Zhongli - Vago Mundo (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
leaveofabsence) wrote2025-03-14 08:34 am
leaveofabsence) wrote2025-03-14 08:34 am
[ He blinks owlishly at the request, obviously surprised but that melts into a warm smile. ]
Of course.
Of course.
[ Just lets out a long sigh and kisses the top of Venti's head ]
Are you finished?
Are you finished?
I used to braid Tonia's hair from time to time... [ muses, combing his fingers through zhongli's once again. ]
[ He shifts, unwinding from Childe so he can face in the other direction and make it easier for him to complete his task. ]
Something I'm sure she was proud to show off to everyone.
Something I'm sure she was proud to show off to everyone.
...you're not wrong. [ going to start braiding his hair. ] One of her favorite things to do was drag me into town and find things to add into the braids. Beads, ribbons, sometimes small little trinkets. Seeing her smile was always my favorite part, even if what she asked of me was just a little ridiculous.
[ A small chuckle as he relaxes into the gentle tugs and pulls on his hair, eyes drifting shut ]
I see she is quite convincing, just like her older brother.
I see she is quite convincing, just like her older brother.
It does make me want to get a few decorations for your hair though. I'm sure a couple golden beads would look really nice. And a ribbon to tie it at the end. Maybe even something to stick right here. [ he holds the braid, since he's not finished, put gently sets a finger to zhongli's head. ] Maybe a golden dragon clip or something. Or perhaps a phoenix...
[ He tips his head, far enough that he can see over his shoulder to look at Childe ]
I thought that phoenix was for you?
[ Reaches up to twist a lock of Childe's hair around one finger ]
Unless you want to be the dragon this time.
I thought that phoenix was for you?
[ Reaches up to twist a lock of Childe's hair around one finger ]
Unless you want to be the dragon this time.
...the phoenix is for me, [ as soon as zhongli starts to turn childe tuts, giving him a kiss, and then trying to get him to stop. he's working here! ] but that's exactly why you should wear it in your hair. For me.
[ Obediently turning to face forward again ]
Then a phoenix. But one in equally cool colors as blue as well as the vibrant red of your hair.
Then a phoenix. But one in equally cool colors as blue as well as the vibrant red of your hair.
I'm sure I could find something like that. But that will have to be for next time. You'd think I'd have some of that stuff on hand, given that grooming is one of our activities, but... I'd like to buy a special hair clip for you anyway. [ finishes the braid and uses zhongli's own hair tie to tie the end. ] Alright, finished.
[ Tilting his head up to capture those lips with his own. ]
Fine, fine. For now, yes.
Fine, fine. For now, yes.
Thank you.
[ He pulls it over his shoulder, running his fingers over reverently. ]
May I be allowed to groom you now?
[ He pulls it over his shoulder, running his fingers over reverently. ]
May I be allowed to groom you now?
[ Hmmmm. Venti seems emotionally exhausted, and he does not want to rile him up for another challenge.
So instead he'll kiss him back. Gently. More of a comfort or intimacy than anything.
Before gathering him tighter in his arms and tucking him close to his chest. ]
For now.
So instead he'll kiss him back. Gently. More of a comfort or intimacy than anything.
Before gathering him tighter in his arms and tucking him close to his chest. ]
For now.
[ He closes his eyes with a sigh, tension slowly seeping out of his posture. Even his wings go limp. ]
Thank you, Morax.
[ And then, softer: ]
I adore you.
Thank you, Morax.
[ And then, softer: ]
I adore you.
[ Ah. Venti was getting soft in his old age.
(That was fine. So was Zhongli.) ]
I adore you, too, Barbatos.
Sleep.
The problems of today can be the problems of tomorrow.
(That was fine. So was Zhongli.) ]
I adore you, too, Barbatos.
Sleep.
The problems of today can be the problems of tomorrow.
As long as you're here when I wake up.
[ Needy? Never. ]
[ Needy? Never. ]
[ He brushes a stray bang from Venti's face ]
Has that ever not been the case?
I will be here in the morning. And for each morning after. And if we are ever apart, the wind will guide us back together again.
Has that ever not been the case?
I will be here in the morning. And for each morning after. And if we are ever apart, the wind will guide us back together again.
[ He doesn't answer for a long moment, swallowing over the dull ache in his throat at the thought that something might last. Something might be a safe constant, won't turn to dust in a handful of years. ]
. . . That's right. I'll make sure of that. I promise.
. . . That's right. I'll make sure of that. I promise.
So there is nothing to worry about.
[ A hand reaches up to continue stroking his hair. ]
You can relax now.
[ A hand reaches up to continue stroking his hair. ]
You can relax now.
[ scoots along to the side and smiles. ] What do you think?
And you don't have to ask, Xiansheng. Of course... if you'd like to.
And you don't have to ask, Xiansheng. Of course... if you'd like to.
[ A familiar little thump on the balcony, along with the telltale tinkling of the windchime.
It sounds more lethargic than usual, though. ]
It sounds more lethargic than usual, though. ]
[ Well, there is only one person who visits him in such a manner.
Zhongli sets down his book on the nightstand and goes to open the door to the balcony. ]
Barbatos...?
Zhongli sets down his book on the nightstand and goes to open the door to the balcony. ]
Barbatos...?
[ He's down one arm, damp, and shivering, eyes flicking this way and that before finally landing on Zhongli -- but a little unfocused even then, like he's seeing double images. ]
Can I stay here for a little while?
Can I stay here for a little while?
[ Zhongli does not answer Venti so much as immediately scoop him off of the balcony and brings him to the bed where he starts wrapping him in a swath of blankets. ]
You're freezing.
Warm up here for a bit and then I'll draw you a warm bath.
You're freezing.
Warm up here for a bit and then I'll draw you a warm bath.
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