The Traveler doesn't come. They weren't going to come in the first place. Traveler is out in Liyue with Rex Lapis. They're having tea and Traveler is staying with Ningguang at the Jade Chamber.
I should have stayed inside. Maybe shouldn't have gotten so mad at Diluc. He's right, my mind is the thing that's tired.
Archon's I feel stupid, it's cold out here.
It's warmer with Diluc's coat, but I still can't get the wind under control. I'm still shaken up about what Charles said.
He's been subtly asking me for weeks now. I usually have an excuse lined up. But Traveler is out of town and I was so shocked that I couldn't think of anything. Thank Barbados Diluc stepped in.
Wait a minute.
Anyway, I need a place to stay tonight. It's too late to go to the cathedral, and I don't think they'll appreciate me sleeping on their roof.
Windrise is so far away and I don't feel like teleporting that far. I could always sit at the top of my statue. But I think someone might see me in the morning.
The knights never go to the top of the Knight's of Favonius building. That sounds perfect. The next question is do I use anemo or a teleport waypoint?
I can't seem to get the wind under control so the waypoint seems like the better option.
Laying down next to the waypoint, I use Diluc's coat as a blanket. Drifting off to sleep, I dream of monsters and a certain Dark Knight Hero.
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After waking up I feel better. Birds chirping next to me, and the Knight's standing on the ground below me. I teleport to the Statue of the Seven near the winery so that I can return Diluc's coat.
I climb through one of his windows, surprised that its his bedroom window. Flustered, I do my best to keep quiet. Placing the coat on the coat rack next to the door, I try to rush out quietly. But I pause. Looking at his face for a moment. He sleeps peacefully. He's not wearing his signature scowl.
He shifts, reminding me that I need to leave. Rushing out of the window, I send a slight breeze to close the window gently.
I don't know if he stirs or if I woke him up, I hope I didn't. He needs his sleep, being the whole Dark Night Hero and all that. I wonder what he sleep schedule is like. Staying up all night can't be good for him.
Running over to Windrise, I feel giddy. Though I probably shouldn't. But I was in his room.
When I get to my destination, Traveler is waiting for me.
"Ah, my favorite being!" I say, smiling. Last night was hard, so I'm glad my friend is back.
"Venti!" Traveler jumps to hug me, spinning me around. "How have you been the last few days?"
"No bad, how was tea with Zhongli?" I was in his room.
They look skeptical at my answer. I do feel better. I still cant believe it. I was in his room.
"It was nice. And I made plans with Ei to walk through a festival next month. Are you sure it was all ok?" They look me up and down, eye brows knitted together.
"A few hiccups at Angel's Share, but other wise it was fine. Don't worry about it."
"Tell me about it." Traveler seems determined. Like they wont let me off of the hook this time.
"It's nothing really. Just a few creeps at the Tavern. Nothing big. Ehe." Don't ask about it any farther, please.
"If you insist. " Skeptical, Traveler looks me in my eyes, looking for the lie. But I'm not lying. Charles is just a creep, like the patrons. Nothing more.
Holy shit, I was in his room.
"What has you so giddy?" Traveler asks, noticing my smile.
"I think I might have a crush." Looking at the ground, I play with my fingers. But Traveler grabs my hands.
"Venti, that's amazing. Who is it?"
"You wouldn't believe me. Besides there's no way He'd like me back." I start to feel worried. Diluc would never like me. Not like I like him, he hates me.
"He?" The Travelers pull me out of my spiral. Of course I never told Traveler I like boys.
"Yeah?"
"Venti, you have to tell me. A boy? I have to know!" Still holding onto my hands, Traveler jumps a little.
"Master Diluc." I mutter, hoping that's all. I think its the first time I've said I liked him out loud.
"Who?"
"Master Diluc" I cough out.
"Tell me I heard that right. Diluc? Wow ok."
"What does that mean?" I take my hands back, my arms falling to my sides.
"Just not who I was expecting. I swear. I'm happy for you though. We need a plan." Traveler takes my hands again.
"A plan?" The breeze picks a up a little. "Why do we need a plan?"
"To get him to like you back of course. We can not let this go unaddressed." Traveler giggles.
"You spent to much time with the other Archons. Unaddressed?" I laugh, scared of this 'plan' idea.
"They're all fancy and you're a poet. I spent to much time with the immortal of this world in general." They laugh
"Speaking of, how are the adepti?" I ask, trying to change the subject.
"They're good, a little lost with out Zhongli, but other wise they're doing really well. Anyway. My plan."
"No plan, please. I want to leave it." I interrupt.
"No way! It's not everyday my best friend gets a crush. We have to do something." Traveler pleads.
"Fine, fine. What do you suggest we do. Yaknow, what do we do to get Mr. scowls-a-lot to like the local drunk. He doesnt even like alcohol!" I don't mean to snap, and if it bothers Traveler, they don't let me see it.
"That's why we have to think of something! Really Venti, don't you want this to work?" Putting they hands on their hips, Traveler looks at me. A determined look on their face.
"No? I was fine pinning at the back of the tavern every night." Cocking my head to the side, I search their gold eyes. What are they thinking?
The wind blows a little. Though I'm not the one who does it. I'm not the only one who can control the wind around them. It's part of being an animo user.
"No, Venti! I know we can do something."
"We don't even know if he likes guys. He could be straight."
"Oh, he's not straight."
"What does that mean?"
"Have you seen Jean and Lisa? Man's either gay or ace."
Trying to form an answer to continue the back and forth, I pause. "What?"
"My Archons, Venti. Lets go to Good Hunter and we'll talk about it more. We can take it up to the windmills if you don't want anyone to listen in." Traveler starts leading me towards Mondstadt.
All I can do is giggle out an answer as we run.
YOU ARE READING
A Barkeep And His Poet
Romance"No like, you're really pretty." He states, his cheeks pink. "Someone has an admirer." Kaeya snorts, looking from me to Venti. I can't think of an answer so I don't speak, giving other customers their drinks. Rosaria snickers and I look over. Venti...
