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Today, Venti had transformed back into his small elemental being appearance, nothing more than a small wisp. He didn’t say to anyone why he reverted to this form, but it’s not as if anyone would understand him if he did try to explain.
In this form, Venti’s vocals only consisted of small chirp like sounds that no one could translate, not even the other Archons. However, this doesn’t stop the wisp from visiting the one Archon he felt comfortable with during his regression.
In Liyue, Zhongli was sat in his home reading one of his many books, while Venti nestled comfortably upon his shoulder, almost like a little bird. There was a unique bond of trust and comfort between the two archons - even in this vulnerable form, Venti felt completely at ease in Zhongli's steady and reassuring presence.
Zhongli wasn’t sure if the wisp was reading along with him until he began to make little protest chirps, using his body to thump against the tall male’s head for trying to turn the page.
“Are you even able to read this?” Zhongli raised a brow, turning his head to the small creature. Venti bounced once, his beady little eyes frowning before he hovered down into the page of the book, taking a seat there instead so that the page could not be turned.
Zhongli sighed and patiently waited… and waited… and waited.
“Surely you’re done now?”
The little wisp bounced up and turned with a small smile, shaking his tiny head.
“Barbatos.” Zhongli chided, only to be met with another small frown from the wisp who then stomped his tiny foot. “You still wish to be addressed as Venti, even in this form?”
Venti nodded.
“Very well then. But you’ve had long enough on this page so I’m going to turn to the next now, if you would be so kind as to move.”
Zhongli noted the tiny eye roll from the wisp before he flew back up onto the spot upon Zhongli’s shoulder. The bard didn’t even need to be speaking to display his sass which Zhongli found impressive.
After a few more pages, Zhongli noticed that the wisp had started to become sleepy, his small head bobbing as he almost loses consciousness a couple of times.
“Perhaps you would like a drink?” His sudden voice startled the little wisp judging by the small sound that emitted from him. Venti nodded enthusiastically to the idea, chirping delightedly at the suggestion. “No alcohol.”
Venti bristled and with his grumpy expression he looked off out the window with a defeated chirp. Zhongli chuckled, only imagining the list of foul names he could be calling him right now as he gently lifted Venti into his hand and then placed him on the ledge by the window.
“I’ll be a moment.”
Zhongli journeyed to his kitchen area and prepared a nice tea for himself and paused to consider if tea would really be the best to offer Venti. The bard clearly had a reason for reverting to this form and despite not knowing this reason, Zhongli knew that he was sought out as a comfort.
Just this once, he would allow himself to offer some wine.
As he was busy with preparations, he heard a sudden sound from the seating area where he left the wisp. A familiar sound that would usually signal the arrival of a certain adeptus. That’s right, Xiao would have most likely have sensed the Anemo Archon in the area, it would only be natural for him to investigate.
He placed his tea, grabbing two cups now for the new visitor and Venti’s wine upon a tray and left his kitchen area. When he returned, he was greeted with the sight of Venti nuzzling against Xiao’s face, chirping happily while Xiao seemed to return the gesture, albeit not nearly as enthusiastically.
“Good evening, Xiao.”
Xiao was startled out of his small gesture and gave a small bow to his Archon. “Forgive my intrusion, Zhongli.”
The Geo Archon could only smile that Xiao managed to use his name without mistakenly referring to him as ‘my lord’.
“Not at all. I’ve stated many times that you’re always welcome to visit.” Zhongli placed down the tray, watching as Venti flew straight to the wine, he knew was for him. “I am sure you sensed Venti’s presence?”
Xiao nodded watching the wisp dance around the wine glass in unbridled joy. “But I didn’t expect him to look like this. Did something happen?”
“Not that he’s told me, though it is difficult to understand him in this form. Worry not, as this isn’t the first time he has chosen this form, so I’ve allowed him to stay here until he feels like his old self again.”
“I see.”
Venti was already halfway drinking his wine, before Zhongli pinched the back of his cloak, lifting him up away from glass. “Pace yourself, please.”
Venti chirped his protests, his little feet kicking and his body wiggled left and right. The mischievous little imp then decided to zoom up Zhongli’s sleeve, climbing up his arm under his clothing.
“Barbatos- Ah!” Zhongli gasped, fighting off chuckles as Venti’s small form tickled under his clothes. “St-Stop this nonsense. Get out of there!”
Wispy chirps could be heard under his jacket, the small lump of Venti’s body travelling across his torso, creating featherlight tickles along Zhongli’s body. Zhongli twitched and squirmed, letting loose some small giggles as he tried to catch Venti, but the small wisp was way too agile.
Xiao was mesmerised by this new discovery. He had no idea that Zhongli was ticklish, not even aware that such a being was capable of feeling such things. He felt like he needed to intervene somehow. “Do you need assistance?”
“Ihihif yohou could grahab him, that wohould be wohonderful.”
Xiao nodded at his assignment. His keen eyes focused intently, like a bird stalking its prey before striking at impressive speed. His hand reached into Zhongli’s jacket and grabbed the small wisp, startling the little guy.
Zhongli gave a sigh of relief. “Thank you.”
“Of course- !” Xiao suddenly gasped as Venti shot from the Yaksha’s hand and dove into his shirt next, copying his same movements as he did with Zhongli to get Xiao laughing too. “V-Venti!”
Zhongli sighed, stepping closer to assist Xiao but due to Xiao’s speed, the mischief was stopped before it could barely begin. Xiao had already grabbed Venti out of his clothing, only a few breathy giggles leaving him before he did so.
Venti pouted in disappointment but looked up as Zhongli loomed over him in Xiao’s palm. An innocent smile was on the wisp’s face, but he watched as a large finger descended towards him. He braced himself, expecting to feel pain but chirped out in laughter when the finger wiggled at his small tummy.
“Such mischief can easily be reciprocated, Barbatos.” Zhongli teased, tickling the small wisp with just his finger, watching the way he rolled around chirping in giggles and laughter in Xiao’s palm. “Just because you’re this small, doesn’t mean you’re excused from feeling the wrath of the rock.”