Some Bardic Cheer!

Dandelion Wine

Venti huffs from his place in a very nice tree which he currently called his home. It was currently around three am he noticed as his gaze travels to the moon. "I have work tomorrow." He huffs, sticking his tongue out. Don't get him wrong, he adores his job he absolutely loves it, he just hates the sleezy people. If they knew his status as a god they wouldn't dare touch him like they do now.

Venti huffs softly as he gets comfortable, ready to sleep for the night. He didn't feel that comfortable out of his vigilante costume so at night he typically wore his bard wear which gave him a sense of security yet also one of longing. He missed his friends dearly and hoped one day to find them again despite knowing it was impossible.

"Zhongli... How are you doing? I hope you still aren't broke." He laughs softly in his head. "I hope you're living well.... Don't miss me too much dear friend.. I'm happy. Most of the time anyway." He sighs gently, eyes closing. "My winds... Please protect our dear Aether... Aide him in his journey in my stead, I wish you all well. May the winds bless your travels..." With that he could feel his mind falling into a dreamless sleep.

When he awoke the next morning he could feel drying wetness against his cheeks. He huffs softly as he wipes his cheeks.

He sighs softly as he hops out of his tree. "I should eat.. and maybe get a drink." He wipes his hands across his cheeks, making sure there was no evidence of him crying.

He puts on a smile as he jogs down the streets towards Kamino, a pouch in hand. He didn't keep much on him, knowing how many people have sticky hands in this area. He holds the pouch tight as he ducks into an alley then into a rather shady bar.

"Heyo Kuro!" He smiles widely to the bartender, having been around a few times before. The misty man gives him a faint smile and curt nod.

"Greetings Izuku." He says, his voice a monotone and stoic as always.

Venti laughs softly. "I told you! Call me Venti Kay? I like it better!" He takes a seat at one of the bar stools, using his quirk to make it float off the ground a few inches, allowing the mint colored winds to actually show for once.

Kurogiri gives the man a quick nod, watching the child appearing man with curiosity. "The usual?"

Venti nods quickly. "Please!" He waits for a moment for a glass of vanilla whiskey was pushed over. He sighs gently as he smells the sweet aroma of vanilla mixed with the harsh smell of the whiskey. "Ya know Kuro. I should show you how to make Dandelion wine sometime! I'm sure it would be a hit!" He takes a long sip of his drink.

Kurogiri cocks his head. "Dandelion wine?"

Venti nods. "Mhm! It's quite good! It's a delicacy where I'm from! It was so good practically everyone knew of it!" He smiles fondly at the memories. "We even held a festival for the anniversary of the winery once."

Kurogiri nods. "It sounds intriguing. I'd be quite interested to learn."

Venti smiles. "I'll have to show it to ya sometime!" He slides a few bills over to the bar man. "Keep the change Kuro, you deserve it." He smiles more as they fall into their usual routine of idle yet interesting chit chat, Venti occasionally sharing brief mentions of his home.

"Izuku? I forgot to ask before but what exactly is your quirk?" Kurogiri asks as he watches the teen presenting God float a few things around, helping him clean up.

Venti smirks at the most man. "I'll tell you what mine is if you tell me yours!" A notebook, quill, and bottle of ink instantly appearing all being held in the air by the minty green wind.

Kurogiri pauses for a moment then nods, deeming it only fair. "My quirk is called warp gate, I can summon dark fog which acts like portals which people and objects can go through."

Venti nods, very intrigued. The quill quickly writes down all the information Kurogiri is telling him. "Interesting!" He looks Kurogiri over. "You're definitely my hardest one to crack yet!" He laughs softly as he thinks for a moment.

"You'd definitely have a cryo vision." The bard mumbles under his breath. "You're a tough one to crack Kuro but I enjoy a challenge." He beams up at the mist man. "So, shall I teach you how to make Dandelion wine? I have a few hours before work." The notebook, quill, and jar quickly vanish.

Kurogiri nods. "I'd quite enjoy that. However you haven't answered my question."

Venti laughs softly. "Right!" He smiles, mischief in his eyes. "I don't have one." He shrugs as he walks behind the counter.

Kurogiri nods, deciding to leave it for now. By no means was he convinced Venti didn't have a quirk but he also wasn't one to push.

The pair spent the rest of the afternoon making bottles upon bottles of dandelion wine, a large joyous smile on Venti's face that never seemed to leave.

He chuckles softly as he corks the last bottle. "Diluc would have my arse for teaching you this." He smiles, a slight sadness to his eyes.

Kurogiri seems curious. "Oh?"

Venti nods. "Yeah." He gently touches the bottle. "His father.. owned the winery that makes this stuff. It's supposed to be a super long process." He smiles fondly. "He'd have my head on a platter if he knew I was speeding this up for anyone let alone someone he doesn't know."

"What was this Diluc like?" Kurogiri asks, gently polishing the bottles. Over all they had made five in the many hours Venti was there.

Venti chuckles. "He was one of the bravest men I've ever known. He was secretly a vigilante though he never did anything too drastic or dangerous. He help to protect my home on a few occasions." His smile saddens slightly. "He was a wonderful man... I miss him occasionally but then I remember how many times he took a bottle of this stuff from me." He laughs though it's filled with sadness.

Kurogiri nods. "I see. I take it he's not with us anymore?"

Venti pauses for a second. "... Not with us no.." A small smile slips against his lips. "I miss my friends quite a bit but... I don't regret doing what I did." He gently picks up a bottle. "Welp." He smiles as he floats in front of Kurogiri. "I best be going!" A bowl of berries floats towards him. "Thanks! Have a good day man!" The bowl continues to float beside him as he lands back on the ground. "I'll be sure to bring back your bowl."

The bowl floats out with him, the minty wind that once was there disappears as Venti goes out the door. He holds the bottle close to his chest. "Maybe.. just maybe.. I could recreate their crest.... It's the least I could do truly." A smile spreads across his face as he gets an idea. He had enough money for it and hell, if he didn't he knew a very good way to get more.

Shigaraki scoffs as he comes out from the basement. "Finally that bastard left. What were you two doing anyway?"

Kurogiri chuckles lightly. "We made wine, a specific wine actually." He gently pours a glass for Shigaraki. "Try it, I guarantee you'll enjoy it."

Shigaraki rolls his eyes before taking a swig. His eyes widen as the sweet refreshing taste coats his tongue. He smiles a little, an unknown sense of nostalgia coming over him. "It's definitely nice."

Kurogiri nods. "I agree." He gently re-corks the bottle. "Careful, it may not seem it but it's rather strong."

Shigaraki scoffs, rolling his eyes. "Whatever." He grabs a straw off the counter before heading back to his room with the glass.

Kurogiri chuckles softly as he watches the oversized toddler leave. He takes a small drink from his glass. "Truly a unique taste."