Chapter Text
It had been raining in Mondstadt for days.
Not just a drizzle, but more of a restless kind of rain; The wind remained lighter although. The city would sleep early these nights, windows would be shut and the lanterns were dim.
It was spring after all. The air smelled like wet grass and dew. But this year, the rain felt heavier than in the past.
Venti didn't mind the rain.
Usually.
He liked the fog that came from it, and the sound of the raindrops hitting the cobblestone of Mond. But tonight; his clothes clung to his skin, his hair stuck to his cheeks, and he felt sick. His lyre was tucked beneath his arm, wrapped in his cape to keep it dry.
He didn't know where to go. He usually slept in the tree at windrise, or in any secluded spots he could find. But the rain made it difficult to find one where he wouldn't get soaked. Sure he could dry off, but he had a performance the next day and really didn't feel like showing up soaked.
After a joyous night at the tavern, he found himself outside the back door. He sat down under the awning. His Knees were drawn close, while he listened to the rain slide down the roof above him.
☆
Diluc was working at the Tavern today, Charles had gotten sick with all the recent rain. It disgusted him when he heard sneezes in his tavern, this was truly a awful season.
When everyone finally started going home for the day he was relieved, only to find a strange bard when going to throw out trash out back.
The lantern light from inside spilled over the doorway, catching the shimmer of Venti's wet hair. Diluc didn't say anything at first, Instead staring at this soaked bard huddled against the wall like a stray cat.
"..You're going to get sick like that." He finally muttered.
Venti blinked up at him, eyes a bright and teal. "Would you believe me if I said I like it here?"
"No. But I'd believe you're stubborn to admit you're cold." Diluc sighed, throwing his trash in the bin as he intented. He then turned to look at the bard, "Come in. Just until it stops."
☆
The tavern is quiet, except from the cackle of the fire in the lanterns. Venti sat at the bar, like he usally does. After a while, Diluc hands him a mug- not wine this time, but tea.
"You serve tea now?" Venti teases, a tired smile on his face. One Diluc doesn't think he's seen before.
"Only for people possibly too sick for wine." He muses, looking around for a towel or blanket.
Venti laughs, but softly. He sounds smaller than usual. For a while they just listen to the soft patter of rain through the walls, not talking. And the bard had eventually laid his head down on the counter of the bar. With a fluffy white blanket drawn over him.
The rain will keep falling, but the wind rests.