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

chapter 7

Notes;
HELLOOOO
Time taken for this chap: way too long smh, may be some mistakes, tried to get this out a bit too quick forgot about quality > quantity, may remake this chapter near future, but yeah! Enjoy ❤️
Also, I really appreciate the support on this fic recently, I just made it a DiluVen brainrot and didn't expect it to get reads 😅

Summary:
Venti, Diluc and Xingqiu look for clues regarding the case

The night sky looked like the work of a crazed painter, dotted about with specs of different colored paints which had been mishappenley thrown onto a canvas. A brilliantly shining moon also hovered far, far above, so far no human could ever hope to reach it. Maybe someone more than human could, they certainly could at least come closer than a human. There's so many differences between those that are human and those that are divine. So how could one ever hope to love the other? That's what Venti thought about as he walked the well-lit streets of Liyue in search of his old friend. Venti didn't know what they would talk about, but there was a particular question he wanted to ask, Can a human and an archon ever be together? He searched high-and-low for that man, but he was nowhere to be found. He stopped lost in thought at a walkway that overlooked the great sea which the harbor sat on. His face rested in his hand as he leanded on the railing, mindlessly staring out into the darky depths of the night sea. After only a few minutes he felt a hand on his shoulder, he turned around and was met with the sight of a man's chest.
"Old friend..."
"Morax!"
"I go by Zhongli now, Venti or perhaps you'd prefer Barbatos?"
"Venti is fine, I wouldn't want anyone accidentally overhearing my true identity."
"Shall we have something to drink, Osmanthus wine perhaps?"
"Sure, I could go for a drink."
"You always could," Zhongli said, slightly reminiscing about long ago. Together they sat down, their backs against the railing and the wine in front of them on the ground.
Venti said something in a way that was very un-Venti like, "Hey, Zhongli can I ask you something?"
Zhongli was caught off guard by the bard's vulnerable tone, "Sure," he responded while pouring the two cups of wine out.
"Is it possible for two people with irreconcilable differences to be together? For example could a divine being, such as an archon, and a human be together? "
Zhongli pondered his question for a time then answered, "I suppose yes, though I can't say it with certainty. Love is a complex thing; a grand thing, even more grand than the difference between humans and divinity. But, is your problem truly with the difference in substantial existence or is it something else? I've known you for a long time Venti, you've never cared about differentiating humans and gods."
Venti hid his face as droplets of tears formed in his eyes, he grimaced before saying, "Y-your right. I just- I'm afraid. Afraid of-of losing someone else, of losing another person that I care about. How can I possibly let myself love someone when I-I know I'll be forced to see their death when I know I'll be left alone again when I KNOW I'll always outlive them." Tears began streaming down his face uncontrollably, he tried to wipe them away with his arm to no avail. His thoughts spiraled out of control, Why? Why? Why? Why? Why must I be forced to always lose people? Why must I be relegated to a life in which I could never find a lover, a friend, a companion that would never leave me? Ever since I first met that boy long ago I only ever wanted someone who would stay beside me forever. But, it's impossible. I have a wish that's impossible, even for a god like me to fulfill.
Though none of this was said aloud Zhongli sensed his friend's pain and anguish, so he brought him close trying to comfort him. Venti's tears soaked into Zhongli's clothes dampening them with the sadness of his heart. "May I ask who it is you want to be with?"
"M–aster Di-Diluc," Venti's voice broke as he was still crying.
"Is he that red haired man I saw sitting with you today at lunch?"
"Mhm."
Their conversation temporarily ended as Zhongli rubbed Venti's back in an effort to help calm him down. Eventually, Zhongli thought it best to say something, "Your worries aren't without reason. It's true, we do live longer than any human. It's also true we are forced to lose humans we hold close because of that. But, does that mean we should never form attachments with humans or does it mean we should treasure our time even more with them?"
"I do want to cherish every moment with him," Venti said while trying his best to smile through the tears, "B-But w-what happens when I lose him, I-I don't want to be left alone agai-" His last words were cut off as he was thrown back into his sobs.
"Venti... I probably don't have to tell you this, but even archons don't live forever. You've luckily found someone you like and I think likes you back," Zhongli said, still holding Venti close.
Venti sniffled before saying, "I really like him- I really do."
"Heh, so that's why you sat like that."
"W-what I- did not," Venti's tears had subsided as he still rubbed his eyes.
"As your elder, let me give you some advice, talk to him about your worries," Zhongli stood up, having finally finished his cup of wine.
"Are you leaving?"
"Yes, my boss is expecting me back in a few hours." Before walking away Zhongli hugged Venti in a friendly manner, and lastly said, "It was good to see you again, old friend."
"Thanks Morax, for listening."
He turned his head back; smiled, then disappeared back into the streets of Liyue. Venti sat there by himself for a little longer, slowly sipping down the remaining wine in his cup. After he finished it he left the cup on the railing, knowing it would somehow find its way back to that old man. He walked back to Xingqiu's manor and snuck through the same window he had escaped out earlier. He went to change out of the maid dress which he had worn all day, but couldn't find the bag with his clothes in the dark room. Not wanting to wake up Diluc or wear the maid dress to bed he decided to put one of Diluc's shirts that was laid over the back of a chair. Subtly getting into bed Venti snuggled close to Diluc's body, he timidly reached out his hand, but pulled it back still lost on what he should do. Instead, he merely whispered in Diluc's ear something he desperately wanted to say, "Master Diluc, I-I love you." Diluc never heard this, just as Venti had never heard any of Diluc's thoughts. So, another night passed where they both fell asleep with an unexplainable feeling in their stomach.
The next morning Diluc awoke to quite the surprise, a half-naked very cutely dressed Venti lying next to him. Diluc realized Venti was wearing his shirt, not that he minded, in fact he was quite okay with it. As he sat looking at the bard, he imagined slowly undoing the buttons, while pressing his lips against Venti's, the shirt slowly falling off onto the bed, and then Diluc would lay Venti on his back-
"Morning Master Diluc," Venti said joyously.
Diluc was snapped back from dreamland. "Morning," he responded without any signs of embarrassment.
"I borrowed your shirt, hehe"
"What am I gonna wear then? Your bard clothes maybe."
"HAHA," Venti started laughing at Diluc's ludicrous suggestion.
Diluc playfully held himself over Venti, and whispered into his ear, "If you don't wanna take the shirt off, I'll just have to take it off for you," he dragged each of the last few words out in a seductive manner.
Venti blushed as Diluc was right over him, "I'll take it off I promise."
"Hmph, that's a good boy." As soon as those words left Diluc's mouth, Venti instantly rushed out from under Diluc and into the nearby bathroom as quickly as could. His heart was pounding as he sat down directly behind the door, he figured Diluc was out there smirking to himself. Little did he know Diluc's heart was also pounding as he continually questioned what he had just said. After that interesting start to the morning they ate breakfast with Xingqiu as normally as they could, every once and a while sharing an awkward glance. By mid morning they left the manor to go see if the wine bottle was on the illegal markets. Xingqiu was taking them to a shadier seller he knew that dealt in all sorts of things.
"I've arranged to meet him over by the shipyard. As a rule of thumb, don't inquire about any of their personal information."
Diluc nodded his head that he understood, he just hoped Venti did as well. They stood under the shade of the towering shipyard waiting for Xingqiu's contact to show up. Xingqiu took this opportunity to ask an interesting question, "So, Master Diluc, when are you taking us shopping?"
Diluc said nothing in response, he merely looked at Xingqiu in a disapproving manner. He wasn't even going to consider what Xingqiu had suggested until he remembered the conversation he heard yesterday. "I guess we can go after we find some clues about the thief," he tried his best to make it sound like he was reluctant to do so. However, in truth he looked forward to being able to buy Venti a dress, just so he could see his smile, hear him say thank you... maybe even 'I love you' Diluc's heart skipped a beat thinking of this last possibility.
Venti and Xingqiu started celebrating with each other, to an onlooker it probably looked like they were torturing poor Diluc. They all managed to regain their professional composure by the time the contact showed up. The person wore a dark jacket that went down past their knees; the jacket was open revealing a well-fitted black suit-vest and shirt; their pants were also black, so were their shoes. Pulled over their head was a hood that covered their hair entirely. Everything about this person signaled shady, though Diluc couldn't say much considering his outfit was much the same. They spoke in a deep voice that sounded fake, "You wanted to meet young master Xingqiu." The person talked with their back to the three so that none of them could see the face of the person they were talking to.
"Yes, I would like to make an inquiry about an item."
"I see. Now if you would..."
Xingqiu looked at Diluc as if it was a signal for him to start talking, "It's a wine bottle from Dawn Winery."
"And is there anything special about this wine bottle?" the person responded.
"Not really. It's a family heirloom, that's all."
"I see. I shall keep an eye out. If I was you I would check the shops underneath the central overlook. There've been rumors recently that the treasure hoarders are looking to sell a high value item."
"Hmm, very interesting, we shall go check it out."
"I guess we shall part ways here then," with that the person dressed all in black disappeared into the crowds, never to be seen again.
Diluc with Venti & Xingqiu in tow walked toward the central overlook at the bottom of the Feiyun slope stairs. The underneath portion of the overlook was damp and smelled of the salt sea. Shadowy figures were all around, some walked about, others sat looking at them. Diluc made sure to keep his companions close after a few of these people gave quite lustful leers at both Venti and Xingqiu. They approached a stall that sold various imported pottery, there were things like Inazuman lacquerware, and amphoras from Mondstadt. The seller was a hobbling old man who looked well past his prime; he spoke in a gravelly voice, "What can I do for you young men?"
Diluc took the lead in speaking to the seller, "We're looking for some information about a certain item?"
"Information isn't free."
"Nothing ever is," Diluc said as he reached into his pockets to pull out a fair amount of mora. The old man took notice of the mora, but Diluc reminded him of something, "Don't forget you have to give me the information I'm looking for."
"Don't worry, I understand, boy."
Diluc winced at these words as they reminded him of something he'd rather forget. Venti and Xingqiu were protectively behind Diluc each with a hand holding onto the back of Diluc's jacket. Diluc gave the man the information about the wine bottle and the lead involving the treasurer hoarders, he shook his head muttering something. "So you have no information for me then," Diluc sternly said.
The old man promptly responded, so as to not lose the opportunity to make a bit of money, "Well, I may have some information about the treasure hoarders actually."
"Hmm, I suppose I'll hear you out, but it won't be at the same rate."
"Certainly understandable." He started stroking his chin, as if he was trying to recall something. "I've heard that they were looking to move something of high value. However, it's not something that anyone would buy for high value. I hear they aim to bring it here then smuggle it into Sumeru. I assume that's the final destination."
Diluc thought to himself, Why bring the wine bottle to Sumeru? It's likely it's not the wine bottle, but something of literary or scholarly value." Diluc thanked the man and gave him his payment. Venti and Xingqiu had stayed quiet throughout the whole conversation, but now started talking again.
"Sir Diluc what shall we do now? The lead my contact gave us didn't pan out, so should we check with the millenth?"
"I fear that this entire trip may have been misguided."
"What no way, no way, I don't wanna go home," Venti was dismayed at the news that their trip might have ended already.
"Tch, I didn't say we're going home. I would still like to talk to this Lady Ningguang to see if she could be of any help."
Xingqiu's face grew white as a ghost, "T-That should be our LAST option."
"Then who should we talk to?"
"I know just the person... they deal in all sorts of antiques and knowledge."
"Oh Venti dear, you know someone in Liyue."
Venti 'dear' when did that start? Xingqiu's treatment of Venti left Diluc wondering if maybe waiting to tell Venti his feelings was the wrong move.
"I do, I do. It's Zhongli."
"Oh, the gentleman from the funeral parlor. Do you think he could help?"
"For sure," Venti nodded his head confidently.
"Am I gonna have to pay him too?" Diluc asked.
"Maybe with dinner, hehe."
"Don't worry, Sir Diluc, I shall cover the cost of the next expense. After all, you are going to buy me and Venti some clothes aren't you?"
"Can't you buy a dress yourself? It's not like you're short on money" Diluc asked.
"Well yes, but my parents still have control over my accounts. Also could you not mention the dress thing so loud. If it got out I liked wearing dresses I would definitely get yelled at by my parents for embarrassing the guild," Xingqiu's normal pompous expression became a lot sadder after he said this.
"E- Sorry."
Venti went over and comforted him by saying, "I think it's pretty cool you like crossdressing. Master Diluc thinks so too."
"T-Thanks."
"If you want to, we could try dressing up together sometime...?"
"Really!!! That sounds fun! We could do it after Diluc takes us shopping."
"Yeah!!! Maybe Diluc can dress up in a suit and be our butler, teehee."
"Ah yes, he'll escort us fair maidens out for a night on the town, as all knightley gentlemen should."
Diluc slyly laughed at their remarks.
Once they returned to Xingqiu's manor, they sat down for some lunch. They each had a plate of matsuke meat rolls freshly made by the servants of the household. After finishing lunch they went towards the funeral parlor to try and find Zhongli. When they arrived they were surprised to find Zhongli dusting the furniture.
"I never expected to see you again so soon, Venti."
"Hehe, what's up Zhongli? Are you busy?"
"I always have time for old friends. What is it you need?"
"Well- maybe Diluc should explain," Venti let Diluc take it from here.
"Someone stole a wine bottle from me, we received a lead that it might have come to Liyue; however, that lead didn't pan out. We thought maybe you could help give us a new lead."
"Hmm, that's not much to go on. Is there any reason someone might have stolen it? Is this bottle special in any way?"
"The bottle was passed down to me by the previous owner of dawn winery."
"Did this previous owner do any business with shady organizations? Sometimes with illegal deals money isn't given directly, but secured with items that lead to the money. Each party keeps half until the deal is complete to ensure one party doesn't runoff with the money or goods.
Diluc grimaced, then seemingly out of nowhere asked, "Do the Fatui have any presence in Liyue?"
"They have a bank in the main plaza. Are they involved somehow?"
Diluc didn't answer, instead he asked another question this time towards Xingqiu, "Would the millineth have information on the Fatui's movements within Liyue?"
"I believe they might. Though I must warn you Master Diluc the Fatui are hard to track. Even the guild has little information on them."
"They do have some sort of party tomorrow night, maybe you could get information then. I'm sure the Feiyun Commerce Guild could secure an invitation," Zhongli had said something that certainly piqued all their interest. A plan quickly formed in Venti's and Xingqiu's head.
"Well Venti it would seem we are in need of companions for tomorrow's event."
"Mhm, it would seem that way. So, my dear Xingqiu, are you busy tomorrow?"
"Not at all."
"Would you like to be my date then?" Venti said with one arm extended in a gentleman-like manner.
"Oh, my first confession of love, how novel it is. Of course I would love to go with you, my dear Venti.
Diluc and Zhongli were very confused about what had just happened. The tones of their voices didn't sound serious at all, yet they seemed serious about going.
"Well that leaves Diluc without a date."
"Oh," Venti turned towards Zhongli, "Zhongli are you busy tomorrow night?"
"I have nothing planned, but a cup of tea and listening to stories from long ago."
"Would you be willing to go as Diluc's date?"
"Of course. I wouldn't mind at all, I hear they're serving some local delicacies."
It dawned on Diluc that this was a prank pulled by Venti & Xingqiu to make him spend the night with the old grandpa. He tried to object, "It would make more sense if I went with Venti since he could role play as my maid."
Zhongli piped in, "Do not worry Master Diluc, I can play your maid."
"The dress wouldn't fit you."
"I'm sure I can find something to wear for the party. I look excellent in any dress just ask Venti-"
"Haha, funny joke Zhongli," Venti gave him a death stare trying to stop him before he accidently revealed they were both archons.
"Don't worry about wearing a dress, just come however you like."
"Hmm, I suppose I can do that as well."
"You suppose..." Diluc wondered what he meant by that.
"I was quite excited to wear a dress again. You know dresses are quite interesting, they're a lot more free flowing than pants or shorts. The history of traditional Liyue dresses is quite long in fact. There are several styles-"
"Umm- Mr. Zhongli, could I ask you a question?" Zhongli looked at Xingqiu and nodded that it was okay, "Is it weird for a guy to wear clothes that are traditionally worn by women?"
"By tradition, I suppose it is. But only by tradition, and traditions change all the time. I think it is weird how clothing is separated into categories. People should just wear whatever they find comfortable, right? That is afterall why clothing was invented. "
Xingqiu smiled as he was happy to see someone as respectable as Zhongli say it was okay to wear women's clothing. The conversation with Zhongli ended here as he went back to dusting the inside of the funeral parlor. Meanwhile his three visitors left, heading for back to the manor from which they had come. On their way there Diluc said something that made both Venti & Xingqiu's eyes light up with excitement, "Since we have tomorrow mostly free, why don't we go shopping in the morning."
"Yay Yay YAY!!!!!!" Venti exclaimed with excitement.
Xingqiu started growing quite nervous as he was now faced with the reality he was actually going dress shopping. Once they arrived back at the manor Diluc was informed probably of the most disappointing news all day, Venti said he was going to sleep in Xingqiu's room tonight. Diluc didn't voice his displeasure, he just answered, "Okay." When it came time for bed Diluc sombered back to his room alone. He used to never mind being alone, but ever since he started traveling with that damn bard he's hated even the thought of it. Venti and Xingqiu were giggling, and hopping about as they went to Xingqiu's room for what they termed a sleepover.
Diluc spent the night silently drowning in his own thoughts, almost all regarding Venti. The other room was far from silent as Venti and Xingqiu were continuously talking to each other. "Venti, is there anybody you have a crush on?" Xingqiu asked with an inquisitive smirk.
"Umm- well I- maybe."
"Who?"
"I don't wanna tell."
"What no fair. I want to know. Please Please Venti."
"Uhhhhh- Do you have a crush on anyone Qiu?" Venti called Xingqiu by a pet name to try and derail his persistence
"Mhm. I do."
"Oh, who is it?"
"You," Xingqiu said as seriously as he could before laughing a bit.
"Whatever. See you won't tell me either, so why should I have to tell you."
"It's Master Diluc."
"Huh?"
"You have a crush on Diluc don't you?"
"I- I- N- W-Wel- Yes"
"Hahahahahaha, I knew it. I knew it," Xingqiu said as he ran towards the door, "I can't wait to tell him."
"Xingqiu, please- please don't." Venti was clearly uncomfortable now as Xingqiu had exposed his crush.
Xingqiu noticed this and thought the best solution would be to reveal his own crush, "The person I have a crush on is Mr. Kreideprinz or maybe Chongyun I don't know."
"Ehhhh!?!!!?!
Xingqiu smirked a little knowing he had gotten out of answering while simultaneously making Venti more comfortable. They continued talking the night away; their topics of conversation ranged from what they like to wear for clothes to what alcohols they liked to drink. Eventually they fell asleep sprawled about in the same bed, their limbs both dangling off the bed and over each other. Diluc, like for most of his life, slept alone in a quiet room with no semblance of another's warmth. He just laid there desperately hoping for somebody to reach out a hand to him; for somebody to come in and lie next to him in bed; for somebody to love him. But he didn't just want it to be somebody anymore, he wanted it to be Venti.
Notes:
Man Diluc should just tell Venti his feelings tbh
Also Diluc's thoughts were so lewd when he saw Venti in his shirt, though not one of us can blame him. 😋
I never imagined I would go from Venti & Diluc going on an adventure to Zhongli & Diluc going to a Fatui party together... (～￣▽￣)～

Words: 4076
Hope you enjoyed reading!