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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[windblume]

[ Oh? Was that the beautiful deep voice calling out for him? ]

What? Too slow, old man?

[ Because even now... when he's starting to catch feels... he's gotta tease! ]

[geophysics]

( he’s going to dunk this idiot.

zhongli reaches out for venti’s hand when he finally catches up to him. let them glide romantically, okay!!

he won’t even fucking comment on it. )

[windblume]

[ Before long, they were literally hand in hand and Venti nearly was ready to hurl them down into the ground below – wings be damned.

He doesn't comment on it either. Gliding is faster, but gliding with someone like Zhongli...? It's the fastest. ]

[geophysics]

( it goes by way too quickly.

as they land on the ground outside of liyue harbor, zhongli retrieves his hand smooths down the front on his suit. his gaze is soft as he looks to venti. )

Looks like the perfect hour for a meal. ( REAL FOOD. he isn’t being horny… not terribly so, as he turns to lead them into the city proper. )

[windblume]

[ The time was perfect – twilight, the best of both day and night blending together. It's beautiful. Even when they land and Venti was left rubbing his hands down his face, questioning if it was desperation to be left behind that made Zhongli grab onto him. ]

Sure it won't be too busy?

[ Even if the tables were full, Zhongli has that balcony for takeout. Venti isn't picky. ]

I'm pretty starved, actually and ughhhh – overdue for a drink.

[geophysics]

I’m sure it’ll be fine.

( people like zhongli, so even if reservations are usually needed, he could score them a table.

so off he goes, leading them into the city. the lights are clicking on at this hour, glowing beautifully, the fire making the city pretty and inviting. he leads them away from the main shopping district and toward the shore.

once there, he stops at a restaurant on the docks. the tables inside seem full, as there’s a breezy wind tonight coming off the water, but there are still a few on the dock itself.

zhongli gets them a table and he breathes a sigh of relief once they’re shown to it. he doesn’t mean to be this romantic, ordering wine to be delivered to the table, but the view and evening is quite … ideal. )

[windblume]

[ So basically Zhongli has his connections that he's fostered over the years – Venti's done the opposite. Besides wanting to entertain and keep his people happy, the value of a bard is often expendable. Having Zhongli treat him? Well, it felt nice. He admires the city, captivated in a glow only Liyue could have.

The docks expand out, showing off a seaside beauty that Mondstadt can't provide unless you're into picnics on a cliff.

When they find their seat, Venti stretches his arms out onto the table, resting his face on his biceps. With his cheek smushed down, he wathes the water. ]

I hope you had fun. We walked away empty-handed but... I think whoever was destined for those rings will find them. Don't you think?

[geophysics]

Yes, I believe they will.

( zhongli’s expression catches on venti — the way the twilight dances across his hair and skin, the way the water serves as the perfect backdrop for his friend.

zhongli is thankful when the waiter immediately brings over the bottle of apple wine and two glasses, uncorks it and pours them each a glass.

but then his eyes return to venti. beautiful venti.

he really needs to sleep this off. venti is staying a month and it’s only his second night here and zhongli is so tightly wound-up. )

Are you cold? ( he realizes that the breeze might be a lot for someone as tiny as venti, and he’s actually fucking in the process of shrugging off his jacket. )

[windblume]

[ Before Venti even catches Zhongli's gaze, he scopes the incoming wine. Licking his lips in anticipation, his bias for a fine drink is oh so clear. By the time it's poured, he's already grabbing his – taking in the sight and the smell of the wine together.

Yes. With Zhongli, it pairs nicely... ]

Huh? Oh. I guess a little. [ It was not until he realizes the chilled drink would only rattle his bones further – but... watching him undress from his jacket, Venti tilts his glass. ] It's fine – you'll be cold then...!?

[ He was going to toast but now he's getting distracted, damn it. ]

[geophysics]

I have more mass than you.

( a smirk as he finishes peeling off his jacket. he ponders for a second before he rises from his chair and crosses the small distance around the table in order to drop the jacket delicately over venti’s shoulders. )

Don’t ruin it, bard.

( no wine stains or whatever! but zhongli looks terribly fond as he sits back down.

venti in his jacket, jesus christ he’s going to go into cardiac arrest. )

[windblume]

So? Stone often does compared to wind.

[ Before he knows it, Venti is drowning in the beautiful, intricate jacket. It settles on his shoulders and he merely sits there – not sure if he ... was suppose to slip the sleeves on or...

Alas, all he does is let it hang over him like a second cape, his free hand clutching across his chest to keep it in place. ]

To not ruining things.

[ Simple, tasteful – cheeky, most of all. Venti raises his glass to Zhongli. ]

[geophysics]

( it’s a bittersweet toast, really, as he clinks glasses.

because aren’t the feelings he’s been having all day risking things? that if he acts too blatantly, he’s at risk of ruining things between them.

zhongli tries not to dwell on it. instead, he sips the wine and sighs out. )

I’ll order us some bamboo shoot soup and a few other appetizers. ( focusing on the menu and not how beautiful venti looks with his coat on painted against the horizon. )

[windblume]

[ There were hundreds of years where Zhongli had to deal with loss. To understand his new purpose in life. The difficult part was that Venti didn't know just how much it split his heart in two.

Everyone would have loss in their life.

Archons were not immune to it.

The bittersweetness was simply sweet to him, leaning further back into the chair to let the jacket just... rest into him. Heavy, sure, made of good quality materials but – he can smell the musk of geo lingering on him. The red of his cheeks returns – but he looks out into the sea. ]

Whichever you prefer. I trust you. Your judgment thus far is nothing short of a gracious host. I'm grateful to trust someone who only wants to show Liyue's best.

[ Because he certainly is Liyue's best... ]

[geophysics]

( zhongli knows he should be mindful of how much he drinks around venti. he doesn’t usually have more than a glass, so his tolerance is likely low for that of a once god.

still… he takes a substantial sip of his wine as he nods and breezes through the menu he already knows so well.

when the waiter comes back, zhongli puts in an assortment of things for them. )

Considering we have checked off treasure-hunting… is there anything else that piques your interest in Liyue you’d like to do tomorrow?

[windblume]

[ Venti's already ... ah, done with his glass. Sorry. It's water to him. He truthfully wouldn't be concerned about what's placed in front of him. He's starved for the companionship as much as the food and wine. He's already reaching over to refill his glass... ]

Hmmm. There's a lot of boats leading out to that bay... Do they do tours?

[ The thought is simple, somewhere secluded while looking into Harbor sounds nice? ...Is it childish to think of bartering with the dock workers for some fruit platter to the mountain overlooking the plaza...? It sounds ... simple.. ]

There seems to be an endless assortment of options. What have you always wanted to show me?

[geophysics]

( a boat ride. he hasn’t been on any that haven’t been the art gallery and museum in ages. it would be nice to just drift along the sea with an old friend. surely he wouldn’t fall victim to this old longing?

the question is a good one. he’s managed to show venti many of the wonders of liyue over the centuries. )

We could take a boat to the Stone Forest. The flora there is particularly unique and breathtaking.

( a gay place for a date. deserted islands made of stone. )

[windblume]

[ The thought does sound pleasant. It fills his heart with a warmth to explore another part of Liyue. To hear stories passed past those kissable lips of Zhongli – when he isn't ensuring a certain... ahem, wrath, is ensued... Venti likes seeing this tour guide version of his old friend. ]

Yes! I'll prepare an agenda of songs. Perhaps you'll have a performance that will bring the isles to tremble in awe. Barbatos' song hasn't reached Liyue in quite some time...

[ Just bring the lube, tho. ]

[geophysics]

( he hasn’t fucked in 500 years the lube is bad!!!

zhongli smiles at venti’s reaction. )

All right. It’s a da— deal.

( a certain nod as he finishes his first glass of wine and hurriedly pours himself another. ah. )

I will eventually need to spend a few hours a day working, but for now, I have the week off. ( vacay hours. stay-cation with the old bestie. )

[windblume]

... Is this our first contract?

[ Light and teasing, he's downing a second. He takes a small break. Briefly. Chilled by the wind, he just tugs Zhongli's jacket tighter onto his form. ]

Right, I'll find a way to entertain myself. Slide some pamphlets around to promote Barbatos. Steal a few of your loyal citizens. [ But, at the mention of work: ] I can sleep in, right? You won't be annoyed if I'm still conked out if you come home from work expecting me at my best?

[geophysics]

( coming home to barbatos?

oh. zhongli inexplicably blushes at something so simple as finding venti still napping in the sheets, hair undone—- the boner threat is back in full force.

more wine it is. )

That’s fine. I don’t expect you to play maid while you’re here. ( unless???? boners are definitely happening. crap.

how fast can he drink this wine? )

[windblume]

[ Maybe he'll be in Zhongli's bed one of these days. There's the real boner material. Venti looks to him with amusement, a hand papping his own feature. ]

Huh? You don't think I can pull it off?

[ But, no time to let it linger – that's for Zhongli to jerk off to tonight. The food was prepared and another bottle of wine offered, Venti approves of it – taking the older bottle and filling his glass off. ]

You've picked the best Mondstadt selections, I know this to be true. The crispiness is just... ah, perfect.

[geophysics]

Yes. It’s one of your favorites, isn’t it?

( he ordered it specifically for venti. he doesn’t realize catering to venti’s tastes and whims this much is an old friend being a good host but also borderline courtship. maybe a lot courtship.

even so, he licks the drop of wine still clinging on his lips and hums in satisfaction. )

Drink your fill. ( THATS UNFAIR TO SAY AFTER THE TONGUE THING. ) It’s on me, tonight. Just this once.

[windblume]

It is. The apples have been in Mondstadt as long as the people have been free. It was my promise to them.

[ He says with a fair smile, knowing how many apples were used to brew a single bottle? Two. And it's said legend destines a bottle to be shared with someone special.

He watches Zhongli lick his lips and his foot anxiously moves, papping against Zhongli's before retreating with a sheepish, awkward laugh. ]

Awwww. Just for tonight? [ He pouts, pouring another glass. Three? Four? When will those turn to double digits? ] Zhongli, you'll have to let me return the hospitality... somehow. If I drink my fill here, I'll be eager to ensure each day of me remaining here is just was fulfilling for you. It's my promise to you.

[geophysics]

I see. I’ll keep that in mind.

( he has a few ideas on that.

two glasses in and zhongli feels a bit tipsy. steamed dumplings arrive and he’s glad for the distraction before he says something dumb.

that doesn’t stop him from moving his foot back closer to venti’s. resting beside his. literally 9/10 of the way to footsies. duh. )

[windblume]

[ Don't mind if Venti gets one immediately and begins munching. A satisfying 'hmmmm' past his lips as he samples the delicious serving. A nice starter. ]

It's fine, though. I'm here for quite some time and I'll do my best to ensure you don't throw me out or throw a meteor. A lot has changed since we practically played tag with our affinity, ahaha.

[ A METEOR ISN'T TAG?

Venti bumps it the extra 1/10th way, just resting it against his foot. Absentmindedly left smiling to his friend. ]

Your guest room is a little dreary, you know. I could go get some things from Mondstadt... let you have a space to rent out once I leave.

[ AIR. BNB?

ANEMO BNB. ]