[ Just like Venti's always been – it's fleeting. Here and there kisses, lips just missing his and ghosting against the promise of more. Restraining himself is the surprising part of this, but he's not drunk. If he had a few more mimosas, perhaps welcomed Zhongli when he was more lonely... Venti would have been on his knees already. ]

I do! But, isn't there something exciting about still having so much to learn about one another?

[ His voice takes an interesting turn. It's unsaid what they would be learning. From friends to lovers, that was an entirely new realm of perception and study.

Contrary to what people think of the drunkard: Venti does his homework and studies well.

But that voice? It hooks with a sweet, sultry sing-song way – he's not wrong. The thought of seeing Zhongli in a new light makes him anxiously chew his own lip, thinking of how to go about this. Fingers dance down the side of Zhongli's neck, to his front and walk the line to his waistline as if he wants to reel him in, not just secure him. ]

Where are you staying tonight?

[ It's innocent enough, toeing the line of what was appropriate at the same moments his fingers tempt to undo his coat. ]

We could go – [ They could do many things, they should have but this feels... like a homecoming in a way. ] – if you'd like.