a teyvat mystery － diluc x venti / diluven / venluc | fanfic / one shot

chapter 3

The next morning Diluc awoke at sunrise still picturing that scene he saw last night, Venti's peaceful sleeping face bathed in the moonlight. He looked over again at Venti, who was still sleeping, Diluc wondered what it was that made what he had seen last night so beautiful, It couldn't have been Venti, he's not even that pretty. I can't even look at him without being annoyed so it couldn't have been him. It couldn't have been him...
"Good Morning Master Diluc," Venti yawned as he had woken up while Diluc had been lost in his thoughts.
"Finally. We have a lot to get done, so hurry up."
"No Breakfast?" he had hoped that since traveling with someone like Diluc he would be able to get free food and drinks.
"Not for free. You weren't thinking you could just leech off me, did you?"
"No, No definitely not," Venti laughed nervously.
"Whatever. Just get ready, we're stopping by at the winery before we depart for Liyue."
Venti's face lit up at the chance to go to the winery again.
"Tch, we're not going there for wine."
"Awww. What else do we need to go there for though?"
"I need to pick up some clothes. That's all."
"No fair, I don't have any clothes."
"You can go without any for all I care," Diluc coldy retorted.
"So that's what you like, Master Diluc,"  Venti put a hand over his mouth and snickered to himself.
"A- You-You petulant bard," and with that Diluc went down stairs.
Oh what was that for, I was only teasing, and he calls me petulant. For any mortal it would be an honor to see me undressed, hmph. Not that I would e-ever do such things, now having the room to himself Venti took the chance to look around. First the drawers, then the closets, even under the bed, but there were no signs of cider, wine or food anywhere. Venti, having not found anything, hopelessly went down stairs in the hopes there would be food left over from last night.
Once he got downstairs he found Diluc standing next to the door ready to leave and waiting for him. In Diluc's hands was the letter that Albedo had given to him the night before. As Venti was looking around the empty bar he noticed that on one of the tables there was a plate of fresh apple pancakes with utensils right next to them. He looked at Diluc then back at the pancakes then back Diluc then back at the pancakes, this continued for a while until Diluc finally said something, "Hurry up and eat them already, we have to leave soon."
"I-I didn't know if they were for me... hehe."
"Who else would eat them?"
Venti didn't answer as he was already stuffing the fluffy pancakes in his mouth. Even though he was cutting them up he was eating so fast that it looked like he was barely breathing in between bites. Eventually he muffled out a question, "Diluc did you," eating more pancakes, "make these?"
"Of course. But don't think I did it for you, I just made myself some and had a few leftover. I left them there for anybody to eat." 
Venti finished eating the pancakes,"Whatever the case, they were really good, you're an amazing cook Master Diluc. Thanks for the food." 
Diluc scoffed at the compliment and went outside to wait for Venti.
sigh– Master Diluc is such a grump, this trip won't be fun at all, but at least I'll be able to travel with someone. Maybe I'll be able to see old Morax in Liyue, hehe , Venti thought to himself before he went out the door where Diluc was impatiently waiting. Without saying anything Diluc lead the way to the Winery with Venti following behind him. Every once in a while they'd stop, as Venti would get distracted and go off following random animals, or climb up trees to get apples. By the time they reached the Winery it was already well into the afternoon, Diluc wanted to get to Liyue today so he was not too happy about the time they arrived.
I knew it was a mistake to bring him, was all Diluc thought as the sun was starting to set before his eyes. There was one option left for Diluc, forge on ahead to Liyue through the darkness. The problem with this plan of course was that bandits and monsters were more active during the night. Though it would be an annoyance to encounter monsters or bandits, it would be even a bigger annoyance to arrive in Liyue a day later, "We're not gonna stay here long, we'll keep heading to Liyue."
"Won't that mean we're traveling at night," a gloomy look overcame Venti's face, he was looking forward to spending a night with all the wine.
"I'm sure you're accustomed to sleeping outside. It shouldn't be a problem then right?"
"I get cold sleeping outside though, I don't want to get a cold. I gotta be in tip top shape to solve this mystery."
"I'll give you my coat then."
"Really- really- really, thanks Master Diluc," Venti excitedly clasped his hands near his face.
"I'm only doing it so you won't complain."  
"Just so you know Master Diluc, I sleep with no clothes on, hehe," Venti said as seriously as he could.
Diluc's face grew a little red, "I- Uh- we can sleep in separate places then-"
"Just kidding, do you really think I'd be so lewd as to sleep outside with no clothes on."
Diluc, deciding he was tired of the bard's endless jokes and childish behavior, threw him over his shoulders once again, "Our stop will be super quick, not even enough time to get wine or cider."
"Whaaaaaa- Master Diluc you're too cruel," Venti protested Diluc's decision, hitting his back like a child and putting his arm over his eyes to make it look like he was crying. When they arrived at the winery Venti was still pleading with Master Diluc to let him have cider for the journey. Diluc quickly walked through the front door with Venti still draped over his shoulder, Adelinde looked at the sight while laughing under her breath. 
"Master Diluc it appears you have quite the unusual guest with you," Elzer said as Diluc approached his desk.
"I'm going on a trip, I don't how long I'll be gone so I leave the Winery in your hands till I come back."
"Where are you going? A honeymoon perhaps?"
"Haha, he could never land me in a million years," Venti playfully screamed from Diluc's shoulder.
"Hmph, Elzer I'll also be needing some funds, extra clothes and I'll be taking something from the weapon collection," he then turned to Adelinde who was dusting a flower stand nearby, "I'll also be taking an extra maid uniform, is that okay Adelinde?"
Adelinde looked at Diluc surprised, "I didn't know you were into that sort of thing Master Diluc but it's no problem for me."
"I- nevermind," I give up, I'm surrounded by idiots. Diluc went over to the couch and roughly set Venti down then asked Moco to keep an eye on him, "Make sure he doesn't get into the cellar." Diluc hastily went upstairs to get his spare clothes and the extra maid outfit, meanwhile Elzer was getting his funds prepared. Quickly Diluc entered his room and grabbed the first set of clothes he could find, next he went to one of the closets in the hallway where the extra maid uniforms were. Briefly skimming through the sizes he found one that looked like it would fit the bard. With clothes in hand he went back downstairs to find Venti having his hair braided by Moco, he wasn't even shocked at this point. He set the clothes down on a coffee table then disappeared to the armory to get the last item he needed for the trip, his weapon.
With Diluc out of the room for a moment Venti took the chance to ask the maids a question that was bothering him, "Do you think Master Diluc is upset at me? After all I've stolen so many bottles of cider and apples, now I think I might've caused him to lose something really important."
The maids stopped what they were doing, to giggle to themselves. Adelinde then said in a whispering voice as to avoid Diluc potentially overhearing, "If Master Diluc were mad at you, why would he invite you on an adventure. Also you do know he leaves those apples out in the cart for you everyday."
Venti started to blush, he had always thought those were mistakenly left out, Maybe Master Diluc actually cares about me... Now I feel even worse about what happened. I'll help him solve this mystery no matter what. His only response out loud however was, "Ehe."
Moco started braiding Venti's hair again and also chimed in, "Master Diluc just has a hard time expressing how he feels, but he does really care about others even if he says he doesn't. He especially has a soft spot for you, it seems, maybe he likes you."
Venti turned around quickly, "Ehhh? H-He likes me?"
"I was only teasing."
"Oh..."
"Do you want him too?"
"No, no, no. It's just I was- I was..." Are words such as those really meant to be thrown around in jest. Isn't love a sacred thing? Isn't it something people die over, something people hate over, something people cherish, something people look to heavens for, "I was surprised that's all." Just as the air in the room had become silent Diluc came back from the armory carrying his sword on his back. It was a hulking sword probably the weight of a small child, its red blade shined magnificently in the setting sunlight that snuck it's way through the window.
"Master Diluc what took you so long, hehe," Venti's voice was as seemingly energetic as ever.
"Nothing. Is your hair almost done?" Diluc said as he went over to pick-up the pouch of Mora that Elzer had left on the desk.
"Mhm," Venti murmured, letting Diluc know he was indeed almost done.
"M-Master Diluc I packed the extra clothes and the maid uniform into a bag," Hillie nervously said.
"Thanks."
Adelinde, being proactive like always, had also packed something into the bag, "I took the liberty of throwing in a couple blankets as well, so you don't have to lay on the grass."
"We would've been fine with no blankets, but thanks."
"Don't say that, I hate-hate-hate-hate sleeping on the grass, my back gets all itchy and I can't sleep out of fear of creepy crawlies getting in my clothes," Venti readily voiced his opposition to sleeping on the ground.
Just a few minutes later Moco finished braiding Venti's hair, and so it was finally time for them to set off. Venti put the bag with the maid uniform on his back trying his best to be of help to Diluc. Diluc said bye to the staff of the manor, who all wished him well on his journey. Then Venti hopped outside with his hands holding the straps of the backpack, his braids flopping about, with a bright smile across his face. The journey had begun, together Diluc and Venti walked on the path which would eventually lead them to Liyue Harbor where they were to meet with a Mr. Xingqiu of the Feiyun Commerce guild. They made good time getting to the border of Mondstadt, however right as they were about to cross it a large shadow engulfed them from the sky.
"Hey Dvalin," Venti waved to the dragon who was descending from above.
"Lord Barbatos, I have what you asked for."
"Thanks buddy," Venti said as out of the dragon's mouth came a shining bow that looked like a harp with strings that glowed.
"I wish you well Lord Barbatos, and if you should have need of me do not hesitate to call my name upon the wind.
"I can take care of myself, you know."
"I do not doubt that, but nevertheless summon me and I shall be there without delay."
"Okay... but only if you do it of your free will. While I'm away you should be free my dear Dvalin.
"Wh- What about Mondstadt, who would protect it?"
"The knights can take care of it."
Diluc snorted in objection.
"Just do what you want, whether that be protecting Mondstadt or lying out in the fields bathing in the sun."
"I shall try my best Lord Barbatos."
With that the dragon left them flying back up into the sky, Diluc turned to Venti, "Are you finally done holding us up?"
Venti saluted Diluc as knights do to their captains, "I'm all set now, sir."
Diluc walked towards Venti slowly and put one of his hands tenderly on Venti's face, in the other he held a cecilia. Diluc leaned down so that their faces were practically on the same height, and he slowly placed the cecilia under Venti's beret. They both stayed quiet for a minute, their faces being bright red until Diluc said something, "I noticed you lost it out of your hair earlier when Moco was braiding it. I thought you looked cu- good with it in, so I got another one from my private garden." 
"Oh- Um- thanks," Venti sheepishly hid his face, "Diluc do you like cecilia's too?"
"Someone I care about does," was Diluc's only response, but it was one that caused Venti a lot of confusion.
Someone who? Me? Venti's face grew redder with the thought of Diluc growing flowers just for him. With an awkward, embarrassed silence now lingering in the air, they got back on the move crossing under the mountain overpass which marked the border between Liyue and Mondstadt. From there the trip to Liyue would take almost a week, that's only if everything went according to plan.
Night had set in across Teyvat, most people were tucked into bed sound-a-sleep, but Venti and Diluc were braving the darkness. Diluc didn't want to lose sight of Venti, so they walked closely together, every now and then Diluc would reach his hand back to feel if Venti was still there.
"M-M-Master D-Diluc are you c-cold?" Venti asked as he was rubbing his arms trying to warm up.
Diluc promptly without missing a step took his coat off and put it over Venti's shoulders, "We'll stop soon I just want to get out of this valley, we should almost be at the Stone Gate."
"Okay, and t-thank you for the coat. If you get cold how bout we both wear the coat."
"How would that work?"
"I'd get on your back then we both stick our arms through the sleeves."
"That'd just destroy my coat."
"I'll just have to warm you up if you get cold then, hehe."
"What are you waiting for?"
Venti froze from the shock, Diluc looked deadly serious, he actually wanted Venti to warm him up or so Venti thought. Closing the distance between them, Venti reached his arms out expecting to be picked up by Diluc, however he was only met with Diluc's turned back, Huh, was he joking? I didn't think Master Diluc was capable of such a thing. Wait why am I disappointed I didn't get picked up, wasn't I joking too. Yeah that's right I don't care about it at all.
"What's taking you so long?"
"H- Uh- I was- I was- When are we gonna stop I'm tired," Venti redirected the conversation. 
"Already we've only been walking for like an hour or two."
"We've walked so much though."
Diluc didn't bother responding, instead he kept walking knowing Venti would follow. Eventually they reached the Stone Gate which is where the dirt path temporarily transitioned to a wooden platform. They traversed down the platform rather quickly as there were no people around, the stalls where sellers peddle their goods were all empty, so too were the guard towers where the Millelith would keep watch from. After descending through the Stone Gate they were back on a path like before, however this time there was a fork in the road. Neither Venti nor Diluc had traveled to Liyue before, at least via the conventional way, so they had no idea where to go. All that was there to guide them was a far off dimly lit outline of a building or a tree they couldn't really tell what it was.
"What way, Master Diluc?"
"I don't know."
"Why not?"
"Why don't you know?"
"Usually I don't take the pathways when I travel. But I think right looks like the way to g-"
"Venti look out!!!!" Diluc yelled as he came rushing over with sword in hand.
Rolling towards Venti from behind was a large rock-like creature. Diluc had little time to act but he ran towards Venti, his sword unsheathed, flames emitting from it lighting the area around them in a crimson glow. Venti stood there looking at the person charging towards him, his eyes aglow, his red hair flowing amidst his sprint, his well defined muscles tensing up through his shirt, everything about him in that moment captivated the bard. No Ode Venti had ever sung could describe how he was feeling, ironic isn't it that he knew so many poems and ballads about how others feel, yet couldn't put into words how he was feeling. "D-"
Before Venti could finish saying anything Diluc knocked him to the ground away from the approaching creature. Then with all his might Diluc swung his blazing sword into the creature as it leaped into mid air. The rock-like monster was sent flying back down to the ground. Without giving it a chance to get up Diluc swiftly lunged toward it, this time swinging the sword from over his head, he crushed the creature with a fiery blow. After confirming the monster was dead, Diluc quickly rushed over to Venti who was a little slow to get up.
"Venti are you alright? Let me help you up," Diluc said compassionately as he offered his hand to Venti.
"Uh- Thanks Master Diluc," Venti spoke softly as if he was shaken up by what had just happened.
"Why don't we stop and rest here for the night, there's a nice little gazebo over there."
"I-I'm fine, we can keep going," Venti responded half-heartedly. 
"Really? I was thinking we could stop here and have a drink. I brought some cider with me secretly."
"Oh, y-yeah, that works too."
Now Diluc could tell that something was clearly wrong, as normally even mentioning cider would cause Venti to start acting all endearingly. Slowly they both made their way over to the small gazebo, Venti being partly carried by Diluc, who was still wondering if Venti was okay. The gazebo which was octagonal in shape, one side having steps, another being completely open, and the rest having waist-height walls. Sitting down together they shared the small bottle of cider Diluc had brought with him, The Venti I know would only reluctantly share this bottle with me. I wonder if he's okay... I want to ask him but- uh I- don't know how to. Maybe he's just tired, it has been a long day afterall.
They both sat there in silence for a while passing the bottle of cider back-and-forth. Eventually the cider ran dry, but both continued to sit there in silence, the only thing that could be heard was the gentle rustling of the leaves by the wind. Finally thinking it time to get some rest Diluc took out the blankets, laying one on the floor, while planning to use the other one as an actual blanket. Once Diluc had finished laying the blanket out, Venti without saying anything laid down on it, then Diluc too laid next him leaving enough space for another person in-between them. They covered themselves over with the other blanket, Diluc was about to close his eyes when Venti finally said something, "Would you still have protected me if I wasn't your archon?"
Diluc hadn't quite understood the question, "Huh?"
"Like if I was just Venti and not Barbatos would you have protected me?"
"Of course."
Venti's eyes quickly turned watery, he hid his face by turning away from Diluc. He tried to stop his tears from coming out, but try as he might they wouldn't stop. They just kept coming and coming, his heart just kept pounding and pounding, his stomach just kept turning and turning; his ice age of isolation had met it's burning bright sun. He fell asleep after calming himself, but unciously seeking more warmth rolled over into Diluc. Diluc, still awake and not wanting to wake the bard, accepted him into his arms. A cute smile crept across Venti's face, maybe because of the warmth or maybe because he could feel Diluc's arms under his, holding him close.

Notes:
I wonder why Diluc got a maid dress for Venti 😏
Word count: 3542