Work Text:
April 17th, Leaorre, Mondstadt. —–.｡*
Venti hummed softly as he skipped along the cobble path to the baking shop. He needed to grab a few missing ingredients for his apple pie.
It was the morning of Xiao's birthday, so he decided to surprise him with some of his apple pie. It was the first of Venti's baking that his roommate got to try, and it became a tradition to bake together on holidays or special days.
He'd kicked the door to a small shop on the outskirts of Leaorre open, catching it and closing it with his elbow. He smiled towards the boy at the register and began his search.
He needed apples, flour, sugar, and cinnamon. The blue-haired boy skimmed and searched each aisle, eventually finding his needs and paying. He was quick to leave the shop, heading to his next destination. The winery. The Dawn winery, in specific. He couldn't drop his streak of annoying a certain bartender just yet.
Venti dropped his items at the door and let himself into the warmth of his favourite winery. He caught a glimpse of said bartender, Diluc, talking to a few customers, and decided to look around.
Xiao had given him the exception of drinking only on special days. Which wasn't very often, but it was enough for him. He'd decided to go with a bottle of dandelion wine and a bottle of osmanthus wine, just in case Xiao didn't like it.
He hummed over to Diluc, who scanned over the bottles that were placed in front of him and rang them up. The red-haired man handed Venti the mesh bag that held his alcohol and wished him a good afternoon.
Venti said his goodbyes to a few of his drinking friends on his way out , and he headed back to the apartment.
Xiao wouldn't be home until evening, probably around 4ish, and it was only 9:30, so he assumed he had more than enough time to prepare. He sat out the ingredients and preheated the oven. He kneaded out the dough and emptied the apples, sugar, cinnamon, and a little lemon juice into the centre before putting it in.
Venti sat on the floor in front of the oven, allowing his mind to wander while he waited. He became slightly more nervous when he remembered what his gift was. He'd bought flowers and a few smaller items that he'd noticed Xiao eye in a few stores, but above all, he'd planned to confess today over dessert.
He has more than enough clues to connect that Xiao might actually like him back, but the lingering possibility he wouldn't still hangs heavy in his mind.
He sighed and soaked in the warm spring sun that shone through the window behind the sink. He scanned over the various plants and flowers that grew over the little flower balcony on the window sill and smiled. He'd be okay, even if Xiao rejected him. He had hope that they'd at least stay friends.
The oven dinged after 30 minutes and Venti pulled the pan out with his bare hands. He sat the pan on the counter and sprinkled a pinch of cinnamon and sugar over top, putting it back into the oven to retain its heat until Xiao got back.
His roommate had decided to spend his birthday morning with his father and siblings, and then he'd visit Ganyu and Fischl at the parlour , and then he'd head back home. That's exactly what he'd told Venti before leaving.
So now here he was, back in town, behind the counter of the flower shop he worked at, attempting to put together the perfect bouquet with all of Xiao's favourite flowers. He'd even added a few more symbolic flowers and tied them all together with a black ribbon.
Kazuha chuckled from behind the arrangement displays. “You think you've put together enough flowers yet?” The blonde spoke, tucking his bangs back behind his ears and leaning down to water a few Cecilias. Venti only shook his head, intent on making the most epic bouquet Xiao had ever seen, earning another chuckle from his coworker.
Finally, after almost two hours of picking through flowers and cards, he managed to put something together. He was exhausted. But he still had errands to run before he could go home.
He tucked the bouquet in his satchel and made his way to the smoothie van to talk to Aether. He always gave great advice, and he could really use the motivation. The window to the van slid open and Aether peeked out from the corner, smiling when he recognized the familiar boy. “Hey! What's up?” He asks, picking up a clipboard and scribbling down Venti and Xiaos usual order. The blue-haired boy frowned, fiddling with the strap to his bag. He'd already told Aether and his coworkers his plan , as well as his boss. All of which were pretty supportive of his idea.
“I need you to convince me not to drop everything at the doorstep and move to the next universe.” Venti deadpans.
Aether giggled behind the counter and shouted something to his little sister before answering. “Sorry, Paimon insisted on joining me today. She's hella annoying cuz I woke her “too early”.” He shakes his head with a smile as the six-year-old climbs a chair onto the counter and seats herself on a pile of menus.
Her light blonde hair flutters in the gentle breeze and she gasps when she notices Venti. She turns fully into his view and he can almost make out the purple sweater and blue jean shorts she wears. Her hair is clipped up with the same usual star clip their eldest brother had bought her when he graduated college.
“You didn't said you wake up so early!” She argued, crossing her arms over her chest and pouting. “I did too . I told you I'd pick you up from bubba's at 6:25, and I was right on time.” Aether argues back, putting the smoothie bowls together.
Venti giggles and reaches his arms up , allowing Paimon to climb into his embrace. He places her on his hip and she looks around, pouting when she can't find a certain boy. “Where's Xiao?” The little blonde asks, pointing to Venti's left. “It's his birthday , he's in Liyue for the morning. He’ll be here tomorrow if you are though ! I'll tell him to stop by and say hi.” Venti says, lifting her back onto the counter in exchange for the smoothie bowls that Aether places into his hands. He smiles and hands his friend the cash.
Aether nods and smiles as Venti walks off. Finally back to the apartment. He was definitely going to take a much needed nap when he got home. It was now 12:56, and the walk back to the apartment was about 18 minutes. He wondered if he should stop anywhere else to shorten his naptime a bit. He decided against it though, he desperately needed the sleep.
Once he got home, he threw his keys onto the table and kicked off his Converse. He put the flowers, pie, and card on the counter next to the sink so Xiao would see it and grabbed the notepad off the fridge. He tore a page off and scribbled something down for Xiao and left for his bedroom.
He didn't bother changing , he put a lot of effort into his outfit for the special day. He was wearing a black tank top, blue jean shorts, a blue jacket, and white Converse, which he'd abandoned by the kitchen table.
He tossed the jacket to the side of his bed and crawled under his covers.
He'd be okay. Maybe.
—–.｡*
Xiao shut the door behind him as the scent of apples wafted through the warm air of their apartment. He peeked around the corner before dropping his bags behind the couch.
Arranged on the counter for him was a freshly baked apple pie, flowers and a note. He picked up the paper as he placed his shoes by the door.
‘I hope you like the flowers , it took forever to put together lol . If I'm still asleep by the time you get home, wake me up and I'll sing you happy birthday :). -Love, Venti~’
Xiao chuckled and folded the note into his pocket before pushing Venti's bedroom door open . He looked around the room, the usual clutter in the floor making it a bit harder to get to the bed. He took a moment to admire the sleeping boy. He seemed so peaceful under the white and grey blankets that loomed around his body . The fluffy body pillow he usually cuddled in his sleep wrapped around his torso and his scarred arms wrapped around his blanket as if someone would snatch it from him.
Gods he was fucking adorable. Xiao almost didn't want to wake him up. But he did.
—–.｡*
Venti groaned as he was shaken awake. He turned over and met eyes with his roommate. “You said you'd sing to me,” Xiao said with a soft smile, sitting next to Venti on the bed. Venti sighed and sat up, fixing his hair. “I did, didn't I?” He chuckled.
Venti grabbed Xiao’s hands and led him to the kitchen. He lit all of the stressfully placed candles around the kitchen and shut off the lights so the kitchen was only lit by the usual fairy lights above the cabinets and the yellow light of the candle flames.
Vanilla and cinnamon swallow the apple scent and Xiao almost frowns. Then Venti grabs his hands again. “You're actually gonna make me sing to you?” He asks for confirmation, slightly regretting his silly decision. Gods, he should have gone with his previous idea and moved to the next universe over . Surely it wasn't too late, right?
Wrong. Xiao nodded excitedly and sat on the floor, dragging Venti down with him who groaned but smiled anyway. He sighed softly and crossed his legs.
Through a fit of embarrassed giggles, he manages to get out the song. Xiao can't help but lose himself in the soft honey-like smoothness of Venti's voice. His amber eyes linger for a moment longer than they need to, but it's alright because so do Venti's teal. The two burst out into laughter, holding onto each other for support as they heaved.
Once they calmed down, Venti stood. “You didn't eat any yet?” He poked at the untouched pie before reaching for plates. “I wanted to wait for you to eat with me,” Xiao mumbled, rubbing the back of his neck. Venti chuckles.
He places the plates on the table and tops them with a little whipped cream. He smirks at an idea and spins Xiao by his sleeve , taking advantage of the moment, Xiao yelps as whipped cream is sprayed into his mouth. Xiao chokes, spitting it back into his hand before laughing and dropping it back into his mouth.
Once everything is clean and put away, Venti watches Xiao take his seat at the table. He can't help but let the nervousness wash over any hole he once had, all of his confidence draining right then and there with the light of the doors to the fridge .
He sits across from Xiao, picking at the dessert. “Is something wrong?” The green-haired boy asks, dropping his fork and meeting Venti's nervous gaze. “ I have something I need to tell you before the night ends..” Venti states, taking a bite of his pie and standing. He doesn't dare to move any closer to Xiao though .
Xiao’s heart sinks. Did he do something? Had he said something? He clears his throat and looks up at the boy. He's unable to read anything but the anxiety that bubbles in his roommate’s beautiful teal eyes.
Oh archons, why had he decided to do this?
“Um..” He starts, averting his gaze to the floor. He thinks back to what Albedo told him.
“Y'know, I was very nervous when I asked Kaeya to go out with me. I felt like an absolute coward. It always feels better after you spit it out. I promise. Don't even think about it. Just let your heart talk. I know it sounds cheesy, but it's the best you can do.” Albedo smiles, placing a gentle hand on Venti’s shoulder, Rukkhadevata wipes the tears that fall from his eyes away with a soft hand. “He's right, y'know. I know it can feel like you're going to die before you say it, I've been there many times in my lifetime, but you'll feel better once you finally tell him. It's like a weight being taken off your shoulders.” Her gentle voice soothes him, releasing him from her embrace. Kazuha nods and smiles.
Venti takes one last deep breath. It will all feel better once you tell him. He wants to melt and soak into the carpet when he meets the bright amber again.
“I've been meaning to say this for a while, but I decided that this would be the best time to say it.” He exhales, and Xiao nods for him to continue. “I'm not the best at this sort of thing, so don't come at me if I fuck up. It's just something I need to tell you before it finally kills me.” He chuckles. Xiao smiles. Oh gods this was the end of everything.
“I think I'm in love with you. I have been since well , that night. I was just scared to tell you because I didn't know how you'd react. And I still kind of am. But I've realized if I don't say it soon, I'll just suffer on my own .” Teal travels back up to amber, and Xiao smiles. Venti feels like he's going to drop dead right there in his seat. The taller one stands and walks around the table.
Venti doesn't register anything before Xiao places a gentle kiss on his lips and he feels every inch of his body melt into Xiao. One hand grips the table to keep his legs from giving out, and the other wraps around Xiao's neck to pull him closer.
He lifted his other hand and intertwined his fingers with Xiao's. His face burns red when he finally kisses back.
After a few moments, Xiao pulls away from Venti and smiles.
“I think I love you too.” Is all he says before Venti captures him in another kiss, arms holding onto Xiao's waist. This time he pulls away first.
“I love you,” Venti whispers, his gaze lingers with Xiao's response. “I love you too.”
“I'm sorry I couldn't do much more. There's still a few gifts for you at the counter.” He chuckles sheepishly, leading Xiao into the kitchen again. He watches Xiao open the gift wrapping to each item, relief washing over him when finally smiles, eyes lighting up.
He stands and wraps his arms around Venti, pulling him into a tight hug. “Best birthday ever.” He whispers, and Venti melts once more , resting his head on Xiao's exposed shoulder.
The two change and decide to stay the night in Xiao's room. Venti chooses one of Xiao's work shirts and a pair of plaid boxers. Xiao on the other hand simply discards his shirt to the floor and opts for nothing more than blue sweatpants.
Venti doesn't hide it when his gaze falls and his face burns up. Xiao chuckled when he noticed and opened his arms for Venti to crawl closer.
The shorter snuggles into his embrace and places his head on Xiao's warm chest, letting Xiao lull him to sleep by carding his fingers through his hair, pulling the rubber bands out his hair so his braids fall loose over his shoulders.
“Sleep well, darling. I love you.” Xiao mumbles, pulling the blanket on top of them. Too sleepy to put together a full sentence, Venti simply responds with a kiss to Xiao's collarbone.
He'd have the rest of his life to tell Xiao how much he loved him. For now, at least he knew what Venti implied.