weekend at zhongli’s 🕶

[geophysics]

( continuation of {HERE}.

it’s strange, having any sort of guest in the usually quiet apartment he has learned to call his own. occasionally, he’ll visit what remains of his old domains scattered throughout liyue; now, they are overrun with plant life and monsters and zhongli thinks back to when they were filled with laughter and love, if he dares to even call it that.

nowadays, he resigns himself to the mortal way of living: paying rent for a humble one bedroom apartment close to his place of employment. while he does have a second bedroom, he also has a spare futon that was imported in from inazuma back before the trading embargo really heated up. it’s never served the purpose of what it’s meant to, of course, with his only overnight guest ever being hu tao who had come over to work through some files and then passed out in the guest room from sheer exhaustion.

this is different.

hosting venti, his oldest living friend, seems to make him hyper aware of how little he has to offer as a host. liyue harbor is rich in history and activities, but his apartment itself is bleak. to some degree, he suspects, venti won’t be surprised - zhongli is an old man, after all. a blockhead. his boring apartment, with traditional liyue fixtures and kettles, speaks to that. he supposes venti won’t be spending too much time in it, but it still makes zhongli aware of how mortal they are, now, even as retired gods in name.

so when morning comes, after he’s certain venti is comfortably suited, zhongli can’t stop thinking of how soft venti’s hair was when he touched and how much zhongli wanted to stay up all night with him counting stars and recounting old tales until venti fell asleep, perhaps leaned against him, and zhongli could ensure he slept safely.

he almost burns his hand on the stove as he prepares them breakfast, zoning out like this. his hair is pulled back as usual and he’s wearing something much more casual than his suit - simple house clothes that are a single layer each, that still cover most of his skin but make him look younger. )

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[geophysics]

( zhongli affectionately curls the map back up, bops venti upside the head with it, and then offers it up back to him.

you cute little brat, you aren’t immune to more teasing! just like old times.

except old times wouldnt require zhongli to sit so close, the side of his leg just barely touching venti’s, his hand resting behind venti, almost touching, too. close but never close enough, dangerously in orbit but never crashing. )

Well? What does your map-reading prowess suggest?

[windblume]

[ His shoulders slump and he drops his head down at the bop. It was better than a meteor, at least?!

He'll take the map and scan it over, his eyes bouncing between the markings. Two done, like... two to go, maybe? He isn't sure. There's a scribble of a ruin guard with a big X over it, so they certainly will steer clear of that in the North.

For this? The pillar was pointed at but there were arrows pointing down.

Hm. ]

Hold on.

[ Venti just... leaves Zhongli behind and climbs up. He's fully standing up, nearly offering a dickful of a view for Zhongli but – as he nearly topples, a hand goes to rest to Zhongli's head to catch himself.

Because, y'know, drama. ]

It's moving.

[ Slight, so damn slight. No resonating geo would have told him but... Venti uh, just goes ahead and tries to jump. Up like some damn child, nearly slipping along the way. He's way too tiny.

Soon, he'll hop off, not aware of how close they had been just now. ]

Summon your beautiful pillar, Zhongli. Right on top. If my hunch is on the right path, the weight of a pillar will be the right kind of stone wrath.

[ Do it. Do the stone thing. Venti takes a couple handfuls of steps back – y'know out of PTSD. ]

[geophysics]

( zhongli is beginning to realize the problem with abstaining from sex for five hundred years. everything venti does is sending him into a lowkey crisis.

venti’s hand on his head with his hips so near — he could so easily just bury his face between his thighs and have venti tug on his hair -

stars, he needs to get off before he loses his mind. but not right now. right now, venti is telling him to — put a pillar on top of the other pillar? intriguing.

so he slowly rises from the ground, steadying himself and making sure his jacket hides any tight-pant situation.

the tips of his hair glow golden and with a palm outstretched, he summons a pillar directly on top, the geo energy thrumming in the air. )

That’s - ( he begins but the ground begins to positively rumble and what they’re standing on shakes, too.

instinctively? zhongli reaches out and wraps both arms tightly against venti, hugging him to his chest, his body almost doubling over hmm to protect him in the event of any falling debris or otherwise. )

[windblume]

[ It was a good idea. The best he'd have since he arrived here. He hustled a map from children and now look what was happening!

The pillar on pillar action sounded like it would make sense. Summoned down, weighting the decaying one like some... well, weight? It had to trigger something. He's seen far more complex devices in Inazuma, after all.

When the pillar summons forth and a few heavy knocks of stone beneath them trigger. A plate begins to open up – a secret 'trap door' a few feet away that rumbles the cover. Venti hadn't a second to think of moving before Zhongli takes hold of him. His ears nearly hurt from the grinding stones, of the change in the pressure. His hands go up to clutch onto Zhongli's forearms and soon. It was over.

There were more debris off closer to the pillar, which – good on Venti for learning him and Geo just don't seemingly mix. If he stayed, they'd both have been dealt damage if Zhongli didn't pop a shield.

Now, he's popping a boner. Go figure. ]

Are you alright?

[ Instinctively, his head tilts up and back – looking through the top of his eyes to him with dripping concern. Forget the supposed treasure. ]

[geophysics]

( venti looks sinfully cute like that. that so called boner is only worsened by staring down at those eyes and holding venti close.

he’s vaguely aware that a trap door has been revealed, that the adventure can press on and they can find maybe another capsule.

he also is aware that the danger has passed and he can let venti go. but he keeps blinking, staring down at him with his heart thundering in his ears. )

Yes. I’m fine. Are you?

( gently, to assure venti no rocks or debris had hurt the once god of geo. that must be what venti meant, right? )

[windblume]

[ Whether Venti was ready to admit it or not — it could have ended a lot worse. Even if he can move with the speed of the wind, he’s been making… mortal choices lately. His mind is too focused on — ]

Zhongli.

[ His name slips past his lips, just as time slips between them. They don’t move, just… ]

I am. Thank you, old friend. You’ve made up for all those meteors, I’d say.

[ Uhhhhh. Maybe they should… move! ]

[geophysics]

( zhongli stares down into those perfect eyes. he’s lost for a second, recalling all of the times he and barbatos squabbled but always ended up sharing wine by the end of it.

his hand betrays him, thumbing lightly at the edge of the corset, fingertips just barely slipping into the folds of fabric to touch at warm skin just above where venti’s shorts start and —

he quickly pulls away and dusts himself off. )

Made up for? You deserved those, Barbatos.

( TSUNDERE TIME because he was really close to wanting to shove his hand up venti’s shirt and corset to feel at his chest.

what is wrong with him. )

Let’s head over there. ( go the TRAP DOOR AREA. )

[windblume]

[ For every time the wind could leave the rock, lonely and forgotten – he returns.

Always.

The touch wasn't picked up on, he's too concerned with the sight. Amber eyes undeniably catching his interest more than any treasure – and he wants to claim them for his own.

But... he pulls away and he's left clearing his throat. ]

Subjective. For all the order you blab on about, whose to check you?

[ Whatever, man! Just be gay and pine for him harder.

Either way, Venti's off to the trap door there's small stairs leading down to a floor panel. There's two small indentations around the size of the capsules. ]

Okay, three for three. Progress! I wonder if this is the end of the line...

[ Venti gives Zhongli the cor lapis and takes the jade himself, kneeling down onto the ground he looks up to Zhongli with a calm smile. ]

Same time?

[ And he'd drop the capsule into the groove... ]

[geophysics]

( it’s very elaborate for a children’s map, honestly. he’s almost impressed.

zhongli cradles the capsule in his hand for a moment longer. how nice it is, that the capsules seem to mirror their own respective affinities. as if destiny. that, or their eyes, and zhongli is almost sad to see the jade go.

but he drops it down at the same time as venti. yes, he’s whipped and even if this isn’t a good idea, he does it anyway.

after the Pillar Incident, no one can blame zhongli for reaching out and clasping a hand gently over venti’s. just in case he needs to tug him to safety or throw up a shield, of course. that’s all there is to it. )

[windblume]

[ Who the fuck even orchestrated this??? Maybe someone was playing a long game to get two former archons together to assassinate them or maybe... hm, maybe children just find a way for the most magical of moments.

With Zhongli's hand snatching against Venti's – there's a rumble of the grooves they've placed their stones into. With a tight, forceful squeeze – the hole tightens and geo energy blasts through. Both capsules are shattered and all that remains are two golden rings.

You are my best adventure. If either of them were picked up, the inscription reads on the inside of the bands.

It seems like this was some old, ancient romantic treasure hunt. Huh! It seems like the map hadn't been massed produced or at the very least, the children knew not of what they gave away for free.

Venti doesn't pull his hand away until Zhongli does. ]

Um... are these –

[geophysics]

( zhongli has seen many rings in his life; he’s even assisted making a few for his adepti and their beloved. they glisten in the light and there’s a pang of sentimental yearning.

why would someone bury their rings? why would they put it on a map —

unless?

his hand doesn’t leave venti’s. zhongli blinks owlishly and then says without even thinking: )

Are they yours?

( IS VENTI PROPOSING? was this an elaborate proposal? his old heart may give out any second and he almost said “Yes” before there was any clarity. just a straight up affirmation and that’s equally terrifying to him. )

[windblume]

[ The story would be buried, the truth smothered by geo and mystery. It seems like whomever the rings were meant for never solved the supposed hunt. Or... something prevented them from doing so.

Venti yoinks his hand back when he asks if they're his. ]

Yes, you got me. I learned the geo art like our Traveler friend and buried these myself – NO, you old stone! I...

[ Delicately, Venti takes both into his hands. Soft, gentle, careful – he rubs his thumbs against the bands. ]

My heart feels tight knowing whomever these were meant for ... never found them.

[geophysics]

… perhaps it’s best to leave them here, then. There’s still a chance they will be found by their rightful owners one day.

( there’s hope that there’s still time for the lovesick couple. at least, zhongli likes to think so.

he reaches out to take the rings, fingers softly brushing along venti’s finger as he does so. a glow of geo follows, illuminating them. )

As they’re out of their capsules, I’ve added a protective enchantment so that debris and time will not wear them down.

( said as he gently places them back down into the little opening. )

[windblume]

A lovely thought that is, isn't it?

[ Something ripped straight from a ballad and tale of love. Venti wonders if decades from now, he can visit the spot and find the rings missing...

As Zhongli touches him, his eyes shut and a small smile crawls upon his face. When the resonance of geo engulfs the bands and Zhongli places them down into their respective places, Venti stands with a huff of amusement. Less sad, more... ]

Thank you. For giving hope.

[ That they may find their rightful owners. ]

[geophysics]

( a younger morax wouldn’t have understood the delicate emotions rings like these could bring. now, with time and friendship and loss, he can only hope for the eternal peace love will bring to the potential couple.

zhongli nods and keeps his hands respectfully to himself for the time being. his gaze wanders back to venti. )

We seem to have reached the end of this particular adventure. Shall we continue exploring, or would you like to return to the harbor to drink?

( HE IS EVEN OFFERING. how kind. )

[windblume]

You should already know the answer. [ A sharp tongue hides behind clenched teeth into a goofy, dumb smirk. ] We're all explored out for the day, wouldn't you say?

[ Wine and dine him. Make Hu Tao pay for 30 bottles, damn it. ]

[geophysics]

( wine and dine, indeed. )

Yes. ( and yet not nearly enough.

his expression is a little smug when he says: ) Had Rex Lapis not passed, I would have offered to fly us back. I am afraid unless you’d like to call the winds, we will have to return by foot.

( less time for wine. )

[windblume]

Aw man, bring him out for a special encore presentation!

[ Teasing, light – he'd never risk his friend losing his little incognito life. His well-earned retirement. ]

Let's travel to east. We'll glide down. It's faster, after all.

[ Any excuse to fly or to glide? Venti's all about it. He's already off – looking back with his feet light and his features unable to pull from Zhongli's gaze. ]

First an adventure, then a mystery solved, now gliding and – ugh. Wine! What a day in Liyue...

[geophysics]

( what a day indeed. zhongli can almost forget about how blue his balls are —

he follows faithfully after his friend, a worn smile on his face. )

Gliders have come a long way over the years, haven’t they?

( he’s genuinely impressed by their structure and the fact mortals can take to the sky. )

[windblume]

They have! They've developed gliders, they've increased production of wine, they've bettered their ships...

[ Mortals have improved designs from the gods themselves. He continues on, away from the ruins, whispering a silent goodbye to old lovers waiting for their rings... ]

Our people are quite amazing.

[geophysics]

Indeed.

( boners and rings, what a god damn day.


the sun is beginning to slowly set in the sky as they walk. as they traverse, a few carts pass them by. zhongli can’t help but smile at the commerce between their nations. )

There’s a restaurant by the water that serves Mondstadt-imported wines.

( true wine and dine. )

[windblume]

[ They've done so well to lay the foundation. There's ... conflict, sure. But, every nation has it. Some... more than others, but – Venti is proud, just as Zhongli is. It's no Inazuma, at least.

Does Venti brush by a cart to grab an apple slyly? Smack him or not, Venti's offering it to Zhongli. ]

Oh?! Are you a fan? Go ahead, sing Mondstadt's praises. Master Diluc's helped really revitalize the wine scene. Although, I have grown fond of Liyue's offerings...

[ In wine or men? ]

[geophysics]

( zhongli sighs. he could have paid for that…

zhongli lifts a brow at the words, though. )

I have never been too proud to admit that Mondstadt is the leader in wine.

( even if he has a soft spot for osmanthus wine. still, he gently nudges the apple back at venti as the city’s skyline comes into view. )

Should we head directly to dinner, then?

[windblume]

[ Don't push the apple back?! It's a gift. Venti pouts and as they pass another cart, he'll toss it into the back for a child traveling with their merchant parents. ]

And with good reason! It's a crucial item in our lifetime. It brings calm, pairs nicely with a good story, and can be enjoyed from friends, lovers, and comrades.

[ It's versatile. As the skyline comes into view – they're at a vantage point. Enough for a shorter glide... The wind kicks up and Venti begins to jog off. ]

Yes! Try not to sweat too much!

[ Because he's climbing the nearest hill and letting the wind take his glider on his best wind – all summoned for Zhongli. ]

[geophysics]

( sweat. he doesn’t sweat. he’s fucking rex lapis.

but zhongli calls forth his own glider from his transportable sub space. he quickly attaches it to himself and then trying to catch up with venti. )

Venti. Wait.

( don’t go on ahead without him. wait for him. )