[It's a pity that Zhongli has a sense of decorum while Venti doesn't. The bard isn't one to shy away from a good-looking man with mutual attraction falling into his lap, so to speak. On the other hand, as he reaches back to pet the dragon again, getting a little dragon kiss to his knuckles more than makes up for it.]

If the songs carried on the wind help to bring the dragon sweet dreams, I'll be his free-spirited little nightingale. I've that heard from an old storyteller that their songs are healing.

[He still remembers that story. How can Venti not when his power to heal through music is what inspired Zhongli to tell him it in the first place?

The bard almost, almost squeals in delight as Zhongli coils up in his lap, but he refrains. Only barely. Venti grins brightly as he gives his friend a final scritch behind his mane before going to finish his tea... and feeds Zhongli some apple slices before they go brown. He won't touch the scones since that might get crumbs on his poor lap dragon.]

Mm, just one last thing, Zhong. Do you mind if I carry you back inside?

[For once, he's asking, which likely indicates that he still wants Zhongli to stay a dragon for a little longer.]