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. )

Comments

[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. ]

[geophysics]

( THIS BRAT.

zhongli doesn’t like to think back to the reality of how temporary this visit is. venti will eventually return to mondstadt. let’s not dwell on that right now. )

I’m sorry it’s not up to your flamboyant tastes, Bar— Venti. Some of us have learned to live a more conventional lifestyle.

( sass. but he does kind of? lean his foot to the side more against venti’s. is that how one does this this? he’s so fucking out of touch and practice. )

[windblume]

It's not flamboyant! It's styled nicely. Don't even act like it isn't. Mondstadt is homey.

[ Smiling a bit, he can't help but think so fondly of Mondstadt. To think he could have part of that here... maybe he's a little selfish. Wanting the best of both worlds. ]

Conventional, not lonely. Have you laid in the bed? The sheets are so-so and the wall color... where is the fun?!

[ He impatiently taps his foot, right against Zhongli. Hastily, he'll finish his bun and go into the next one. And, uh, another glass of wine. ]

I'm an expert in fun.

[geophysics]

( why would the guest room be fun? zhongli truly doesn’t get this logic.

he wrinkles his nose, pensively stares, then scoffs. just slightly. )

I haven’t, no. Should I? ( lay in,,, the bed. it’s occupied this month but. but???

he lifts a brow as he finishes another glass of wine. grandpa gets vaguely bold. vaguely. )

[windblume]

For someone who is so keen on making a good impression... my dear friend, you are dense. [ Pretty and stupid, he wanted to say. He'll settle on something less sharp. ] You really haven't even sampled the bed you've expected your guests to enjoy?

[ Furrowing his brow, he tilts his glass with his own dramatics – the wine sloshes out onto the side of the table.... oops. He winces and instead finishes his glass. ANOTHER ONE. ]

When we get back, you'll see what you subject me to.

[ Teasing, he makes it sound like torture. ]

[geophysics]

( is that… is that an offer?

of course it isn’t. venti just wants him to lay down on it. that’s logically all. even so, won’t it faintly smell of venti? … grandpa has it bad. )

If it’s so inhospitably uncomfortable, you are always welcome to mine.

( let that one sink in like zhongli’s near empty third glass of wine. )

[windblume]

[ It will. And if Venti laid upon the soft silken sheets of Zhongli's lonely bed, he'd stuff his face against the earthy musk he's smelling right now. ]

Maybe I will. [ A challenge? Sounds easy enough. ] You'll be begging for your bed back.

[geophysics]

( he isn’t so bold to suggest they could share. he can steep things in implications but to outright say it? not rex lapis. not even when he’s tipsy as all hell right now.

another slight huff. )

I’ll be fine. ( a hard bed would be fine!! he lightly knocks his foot again with venti’s for good measure. )

My coat, my bed… you’re very prone to taking things this visit, old friend.

( take one more. just guess what it could be. )

[windblume]

[ And here, maybe, when he thinks of a luxury that Zhongli would have once afforded... a big, comfortable bed – who would share it? The press of his foot makes him pout and instead, Venti's calf nearly necks against his – butting against it harder for emphasis. ]

Am I taking things when you so readily offer it?

[ His wrath is absolutely the next thing, huh? ]

[geophysics]

( definitely the wrath.

zhongli tries to stifle a snort of a laugh. venti is so unbelievable sometimes. and zhongli is supposed to be the immovable rock! )

I will conceed the coat was more of a gesture, but the bed is in part in efforts to end your needless complaining. ( stop with that foot???? he’ll just lock ankles, maybe. )

[windblume]

A gesture of generosity. Of giving. [ And the bed... ] Who is complaining? If you expect me to sing your praises, rate you the best lay in Liyue –

[ A slip of his tongue and his throat chokes. He immediately laughs, outlandishly trying to cover the perverse thoughts brewing. ]

You the best place to lay in Liyue – ahaha, then you must do better to impress this old bard!

[ Venti pulls his legs away finally. ]

[geophysics]

( they’re both way too tipsy. zhongli doesn’t even dare call venti on that slip because venti’s legs are gone and maybe he really doesn’t have any interest in things of that nature.

so zhongli doesn’t press on it. instead, he rolls his eyes and nurses his last glass of wine as their entrees are brought over. )

Then I will aim to please tomorrow, if you are truly adamant on being a critic.

[windblume]

[ The truth comes out when one is plastered, it seems. There was no denying Venti almost immediately feels the need to put his legs back against Zhongli's. Even if it was childish, it felt... fun?

But, no. He perseveres, instead favoring the entrees brought over. They smell amazing, beautifully prepared and it'll go fine with how he needs to get food in his system or whew... he'll see stars. ]

Ohhhhh, no no, no. Tonight. Let's trade beds. Just so I can be proven right, as always. I do think you'll look nice eating crow.

[geophysics]

( trade beds. venti confirms it. it’s a sad boner now, thanks for asking.

even so, zhongli doesn’t back down from a silly challenge from an even sillier god. )

That’s fine.

( he rolls his eyes as he focuses on his meal. the wine hasn’t completely hit him yet. likely to occur toward the end of the meal and walk back.

for now, he just looks content to enjoy venti’s playful company as they sit and eat by the water. )

[windblume]

[ It's okay. Sad boners are a start.

Venti isn't sure where the shift in their dynamic started or ended – it rolls in ebb and flow. Where Venti once teases, he sobers up further into their meal. "Sobers" in his demeanor only. He still partakes in the wine, discussing small tidbits he learned from a friend and speaks highly of his lands like his name was Rex Lapis.

They bond over old times, reluctant about what the future held. What adventure awaits them.

Venti, over the course of the meal, marvels at everything brought over and laying before him. Honestly – he tilts his head down. ]

You've done well, you know.

[ A compliment, honest. ]

Give them the tools and ability and they carry on Rex Lapis' honor nicely.

[ And curiously with his final glass of wine sipped upon. ]

Now you're stuck with me until the end of your days... watching tides roll in and swill flow between the both of us. What a retirement...

[geophysics]

( as zhongli thinks about it, he can’t help but enjoy the outlook. spending his days reminiscing and then drinking and watching their people, together. perhaps a month isn’t what this is limited to. perhaps he can visit mondstadt after this, return the favor, prolong goodbyes that seem to be growing fewer over the years.

zhongli spends time explaining each dish and how it originated. he delights in old lore and the history of each restaurant and the families that have run each and every.

by the time zhongli pays for their meal and embarrassingly large number of wine bottles, his face is flushed red with the booze and he can’t resist the geniune smile. )

It doesn’t sound terrible. ( just say you like it, moron. he rises slowly from his seat. ) Are you ready to head back?

[windblume]

No, there's worse ways to spend my days.

[ He's being smug about it. Calm. Casual. If he said how much he enjoyed their adventure tonight, he'd absolutely blush and spill out that seeing Zhongli drenched head to toe was worth everything to him. He polishes off his glass with a clank and taps it impatiently to the table. A hand goes down to pat at his stomach in approval. ]

Sure. Goodbye, Liyue Harbor – may we remember you fondly as we stumble into uncomfortable beds and sleep over the stories of a lifetime!

[ Yes? He calls it out to the masses, standing up and only accenting how boisterous he was while drunk. ]

Your bed awaits, Zhongli.

[ Like that's not suggestive. ]

[geophysics]

( at least venti loudly said beds. plural. even so, his ears burn hotter and he grumbles at how loud venti is being. he has a good reputation around here and you’re ruining it, bard!

zhongli snatches venti’s hand and begins to drag him toward his little apartment that’s a measly couple of blocks away. )

Stop being so loud. It’s late.

( GRUMBLE. )

[windblume]

[ The city was still very much awake. Did Liyue ever stop hustling? Late shops, late venues for entertainment – Mora to be spent and there were so many willing to spend it. His feet stumble along as he's tugged, laughing the whole way. ]

It's not laaaate. You're really underestimating yourself here. Do you have a bedtime or something?

[ Or is he wishing to just rest and forget about how Venti looked lit up by lantern glows and enjoying himself so unashamed? He doesn't stop holding onto Zhongli's hand. ]

I missed this. A lot, actually! Didn't you?

[ Being with someone who ... wasn't just a face-value friend or someone who will crumble into dust over time, he means. ]

[geophysics]

( of course he missed it. he misses venti every single second he isn’t terrorizing liyue with wine or songs or absurd ideas.

it makes him ache.

but right now? he’s happy despite pretending to be utterly exasperated. zhongli keeps that hand in his tightly, tossing him a sidelong glance. )

Of course. But you’re making a fool of yourself. You’re already dressed ridiculously, there is no need to draw even more attention to yourself.

( GOSH. but maybe because he wants all of venti’s attention, unshared.

he may be stumbling up the short staircase toward the front door of his apartment. rip zhongli. )

[windblume]

Dressed ridiculously? You insult my Mondstadt honor?! Or do you mean –

[ The big gaping hole in his tights? Yeah. He stops right outside of Zhongli's apartment, tilting his leg towards the man. The tear has gotten bigger, exposing flesh and chasing towards his knee. It'd be so easy to just rip further... ]

Ah, it is quite bad, isn't it? Oh well. Part of the adventure.

[ He's definitely still not letting go – leaning back to the wall next to the front door with a huff. ]

Y'know, starting to think you're embarrassed of me.

[geophysics]

( he’s embarrassed by his own thirst, not venti specifically.

zhongli manages to unlock his door, finally. he tosses venti another weary look before he finally considers letting go of his hand. it’s kind of awkward to just drag him inside platonically. so.

well, he’ll just do it anyway. and even further, toward his bedroom. because venti wanted to steal his bed, right? )

[windblume]

[ In they go, only a darkness to welcome them. Shadows dance against them and beckon them to the pockets of light where the moon shines through the window. Towards Zhongli's room they go – ]

I know what you're thinking about...

[ Drunken, cryptic... Venti stops and lets the moment linger on. Cruelly, without even meaning to. The mood shifts as he snickers. ]

How horribly uncomfortable my bed is. Sorry to say... you made your bed and I shall enjoy yours greatly.

[geophysics]

( cruel and unusual.

he’s actually thinking about pushing venti down into the crisp and clean sheets, thinking about tearing those leggings more…

but he rolls his eyes again. he leans in close, warmly, lingering — and then plucks his jacket back from venti’s shoulders, golden eyes glowing in the darkness. )

Rest well, drunken bard. Don’t ruin the sheets.