kaisou | Text | UN: makeitaventi

[Venti puts his heart into every song, every piece of music he plays. In this lullaby, he sets aside pain and turns it into comfort. Something to soothe the soul, to invite it to rest. That the wind responds to his singing has always been a source of delight for him, no matter how many years pass him by, and he tries to pass that wonder on to the people around him.

A gust doesn't have to push. It can fill one's wings and let them soar, if they let it.

As his song fades on the breeze, he's silent and still. Venti lets his friend go to let him sit up. He listens as Zhongli speaks. The bard lets his hand be taken, eyes on the brunet's face. In answer, he places a gentle hand on one of Zhongli's. His voice is equally low, but gentle.]

I'll teach you as many times as you need me to. Not because of who we were, but because of who we are. I'll teach you to fly, what it means to be free, but it's never been a gentle or easy journey.

[His green eyes try to meet amber again.]

What do you want to do? Not Morax or Rex Lapis or the Zhongli of the past. You, here, in this moment. It's okay if it's simple or short-term, like sleeping or eating.

[As many times as he needs to, huh...

Hasn't Zhongli tested his patience enough?

He looks at their joined hands. They don't do this a lot. The last time was probably Venice. It's not... unpleasant, but it's unfamiliar. He wonders how much the wind can accept the cold, unyielding grasp of stone. He wonders if he's hurting Venti simply being this close.

It's never been gentle or easy? Neither has living. Zhongli has walked a long, arduous path of his own making.

... Still, his fingers curl a little around the bard's hand.

What does he want in this moment? That's difficult. Freedom and everything like it... those are lofty concepts. So, following Venti's advice, he focuses on the now.]

I...

[THIS IS HARD GIVE HIM A MOMENT]

... I want to enjoy a glass of wine with an old friend, [he says finally.] I want to hear about the things he's learned, the places he's seen, and the songs he's sung since last we met.

There are some things that I cannot see or imagine from my position. ... Your words always added a few colors to the painting.

[Totally straight things to say to your best friend right.]

[Venti watches this friend's expression, how the wheels grind slowly together as he thinks. He has to wonder how much of that is purely because he's tired rather than just being Zhongli. There's a false start, but the bard is patient with his friend. He's had to learn the hard way a long time ago that there's simply no rushing Zhongli.

His eyes soften. This, at least, feels genuine. So, Venti nods.]

Okay. I'd be happy to have a glass of wine with you, and tell you all about the adventures I've had since waking up. I'll weave for you a tapestry in song and words.

[He pauses, and then makes a little joke at his own expense to try to lighten the mood.]

Eh, maybe not the time I was in the States during the Prohibition Era, though. That was probably my lowest!

[There really is no rushing a mountain. He has always gone at his own glacial pace. Which is why it's taken this long for him to even begin to admit that he can't imagine being free. He hasn't said he wants to be free, but it's between the lines. That's progress.

He looks relieved, though, when Venti agrees. He'd been expecting... more scolding, maybe. Yet Venti hasn't pulled away from him, and neither has Zhongli relinquished his hand. How is it that things always become a stalemate between these two?]

All right.

[The joke falls flat, but that's okay. Because what comes out of his mouth next isn't a retort but just something that... happens. It just tumbles out.]

—I missed you.

[uh wait fuck that's not what he meant to say. He realizes this, at least, and tries to explain.]

Of course, you always keep your promises. My concerns amounted to nothing. I realize that the burden of those worries isn't yours to bear.

[He doesn't take what he said back, though he does let Venti's hand go after that.]

[Progress is being made, and he's glad to see it. Small as it is, it's still significant for one who likens himself to stone.

Venti's taken completely off guard by the sudden, sincere admission of being missed by the old lizard. Considering he'd just made a joke, this seems like a total nonsequitur. The bard stares at him for a moment, and blinks at the supposed explanation. Venti lets his hand go, only to reach out and take his wrist gently.]

I missed you, too. And I'm sorry it took me so long.

[Venti lets go of his friend and stands up, wiping the rest of his tears from his eyes onto the sleeves of his shirt. He goes to sit back down in his chair. Even though he probably looks like hell with how red his eyes and cheeks are, he's still trying to smile as cheerfully as he can. It'll become more genuine as they speak, though. Venti takes the wine glass into his hand and sips at the drink.]

So! Where should I start? Given my most distinguished and refined host has allowed me use of his stage, it's only right to ask!

[Heaven and earth, Zhongli, pull yourself together... He's facepalming inwardly at himself so much. Poor Venti's confused by the sudden outburst, and like, who can blame him? Thankfully, the bard handles it with grace. He isn't sure what to say to the fact he was missed, too, so he just kind of... stares helplessly as Venti sits down.

... That's right. Venti did cry fairly hard, and Zhongli is the reason, so...]

Wait just a moment.

[He steps back into the apartment for about thirty seconds. When he returns, it's with a cool washcloth and a small bowl of ice water.]

... I've been a terrible host. You've no need to act and dance for me like you're my own personal entertainment.

[Even he can tell when Venti is trying too hard.]

I'll listen to your story, but only when you're ready.

[Venti is once again surprised, but he waits for Zhongli to come back from whatever he's doing. His eyes go to the washcloth and bowl back up to the brunet's face maybe twice in rapid succession.]

Oh, you and your mixed signals.

[He sighs as he puts down the wine glass, but it's playfully dramatic. There's nothing forced about it this time.]

I've missed entertaining you, though, so forgive me my theatrics. That might've been in poor taste. [Venti holds his hands out with a smile.] Let me clean my face, and I'll start from when I woke up in the middle of nowhere in France and first saw that cultural yet ugly symbol of Paris we know today.

[Zhongli blinks. Mixed signals? How is he giving mixed signals? It's a normal day when Venti is saying shit that doesn't make sense, though. He hands over the washcloth and sets the little bowl on the table so as not to risk dumping ice water on his friend.

... However, upon hearing that last part, Zhongli gives a surprised laugh.]

I had no idea you felt so strongly about the Eiffel Tower.

[NOW WHO'S BEING PARTICULAR?]

[Venti doesn't even attempt to clear up Zhongli's evident confusion about the mixed signals. It's fine, it doesn't matter right now. It's way more important that the brunet's laughed for the first time they've reunited. Venti can't help grinning, even as he takes the washcloth and starts carefully cleaning his face.]

It's abhorrent. They took a perfectly pretty skyline and ruined it! And they're ruining it even more with another, uglier glass tower! At least the glass pyramid over at the Louvre redeems itself at night.

[This represents a rare moment when Zhongli is the one to learn something about his friend instead of the other way around. Somehow "Venti has Opinions about architecture" just wasn't on the bingo card. That said, he's pleased to see Venti cheering up a bit. His smile, even when mischievous as hell, tends to put Zhongli at ease more than a frown would.]

It sounds as if we won't be visiting Paris anytime soon.

[... but other places are on the table. And judging by his expression he is probably thinking of alternatives and wherever will be least offensive to Venti's architectural sensibilities.]

[Good Lord and Lady. Venti can see that Zhongli is taking this a little too seriously. He can't help a fond giggle.]

I suppose that Paris does have some good places to do a wine tasting. If you wanna visit, I'll keep my comments about the Eiffel Tower to myself. Mostly. The French countryside is as beautiful as ever, though it's been a century since I've been back to Europe.

Oh! But if you've never been Stateside before, you should definitely visit the East Coast! You'll probably get a kick out of the historical sites and parks over there. [...] And there are some fun wine tastings, too, but!

[............................. of course he's interested in the wine tasting. Some things never change. He's not wrong, though; some of the world's greatest vineyards for grape wine are in France.]

Europe is diverse, and there's more to France than simply Paris. I'm sure we can find somewhere decent to spend the time. [He's not even pretending it isn't a date at this point, but that would involve knowing on some level it's a date. Sorry Venti.]

I've been to the States before, though most of my time was spent in New York. I visited again in the late seventies. [His eyes settle on Venti. Despite the wine addict talk, his expression is mild.] If it's that notable, I'll have to make the time.

[But they've gotten off topic.]

What did you do after you awoke?

Edited 2023-05-31 09:46 (UTC)

[Speaking of things that never change... Ye gods, man, why is Zhongli like this? Venti isn't about to say anything yet, though. They've been dancing around this for a long time already.]

Of course! And I barely count seeing only one city as being here, for the record.

[Ahhh, right, future date talk can wait. He finishes cleaning his face, gently dabbing at his eyes to prevent further irritation. Venti doesn't speak up again until he set the washcloth aside.]

Well... The first thing I did was make my way over to the Temple of Artemis, with a couple of detours to figure out how long I'd been asleep and generally get a cultural update. A language update, too. At least this time it was just a hundred years.

[That slips out accidentally, but Venti is fine with it. His first long sleep happened long before he met Zhongli and Xiao. Not that he's ever spoken about why, if he's ever mentioned that happened at all to them.]

Unfortunately, I couldn't leave anything there with all the tourists that started visiting with all those innovations in transportation. So, I figured the best way to let you know I was awake was by finding you. I wasn't sure if you were in China still. I should've known better, really, but with how much safer overseas travel had gotten, I had the idea that, if nothing else, I could have some exciting and new stories to share about what's across the Atlantic!

[His eyes light up as he starts getting into the story, though. Even though Venti has gotten older and has slowed down, relatively, it's clear that his spirit of adventure has never truly died. It's only been tempered by time and experience.]

You should've seen the ships! It was a little nerve-wracking at first. Big, hulking metal ships that looked like they had no right to float, yet still had the spirit of their wooden forbears. The waves out at sea felt gentle, like we were cutting through the water instead of just bobbing along at the whims of nature. With the speed we were going at, the winds were always whipping at our bodies. Took a while to get the salt out of my hair and clothes, but it was incredible!

To be more accurate, I've now seen two.

[WHY ARE YOU LIKE THIS ZHONGLI. Considering how rough the past fifteen minutes have gone, it's possible he's trying to cheer Venti up in his own way.

He listens to the story, though. And that slip? It confirms something he's wondered for a long time, but he doesn't call it out. He'd rather let Venti talk, since they haven't had the opportunity in a couple hundred years or so.]

I still visit China when I can, but the Order is based in Europe. [They really did just miss each other. Awful. That's it for the interruptions because he's just as engrossed in Venti's story as Venti is in telling it. The way his eyes brighten and he begins getting more animated, even a little more poetic...

Truly, there's nothing better than hearing a tale from a bard or a storyteller. It's a shame it's something of a dead art form in modern times. He can't help a tiny smile at Venti's praise of the ships they had at the time. Zhongli had similar feelings when he crossed the Atlantic a little while later...]

I'm surprised you didn't spend a century or two as a pirate.

Edited 2023-05-31 18:19 (UTC)

[It does succeed in cheering him up a bit, if Venti's playfully exasperated sigh is anything to go by. Of course Zhongli is like this.

He does laugh at the pirate comment, though.]

It was pretty tempting! But the only skills worth their weight in salt at the time were archery and music. Hardly worthy of a pirate. And the only sights being open ocean would have me bored after a while. However, I most certainly admired the spirit they had.

[He's more revolutionary than sea dog, but he understands the appeal, certainly.]

Some time after I arrived in the loftily lauded Land of the Free, I started hearing some rumblings about this Temperance Movement going on. Didn't really pay too much attention to it until they started talking about what alcohols would be banned. I thought, 'surely they wouldn't!' Oh, but surely they did.

[The bard sighs dramatically. He's definitely hitting his stride, now.]

The rich and wealthy could have their drinks, of course! Just behind closed doors where the rabble couldn't see them. I thought I was going to have to cut my tour short, but then! I heard tell of some secret little joints where you could get drinks, if you were willing to take the risk of a police raid. You know me. I took that risk, and even did some gigs at the speakeasies after I'd learned some new styles of music. There were definitely some close calls, though. Sadly, I lost an instrument during one of the raids, but it was better than jail. I was heartbroken all the same since there was absolutely no way I could get it back.

[Honestly, Venti is still a bit sad about that. But it's not as devastating as it was at the time.]

So, after that, I headed up towards Canada. I heard about their famous Niagra Falls, so I decided to cross the border from there. Oh, you should've seen them! I managed to get there as the sun was setting. The roaring falls looked like frothing, molten gold. The banks were covered with delicate, sparkling snow. The river looked more like black steel, and the icicles hanging from the roofs glittered like crystal chandeliers. It was absolutely breathtaking.

Any ship would have been blessed to have a child of the wind upon it. Still, I understand your reservations. I prefer solid ground myself.

[Zhongli rests his fingertips on the base of his wineglass, but he hasn't yet grabbed it for a drink. It's not even like they need to toast, since this was poured so casually, but he's that engrossed in the story...

Such a time of change and upheaval in American history. It's just like Venti to embrace it wholeheartedly, only to realize that there's something deeper going on. That was how each of his adventures started. Venti undoubtedly has a nose for trouble, and Zhongli had pulled him out of it numerous times... but he'd done the same for this old earth god, too.

His brows knit as Venti recounts the loss of an instrument. Absolutely no way, huh...] That is unfortunate. What was it that you lost?

[He says it so casually, but Venti knows him well enough...

Anyway, he listens closely as Venti describes the Falls. They really do sound like something beautiful-- rivaled, perhaps, only by the Liyue he loved in his past life. There were some places in China that were still untamed, but they were growing harder to find, and so much of the beautiful earth has been taken by modern advancement. Zhongli truly belongs to another age. They both do.]

It sounds as if it was worth the trip.

I see your silver tongue has somehow become even better over the years.

[Venti will probably never stop sticking his curious nose into trouble. Despite being deathly allergic to cats, he's very catlike himself in some ways.

He most definitely knows Zhongli well enough to understand exactly where this line of questioning is going. However, given how important music is to him, Venti can't help himself from relenting. Whatever happens will happen, he supposes. And he does miss the old thing.]

Oh, it was a beautiful soprano saxophone. I'd heard Bechet use it in jazz and I just fell in love with the sound. It was so new, but it added so much depth to a jazz band that it was incredible. So, I started learning it myself. Der Messingdrache was what I named him.

[He grins, though, when Zhongli comments that it'd been worth the trip.]

Definitely! We should visit them some time. If you don't mind the snow, we can even make it a future winter trip.

Hmm. [He's not sure if that's a compliment or not.] My grasp of graceful language could never compare to that of the world's greatest bard, however.

[That was definitely a tease, but he also meant it.]

I see... [Venti can be assured that he's memorizing every detail of this conversation, and already putting some kind of plan together in his mind.] Was this in New Orleans or further north? Somehow, I can't imagine you would miss the emergence of a new kind of music.

[Venti is predictable like that. Just like Zhongli occasionally enjoys attending academic summits for things he isn't even a part of.]

I don't mind the snow. [Of course an old mountain wouldn't care.] Though, I've been told the winters here can be... intense at times. I suppose we'll see when winter comes if I still hold that opinion.

[It's.................. most likely a compliment!]

Ah, but the bard must know when to yield the stage to the public speaker! A pretty word here and there isn't always what's best, after all.

[Like trying to get a drink without people thinking he's faked his ID. Which he technically has, yes, but not in the way the poor service staff think.

Yeah, Venti's definitely suspicious. However, it's a great question that he can't really think of a way to not answer. Eh, maybe it'll be a good challenge for Zhongli to find it. He won't expect a miracle, though.]

Oh, yeah, it was N'Orleans as jazz began to emerge and gain in popularity. How could I resist learnin' a new form of music at the source? [Yes, he did just start talking in a Louisiana southern accent, almost flawlessly. Venti grins, but he drops the accent after that.]

They can be, if you're not careful. The really northern states and Canada get a lotta snow year-round, and the blizzards are no joke.

[Zhongli has to admit he's right, but he's not going to play compliment tennis the whole night.] That's true, but I'll still defer to you for matters of poetry. [That should be fine, though, right?

He fights a little smile as Venti goes right into a perfect accent for the area and the time. Considering he's heard the man shouting in Welsh it's a bit of a change. But that's something Venti has on Zhongli in spades: being able to shapeshift depending on the company, and earning the trust of the people around him easily, even living like one of them. Zhongli could never, though he remembers longing for it.

It's just... not feasible for him. He'll always live apart, even if he's trying to live as a "mortal" and not a god.]

Northern China tends to have rough winters as well depending on the elevation. It's all beautiful to behold, but I'll admit to spending most of my time in the south. [He can't help it. The mild temperatures and the port cities are where he feels at home, that or nestled in the green valleys between the mountains, with pristine waterfalls the color of jade.]

Where else did your travails take you, old friend?

[Venti giggles at that.] Defer away, my fine, scaly friend!

[It's a good thing he's not a mind-reader. Still, Venti isn't about to venture into more serious topics for tonight. They've both had enough for one day. It's good to let their hearts rest and recover before the next one. Inevitably, there's always a next serious talk.

That's just how they are and always will be, most likely.]

Mm, I can't really see you being comfortable in snow, personally. Perhaps a bamboo forest or near a waterfall. That's where I can see you happy and at peace. Or maybe sunning yourself on a rock in a desert.

[A little tease at Zhongli. However, he soon gets back into telling his story at the prompt.]

Well, that time I spent in Canada turned out to be ill-timed. Not that there was anywhere I could've gone then that wasn't terrible. The Great Depression hit everyone hard, and Canada had to deal with a drought on top of it all. Another Great War was brewing in the few years I was there, and the storm clouds on the horizon were looking grim. Sure, I was a revolutionary a handful of times in the past, but this was war, where real soldiers were needed.

So, I just did what I could while I was there, you know? Sang songs of hope and tried to cheer people up, tried to be a shoulder for people to lean against until they could pick themselves back up. I avoided the draft when I heard tell of it by playing the part of a lovely lady. And then I started heading down south towards Mexico and South America after the war had reached its conclusion. Of course, as you're no doubt very well aware, that was just the start of a new kind of warfare as we got into the '50s.

[Ah, a giggle. Things are looking up.]

Well, you may be right about... some of that. [He is not a lizard but he puts up with it because... he is a lizard.] Perhaps one day I'll show you the mountains near where I was born. They were verdant and beautiful, and the mist often clung to them like a gown until it fell down the valley.

[That's right-- born. Because even though he has Rex Lapis's memories, there is a part of him that was undoubtedly human for a time, and nothing can ever really take that away from him except maybe erosion.]

Ah, yes... I recall. [Wars are rough. Even Zhongli couldn't escape it through his work.] They were fortunate to have you.

How far south did you go?

[Are you or are you not a lizard, Zhongli?

Good Lord, though. This is the third trip they're planning, and it's the place that Zhongli had been born. Venti can't help himself. This is a lot already.]

Ohh? I'd love to visit it. You describe it so beautifully and with such fondness. Although, I was beginning to think that I would've had to marry you before I ever got to see such a place!

[He's just saying. Still....]

Just a shame I couldn't do much more for other countries, but I'm glad I was able to do what I could.

[Venti won't dwell on it too much, though. At least, not tonight.]

I managed to reach Argentina before I came back to the States! The forests were absolutely gorgeous, and the food was delicious. I could've stayed for the music and dancing alone, but there were still things I wanted to see up in the States that I couldn't before. Unfortunately, that's about when I've had to slow down. National identification became more refined, and financially it wasn't feasible for me to continue like I was. So, I started being more... Stationary, though not fully. You know how it is. You can't stay in one place for too long or they start getting very curious about the neighbor who hasn't aged at all in the time you've known him.

The Internet was probably the best thing that could've happened for me, although it's definitely a double-edged sword as an entertainer. It's a whole lot easier for people to connect the dots, even if it's just laughed off as conspiracy.

[The hamster wheel in his brain crashes.]

What?

[... As with every weird thing that Venti says, Zhongli just. Moves right along after that because the Bard Is Talking Nonsense Again.]

There's an Argentinian restaurant in Brick Alley if you ever feel nostalgic for the time you spent there. [Your ever reliable tour guide, Zhongli.] Though I must recommend Nuestra Casita in Midtown myself.

[He nods as Venti talks about his troubles as an immortal in the age of fingerprinting. It's definitely something that concerns Zhongli, too, but the Black Order has taken care of much of that.]

It's admirable that you've settled as much as you have. For the past few hundred years, I've simply taken advantage of whatever accommodations the Order could provide. It wasn't worth the trouble otherwise.

Conspiracies? [He encounters batshit theories a lot as a history aficionado, and it's always someone who heard it from their uncle or something who swore it was true. His brow furrows.] Is it because of your magic?

[This is the expected result. Venti reaches over and pats the back of Zhongli's hand. There, there.]

Don't even worry your pretty head about it.

[He's certain that the brunet wasn't worrying in the first place. Venti retracts his hand and settles back comfortably into his seat, finishing an apple slice.]

Oh, wow, really? It's so hard to find Argentinian food here! I'll definitely have to check that out. Though, it'll be a far better first impression if I had a knowledgeable and distinguished patron with me. So I know what to try first, of course!

[He does so love a good tour, and he'll admit that he's not at all familiar with Kaisou like Zhongli has gotten to be. His good feelings sour slightly at the reminder that his friend is part of the Order, but Venti keeps that to himself with hardly any noticable change.]

It's fortunate that I kept my ears open for information like that to help make the decisions I did. As for the conspiracies... Well, the magic is one of them, though it's subtle. Wounds healing miraculously whenever they hear my music, but exaggerated to say that it's even cured terminal illnesses or grievous wounds completely, things like that. The other is the fact that I've had my picture taken before as commemorations of certain shows I performed in. There aren't very many, I've been careful about that, but still.

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