for such gifts varied from missing a specific sound, to the sheer challenge of finding something the bard couldn't play. Thus far, none had succeeded. A few potted plants were in there as well, mostly mint of which seemed determined to grow no matter how often Venti forgot to water it.

What would the room look like if Xiao were to start staying there more? What little tells would whisper the yaksha’s presence, signs to remind Venti of the other when he was away?

“Is it still okay if I stay?” Xiao whispered, inquiring words that held a lurking eagerness.

“Of course.” Venti said, giving the yaksha’s shoulders a squeeze. And that was when it hit Venti. “Oh. We're still wet.” He said blankly. Right, he had night clothes. Xiao could probably fit into those, right? Would he want to? A downpour of questions went through Venti's mind constant alternatives to the one lingering thought. A want that had never been filled, bordering on almost a need. “I'm going to ask permission for something, but I want to make sure you know that… It's okay to say no, for any reason.” Venti started, slow and grateful his red face was still hidden in teal hairs.

“...I understand.” Xiao confirmed, curious but patient. There was a comfort in knowing each were feeling the other out, learning new things and improving on what each knew.

“Would it be okay if… We went to bed in nothing and just… Cuddled?” Venti felt like a fool for even asking, regret at how simplistic his request was given just how much he was asking. Just as quickly as the words left his mouth he was trying to retract them, embarrassed he even let the thought leave his mouth. “No, sorry, that sounds stu-”

“It sounds nice.” Xiao cut in, not letting Venti finish words intended to be unkind to his own ideas. In an effort to be encouraging, Xiao gently rubbed Venti's back, ungloved hands warm on the cool, wet skin. “But we should dry off first, otherwise the bed will also be wet.” He advised, taking in one last inhale of Venti's scent before pulling back. The movement forced Venti to leave the safety of the yaksha's hair, and he tried to not pout at being exposed for a blush that refused to disperse. It was far more fun getting Xiao to blush than being the embarrassed one.

But the way Xiao's eyes lit up seeing Venti's, the bard supposed it wasn't that bad.

Hands and arms releasing shoulders and backs, and Venti grabbed a clean drying towel he kept that the two could share. Tried to ignore the hammering of his heart as he peeled off his own clothes, and was given Xiao's to add those onto the drying rack. Couldn't quite look at the other, instead hurrying to the bed to dive under the covers. Not immediately joining him, Xiao sat on the edge, eyeing the bard with furrowed brows. “Are you still sure? You seem nervous.” He pointed out, the odd behavior not going unnoticed. Still unable to look at the yaksha, Venti gave a firm nod. He was certain.

Without any further reason to stay on the edge, Xiao nodded and carefully joined the other.

It had been a long time since he laid down on a bed with the intention of relaxing. In fact, Xiao couldn't really remember the last time. Sleep was not a necessity, instead he had seen it as a luxury. Other times, a curse as memories replaced dreams. If he rested, it was not in a bed. That had been an irrevocable truth for millennia. One easily changed by Venti's soothing words, and now Xiao on more than one occasion woke from a restful slumber. As if the bard chased away not just the karmic debt, but the nightmares themselves.

Being with Venti gave Xiao a sense of safety he found nowhere else. Flashes of insecurity would creep in every time, yes, but on each occasion Venti reassured him. There was no judgement at the yaksha for struggling with the anxieties this newfound happiness brought with it. A patient understanding greeted each moment of uncertainty, slowly ebbing that anxiety away over time.

If this was something that Venti wanted, but was trying to overcome something within himself… Then Xiao would reciprocate that same patient understanding.

Kept his body relaxed as Venti slowly scooted until their arms were touching. Allowed his own head to rest against Venti's when the bard nestled his nose into the yaksha's neck. Before the two began to date, Xiao mused, Venti hadn't seemed to mind if the other saw him bare or not. That this shyness was new, and born of experiences long before Xiao was there to protect Venti. A thought that made his heart clench, and how badly he just wanted to pull Venti tight against himself, to whisper promises that the two would only ever do what both were comfortable with.

An urge he resisted while he asked, “Would it be all right, if I held you?” Xiao didn't want to scare Venti, didn't want to activate a frightened reaction.

“...Yeah.” Venti nodded once, and then a second time with more confidence. His body tensed when Xiao wrapped his arms around the bard, Venti chanting in his mind that this was just a hug. This was fine. This was more than fine, this was what he wanted. That if Xiao asked, this was also what he wanted. That nothing more would happen, not without discussion. Unsure where to put his hands, Venti's fingers hovered as he tried to decide what to do.

“If you change your mind, I'll move away.” Xiao reassured him, hands warm on Venti's back with claws that caressed but never broke skin. Were far too gentle to ever hurt.

“I know.” Venti breathed, closing his eyes as his body began to relax again. Directed his hands to cautiously test the air, seeking skin to make contact with. Calloused pads on fingertips paused once finding a chest, a steady rise and fall of even breaths. Felt the rhythmic beats of Xiao's heart, much slower than Venti's nervous one. “This probably seems weird to you,” Venti began, and though Xiao wanted to refute the assumption decided to wait for the other to finish. “But this means… A lot to me. It was the only aspect of… This was what I looked forward to, afterwards. To feel the person that meant so much to me, to be this close without anything in the way.” The bard spoke in a whisper, eyes opening just barely to look into yellow eyes that glowed not just with ethereal light, but also fondness. A clawed hand left Venti's back to begin running fingers through the short, black strands of hair at the base of Venti's neck.

“This doesn't seem weird at all. It's nice.” Xiao promised, pressing his nose into the top of Venti's hair, breathing in the sweet floral scent that was always there. “I think I could sleep like this.” And he meant it. To just wrap around the bard, to feel and smell the other through the night. That reassurance Venti could so easily chase away the only demons Xiao couldn't vanquish.

“Really?” Venti breathed, eyes widening.

“Mmhmm.” Xiao hummed, already relaxing into the hold.

“Would it still… Be comfortable if I turned around?” Venti asked. Facing each other was better for being awake, but if he were honest spooning would be more comfortable for actual sleep.

“...It might be more comfortable.” Xiao admitted, though with some reluctance. Letting go of the other temporarily, Xiao lifted himself up slightly to give Venti plenty of room to shift around. Once the bard looked comfortable, the yaksha quickly followed suit by curling around Venti exactly how he wanted to. Nuzzled his face back into black hair, unable to suppress a smile when hearing delighted laughter leave Venti. This was perfect.

Skin was touching skin, Xiao's bare arms wrapped in a languid hold about Venti's waist. In his scattered memories, so many tried to push for more from the bard. This time Venti felt… Safe. Could feel the slight rise and fall of Xiao's chest against his back, the affectionate nuzzles of the yaksha's nose into his hair. Knew that despite the tangle of their naked legs, that was all this was.

Trusted that there wouldn't be a whisper in his ear demanding, ‘just once.’ No coercion or guilting. Let himself melt into the hold that would remain as simply a hold.

“Would it be… Too much if I kissed you?” Xiao asked, shyness and hesitation in his words that he might be asking too much. Venti ran one of his hands over Xiao's, entwining their fingers.

“If it's only a kiss.” Venti consented, gently spoken words slowly turning into quiet laughs as Xiao peppered his shoulder and chin with playful pecks. Squirmed against the other as long locks of teal tickled against his skin, delighted squeals leaving Venti when he could hear Xiao laughing with him.

“Are you ticklish?” Xiao asked, voice full of amusement. “Or am I bad at this?”

“Mmm… I might be ticklish.” Venti teased, turning his head to look at the other. Wanted to melt at the fondness in Xiao's eyes as he returned the gaze, the soft smile he wore in the security of just the two of them. Almost forgot what words were, he was so enraptured by the sight. But, he gathered himself enough to use his other finger to trace along the curve of Xiao's lips. “But maybe you should practice more? Just in case?” Venti suggested, face a mockery of innocence before wiggling his brows suggestively.

“Yes, just in case I'm sure.” Xiao laughed again, leaning over to press a kiss against Venti's mouth. Smiled as the other turned around in his arms so it would be easier, lips lingering before pulling away. This was inevitable. Yes, spooning was more comfortable... But why would either want to look away while still awake? The two stared at each other, only for noses to press together, airy laughter as the pair nuzzled. The curtains at the window swayed in the night breeze, allowing the moon's light to land on the two. Pulling back slightly, Venti gave a thoughtful hum.

“Hey, Xiao?” Venti started, fingers running through teal strands and marveling at how the moonlight reflected pieces into something closer to turquoise. The hair soft in his touch, the look and feel reminding him more of iridescent feathers. “Would you still like me if I was an Anemo Slime?” He asked, the slight smile on his face spreading when spotting the twitch upwards on the yaksha's mouth.

“You would be the cutest Anemo Slime in Teyvat. Of course I would.” Xiao almost had a laugh to his words, fingers lazily running along Venti's spine.

“What about a Vishap?” Venti continued, scooting closer so their noses touched again.

“Mmm. A Vishap?” Xiao's brows rose, a sigh leaving him. “You'd be a lot taller than me…”

“I'm already taller than you!” Venti reminded him with a laugh. “But, I promise I would be a small Vishap.”

“Vishaps don't…” Xiao's correction stopped, noting that the bard was raising his brow this time. With a playful roll of his eyes, the yaksha nuzzled their noses together. “Small, medium, large… Yes, I still would.”

“And a hilichurl?” Venti pressed. Being in Xiao's arms, there wasn't any way to get closer other than to press their foreheads together, chests connecting and to let legs touch. But Xiao pulled away, eyes downcast and a frown on his face. “Xiao?” Venti asked, confusion filling him. Upon hearing his name, the yaksha shook off whatever just came over him. Used his hands to cup Venti's face, thumbs making circles on the bard’s cheek. Gold eyes were somber, the sadness that didn't linger as it used to returning again.

“That would break my heart.” Xiao's tone inflicted a tightness in Venti's chest. As if the pain in Xiao's eyes reminded Venti's heart of its own ache that had been lurking deep within him. A regret, a horror, a nightmare he pushed in so deep it had simply become a foreign scream he forgot when waking.

“I'm… I'm sorry.” Venti found himself apologizing, to both Xiao and to some other thing he couldn't recall. A thing in which an apology could never, ever possibly suffice.

“Don't apologize.” Xiao murmured, gaze on Venti with half-lowered eyes. As if he was looking at Venti, but also someone else. “But yes… Even then…” Gold eyes glistened, one hand shifting to slide fingers into black hair atop the bard’s temple. Ran through his bangs, all through his hair. “But I don't want that to ever happen to you.” He whispered, so quiet and so heart-wrenchingly filled with pain.

Chapter Text

Teyvat had been turned into a world of blood and fire, and nothing Xiao could do would ever be enough. Monsters bled out of the Chasm so thick and deep, giving birth to new rivers of red. The screams of Liyue’s people reached the Heavens, yet their pleas went ignored by the gods that planted the seeds that bloomed into this violence. It mattered not if one was yaksha or adeptis or Millelith - just a desperate effort to save as many lives as they could. The seething fury of the gods from the Archon War consumed the death and curses of the humans that couldn't be reached in time, adding to the dangers threatening to swallow Liyue whole.

This was when Xiao's karmic debt had been its thickest. Each swipe of his blade, his body became heavier with despair. A weight made manifest, his muscles straining just to stand yet he pushed forward. If he was too late to save a parent, he could at least save the child. If he could not save the child, he could at least… He could save someone. Pausing in the field of death, his body coated in blood and thick clouds of debt.

It would have been so easy to just lay down. Dull gold eyes gazed emptily at the only other body moving. Erratic and full of screams, Indarias’ body became engulfed in black flame. Steam rolled off her face, the tears burning as they left her eyes. Her weapon lay on the ground, forgotten as her claws stretched unnaturally. There was no one left to save, except her. Xiao had been too late for everyone else.

Could anyone be saved in this nightmare of Celestia's making? A war waged on humans by humans who sought to replace the gods with themselves. Pushing himself, Xiao readied his blade but no energy remained, there was no intent behind it. Indarias was becoming consumed, and if Xiao stopped her… Then he would fall next. What would have been best for Liyue? Who would be easier for the humans to handle - Indarias, or Xiao? Who would humanity suffer less in killing?

Indarias could blaze fields, were any left to burn. Xiao could rip trees from roots, the ones not already broken. Yet flame was easier to stop with mortal hands than wind, and with that thought he simply let the polearm fall from his hands. He would not fight her, could only accept this was his time. There was no one left for him to save, not his sister and certainly not himself.

As he accepted his fate, something akin to relief tried to resonate within him from the depths of darkness that clouded his thoughts. Shoulders relaxed, Xiao bowed his head to await his fate. Heard the heavy, furious footfalls of Indarias approaching him, felt the heat of her fires reaching towards him.

A cool, powerful wind sliced through the fire, dissipating the flames into little more than embers. A snarl left Indarias, and that cool air pushed away the heat as its source got closer. Weakly lifting his head, Xiao saw Barbatos standing in front of him, wings spread with feathers askew. White plumes were stained red, so dark they were almost black. Deft hands guided the winds, sucking the oxygen and karma out of the air. The fires shimmered, shifting from being consumed to instead doing the consuming. Anemo danced around Barbatos, swirling around and putting to rest the anger, the loss, and the despair of a world that chose to be cruel instead of kind.

Faintly heard the rattling of Barbatos struggling to take a breath, to breathe in some semblance of clean air in one so permeated with poison. A voice, beautiful and mesmerizing and bittersweet left the Archon's lips. A song, a lullaby, to help quell the pain. At least for now, to at least be enough in spite of being too late. Indarias took one step forward, her eyes becoming clearer. The tears could now roll down her cheeks, her violet eyes staring in horror at Xiao. The way he watched her heart shatter, seeing him on the ground, covered in gashes and blood. A hand reached out to Xiao, before her eyes fluttered shut.

Indarias didn't even touch the ground, Xiao dashing forward to catch her. The song lifted enough of the weight that he could move once more, could cradle his sister whose skin now bore unnatural burns. The smell churned Xiao's stomach, bile rising in his throat as he swallowed it down. With as much gentleness as he could muster, he set his sister down. Slowly, his muscles screaming at him to rest, the peng adeptus turned his head. Lifted it just slightly, to gaze at the Archon that had swooped in to save them both.

Opened his mouth to say thanks, to ask what was going on, for more words than he could form wanting to spill out. Instead a lump lodged its way behind his tongue, stopping all sound as gold eyes took in the state of his savior.

Barbatos was a beautiful Archon, there had never been any denying this truth. The very embodiment of freedom, of hope. The Anemo Archon was many things, and carried the melodious memories of Guizhong with him. Where he stood, Barbatos wavered, his body appearing almost frail in spite of his usual strength. The Archon looked almost as injured as Xiao, most of the blood trickling from his wounds the same humming blue glow as his eyes. However, a hand was clutching his side and trying to cover a wound that was a sickly pink turning violet as it mixed with the blue blood, trying to carve lines upwards towards the heart of its host.

Xiao's heart dropped in his stomach. That wasn't… It couldn't be. The heat from Indarias left his body entirely, skin becoming cold and clammy as horror and blood loss gripped the yaksha. Noticing his stare, Barbatos gave him a gentle smile with eyes far too soft in a field of bodies. “You feel better?” Barbatos asked, his words quiet.

“You… You're…” Xiao tried to speak, but the tremble in his voice made it so difficult. The pain in his heart growing all over again, one hand shakily reaching towards the winged man. “You shouldn't have. We're not worth this. You're…” Xiao couldn't finish his sentence, tears stinging at his eyes. You're dying, were the unspoken words.

Two yaksha weren't worth an Archon. This wasn't right.

“That's not for you to decide.” Barbatos informed him, voice momentarily distant as he wavered where he stood. His eyes closed tightly, the fingers on his stomach clutching in pain. As the wave passed, exhausted eyes glowing with Anemo opened. He looked so… Tired. A tired that Xiao was too familiar with, one that scared him to see on someone who prior had been so full of energy. “You've no idea how much that blockhead would cry, if something happened to you all… This is worth it.” Barbatos promised, that impossible smile back on his face. “I was able to save you, and your siblings… I'll be okay, Xiao. I just have to get back to Windrise. I just… Have to get back there.” At the end, the Archon's voice became strained, smile faltering in spite of the brave face he wore.

“Please…” Xiao didn't know what he could do, what he could ask of the other. Didn't even know what he was begging for that Barbatos could do. “These are our crimes, Barbatos. This is our debt, not yours.” What did he think his words would accomplish? “This is our crime, our punishment. If he loses you, he'll still cry.” And to his own surprise, Xiao was crying for that loss, too.

“I'm not taking your punishment, or your crimes.” Barbatos soothed, weak legs taking shaky steps forward. All but collapsed to sit in front of Xiao, calloused hands cupping his cheeks. Doting thumbs wiping tears aside, Barbatos marveling at how a yaksha that ignored him was now mourning him. “I'm forgiving them.” He assured the other, eyes soft and full of fondness. The blurry memory of Barbatos was now in sharp focus, the once buried memory finally in perfect clarity.

“I'm too foul to forgive. I'm not worth forgiving.” Xiao murmured, hands trembling as he desperately wanted to reach forward. To hold the Archon, to push him away. To drag him to wherever that Windrise Tree was, and beg to the Heavens to not abandon Barbatos as it had abandoned so many others before.

“...Morax has told me so much about you, Xiao. About the other yaksha. Told me about your compassion, how you use your strengths to protect instead of hurt.” Barbatos paused, carefully rubbing the blood that began to crust off the yaksha's face. All the while he wore that same genial visage. “What I know is you're worth forgiving. That I'll forgive your sins as many times as needed.” A promise that the yaksha never asked for, but was given regardless.

“You can't… Please. He cares about you. Your people care about you.” Xiao tried again, desperation tightening his chest, making breathing difficult.

“Yours care about you, too.” Barbatos reminded Xiao. With that he let go of the yaksha's face. Pain contorted the Archon's features as he forced himself to stand up again. “I'm… I'm going to go heal. Okay? Please… Take care of her. Get you two somewhere safe.” Barbatos instructed, his tone firm but still kind. Those beautiful wings, tainted with horrors of war, spread out before using Anemo to launch off. The sound of a dihua flute trailed behind, as the Archon spread the comforting lullaby to all who needed it for their final sleep.

That had been the last time anyone had seen Barbatos.

The sting of his tears greeted Xiao as he woke up from the dream, the once neglected memory. It wasn't one he wanted to relive. Hadn't even been one Xiao ever shared fully with anyone else. Wanted to keep the hope alive that Barbatos was resting as he so often did. To reveal the Archon had been poisoned by the Abyss, that venomous energy destroying the Celestial energy that Barbatos carried.

For five hundred years, Xiao believed Barbatos hadn't even made it back to the Windrise Tree. The Archon was too injured, was struggling just to fly himself.

Eyes a soft golden glow, rippling as the tears continued welling, opened slightly. Curled against him was Venti, breathing oh-so slowly. Their limbs were a tangle, the pair wrapping tightly around each other as if sleep urged the two to cling even tighter. The darkness did little to impair Xiao's vision, his gaze assessing Venti's face as his memory hovered over him. Even if he couldn't see well in the dark, there were little things that helped.

The moon was the biggest, offering its glow through the window. Next was Venti's hair, just a soft emanation as the bard dreamt. A faint fluttering had Xiao's ears twitching, pulling his eyes from Venti long enough to check his guess. Anemo crystalflies were lazily drifting above the two, curious but never getting close. Xiao wondered if Venti tried to summon them before falling asleep, as a surprise for the yaksha come morning. A slight smile tugged at Xiao's lips, in spite of the ache in his heart. The idea that Venti, drowsy and seconds away from losing consciousness, fell sleep using his powers for such a simple surprise.

Venti. Closing his eyes, Xiao let the last few tears fall. Gingerly tried to wipe them away on the pillow, disturbing the bard as little as possible. Barbatos and Venti were practically twins, identical in almost every respect. The way both smiled, the care and tenderness in which each had cradled Xiao's face in their hands. How readily both tended to the yaksha, all to protect someone important to them from tears.

He needed to know. No more could Xiao run from what was obvious, yet he could neither ask Venti to remember what was beyond his reach. All Xiao knew, was that Venti was Venti. The only reason it would matter if he had once been Barbatos… Would be that Venti either no longer wanted, or was not yet ready, to be Barbatos. That was something Xiao would need to protect him from.

The moon had not set, nor had the sun even begun to consider rising. Venti would not be pleased, so Xiao would try to wake him in a way that would be tolerable. Pressed lips against lips, lingering in a kiss as Xiao lightly ran claws along Venti's scalp. Exuded the same gentleness he was always given, eager to reciprocate every opportunity afforded to him. Heard a soft whine, Venti resisting being pulled into the waking world. “Venti,” Xiao whispered, finding an affinity in the sensation of the way their lips touched as he spoke against the other’s. “Please, wake for me? I need to ask you something.”

“Xiao…” Venti said his name in a long, displeased sigh. How deep Xiao had fallen, to love the way the bard said his name even then. To help encourage the other, Xiao lightly nuzzled his nose alongside Venti's.

“Real quick, I promise.” Xiao soothed, feeling the guilt in waking the bard but he needed to know. This couldn't wait, his heart was too full of worry.

“Your eyes are wet…?” Venti murmured, eyes barely open as sleep kept lashes connected. “Is everything okay? Did you… Did you have a nightmare?” The more the bard’s own worries came, the more awake he became.

“...I did.” Xiao admitted. The memory was a fragment of Teyvat's history, but that made it no less a nightmare made real. “Venti. You know… I've killed so many. Hundreds. Maybe even thousands.” Xiao paused, the ocean of blood he spilled weighing on him as he treaded within its center. Performing his duty as yaksha, his time as a tool of murder… Just how much life had he taken these last two-thousand years?

“Xiao?” Venti's concerned voice broke his thoughts up, and Xiao quickly returned to the present.

“I've killed so many, Venti. I carry those sins, and I'll carry even more. But… Do you… Think I can be forgiven?” Xiao asked, hesitating. Frightened of Venti saying yes, and the implications that came with that. Terrified Venti would say no, and pull away from him.

Instead Venti yawned, detangling his hands so he could rub the crusts from his eyes. Then, just as Barbatos once had, Venti's hands cupped Xiao's face. Thumbs did the same motion of wiping the last remnants of tears from eyes, though this time the motion was more loving than a mere fondness. “Always. You're worth forgiving, Xiao. I'll forgive your sins as many times as needed. You're not killing for pleasure, and I know you would never raise your blade again if you had the option.”

The words were echoes, voices matching perfectly, almost the same right down to the tone. The mannerisms were close to identical, the only descriptancies being that the nature of Xiao's relations with Barbatos lacked what he had with Venti. Even Venti, after he spoke, paused in confusion. Eyes blinking rapidly, as if bewildered by a sense of deja vu. But he merely shook it off, peering at Xiao to check if this was enough reassurance or if more was needed.

“Thank you.” Xiao whispered, one hand still in Venti's hair though now the motion was akin to petting. The other was still wrapped around Venti, fingers running along bare skin just to enjoy the sensation. “I need to go somewhere in the morning. Do you want me to wake you, or let you sleep in?” He asked, voice low as the two began to settle once more.

“...That easy?” Venti wondered in a hum, but a pleased smile was curving its way into his eyes. “Mmm. Let me sleep… Really… Really tired…” The bard mumbled, arms wrapping around Xiao's head as if to trap him. Venti returned the light nuzzles, pressing a kiss back. Just as quickly, he drifted off. Asleep once more as if he had never been woken.

It was funny, in a way. In the past, Xiao refused to give Barbatos much attention. Now, with Venti clinging tightly to him in his sleep, Xiao couldn't help but wonder. How different would things had been, if Xiao had given Barbatos a chance? Would the joy he was feeling with Venti now, have been the same back when he was Barbatos? Would Xiao have been willing to let the Archon Barbatos into his heart, the way he had eagerly accepted Human Venti?

There was no way to ever truly know. All Xiao knew, was that Venti was as much his world as Liyue was. That he would ensure whatever reason Barbatos was a past Venti forgot, it would remain that way unless Venti wanted to remember. That whatever horrible reasons that nun wanted with Venti, she would never have the opportunity. Lifting his head in order to bury his nose into black locks, Xiao took in a deep inhale of Venti's scent. Resisted the urge to clutch the bard even tighter, and then the next one to bite. Venti was sleeping, he wanted to sleep. After Xiao completed his tasks, then he would ask.

But only then. First, Xiao would take measures to protect Venti in the ways the bard couldn't protect himself. There was no doubt Venti could defend himself in a fight. No, that wasn't a concern. Next, Xiao would offer a surprise that he knew Venti would love. To thank both the bard he loved, and the Archon he once mourned.

…
…
…

“Venti, you've a package!” Yuhua announced, excitement in her voice as she rushed in with the item in her hands. The wrapping was smooth and clean, wrapped by deft hands. Even the twine used to ensure the wrapping didn't come undone ended in a perfect bow. Sitting at the small table next to Wangshu Inn's kitchen, Venti looked up from his breakfast. His breakfast, no matter how much Smiley Yanxiao wanted to insist this close to noon, “made it lunch," lunch it was not.

Noting the fine wrapping job, the bard found himself sharing in Yuhua’s excitement. “Set it here!” He requested, eagerly patting the seat next to him. Yuhua did as suggested, but instead of leaving remained. As eager as Venti was about the end result of Menogias’ skill at play, he didn't want to open it right then. Too many things could potentially stain or damage the material, and he wasn't going to let someone's hard work get ruined so quickly.

“Who's it from?” Yuhua asked, eyes alight with curiosity.

“A friend.” Venti answered evenly. Yuhua had a certain awareness of Wangshu Inn and its purpose. There were aspects she didn't know about, and he didn't dare be the one to inform her. Such decisions were best left to Verr Goldet.

“A special friend?” Yuhua continued to pry. Realizing why she was so interested, Venti laughed.

“No, sorry to burst your bubble.” The bard spoke with good humor. “Just a friend. Not a secret admirer, not someone I'm going to run off and elope with.” Upon hearing this, her smile drooped lightly but it didn't entirely kill her joy.

“That's still good! You've been here so long I was starting to worry your only friend would be the funeral director. She's… Nice, but she's…” Yuhua fumbled for how to describe Hu Tao, and it never stopped being amusing how creative people got to avoid calling Hu Tao, “weird.” Except Hu Tao's friends, of course. Xiangling only had praise for the funeral director, for example. “She's busy.” Yuhua settled on.

“Hey, I'm a very popular person! I'm busy, too!” Venti laughed, in spite of the odd pang that hit his chest as he spoke. “But, now that I'm finished eating…” Collecting his dishes, he made quick work of cleaning up behind himself before grabbing the package. Took note that Yuhua started to follow after, probably wanting to see what was in the package, but a look from Smiley Yanxiao stopped her.

Giving the cook a smile and wave as thanks, Venti was pleased to see the motion returned. While not painfully obvious, Venti was aware of Smiley Yanxiao's feelings towards Xiao. To know there was no animosity was reassuring. Making a quick trip back to his room, Venti shut the door him. Despite the shaking of his hands, he still skillfully began to unwrap the package. Let his focus remain locked on what was in store, and not the realization of how few friends he had. That while Xiao's world welcomed Venti with open arms, and he adored every piece of it…

That wasn't his world, and he didn't want to think about how he didn't even know what ‘his world’ meant.

There was a box with a note, brightly decorated and even a little gaudy. Odd, but Venti wasn't familiar with Menogias’ writing. Opening it up he read,

“‘For you both to enjoy, please let us know if it doesn't fit.’ Us?” Venti murmured the last word, brows furrowing. And for them both to enjoy? What did that mean? Suspicion growing, he opened the box to inspect its contents.

Eyes of blue and green roved over lacey materials and strings, trying to make sense of what he was looking at.

Then, it clicked.

Venti's entire face turned red, and he snapped the top back onto the box. Snatched the letter back up from where he set it, trying to find more to it. There was more, near the bottom as if anticipating this would happen. “‘These are designed for a honeymoon, but we thought it's never too soon to add spice.’” A long, disappointed, weary sigh left him. “‘Signed the Treasure Hoarders. PS, we bought these with honest funds, promise.’ Mmm, that doesn't make it more suspicious in the least… Well.” Venti looked back down at the box.

Would it be too weird to give lingerie to Verr Goldet? Venti mused, tapping his mouth thoughtfully as he waited for the red on his cheeks to fade. “One way to find out.” He decided aloud, grabbed the box, and headed off to find the inn keep.

Chapter Text

Guili Plains was a different place at night. Hidden in paths long since buried by nature from disuse, the rare glaze lilies would bloom to admire the moon. The last time Venti had come here at night, there had been a distraction. A content sigh left Venti as he thought over how, slowly but wonderfully, his memories of Xiao were containing more with the yaksha’s smiles. That earlier, in spite of a busy day, Xiao had stopped by each chance he could get just to say hello. Just to reassure both Venti and himself that he would always be able to return. That a little room in Wangshu Inn was there to embrace Xiao with each entrance. Last the pair spoke, Xiao promised to return before morning. It didn’t matter that Venti rarely woke in the morning, only that the pair were together on yet another new day.

With Xiao on his mind, Venti decided to return to Guili Plains. To see the ruins and rubble that remained, preserved to the extent they could be. Though he was not from Liyue, standing in the grass with glowing blue petals in full bloom, Venti could feel how deep the memories around him ran. Closing his eyes, felt the wind on his face, winding through his hair, and against his clothes. The air was cool, and carried with it the mingling scents of life. Cupped his hands behind his ears, and listened. The grass beneath the feet of nocturnal creatures, the distant and murmured conversations between Hilichurls that were keeping watch. Fainter, were the songs on the breeze. The ones that traveled across Teyvat, collecting every beat and note and lyric along its journey. The orchestra of seven nations weaving a tapestry of music that perhaps someday, even he could play for others to hear.

Not tonight, however. Tonight, he was listening for that which was quiet and distant, buried beneath time. That which was buried by the very Dust that it belonged to. Instead, he heard the sound of footsteps, slow, careful, and uneven. The walk of someone on unsteady feet, but had since learned how to carry themselves. Letting his hands fall to his side, Venti opened his eyes to look in the direction of the passing stranger. An elderly woman was looking right back at him, dark eyes peering at him. Her back was stooped forward, hands clasped behind her back. Silver hair tied back in a low bun, she had a shawl over her dress that moved listlessly in the wind. What’s an old woman doing out here at night…? Venti wondered, glancing around to try and find a mode of transportation. With the way she had moved and a body bent with kyphosis, he couldn’t imagine she just walked there.

“My my, I don’t often have company on my strolls.” The elderly woman commented, the wrinkles around her eyes with years of smiling that extended to even the present as her lips curved. “Let alone anyone from Monstadt.” She continued, having taken note of the other’s attire.

“...You come here a lot?” Venti asked, hesitating. “Did you walk here?” The question left his mouth before he could stop it, but what was said was said. The woman showed no signs of offense, only confusion in her eyes that she swiftly hid with pleasant laughter.

“Not all the way.” The woman chuckled, and walked casually over to stand next to him. Her eyes were now scanning the land around them, gaze soft and thoughtful. “Walking keeps me young. But the trip from Liyue Harbor takes too long on two legs, so I catch a ride when I want to visit.” She explained, and Venti started to feel better. The idea of an elderly person collapsing in an empty field, unable to call out for help. It sounded awful, until he reminded himself there was always someone in Liyue listening out for calls of, 'help.' “You, however, look rather young. Don't look exactly scholarly, either.” She gave him a playful glance, and he grinned at her having caught the teasing retaliation. “What brings you out to a bunch of old rocks?”

“Isn't Liyue founded by an old rock?” Venti asked, a laugh leaving him before his body tensed. That was not an acceptable way to discuss an Archon, let alone one in front of their citizens! But the woman didn't get upset - in fact, she let out loud laughter, her cackling carrying into the night.

“Oh, I haven't heard that kind of joke in years.” The woman let out a long, pleased sigh that instead of causing her to sag, almost seemed to help straighten. “I've missed it…” She whispered, tone somber. Venti watched her, curious about the reaction and who in her life got away with teasing Rex Lapis. “Still, that doesn't answer my question.” She noted, watching him from the corner of her eyes. Deep, dark eyes of black that glinted from the moon and hinted at perhaps being older than that very moon.

“Heh, I haven't?” Venti inquired, scratching the back of his head as he feigned forgetting. “I just… Enjoy listening to nature.” A half-truth, designed to easily sidestep divulging information he probably shouldn't share. Especially with strange little old ladies. “Would you like to join me, Nameless Stranger?”

“Hmm.” The old woman tilted her head, thoughtful. “Stranger… I see.” The words were quiet, and would have been lost were it not for Venti's well-trained ears.

Do I… Know you? The bard wondered, the question hovering whether he should ask or not.

“I'm Madame Ping. What might I call you, Nameless Bard?” She asked, eyes never once leaving him. A question in her eyes when Venti stood momentarily rigid, unsettled by the well of emotions and a strange pressure in his skull hearing himself called, ‘Nameless Bard.’ Something both horribly wrong, yet painfully accurate. Did she know him?

“Oh… Uh…” It was funny. Until right then, Venti had absolute confidence in his name, in who he was. But suddenly, it was pulled out from beneath him and he couldn't recall his name anymore. As though a dandelion seed caught in the wind, only it carried his identity instead of a wish. Then, an odd heat pulsed from his chest, from the spot of the strange scar, and the brief crisis passed.

“Is everything all right?” Madame Ping asked, concern on her face.

“Yes, sorry.” Venti assured her, hand on his forehead as he once more knew who he was. Or… Thought who he was. “I'm Venti.”

“Venti.” Madame Ping repeated, and then gave a nod. “A good name.” She decided, a thought she wasn't afraid to share. “Dear Venti, would you be kind enough to keep me company? I won't talk your ear off, you can listen to the night. It just gets… Lonely.” As she spoke, those dark eyes were back to staring at a memory only she could see. A time when this place hadn't been lonely. When there were people or a person that walked with her across these plains.

“I'd love to.” Venti smiled, and even offered her his arm. This time she let out a delighted laugh, and she accepted the limb with a loose hold of her hands. “And you can talk. I have two ears - one for the night songs, and one for the stories people carry.”

“Hah! Well how do I argue against that!” Madame Ping grinned, and the two began a slow walk through Guili Plains. As they strolled, Madame Ping recounted tales of her youth. Some funny, others sad. There was a familiarity about her, and as she shared her fondest recollections with him Madame Ping became brighter, almost younger. As if there was a piece of her desperate to come out, but the woman held it back for some reason.

Madame Ping knew so much, and the more he listened the more her words comforted him. They were reassuring in the way of two old friends catching up, sharing all the exaggerations of life between the last visit. An amenity that made this strange woman so easy to put his faith in.

“I couldn't help but notice you mention you used to compose songs,” Venti started, felt her eyes on him for the first time since the two began to walk, “And even argued with a friend about music. When you were studying, did you… Ever come across an old lullaby?” He held his breath after he said that, hoping his question wasn't a mistake.

“An old lullaby.” Madame Ping repeated, the eyes watching him now staring through him. “I've learned many old lullabies in my time. Do you know the tune? I might recognize it if you hum it.” Unable to find the harm this could do, Venti did as she asked. Hummed the song that Xiao had asked him for, had hoped that the bard knew words for the lost music. “...That is indeed an old lullaby.” Madame Ping said, closing her eyes as if in some kind of pain.

“Are you all right?” Venti asked, disregarding his musical pursuit to check on her.

“Yes, I'm much hardier than you think.” Madame Ping sighed, but this one was exhausted. A new tiredness was overtaking her visage, that brightness from before now extinguished. “But, I should head back. Any later, and I won't have a ride back home. Would you be so kind?” She requested him a second time, and just as before he agreed. The walk back to the main road was much quieter, Madame Ping less inclined to talk as the night got later. When two stopped and waited for a cart, she finally spoke again. “I'm so sorry to putter so much at the end. Thank you for the help, and your company.”

“My pleasure.” Venti said, this time with full honesty. “Don't apologize, I should head back myself. Any later and the person I'm waiting for, will be waiting on me.” He laughed.

“Is that right?” Madame Ping mused, an odd look on her face.

“Yes.” Venti confirmed, chest swelling in excitement at seeing Xiao soon. At knowing tomorrow evening, all his planning would pay off.

“I suppose… Heh, never really thought you were the type… Hmm. Doesn't matter, does it?” Madame Ping was muttering her thoughts aloud, soft and intended to only be for herself.

“What do you mean?” Venti inquired, brows furrowing as he tried to make sense of her comment.

“Oh, ignore me. I'm just getting a bit lost there, what with my old age. You just… Remind me so much of someone I once knew. Forgot for a second you weren't him, is all.” She assured him. Venti stood there, still supporting her with his arm, wavering if he wanted to press and ask more. A whisper in his ear, yes, ask! But then a fear clutched at him, threatened to take away something precious but never said what. “Ah! My ride.” Madame Ping exclaimed before he could decide. She patted his foreman with a fondness that strangers didn't share, and released her hold. Waved down the cart which came to a stop, and let her on.

Minutes passed as he watched the cart take her away, until he could no longer wave to her as she waved back at him. A new friend in the plains, an old friend from the plains.

Which was she?

The trek back to Wangshu Inn was one walked in a fugue. That he was now somehow sitting on his bed the only indication of that walk. But the path he took was a blur. There was this sensation, the only way he knew to explain it was like something was starting to come undone. What it was, what it meant, he couldn’t fathom. Shivered as it stayed outside his reach, and forced himself to get ready for bed.

Trusted Xiao to return when he could. For the moment, Venti just needed some rest. To sleep off whatever this was, and be able to feel the excitement for tomorrow.

Tomorrow.

Curled up in his bed, Venti closed his eyes. Tried to let his thoughts fixate on how fun and sweet and wonderful tomorrow would be. To focus on all the new experiences he and Xiao would share together, along with Xiao's family. To fall asleep, those happy thoughts trying to obscure that which lingered beneath.

When blue-green eyes opened, they immediately went wide. Beautiful buildings of stone decorated Guili Plains, a breeze carrying across a field thick with grass and glaze lilies. An entire field of the flowers in fact, the entire area coated with blue bulbs. His breath hitched, picturing how beautiful the area must be when night fell. Didn't know how he knew this was Guili Plains - he just did. If asked, could even direct someone to where the gathering was. The gathering of people he knew and lost and lost all over again.

There was that odd heat, almost painful, in his chest again. Winced slightly, gingerly rubbing the area with a frown. Looked around him, wondering if he was alone or not.

“I'm not a child.” It was Xiao's voice, yet it didn't match the way he spoke. The voice was protective, annoyed, and freshly scarred. A hurt that laced each word, and simply knowing Xiao was hurting added a different ache in Venti's chest.

“Xiao?” Venti called out, worry knitting his brows and used his teeth against his lower lip. “I know you aren't. Xiao? Where-”

“Take back what you called Lord Morax,” “He was not!” Two different voices, each Xiao's but at different points, overlapping in an equally heated reaction to words that spoke negatively of the Geo Archon. The dissonance of the change combined with the ways in which there was none, Venti put a hand against one of those gorgeous walls.

“I didn't-” Venti tried to say, but no sound left him.

“Xiao. Please. I understand you are upset, but he is my guest.” A voice, this one equally familiar as it was drastically different. Deeper, more grounded and indifferent compared to what was now closer to malleable than rigid. Glancing over his shoulder, Venti then had to look up. Crane his neck backwards, looking in awe at what appeared to be a mighty dragon adeptus. The adeptus towered above, yet Venti felt no fear.

Tried to gather his bearings, to make sense of what felt like a memory he was reliving yet couldn't possibly have experienced. Right…? Yet he was not allowed another moment to ponder, as a muted note cut through the overlapping words. The familiar and nostalgic song that started with a B, followed up by C sharp and D sharp. Those first three keys of the unnamed lullaby, Venti snapping his attention to the strange and confusing blend of what was now and what once was.

A woman, though this time he recognized her as the phantom dredged up when Liyue was still new. That had been when Xiao caught him, before Venti knew of his wings or how to fly. The warmth in Xiao's eyes hadn't been there, that fondness not yet exposed. The woman had short pale hair, somewhere between gray and brown, her image clear this time. What he had mistaken for long locks in the hazy picture before were only two parts framing her face and reaching her hips. Dainty hands that loved memorizing every note of every instrument just as Venti did caressing the song she had composed. “He loves this song.” She said, fingers plucking at her instrument. “But maybe that's because I composed it for him?” A laugh, a wink, a finger to her lips as too long sleeves fell below her wrists, asking this to stay a secret. “Promise me you'll play this for him?”

This was someone full of vitality, and love for all the life Teyvat had to offer. But beneath her eyes were the hints of weary bags, a war she didn't want to fight but was dragged into to save that same life she loved so.

Venti stood there, staring at her as the ache of loss came in waves that matched the beating of his heart. She didn't seem to notice, voice clear as she sang. As she shared with him lyrics intended to soothe - not just those around her, but also the person in front of her.

Then, she crumbled into Dust, the Wind blowing away her remains. Breath catching, Venti stepped forward as if he could somehow help each piece scattered come back together. But then something crunched beneath his feet, and he looked down.

Hundreds of bodies surrounded him, their blood staining his hands.

With a start, Venti snapped awake, beads of sweat on his forehead and soaking his back. Next to him, Xiao stirred now that the bard had so abruptly left his hold. “Venti…?” Xiao murmured, voice quiet as gold eyes glowed in the night, seeking out if Venti was hurt.

“Sorry…” Venti apologized, letting out a slow, shaky exhale. The dream was scattered, fragments that made no sense as he caught his breath. The only part that lingered, were the lyrics the bard had been seeking. At his side, Xiao carefully sat up and ran a hand in a soothing, careful up and down motion. Those bushy brows were furrowed, trying to identify what the apology was for.

“...Did you have a bad dream?” Xiao asked hesitantly, uncertain what else could have led to this.

“I… Think so?” Venti said softly, his expression matching Xiao's own confused one. “None of it made any sense, so I'm… Not actually sure?” He confessed, biting his bottom lip as he focused on the pieces that remained. “Were you sleeping? I didn't mean to wake you-”

“I wasn't.” Xiao spoke up before any more apologies could leave the bard, not wanting the other to feel guilt over an imagined slight. “I didn't want to wake you, so I was only resting until either I was called or you woke up.”

At that, the lingering remnants of that fear were gone, Venti's heart fluttering this time that awake or not, Xiao wanted to be with him. “It is nice waking up to you here.” Venti confessed, his shoulders easing along with his facial muscles into an easy smile. Put his hands on a Xiao's face, sighed as the yaksha leaned into his hold. If every morning started like this, perhaps waking earlier would be worth it.

“...We're glad it was just a dream.” Xiao mumbled, looking away as his brows knit.

“We?” Venti echoed, blinking at the word choice.

“...Me, Himmel, and Cecil.” Xiao continued in that low mumble, as if he didn't want to say that. But say it he did, knowing full well that no matter how embarrassing it was… The way Venti's eyes curved with his smile hearing it made saying those words worth it and more. Calloused thumbs lightly brushed across Xiao's wild, thick brows.

“I don't think it was entirely a bad dream. Pretty sure I can't have those with you three here.” Venti assured, and pressed a kiss to the yaksha so gingerly returned. Pulling back slightly with a sigh, the two carefully pressed foreheads together. “Tomorrow is a big day. I should get back to sleep… But,” He paused, and then continued, “I missed you.”

“I'll be here when you wake, or soon after.” Xiao promised. “But you should sleep.” He didn't sound excited about that, but wanted both of them to enjoy tomorrow to its full extent. The bard pouted, but complied. Releasing Xiao's face, Venti laid back down. Curled against the yaksha, both of their arms and legs tangling to cling to every touch they could manage.

“Hey, Xiao.” Venti said softly.

“Mmm?” Xiao hummed, resisting the urge to speak to prevent further conversation.

“I haven't sang to you in awhile… And I think I know just the song.” Venti yawned, nuzzling close into Xiao's chest. Could smell the earth, the scent of flowers, of feathers, of the sky the two shared. Felt safe, the concept of nightmares long forgotten in this moment. Not the best position to sing it, Venti didn't mind.

Lullabies weren't meant to be serenades. Could feel the way Xiao held him tighter, and the slow, wet exhale of someone finally having an important memory returned to them. Between limbs he leaned up to press kisses against the corners of Xiao's eyes, reassuring each tear was loved and allowed to fall as much as needed.

That Xiao no longer had to hold in all that loss anymore - Venti was there to hold his hand and love him as each part came loose.

Chapter Text

The morning moved both too fast and too slow - eagerness made time drag, but equally noon came too soon. Wangshu Inn had the rooms around Venti blocked - as much for the yaksha's privacy as well as safety concerns for guests. Even with Venti's assurances, Verr Goldet preferred to err on the side of caution with the threats karmic debt brought. Menogias bustled about, determined to put each and every one of them together himself. To ensure every aspect of his siblings and Venti were exactly as he pictured. Before it was his turn, the bard took great care to wash himself best he could. While he didn't regret his trip to Guili Plains, dirt got into places that he needed to rinse the itch off of. His legs didn't surprise him, but his arms and back? Or perhaps something new started to bloom and that irritated his skin?

Didn't matter, a bath easily removed it all. Fresh and clean, he simply wore a comfortable pair of undergarments and brushed through his hair. Was full of anticipation for how Xiao would look, what sort of outfit Menogias would go with. They had all urged the Geo yaksha to try and keep it casual - the goal was to pull as little attention as possible. To see what how his request would be fulfilled. Was full of anticipation for the evening, and all that would come with it.

In comparison was Xiao, sitting stiffly as Menogias focused. The Anemo yaksha was excited for this, but also there was an anxiety that kept his heart racing. His mind was full of what ifs and maybes. Thought of a city full of people he could hurt, and had to focus on suppressing the tremor that wanted to shudder through him. The sudden movement would agitate Menogias.

The Conquerer of Demons attire was closer to a fashionable sort of casual than just a normal casual. In spite of the soft lavender accents across the pale sage green top, the frog clasps made of noctilucous jade meant this was incredibly tame by Menogias’ standards. The style of pants were similar to the ones that Xiao typically wore, but were looser and lacked the mobility for combat yet made up for that in comfort and breathability. The sleeves reached his elbows, mostly only long enough to hide the symbol of his illuminated beast status from the mortals. There was a hint of gold embroidery along the collar depicting birds, tails long and traveling along the hem. If anyone dared to ask about his 'third eye,' upon his forehead, Xiao would simply dismiss it as a birthmark.

Xiao's typical boots had been temporarily confiscated, the leather apparently too worn and cracked to ‘be appropriate.’ Newer ones were on his feet, the Anemo yaksha not willing to admit how nice the soft new leather felt on his soles. Instead of his usual necklace, the one he wore as part of exorcizing the demons, was a chain of fine silver, and had a finely crafted crystal pendant. Inside of it depicted an Anemo crystalfly at rest upon a qinxin flower. On either side were small green jades acting as leaves, connecting to the glass as the stems.

As Menogias styled his brothers hair and, “cleaned” him up, Xiao took notice the Geo yaksha never touched his brows like Verr Goldet had. For a moment the anxiety was gone, as Xiao smiled in amusement at how protective Venti was of the yaksha's brows. The smile widening at remembering the bard even named them. Wonder if I should do that for his hand… He'd probably enjoy that, Xiao thought, oblivious to the pleased grin Menogias wore catching the expression.

As Menogias wrapped up, he nudged Xiao to look in the mirror. The Anemo yaksha normally didn't do much for his appearance - he always went for functional over stylish. Venti didn't seem to mind whether Xiao appeared clean or covered in dirt or even blood, and so Xiao continued to not mind. When the bird adeptus did come in with any form of grime, Venti would simply gingerly wipe it away. Even cleaned and wrapped a few scrapes Xiao had. The more he thought about it, really, Venti gave him more reason to walk in a mess than all tidy.

So looking at himself in the mirror felt odd. His hair hadn't just been brushed - it was delicately styled. Those longer parts of his hair were pulled back in a braid with a turquoise ribbon weaving through. In the back the longer strands and ribbon were pulled into a short ponytail. Gently pressed on top of the short ponytail was a small bouquet of qingxin flowers. On the right side of the braid, precise in its placement was a jade wing secured with a silver clasp.

Xiao almost didn't recognize himself.

“Well?” Menogias inquired, peering over Xiao's shoulder to see the reaction directly instead of from a reflection.

“Do you think he'll like it?” Xiao asked, cautiously running clawed fingers along the sculpted feathers in the pin. Next to his face, the Geo yaksha grinned.

“I know he will.” Menogias promised. Pulling away, he took long strides over to his bag of sewn miracles. Glancing back at his younger brother he gave a critical eye. “Don't undo what I did. Cloud Retainer was kind enough to ask her disciple Shenhe and a few exorcists to deal with any demons for a bit.” He reminded the other, not daring to risk Xiao running off to do what he did best.

What they all did best. This was a warning he gave each of his siblings.

"Right. You're first in rotation." Xiao reminded himself. Menogias was insistent his siblings got one nice picture taken with a Kamera before ruining his hard work with their duties. If that meant missing being included, he was more tolerant of that outcome.

"That I am." Menogias confirmed, stepping out to work on his next victim. Alone in the room, Xiao glanced at himself in the mirror again. Wondered if Venti would have as much trouble recognizing Xiao, as Xiao was having recognizing himself.

Being the most patient of the yaksha, Xiao had been the first one and thus had to wait through everyone else. Knew that Bonanus would be the last, given how heated she could get regarding Menogias and his fashion. One of the few topics those two argued about. Before her would be Bosacius, as the Electro yaksha was the most conspicuous and needed the most work to at least tame that aspect down.

While Xiao waited, he passed the time daring to contemplate the future. Even entertained fanciful ideas, such as what it would be like to live as though he and the bard were mortal. How that would look, would feel.

Realized he had been humming quietly as he did, and a small smile spread on Xiao's lips. The Anemo yaksha hadn't even realized he had been humming one of the many tunes the bard had played for him - solely for Xiao's ears. The time passed quickly, and then Menogias was back and all but (cautiously - he worked hard on those clothes!) dragged Xiao out. None of the other yaksha were out of their spaces, leaving the corridor empty save for three people. Menogias, Xiao…

And Venti. Menogias hadn't been exactly subtle in the approach, the bard's eyes bright and brilliant when he saw Xiao. I should try to look nice more, Xiao thought, stomach turning in flips as Venti’s whole face was that of delight and adoration.

“Look, we match!” Venti announced, motioning between himself and Xiao in excitement. Somehow able to speak, quite unlike Xiao right then.

As for the matching, they most certainly did. Xiao sucked in a breath, his ears going red as an influx of emotions hit him all at once. The usual plaits that hung next to the bard’s cheeks were pulled back, woven instead along the side of his head. When Venti did a quick spin upon Menogias' request, Xiao saw that the hair was tucked down in the back, acting like a flowerbed for several white flowers. Both of their clothing had subtle feather-like designs, nothing exceptionally flashy but the motifs mirrored the other perfectly. There were more pastel greens blending with whites and darker greens in Venti's compared to Xiao's.

The two had almost the same hairstyle, and after the few seconds he needed to function again, Xiao registered the flowers in Venti's hair were cecilias - a flower that only grew in higher altitudes in Mondstat.

Cecil. That was one of the names Venti had assigned to one of Xiao's brows. Had that been a subconscious act of connecting two things the bard was fond of, or a sign there were pieces of Venti that longed for them? A clench in his chest, shaky breaths left Xiao that were just as easily mistaken instead for being in awe.

An emotion he tried to focus on, to shift to, to not let his own fears take away this special moment - this special day.

Perhaps it was due to the way the pair matched, or that looking at a Venti in Liyue attire caused Xiao to see him differently. But in the past when the yaksha saw Venti, the first thought was typically, ‘Cute.’ Saw his round cheeks, and Xiao had to ignore the urge to bite them. As much as they looked like they had the same texture as almond tofu… Human flesh most certainly did not have the same texture as almond tofu. No biting was needed to test that thought out, this was a simple fact. Still, it typically remained an intrusive thought, but at least it was one the bard was willing to humor him on.

Instead, his first thought was, ‘beautiful.’ The sort that took his breath away, and forget where he was or what he was doing. That let him finally push those fears out of his mind. The only urge he could find was that of wrapping his arms around Venti's waist, pull him close until the bard's back could feel every beat in Xiao's chest that his heart carried for the other. To bury his face into black hair that mixed with blues and greens and flowers, to inhale the mingling scents of Venti and cecilias. A desire he couldn't act on due to Menogias still holding onto him. So he remained standing, cruelly still detached from the bard.

“Xiao?” Venti asked, moving closer to peer at the yaksha curiously. Knew the other wasn't upset. Flustered yes, that was a daily reaction. But it was as if Xiao froze up, too. "Are… You uncomfortable?" The bard tested, gaze curious.

"Not in these clothes." Menogias huffed, but finally released his hold on his brother in order to leave and get the next yaksha. The moment the monkey yaksha's hands were gone, Xiao moved forward to be next to Venti, pulling the bard's hands to rest by his cheek and mouth. "Do not ruin each other's hair if you plan on making out." Menogias huffed with a grin on his face as he closed the door behind him. Those were the types of reactions he wanted.

"We won't." Venti laughed, smile in his eyes between Menogias' comment and the fountain of emotions welling inside him from… All of it. Leaned forward to press his forehead against Xiao's, inhaling the scent of the yaksha both normal and new. Had no reason to pull away his hands that the yaksha was now holding. "You look beautiful." The bard whispered, cautious of the other's hair with the placement of his fingers.

"…So do you." Xiao murmured back, pressing a kiss on the knuckles of both the bard's hands. "I'm not as good with words, but… I understand why you use sonnets to describe what you treasure, when I look at you."

For an incredibly rare instance, Venti was at a loss of words. His cheeks started with a subtle pink before rapidly turning to a deep red. Found himself pulling back slightly, the almost unknown sensation of embarrassment had Venti pulling away shyly without even noticing. Still holding his hands was Xiao, of whom nervously followed with his steps.

"Was it … That bad?" Xiao inquired, brows knitting into worry. Even if his skills were bad, he had genuinely tried. Did this mean the attempt was so bad it came across insulting?

"Xiao…" Venti mumbled, averting his gaze as he calmed his heart down. "'Not as good with words,' he says and then says that like it's no big deal…" Venti wasn't actually pouting, but by trying to make himself, to come across as such, helped. Even got a soft puff of air that counted as a laugh from Xiao, the bard spotting the subtle twitch of movement from the yaksha's ears.

Perfect distraction, Venti thought, pleased that Menogias hadn't forgotten his request.

"Does that mean it was good?" Xiao asked hesitantly, leaning forward to press his nose against Venti's. The last few hints of nerves left Xiao's brows, relaxing while Venti laughed and returned the nuzzle.

"Too good. Are you trying to take my job, the one with the speaking? Hmm? You already have a job, Xiao." Venti laughed more, his grin widening when the adeptus joined him.

"No, I love listening to you too much to ever take that away." Xiao assured him, in spite of knowing the bard was simply being playful.

"Who are you? What happened to my sweet, shy little Xiao?" Venti mock-wailed.

"I'm barely shorter than you." Xiao reminded him, finally letting Venti's hands go so pair could embrace.

"So little. So tiny. My portable partner. So pocket sized, my little Xiao…" Venti continued, as if he didn't hear the reminder.

"See? Words are still your job. I give up." Xiao relented, accepting that Venti was going to clutch that half-inch of height he had on the adeptus like some kind of bizarre lifeline. Why it mattered, Xiao couldn't fathom. But it did, and the yaksha knew what battles to choose. "Fine. I'm your 'little' Xiao. Better?"

"Mmhmm!" Venti beamed, pleased with his victory no matter how small. "…Since it's still just us…" The bard began slowly, mischievous glint in his eyes. "While I did ask that we match, there are some differences in our outfits… Such as, mine has this really nice, pretty belt on my waist and yours doesn't." He pointed out, hands not releasing Xiao's face even as the yaksha’s ears turned red again. "Do you, Xiao, like my waist that much?" The red on the yaksha's ears quickly spread to the cheeks attached.

Really, it was the little things for Venti.

"…It just… Feels right when my hands rest there." Xiao mumbled, averting his gaze as he now had his turn being embarrassed.

"And yet… Your hands are up here, having a tryst with my back." Venti clicked his tongue, and briefly pulled from the embrace. Took hold of the yaksha's wrists, and guided the other's hands to rest on the bard's own waist. "Better?"

"…Much." Xiao admitted, the honesty garnering a pleased laugh from the bard.

"Then rest your hands there much as you like." Venti spoke gently, pressing a chaste kiss against Xiao's lips. Didn't pull away as he added, warm gaze looking into eyes full of fondness, "I trust you." The two lingered, savoring the moment while it was still just them. The sound of Menogias heading back out reached Xiao first, the pair sliding away but their hands remained clasped.

"-said don't untie anything!" Menogias could be heard scowling, voice starting muffled and ending clear as the door swung open. Trailing behind him was Indarias, her outfit closer to a sleek business casual. Part of her attire had a hood attached, with designs and decor to attract eyes to the hood itself. Trying to crawl out of the hood was the Pyro yaksha's hair, its flame-like strands daring to escape being smothered by flame proof fabric. Other than her hair, much like Menogias and Xiao, Indarias could pass for human if she chose to. So most of the work went into hiding that one noticeable adeptus trait.

The ties that Menogias had been referring to wasn't the hood - it was different clasps and ribbons that were being slowly put back together by the scowling Geo yaksha. Indarias huffed, holding her arms out while he fixed all that she had undone. "You do this every time! Me and Bonanus always get the frilly clothes, but then Xiao and Bosacius get the functional ones! I need to breathe, you jerk!" As she complained, Venti leaned closer to Xiao.

"Is that true?" Venti whispered.

"Don't let her fool you. Menogias would put all of us into frilly clothes if he knew it wouldn't attract too much attention." Xiao explained. "Being pretty women, mortals won't think twice about those two dressed that way."

"Awe, so we could have had cute, frilly matching outfits?" Venti asked, smiling wider as Xiao quirked a brow at that.

"…M-maybe next time." Xiao mumbled, looking away.

"I heard that and I'm holding you to it!" Menogias called over his shoulder.

"Shit." Xiao hissed with a wince, expression quickly turning to one of regret.

"You know, I think that's the first time I've heard you swear." Venti pointed out, and gave his Anemo yaksha a quick peck on the cheek as a consolation prize. Pausing before pulling back, a buzzing sensation crawling across his brain as the thought, 'my yaksha,' pointed out something Venti had missed.

Minutes ago, the bard slipped up and called the other, 'my Xiao.' Verbiage he had been trying to avoid, not daring to scare his partner away with moving too quickly. Yet it had slipped out in a moment of playfulness and…

Xiao didn't deny it. Didn't pull away or get spooked. Xiao accepted it as he had accepted so many other things about the bard. There was a lightness inside Venti's chest, the same as when his wings were spread and the clouds his audience. The bard pressed his shoulder against Xiao's instead of stepping back, not wanting to exit the space anymore than necessary.

"Do not untie anything again." Menogias ordered again, moving away to go collect his next victim. The second the door clicked behind him, Indarias eyed where he disappeared to. Never took her violet eyes away, and raised one finger to her lips. The other hand undid a single clasp, easily covered by her arms. After some time, eventually Menogias came out with Bosacius in tow.

With each reveal, it was obvious that Menogias had put effort into clothing that was inconspicuous. Tried to give each a flattering design, but equally to ensure they weren't overtly obvious either. Bosacius had a thick, broad jacket of which the sides allowed room and space to fold his second set of arms.

"Did she untie anything?" Menogias asked, squinting at Xiao and Venti. The two shook their head, because technically unclasping was different than untying. Technically. "Hmm." He gave Indarias a hard look, and shuffled off again.

Last out was Bonanus and Menogias - the Geo yaksha unafraid of venturing into a smartly dressed outfit and had his hair in high ponytail with cor lapis helping keep the hair in place. Next to him was Bonanus, frowning as she stared down the long sleeves that went past her hands. That was one way to hide her clawed arms… Her antennae were thinly wrapped with hair and ribbon, hiding them with an intricate style. The Geo yaksha did a quick glance over them all, before nodding in approval.

Xiao and Venti arrived first in Zhongli's closet. With the bard in his arms, the adeptus paused. Was brought back to months ago, when he first showed up in Zhongli's closet, bard in his arms… And how different things were. The ways in which not just Xiao changed, but the way the world felt around him.

That the man he held both times had shown Xiao what it meant to hope. Where the yaksha had once saw none, he found it everywhere he looked. Where he was once willing to give up, now he had a reason to live. How gently Venti would cleanse the karmic debt away, as if he were giving Xiao a treatment he never tired of giving for an illness that never left. Allowed him to feel the small joys again, to experience the feeling of happiness.

Yes, in the beginning Xiao had hoped that Venti was Barbatos for Morax's sake. But now… Now he wanted Venti to be who he wanted to be. Was starting to understand why Morax needed to be a mortal man. At some point, being Morax wasn't who or what the once-Archon needed. Now, he needed to be Zhongli.

"Xiao?" Venti asked, eyes searching the yaksha's face curiously.

"Thank you." Xiao spoke softly, kissing the bard lightly before setting him down. Venti blinked in surprise at the other, but while not privy to the yaksha's thoughts Venti was familiar with the way Xiao spoke. That softness blending with earnestness, thoughts and feelings the yaksha could only convey in actions. The adeptus knocked on the closet door, and within seconds it was opened up for them by Zhongli.

"…Welcome. There's fresh tea in the kitchen, if you are thirsty." Zhongli informed the pair, stepping aside to let them pass. The door stayed open now, the consultant waiting for the rest of the yaksha.

Belatedly, it occurred to Xiao that the initial pause Zhongli had wasn't due to being surprised at them being a little early.

No. It was that Zhongli opened the door, saw Xiao and Venti matching, holding hands, and probably no idea why.

What a fun way for a father to learn his son was dating his best friend.

Chapter Text

Liyue Harbor was an entirely different world when immersed within. Five yaksha, one bard, and one funeral consultant walked through streets that bustled and chattered and thrived. The early afternoon was the starting point, Zhongli leading the way as he took his group to experience what time allowed. The bookshop, the antique store, to small hidden gems tucked away in alleys. Each stop came with conversation, everyone curious about the beautiful group of strangers from distant towns.

Those who recognized Zhongli would tease the man, asking if he was offering tours of their beloved city. "No, just showing some family my home." The consultant spoke with open pride, unabashed pleasure in his eyes declaring the yaksha as his own. Not that anyone else was even aware the group even had any adepti in it. When he made that declaration, Venti couldn't suppress his grin at how Zhongli took the chance each time he had it.

As if the man spent too many long years unable to claim them, and now was grabbing each chance he could. The yaksha's reactions ranged. Bonanus beamed, Indarias shuffled with a huge smile on her face, Menogias would stand straighter and taller, Bosacius gave enthusiastic nods in agreement, and Xiao… Xiao would tense, turning his head to the side but a smile was in those gold eyes. Though the visages varied, each was clearly happy walking through their home as a family.

Venti was happy for them, but… There was a sadness beginning to bloom within him. As if each proclamation was a reminder of the parts Venti was missing, eyes watching Zhongli surrounded by his adepti and people. As if Venti had children of his own, far away that he couldn't be with, couldn't talk to or sing to. Thoughts he tried to push aside, the idea he had children somewhere too complicated and today was too special to feel anything but joy. The crowd wasn't terrible, but there were still throngs of people going about their business. Just enough of them would keep pausing, wanting to chat with Zhongli about the group he was with. The Consultant had connected with so many of the locals within Liyue Harbor, it was as if… Venti shook his head, trying to not think about that. About the hints and implications and all the subtle ways he knew but pretended not to. Whether Zhongli was once an Archon or not, he was now simply Zhongli. So Venti turned his attention to that which his heart always wanted to focus on: Xiao.

Of whom stood rigid and tight by Venti, his brows pulled downward and lips in a thin line.

“Is this too much?” Venti asked hesitantly. The yaksha wasn't accustomed to large crowds, and the bard worried the other was getting overstimulated. “We can go back if you want. I'll be happy wherever, if you're there.” Venti assured, putting his hands on both Xiao's cheeks. Let his fingers do slow, gentle, circular rubs in his best attempts at grounding the other. Those ruffled brows began to ease, the shadow of a frown starting to ebb away at the featherlight caresses.

"It's just… New." Xiao breathed, daring to pull gold eyes away to check if people were too close. Quickly snapped back to Venti, momentarily enthralled by the fact he was there. Xiao was in Liyue Harbor, with Venti, and not a single mortal seemed to even notice. There dangling threats of his and the other's karmic debt was held at bay, allowing all of them to see the fruits of a millenia and more's worth of effort. Laughter and petty arguments, humans could find joy in everything and frustration in small things because they were safe. Leaning forward, Xiao pressed their foreheads together. "I used to be afraid to dream. But now… This isn't a dream. This is… Us. Now." He continued, glancing from the corners of his eyes to scour all the faces that were there, living in that moment. Venti's eyes curved, his smile easy.

"Okay. If you need a break, just squeeze my hand twice, okay?" Venti asked, wanting to at least offer Xiao a quiet route of escape should it be needed.

"Right." Xiao nodded, cautiously, the tips of their noses briefly touching and garnering a short laugh from the pair. With their reassurances in place, the day continued.

And what a perfect day it was. All the places they saw, the people they met. At the dinner, he rested his chin on a hand as he listened to the yaksha opening up. Could only give a grin when even Indarias and Xiao had a hesitant, awkward conversation. The two that had once been most hesitant to talk, were both opening up and engaging. Couldn't hold back the smiles or fluttering of his heart every single time Xiao, would just look at him - their eyes catching and pausing and speaking every word with a gaze alone. The dinner itself was little more than precursor - as Zhongli led them outside of the harbor afterwards. Out to a small venue, hastily built by a small crew. On the stage was a woman with a guitar, strumming and already singing. Waiting eagerly for the group was Hu Tao, her smile splitting into excitement and mischief the second the group entered her sight. In a flurry of butterflies and embers, Hu Tao had sidled herself on the otherside of Venti, already trying to pull him away from the group for shenanigans.

"Come on, Xinyan and I have been planning this for ages!" Hu Tao urged, Venti tossing Xiao an apologetic smile as he was pulled away.

"Another surprise?" Bosacius asked, arms crossed with a toothed grin as his eyes scanned over the small gathering.

"It was Director Hu's idea." Zhongli explained, an indifferent hand motioning at the concert. "She felt the night should end with 'fun' music. I suspect her friend Yun Jin could not escape the troupe to provide an authentic opera to add in. But," He nodded his head towards a young man, drum in hand accompanying the woman performing on stage. "They seem to have recruited additional help."

"You got her involved?" Bosacius asked, somewhat surprised to learn of Hu Tao's assistance.

"The truth would be closer to she got herself involved." Zhongli corrected, a soft sigh passing his lips but his eyes were warm and fond. "It has been a long time since any of us have been part of this style of celebration, and even longer since it was formed by… Certain types of individuals." He ended, and nodded his head to where Venti and Hu Tao were laughing, running about and trying to encourage the crowd to do more than just bounce to music. A scene that brought a tightness to Zhongli and Bosacius' chests, an odd understanding of why Venti and Hu Tao perhaps gravitated so closely. In all the ways that Hu Tao reminded them of a god they once lost, and the bond she shared with the Archon they may have once again found.

Venti and Hu Tao really did remind the men of Barbatos and Guizhong.

A bittersweetness was a new emotion to be found on the evening of the perfect day.

Eyes that had seen too much for too long, carved into a mountain of a man that sought to preserve the memories he had while they reminded… Eventually took long strides to catch up with Hu Tao and Venti. Paused the pair, to extend a challenging hand to the bard.

"If you aren't too tired to dance?" Zhongli inquired, that sonorous voice polite but in his eyes was the barest hints of competition. At that, the bard quickly took the offer by placing his hand into the other's.

"If you aren't too old to keep up?" Venti returned, raising his own challenging brow at the comment. The hints of a grin flashed on Zhongli's face, and like two old friends fell into a step all their own. Where neither had garnered much attention on their own, when together it was impossible to not watch. Side steps, spins, twists and laughter as each man kept up in spite of the challenge the other presented. Each stumble Venti made was the fault of Zhongli, every yaksha aware the man was using Geo to pull up stones to be tripped over. Not that the consultant was the only cheater. Hardly, as Venti would glide by him with a gust of wind strong enough to slap coat tails or collar into Zhongli's face. The light of turquoise matched amber, each equally childish and obvious. But the subtle battle of elements was lost on the mortal crowd, the people cheering at the intricate and wild dance the pair put on display.

If the people thought this was a scene to witness, they should have seen when Morax and Barbatos brought land and sky into their playful rivalry.

While Zhongli never quite smiled, there was a devious glint in his eyes that Xiao was reassured to see again. Being twirled until any normal mortal would have been sick was Venti, all but cackling with delight. It was refreshing, to witness what Morax and Barbatos wanted as friends. To be freed from the obligations of Archonhood, and instead got to be human.

Leaning on one hand, Xiao understood why the two gods yearned and loved humans so. To witness the pair finally allowed to exert and enjoy the most important part of humanity: connection. Was content waiting his turn, aware of how badly those two needed it. Would have been content waiting all night, but found a breathless Venti in front of him, pulling him forward. The bard's chest was heaving, hair askew to Menogias' dismay and sticking to Venti's forehead from sweat. Venti's face was flushed with exertion, and he seemed to be holding onto Xiao not just to be close, but for support.

"Come on!" Venti urged, words airy and Xiao followed him in a trance. Even wild and disheveled the bard was beautiful, and now Venti was inviting Xiao to join in the whirlwind that was his dance.

The people melted into the background, Xiao's entire focus honed in on Venti as it was their turn to dance. Hadn't even considered Zhongli might see, only that Venti wanted Xiao and Xiao wanted Venti just as much. Danced in old and new styles, in steps that were of Liyue and steps of Monstadt. Hands that clasped together, noses that brushed, laughter shared between every kiss. Bodies that moved together in time with the music, slow, fast, and even faster.

Emboldened by the eccentric family, by Hu Tao's mischief, more of the observers became dancers. Xinyan's guitar blended with the beats of her band's drum, offering a rhythm easy to follow for the growing crowd. Zhongli was smiling openly now, moving with Indarias and Menogias of whom were laughing. Indarias had since found more parts of her outfit to untie or unclasp, and Zhongli's braid was a mess of hair falling out of each section and ribbon. The coat he had on since disappeared, and it was the first time many had seen the consultant so close to casual.

Even though his family's outfits were falling apart, Menogias didn't care. Perhaps he would care later, when having to contend with sweat-soaked piles of clothes. But then, right then, he was having fun with his family. Something that for the last two-thousand years had been an impossible dream. One that became buried and forgotten five hundred years ago.

But now, on this night, that dream was a reality. All because of a bard from Monstadt.

That same bard whose arms were around Xiao's neck, leaning heavily against the yaksha as he panted while catching his breath. Xiao who held him close so easily, looked at Venti while forgetting everything else in the world.

And on the night went. There were moments in which Zhongli and Venti went back to their dance, often dragging one of the yaksha into it all. Xiao found the laughter leaving him when it was his turn, up close to watch Zhongli intentionally let go of Venti when dipping the bard (of which Xiao quickly caught Venti) or if Venti attempted to trip the consultant (and Xiao immediately helped right Zhongli).

Millennia ago, Xiao couldn't imagine Rex Lapis and Barbatos being so openly affectionate while equally menaces at the Archon meetings. Not even at the gathering of adepti. Knew after this night, if anyone ever pondered if Zhongli might have been anyone but a human man… Watching him get into a petty contest with a bard would have dispelled any lingering doubts. No one could picture the great Morax dancing with Barbatos and flipping him, and until Xiao witnessed it wouldn't have known it was possible.

"You… Two should take a break." Zhongli broke into Xiao's musing, gently but still pushing Venti to the yaksha. Amber eyes glanced pointedly between Venti and Xiao, and the yaksha understood the unspoken words. Wrapped his arms around Venti's waist, and felt the bard's entire body leaning into and against him for support all over again.

"We will." Xiao assured, although all three knew only one of them actually needed the rest.

"I had no idea Liyue could have such fun music." Venti sighed, eyes closed as he let himself be gently swayed in the yaksha's arms.

"Liyue has the most fun with music." Xiao retorted, tone light and playful. "But I think we need a break from 'fun' music. How are you feeling?"

"Like I won." Venti laughed, not denying what was spoken. Other parts of the crowd were losing their fervor, and the stage seemed to recognize that. Xinyan switched her usual rock to something akin to a metal ballad, slower and gentler but with the rebellious undertone with every strum and lyric of hers.

"Do you know this one?" Xiao wondered, watching the bard for any signs he could convince the other to sit down. There were none.

"I do." Venti answered, exhaustion in his words but a refusal to stop. His eyes were on Xiao, but also on the people. On Zhongli and Bosacius, Indarias and Bonanus. On Menogias moving between all three groups, eyes alight with the glow of Geo and joy. This was Venti's goal, and he was determined to soak in and enjoy every second of it. Even if he was getting tired, tomorrow he could sleep in. There was tomorrow, he had tomorrow, but more than tomorrow right then Venti wanted tonight.

“Would you sing it for me?” Xiao asked, the hold of his hands loosening.

“Always.” Venti promised, his eyes crinkling in delight at the request. With Xiao, he never needed instruments or even a metronome. Just being with the yaksha came a quiet hum that played in Venti’s ears. Different from the melody of the wind, separate from the song that Liyue composed for anyone willing to listen. But having the guitar and drums as backdrop added a new tune, and Venti singing along with Liyue was new. Was something this night offered, and both would relish.

Following the time of their steps as the pair moved in their slow dance, Venti sang along one of the tales of Liyue Harbor that had been changed to a rock ballad. One familiar to Xiao’s ears, and yet entirely new. From Xinyan's lips it was an inspiring tale of overcoming adversity. From Venti's lips it was to share in the deep history that shaped Xiao, to better love the adeptus for who he was in all the glory and despair.

The song was one of mourning and hope, one of the many legends about the people who shaped Liyue. The moment was not one to remind Xiao or adepti or anyone of those lost, of the illuminated beasts that did not survive to the present with them. To instead inspire him and the Harbor, to remind them of the lives that continued to beat and the ways they made the world better. Venti let himself get lost in the dancing, in the singing, in the way Xiao’s attention was on him without a hint of apprehension trying to line the yaksha’s features. To be consumed with the joy only times such as this could bring. Neither knew who was leading, and it didn’t matter. Their hands were intertwined, bare fingers touching with a hold that was never constraining. If either wanted to pull away for any reason, he could. Their love was free, and it was part of every step.

With the barest of guidance, Xiao spun Venti around before pulling the bard’s back against his chest. To support that tired form, to let this last just a little longer. Arms crossed across Venti’s torso and stomach, hands still stubbornly clutched. A laugh paused his song, a silly thought distracting the bard. Normally, when the two stood close or touched the difference in height was subtle enough for him to not notice. Yet, short as Venti was he had still somehow found someone shorter than himself to love. With how he was being held, the careful way Xiao had done so, Venti could feel it. Resuming singing, the grin remaining on his face. Felt Xiao stand straighter, all to better rest his chin on Venti’s shoulder as the pair swayed in place. The charm of Liyue stories was that they could go on, could bleed right into another legend if so desired. If he could learn how to hold Anemo in his lungs, Venti could sing for however long Xiao wanted him to. A trick for another night, the exhaustion of the day increasingly catching up with the bard.

A voice shyly joined his, so low that if it wasn’t next to his ear then Venti wouldn’t have noticed it. Not daring to stop, Venti slowed his song to a pace better suited to Xiao’s attempts. No longer cared or bothered to keep up with Xinyan, or that she already moved to a different song. The second voice didn’t get louder, but the mouth it came from lifted itself to be closer to Venti’s ear. Tilting his head towards those lips as languidly as the sun rose, Venti shivered at the sensation of both hearing and feeling Xiao sing. Kept his own singing steady, the smile on his face painful in how wide it had become. To have someone he loved so much trying to harmonize with him, to know how it felt to share their song together.

Tightening his hold, part of Xiao ached with how full his chest felt. His voice couldn’t compare to Venti’s, and even so the bard was willing to share it with him. To join voices together in the same way their bodies were pressed. Close, two parts of a shared whole.

Paused in their dancing from curiosity, were four yaksha. None had intended to peek, yet all of them were equally guilty of doing so. Indarias was the first to speak, her eyes of violet glistening. “Even when he had wings, I don’t think Alatus ever flew this high.” The others nodded, and upon hearing it Zhongli couldn't help the sigh that left him. Unlike the others, Zhongli had seen and known Xiao before the Archon War did its damage. Knew all of them from before.

"No. But it is the first time he's found someone to fly with." Zhongli corrected gently. In many ways, he wanted to laugh at how things came to pass. How back when he had all the power and authority, there was no getting the two to get along. Demanding it of Xiao would have stripped the yaksha of the freedom he needed, and Barbatos wouldn't have listened.

Yet now, as a human with not even mora to his name… Zhongli got to watch the way love bloomed between the pair. Two of his most important people were now closer to each other than him, and still included him in their lives. The only thing he could want more than this… Was reassurance that what he was sensing was wrong. Over six-thousand years old, a collection of knowing too much and after all the times he had been right, Zhongli wanted to be proven wrong. Kept his suspicions to himself, because even knowing what he did… Why would he be cruel and take this night away from the two?

Stayed his tongue and attentions, turning away as Xiao gently led Venti away from the concert. Knew not what the yaksha's plans were, but trusted none would require the consultant's intervention or assistance. The two didn't leave so far as to put the other four yaksha out of sight, but remained enough distance the music wouldn't drown out their words. Far enough there was some privacy.

Night around Liyue Harbor was warm, the light of lanterns casting orange glows across paved streets and glittered across the waves the surrounded the wharf. Stars danced admist the reflected flames, twinkling no matter where eyes were cast. With guitar, vocals, and drums further away the sound of crickets could be heard weaving in between each note. Laughter of those inside the city, chatter of every day mortals discussing every day experiences. What kind of life would that have been? If both Xiao and Venti were mortal, what type of life would they lead? Would Xiao be part of the Millelith? Would they have met with Venti as a traveling bard, enchanting Xiao with mesmerizing songs as he was escorted to Wangshu Inn? Venti encouraging Xiao to talk more about his home, its history, until the pair were weaving tales together with their words and eyes? Every visit and return a sweet gust of wind, until the two began to travel together? How far would they go? What stories would they find, and what types would they compose together? Sitting at a table, Venti leaning against him, Xiao also wondered if the bard ever had such tame fantasies like his.

The ones in which they were only two people, not bound by Laws that tied their tongues and trapped their memories.

There was a lump in his throat, heat on his face as Xiao worked up the courage. This. He had planned for this, hadn't he? Practiced, even, with Bonanus. And yet… His palms were damp with sweat, and every time he swallowed it took effort. There was no reason to be nervous, and yet… "Venti." Xiao spoke the other's name, but he could have simply left it at that. Venti. A name that was pleasure to hear and taste, he never needed to say more when that single name gave Xiao all he wanted. But this wasn't about what he wanted. A brief hum told the yaksha he was being listened to, even if the bard's eyes were closed. "I…" This wasn't embarassment stopping him, instead shame. What if he was being prumptuous? What if he did something that upset Venti? The other didn't ask him to do what he did.

But I can't lose him again, Xiao had thought. This wasn't supposed to be about or for Xiao, but he supposed in a way it was. "Venti, I…" The yaksha licked his lips, eyes burning holes into the ground as he fought to get the words out. "I asked Verr Goldet to investigate… That person." There, he got it out, but it wasn't as explicit as he had wanted. Xiao wanted to use her name - Erne - but the way Venti suddenly tensed next to him perhaps there wasn't a need. Perhaps it was best left vague, unspoken. "Monstadt is your home, I can tell by the way you talk about it," Because you are Monstadt, "and you should be able to visit, if you want. And what she did, she may be trying again a different way." As he continued, could feel Venti's fingers holding his clothes. The grip wasn't tight, but it hadn't been there before. Cautionary, curious, the bard trying to identify how he felt about what he was hearing. "Anything they find, they plan on relaying to the Acting Grandmaster there. I can't do more, but… Your home should feel safe, too."

"…Xiao…" Venti spoke, but the emotions were difficult to pinpoint. Without looking at the bard, to know what expression awaited him, Xiao didn't know what the other felt. "…Thank you." Venti breathed, pulling the yaksha into a hug. "You didn't have to." His words were wet and thick, hold somewhat shaky from the effort it took to cling tightly.

"Maybe. But you deserve to feel free, too." Xiao answered, words leaving him more easily this time. "I also got you something. Some… Things." He amended, and gingerly pulled away. Mouth twitched with a smile when the bard pouted at such a quick seperation, but was too tired to fight it more than that. Reaching into his pocket, Xiao carefully pulled out a box. Felt the curious gaze of blues made of Anemo on him, and tried to keep the shaking of his hands to a minimum. Slid the lid off, exposing an ornament of white jade carved into the shape of a cecilia flower. Long leaves of green silk unfurled, Xiao's fingers smoothing the fabric to adjust it to standing upright. Not a tailor, the yaksha didn't know the details of how that worked - only that it did. Lifted it up, and brushed back the wild bangs of the bard's. Slid in and clipped the ornament, not pulling his hand away until it had been secured. "There." Xiao breathed, taking a moment to admire the additional flower that decorated the other's hair.

Hand reaching up, Venti's fingers traced the smooth carved stone while his eyes softened. "It's a cecilia." He murmured, eyes soft and words of wonder.

"It was… Cecil's suggestion. So, this way, Cecil can… Look at it. Himmel and I think it looks nice, too." Xiao murmured, knowing this was not the silliest thing he would be saying tonight. Venti's hand paused, glancing from looking up to watch the yaksha with a grin.

"Is that so? Since it was a group effort…" Venti laughed, leaning forward to press a kiss to each brow, and then a lingering one on Xiao's mouth. "It's beautiful. Thank you."

"That isn't all." Xiao knew it was coming: the most ridiculous thing he could ever possibly say, all while knowing it was the best thing he could ever say to the other. Took out the next gift, a small bag. Didn't pull away, wouldn't stop kissing Venti for any reason other than being asked to stop. Tried to glance down to watch his own hands, knew Venti was attempting to do the same. Took one of Venti's hands - the one assigned to be Xiao's - and emptied the contents into the palm. Small, tiny dandelion seeds tumbled out. Could sense the confusion, as the bard recognized and remembered what those little seeds were. "I also got a gift for Fèng." That was it. The silliest possible thing.

"Fèng?" Venti echoed, confusion and awe in his voice.

"Yes. Fèng. I know the name isn't very Monstadt in nature, but it just came to me one day and I just don't… Know how… Monstadt naming conventions… Work. Especially for hands." As Xiao spoke, echoing words that Venti once said but with Liyue, the bard's visage of vague recollection shifted. From slightly furrowed brows to parted lips, gaze on the dandelion seeds. To those same eyes lighting up, snapping away from the seeds in hand to beam into golden ones that curved noting that recognition.

The silliest thing Xiao could ever say, and he was proud to say it - especially when Venti's arms were around his neck, and the kiss became a new means of breathing. Noses bumped, lips parting to let out laughter and sought all the pieces of contact they could. Venti then began to pepper kisses all over Xiao's cheeks and nose, and the yaksha's face began to hurt from how wide he was grinning from the feathering pecks and attention.

"You!" Venti started, "Are!" Came the next word between several more kisses, "So!" Another word, but even more presses of lips. "Incredibly!" After this, Xiao would want no other kind of shower but this one, "ADORABLE!"

Chapter Text

Everything was hazy, and all at once sharp pains bloomed inside his stomach that he could feel spreading out from whatever caused it. Eyes watered, and his vision had a deep purple in his peripheral while everything else became dyed in a red. Arms tried to move, but something cold and metallic kept them in place. The same was happening with his legs. Heart hammering, he tried to use his wings and a whimper left him at the emptiness on his back. Where there should have been terror, instead he could only feel sorrow. Not only for himself, but for something far away. Something he should have remembered, but couldn’t. Could only feel the burning in his body as it flowed through his veins, his once rapidly beating heart beginning to slow down. When he tried to call the wind in a last act of desperation, there was only silence. Not even a slight breeze. Where was he…?

“You can’t die yet.” A distorted voice ordered, clawed hands grabbing his face roughly enough to pierce skin. “I haven’t returned your ‘favour,’ yet.” The pain in his abdomen increased, and through the screaming pain he was able to realize he was being stabbed deeper with some kind of blade. A hoarse cry tried to leave his throat, but a liquid was being poured down it. He tried to turn his head, to move away just to scream but the hand refused to let him go. The claws digging deeper into flesh, locking his head in place. Whatever they were forcing him to drink, he could feel his body convulsing. Like it was melting his throat, and by the time it was over the sound of air was the only thing to pass his lips. “What’s a bard without a song?” The voice asked, a dark glee undulating in each word. “Let’s find out, shall we?” 

And somehow, the pain got worse.

A ringing scream was all Venti could hear, hands blindly trying to knock away anything and everything too close to him. Someone was next to him, speaking words he couldn’t hear and trying to touch him. No! Venti’s thoughts raced, trying to escape from whatever monster visited him in his dreams. Not again! He couldn’t, not again, he was finally…

“Venti! Venti, it’s me. Venti, please.” Whoever was talking to him, as he became more awake sounded more familiar. Their voice was gentle but worried. The hands were attempting to run along Venti’s shoulders, to use comforting motions but never to clutch or restrain. Venti’s heart was racing, the opposite of that nightmare. Eyes now open, the reality he was woken to was himself in bed with Xiao half on it with him. The yaksha’s brows were furrowed with worry, one knee on the bed with the other remaining on the floor. His hair was unusually messy, and there was the first hint of a bruise on the exposed shoulder with the green tattoo. Looking around, in spite of the dim lighting the moon provided through the window, even Venti could see that the rest of the room had been affected. There had been a small whirlwind, apparently. Venti’s stomach already felt sick from that dream, and the shame that was starting to fill it was turning the sensation into nausea. 

“I’m sorry.” It was all he could think to say, eyes moving from the mess he had created to where he had apparently hit the other in his fit. Xiao merely shook his head, finding the apology unnecessary. Getting punched by an Archon was certainly a first for him, but he was perhaps lucky in the fact it was the one Archon not known for his physical strength. More importantly, the act wasn’t intentional. If Venti ever wanted to hurt Xiao, his tongue was a far better weapon than his hands were. 

“Are you all right?” Xiao asked, his hands still gloved as he tried to softly rub the bard’s shoulders. It was a familiar gesture he was more accustomed to receiving than offering, and he hoped he was doing it correctly. The bard put one of his hands on Xiao’s, lithe fingers giving them a light squeeze. 

“...Yes.” Venti said, because no matter how he looked at it, he was. Physically, he was fine. Whatever that nightmare was, he could feel the after-effects on his body but now he could barely recall what its contents were. Now he was awake, in bed, feeling guilty about the way he lashed out. That had been just a nightmare. Venti couldn’t think of a time he had bodily reacted to any nightmare or dream. Not that he could really remember much of anything, as his memories blurred between what might have been and what was but he couldn’t decipher which ones were real. “I’ll clean everything up in the morning.” Venti sighed, and started to reach towards the other’s shoulders. Hesitating, he waited to see if the adepti was going to stop him. Nothing. Sucking in a breath, he brushed his thumb over the dark spot near one of the green tattoos. “I didn’t mean… I'm so sorry… I hate that I hurt you.”

“I know.” Xiao merely nodded, more to acknowledge the worry than much else. It seemed silly to him that Venti even apologized about it, but he tried to be understanding that even if it didn’t make sense to him. The regret was very real to the other. “Do you remember what scared you?” If Xiao were to venture a guess, probably the Rifthounds. Or whatever it was that made the bard so terrified of them. A head shake was his answer. Mulling silently over what the best thing to do was, Xiao’s muscles tensed. The priority was to comfort the other. That simple. He could do that. Xiao dealt with the hatred and curses of long-dead gods on a regular basis, all in the name of keeping Liyue safe. Helping someone feel safe was within his capacity. Maybe.

Crawling into the bed with the other, Venti moved over while watching with curious eyes. Always cognizant of his strength, of his placement, Xiao maneuvered the two until his back was propped against the headboard and he had the bard on his lap. Arms wrapped loosely around Venti’s waist, their legs a slight tangle he wondered if this was comfortable. At no point had Venti expressed annoyance or discomfort. Merely followed along, those eyes inquisitive every shift or adjustment of the way. Millenia ago, when he was younger and his heart too frail, Xiao found himself in many laps trying to console him. No matter how covered in blood he was, no matter how terrible the deeds he had committed against his will… Those arms, the comfort of being held and reassured had helped carry him through. At the memory, he may have tightened his hold too much, but he quickly eased it. 

“Xiao?” Venti finally broke the silence, trying to turn his head in hopes of catching a hint as to what the yaksha was thinking. 

“If you… Want,” Xiao hesitated. Much as the texture tempted him, the damage such actions caused still haunted him. In this case, he could perhaps do something in addition to helping. Perhaps this way, he could take care of Venti in a way only he ever could. Maybe Xiao's ability would help for once, instead of hurt. “I can consume dreams… I may be able to make that one go away, so you… Don’t have it again.” He ventured. This might help him,  Xiao wanted to convince himself. Wanted to genuinely, truly believe that he could help. The memories whispered, no, it won’t. Words not his own. You’re a monster that eats dreams, Alatus. Eat them all, fill your belly so you can reap the bodies afterwards, words that no matter how hard he tried to forget, never stopped whispering to him. Ones he desperately wanted to ignore, because this was the second instance of Venti waking from a nightmare. This time, his reaction was worst than the other night. Whatever was plaguing his rest, Xiao wasn't so sure Venti could continue to ignore.

“Hey, easy...” Venti whispered with small gasps, his hands running over Xiao’s arms at the tightened hold. Was now taking up the mantle of the soother. Face getting hot, Xiao relaxed his arms so that he was no longer gripping Venti’s waist so tightly he could feel the flesh beneath blanket and clothes. “There. Much better.” Venti breathed, and gave a pat on the arms resting beneath his hands. “Thank you for the offer, Xiao. But I think I’ll be okay. It was just a nightmare. Besides, it’ll probably give you indigestion and Verr Goldet will be quite cross with me. She’ll cut me off from drinks!” Venti laughed at his own words, and turned his head to look forward all in the name of letting the back of his head rest against Xiao’s shoulder. The side without the bruise, quite specifically. Instead, he opted to look at the other from the corners of his eyes, the edges curving with his smile. “So don’t force yourself to do something you don’t want to, okay?” 

The two became quiet, not that Venti had much expectation the other would say anything. That Xiao even offered at all was a kindness far beyond the yaksha’s comfort. All of this was outside of what the adepti specialized in, and it was hard to not start feeling rather special from the treatment. Based on the gloves Xiao was wearing, and the occasional flinch from his body, Venti was going to guess the yaksha heard him in his sleep and came running. No, he came teleporting, that would have been a much more accurate portrayal. There was a skip of a beat, Venti’s heart starting to flutter at such a simple act. Had anyone rushed to his rescue before, the way that Xiao did? Until recently, had Xiao been so lonely that the simple acts Venti offered held so much meaning for the yaksha? What else could he do for the other, then? 

Engulfed in his thoughts, Venti was reminded where he was and who he was with when Xiao’s face was suddenly close to his. So very beautifully close. There was no contact, but Venti saw the halo of the glow that Xiao’s eyes were casting on his face. The skip of his heart stuttered to a halt, his focus consumed entirely by Xiao, by the intimacy the pair were toeing the longer their eyes remained trapped in a shared gaze. A few breaths to a kiss away, and at the idea the warmth that filled his heart created new beats. With each one, a ballad was turning his veins into a beautiful melody. Xiao’s eyes glanced slightly to the side, distracted by something but Venti’s eyes were too busy watching how the yaksha’s lips parted slightly. Hope, anxiety, and longing all mingled inside of Venti. 

As much as he would have loved a kiss, Xiao caught on to what the other was thinking and immediately averted his head. “Sorry…” The adepti murmured, and the redness in his ears was telling. Had he wanted to, or was he embarrassed for Venti wanting something he didn’t? Swallowing hard, Venti used one of his hands to rest the tips of his fingers beneath the other side of Xiao’s jaw. Let the fingers slide along slowly, taking his time to offer the other every opportunity to refuse. By grace or something else, Xiao let his face return to almost touching Venti’s. Smiling in relief, Venti strained his neck to bump their noses together. Tilted his head down, cautious as he did so, until only their foreheads and tips of their noses touched. Venti could hear Xiao holding his breath, and the fingers on the yaksha’s jaw shifted down so his thumb could rub circles on Xiao’s cheek. 

“Thank you.” Venti said softly. Leisurely he shook his head, allowing the back and forth motion to offer an adoring nuzzle. One delightfully reciprocated, Xiao offering the affection with less trepidation than he had prior. One of the arms wrapped around Venti’s waist removed itself, the hand attached to it letting fingers weave into black hair so he could cradle the bard’s head. The song was quiet, but with a contented sigh Venti already knew it was quickly becoming his favourite. The thrum of his and Xiao’s hearts, both beating too quickly with a newfound happiness. 

Whatever that nightmare was, Venti decided with eyes growing heavy, he was glad to have had it. 

As Venti’s breathing began to slow, and his eyes completely shut, Xiao let out a long exhale. Didn’t dare pull away from how the two had settled in, the heat of Venti’s soft breathing on his face reassuring. Foreheads still pressed, Xiao enjoyed the rare view of the pink in Venti’s cheeks before it completely faded with the bard’s consciousness. Seeing the bard blush was far too rare. For awhile, Xiao had wondered how the bard would blush, if he even could. So these rare occasions had to be savored, burned into memory when any appeared. The soft flush that dusted Venti's cheeks and part of his nose. A blush that sadly didn’t spread far enough to reach Venti’s ears the way it did for Xiao. There was a small victory that Xiao had succeeded in seeing it again, even if that hadn’t been his intent. He had merely… Wanted to be close. Followed it without realizing it, and by the time he had noticed it was too late. 

With Venti pressed close against him, Xiao started to wonder. Thumb tracing the curve of waist to hip, the yaksha let his thoughts wander and the seeds of hope be planted in the light of Venti’s smile. 

Throughout the night, Xiao didn't dare move the bard. Would only shift when the unconscious form on him needed to move or twist. The sun eventually rose, but Venti still did not wake. Eyes on the sun rising through the window, Xiao gave a thoughtful hum. Odds were, Venti would sleep until noon. Yesterday had clearly taken its toll on his body, and the nightmare that disturbed his rest did little to help. While he weighed whether or not to get breakfast for the bard, Xiao's ears twitched. A soft hiss left him, for once agitated by the call for help. An annoyance that was quickly replaced with guilt and shame, because since when did Xiao's purpose become a frustration? Trying to push down the complicated feelings bubbling inside, he gingerly slipped Venti off of his lap to teleport away to whatever citizen got into trouble this time.

As he dealt with the slimes that swarmed the small caravan trying to take a shortcut through a marsh - as in the actual marsh, and not the road, Xiao tried to bottle the annoyance that wanted to return. To not be frustrated at the time he now needed to spend helping these mortals get back to the road. Instead, try to focus on better thoughts. Mulled over different ideas, before settling on one: Lantern Rite. That was something Xiao could do. Since he and Venti discussed going back to Liyue Harbor, just the two of them… With a determined nod, an act the traders would confused by but dared not question, the yaksha had settled on a plan. After these humans were safely back on the road, Xiao would go find flowers. Or rather, get help from Menogias to gather a bouquet, maybe clean up after this. Look nice, and ask Venti to be his date to the Lantern Rite.

Give Venti another beautiful day, the way Venti had given Xiao a perfect one.

…

…

Hot. That was all Venti knew, his eyelids heavy and his body still full of exhaustion. Breathing was smooth, but it was as if each breath wasn't enough. His lungs tight, burning at not having enough air. To add on, his head was pouding and beyond the heat and the aches that followed he couldn't make sense of why he felt so awful. Yes, he drank some but not heavily. Whatever this was, the pain took the air from his lungs and couldn't possibly be as simple as a hangover. Groaning, he shakily tried to push himself up. On the offchance this was merely the worst hangover in history, he just needed water and food. Hoped this was just dehydration and hunger. At worst, maybe a fever from trying to do too much at once. Venti's arms wobbled, only to crumple beneath him and a grunt left him as he collapsed back into the bed. Steadied his breathing, tried to focus on getting as much oxygen into his lungs. To ignore the new strikes of heat and pain lacing up his sides and back. Allowed the waves of pain to ease, before making a second attempt.

Managed to stumble out of bed and into the washroom, grabbing the ladle and bucket to scoop as much water as he could. Water that was intended for a light morning rinse, such as his face and hands, but right then mattered little. The water was cool down his throat, stale but still clean for consumption. Gasped between the greedy sips, one hand clasping the corner of the counter to keep himself upright. Started to take stock of himself - the way his hair felt wet and mattered, sticking in clumps to his sweaty face. Even his clothes were clinging to him, simple night ones that he had switched to before bed after returning from the harbor. Wearily looked at himself in the mirror, distantly curious if he looked as awful as he felt.

And then he screamed.

Stumbled and fell backwards, yelping as his shoulder crashed against the wall, hand flailing and clasping onto the bucket and spilling water everywhere. Lay on the floor, dazed and disoriented, his vision clouded with pulsing cubes of crimson, shifting and twitching as flames were ignited all around the crumbling city. The heat permeated, the smoke and blood filling Venti's nose. As for the mirror, there was Him but Not Him. Wings open and unfurled, stained with violence. Hair aglow with Anemo… And wearing familiar robes, the white of them barely visible beneath the soot and blood of a falling city.

Short, shaky breaths left him. His vision couldn't tell him if he even was still in Wangshu Inn, or if he was in That Place. Was he awake or was this a new nightmare? Was this Memory or Reality?

Then a voice, a sole comfort in the blending of falsehoods and truths: “Call my name. I’ll always be there if you call.”

"Xiao?" Venti whispered. Had no idea what was happening or why, but knew he could trust in the yaksha. Trust that could never be misplaced. The response was a matters of seconds, Xiao flickering into his blurred sight in specks of Anemo. The yaksha dropped something from his hands, and then to his knees, hands quickly checking the bard over for injuries.

"Venti? What happened?" Xiao asked, careful to keep the fear out of his voice but unable to stop the way it filled his eyes.

"I don't…" Venti didn't know, and now the heat was getting worse. Each brush of Xiao's hands left behind a strange sting, and he couldn't even process the way he was started to flinch at the contact. Gold eyes, however, did notice. Gloved hands froze, Xiao's entire body going rigid as understanding and dread made the strange scene into what it was. Setting his jaw, Xiao picked Venti up with more urgency than care. A last pained wheeze left the bard, only to lose consciousness once more.

"I'm sorry." Xiao whispered, teleporting the pair out of Wangshu Inn, and straight to help.

When Venti next woke up, it was in an unfamiliar room, in an unfamiliar bed, and night had since arrived. This time, the heat and visions had since subsided. Though his eyes wavered when he tried to open them, the weight was different. Venti was just… Tired. Blearily tried to make sense of where he was now, memory catching up and immediately trying to locate his yaksha. "…Xiao…?" His voice didn't sound like his own. As if he was relaying what he wanted to say, and then someone else's mouth opened on his behalf.

"Ah. You're awake." A dulcet voice, one that broke Venti's heart hearing it though he couldn't grasp why. "Xiao is all right, but he cannot be here. Not right now." The voice explained, tender and apologetic. Two words that didn't sit right with Venti, being the tones spoken with by this particular person.

But who was it? Venti knew, but then he didn't. The name, Zhongli, was his name, but that name felt wrong and distant. Nothing in his brain made any sense, a whine leaving him as a pulse radiated outward from his chest. "…Zhongli?" Even if the name didn't fit, Venti didn't know what else to call him. His tongue wasn't his, and the only other name made his skull want to crack open.

"Yes." Zhongli confirmed. With a soft huff, Venti managed to get his head fall to the side. Blearily looked at Zhongli, who sat in a chair next to the bed. Double-vision plagued the bard's sight, two figures watching him from the same seat. One was Zhongli, the funeral parlor consultant. A man, nothing more and nothing less. Another was a god, horns emerging behind his skull, arms of ebony enlaid with the glowing gold of Geo. A dragon's tail curled around the tail, smaller than what it could be but still larger than Venti's body. Both shared the same magnetic eyes that watched Venti, glittering with cor lapis that gave an ethereal impression of looking into amber instead of eyes. "As you are awake, I suspect there are some items I should catch you up on."

"Where's Xiao?" Venti inquired, wincing at the volume of his own voice. Across from him, the overlapping Zhongli and Him crossed their arms, expressions nuetral and stony.

"Wangshu Inn. You are at the clinic inside Bubu Pharmacy, in Liyue Harbor." Zhongli kept his words even, eyeing burning into and through Venti. Looking at someone else. Someone that Venti was afraid if he dared to try and look, would see Him. Whoever, 'him,' was. "The doctor was able to treat most of the karmic debt on you, but there's… Something else. I need you to be honest with me." The words dangled, more to be said yet left unspoken. That smooth visage of Zhongli's shifted, wavering with emotions buried deep that were not permitted to emerge. Circumstances deemed neutrality to be necessary. Yet lurked and linger emotions did. As the pause stretched, Venti's eyes stared blankly at the man next to him.

"…But I'm… Immune?" Venti murmured, disoriented at the words, treat most of the karmic debt, that could not process anything after that. If not immune, how had he managed to be so close with Xiao for so long? This didn't make sense. This was impossible. Venti was immune, he couldn't, there was no way-

"That is why I need you to be honest with me." Zhongli reiterated, sucking in a long, deep breath through his nostrils. An inhuman gaze was watching Venti, curious and detached, but there was also a very human one overlapping it with apprehension. Numbly, Venti gave a nod. "You're… Not human. But you're also very human. Are you familiar with alchemy?" A subject that had been briefly mentioned when Venti was first learning from Xiao, yet the mere mention dropped a cold blow into the bard's stomach. Dread. "With Baizhu's, the doctor, permission I performed my own inspection. Your body bears the typical signs of karmic debt damaging the body. But also, there's…" Zhongli's hand motioned around his own chest, indicating the area of peculiar scar on Venti. "An indicator of being an artificial life. This does not grant you elemental properties or abilities - yet, you still wield Anemo in spite of no Vision."

Artificial life? Venti's mouth fell open, eyes desperately searching the mingling and twisting images of the man by him. The cubes of crimson were starting to twitch at the corners of his eyes, daring him to look at them again. To witness what they could do, again. What they were always, distantly, threatening to do. "Is that… Why I don't have memories from before? I'm… Not real? Are the few I have, just fakes? Am I… Fake?" He hadn't opened his mouth to sound so lost, yet his voice was small.

"…I don't know." Zhongli admitted, after hesitating if he should even answer. "Creating life with alchemy, the Art of Khemia, should have been buried with Khaenri'ah. You shouldn't be possible. You should be…" Trailing, the heat in those ambers sombered, the first tugs of his brows pulling tight as Zhongli sought how to navigate. The way he yearned to comfort, yet restrained the urge. Knew kind words were a bandage, and the damage the two faced needed so much more. "I want to understand, so I can help us discover what it is that happened. Tell me everything from before you entered Liyue." A request, a demand, a plee. Different aspects of the man in the chair were reaching out to Venti, all determined to help.

None of those memories were ones Venti cared to recall, but he shared them regardless. The way he first woke up, the confusing discussions around him. Distantly, began to understand why the used the words they did. All that talk about the 'new body,' and keeping it - him - stabilized. The surprise at succeeding on a 'first attempt.' The pieces falling into place made him feel woozy, or maybe he was destabilizing. Found himself blinking slowly, unable to focus on his surroundings while Zhongli's face was blurred in front of him. Knew the other was saying something. Felt a hand trying to run through his hair, shaking him slightly. Then the metaphorical bubble around him burst, a ringing in his ears accompanying being able to hear again. "-atos?!"

"…Zhongli?" Venti murmured, suddenly aware he was being leaned against the wall, Zhongli cautiously holding him upright.

"I understand enough. You don't have to tell me more." Zhongli spoke gently, tone of a parent tending to a sick child. "You need to return to Monstadt. What they did," The man paused, body tensing with restraight as muscles flexed in an anger that could level cities, and then quickly relaxed, "Was try to summon a god of Anemo. In the Land of Geo, there is no access to something known as the Anemo Throne. You weren't created to be so far from it for so long, so the Anemo that had been protecting you is… Less. There is a tree, known as Windrise, and it should help correct much of what you're experiencing." Zhongli could give more details, could provide greater depths and explanation. But he was walking a strange line, toeing around a contract. He was contracts themselves, and would never dare break one. The situation was peculiar, and finding the best way to do what was necessary one he was not overly fond of.

But humans had tried to recreate Barbatos, and falling apart in front of his eyes was the end result. In Monstadt, someone or someones were meddling with the forbidden. More than just Venti would die if left unattended, but Zhongli was a mortal, and Monstadt had never been his. It was his friend's, though. Venti was never meant to leave Monstadt, and whatever those humans found or did, succeeded in connecting Venti in such a way that being beyond it's borders starting to affect him. The constant cleansing of karmic debt, of protecting the people around him, had depleted much of those reserves. Until there wasn't enough to protect a body never meant to survive. One of Morax's regrets had been all those he had never been able to say good bye to. How peculiar it was, that Zhongli was being given that chance his past life never got.

"After that… Could Xiao be here?" Venti asked, hopeful for one thing. His entire body felt cold, everything scattered and wrong. Yesterday couldn't have been the last time they really got to be together. With his reality skewed and twisted and wrong… Xiao was the only thing left that made sense. That he could believe in, knew was real.

"I cannot say. But, myself, Baizhu, and even Hu Tao will do our utmost so you two can visit before you leave." Zhongli promised, placing a solid hand on the other's shoulder. Closing his eyes, Venti ignored the tears that finally spilled over. Pretended he didn't notice his body trembling, or the way his lip quavered as he tried to speak.

"Zhongli… Morax…" Venti didn't know what to call him, didn't know how much of who was talking to him right then. That hand on his shoulder remained steady, always as solid as the Geo the man embodied no matter his many forms. Opening his eyes, Venti asked, "…Who am I?"

"…I cannot tell you that." Zhongli and Morax both confessed, and gave the shoulder a soft squeeze. Gentle and careful, not because the person by him was fragile. But because the one by him was someone he cared about, and needed his kindness. "But, I can tell you that whoever you choose to be, that person is my friend. Has always been, and will always be, my friend."

In all the times they knew each other, as themselves, as gods, not once had Anemo been able to surprise Geo. But when Venti leaned forward, pulling Zhongli into a tight embrace, it took the taller man a moment to register how to respond. For too many millenia, centuries, Zhongli had been seen as 'too far' to be approached. Very few disregarded those airs. Wrapping his arms around the smaller body, Zhongli held his friend, gently rocking the pair back and forth. Whether this was goodbye or not… Zhongli, and Morax, wanted to treasure this moment with a bard whose trouble was always worth it in the end.

And when the two finally let go, it was then that Venti noticed the small bundle of flowers. As comforting as having Zhongli there was... How could he not mourn the fact the hands that should have given them to him in person, were not able to be there with him now?"

Chapter Text

Venti had been surprised to find that while arrangements were being made, he would be staying with Zhongli. "Should be a few days at most. Please, make yourself at home." The consultant assured him, a cot already made for his temporary guest. When the bard inquired why he was there, Zhongli simply shook his head. "Director Hu was cross to discover the Conquerer Demons took you, her friend, to her 'archnemsis.' Taking you in was less fraught than mediating those two arguing who's best suited for your care."

The explanation was enough, but Venti couldn't shake off that wasn't the full truth. As someone who turned phrases to hide his own truths for so long, the bard recognized when someone else did so. The way Zhongli made tea for the two to share, and the few times he woke to being covered by a blanket or moved to his cot… The answer seemed to be simply that Zhongli was worried. Each morning the consultant gave his guest medicine. The two maintained a polite silence, sipping on fresh tea. Afterwards, Zhongli would offer to assist Venti in applying the balm. The skin that had the most contact from Xiao had once been an angry red, the form of the adeptus having curled around the bard while he slept.

Polite as always, Zhongli didn't remark if he noticed the vaguely humanoid curl against Venti's back and across his stomach. Were this anyone else, Venti would have made a joke, to diffuse the sign of intimacy with playfulness. With the consultant, didn't feel the need. Relaxed in the odd acceptance that Zhongli provided. Let his body recover in a place in which Venti was a friend - nothing more and nothing less. No one in particular, but was still a particular person to his host.

By his second day there, he dared to test what to expect. "When do I have to leave?" Venti inquired. Part of his heart was elated to return home, a different one was afraid of Erne waiting for him. But stronger than both, was the ache to see Xiao and knowing he couldn't.

"Tomorrow." Zhongli sighed, amber eyes checking the fade of the rash-like appearance the karmic debt created. "Bosacius spoke with an adeptus, Cloud Retainer, and was able to establish an agreement. With the dangers within Monstadt, it was agreed sending you alone would be unwise. Cloud Retainer has a human disciple of whom has been… Quite detached from human culture. As such, this presents itself as a fine learning opportunity. You are rather proficient with words, and words are what she struggles with."

"Aha, so in exchange for her keeping me safe, I deliver sagacious colloquy to edify this disciple?" It wasn't often Venti got to throw around less-oft used words and tease someone. Zhongli simply left the door open for him to do just that.

"I approve of your already studying the thesaurus in preparation for your task." Zhongli countered easily, the trap he set paying off immediately. A laugh escaped the bard, who leaned against the back of his chair just enough for its front legs to lift off the floor.

"Mm, I'm sure." Venti said, chuckles tapering off as he worked his way to the next question he needed an answer to. "Zhongli. When I woke up, you said you would… Try. Does this mean… I'm just, is it…?"

"Yes. He'll be by this evening. I know some adeptal alchemy, and can produce medicine that help ease the pain for him. I have also suggested to him to use his Vision. How much that helps, we shall learn in time. I suggest taking this time to decide what you want to say and so, as I do not anticipate his visit to last long." Zhongli explained, remaining still with a curious gaze. Venti's eyes were on him, becoming more thoughtful and sentimental. "…Yes?"

"She'd be so proud of you." Venti whispered, lashes half-lowering with the ghost of a smile.

"She?" Zhongli repeated, head tilting by a margin.

"Yeah. Uh… She," Venti faltered, his thoughts gone and scattered, stealing whatever or whoever in the blink of an eye. The days had been like this. As soon as he let himself forget his mind was scattered, indeterminate how and what was real… There would be these moments to remind him, to steal away the calm. Venti hated it. It was as if something was trying to rob him of who he was, of his choice in who he wanted to be. "Hu Tao?" He eventually guessed.

"Director Hu, of course." Zhongli's agreement came across as more tongue in cheek, amplified by his chuckles.

"Zhongli…" Venti began, feet sliding back to the ground so all four legs of his chair were even once more. The consultant was watching, waiting, curious what the next line of questions would be. "Is this really the best choice?" The subject was left intentionally vague, the bard not even certain which aspect of the situation he meant.

"Because it is you, yes." Zhongli replied without hesitation. Held Venti's gaze, just long enough to see the way the bard's body once more relaxed. His guest tended to, Zhongli finally stepped away to put his coat on. "Keep an ear out for a knock in my room. Take care, Venti." With that farewell, Zhongli left his home.

And wait Venti did. Right next to the closet that Xiao had brought him through. More than once, from what he had been told. Leaned his back against the wall, his legs crossed. Closed his eyes, fingers imitating strings he could pluck were an instrument in his hands. The collection he accrued was still at Wangshu Inn, with promises each one would be cared for until his return.

His return. The representative from the inn sounded so confident that Venti would come back. That had been reassuring to hear, the way everyone at the inn saw Venti as part of their home now. No longer able wayward traveler of secrets, he was now someone that would return. And until that day, those instruments - and people - would wait for him.

The knock jarred Venti from his ficticious concert, one he paused without second thought and scrambled to stand up. Eager and anxious, the need to see the other urging him to fling the door open without pause. Didn't stop to remember what he was and wasn't supposed to do, only that there was Xiao and it was second nature for Venti to wrap his arms around the other. To hold tightly onto the familiar body that had been gone for days, to smell the earth that was Xiao. Soil and sky, sunshine peeking through tree leaves in the morning - that was Xiao. His Xiao. "Venti-" The yaksha sounded worried, gloved hands grasping Venti's shoulders. Neither returning the embrace nor pushing him away, unable to bring himself to do either. A stalemate between what he wanted and what was needed.

"I missed you." Venti stated, his words distorted through fabric and hair, his heart full and for that reason, was heavy in his chest. "I missed you so much." He continued.

"I missed you, too." Xiao caved at length, wrapping his arms around the bard. Let himself indulge in a deep sigh, taking in Venti. That the bard was doing better. Was much better than the last time he had seen him. At the memory, Xiao tensed. Remembered that part of why Venti was doing better, was because of the separation. Reluctantly, he pulled away. Gently disconnected the two, Venti's face starting to fall as the yaksha created the distance. "Venti, we… I can't. I want to see you, for as long as I can. But we can't touch, or I'll have to leave." It wasn't a boundary for Xiao's sake, but one he had to set for Venti's safety.

"Right." Venti nodded, his heart sinking further into his stomach and leaving a trail of numbness behind. "I know." He didn't want to know. The two stood there, all the preparation for the brief reunion lost as the grief of what was to come coated over those words.

"I… Brought you some things. Courtesy of Wangshu Inn." Xiao mumbled, a bag that had been slung over his shoulder now being placed on the floor. "Everyone wanted your experience to be good, so they all put together a care package to help. Huai'an promised he would save a bottle of your favorite, so when you come back you two can share it. Verr Goldet wants you to promise you'll bring new songs with you." As he relayed the words of others, Venti tried to not fidget.

The kind words of those around him were wonderful. Venti was grateful for them. But Xiao's words were the ones he wanted right then. Could see the hurt in those gold eyes, the way Xiao’s gaze was lowered even when trying to look at the bard. This is hurting us both, isn't it? Venti realized. "Xiao," He found himself interrupting, no longer able to look at the adeptus anymore than Xiao had been able to look at him. "I'm… I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." There was no hiding the quivering in his voice, no matter how much he needed to right then. Xiao was hurting, and it was a Venti's fault. The bard needed to console him, needed to be a pillar to help him through this. "I shouldn't have asked this of you, I've been so unfair to you."

Asking someone touched starved for centuries to be dangled in front of that person they no longer could? Venti wanted to kick himself for being so selfish. Screwed his eyes shut, frustrated and disappointed in himself. Unable to handle watching what he was doing to them both.

“Venti. Look at me, please.” Xiao spoke in a whisper, and Venti could feel the same heart ache he felt in the other’s words. His eyes stayed closed, willing to keep his tears at bay. No, he couldn’t cry. Between the two of them, Xiao had all the more reason to. Venti knew if he saw those golden eyes glistening, he would break down. Clenching fists, he focused on regulating his breaths. Slow, even, steady. He needed to support the adeptus, at least emotionally. It was the least he could do after convincing poor Xiao to put down those barriers, to let himself get used to touch. Touch that Xiao was losing once again. Thumbs slid across Venti’s cheeks, fingertips just barely nudging the bard’s chin upwards. The same thumbs swiped across closed lids, the featherlight pressure all it took for the tears to start flowing. Unable to avoid it any longer, Venti’s eyes opened. Lashes fluttered, trying to knock away moisture in hopes to see the other clearly. 

The gaze looking back at him held sorrow, but surprisingly no tears. One thumb was rubbing slow circles on Venti’s cheekbone, a simple comfort that brought a sob from the bard’s throat. What was Xiao doing? This should have been Venti consoling him. And hadn’t Xiao just pulled away from him, worried about hurting him more? “I’m sorry.” Xiao apologized, the roughness in his voice replaced entirely with that sweetness when it was just the two. “I forget that others aren’t used to separation like I am.” He continued in a whisper. 

“No, Xiao, I’m sorry, this isn’t fair to you, I’m so sorry…” The grief was thick on Venti’s tongue, guilt dragging him down. 

“Do you regret this?” Xiao asked, brows knitted together with worry and concern. Lips were drawn into a thin line, and his yellow eyes fretted over each line his fingers lay across Venti’s skin. Searching, worrying, afraid. Head still in the adeptus’ hands, Venti did a slow shake of his head. 

“I would never regret this.” Venti admitted, and immediately clenched his jaw trying to stop his mouth from trembling. No longer able to watch the pain on Xiao’s face, he closed his eyes and ignored as more tears spilled down. Felt his teeth bite on his lower lip, trying to distract from the pain in his chest with a more physical one. “I hate I’m hurting you. I asked so much from you, and now I’m taking everything away, and you’re even touching me after you said you couldn’t because…” 

“Because I love you.” Xiao finished, not daring to let Venti say anything else. Simple words. There were poems filled with elegance, made of prose that weaved images only the mind’s eye could ever conjure. Yet, those simple words engulfed Venti with more emotion than he could stand, crumpling into Xiao’s arms as the wails finally left him. Arms that shouldn’t have held him did so, didn’t deny the bard a chest to press his face into as the anguish escaped his throat. 

Nothing ever went right, did it?

This was supposed to be safe. Venti was supposed to be immune to the karmic debt. To not only cleanse Xiao of it with power that should have been unlimited, but to also offer a hand for whenever the adeptus needed it. The reason would never matter. All he cared about was if Xiao wanted it. Whenever they wanted to press fingertips together, before fingers would shift so that they could twine. To curl up just to be close, to have heat radiating into flesh as they shared space. A constellation that twinkled in their gazes, dotted with the stars born from each caress, each touch. 

“You’re not hurting me, Venti. You've never been unfair to me, either.” Xiao’s words were muffled by black hair, and the weight of a cheek being rested against Venti’s skull was comforting. A hand began to run through the shorter strands in the back, the other still keeping its calming press on Venti's lower back. “I’ve lived a long time without this kind of contact. I’m happy I got to experience it at all. I’m even happier it was with you.” Warm words that could lead anyone to melt. Venti needed him to stop it. Clutching tighter onto him, Venti’s insides were a white-hot lined with a pain-filled cold. I don’t deserve this, I don’t deserve him, went the bard’s thoughts. “We’ll figure this out. But we can’t figure it out if I… If we keep doing this.” Xiao couldn’t bring himself to say it, his own heart twinging the longer he held the other. No, he didn’t want to let go. But he would lose Venti forever if he continued to hold on, exposure to karmic debt a danger the yaksha was intimately familiar with. The boundary he had set backfired spectacularly, each choice the wrong one. Did Xiao protect Venti's heart or his body? He hated that he could no longer protect both.

Cleansing Xiao took energy, of which Venti did not have an endless supply of. It would have been far too selfish to ask the bard to exhaust himself to dust off the karmic debt until there no longer was a bard. It would have been selfish and irresponsible for Xiao to go back on his contract, though a voice dared to suggest it. Venti had been right. The adeptus loved Liyue and its people far too much - there didn’t even need to be a contract for him to do what he did. A love that ran deeper after Venti had given him the gift to truly meet them and see them with his own eyes. A love that fluttered in his chest, the memory of eating with friends… Of watching Venti listen, enraptured by the story-teller sharing the legend of the five yaksha, blue eyes occasionally glancing at Xiao with a smile that lit his eyes up in anemo green.

“I love you, Xiao.” Venti couldn’t bring himself to say anything else. With all the turns of phrases, the world of words at his beck and call… Nothing else sufficed. “What are we supposed to do?” He asked, trying to get his tears under control. A nose nudged against his forehead, and a weak laugh left the bard. Shifting slightly, he turned his head to the side so their noses could brush. 

“A beautiful poet once asked of me, his ‘silly sandwhich’… That I should try to live for him, not die for him. I think he should take his own advice, so someday I can hold him just like this... Whenever we want.” It was a good thing the pair were on the floor, and that Xiao was holding Venti. Because otherwise, the fondness in Xiao’s gaze, the subtle crinkle of his eyes. That smile, so fleeting and rare and beautiful. Venti knew his body was jelly, and the heat that had been trapped in the cold leaked out until his face was on fire.

“Who taught you to talk like that…” Venti murmured, trying to hide his face away. The hand that had been combing his hair molded to fit Venti’s jaw and cheek, holding him in place so he couldn’t obscure himself. The warmth increased, and the bard pretended he didn’t hear the sound he made. 

“You did.” Xiao reminded him, golden eyes carrying the laughs the adeptus kept contained. “I need to let you go now. Is it safe for me to?” 

“No. I need something first.” Pretending he didn’t know his cheeks were burning or that he had long since melted into the other, Venti closed his eyes. Leaned upwards, just slightly, heart on his sleeve and full of hope. This was pressing it, but if Xiao was really determined to break contact with him then he needed this last gift. Something to carry him over until the next time both gave in. It didn’t matter if it was for Venti’s safety. His heart needed this. 

Chapped lips were against his, the song in Venti’s heart hitting a crescendo. This. A caress that lasted seconds at most, but was sweeter than any apple he could ever bite into. A memory he could recall to abate the way his heart would clench in the future with each refusal from Xiao. The lips were gone, and a chill came over Venti as Xiao pulled away from him entirely.

Chapter Text

Of the many times that Venti stood outside of Wangshu Inn, none had carried such a surreal air. Couldn't help his glances at the top of the tree that held the inn aloft, unable to speak when spotting the familiar silhouette in the branches. Sitting next to him was Huai'an, the man's body language relaxed while his eyes kept a sharp gauge of their surroundings. The bag the inn gifted the bard rested by his feet, the contents already inspected. Some clothes, a dihua flute, blank scrolls with pen and ink… Even a Kamera. There was no way of gleaning exactly what Verr Goldet and the others knew, but they were at least treating his travels closer to a vacation.

An opportunity to capture a part of the world Xiao couldn't travel to. As if Venti was adventuring to build memories for them both, instead of… What even were memories to Venti? The ambiguity of what 'memory,' meant was shaken off. A thought to ponder when he was ready.

The morning was still young when a woman approached, a traveling cloak obscuring most of her clothes. Long white hair was carefully braided back, tipped in black like a paintbrush. Pale eyes devoid of emotion spotted Venti, and never moved away from him. With long, swift strides she was soon at the table. "Are you the bard, Venti?" She asked, her voice direct yet strangely devoid of curiosity.

"That's me! You're… Shenhe?" Venti inquired, and got a nod. Putting on a grin the same way he put on a show, Venti jumped to his feet. "Shenhe, a name as beautiful as it's owner!" To really sell his claim, Venti gave a brief poem. One that Huai'an clapped for, a relieved smile on his face hearing the bard hereturning to his normal habits. "Together you and I shall have a riveting journey, one that'll inspire books!" He went on, bright smile as he awaited her reaction.

"Okay." Shenhe agreed, giving a stiff nod, but that was all. Tough crowd, Venti thought. First impressions spoke all the words this woman did not, and Venti suspected she needed help with more than just words. "I will carry our luggage. Is this all?" She asked, pointing at his bag.

"It is! And you don't gave to-"

"We will move faster if I do." Shenhe interrupted him, grabbing his bag as if it was no more than a feather. "Master informed me time is of the essence. If you tire before we arrive, I will carry you, as well." As she continued in her matter of fact way, Venti awkwardly scratched his head. Cloud Retainer said her human disciple, right?

"You're very lucky to have an adeptus escorting you!" Huai'an whispered, politely keeping his volume low enough for just the three.

"Not an adeptus." Shenhe corrected him, and then began to walk away.

"…Huh." Was all both Huai'an and Venti could think, sharing a puzzled face.

"Thank you. For everything." Venti said, giving the inn owner one final, grateful smile.

"We owe you our thanks, too." Huai'an chuckled, and stood up. "Before you catch up with your escort…" He reached into a pocket, and then slid a small box into Venti's hands. "A most peculiar woman stayed with us last night. Apparently she had traveled a great distance to update her logs about Wangshu Inn, to include the new bard that performed. She was quite despondent to hear she missed you, but insisted I give you a gift."

"…Do you think she-" Venti treaded carefully with his words, trying to identify if he should be as concerned as his pounding heart implied he should.

"No, she was harmless. Just. Peculiar. Nothing we said seemed to surprise her, and she even managed to talk to our special guest this morning before she left." Huai'an explained, his brows raised in disbelief. "If our special guest isn't concerned, I know we don't need to be. But the timing is convenient, so, be careful." With the advise and gift given, Huai'an patted the bard's shoulder. Though curious, Venti held off on seeing what was inside the box. Just quickly pocketed it got later. Opted to give the inn owner a hug, smiling when the gesture was returned.

Last of the farewell completed, Venti spun on his heel to race after Shenhe… Who continued on walking, as if she had forgotten there was supposed to be someone on the trip with her.

Venti's entry into Liyue had been through backroads, and walking the reverse on the main one was much nicer. With the Millelith patrolling the roads, and yaksha anything outside of it, no monsters disturbed the pair. There were a few houses along the way, and periodically a cart being pulled by ox or horse would go by the two. Shenhe offered little in the way of conversation, but Venti happily filled the air with songs, poems, and even narrating what they were doing in verse.

From the corner of his eye, a highlight admist the dark cloud that dared to linger, were Anemo particles of someone that followed behind. Xiao could neither accompany nor follow Venti into Monstadt, but he was still watching over him. There was a warm reassurance in that, enough for Venti to lift the volume of his voice to be carried by the wind to the other. While Shenhe wasn't much of an audience, Xiao always was the best audience.

There were cliffs that lined the main road, narrowing the trip as Liyue began to transform into Monstadt. Familiar and unknown, salvation and danger ebbed closer with each step Venti took. Once he was in Mondstat he should be improving. Once he was in Mondstat, he might see Erne again. Tried to focus on what needed to be done, not on what could happen.

Glanced back one last time. Far away, standing near the very same riverbed the two first crossed paths, was Xiao. The calm breeze of Liyue tousled his hair, expression impossible to make out from this far. Every heart string of Venti's was being yanked, pulled towards the figure he had to keep walking away from. If he ran towards the yaksha, Venti knew that Shenhe wouldn't stop him. Kept his feet firmly on the earth beneath him. For once, wasn't comforted by the warm wind slipping in and around himself, Venti's braids swaying as his cape danced without him.

It would be so easy to run to Xiao. But he couldn't. Closed his eyes, forcing his breathing to be steady. If he ran to Xiao, maybe the yaksha would meet him halfway. Or maybe Xiao would force himself to teleport away, not daring to risk any further contact. Reaching into his pocket, Venti pulled out tiny little seeds. Opened his eyes, holding his palm close to his face. Whispered a secret for the seeds, shared his wish with the delicate gift he had been given. Parted lips slightly, and blew the pieces of dandelions out towards Liyue. Eyes of blues, greens, and heart ache watched the tiny sprouts flutter away from him. Felt the Anemo swirl from behind and past him, carrying the seeds on an invisible path to the riverbed.

I'll see you again. A wish. A promise.

Ignoring the sting hitting his eyes, Venti waved to the figure. Returned back to walking, hastening his steps to catch up with Shenhe. The more the landscape changed, the heavier Venti's body felt. Pondered how serious the other's offer to carry him was. On how she even would. Lifting his head to ask, the reality of no longer being in Liyue finally hit.

Venti's stomach dropped when spotting a knight, not a Millelith, patrolling along the path ahead. They were whistling, hands swaying back and forth in a natural metronome, peering around for any crevices Treaure Hoarders might be hiding in. Venti looked to Shenhe, and then at the knight. Then back to Shenhe. "Do you want me to talk to them, or do you want to try practicing?" He offered, quietly hoping she would want the practice. Couldn't stop looking at that armor and thinking of Guy, worrying about the knight that had been the only reason Venti ever escaped.

"Must we? Very well. I shall." Shenhe nodded, and with those long strides approached the knight. Spotting the newcomers that had no signs of carts or other indicators of being merchants, the knight straightened themselves.

"Good day! Welcome to Monstadt, strange yet respectable travelers! Or guests. Or… Ah, wayfarers!" The knight greeted, faltering briefly only to quickly regain their footing.

"Hello. We are travelers. I am an escort, and this is my blorbo. We are here to sightsee, and not set fire to the fields. I have been informed such acts are frowned upon, in the same way stabbing someone is." Shenhe had a way of speaking with no emotion on her face or in her tone. Which made it impossible to discern if she was kidding, nervous, or subtly threatening someone. Which meant the poor knight's face went through an emotional cycle that spanned the entire range of 'confused and afraid.'

For Venti, he was covering his mouth not because he was trying to hold back a laugh (he was), but because he was also a very serious teacher. This was enlightening for him, to see the flaws of Shenhe's conversational skills firsthand.

Right then, he decided there were no flaws, this was perfect, that Zhongli gave him a gift in the form of an exorcist.

"That is… An interesting choice to specify!" The knight replied, glancing between the two while hands couldn't decide placement. One wanted to rest on a sword hilt, but instead would be set on a hip, before stiffly shoved behind their back. "Sightseeing, very well! Monstadt has many beautiful locations. Might I suggest the cathedral, or even our beloved tavern, the Angel's Share?" The knight floundered, yes, but had memorized scripts to handle conversations. The mention of a tavern had Venti perking up, eyes round with interest.

"Trees." Shenhe said. The knight opened their mouth, gaze searching the woman for any visual hints they could use to figure out what that meant. "The biggest one here. To see. Because we are here to sight see. We will not be defacing the tree. Oh. But I would like to taste it." The more she spoke, the better Venti recognized she was trying to ask about Windrise. The tree he needed to go to. And she apparently wanted to eat. Before he didn't have many, but now Venti had several questions for the woman. Such as, was she secretly a horse? Shenhe claimed to not be an adeptus, but her being a horse illuminated beast would explain a lot.

The knight was not having the same luck in making sense of what they were hearing. Between the lack of context clues Venti was privy to, and now trying to process this stranger was either planning on attacking public property or eating it and they weren't sure which was worse. "I'm… Sorry. Listen, perhaps it would be best if I walked you to our lovely city-"

"No need. We can find the large tree, of which we will not burn or deface-" Shenhe interjected, only to be interrupted herself,

"Or lick." Venti offered, only happy to help really.

"Or lick." Shenhe confirmed, nodding again. "Thank you, strange yet respectable Millelith."

"That's a knight." Venti corrected her.

"This is day." Shenhe corrected back, not picking up this was a different word entirely. The bizarre conversation finished, Shenhe continued to lead. Venti followed after her, giving a grin and shrug of his shoulders to the knight as the pair resumed their trek.

The knight could only watch. Five editions of the Knights of Favonius Handbook… And not a single version provided suggestions on what they should have done.

"…If I were to taste one of the tree's leaves. Is such considered 'licking,' meaning I cannot?" Shenhe wondered aloud, eyes as devoid as always.

"Hmm! You know what, one way to find out! We'll lick it together." Venti laughed, glad to have the distraction. Put his hands into his pockets, fingers touching the last few dandelion seeds he hadn't released. In the other, felt the tiny box that Huai'an had given him. Curious and with a quiet traveler partner, he finally took it out to investigate. Ribbon had been wrapped tightly around it, and as he undid the straps discovered the wrapping on it was actually a letter. Unfolding it, he put the box back into his pocket to use both hands to keep the paper upright so he could read. The hand writing was tidy, and made his brain itch with recognition.

Dearest Bard,

I apologize that I missed you. To the you that knows - I have been quite busy, and am remiss I could not arrive sooner. To the you that doesn't - I wish we could have met, to become new friends. I had the pleasure of speaking to many who listened to you, and been in your company. What joy you surely found here!

They tell me you are returning home to Monstadt. I would advise you to be careful, but I don't really need to, do I? There are Thousands of Wind for a reason - the wind always blows where it wants to but also where it must.

In happier news, these kind folk have shared something wonderful with me! So despite missing you, I'm pleased to have made the trip. Please accept my gift - I call it the Dodocommunication Device; DCD for short. There are only two right now, my prototypes. This device allows you to chat with someone, no matter where or how far away they are. Isn't that wonderful? I wanted to give my old friend something special, and to make a good impression on my new friend.

The other one, I have given to a 'special guest.'

May we meet when the borders are strong again, and you know my name once more.

There was no name, and much as Venti would have liked to know who the mystery person was… The remark, 'know my name once more,' was reassuring. Whoever this was, they cared about Venti. A friend from afar, who also reassured him perhaps some of memories were his. Even if he wasn't sure who 'he' was. The only clue he had to go on, he refused to consider. Venti? A god? No. There was no circumstance in which he could picture choosing to be one. A god of freedom was an oxymoron - ordering someone to be 'free' did not take away that an order had been made.

Musings aside, Huai'an had been accurate calling the woman peculiar. That though she had an awareness that should have been impossible, she still had more confidence in who Venti was. More than that though, was the knowledge of the other holder of the DCD. Folding the letter, he tucked it away to open the box to next.

Inside was a small, round device. It was predominantly red, with some yellow on it and little rabbit ears. There was even a dream imitation of an excited face, just as happy to be in his hands as he was to hold it. Couldn't contain the way he grinned, giddy and delighted at testing it out later. Perhaps whenever the two paused for the night.

…

…

Tent pitched, a small bonfire going, Venti sat on the ground with his legs crossed. His hands were pitched into a tent, index fingers pressing against his mouth and pressing his nose to the side against his cheek. There was a large building visible in the distance, but neither knew much about who or what it was. Erring on the side of caution, the two settled against the cliffside not too far where the main road split into two directions. There had been some hilichurls, lurking nearby for unwarranted travelers.

Tragically, what their lurking led them to instead was Shenhe.

Venti had never seen someone bare-handed pick up and throw a mitachurl. A mask obscured the creature's face, but somehow the bard innately knew that whatever was under the mask, was the facial equivalent of shock. Several smaller hilichurls hurried after the flying form, panicked words leaving their mouths in an effort to save their yeeted breathren. The pained squeaks of that failed effort still haunted Venti.

Humming thoughtfully, Venti let his eyes settle on the exorcist. In her hand was a collection of sweet flowers and snapdragons, of which she took polite bites out of. Spotting his stare, her next bite hesitated. Then, she extended the flora out to him. Laughing softly, Venti's fingers came undone so he could lean back, palms flat on the ground now and shook his head. "I'm fine, thank you. But… Is that really what you want to eat? I have some prepacked meals from the inn."

"Master has taught me the importance of maintaining a healthy diet, and herbs offer much nutrition." Shenhe replied, but her words didn't sound much like an answer.

"Sure." Venti nodded his head filing the way she dodged his reply for later. "Are you excited to try the herbs in Monstadt, then?"

"I do not feel excitement." Shenhe informed him, taking another bite of her flora. Tilting his head at her thoughtfully, Venti merely hummed again. Somehow, he doubted that. Under the premise of needing to reach her with the reality being general curiosity he asked,

"Why is that?" Knowing more about her wouldn't hurt. "And, do you usually call people your 'blorbo,' or am I just special?"

"I collected some books on my way to pick you up, to study how people speak. Did I use 'blorbo' incorrectly?" Shenhe asked, watching him while chewing leaves. Human as she was, she still wasn't beating those horse adeptus allegations. "And I cannot feel emotions. My soul is bound by Red Ropes," she paused, lifting her cloak up to expose her black bodysuit and the crimson ropes that were wrapped artful throughout. Secret revealed, she then dropped it to cover her body from the natural draft that existed in the Land of Wind.

"Huh." Venti pondered about the story behind that.

"They prevent me from listening to the murderous whispers that fill my heart." Shenhe kindly answered his unspoken question. But now he had more questions. Namely, had anyone considered she might feel less homicidal if she ate real food?

"Is that so?" Venti mused aloud. "As for using 'blorbo,' depends on context. You didn't use it wrong, but you may have not used it the way you wanted to. Here, I'll teach you what it means, that way you're better informed for when you want to use it." He offered, getting up in order to sit next to her. Happily explained and laughed, using the book she had been reading to explain and provide examples in. The two passed an hour in this way, only ending when Venti kept yawning every other sentence. That exhaustion was returning, and he still needed to apply that balm before actually sleeping.

Settling into the tent at length, Venti pulled the DCD out. Cupped the small rabbit-shaped ball in his hands, holding it close to his face. Whispered, "Xiao?" Was hopeful. Desperately wanted to hear other's voice, not just for confirmation that was who held the other side… But because he missed him. Missed his yaksha. Waited for a sound, even as his eyes were becoming too heavy to keep open. Struggled to stay awake… And was rewarded for it.

"…Venti?" That voice, normally guarded and gravelly, so quiet and equally as hopeful. Between the burn from forcing himself to stay and hearing the one person he wanted to, tears spilled over Venti's cheeks.

"Yes." Venti spoke, words thick and face hurting from how wide he was grinning. "Hey." There were so many emotions, but shining brightest was happiness. The two could still talk. They had at least that.

"Hey." Xiao breathed out, wonder carrying in his voice. Risking shutting his eyes, Venti could clearly envision the adeptus' face. The way those gold eyes would glimmer, widening slightly while that slit pupil turned closer to an oval as Xiao took in more of his surroundings. That subtle shift of his eyelids, the hint of a smile despite his lips remaining neutral. "Have you… Arrived?"

"We're resting for the night, but we're in Mondstat. Should be at the tree tomorrow… But, I wanted to wish you a good night." Venti confessed, all but curling his body around the communicator as if it actually were Xiao. At the thought, a soft chuckle left him. "I just realized. You really are pocket sized with this. I'm carrying you with me everywhere…"

"…And I'm carrying you with me everywhere." Xiao's voice was so warm, a wave of comfort wrapping Venti better than any blanket could. There was a pang of loss that Venti couldn't reach forward to touch the other's cheeks. "Good night, Venti. I'll watch over your dreams from here… So sleep well. I'll greet you in the morning." He promised. Bringing the small DCD to his face, Venti pressed a light kiss to the forehead of the device.

"Hear you in the morning." Venti murmured, the smooth and cool surface a disappointment compared to the person that spoke through it. "…I love you." If not now, then when? And besides…

"I love you, too." Xiao replied, a constant reminder Venti was right to trust the yaksha would say something if he wasn't ready. It even sounded muffled, as if Xiao reciprocated the kiss against the DCD. "Good night."