[ it's another moment where Zhongli has to wonder just what Venti wants from him. at times it felt clear, other times as if what Venti was talking about suddenly escaped him. it was like watching a mountain through the fog at dawn, the peaks and jagged edges of stone colored in soft pale pinks and yellows, before it became shrouded in fog until it disappeared. he never quite liked the feeling, but it was so rare that each time it felt as if he should have somehow already conquered it.

his expression is thoughtful, if not a little pensive. for a moment, he watches Venti's display of ... mortality. ]

Indeed, we've never been at odds during our time. [ even though Barbatos had forged his signature during the on-again-off-again naps. ] Though you could say that I'm rather curious on what your opinion of that relationship would be.

Now that we're – [ and he clears his throat, looking just slightly amused. ] – squishy.