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

chapter 6

Notes:
So sorry this was out so late 😭
I had made a lot of mistakes while rushing so revising and correcting my own mistakes took a while, I promise I'll come out with a full chapter as soon as I can!

They crossed the bridge into Liyue Harbor only shortly after lunch time. Diluc asked someone in one of the surrounding shops where the Feiyun Commerce Guild was located. They told him it was right by the Feiyun Slope stairs to the left of the notice board. As they walked to the commerce guild they would often get looks from people, mostly because a tall red-haired man with a large sword and cute maid wasn't something the people would see everyday. When they arrived at the Feiyun Commerce Guild they were greeted by a servant named Xu, "Hello good sirs, how can the Feiyun Commerce Guild be of service to you?"
Diluc responded in turn with properness, "We've come with a letter of introduction."
"May I ask, whom it's to."
"Yes, a Mr. Xingqiu."
"I see. I shall go check to see if the young master is in."
Xu left to go look for Xingqiu inside. Diluc meanwhile checked to make sure Venti hadn't run off on him again. Luckily he was just looking at the notices on the nearby bulletin board. Diluc approached him from behind and locked arms with him, as a prince would a fair maiden. Venti was startled by this move, "Ack w-what are y-you doing?!?!?"
"We're dealing with high class people, proper etiquette dictates I should escort you like this."
"A-Aren't I a maid though?
"Mhm, but it makes the point that I treat people of lower status as I do those of higher status."
"Oh, hmm, hmm, I think I get it."
Before they could discuss proper etiquette further, most of which Diluc made up on the spot, Xu came back out to inform them the young master would see them, "Young Master Xingqiu said he would see you now. If you would follow me." Diluc with Venti by his side followed Xu into the guild. The guild was appropriately furnished; everything was positioned in a way that was pleasing to the eye; it was thoroughly cleaned, not a speck of dust could be found, yet it smelled ancient and antique. Seeing all the breakable items Diluc made sure to keep Venti a bit closer. Xu led them to a waiting area where they sat down next to each other on a couch. Once they were situated Xu left again to go and get the Young Master Xingqiu.
"Who do you think this Xingqiu is?"
"The 2nd son of the Feiyun Commerce guild."
"I knew that. How do you think he knows Albedo?"
"How would I know?"
"Well you're pretty informed about things, right?"
"More than you."
"Hey! I know lots of things." Diluc, getting annoyed at the bard's insistence to talk, looked at him with a commanding glare. Even though Diluc didn't express aloud what he wanted, Venti understood what he meant so he stopped talking. After a few minutes Xu emerged again with a proper looking young man with blue hair.
"Master Xingqiu, these are the people who wished to speak to you."
"Thank you for seeing to them Xu." With that Xu left again this time presumably to resume his post outside the guild. Xingqiu now directed his attention to Diluc and Venti, "I heard you have a letter of introduction addressed to me. May I ask who it's from?"
"Albedo of Mondstadt."
"Oh, Mr. Kreideprinz. May I see the letter?" Diluc nodded his head then pulled out the letter from his jacket and gave it to Xingqiu. Xingqiu read the letter, laughing to himself a few times as he did. Once he finished reading it he placed the letter next to him, then took a moment to think to himself, Mr. Kreideprinz said I might find what they have to say interesting, knowing him it must be true. I wonder what it could be: a kidnapping; a battle for the throne; maybe they're running away to get married. He was giddy with excitement thinking about the possibilities, but he regained his composure with a cough, "Ehmm, May I know on what business you have come here?"
"Someone stole something from me. I think they've come here to sell it, Albedo said you might be able to help."
Oooooo a mystery even better than I imagined. "I see. Certainly you have come to the right place. I have connections with many a sellers, some of whom deal in the shadier markets. Count me in on this detective team- I mean uhhh I'm sure I can help."
"I thank you for your willingness to help, but shouldn't we discuss payment first?"
"I need no payment to stop injustice from occurring."
"Are you sure? In the past when I've dealt with this guild they always demanded half of the payment up front."
"Ehhh, may I-I ask who you are?"
"Diluc Ragnvindr."
"T-The owner of Dawn Winery!?!?!?!?"
"Yes."
"Ehe," Venti thought this exchange was quite funny.
"Would you like to speak to my father?"
"I don't think I should bother him with this."
"I g-guess so."
Xingqiu's voice had drastically gotten more tentative after hearing who his guest was, so Diluc tried to make him feel better, "You seemed quite confident you could help, plus I trust Albedo wouldn't recommend you unless he thought highly of you. So if the offer still stands I will accept your help, we can discuss payment after."
"U-Uhh okay. Is there anything else that I could help you with?"
"Do you know of any places where we could stay for an extended period of time?"
"I can't think of any. However, if you so wish I can make accommodations at my place."
"If it works and is okay with your family?"
"I'm sure they'll be happy to accommodate such an important guest. Though, we only have one guest room, so you'll have to share a bed."
"That'll be okay with us right, Venti?"
"Mhm."
"Then it's settled and if it's okay, could I take you both to lunch? I-If you haven't eaten yet of course."
Before Diluc could answer, a certain bard spoke up, "That would be great, I'm sure it would please Master Diluc."
"Oh, that's good. Umm is this your lover my liege Diluc?"
Their faces grew bright red and they both simultaneously stuttered, "N-No," then pointing at each other said, "He is not my boyfriend."
"Forgive me, I was being presumptuous," while this was the reason Xingqiu said out loud for assuming they were a couple he had another in the back of his mind, Maybe I read too many of those romance novels...
"W-Well shouldn't we get to lunch," Diluc said, still embarrassed.
"Yea-Yeah we should, if you would follow me, my leiges, I shall take you to one of the best restaurants Liyue has to offer."
The three of them walked together through the streets of Liyue. Xingqiu acting as a tour guide would often tell them interesting facts about the city, like how the owner of Xigu Antiques only worked during the night, and how Yanshang Teahouse was rumored to sell a lot more than just tea; he also explained the tradition of throwing flower petals into the water for good luck in bringing about great riches; he added it used to be coins that were thrown, but it polluted the water so that practice was banned. Eventually they arrived at a quaint building on the street which led to the shipyard. Wanmin Restaurant was the name on the sign that sat outside the building's door. Xingqiu walked in, and in a very friendly manner said, "Hello Chef Mao."
"Oh, young Xingqiu, it's good to see you."
"Could we have a meal for three?"
"Of course. Though I'm afraid Xiangling isn't here right now."
Shoot I was hoping she would make something interesting for my guests hehe, he didn't say this out loud, but a disappointed expression did show across his face. "That's okay, it'd be great to have you cook for us."
"What would you three like?"
"I'll take the jueyun chili chicken, and for those two how about the black-back perch stew," then to he turned to Venti & Diluc, " If that's okay with you of course."
"U-h sure," they both responded.
"Yay!" The three of them stood off to the side waiting for Chef Mao to finish their lunch. When the food was ready they took it and sat down on some nearby steps to eat it. Venti sat on the steps above Diluc and Xingqiu. It didn't take long before a peculiar situation arose. After taking a few bites of his food, Diluc looked over to see Xingqiu with a bright red face.
Maybe the food is too hot, was Diluc's initial thought, but when he went to look at Venti he understood what the bright red face was for. Venti was sitting above them with his legs uncrossed, which allowed for both Diluc and Xingqiu to see almost all the way up his legs. Diluc, not wanting to make the situation awkward, subtly said, "Venti um- you should sit with your legs crossed."
Venti, having no care for subtlety, loudly questioned Diluc's suggestion, "Huh?WHY?"
"W- People can see up your um- dress."
"Oh, ehe," Venti responded, with a carefree smile. Venti lazily crossed his legs; then adjusted his dress so it was comfortable; finally he started eating his lunch again. However, he was interrupted again when he noticed a tall slender dark haired man walking by him. Even though Venti had never seen the man before he knew exactly who it was, Morax the Geo Archon. The two only shared a brief glance, but both understood what the other was saying, that they would meet later over a bottle of wine. After all three of them finished eating, Xingqiu suggested they go back to his manor the rest of the day and discuss the first steps of their plan.
Once they arrived at the manor Xingqiu showed them to their room which was right next to his own. They set their weapons down in the room, then took turns washing up in the bathroom. When they both had cleaned themselves they came out to talk with Xingqiu about what they would do tomorrow. Venti was very happy to be able to get cleaned up again, "Mr. Xingqiu the bath was wonderful, thanks!!!"
"You are most certainly welcome, my dear bard. Though maybe next time we could take one together," Xingqiu said with longing eyes. Diluc had been walking to Venti, but stopped right by Xingqiu once he heard this. He glanced down at the young man with a sneakily menacing look. Xingqiu took note of this and realized he should probably take this any further. Diluc was about to say something, but before he could Xingqiu said something else, "In a public bath of course. Master Diluc you are welcome to join as well."
Diluc scoffed. Then he walked away back to his room. Xingqiu's comment had evidently ruined his mood.
This allowed for Venti and Xingqiu to talk alone for a moment, "Venti, do you wear dresses often?"
"Not really, I have no money for them. All my money is spent on wine hehe."
Xingqiu thought for a second, Diluc might buy him one, if I play my cards right maybe he'll buy me one too.
Diluc sat behind the room's door listening to the conversation, definitely not worried that Xingqiu might make a move on Venti. He heard what Venti said. The thought of buying Venti a dress made him blush a little. Desperately he wanted to go out there; take hold of Venti's hand and spend the rest of the day shopping for a dress that would make him smile with joy. Diluc didn't care what price it would be, as long as it made Venti smile. To Diluc that smile was worth more than all his fortunes. He knew at that moment he really was in love; he wanted to tell Venti his feelings, but he knew the words wouldn't come out. He hated himself for not being able to confess then & there. What was he so afraid of? That Venti might say no; that Venti might not feel the same way; that Venti being a god wouldn't want to have a relationship with a human. Diluc decided to wait and see if Venti might say something first so that way he wouldn't have to risk being rejected. Finally getting himself back under composer he went back out into the living room to talk with Venti and Xingqiu. "Xingqiu what is it you have planned for tomorrow," Diluc said in the most monotone voice possible.
"First we should check the underbelly of Liyue, to see if the item is on the open market. If that doesn't work then we could try talking to the Liyue Qixing. Our last resort would be to go to someone like Lady Ningguang, though I fear she drives hard bargains when it comes to favors."
"Sounds like a good start, though we can't do all that tomorrow can we?"
"Depends on how everything goes I guess."
Venti was silent while Diluc and Xingqiu discussed the plans for finding the bottle.
"Is there anything we can do today?"
"I fear not my dear liege Diluc, for today I have something to do." With that Xingqiu headed out leaving Diluc alone with Venti and no explanation for what he was going to do. Venti spent the rest of the day exploring the manner every once and a while sneaking a glance at Diluc who was working out in the living room. It was the first time Venti had seen Diluc with his shirt off, he secretly kept his eyes on him for as long as he could. He was doing pushups; his muscles flexed everytime he did one; sweat would dot the floor dripping from his body; his breaths were deep and heavy. The longer Venti looked at Diluc the faster his own breath got, the faster his heart beat, the faster certain thoughts flowed into his mind. Eventually Diluc finished working out and went to wash up again for dinner. Xingqiu was back before dinner was served, not much was said when he returned. The three of them sat eating the food prepared by the servants. At some point Xingqiu asked them to tell of their journey, so they did. However, they left out the parts about sleeping together. They saw each other off to bed once the sun set. After Diluc fell asleep Venti tip-toed out of bed, went out the window and disappeared into the night in search of his old friend.

Notes:
Diluc seems to be softening up, or maybe he was always this way and was just afraid to show it...
Also Diluc and Xingqiu got a peak at what the heavens look like (≧∇≦)ﾉ
Word count: 2528