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

chapter 4

Notes:
Sorry for being ia, was rlly busy and I have rashes 😭

Summary:
Venti and Diluc go to Wangshu Inn and encounter an unsual guest

The sun had just risen from the sky, the birds were singing, the wind was gently blowing, it looked to be a beautiful day. Diluc & Venti both woke up about the same time, and came to realize the position in which they slept together. Instantly they turned away from each other, their faces bright red; both asking themselves, What was I thinking last night?  They weren't able to even face each other for the first few minutes they were awake. Neither one of them could manage to get the words out to ask about last night. They both choose to pack up the blankets and begin on their journey for the day in silence. They never talked to each other once until they arrived at a peculiar looking stand which claimed to sell a locally brewed Liyue wine. Diluc, having never heard of such a thing, went over to check it out and Venti happily followed along.
"Good Morning fair men, would you like to buy some speciality wine, brewed right here in Liyue?" the shopkeeper, Hulu, energetically asked as they approached.
Diluc abruptly cut to the point, "Yes I would. Though I've never heard of a local brewer here in Liyue before."
"Oh- Uh-" Hulu scratched the back of his head nervously, "It's a small winery, not many people have heard of them- But how many bottles would you like?"
"I'll take two please."
"Ok- that'll be 2,000 mora please."
Venti's eyes grew wide and for the first time that day he said something, "HOW MUCH?!?!?!"
Diluc handed the shopkeeper the 2,000 mora, and in turn took the two bottles of wine. He wanted to put them in Venti's bag, but he also didn't want to ask him. Venti too wanted to put the bottles in his bag, but also wanted to avoid conversation. Both hesitant to let on they were looking at one another, their eyes finally met as they were walking away from the wine seller.
"Ummmm- Master Diluc?" Venti managed to barely get these words out.
"H-Huh?"
This was the first time Venti had ever seen Diluc not calm and collected, instead he seemed nervous. Trying to dance around the situation, Venti asked an ambiguous question, "Did- did you sleep well last night?"
"I-" Diluc hesitated to respond, What do I say to that? I- his body was so warm and soft, and I slept so well- but I can't tell him that. What would he think of me?
"Um Diluc, I want- to- be- like that again. It was nice," Venti said, however he left why he felt that way to himself, It's too embarrassing for me to say outloud but I felt so safe last night. It felt so comforting when he held me,
Diluc stopped walking, Why did he have to say that? I can't say no, I could never say no. Yet I'm scared that I might... become addicted to him and never be able to let him go, now he finally responded out loud, "You- would?"
  "Mhm."
"O-Okay."
"Can we go back to how it was before?"
"I suppose, but only if you don't tell anyone about this."
"Okayyyy I'll try my best," Venti happily said before running in front of Diluc.
"You better do more than try, or else I won't ever let you come over to the winery."
Now Venti was the one who stopped in his tracks, Come over to the winery?!?!?! He's gonna let me sleep next to him even after the journey is over... What? Huh? 
While Venti was still thinking to himself, Diluc passed him on the road way and subtly grabbed his hand leading him along. Venti didn't pull his hand away but instead let himself be led along. Together they continued walking towards Liyue, before them now was the famous Wangshu Inn, which was built into a giant tree. As the inn loomed in the distance they stopped at a nearby fruit stand that was run by a child. Diluc bought a few sunsettias from the young child, and then sat with Venti to eat them. Everytime Venti bit into a sunsettia a bit of juice would get onto his face, seeing this Diluc leaned over and gently wiped the bard's face with a cloth. Venti too leaned over to Diluc, but only to steal the extra sunsettia Diluc had been keeping next to him, then he quickly took off. Once far enough away he turned around teasing Diluc and with a little giggle said, "Catch me if you can, Master Diluc."
"Hmph, don't start something you can't win."
"Heh-" Before Venti could finish saying anything else Diluc was already coming towards, but this was all according to Venti's plan. As instead of running away he ran straight towards Diluc, meaning that it would be a battle of wills not endurance. But Venti had forgotten one thing that he was small and Diluc was strong, so Diluc simply picked him up. This time though instead of being over Diluc's shoulder Venti was mishappenly being carried by his arms, like one would carry a cat. However Diluc had not expected a rock to be his path, so only seconds after picking Venti up they both were sent tumbling to the ground. Diluc fell and landed on top of Venti who fell right on his back. They were in yet another rather delicate position, this time instead of trying to ignore it they laughed about it, well at least Venti did.
Diluc was more concerned about whether he had hurt the bard though, "Venti are you okay? I didn't mean to. Is your head hurt?
"HAHAHA, Master Diluc, that wasn't so very gentlemen-like of you. You fell right on top of me, and now you're just laying here, you must like my body to be always grabbing it like this. HAHA I never expected you to be such a pervert."
"Well you're clearly fine, I shouldn't have worried," Master Diluc walked away back to his cold usual self.
Venti quickly jumped up and brushed the dirt off his clothes, then went to catch up to Diluc who wasn't waiting for him, maybe because of what Venti had said to him. They spent the rest of the day traveling to the lofty Wangshu Inn and they arrived there a little after the sun started to set . Upon getting there they went up to the reception desk, to check into a room, since Diluc was the one paying he was also the one who spoke to the person at the desk, Verr Goldet, "Hello, would you like a room for the night?"
"Yes please."
"Will it be separate rooms or a single room?"
"We'll take a single room please and thank you."
"Oh and will you be needing dinner? Also what name should I put down for the room?"
"Diluc Ragnvindr. Regarding dinner, what options do you carry?"
Her eyes widened never had she imagined that the man standing before her was such a renowned guest. Hurriedly she went to get her husband Huai'an the innkeeper, "Excuse me I shall go get my husband."
Within a few minutes she and her husband had returned, they both bowed this time. Venti, who was watching from afar, found this very strange. They both went on about how it was their pleasure to welcome such an honored guest, how they would try their best to accommodate anything he needed, it continued for a while until Diluc put a stop to it, "What time do you stop serving dinner?"
Verr Goldet answered Diluc's question, "Not for a little while longer, If you'd like we could arrange a private meal for you and your companion."
"You don't have to go to all that trouble."
Now Huai'an spoke up, "It's no trouble at all, please right this way," he extended his arm towards the set of stairs that went down to the kitchen.
"Well I guess it'd be an honor to have a private dinner at a place as reputable as this," Diluc turned to where Venti was but he had disappeared, "Forgive me but I shall go grab my companion." They exchanged temporary farewells as Diluc went to find Venti. Diluc knew the only place Venti could be was the top floor, otherwise he would have seen him move, so that's where he went to check.
While Diluc had been talking Venti had caught a glimpse of an odd sight, a green-haired young man staring longingly at him. Venti followed the mysterious man to the top floor of the inn, he seemed familiar somehow. When he got to the top floor the young man was looking out into the vast marigold sky. It was the first time they had ever met yet their fates had crossed paths long ago. Venti saw that the person before him had an anemo vision, Him having an anemo vision must be why he seems familiar. I wonder how many hundreds of years ago it was that I granted that to him.
He spoke in a low broken voice as if it hurt him to speak,"Can you... play me some music?"
"Huh? What makes you think I can play music?
"You're a bard, are you not?"
"Well yes but–"
"So you will?"
"Mmmm I guess so, I am after all the greatest bard in Teyvat, hehe," Venti smiled smugly and using the power of anemo called forth his lyre. He began strumming the strings, he didn't sing any ballads or odes instead he simply just played music like the young man had asked.
Not that Venti could see but as soon as he had started playing the young man smiled and closed his eyes, thinking, It's just like back then. Then he finally turned around to see who it was that was playing for him, also who it was that saved him all those years ago. He slowly approached the bard, once close he laid his head on Venti's shoulders and spoke softly, "You're the anemo archon aren't you? Venti..."
How does he know my name? Or who I am? We just met... "May I ask what your name is?"
"Xiao. That's the name Morax gave me at least," Xiao said with his head still on Venti's shoulders.
"Ahh I see. Well, Xiao, are you enjoying the music?"
"Yes, very much."
Though they were talking out loud there were things left unsaid, the most important things, things they both understood.
"Come then my Xiao, let us sit over there and look out over the beauty of Liyue," Venti led Xiao to the railings of the balcony, Venti sat down on top of the railing, his feet dangling above the far below ground.  Xiao too got up on the railing but instead of sitting he laid down, his head resting in Venti's lap. How many years had it been? He for so long had searched for that sound that drifted with wind that night; that sound that calmed his inner-self, that sound that made all his suffering go away even if it had been only for an instant. He closed his eyes again, this time doing nothing but listening to the sweet sound of Venti's lyre and embracing the warmth of his tender caring soul.
Diluc had arrived at the top level a few moments after they had settled on the railing together. He was about to ask Venti if he wanted supper when he saw that Venti wasn't alone. There laying on his lap was someone, another person, someone else, someone that wasn't Diluc.  He hid himself behind the wall to make sure neither of them saw him, he stood there for a bit clenching his teeth, Who is that? They look close. Old friends? But if they were friends why would he mention it to me. Is it someone he doesn't want me to know about?  Diluc wanted desperately to go out there and take Venti away back into his arms, but he also knew it wasn't right to do so. However it didn't stop the queasy feeling in his stomach. What if he decided to stay here with that other guy? What if he just left with that other person? For some reason Diluc was angry at a person he had never met, who had never done anything to him. Diluc hated himself at that moment, I'm no better than those Fatui I chased for years. Why do I even care what that bard does? Diluc scoffed as he was fed up with his confusing thoughts, he decided there was no reason to stand there any longer so he went back down to eat the dinner he was so graciously offered. He ate the meal alone, though there was a plate for Venti as the chef thought they would both be eating together.
Venti meanwhile was still up on the same terrace, sitting in the same place, with Xiao's head still resting on his lap. The music had stopped a while ago, but Xiao still laid there, his eyes closed peacefully, his mind at rest. At some point Venti had begun comforting Xiao by putting his hand on Xiao's shoulder and rubbing it gently. Eventually as the sun went down, Venti carefully using the power of anemo got Xiao laid on the floor of the terrace and put a blanket over him. Venti cherished the fact he was able to help him even if it was for only a little bit, he also just then remembered that he had heard something about a dinner being served. He followed the blissful scent of food down to the bottom level where he found Diluc just about to leave.
"AHH did I miss it?"
"There's a plate for you."
"Why didn't you wait for me, Master Diluc?"
"It seemed like you had something better to do."
"I- No it's not like that. I- was just helping someone."
"Oh. Anyways I'm going to the room."
"Okay okay, I'll be right there, let me just eat real quick."
Without wasting any time Venti began gobbling down what was left out for him, even if it was a little cold it was still really good and he was really hungry. After he finished he went to their room to find Diluc sitting on the bed in the dark. They looked at each other silently, but in that silence there was much tension.
"Venti I don't think it's a good idea if we sleep like we did last night," Diluc said disheartenedly.
"Mas-ter Diluc?"
I want so desperately to take hold of him and never let me go. But what kinda person would I be if I did that? What would, he, the god of freedom think of me?
"Master Diluc please can we?"
"W-Why?"
Because I've spent so many nights alone, unable to sleep, but last night was different. I slept so well with you holding me, that's what I want to say at least. "It was nice wasn't it?"
"I-I guess,"  Diluc responded with no real meaning behind his words.
"So we can?"
"You're so annoying."
"But you still like me don't you, that's why you leave those apples out for me."
Diluc started to blush, Dammit Adelinde why'd you have to tell him that. "I was j- Never mind just get over okay already."
"Yayyyy yay yay!!!" Venti ran to the bed, and in classic Venti fashion jumped into Diluc hoping he would catch him.
"Ack," was the only sound Diluc made when Venti came crashing into him.
"Oww ow ow. Master Diluc that hurt," Venti said while looking like he was about to cry.
Diluc, seeing this, immediately went to the bard's side, and putting his arms around him compassionately hugged him, "It'll be okay. sigh- Stay there I'll carry you to bed."
I was just kidding about being hurt, but now maybe I'll go along with it mwahaha. "A- T-That would be nice," Venti made sure to make it sound like he was hurt. Diluc held Venti like he was a child, with one arm under his legs and the other under his shoulders. Carefully Diluc laid Venti on the bed, then pulled the covers over him, lastly he got in the bed next to Venti. "What no goodnight kiss? Hmph, I thought you cared about me."
"Shut up, and go to sleep."
"What if I don't want to," Venti quipped back in a defiant voice.
"I'll make you."
"Really, I'd like to see you try."
Diluc grabbed Venti's waist and rolled him over so that the bard was now laying face down directly on top of him. He placed one of his hands on Venti's head to keep it close against his chest, while his other hand was on Venti's lower back to keep him from moving. "Now sleep, you annoying brat," Diluc said commandingly. 
"Okay," was all Venti replied back, as he was very much okay with the position he found himself in. Venti slept with a wide smile across his face, and a warm feeling in his heart. Venti's outward happiness contrasted with Diluc's cold demeanor, but how they felt on the inside was quite similar. They both would insist this was just something to help them sleep, that there was no other reason for it. Maybe it's that they hadn't realized yet, or maybe it's that they had never felt this before and didn't know what it was they were feeling; yet again, it could also be that they were scared to confront what it was they were feeling for each other. On one hand, it's hard to form attachments when you know you will be forced to go on without them eventually. On the other hand it's hard for you to ask someone to always be there for you when you know it's impossible. But yet again on another hand it's so very hard to admit you're vulnerable through another person, that when they get hurt you also get hurt. 

They slept through the night peacefully and the next morning they awoke when the rosy-fingered dawn sun peeked it's head through the window of the room. Venti sat up stretching his arms over his head, while turning his back as he was trying to wake himself up. Diluc as well sat up, though he sat up perpendicular so that his legs were off the bed. They both were looking forward to taking advantage of the luxuries the inn provided, as neither of them had washed up in a few days, though for Venti it may have been a little longer.
Diluc, wanting to be nice, asked, "Would you like the shower first?"
"I don't really take showers," Venti responded.
"Never?" Diluc obviously was very shocked to hear this.
"Well I take baths sometimes."
Phew... "Would you like to take a bath then?"
"I'm not used to taking them inside, usually I take them outside."
"I see, wait- with no clothes on?"
"Yep, I always make sure no one is around though."
"Oh."
"I might need someone to show me how to take one inside."
"Hmph, sounds like a problem."
"Want to help me Master Diluc?" Venti asked with a conniving smile.
"No."
"Okay, then maybe I'll ask Xiao to help me. He's so nice he'll probably take one with me."
"Ahh- I- I- can help I guess, only because I wouldn't want you to bother someone else with this ridiculous request."
"Ehe, I-It was just a joke Master Diluc, don't worry I'm more competent than you think."
"I-" Diluc stopped speaking out of both shock and frustration.
He's so angry he doesn't have words, was he looking forward to seeing me unclothed that much? Maybe I should let him, it would be nice if he washed me... No no no what am I thinking why would I ever let him do such a thing. Venti looked over to see Diluc hiding his face in an almost shameful way. Venti leaned over to him and whispered in his ear, "I mean if you're that disappointed, I'll have to cheer you up somehow." Then very seductively Venti put his hand under Diluc's chin, "Don't you think?"
Diluc instantly pulled his head away, "Tch just hurry up and take one already, before I go in there first."
"Oooo someone's a little grumpy. Are you sad you can't see my cute little body completely bare?"
Diluc got up without saying a word and walked towards the bathroom, Venti scurried towards it too, moving across the bed causing the blankets to go across the floor. Diluc stood in the doorway blocking Venti's way with his well built body. Venti would shuffle one way trying to squeeze through but Diluc would continuously move in his way. This continued for much longer than it should have considering they're both adults. Diluc finally let Venti past him, allowing him to go into the bathroom, then he slowly closed the door behind him. On two separate sides of the door, both of them were having the same reaction, a blushed face and thinking, Why do I always act so weird around him? It's true that neither of them acted like this around anybody else, Diluc had never been so carefree before, while Venti had never dropped his overjoyous act as much as he did with Diluc.
They both took turns washing up in the bathroom, Venti had gone first, taking a little longer as he took a bath, Diluc however was rather quick, though it did take some time for his hair to be thoroughly cleaned. After they had finished Diluc went out to the front desk, to check them out of the room. Then together with Venti he went down to eat breakfast outside on the ground level. They both ordered different meals, eating them relatively quickly. Diluc had steamed buns, but Venti had almond tofu which had been recommended by Xiao at some point last night. By the time they crossed the bridge, which led away from the inn and towards Liyue, the sun had already peaked in the sky. As they were starting that day's journey they enjoyed a light hearted conversation, "Say Master Diluc, I forgot to ask you something."
"And what's that?"
"I thought you didn't enjoy alcohol."
"Mhm I don't."
"Then what was it we drank on the first night?"
"Oh that was Alcohol free apple cider."
"Blehhh," Venti made a sound of disgust.
"You enjoyed it didn't you?"
"NO!!!! I only enjoyed y-"
"C'mon we have to keep moving."
"Yeah, yeah I know."
Even as they left the inn behind they did not leave behind their cherished memories, so they eagerly set off to Liyue hoping to make more memories that would never fade.
Notes:
I wonder why Diluc inquired whether or not Venti took baths outside without clothes on (¬‿¬)
I didn't describe what they had for supper so it was; two portions of Jueyun Chili Chicken and Matsutake Meat Rolls
Word count: 3871