~Love letters~ - a Xiaoven fanfic.

Chapter 4: Lightweight

'What in Teyvat did I get myself into?'

Xiao pov

I followed Venti into a somehow very lively tavern. Were these places always so crowded? I don't think I'll be fond of this any time soon. Having him by my side makes it a little less terrible though.

We sat down at the bar where a mysterious man with flaming red hair tied up in a low ponytail stood, cleaning a glass and ready to serve costumers. Apparently he wasn't so mysterious to Venti, but that was to be expected. This is his city after all.

'Diluc! You're here again, what's the occasion?' Venti beamed.

'Venti. The carefree bard that never pays up.' The man called Diluc glared at the bard and then went back to cleaning the glass he was holding. 'Business has been, busier these days. So I decided to lend a hand.'

'No need to call me out like that.' Venti shivered 'And I actually can pay today.' He grinned at the other male.

'Oh do tell.' The redhead sounded very unimpressed. He didn't believe Venti at all.

Did these two always act like that towards each other? Weird.

'Who's the unlucky person accompanying you? He has been sitting there in silence for a while now.' Diluc put the glass in front of me. 'What's your name?'

'Xiao.' I answered. I never went to another city besides Liyue. In Liyue I don't have to hide my identity. Everyone knows who I am, an Adeptus. But it's different here. I don't think I should tell anyone, it wouldn't matter anyway.

'Not from here are you?'

'Liyue.'

'Not very talkative huh? Can't blame you if you're next so someone so hyper you can feel the life in you being drained away.' Diluc shot another glare at Venti.

'Haha now you're just being mean! My dear friend is just a bit shy. I don't think he ever went outside Liyue so this is pretty new to him. So don't blame him, or me for that matter.'
Venti glared back, making Diluc sigh.

'Are you going to show your mora yet or are you trying to talk your way out of another fee again?'

'I have it but I left it outside so hold on a second.' Venti turned to me. 'I'll be back in a few, don't panic okay?' The bard winked at me, hopped off his chair, walked towards the front door and left.

Did he just wink at me? I could feel the corners of my mouth curve slightly.

'He seems pretty fond of you.' Diluc says while filling the newly cleaned glass with what looked like grape juice.

'Does he?' I turned to face him.

'Yes. I might not like him that much but I can see he's different. When did the two of you meet?' The male asks then takes a sip of his drink.

'About an hour ago.' I replied which made Diluc choke on his drink and almost spill it.

'An hour??' He gave me a confused look.

'What's wrong?' I returned the confused look. But before Diluc could answer the lively bard came back. He was carrying some kind of shoulder bag.

'I'm back! Did I miss anything?' He says as he sits back on his chair.

'Not really. I talked to this guy.' I say pointing at the readheaded man.

'"This guy" has a name.' Diluc glares.

'Yes but we obviously can't be bothered saying this guy's name' Venti grins. 'Now how many bottles of dandelion wine can one get from a full bag of mora?' The bard continues while reaching in his shoulder bag. 'See? I didn't come here empty handed~.' He says showing the smaller bag of mora and putting it back again.