[After the unceremonious chaos that was the potluck, Zhongli takes Xiao in his panicked bird form back to their apartment, stepping swiftly and with care. His hold is neither too tight nor too loose, just enough to be comforting and protective. With the way his suit is cut, it's very easy for Xiao to simply bury himself between his coat and his shirt if he wants.
Either way, he's not letting anyone or anything stop them until they pass the threshold of their house. The familiar scent of incense washes over them before he shuts the door behind them, and locks it. Finally he makes his way over to the couch closest to the fireplace, and sets Xiao down on the cushion. Zhongli himself drops to his knees on the floor, and strokes Xiao's feathers in what he hopes is a calming and familiar way.]
Deep breaths, hǔ zǐ. You're safe here.
[Just how thorough is this transformation? Is there danger if his heart overworks itself? Does Xiao even remember fully what he is? ... It doesn't matter right now, but this sure is one hell of a time for his powers to resurface.]
If you don't mind waiting for a moment, I can kindle a fire. It might help to calm your nerves.
[ bury xiao does the moment zhongli gives him the chance, too overwhelmed to properly process anything other than the desire for somewhere dark and safe. it's embarrassment that fuels the need to hide, to clamp his eyes shut so tightly that the rest of the world disappears ─ what else would one feel when you suddenly turn into a small bird in front of your father's work friends? the chaos proceeding it was utterly forgotten and forgiven in favor of the mortification he feels at the sudden change of form.
how did he do it? why did he do it? how does he undo it? is this something he could have always done? is this something he could have done in his past life? they must surely think ill of him now, right? becoming so overwhelmed that he turned into a bird...
if xiao would bury himself in the fluff of feathers he would, even as they pass into the threshold of their home and the familiar scent of incense washes over him. it's mortifying that it happened in the first place, that zhongli had to swoop in to rescue him. even so, his feathers seem to flatten a little more against his body when zhongli places him down on the cushion, stroking gently at his feathers. it is calming, familiar, enough to ground him a little more than before.
thank you he would say were he able to speak, but all xiao can muster is a small chirping noise. he wishes he knew how to change back... ]
[The poor dear is certainly going through it. He doesn't mind having Xiao curl up in there, but he's afraid he might fall out or something with the faffing about the fireplace. So it goes.]
Don't worry about any of that. [He can't understand animals in this life yet so he's just uh, guessing at this point, but he's sure Xiao is anxious about many things right now.] Just focus on your breathing, and try to clear your mind.
[He leaves Xiao there to peep and preen on the couch while he starts up a fire. It's a simple thing for an old earth god who remembers knocking rocks together in a few lives. To an extent, he still prefers flint to matches, but matches are easier to come by and for others to use... so matches it is. Within a few minutes he has a softly-crackling fire, though it will be a few more before the stones around it warm up and help distribute that heat throughout the apartment.
Then he does something curious. He takes a big poofy blanket out of the coat closet and lays it out over the wool rug, a normal fixture in front of the fireplace in this house. With that finished, he goes back over to the couch to retrieve Xiao, and finally sets him there in the middle of the blanket and the warm rug, so he can snuggle into something and disappear if he wants.]
There is a kind of magic in experience, in age and time. There are legends of foxes living to be so old that they gain the ability to talk and reason with humans... great birds who live upon the mountains, watching the rise and fall of dynasties... even dragons who rise up from the valleys to be seen once in an age before once again falling into obscurity.
[As he speaks, he settles down on the blanket beside Xiao and pets him a little more.]
In Liyue, they were known as adepti or 'illuminated beasts'. And it is their immortal order that we belong to even in this life.
[A pause.]
I always did despise combat in that form, but for simple things like this... I've learned to indulge.
[Give him another minute—and he shapeshifts himself. He's a slinky thing, with all the fur and scales and horns and craggy teeth and claws befitting a great dragon...
... but he's only seven feet long, which is just enough to comfortably curl up around the edge of the wool rug.]
[ eunie, he remembers her introducing herself before things became hectic. there is a part of him that does not want to respond, embarrassment quick to return and sit heavily in his throat ─ thankfully she chose the easiest manner in which to contact him. ]
[Zhongli said he wanted Xiao to make more friends and well....this was certainly an attempt at that.
Jun stood out on a roof of the restaurant Ryouta and Shio worked at. Ryouta was with him, along with a plate of almond tofu that sat on overturned crate. Zhongli said this was Xiao's favorite so...hopefully it'll lure him out.
Jun stood by, crossing his arms as he wore his shroud]
[Christ that's so loud. While Ryouta is shouting at a volume the whole neighborhood can hear, Jun is covering his ears and kneeling down as if trying to get out of the way of the soundwaves.]
[God how does he even phrase this. He stares forlornly at his phone.]
Venti and I are
As you may have noticed,
We're
[This is more awkward than explaining the birds and the bees was, somehow.]
So you are aware, I'll be spending more time at Venti's house in the future.
[... That doesn't really communicate what he wants to say, though.]
I've long been... ignorant of the nature of his feelings. I can only assume that I am the very last person to have puzzled this out. I apologize for any frustration you may have felt watching us circle each other for so many years.
I suggest not following in my footsteps should you care for someone deeply.
I am glad you finally figured out what he had been hinting at for the past fifteen hundred years, father. As I am glad you finally figured out your own feelings.
[ this is sad with the utmost affection and respect, truly. ]
You need not worry over me. I cannot say I would not have done the same in your shoes, but the chances of that are slim. I would rather keep my heart closed than risk the pain of losing someone whose life is over in the blink of an eye.
I will take care of the apartment while you are gone, I promise.
[That was so savage Zhongli has just found himself in an FF14 raid instance????]
It really has been that long. [He is definitely going "AIYAAAH" under his breath over here.
The rest of his message is... sad, though. It's the truth of all immortals like them that the people they meet will not live the same long lives... It had hurt Zhongli on several occasions, but it gets easier. The pain doesn't disappear, but it gets easier...]
... I understand why you think that is necessary. From where you are sitting now, it may seem like the wiser course of action to close yourself off. However, you are a part of this world, and you are also a living being. You are deserving of happiness wherever you may find it.
It's my hope that while we're in this city, you can find others like us. You don't need to lead your life alone.
[ there is something distinctly ominous about the rest of the message, something that makes xiao's hair stand on end. 'please leave your phone inside'. of all the things to say it is that collection of words that sends a bolt of alarm through him - this is serious. ]
I will be there momentarily.
[ he wastes little time in moving to the roof, his phone left behind beside their couch, arms crossed and gaze pointed outward. the city is beautiful at night and brings with it a longing for a home he barely remembers, for a night where the sky is filled with fireworks and enough lanterns to rival the very stars themselves.
he will ponder such things later, after his father has returned home with the news he brings, when the storm gathering overhead has either crashed down upon him or passed peacefully into the night - whichever comes first. for now xiao waits, quietly upon the roof, listening to the window. ]
[A lot of the incoming messages are various pictures. Zhongli being covered in the bird-like wind elementals known as wind raisers, both as an enormous dragon and in his human shape. One of them is rather comical as Zhongli nearly trips over the little birds and has to grab onto the railing to avoid pitching overboard. There are a few selfies of Venti as well, such as with the mana rays at night for an ethereal vibe. One of the wind raisers is being a bit standoffish, but remaining relatively close to Venti and Zhongli. There's a caption with that one that says:]
This little guy reminds me of you!
[However, there's one that stands out. By around the time they've made landfall in Copenhagen, there's a proper text message from Venti.]
Wanted to let you know that we're okay! Your dad probably never wants to set foot on a ship again, poor guy. He got bullied by a kraken, but he sort of got his revenge on a sea serpent. I just wish he didn't launch himself off the SHIP to do it, but you know your dad!
I know I don't have to be worried about you because you're strong and capable, but still. The heart worries for those it has grown close to, no matter how strong or capable or independent. I hope you've been holding up well, and that your spirits are high in spite of the danger Kaisou is no doubt in. I hope you know that the wind will always be at your side.
I know Zhong doesn't say it often, but we're both really proud of you, Xiao. And I have no doubt Azhdaha would be, too. Maybe when it's not quite as raw of a wound, the three of us can spend some time together to share stories about him and reminisce.
Until then, stay safe! We love you so much, Xiao!
[And then there are more pictures that follow. However, these feature Venti not as his human form, but as a little wind spirit in Copenhagen. Xiao can probably guess that Zhongli is the photographer for these pictures.]
[ it isn't a bother, not in the slightest, although he is surprised by the message. sometimes it is easy to forget that there are others out there who care about him as much as his father does. ]
You aren't bothering me.
[ she is checking on him because of what happened with azhdaha, isn't she? he wonders what zhongli has told others about their relationship. ]
I am fine. I long expected this eventuality and had already made my peace with it.
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5/6; action;
Either way, he's not letting anyone or anything stop them until they pass the threshold of their house. The familiar scent of incense washes over them before he shuts the door behind them, and locks it. Finally he makes his way over to the couch closest to the fireplace, and sets Xiao down on the cushion. Zhongli himself drops to his knees on the floor, and strokes Xiao's feathers in what he hopes is a calming and familiar way.]
Deep breaths, hǔ zǐ. You're safe here.
[Just how thorough is this transformation? Is there danger if his heart overworks itself? Does Xiao even remember fully what he is? ... It doesn't matter right now, but this sure is one hell of a time for his powers to resurface.]
If you don't mind waiting for a moment, I can kindle a fire. It might help to calm your nerves.
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how did he do it? why did he do it? how does he undo it? is this something he could have always done? is this something he could have done in his past life? they must surely think ill of him now, right? becoming so overwhelmed that he turned into a bird...
if xiao would bury himself in the fluff of feathers he would, even as they pass into the threshold of their home and the familiar scent of incense washes over him. it's mortifying that it happened in the first place, that zhongli had to swoop in to rescue him. even so, his feathers seem to flatten a little more against his body when zhongli places him down on the cushion, stroking gently at his feathers. it is calming, familiar, enough to ground him a little more than before.
thank you he would say were he able to speak, but all xiao can muster is a small chirping noise. he wishes he knew how to change back... ]
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Don't worry about any of that. [He can't understand animals in this life yet so he's just uh, guessing at this point, but he's sure Xiao is anxious about many things right now.] Just focus on your breathing, and try to clear your mind.
[He leaves Xiao there to peep and preen on the couch while he starts up a fire. It's a simple thing for an old earth god who remembers knocking rocks together in a few lives. To an extent, he still prefers flint to matches, but matches are easier to come by and for others to use... so matches it is. Within a few minutes he has a softly-crackling fire, though it will be a few more before the stones around it warm up and help distribute that heat throughout the apartment.
Then he does something curious. He takes a big poofy blanket out of the coat closet and lays it out over the wool rug, a normal fixture in front of the fireplace in this house. With that finished, he goes back over to the couch to retrieve Xiao, and finally sets him there in the middle of the blanket and the warm rug, so he can snuggle into something and disappear if he wants.]
There is a kind of magic in experience, in age and time. There are legends of foxes living to be so old that they gain the ability to talk and reason with humans... great birds who live upon the mountains, watching the rise and fall of dynasties... even dragons who rise up from the valleys to be seen once in an age before once again falling into obscurity.
[As he speaks, he settles down on the blanket beside Xiao and pets him a little more.]
In Liyue, they were known as adepti or 'illuminated beasts'. And it is their immortal order that we belong to even in this life.
[A pause.]
I always did despise combat in that form, but for simple things like this... I've learned to indulge.
[Give him another minute—and he shapeshifts himself. He's a slinky thing, with all the fur and scales and horns and craggy teeth and claws befitting a great dragon...
... but he's only seven feet long, which is just enough to comfortably curl up around the edge of the wool rug.]
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a day or so after the birdening. text; un: eunietheboss
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I am alright.
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unless you are texting with wings somehow which would be cool
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a couple of days after The Potluck. text; un: laluna
i'm sorry about what happened. (>_<。) i hope you're alright.
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I am alright. [ JUST EMBARRASSED. ] Zhongli helped me back to my proper form.
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but that's good! i'm glad he was able to help
[ Should she say that tiny his birb form was super cute.... Probably not. ]
though, has that ever happened before?
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5/15; Action (CLOSED TO RYOUTA AND XIAO)
Jun stood out on a roof of the restaurant Ryouta and Shio worked at. Ryouta was with him, along with a plate of almond tofu that sat on overturned crate. Zhongli said this was Xiao's favorite so...hopefully it'll lure him out.
Jun stood by, crossing his arms as he wore his shroud]
Do you think this'll work?
1/2
He grins at Jun.]
Don't worry! I got an idea that's sure to work.
2/2
OIIIIIIIII! XIAO! YOUR DAD SAID WE COULD BE FRIENDS!! WE BROUGHT ALMOND TOFU!!!
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Holy shit, Ryouta.
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text; un: freelancer; late july
Venti and I areAs you may have noticed,We're[This is more awkward than explaining the birds and the bees was, somehow.]
So you are aware, I'll be spending more time at Venti's house in the future.
[... That doesn't really communicate what he wants to say, though.]
I've long been... ignorant of the nature of his feelings. I can only assume that I am the very last person to have puzzled this out. I apologize for any frustration you may have felt watching us circle each other for so many years.
I suggest not following in my footsteps should you care for someone deeply.
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I am glad you finally figured out what he had been hinting at for the past fifteen hundred years, father. As I am glad you finally figured out your own feelings.
[ this is sad with the utmost affection and respect, truly. ]
You need not worry over me. I cannot say I would not have done the same in your shoes, but the chances of that are slim. I would rather keep my heart closed than risk the pain of losing someone whose life is over in the blink of an eye.
I will take care of the apartment while you are gone, I promise.
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It really has been that long. [He is definitely going "AIYAAAH" under his breath over here.
The rest of his message is... sad, though. It's the truth of all immortals like them that the people they meet will not live the same long lives... It had hurt Zhongli on several occasions, but it gets easier. The pain doesn't disappear, but it gets easier...]
... I understand why you think that is necessary. From where you are sitting now, it may seem like the wiser course of action to close yourself off. However, you are a part of this world, and you are also a living being. You are deserving of happiness wherever you may find it.
It's my hope that while we're in this city, you can find others like us. You don't need to lead your life alone.
[This boy...]
Thank you.
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text
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voice; un: freelancer
[But there's a different reason he's calling.]
There is something else we should discuss, however. I think it's time. I will meet you on the roof, so please leave your phone inside.
[Xiao is probably expecting this, but it's important that he's kept in the loop.]
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[ there is something distinctly ominous about the rest of the message, something that makes xiao's hair stand on end. 'please leave your phone inside'. of all the things to say it is that collection of words that sends a bolt of alarm through him - this is serious. ]
I will be there momentarily.
[ he wastes little time in moving to the roof, his phone left behind beside their couch, arms crossed and gaze pointed outward. the city is beautiful at night and brings with it a longing for a home he barely remembers, for a night where the sky is filled with fireworks and enough lanterns to rival the very stars themselves.
he will ponder such things later, after his father has returned home with the news he brings, when the storm gathering overhead has either crashed down upon him or passed peacefully into the night - whichever comes first. for now xiao waits, quietly upon the roof, listening to the window. ]
voice --> action;
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UN: hikari-vi | text | 10/7
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UN: makeitaventi; 11/15 in rapid succession
This little guy reminds me of you!
[However, there's one that stands out. By around the time they've made landfall in Copenhagen, there's a proper text message from Venti.]
Wanted to let you know that we're okay! Your dad probably never wants to set foot on a ship again, poor guy. He got bullied by a kraken, but he sort of got his revenge on a sea serpent. I just wish he didn't launch himself off the SHIP to do it, but you know your dad!
I know I don't have to be worried about you because you're strong and capable, but still. The heart worries for those it has grown close to, no matter how strong or capable or independent. I hope you've been holding up well, and that your spirits are high in spite of the danger Kaisou is no doubt in. I hope you know that the wind will always be at your side.
I know Zhong doesn't say it often, but we're both really proud of you, Xiao. And I have no doubt Azhdaha would be, too. Maybe when it's not quite as raw of a wound, the three of us can spend some time together to share stories about him and reminisce.
Until then, stay safe! We love you so much, Xiao!
[And then there are more pictures that follow. However, these feature Venti not as his human form, but as a little wind spirit in Copenhagen. Xiao can probably guess that Zhongli is the photographer for these pictures.]
text | un: laluna
[ She doesn't know his relationship with Azhdaha, but based on what Zhongli said... She can make a good guess. ]
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You aren't bothering me.
[ she is checking on him because of what happened with azhdaha, isn't she? he wonders what zhongli has told others about their relationship. ]
I am fine. I long expected this eventuality and had already made my peace with it.
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