Chapter Text
“Zhongli! Xiao!” Venti yelled as he stepped over the threshold.
“No need to yell, Venti,” Zhongli reprimanded gently, raising an eyebrow.
“Sorry! Are you cooking? I’m hungry!” Venti exclaimed as he dashed forward to hug Zhongli, who had come to greet him.
Zhongli let out a small huff, a fond smile creeping onto his face as he began to pet Venti’s head. “To think that’s the first thing you ask. Yes, we have started cooking something, but it’s going to take a while before it’s finished.”
“Hopefully not six hours. Wait… We?” Venti let go of Zhongli and ran past him into the kitchen.
Xiao was there, standing by the cooking pot, stirring something with a focused look on his face.
“Xiao!” Venti called, wrapping his arms around him from behind. The sudden embrace made Xiao flinch slightly at first.
“Venti,” Xiao greeted, turning his head just enough to acknowledge him while keeping one hand on Venti’s arms.
“I didn’t think you’d be helping make dinner. What are you cooking?” Venti asked, peering curiously into the pot. Xiao’s expression shifted to one of mild embarrassment.
“Almond tofu,” Xiao muttered, his cheeks flushing a little.
Venti chuckled softly.
“I’m preparing a hotpot for us,” Zhongli said as he entered the kitchen, returning to the counter to chop spring onions. “I just started it, so you can still help me decide what you want to put in it.”
“Sweet!” Venti exclaimed, letting go of Xiao and bounding over to examine the various ingredients laid out on the counter.
After gathering his desired ingredients, he settled at the table. “You could offer to help,” Zhongli sighed, glancing at him.
“I could,” Venti teased, making no move to assist.
Zhongli shot him an annoyed look before turning his attention back to Xiao. “You’re getting quite adept at this,” he praised, wrapping Xiao in a warm hug.
“I—uh… It’s thanks to Xiangling and Gouba. They’ve been visiting the inn recently, and Gouba has been practically dragging me to the kitchen for whatever reason. I’ve… ended up helping them occasionally,” Xiao admitted, looking slightly embarrassed.
Zhongli chuckled and planted a kiss on Xiao’s forehead. “Kisses! I want one too!” Venti called from his seat, his voice laced with playful urgency.
Zhongli turned to Venti with a skeptical expression. “What have you done to earn one?”
Venti pouted, crossing his arms. “I didn’t realize they had become a reward for something.”
“Maybe they should. It might make you more dutiful,” Zhongli continued to banter.
Despite Venti’s display of displeasure, a slight pang of disappointment stirred in his stomach at Zhongli’s dismissive tone. He pushed the feeling aside. He could get a kiss after dinner, he reassured himself, focusing on the lively atmosphere in the kitchen and the warmth shared between them.
“Xiao! Are you here?” Venti yelled as he ran to the balcony of Wangshu Inn.
Xiao appeared behind the bard, wearing his typical scowl. “What is it?” he asked bluntly.
“Happy to see you too,” Venti teased, and Xiao’s cheeks flushed slightly. Venti shook his head with mirth, wrapping his arms around Xiao’s neck. “I missed you. Isn’t that good enough of a reason to visit?” He punctuated his words with a quick kiss on the cheek.
“Uhm… I… I guess so. But I still have some work to do,” Xiao replied, removing Venti’s arms and taking a step back.
Venti crossed his arms, a displeased look on his face. “Both you and Zhongli always have work to do. It’s a wonder you ever find any personal time at all.”
Xiao turned away awkwardly, avoiding Venti's gaze.
“Never mind,” Venti sighed, then took hold of Xiao’s hand. “Work can wait. Let’s go pick some flowers for Zhongli!” he suggested, flashing a bright smile.
“...Why?” Xiao looked genuinely puzzled.
“To show him that we love him.”
“He knows that,” Xiao replied, still not quite understanding.
Venti chuckled at that. “I know. But giving impromptu gifts and flowers is one of the truest ways to express that love. I’m sure Zhongli would appreciate it. Trust me!” He started to move toward the door, dragging the adeptus along with him.
“Venti, I need to go…” Xiao tried to object, but Venti was determined.
“Liyue’s not going to fall apart if you take a break from demon extermination for half an hour,” Venti said before Xiao could finish.
With a reluctant sigh, Xiao finally relented and teleported them to the inn's roots. For a moment, Venti felt disoriented, but he quickly spotted some silk flowers and pulled Xiao toward them, chattering excitedly as he picked the prettiest blooms from the bush.
“Here, hold these,” Venti said, passing the gathered flowers to Xiao. “Now, I want to find some wild glaze lilies and qingxin. Let’s go deeper into the marsh and see what we can find. Be careful with the flowers,” he instructed, leading the way in front of Xiao.
Xiao had grown quiet, looking a bit restless. Venti noticed this and asked, “Hey, wasn’t the glaze lily the flower that liked beautiful music? I wonder if they would sprout if I played a tune for them. Want to test it?” He pulled out his flute with a playful glint in his eye.
Xiao regarded the flute with curiosity, giving a small involuntary nod. Venti’s smile widened as he lifted the flute to his lips and began to play an old Liyue melody.
Nature seemed to join in the song, a gentle wind blowing through the reeds. The rustling leaves, the flowing stream, and the birdsong combined to create an enchanting atmosphere as they walked through the marsh.
As Venti played, Xiao felt his worries melt away, unable to turn his gaze from the bard’s figure, lost in the melody. The song slowed, indicating its end, and just then, Venti noticed a flash of blue behind some trees. The melody came to a close as he stood before a small field bursting with fully blooming glaze lilies.
“Look! It worked!” Venti laughed, crouching down to pick the flowers. When he turned to look at Xiao, he found him with a transfixed expression.
“Xiao?” Venti asked, reaching out to gently brush Xiao’s cheek. The touch seemed to snap Xiao back to reality.
“I… sorry, did you say something?” Xiao quickly built up his typical facade, but Venti remained quiet for a moment before shaking his head.
“Here’s the flowers. Can you hold onto them? We just need to find some qingxin,” Venti said, offering the bouquet to Xiao.
“Sure,” Xiao replied, taking the flowers. With Xiao’s teleportation abilities, they moved from one flower patch to another, Venti picking each one, until they had a beautiful bouquet.
“Zhongli will surely love this. It’s very grand!” Venti exclaimed as they settled near a pool of water, arranging the bouquet to look more presentable. He added some tall grass as accents, using it as a rudimentary rope to tie the bouquet together, while Xiao watched quietly.
“How about a picnic? I have some ingredients with me. We would only need to find a cooking pot,” Venti suggested after he was satisfied with the arrangement.
“I have to return. There are still some monsters near the main road that I have to take care of,” Xiao said, looking away.
“The Millelith can’t handle them? We barely managed to talk,” Venti replied, disappointment creeping into his tone.
Xiao remained silent.
“I don’t mean to keep you here by force,” Venti said quietly, turning his gaze away from the yaksha.
Xiao looked at Venti, then nodded, his decision made as he teleported away.
Venti tried not to feel too disappointed, watching as the space where Xiao had stood slowly returned to stillness.
It was starting to get late. Venti had arranged the flowers in an intricate vase, which now rested on the living room table, a centerpiece of vibrant colors against the muted hues of the room. He sat on the couch, his fingers dancing over the strings of his lyre as he attempted to craft new ballads. Both Zhongli and Xiao were still out, and unease began to creep into his mind as he wondered if they would come home at all.
Then, the front door swung open. Venti sprang to his feet, eager to greet whoever had returned. It was Zhongli looking distracted, his expression serious and hurried. As he entered, he paused for a moment, catching sight of Venti.
“I apologize, Venti. There’s an emergency, and I have to head back out straight away. I only came to fetch a certain item,” Zhongli explained, his voice brisk as he rushed past Venti toward his home office.
Venti’s heart sank as he watched Zhongli rush by, his usual calm demeanor replaced by an urgent air. “Emergency? Can I help?” he called out, a hint of worry creeping into his tone.
Zhongli continued toward the office without looking back. “No, this situation is under control. My adepti are already mobilized, and your presence could complicate things,” he said, opening a cabinet filled with scrolls and artifacts, his movements quick and purposeful.
“But…” Venti started to protest, but Zhongli cut him off.
“Venti! Please, just stay here,” Zhongli snapped, but the moment the words left his lips, he paused, visibly softening. “I’m sorry. I just… need to handle this,” he added, his voice losing its edge. “I promise I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
He took an item that Venti could not see before returning back to the front door.
“Is… the reason you don’t want me there, 'cause you think I’m weak?” Venti let the question slip past his lips. This made Zhongli stop for a moment.
“Of course not. I know better than to underestimate you. But this is Liuye’s problem, so it’s up to us to solve it,” Zhongli said as he tried to reassure the other archon.
As Venti didn’t say anything, Zhongli seemed to assume the situation was resolved. With that, he leaned in and placed a quick kiss on Venti’s cheek, leaving the bard standing alone at the entrance of their home. Venti watched him go, feeling a mix of confusion and disappointment as the door clicked shut behind Zhongli.
Once alone, Venti's heart sank as the silence enveloped him. The brief kiss lingered on his cheek, a bittersweet reminder of their bond. He brought his hand up to touch the spot where Zhongli’s lips had met his skin, a fleeting warmth in an otherwise cold moment.
Why did it feel like there was an unspoken barrier between them? Venti felt a gnawing sense of insecurity creep in, twisting in his chest like a vine. He loved Zhongli deeply, admired his strength and wisdom, but in this moment, he felt small. He could feel the urge to follow him, to lend support in whatever way he could, but instead, he found himself frozen in place, uncertain of his own value in the situation.
With a sigh, he turned away from the door and walked back into the living room. The vase of flowers he and Xiao had so carefully gathered sat at the center of the table, its vibrant colors a stark contrast to the muted emotions swirling within him.
Venti sank onto the couch, staring at the flowers. They had been meant to bring joy, a celebration of their connection, yet they now felt like a reminder of his solitude. He picked up his lyre, strumming absentmindedly, letting the music flow in hopes of soothing his restless heart. Each note danced in the air, but it did little to lift the weight pressing on him.
The melody turned soft and melancholy, mirroring his thoughts as he pondered why he felt so cast aside. Was it truly that Zhongli saw him as weak, or was it just his own insecurities whispering doubts in his ear?
Time slipped by, the world outside moving on without him, while he remained trapped in a haze of conflicting emotions. Venti closed his eyes, allowing the music to wash over him, and in that moment, he hoped that perhaps, when Zhongli returned, his fears would be silenced and the loneliness and sadness would evaporate.
Venti had needed some distance from the bustling city. He traveled as close to home without crossing the border. The cold wind from Dragonspine caressed his face as he sat at the edge of a cliff, pondering.
That was until he heard movement behind him. Turning to look, he saw Xiao, staring at him quietly.
“Hi. Come sit,” Venti called out, yet the yaksha did not move. Puzzled, Venti rose and walked to him.
“Something wrong?” Venti asked, scanning Xiao for injuries. They hadn’t seen one another after the day of the incident, and Venti was still oblivious to what had transpired.
Venti didn’t see anything out of the ordinary until his eyes landed on Xiao’s wrist. Many did not realize, but Xiao was very picky about his outfit. Every fabric, accessory, and style was dedicated to someone he looked up to, someone he shared a close connection. That’s why he didn’t change his outfit often, which made it all the more surprising to Venti to see the new bracelet on him.
Wordlessly, Venti reached out for the hand bearing the bracelet. He brought it close, stroking it unconsciously.
The bracelet depicted a golden dragon, its intricate gold detailing forming the dragon’s scales, with small pieces of cor lapis shimmering beneath the metal. The bracelet was clearly Zhongli’s handiwork. Venti could still feel the faint geo energy emanating from it.
Venti wasn’t sure how he felt about the bracelet. On one hand, it was an item exchanged between Zhongli and Xiao, so he had no say in it. Yet a small part of him was saddened, as he had seemingly missed something important that had happened between his two partners, without either of them saying anything to him. It made him feel unimportant.
“You would tell me if there was something wrong, right?” Venti asked while still stroking the bracelet.
“... What do you mean?” Xiao looked away, resembling a startled animal ready to flee. Venti offered him a tiny sad smile.
“I haven’t seen you in nearly two weeks. I was getting worried,” Venti said gently, trying to coax Xiao’s eyes to meet his.
“I… has it been that long? I didn’t notice,” Xiao lied, but Venti chose to let it pass; he didn’t want to scare the other off.
“Sit with me?” Venti asked, pleading. Xiao hesitated for a moment, clearly torn.
“I can’t. I sense some tainted monsters nearby. I need to take care of them. I just came to see why you were here,” Xiao said, beginning to retreat.
“Oh… I just needed a break from Liuye’s city life. And before I knew it, I came here. I guess I must be more homesick than I realized,” Venti chuckled awkwardly, hoping to lighten the mood. He was following Xiao’s retreating steps.
“Why don’t you visit Mondstadt if you’re homesick?” Xiao suggested, though his expression was still uneasy.
I fear you and Zhongli will move on from me if I’m not here.
“Oh, are you throwing me out?” Venti teased, though his heart wasn’t in it. Xiao’s expression turned serious, and a hint of panic crossed his face.
“No, that’s not what I meant! Never mind, I have to go,” Xiao said, clearly flustered.
“What if I come to help you?” Venti offered immediately. He had really missed Xiao. He wanted to talk with him, about anything really, yet it felt like the adeptus was slipping away from him.
“... No need. This is my duty,” Xiao stated firmly, his resolve evident.
Venti felt a twinge of desperation. He scrambled for some of the methods Zhongli had used to keep Xiao close in the past.
“Want to hear my new song? Or I could make you some almond tofu. Please, stay, Alatus,” Venti implored, hoping to break through Xiao’s wall.
“I’m sorry. I have to go,” Xiao said, stepping back before he disappeared into the shadows, leaving behind the cold winds and a distraught Venti.
Alone on the cliff, Venti felt a hollow ache in his chest. The wind howled around him, mirroring his turbulent thoughts. He gazed at the spot where Xiao had just stood, feeling a profound sense of loss. The bracelet still lingered in his mind.
With a heavy heart, Venti returned to his perch on the cliff's edge, staring out at the vastness of the landscape. He missed Xiao, missed the feeling of their connection, and he worried that the growing distance between them could become permanent. Venti sighed deeply, the sound mingling with the rushing wind as he pondered how to bridge the gap that had suddenly opened between him and the others. He needed to find a way to reclaim their closeness, to remind them both that he belonged there, too.
Venti was performing in front of Wanmin Restaurant, playing for two Mondstadters who were missing home. Despite the tune being one of his familiar melodies from Mondstadt, a crowd of local people had gathered to listen, intrigued by the bard’s enchanting music.
As he neared the end of his song, Venti caught sight of a familiar face among the audience.
With a deep bow after the last note played, he was met with applause from those around him. As the crowd began to scatter, Venti approached the two Mondstadters.
“Thank you! I’m so glad that you agreed to sing for us. We’ve been here a while now, and while we really like it here, there are certain things we miss from home,” one of the Mondstadters said, offering Venti a small bag of mora with a soft smile.
“Oh, it was my pleasure! Unfortunately, I need to go now, but I can come play another song sometime, in exchange for a small fee, of course,” Venti replied with a wink.
He waved as the duo headed towards the docks, then turned to welcome the new arrival.
“Hello, Kaeya. I must say, I didn’t expect to see you here,” Venti greeted the cavalry captain approaching him with his trademark grin and hand on his hip.
“I would say the same, except I heard from Master Diluc that you had departed for Liyue. And that is one of the many reasons why Jean sent me here to begin with,” Kaeya replied, his smile unwavering.
“Sounds like you were looking for me, yet I can’t imagine why,” Venti said, raising an eyebrow in mock suspicion.
“Mainly, for this,” Kaeya said, fishing out a letter from his pocket and offering it to Venti.
The letter was a plain white envelope, sealed with wax imprinted with the insignia of the Knights of Favonius.
“Although I suspect she also wanted me to check up on you. We haven’t seen you back home for some time, and while they might not show it outright, both Diluc and Jean seem to grow more anxious as the time passes. You might want to write to them,” Kaeya added, giving Venti a pointed look.
“Ehe—sorry, I guess I forgot to update them on my happenings,” Venti laughed awkwardly as he opened the letter. Inside were two invitation tickets.
“A ball? Held at Dawn Winery? Diluc agreed to host a ball for the Knights of Favonius in his mansion? How did you manage that?” Venti looked at Kaeya in surprise.
“Through arduous work. Want to sit down? We can discuss that over dinner. My treat, of course,” Kaeya suggested, gesturing to the counter.
“You know I can’t dishonor your request, especially after you offer to pay,” Venti quipped, and they ordered some food before taking a seat at the back of the restaurant.
“Now spill,” Venti demanded, leaning forward in anticipation.
“How did we manage to convince Diluc to hold a New Year’s ball? By using a couple of pretty ladies,” Kaeya smirked.
Venti was stunned into silence. “You’re bluffing. That worked? Diluc hardly seems interested in… that.”
“Well, yes, there’s a bit more to that. The ladies in question were Jean, Adeline, and Lumine,” Kaeya explained.
Venti burst into laughter. “They would do it! Now the only mystery is, why are you inviting me? I’m not a member of the Knights.”
“The Knights of Favonius have lent their name to the event, but it’s not exclusively for them. That was one of the clauses Diluc insisted upon. He and Jean collaborated on the guest list. The knights were automatically invited, but we’re making some security preparations. Can’t leave the whole of Mondstadt undefended while we party, after all. Besides us knights, Diluc and Jean have invited members from the Adventurer’s Guild, some church members, a couple of other notable citizens, and even some merchants, both local and foreign. To my understanding, Jean wishes to bolster Mondstadt’s trade with other nations with this ball,” Kaeya elaborated.
“That Jean. She’s able to hit ten birds with one stone. But it sounds like this is becoming a pretty notable event,” Venti remarked.
“Exactly. And that is also why Diluc wished for you to perform a couple of your songs at the event. Barbara, Six-Fingered Jose, and a few others have already agreed to sing, so you wouldn't need to entertain the crowd the entire night. However, it would be regrettable if the greatest bard in Mondstadt didn’t share a song or two on such a special occasion,” Kaeya teased, a glint of mischief in his eyes.
“Yeah, alright, I get it. No need to use your silver tongue on me. You know I wouldn’t dare turn down a request like that, especially if there’s free wine involved,” Venti laughed, his spirit lifting at the thought.
“Of course! It would be a crime for a ball hosted in a winery not to offer wine to the guests. I’m sure both Diluc and Jean will be pleased that you are attending. And many more after they hear your songs,” Kaeya said, satisfaction evident on his face.
“Oh right, you can bring a plus one if you so choose. The other invitation in the envelope is for them,” Kaeya tapped the letter resting on the table, a knowing smile playing on his lips.
Venti felt a warmth spread through him at the thought of sharing the evening with his companions, especially with everything that had been happening lately. “Thank you, Kaeya. I might just take you up on that.”
The rest of the meal passed with Kaeya regaling Venti with the latest happenings in Mondstadt. The tales of mischief and camaraderie eased the bard’s initial concerns. Just as they were finishing up, another figure approached them.
“Zhongli! Are you here for dinner?” Venti smiled, spotting the Geo Archon.
“Yes. I heard that you were in the vicinity, so I thought that we might eat together,” Zhongli said, his gaze drifting over the dirty dishes on their table. “Yet it seems I am too late.” Venti’s sheepish expression spoke volumes. “Sorry,” Venti mumbled.
“Never mind that. Are you busy? We could go browse some shops if you have the time,” Zhongli suggested, his gentle smile offering warmth.
“Didn’t you come here to eat?” Venti asked, a hint of confusion in his voice.
“Ah, well… I mostly just wanted to see you. I have plans for the next couple of days, but I want to make sure you have everything you need while we’re away,” Zhongli admitted, his demeanor shifting slightly as he spoke.
“We?” Venti felt a knot form in his stomach, dread pooling as he awaited the answer.
“Xiao and I,” Zhongli stated matter-of-factly.
“Oh…” Venti looked down, grappling with the quiet disappointment that washed over him. Why hadn’t they thought to invite him too? Surely they had a good reason, right?
Noticing the change in Venti’s mood, Zhongli stepped closer, taking Venti’s hand into his own. “You alright?” he asked, concern lacing his voice as he brushed his thumb over Venti’s skin in a soothing manner. The warmth of Zhongli’s touch helped Venti push down his hurt feelings, forcing a smile to the surface.
“Yeah, I just… know I’ll be bored being alone here. W-where are you going?” Venti stuttered, trying to maintain his composure.
Zhongli hesitated, glancing at Kaeya, who sat nearby. “We have to do some cleanup at a mutual friend’s place. There’s… some concern about what might happen if you came with me. We fear it could cause some disturbance. So, to keep the peace, I unfortunately can’t have you come with me.”
Unable to meet Zhongli’s gaze, Venti stared at the gem on the other man’s neck, giving a small nod in acknowledgment. Still holding Venti’s hand, Zhongli gently prompted him to lift his chin, urging their eyes to meet.
“Will you join me for an excursion around Liyue Harbor?” Zhongli asked, his fingers brushing against Venti’s cheek in an almost tender manner. The pleading look in Zhongli’s gaze tugged at Venti’s heart.
“Alright,” Venti whispered, glancing at Kaeya for reassurance.
“Sorry…” Venti began, but Kaeya interrupted.
“Say no more. I’ve said all I needed to say. You go have fun in town with this gentleman,” Kaeya said with a playful smirk.
“Thanks for the food. I’ll see you later, Kaeya,” Venti smiled back, feeling a mix of gratitude and guilt. Zhongli shot Kaeya a side-eye but quickly followed Venti as they left the restaurant.
“You remembered your wallet?” Venti asked, curiosity piqued.
“Yes,” Zhongli replied confidently. Then, stopping abruptly, he checked all his pockets and beamed when he felt it in his front pocket. “Yes!” he said, his pride infectious enough to make Venti stifle a laugh.
As they strolled through the streets, moving from shop to shop, Venti couldn’t help but notice how easily Zhongli got distracted by the unique items the vendors had to offer. It often resulted in Venti playfully dragging the Geo Archon away from various stalls before they could get too entangled in lengthy discussions.
Eventually, when they were called over by a merchant selling exotic food items from different nations, Zhongli found himself engrossed in a conversation about premium coffee beans freshly shipped from Fontaine. Meanwhile, Venti wandered off, captivated by a display of wine bottles stacked neatly in boxes.
Zhongli caught up with him just as he was inspecting a particularly enticing selection. “You want some?” Zhongli asked, noticing what Venti was reviewing.
“Yes, please!” Venti responded enthusiastically. Zhongli chuckled, shaking his head in resignation before taking the bottles Venti had chosen and heading to the counter to pay.
As Venti prepared to follow him, he spotted a familiar figure browsing nearby, accompanied by a lady who seemed to be attempting to convince her to set down a box of antique porcelain.
“It’s fine, Xianyun, really. I don’t spend much time at home anyway, so buying something like that is going to be…” Ganyu tried to insist gently.
“Nonsense! When one visits your abode, one expects to enjoy fragrant teas served from high-quality cups. The mugs you had were far from satisfactory, so it falls to me to upgrade your porcelain to excellent quality,” Cloud Retainer interjected, completely ignoring Ganyu’s protests.
Venti couldn’t help but chuckle at the scene, drawing the attention of both adepti. Xianyun shot him a slightly annoyed look, while Ganyu beamed in recognition.
“Oneself does not see anything funny about this situation,” Xianyun said bluntly.
“Don’t worry about it. I just find it somewhat sweet that despite all these years, you still have that same mother hen energy, while also having that same expectation of quality that most of you seem to possess. It reminds me of someone,” Venti said, stepping closer.
“Greetings, Lord Bar…” Ganyu began to greet, but Venti waved her off.
“Call me Venti. I can’t even remember the last time I’ve used that name,” he smiled at her.
“Venti then. What brings you to Liyue?” Ganyu asked, her curiosity piqued.
“Actually, I’ve been here for a full month already. I guess we’ve somehow managed to miss each other. As for why… well, the same as always. Things in Mondstadt have been slow, and with our mutual friend having more free time now than ever, I thought I would come and visit,” Venti replied cheerfully.
“Some clearly define free time differently than others. I might’ve retired one title, yet I am still as busy as ever. The bard is just pulling me away from my new responsibilities,” Zhongli’s voice came from behind him, a fond smile gracing his features.
“Nothing new there, then. One still remembers what a hazard it was every time a certain wind came to visit,” Xianyun said flatly.
“Yet I remember how the atmosphere was always joyous,” Ganyu quickly chimed in, eager to soften Xianyun’s words.
“Indeed. Outsiders always do liven things up when brought to an already tight-knit community,” Zhongli added, a smile on his face.
Outsider. Venti felt a sharp pang at the word, a reminder of his status in Liyue. He pushed down the feeling and plastered on his trademark smile. “Well, I couldn’t let this fossil here be buried by his work. Oftentimes, it took extraordinary methods to loosen him up a little,” he reasoned, shooting Zhongli a teasing smirk.
“Fair enough. I was also always trying to get him to take a break occasionally,” Xianyun admitted, giving Zhongli a light glare. The Geo Archon laughed at that.
“Habits die hard, especially for someone as unchanging as stone. I wager that the many catastrophes over the years have instilled in me an unreasonable need to control every moment. Yet I can count myself lucky to have many people trying to show me a different way,” Zhongli said, giving Venti a tender look.
Venti felt his cheeks warm at the attention and turned his gaze down to the ground, unable to hold the gaze any longer.
“While one is still unhappy about how you decided to use deception when you… retired… it is good that you are finally making decisions for your own good,” Xianyun said, crossing her arms and glaring at Zhongli.
“You are still mad about that?” Zhongli asked, a hint of nervousness creeping into his voice. Xianyun remained silent, her disapproval palpable.
“Uh… how is Xiao doing?” Ganyu asked suddenly, eager to change the subject.
“Xiao? Last time I saw him, he was fine,” Venti said, hoping to shift the mood away from the tension.
“He’s recovered then?” Ganyu inquired, her brow furrowing.
“Recovered?” Venti echoed, concern creeping into his tone.
“Oh, I was just wondering, as…” Ganyu started, her confidence faltering. She looked down, shyly continuing, “I-I heard that his karma has been acting up recently. Yet if he seemed fine…”
Venti glanced at Zhongli, who wore a stern expression but remained silent.
“With the nature of your relationship, I’m sure both of you have a better understanding of the situation than either of us,” Xianyun commented, her disapproving gaze fixed on Zhongli.
“Come now, Ganyu. We still have to go buy that new porcelain set. After that, let’s see if we can find Shenhe and Shuyu. I want to treat you to a meal,” Xianyun declared, picking up the porcelain box they had been discussing earlier. She started toward the merchant, with Ganyu quickly trailing after her, a small farewell waved back to the two gods.
Venti watched them go, turning back to Zhongli with a frown. “What’s happening with Xiao?”
Zhongli paused, the weight of Venti’s question hanging in the air. He remained silent for a moment, his expression unreadable.
“He’s fine. His karmic debt was acting up a couple of weeks ago, but we’ve managed to get it under control once more,” Zhongli replied, his tone measured as he started to walk back to their shared apartment.
“You’re not hiding anything? Why did I hear about this from Ganyu and not from either of you? Why is Xiao avoiding me?” Venti pressed, determination sparking in his eyes.
Zhongli remained quiet, focusing on the path ahead.
“Zhongli!” Venti grasped Zhongli’s hand, forcing him to stop. Tears began to well up in his eyes as he searched Zhongli’s face for answers, his heart aching with uncertainty. “Please, I need to know.”
Zhongli’s eyes widened at the sight of Venti crying. He set the wine bag down and reached out to brush the tears away gently. “Can you wait for a little bit? I’ll tell you everything after we return from our trip,” he said, his tone laced with remorse.
Venti’s heart sank at the words, knowing that no matter how much he pleaded, Zhongli wouldn’t reveal anything. He felt the ache deep in his chest.
Venti didn’t respond, the silence stretching between them, but Zhongli seemed to take it as affirmation. He smiled gently and picked up the bag again, his other hand entwining with Venti’s as they walked back to their home.
Once inside, Zhongli guided Venti to the sofa, gently urging him to sit down. He disappeared into the kitchen for a moment and returned with two steaming cups of tea, setting them down on the table before curling around Venti.
They sat in silence, the weight of unspoken words hanging heavy in the air. Though Zhongli’s arms were around him, holding him tightly, Venti felt cold and adrift, yearning for answers that remained just out of reach.
Venti returned to the house, humming the last song he played for his audience as he approached the door. However, he halted when he heard the voices of his two lovers coming from inside.
“...can’t tell Venti. He… becomes too overwhelming. I’ll become too restless,” Xiao’s voice reached Venti’s ears, causing his heart to drop a beat.
“I know he can be energetic and overly caring at times, but keeping him in the dark isn’t right,” Zhongli replied, his tone sounding remorseful.
“No! He doesn’t need to know about this,” Xiao shot back quickly, alarm evident in his voice. Venti felt a pang in his chest at the urgency in Xiao’s words.
Zhongli sighed, the weight of the conversation heavy between them. “I won’t force you, but I think you should tell him. Otherwise, it could lead to problems in the long run.”
“Problems?” Xiao whispered, contemplative.
“Yes. On many occasions when there’s no open dialogue between partners, it can cause misunderstandings and hurt feelings. This will eventually lead to a rift between people,” Zhongli explained, his voice steady yet laced with concern.
“Maybe… it’s already started to happen,” Xiao replied softly. There was a long pause, and Venti felt the air grow thick with unspoken words before Zhongli spoke again.
“We’ll get through this, Xiao. Know that I am going to be with you all the way,” he said in a loving tone that made Venti’s chest ache.
“I love you,” Xiao whispered, his voice barely audible.
“I love you too,” Zhongli replied back, and the sincerity of his words felt like a dagger to Venti’s heart.
Unable to bear the weight of what he had overheard, Venti bolted from the door. He dashed to the edge of Liyue Harbor, took to the skies, and flew to the roof of a solitary lighthouse. Perched precariously on the edge, he sat, desperately trying to recall the last time Zhongli had said he loved him. He struggled to remember if Xiao had ever voiced those words, but all he could conjure were images of the closeness shared between Zhongli and Xiao, and the growing distance that seemed to loom between them and himself.
Zhongli’s aloofness when dealing with him, and Xiao’s discomfort in his presence, gnawed at Venti. He spiraled downward, frantically trying to rationalize each moment. Xiao was just shy and reserved—that’s why he seemed uncomfortable whenever Venti put on one of his elaborate displays of affection. Zhongli’s frustration was understandable; Venti often caused him extra trouble. Of course Zhongli showed affection to Xiao—after all, the yaksha believed he didn’t deserve it. It made sense that Xiao trusted Zhongli the most; he had saved him from his previous master.
Jealousy twisted in Venti’s chest, coiling tighter with each passing thought. He felt so inadequate, questioning whether he was even a good partner to either of them. Did Xiao really dislike him? Did Zhongli still love him? The questions spiraled like a tempest, each sharper than the last, until Venti felt as if his heart might break under their weight.
His chest began to ache as he pondered these feelings. Laying back on the roof, his hat slipping off his head, he gazed up at the starry sky. Tears flowed freely, memories flooding his mind—moments that only seemed to support the idea that he really wasn’t a good partner to either of them. Perhaps not to anyone.
Desperate for distraction, Venti sat up, intent on making himself presentable before seeking out a drink, when he noticed the envelope tucked inside his hat. In the midst of his distress, he had forgotten to give the other invitation letter to Zhongli when they had gone shopping together.
Venti froze, staring at the letter in his hands, unsure if he should still present it to Zhongli. It felt trivial now, overshadowed by the heavy emotions weighing on his heart. After a moment's hesitation, he stuffed it back into his hat, the weight of it feeling insignificant compared to the turmoil inside him. With a heavy heart, he headed for the bars, seeking solace in the familiarity of drink and distraction, hoping to drown out the nagging doubt that lingered in his mind.
The next day, a gentle shaking pulled Venti from the depths of sleep. He blinked against the morning light, groggy and disoriented. The events of the previous night flooded back to him—his late return, the drinks he had consumed, and the weight of the conversation he had overheard between Zhongli and Xiao. He felt a fresh wave of anxiety roll through him as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes.
“Good morning, Venti,” Zhongli greeted softly, a warm smile gracing his lips. The sight of his lover brought a flicker of warmth to Venti’s chest, though it was quickly overshadowed by the lingering unease.
Zhongli had prepared breakfast—a steaming bowl of porridge adorned with berries and fruit, a delightful spread that usually excited Venti. But today, with his stomach knotted and his heart heavy, he found himself forcing down each bite. The taste was as comforting as ever, yet it felt burdensome to swallow, each mouthful sticking in his throat like a rock.
“Is something wrong?” Zhongli asked, observing Venti’s struggle. The concern etched in his features made Venti's heart ache.
“I’m fine,” Venti lied, offering a weak smile that he hoped would suffice. He didn’t want to worry Zhongli, even though he felt like a storm was brewing within him.
Zhongli glanced at him, the stench of alcohol still lingering on Venti’s clothes, yet he chose not to press. Instead, he started speaking about an ancient historical relic he had found recently at the markets. The way Zhongli’s eyes lit up when he spoke of his interests was always endearing, but Venti couldn’t focus on the words. They floated around him, failing to land as he drifted in and out of his thoughts.
He caught bits and pieces of Zhongli’s excitement about the relic's age and its significance in Liyue's history, but his mind was elsewhere—torn between feelings of inadequacy and the worry that he might be a burden to his partners. Each time Zhongli looked his way, Venti felt an overwhelming urge to smile, to assure him that everything was alright, even though he knew it wasn’t.
Before long, Zhongli finished his tale, rising to tidy up the dishes. He turned to Venti once more, giving him a soft kiss on the cheek. “I have some matters to attend to, but I’ll be back soon. Take care of yourself, alright?”
Venti nodded, though the gesture felt hollow. “I will.”
With that, Zhongli stepped out, closing the door behind him with a soft click. Venti stood motionless in the living room entrance, feeling the emptiness settle in the space left behind. He stared at the door for a long moment, listening to the sound of Zhongli’s footsteps fading away, until the silence enveloped him entirely.
With a heavy sigh, Venti turned back to the remnants of his breakfast, the bowl of porridge now cold. He picked at the fruit, each piece tasting bittersweet, a reminder of the love that surrounded him and the insecurities that lingered just beneath the surface. He missed Xiao, wondering where he could be, and the absence of his other partner only deepened the weight in his chest.
In that moment, Venti felt more alone than ever.
“Venti! How are you?” Hu Tao’s smile lit up the area as she spotted him approaching. Venti couldn’t help but return the gesture, yet his smile felt more like a mask than a reflection of his true feelings.
“I’ve been better, but I’ll manage,” he replied, the words tasting bitter on his tongue.
Hu Tao’s expression shifted, her eyes narrowing with concern. “What’s wrong? Something I can help with?”
Venti hesitated, feeling the weight of his emotions settle heavily in his chest. “Thank you for your concern. Unfortunately, what’s bothering me isn’t something anyone else can solve. But I’m sure I’ll… get past it, eventually.” He wanted to steer the conversation away from his troubles, especially regarding Zhongli and Xiao. Sharing his feelings about their relationship with Hu Tao, especially given her position as Zhongli’s boss, felt inappropriate—especially now, with everything feeling so fragile.
“Oh? What is it?” Hu Tao asked, her interest piqued, the seriousness of her demeanor contrasting with her usual playful nature.
Venti took a breath, determined to shift gears. “The Knights of Favonius, together with Dawn Winery, are hosting a New Year’s ball. Word on the street is that it’s the biggest event Mondstadt has hosted in recent years. And I happen to have one extra ticket.” He reached into his hat, pulling out the invitation and presenting it to her. “For our exceptional work together at the Neighboring Nations Congenial Poetry Gala, I wanted to extend this invitation to you. How about it?”
Hu Tao took the ticket, giving it a quick read before looking back at him with genuine appreciation. “I thank you for the offer. I have to see if I can make it, though. I have a funeral rite the next day, so I might have to overlook some final preparations that day. There always seems to be some final hiccups just before the due date.”
Venti nodded, understanding her responsibilities. “Of course, I completely understand.”
“Although, I have to admit, I’m surprised that you’re giving this to me. The way Zhongli talks about you, I got the impression that you are close. Wouldn’t he be interested in this event, to be your plus one?” Hu Tao added, a teasing glint in her eyes.
The mention of Zhongli sent a pang of heartache through Venti. He quickly scrambled for a response, feeling his chest tighten. “Oh, he seems to be really busy recently. One of his old friends just moved to the city, and he’s been helping her adjust. He’s also been helping Xiao. Because the Lantern Rite is approaching, Xiao gets even more reckless and overextends himself. Zhongli has been chasing him down, trying to get him to take a break once in a while. He’s one of the two people Xiao actually listens to; the other one being the Traveler.” Venti’s tone was neutral, but the lump in his throat betrayed him as he realized he was not among those few.
Hu Tao nodded knowingly. “He did mention something about that. Very well then. I’ll try to make it.”
With the invitation settled, the conversation flowed into lighter topics. They spent the next hour chatting, weaving poetry together. Venti found himself grateful for the distraction. As they crafted lines and shared laughter, the ache in his heart dulled slightly, allowing him to immerse himself in the camaraderie that Hu Tao brought.
Yet even amid the joy, a lingering shadow remained—a reminder of the conversations he had overheard and the uncertainty that gnawed at him. For now, though, he pushed those thoughts aside, allowing the warmth of friendship to temporarily shield him from the storm brewing within.
As Venti returned home, an oppressive silence greeted him, wrapping around him like a heavy fog. The quiet was suffocating, bringing back all the doubts that had plagued him recently and amplifying the feelings of isolation that clawed at his heart. Desperate to escape the weight of it all, he resolved to throw himself into a project.
He rummaged through the pantry, pulling out different cuts of meat and an assortment of vegetables. The sight of the ingredients gave him a flicker of determination, and he dug out a recipe for Adeptus Temptation. He poured his focus into the complicated dish, chopping and stirring, trying to forget his worries.
After he tasted his poor attempt at the dish, he took a bath, hoping the warm water would soothe his mind and body, but it did little to calm the storm within.
When he finally settled into bed, the scent of Zhongli lingered on the sheets, a comforting yet painful reminder of the love that felt so distant. The absence of Xiao's presence felt like a gaping void next to him. Venti tossed and turned, unable to find peace in sleep as his mind spiraled further into despair.
Frustrated and overwhelmed, he threw off the covers, dressed in his typical bard attire, and gathered paper and ink under the dim light of a candle. When he finished, he left a note on the bed, a declaration of him returning to Mondstand. After placing the note delicately on the pillow, he left the house, stepping into the night.
His heart ached as he walked away, but he was determined. He needed to return to Mondstadt, to the place that felt like home, where he could gather his thoughts and perhaps find a clearer path forward. The cool night air wrapped around him as he set out, each step taking him further from the weight of his emotions, if only for a moment.