Operation: Make Zhongli Smile Forever

Part 4 - Tiny Hoarding Problem

Diluc poured three wine glasses of juice, refusing to serve alcohol to the trio at such an early hour; Childe opened a tab in advance, noting that he and Zhongli planned on returning later in the evening to catch Venti's performance.

Zhongli talked seemingly into the open air, random topics spilling from his lips; stories old and new visualised through his elegant language, entertaining even Diluc (who still refused to put his weapon away) who listened intently as Zhongli rambled about the process of making Osmanthus wine. The clock on the wall chimed midday and a chorus of bells filled the atmosphere, the subtle bongs almost shaking the glasses piled skilfully on the counter.

"I'm assuming the bells are a regular occurrence then," Childe chuckled, taking another swig of his juice; it was an odd mix of grapes and another fruit Childe couldn't quite place- overall, a nice experience. Diluc responded with a huff.

"The Church is very devoted here, hehe. I appreciate it, I guess," Venti giggled, strumming a few notes on his lyre (which, once again, seemed to materialise out of thin air whenever the moment called for it); Childe could swear Diluc rolled his eyes at this, leaning back against the wall.

"As welcoming as your tavern is, Master Diluc, I think we ought to get going. We're only here for two days so I want to make the most of it," Zhongli hummed, standing up and smoothing over his overcoat, strutting over to stand behind his Fatui companion; he gently tugged Childe backwards by the shoulders, causing his ginger head to hit the Archon's chest.

"Sure," the bartender responded simply, not sparing a look towards the tourists. Venti chose to shoot both of them a friendly smile.

"I'll just stay here, I don't want to intrude on your date," the bard chuckled, eyes lit up as he looked at the two men infront of him.

"We aren't together. Just friends," Childe answered defensively, though still not pulling himself away from the half-embraced position he was in. Venti almost snorted at this, taking a swig of his drink before starting to play his instrument again.

"Yeah. I believe you," he shot back sarcastically, his lips pulling up into a mischievous smile as his eyes flicked accusingly between the two in front of him. Childe only rolled his eyes and promptly slid out of his seat, walking out of the tavern without saying any words, desperately trying to hide the blush growing on his face.

"Bye!" Venti called right as Zhongli shut the tavern door behind him.

--

Mondstadt's air was significantly less humid than in Liyue Harbour, Childe noted as Zhongli gently tugged him by the hand between the tall, stone brick buildings; in fact, the Snezhnayan man realised that Mondstadt as a whole was entirely different from Liyue. The smell throughout the city was sweet and almost charred; barbequed meat, the Harbinger decoded as they passed the local restaurant (he recalled Venti mentioning that it was called 'Good Hunter'), watching as a thick veil of smoke rose from the fireplace.

"Wanna get something to eat?" Childe asked as they reached the central fountain, various stalls and shops set up around them.

"If you treat, we may," Zhongli answered, smiling fondly; the ginger almost blushed again, realising how gorgeous the Archon before him looked when enveloped in the stunning midday sun. In that slight moment of weakness, he realised that they were still holding hands.

"Of course," Childe replied, pulling his companion towards the restaurant. The two promptly took their seats and made their orders (Zhongli happily noted the absence of seafood), and Childe's eyes lit up as their meals were bought.