"And this is Liyue Harbor!" Paimon calls as we walk down the stone-laid path.
"It's beautiful, thank you for guiding me, Paimon," I say, looking at the person floating next to me.
"Of course. I bet you wish Venti could have come, huh?" Paimon looks at me, prying. But I keep my face blank, void of all emotion.
"I really wish you would stop making comments about him." Glancing at her, fuck. No pronouns. Glancing at Paimon, I note how determined Paimon looks.
"You don't have to hide, Master Diluc. I know about the two of you~" Paimon giggles, doing a small dance in the air.
"I don't know what you think you know, but I guaranty that it is wrong," I say through gritted teeth, Paimon is starting to get on my nerves.
"So are you telling me that I'm wrong when I say that you two aren't dating, but you've been on a date, you've kissed, he's sang to you alone, AND you've slept in the same bed as him?" Paimon pauses, looking at my shocked face before continuing. "So I'm wrong then?"
"You're fishing Paimon," I say, trying to keep my cool. The details aren't anyone's business. Even friends.
"Like Kaeya?"
"..." The Fuck?
I sigh, pitching the bridge of my nose. "You're fishing, I'm not telling you what happened."
"So you admit something happened?" This conversation is getting out of control rather quickly.
"I am neither confirming nor denying." This lights a fire under Paimon's ass because Paimon starts shaking in the air. Stomping like a child.
"No fair, Venti would've told us!" Stomping again, Paimon stops moving forward, stopping in the middle of the street.
"I'm not Venti." I retort, stopping to look at Paimon. "And considering the fact that I Am Not Venti, I would really like for this conversation to end." Paimon looks like Paimon is going to cry. I didn't mean to snap, I never do. Paimon was just getting on my nerves.
Sighing again, I start walking forward. "Let... let's just find the Jade Chamber."
Paimon nods ok and we start moving forward again. Walking through the streets of Liyue is amazing. Paimon's mood picks up a little bit after a while. Paimon starts pointing out different places Paimon and Traveler have been.
"Ooh, look Master Diluc, that's Zhongli! HEY ZHONGLI!" Paimon calls to the formal-looking stranger.
"Greetings' Paimon and friends. Where is the Traveler?" Zhongli asks, greeting Paimon and me warmly. But something feels off about this stranger.
"Back in Mondstadt, they're staying with Venti until we get back," Paimon reveals, seemingly excited to be talking to a friend. I already don't trust Zhongli, trusting my gut. Something about this person is very different.
"Ah, staying with Barbados. Do you know when Traveler will be venturing into Liyue again? I've been meaning to share a very special tea." Zhongli says and everything clicks.
"Oh, so you're a god too?" I ask, shock on both of their faces.
"Master Diluc, you can't be that forward! We are in the middle of Liyue!" Paimon says but I shush Paimon.
"If my hunch is right, then you're Rex Lapis, right?" I cock my head to the side, trying to make it seem like an innocent question instead of an accusation.
"What makes you think that I am the late god of Liyue?" Zhongli asks, sounding interested but also like he couldn't be bothered.
"Well, you know about Venti, for starters." I try not to look like I'm challenging him, but I know I look that way anyway. The way that I hold myself isn't one to show submission.
"Why would that make me a god? Some of the Adepti know of Barbados and his new name." Zhongli states, crossing his arms. "How do you know of his real identity?"
"Ooh, Paimon knows this one. Master Diluc and Venti are together!" Paimon calls, giggling.
"We're not dating Paimon," I say, glaring at Paimon.
"Oh?" Zhongli laughs, his voice condescending. "Are you Barbados' new plaything?"
Plaything?
I try not to let the comment strike a nerve, but the smug smirk on Zhongli's face makes me want to punch him. I can't though, I can't punch a god.
"Aren't you and Childe dating, Zhongli?" Paimon asks, saving me from having to respond.
"Of course, I was only kidding. Besides it's good for him, he hasn't had anyone since his bard friend." He smiles, muttering something about a wine that starts with an O. I didn't hear the pronunciation.
I'm glaring at him, I realize. "I need to find the Jade Chamber." I state, ushering Paimon forward, trying to get away from this strange god and his 'jokes'.
"I know the way, why don't I accompany you? I'm to meet Childe near there anyway." Paimon agrees for me, making my blood boil. Definitely not my vision this time. Just anger.
Venti's plaything? Is that all I am?
Silently I follow Zhongli and Paimon, the two of them carrying on like I'm not there. Both of them stuck in their own little world. It gives me time to reflect.
"So, Master Diluc, was it?" Zhongli starts. I nod at him, confirming my name. "What brings you to Liyue Harbor?"
"Lady Ningguang has invited me to talk about expanding my winery," I say, trying to keep my head high. I really don't like this god and I have a feeling that he knows it.
"Oh? And what are you going to say?" He smiles like he knows the answer but I reply anyway.
"I'm going to say no." Expanding the winery would cost more than I'm willing to pay, even if it will earn ten-fold within the first year. The amount of paperwork would be astronomical, and it would mean I'd be too busy for anything else. Anyone else.
"Why? You could earn enough mora to never have to work another day in your life, it would give you more time with Barbados." He seems surprised, I guess he didn't know the answer after all.
"I think you think that I'm not as involved with my winery as I actually am." I smile. It's a warm smile, I feel like I got a small win.
Zhongli smiles again, but this time not at me. A ginger-headed boy is smiling and walking toward us.
"Zhongli! Paimon! And a red-headed stranger. It's nice to see and meet you." The boy says, looking me in the eyes. "You look, familiar stranger, do I know you from somewhere?"
Paimon smiles. "Oh, an introduction! Master Diluc, this is Childe, Number 11 of the Fatui Harbingers. Childe, this is Master Diluc, of Mondstadt."
Oh Fuck.
