[That gets a more genuine smile from him, but it's still not as bright as normal.]
So protective! But I've always liked that about you.
[Despite his teasing, there's gratitude underneath his words.
Venti follows his friend up to the apartment. He sheds his hoodie and hangs it up to dry before slipping off his shoes. His shirt isn't quite soaking wet, but it's definitely uncomfortably damp and sticking to his skin a little. When the bard's offered the fuzzy, pastel green slippers, he blinks in confusion before realization hits. Venti takes them with an affectionate smile.]
Thanks, Zhong.
[He puts the slippers on where he's not standing in a puddle. Rather than wait on the balcony, Venti waits patiently in the living room. Patiently, but not necessarily calmly. He's fidgeting with his fake Vision. The black-haired man is an incredible wordsmith, and yet he's having trouble finding the words to tell Zhongli that... he's not human anymore. He's a wind spirit and an archon, now, and the more he thinks about it to himself, the more that feels right in describing that strangely disconnected feeling.]
no subject
So protective! But I've always liked that about you.
[Despite his teasing, there's gratitude underneath his words.
Venti follows his friend up to the apartment. He sheds his hoodie and hangs it up to dry before slipping off his shoes. His shirt isn't quite soaking wet, but it's definitely uncomfortably damp and sticking to his skin a little. When the bard's offered the fuzzy, pastel green slippers, he blinks in confusion before realization hits. Venti takes them with an affectionate smile.]
Thanks, Zhong.
[He puts the slippers on where he's not standing in a puddle. Rather than wait on the balcony, Venti waits patiently in the living room. Patiently, but not necessarily calmly. He's fidgeting with his fake Vision. The black-haired man is an incredible wordsmith, and yet he's having trouble finding the words to tell Zhongli that... he's not human anymore. He's a wind spirit and an archon, now, and the more he thinks about it to himself, the more that feels right in describing that strangely disconnected feeling.]