"Thank you for worrying about Xiao. However, his bedroom is quite far from here. He shouldn't wake up. Unless of course, you make any excessively loud noises."
The trio spun around to face the speaker, a look of suprise on their faces. However, that suprise quickly became the usual expression each of them wore. Kaeya a smirk, Venti a playful smile and Diluc a frown.
Childe leaned against the arch, smirking. Zhongli stood infront of him, his expression not revealing much. It was similar to the one that Xiao wore, simply expressionless.
Diluc noticed how well they looked together.
"Master Diluc. Welcome home." Zhongli's lips formed a quick smile before it disappeared.
"Mister Zhongli." Diluc nodded, feeling calm and totally not on edge. "Guest. I don't believe I caught your name?" Well, he had, but he just wanted to make sure that he hadn't misheard.
"Tartaglia. But you can call me Childe. Your name is Diluc, correct?"
Diluc nodded.
"Wow, why are you so formal with each other?" Venti said in a bored tone. "Come on, just tell him how you feel already."
"Tell who how who feels?" Zhongli asked, turning his gaze towards Venti.
"Now now. Childe, was it? Won't you accompany me for some drinks?" Kaeya suddenly spoke, his eyes flickering to Diluc and Zhongli. "I promise it'll be worth your time."
Childe blinked, a little caught off guard by Kaeya's suddenness. "Sure, why not? Come on." He got off of the wall he was leaning on, heading towards where Kaeya stood.
He turned to face Zhongli, giving him a wink followed by a wave. "See you Li! Now, where exactly is it that we're going..?"
Childe and Kaeya walked off, leaving Venti, Zhongli and Diluc the only ones left.
Venti smiled, staring directly at Zhongli. "Well, I'll leave you to it then." He turned to Diluc. "Master Diluc, I expect my bar tab to be clean after this. I did do you a favor after all."
"What? No, it doesn't work that way." Diluc shook his head. "You literally only walked with me here. How is that a favor?"
Venti let out a joyous laugh before he too went towards the exit. But before he could leave, he turned towards the two. "I managed to convince you, didn't I?"
And with that, he left, leaving Zhongli and Diluc to be the only ones in the house. With the exception of Xiao of course.
Zhongli laughed quietly, watching as his old friend left. He turned towards Diluc, a smile on his lips. "Well, I suppose we have some things to talk about. How about you wait on the balcony while I prepare some tea?"
"The balcony? Why that place in specific? And where is it located?" Diluc nodded, although slightly confused
"I find it a peaceful atmosphere. It's also quite lovely outside tonight, wouldn't you agree? Some nice tea accompanied by an even nicer view, perfect for conversations." Zhongli closed his eyes as he spoke, a look of pure bliss on his face. "Oh right. It's located on the third floor. It's hard to miss."
Diluc nodded. "Very well then. I will wait for you there then." With that, he walked off towards the stairs and up to the third floor.
Zhongli watched as the other walked off, his expression slowly turning into a frown. He didn't understand the other's actions. But even so, he was intrigued by them. What things have those crimson eyes seen? What things have those gloved hands touched? What feelings has that heart felt?
