from @bakerstreet
from here with
meteorder
I've gotten a lot better with my drinks, thank you kindly! I think sticking to one type helps keep my pranking fingers at bay. Jeez, I'm actually pretty long overdue for a good pranking... maybe Master Diluc ... maybe Miss Lisa...
Gah! Now you have me thinking of pranks, stop that.
[ He's trying to be good! Although, Zhongli may find it more bothersome to think back on spilled drinks, isn't that just life? A bunch of spilled drinks? They had a good laugh, even if Venti ran for his life in the process of it.
Even now... he thinks of it from time to time. ]
My timing is as it needs to be. I'll arrive promptly at the outskirts of Mondstadt's east gate and give you the best tour. The history, the gossip, and the best company you can expect. Just... let's avoid the church, eh? The sisters have been a bit agitated lately.
[ Funny enough, Venti's already taking down notes in a small leather notebook โ all key points of his city and the people he'd introduce Zhongli to. Little stars and hearts around important bullet items line the paper, but... he stops between messages to soak it in. It's funny how the tables have turned...
Morax is not dead. That news brought him such joy, just as Venti's awakening must have done the same to the geo archon. The bard can't help but smile a bit wider. ]
There's just a few rules you have to follow. Ready to hear them?
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I've gotten a lot better with my drinks, thank you kindly! I think sticking to one type helps keep my pranking fingers at bay. Jeez, I'm actually pretty long overdue for a good pranking... maybe Master Diluc ... maybe Miss Lisa...
Gah! Now you have me thinking of pranks, stop that.
[ He's trying to be good! Although, Zhongli may find it more bothersome to think back on spilled drinks, isn't that just life? A bunch of spilled drinks? They had a good laugh, even if Venti ran for his life in the process of it.
Even now... he thinks of it from time to time. ]
My timing is as it needs to be. I'll arrive promptly at the outskirts of Mondstadt's east gate and give you the best tour. The history, the gossip, and the best company you can expect. Just... let's avoid the church, eh? The sisters have been a bit agitated lately.
[ Funny enough, Venti's already taking down notes in a small leather notebook โ all key points of his city and the people he'd introduce Zhongli to. Little stars and hearts around important bullet items line the paper, but... he stops between messages to soak it in. It's funny how the tables have turned...
Morax is not dead. That news brought him such joy, just as Venti's awakening must have done the same to the geo archon. The bard can't help but smile a bit wider. ]
There's just a few rules you have to follow. Ready to hear them?
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Zhongi releases his support as Venti steps back. the little notebook is open between his thumb and forefinger, tilting it up in an elegant manner that now, after so long, comes easy to him. there isn't much to read on his face, he looks, if anything, quietly contemplating.
without much change in expression, he hands the notebook back to Venti. ]
Why didn't you say something sooner?
[ ah, Barbatos. ]
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"Why didn't you say something sooner?"
That's all he says? Venti's eyes tremble at the question as if it was an arrow to the chest. He's not sure what he expected, but he takes the notebook and holds it half to his face, covering his mouth.
He mumbles: ]
Really? You're always out of reach, Morax.
[ He says with a soft grunt of annoyance. War, duty, sleep, death, whatever separated them from this small moment... ]
Say something else.
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Cut him some slack, Morax, he obviously has it out for you.
with a pinch of his forehead, and a suffering sigh, he tries again. even as the breath passes through his nose, he sounds a little softer. ]
You were never good at getting what you wanted.
[ though it sounds less like an accusation and more like something far fonder. he offers out an arm this time for him to come closer. they can try that again. ]
Come here, Barbatos.
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Or maybe it was something else entirely.
Venti thinks he has it figured out and now that doubt spreads, but he refuses to regret. ]
I ask for little.
[ Which isn't absolutely wrong. They meet here in a library he's restricted to sneaking around in, he has no home to bring him to โ but... simply wanted to lift that mask that Venti, the performer, wears so well. ]
Come to you. [ Repeating slowly, as if he's doubting the next few moments. He clarifies, and slowly steps forward. It isn't until the tip of their shoes kiss that he looks up and stops. ] I'm here.
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see: the freedom in the contract is the gap between what is written and what is not, and there is always room for negotiation.
see: the restriction of freedom is in what can't be requested, in fear that the request would influence the freedom of whom it was requested upon.
Zhongli wonders if this is the impasse, but as soon as Venti steps forward he finds that he doesn't care. the offered arm draws around his waist as he steps forward, pulling him close again. it's not a light embrace, but Morax's tight grip, pressing him inward until their bodies are flush. the other arm rests over his shoulders, bringing him until he's buried against his chest, like the coils of a dragon. it's unbecoming to be a little desperate, but he has missed this. ]
I know things have been hard for you.
[ his voice is a gentle purr in his chest. ]
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The tight grip was not prepared for and he swallows a bit comedically and gasps for air โ if only because of course Venti will try to lessen the tension.
...It doesn't go away. It's only when he sinks his form forward with his arm weaving around Zhongli's side does he feel that loosen โ like a vice-grip on his chest being loosened. ]
I don't want pity. It's hard for everyone. You're dead, remember? [ Well. Rex Lapis was. ] But... do you wish to live, truly?
[ With mortal little moments like this, he means. His nails grip into Zhongli's back softly, taking the desperation as his own instead. ]
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The death of duty is not the same as passing to the other realms. You don't need to concern yourself with the nuances between the two โย I am exactly as I would have myself be in this moment.
[ so, the answer is yes, but he never wanted to die. he knew it was not his time, neither historically nor fatefully. there was no other choice beween leaving Liyue to Celestia and leaving Liyue to the humans. ]
Pity and comfort are not one and the same, Barbatos.
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He's wanted this for some time, but did he feel as if he deserved it? It's hard to say. Part of him wants to still pull away and keep their distance โ it's safe, but he knows all of the longing he's written in poems and plans mean nothing if he doesn't let it actualize โ manifest, hopefully. ]
I wanted you to come to Mondstadt to see how it's grown, for you to lay eyes upon a thriving free city that I am so very proud of. If you were proud of my city as well, it would mean... ah! Well, a lot!
[ Venti is quiet: ]
The city... ah, even with set-backs, they forge onward! From sampling the winery's best wares, to listening to the children practice their instruments in the square before dinner is ready... perhaps life could be as simple as we wanted.
[ It's a lie, but it sounds so believable coming from his lips. ]
I wanted your eyes on me, as well. So very badly, I may add.
[ Ignore him while his face erupts in red. ]
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for a brief moment, he frowns, more thoughtful than judgmental. then he tilts up Venti's chin with long, gloved fingers, examining his expression as if he were looking for something. he's pink โ Zhongli can see the blood rushing in Venti's cheeks, almost to his ears. ]
I stepped away from my duties as an Archon because I saw what you had done with Mondstadt. There is no need to be proud of what inspires you.
[ it seems a little silly, he supposes, to admit it so easily. it feels as if he's giving Barbatos something he hadn't worked for, or perhaps he's being too harsh, and perhaps he already had. after all, Liyue was thriving at the end of the world because of Barbatos' declarations of freedoms. ]
And for what? I will not put my eyes on Mondstadt when you're right in front of me.
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This was different than taken lovers or one-sided admirations.
If he had his wings, he'd have flown the coop by now.
Instead, the tilt of his chin draws a deep sigh past his lips. A touch sends shivers down his spine and he fails to stay grounded. His shoes leave the ground and he floats just enough on a small wind to nearly even their height. Searching... seeking something in how Zhongli looks to him. ]
Mondstadt matters will always fall to its people โ and now, I am left without any direct need to interfere. This is truly my people โ and yours, now โ standing on their own.
[ It goes back to their people for only a moment before Venti's hands scoop at the side of Zhongli's neck tentatively. Softly, experimenting with touch as much as words. ]
You'd be a horrible guest if your eyes stray, then. Horrible, I say. Does that bother you?
[ To have Venti so demanding? They are teetering on the edge, so close to crossing over a line that they cannot return from. ]
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Barbatos. [ he says, like a name is something grounding. ] Does this bother you?
[ there is some vindication in admitting feelings, but he wonders if Barbatos is afraid of rejection, or afraid of acceptance, as one would have different tethers than the other. it was like a game: the question what does he want from me? turns into doubt that Barbatos knew, himself. ]
Do you think I'll stamp your name on a contract and never let you out again? [ but in some way, all relationships were contracts, weren't they? ] You were always bad at utilizing them.
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No! It doesn't!
[ He protests quickly, as if all the things he was unsure about washes away. His inexperience in matters deeper than carnal experiences shows. He can serenade fair maidens and write poems that could bring old men to tears โ but no words could truthfully express their story. His grip on the side of Zhongli's neck tightens โ not enough to hurt, even if he could. It desperately claws at him as if he was afraid he'd be out of reach. ]
I'm bad at many things and I don't mind being them with... you. [ A foolish bard. A drunken wayward thorn in his side. Uncouth and ill-mannered. ] Morax...
[ They don't speak so plainly. It takes a lot for the words to leave his lips, so he asks โ holding back impulse and desires alike. ]
May I shut you up and just kiss you?
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I never did expect you to ask. [ he thought Barbatos would just do it, but he supposes that he only partially accounted for the jitteriness. then again, Barbatos was taken by his whims more than not. ] You must be familiar, considering kissing is the subject of many songs written by man wandering bards ...
[ is he going to continue? he definitely needs to be shut up, because it looks like if he's not stopped, he'll just continue. it's as if he's unintentionally handing Venti a new weapon for his arsenal.
he'll regret it later tonight. ]
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A precious choice that was as fair as it was intimate.
But, even he has his patience.
He plays coy, or simply, firm as a stone and doesn't dare kiss him first. Or even ask for it. Both hands comb up from his neck instead to squeeze his jawline, thumbs to the sharp bone. Venti huffs before he kisses him, winds making the bookcases rock from how deeply he goes for it. He feels pained, in a way, that he waited this long but it feels... right. To kiss him and hope he feels the same sparks coursing through him is all he could want right now.
He doesn't pull back โ not until he has to. ]
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for someone who prides themselves in being as still as stone, Zhongli bends so easily to meet him.
it starts sweet โย the brush of the lips as Venti huffs indignantly before closing the space between them. for the moment, Zhongli savors the contact. it's been a long time since he's had it, and even longer since it's brought some comfort to him. there's a swell inside of him that feels all too much like the call of Geo, but he keeps it at bay. the intensity is there, as if it's pushing up against the barriers, but it's no surprise, Zhongli has always held back.
he likes the taste, something that he's thought about for at least a thousand years, pressed up against him in mild desperation. it, surprisingly, seems to come naturally to him, even as he parts his lips and gives Venti some room to explore.
(yet, he's still here, holding back.) ]
u thought u would get away with this before bed?
He never got a clear indication what Zhongli liked in a lover or partner. When he thinks about it... he fears there's an incompatibility that puts their lack of resonance with Anemo and Geo to shame. For he was everything Venti was not โ but... perhaps that is why he seeks him so desperately now to fill a space left hollow. It's tiny, but there. The size of an arrow wound to his heart, if he wants to be sappy about it.
But... Zhongli's lips fit against his and that gives him enough drive to kiss. Soft at first, open eventually, and soon with a bite of his bottom lip โ he pulls back with features flushed and words fumbling out past his lips: ]
...Tell me you felt something. [ Anything, but preferably that he felt the same spark inside as him. It's almost pleading as the winds around them die down. He's thought of this on lonely nights for centuries โ feared seeing him when he awoken for the thought of how badly that desire would still be there. Yet... here they were. ] Please. Anything.
yes
physical pleasure is much like many of the other things that he's learned to appreciate in his life โ this is his first offering off it after he stepped down as Liyue's Archon. there are other responsibilities, but all of which are less pressing.
he touches a thumb to his bottom lip curiously, as if he's testing something. then Venti's pleading with him, and his head tilts like he's not entirely certain how to place it.
is he still unsure?
perhaps it's that Zhongli doesn't feel things in the same way Venti does, or that there's still little rifts between them that had always been there. Zhongli doesn't mind them, actually, he's learned quite a bit from those gaping gaps between the two of them. he's not sure how to express that, or how to convey it to Venti to soothe him. so, he doesn't say anything, and instead leans forward again to kiss him.
it's less soft this time, as if something that he had been holding back is slowly being chipped away, releasing a ferocity that's normally kept for the dragon that he once was. this time he fills the pocket of Venti's mouth, pressing his body backward and into the closest bookshelf. ]
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Words were a great tool as much as they were a great weapon. He tenses up, hoping the husk of his voice would confirm what they were feeling. Zhongli had always appreciated a good story โ valued the truth behind them as much as the intent. That is a middle ground he thinks Zhongli would go for โ or at the very least deny him here and there.
There isn't either of that.
Just silence and Venti's eyes tremble as he watches the way the man reacts. The thumb to his lip, the lack of words. It doesn't spill out sweet pleasantries โ Zhongli was no songbird and Venti so desperately wanted to hear him sing, it feels like.
Instead... action is what moves the Geo forward from the past. Tears down walls between them just enough. Venti's fingers curl down to his neck as he stumbled (yes, even as his feet finally touch the damn ground) and back into the bookshelf. Lines of fantasies pale in comparison to the one happening now.
If he wasn't lost in a gaze, eagerly kissing back to stave off the dragon's language of love, Venti may worry about Miss Lisa walking in on them. Instead, he only worries about what will happen when they both need to breathe.
He doesn't want to pull back.
So? He doesn't. ]
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he offers Venti no mercy, his kisses filled with heady heat that rises between them. when one kiss breaks, he tilts his head in for another, the length of dark hair falling over his shoulder. it is rather uncouth to show such affection in a public place, but after six-thousand years of life, two-thousand five-hundred of that spent in the throes of war, he finds that he doesn't care much. however, anyone bold enough to disturb them will incur the judgmental wrath of the former Geo Archon, even Miss Lisa.
still, Zhongli holds him steady, an arm around his waist just so that if Venti wished to lean on him enough to suspend himself from the ground again, that he could without second thought. ]
Is this a sufficient answer?
[ but it's not long before he's leaning in again for another. ]
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Wine-stricken nights, loneliness taken home to beds ... all of it lead them to this moment. His back was uncomfortable against the bookcase, his hands not knowing where to settle, but finally they bundle at the darkened strands seeping over his shoulder. Holding onto him, afraid he'd float away if let go.
When Zhongli pulls back, his own lips feel raw and sore โ such a forceful kiss, but he croaks out a soft admission: ]
No. It's not. Keep trying.
[ And try Zhongli does with his kiss, but Venti meets him halfway. Two forces crash against one another with no resonance but it feels right... and it works. Damn well, at that. A few books tumble from their place and the bookcase rocks, but they kiss like young dopes with nothing left to lose. ]
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while Zhongli always found a way to do his own duty through his loneliness (particularly around the time of Venti's long naps), it didn't mean that he wasn't stricken by it all the same. sometimes mid-step. sometimes when signing a contract, and the curve of someone's script would remind him of a long, lost moment with a lover.
it was a moment of release, a tight kiss with their bodies pressed together against the bookshelf.
then there's Barbatos. ]
You are ...
[ he says with breathless, fond exaggeration. he barely pulls back to reply. ]
Impossible.
[ though he has to wonder, as he presses his forehead against Venti's, as he loses himself in the not-loneliness of needed affection and warm, wet kisses, if this had been Venti's plan all along. ]
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So different, so set in his ways...
And yet, here he had bent enough for them to have this sweet moment where the air was stolen so desperately from his lungs.
The haunting heat of Zhongli's mouth to his when he mutters impossible makes the imp snicker against his lips. Though the name of Barbatos is heralded here, Zhongli knows all too well he was a trickster. With the man's features against his own, he fondly holds onto the sharpness of his jawline where he so desperately wants to become an expert traveler in. To learn Zhongli's body, to travel nerves and visit sweet spots... his face was red at the thought but he desperately wants to. ]
Would you have me any other way?
[ It's a cheeky smirk before he tugs him down for another peppered, light kiss to sate them. They can't keep doing this here! Even Venti knows that. ]
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instead, Venti pulls him down and he obliges. Zhongli, while certainly someone who has carved his own way through many canyons, still requires some level of seduction. Venti wiggles, almost flutters in his arms, and Zhongli keeps a grip on him.
for someone like him, affection doesn't matter where and when it's expressed. Venti will have to lead him elsewhere before he stops. ]
After so long, I thought you would know me better.
[ than assuming he'd leave Barbatos unsatisfied.
this, in a way, is also a contract. ]
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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 โ 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 โ [ They could do many things, they should have but this feels... like a homecoming in a way. ] โ if you'd like.
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a gloved hand rests on the back of Venti's shoulders, moving up and down absently, but methodically. he's gotten better at this from the last time that Venti had seen him, but it's been five-hundred years. he stands under Venti's wandering fingers and hands, giving him room to explore. ]
I haven't explored any options for lodging, yet. Would you be more comfortable elsewhere?
[ yes, they certainly should've done this sooner. ]
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