Text | UN: makeitaventi

[venti_late]

WHO: Venti and all of y'all!
WHERE: Network
WHEN: Near the end of May
WHAT: There's a new grandpa in town, and he's marginally more well-adjusted than Zhongli! Marginally. This one at least knows how to manage his finances.
WARNINGS: This will be a little cursed most likely, and probably language!

So this is a weird, new app! Since I can't delete this thing, I'm gonna guess that it's not some weird community thing for Kaisou, right? Like a FB group for people to get strongarmed into--I mean join?

Guess it wouldn't hurt too much to intro myself since I'm new here. I'm Venti! I just moved here like. Today. Lovely place, the Spirit Vein up above really sets the mood!

Okay, so here's an icebreaker for you guys, just to have a little bit of fun!

Is cereal a soup? Alternatively, how do you say the word 'pecan?'

And a friendly reminder that bananas are berries, but strawberries aren't berries!

Comments

[alatum]

It is difficult to say for certain. I am capable of a lot more now than I was in the past.

He did, yes, although it is not my place to explain. I am sure he would rather tell you himself.

[venti_late]

So, your magical abilities have changed drastically? Or is it more than that?

That's probably for the best, though it'll probably be like pulling teeth to get him to talk about it. Granted, I don't see him and I coming out of a conversation without some sadness. It's been a long time, after all.

[alatum]

I can shapeshift now. [ into a small borb but look... ]

It has and many things have happened since last you both spoke, I believe he will have a lot to speak to you about. I make sure to be absent for it, but once you are done I would like to see you myself.

[venti_late]

...That's significantly new! What kind of form can you take?

Yeaaaah, probably. Thanks, Xiao. I'll let you know how it goes, if you want. But, sure, I'd love to see you! You want me to text you or meet you somewhere?

[He knows your habits, rooftop child.]

[alatum]

A bird. [ he will not be elaborating further. ]

Whichever you are more comfortable with, I will not be very far.

[ 100% he will probably be on the roof of the apartment complex just in case he is needed. ]

[venti_late]

Awww, a bird? That's so cute!

Sounds good, I'll probably meet you up on the roof. Texting isn't the same as actually seeing you, you know?

[alatum]

... Venti.

[ DO NOT CALL HIM CUTE, PLEASE. ]

Alright, I will await you on the roof. If either you or my father have need of me before then, call my name.

[ huh, where did that come from? ]

[venti_late]

Xiao~

[Oh, huh... that's an interesting request. One that Venti will keep in mind, even if it makes him feel a little bit of foreboding.]

I will.

[alatum]

Good. I will see you soon.

Action!

[venti_late]

[It takes a while, and it's been an emotionally draining conversation for both parties. Still, Venti is sticking to his word to meet with Xiao, even if what he most wants to do is sleep for a full week. Ugh, but even that wouldn't feel restful.

Venti goes out onto the roof of the apartment complex with a cup full of Barolo wine, and looking like he's still recovering from crying. He's cheerful, but there isn't the same lightness in his steps or smile. However, the bard sits down on the edge of the roof without even a little fear of the drop below.]

Hey, Xiao! I'm here, clearly. What's up?

[alatum]

[ xiao expected the reunion to be draining, perhaps even far more draining than either of them had expected. it is one of the reasons xiao made a point to make himself scarce before the inevitable invitation was extended, promising to remain nearby should for some reason his presence is needed. he did not wish to intrude, despite his connections to them both, and believed they required the space to express themselves properly without his shadow hovering between them. it would not have been a surprise if venti decided to postpone their own meeting after it, xiao would not have been upset with him, so it is a surprise when the door to the rooftop opens and he spies his friend walking toward him with a cup of wine in hand.

ah.

he waits for xiao to cross the roof and settle beside him, pulling up one knee to rest his arm upon it. ]

Nothing, really. [ he turns his gaze out towards the city, eyes drifting closed as a gust of wind blows by them. ] It has been some time and I simply wished for your presence.

[ a part of him feels foolish for saying it, wants little more than to retract the words already spoken. but the wind has already taken hold of them, pulling them swiftly far out of his reach and forcing xiao's head to drop in something akin to embarrassment. ]

[venti_late]

[The reunion definitely could've gone down a lot worse than it did. Fortunately, they're both resilient enough to have weathered it. Maybe not well or unscathed, but it's been weathered.

Venti closes his eyes as well as the wind drifts between them. He's always loved being up high for reasons like this. Closer to the sky, closer to the wind. Xiao might feel foolish for saying that, but the bard is happy to oblige.]

Aw, how sweet! I've missed you, too, Xiao. I'm happy to spend time with you.

[He sips his wine and hums softly.]

Mm, too bad I didn't think to bring my flute with me. Next time! Or you can drop by my house and I can play for you. There's a window I can keep unlocked while I'm around.