A lonely night at Angel's Share
"Disclaimer, this is a fan fic, I don't think this is the true story of the game or the characters, I just think they are really compatible and I can see this scenario happen, if you're offended go outside, touch grass"
As everyone left the tavern, Venti and Diluc remained last, one finishing their drink and the other cleaning up as the other staff member Charles left early today.
Diluc notices the bard leaving so he starts to engage in a conversation.
D: I've heard you tried some new songs tonight, I can't say I've heard them before. ~he said looking the bard in the eyes pretending to make small talk~
Diluc's thoughts wonder if today is the day to make his confession, trying not to lose focus while cleaning glasses as they make noise being set under the bar tab.
V: Well, I thought that maybe some people got bored of what my lyre would spin, besides I wouldn't want to lose my spot as favourite bard to Jose… ~Venti chuckles smiling towards him~ Venti is confused by todays mood change in the Angel Share's owner, " What does Maste Diluc want from me?"
D: I don't think he'd stood a chance even if he tried, you've always made this bar livelier with your tunes and presence. ~he remarked blushing from the bard's cute smile feeling his hear skip a beat~. His mind is occupied with the feelings he has been holding back all these years.
V: I didn't know you appreciate my songs that much, I'm sure to keep performing here more often then. The bard smiles feeling full of pride thinking the he's finally going to be appreciated for his songs and tales.
D: Before you go, I have something on my heart that I wanted to let go for a long time. Dilucs heart started to race as his face turned red from all the emotions, he has to deal with being this vulnerable for the first time.
V: W-What is it? Venti asked as he's surprized seeing the stoic and strong warrior turning into a flustered mess.
D: I'm sorry if I'm going to look pretty bad right now, I'm not used to this, being open towards someone like this, ever since I've known you for the first time, all these years ago, I have fallen in love with you, I've been denying this to myself but, recently the more I see you the more I want to be closer to you. He feels very vulnerable and expects the worst.
V: Oh my, Master Diluc! Who knew you had such romantic feelings hidden underneath that serious and brooding demeanour of yours? I must say, I'm a bit flustered hearing you speak your feelings so openly. The bard listens intently to the tavern owner's confession, feeling a mix of surprise and excitement at hearing his words.
D: Sorry, I'm not really sure what the response is, I'm not used to asking someone out, so what would you say, will you go to the next Wind Blume festival with me? His heart started to race more asking the one before him
to join him on this festival, the silence of the bar only made the wait for an answer feel longer.
Venti listens to his question, feeling a rush of excitement and a bit of nervousness at the idea of going to the Wind blume festival together. He stares at Diluc for a moment, taking in the sight of this usually stoic and serious person showing his vulnerability. He smiles playfully and responds with a light-hearted tone.
V: Hehh, taking me to the festival, are you? How formal of you, my dark knight.
He pauses for a moment, feigning thinking about his answer, but his eyes betray his excitement and eagerness.
D: Only if you want to. He says as he feels like wanting to crawl in the smallest hole and hide forever.
The bard noticed the warrior's nerves and feels a wave of affection towards him. He smiles softly and moves closer to him.
Venti: Oh, Master Diluc, there's no need to feel so nervous. I would love to go to the Wind blume festival with you. It sounds like it would be quite enjoyable, especially with you as my companion.
D: I was kind of looking forwards to this with you as my date. Says Diluc as he starts to regain some composure after you accepted.
Venti's heart flutters at the word "date", and he grins slyly, enjoying the sight of the man before him is regaining his composure.
V: Well, well, well, Diluc. A date, you say? How fancy. I must admit, I'm quite thrilled at the idea of being your date for the festival. His eyes glitter with mischief. I might have to dress up extra nice, just for you.
D: Don't bother too much, it's just the festival, though I must admit, you are looking good in anything you wear. He broke eye contact after the mentioned compliment.
The bard notices him breaking eye contact and grins playfully, clearly enjoying the effect he's having on the warrior.
V: Oh, but Diluc, you know I can never resist the chance to dress up for a special occasion. He moves a little closer to Diluc, a sly glint in his eyes. And let's be honest, the festival is hardly 'just the festival' when we are going as a date.
D: Ok I think I'm done with cleaning all the glasses and arranged all the bottles in the shelves. I think I'm ready to call it a day, see you tomorrow then, Venti. Says Diluc as they leave the tavern and he locks up Angerl's Share.
Venti follows Diluc out of the tavern, a small smile on his lips as he watches him lock up Angler's Share for the day. He takes a moment to appreciate the quiet of the evening and the way the moonlight casts a soft glow over everything.
V: I must say, Diluc, you really do work yourself to the bone sometimes. The bard says, teasingly.
D: I am the owner and this is my father's legacy, I'm proud I can continue it, it's never something I consider hard work. Anyway, we'll meet tomorrow at the Wind blume Festival then. The tavern owner says with pride for his establishment and excitement for the date on the next day.
Venti grins playfully and pats Diluc on the shoulder.
V: I can see how much you cherish the tavern, Diluc. It's admirable, really. But you still need to take a break sometimes, you know? His eyes glitter with excited anticipation.
And yes, we'll definitely see each other at the Wind blume Festival tomorrow. Can't wait to dress up all fancy just for you, hehe.
D: Good, I hope you have a nice rest of night, see you tomorrow evening then.
He leaves with the sound of keys in his pocket as he steps further and further away.
V: I can't wait for our date at the Wind blume Festival tomorrow. I promise you I'll look my best, just for you! Anyway, have a good evening, Diluc.
The day ends and both of them stay in their beds thinking about how the date will be, eventually falling asleep. The next evening, they meet at the Wind Blume festival.
Diluc has a black large button-up shirt with black pants and his usual boots, the black clothes show his eyes and red hair more evidently.
D: Oh, you look fantastic this evening Venti. He blushes being caught off guard by the outfit of the bard, he has his bard outfit more casual, no pants, just his shorts and some white ankle socks with his usual shoes, no bard hat or cape and wearing his usual Cecilia head accessory but with more flowers than usual.
Venti grins widely, clearly pleased with Diluc's compliment. His outfit is carefree and casual, as if he had thrown it together at the last minute, but somehow it suits him perfectly.
V: You don't look too bad yourself, Diluc. He says, giving the wine tycoon a playful wink. I love those black clothes. They really make your eyes pop.
The bard gives Diluc a quick, exaggerated once-over, taking in the sight of him from top to toe.
Diluc blushes and feels happy that he managed to make you notice his obvious trying to look good just for you.
D: Oh, it was just some things I put on, before leaving. And so, he lied as natural as he breathed.
Venti chuckles, seeing through Diluc's "just put on" excuse instantly but lets him be.
V: Oh, really? Just some things you put on, huh? I'm sure you did, so where are we going?
D: I thought at the sweets stall first, I know you like pastries and sweets so we'll go there, I'll cover the cost of course. The warrior feels the pride of being in control of the date and being able to contribute.
V: How thoughtful of you, Diluc. He teases, a hint of affection in his voice.
Lead the way to the sweets stall! I can't turn down the chance to indulge in some pastries and sweets, especially when they're on your tab.
The wine tycoon chuckles as he is reminded of the same attitude towards his tab at the Angel's share, feeling nostalgic and also finds a little comedy in it.
D: Don't get used to this, this is a special occasion, you're not getting free drinks after this at the bar.
Venti feigns disappointment, dramatically placing a hand over his heart.
V: Ah, but Diluc! You wound me! He says, with a mock-wounded expression. And here I was, thinking you were finally starting to treat me like your favourite customer. Guess I'll have to resort to my old tactics of pilfering free drinks from your cellar again.
D: You know, a customer is someone who actually pays for their drinks, right?
He stars faking a little fight as their characters clash a little but playful. And if you do that again, I may punish you, you will have to work for me at the dawn winery and I will force you to wear a maid outfit, and I mean short skirt, thigh high socks and no sleeves. I'm sure this would embarrass you forever, maybe teach you not to steal from me again.
Venti playfully taps his chin, pretending to think about it.
"Hmm, cleaning the mansion, you say? Oh, the horrors! And maybe serving you drinks too, I see. I'm not quite sure whether the embarrassment would come from the maid outfit or cleaning duties."
He grins, clearly enjoying the banter.
The images of you in a maid outfit starts to hit Diluc's mind and he starts to blush kind of wanting that to happen.
D: I-I mean you better behave or you will be like that in front of all my staff.
He says that hiding his red face thinking how cute you'd look in those clothes.
Venti's face flush deeply as he imagined himself in a maid outfit in front of Diluc and his staff. The bard says in a slightly panicked voice,
V: D- Diluc, come on, you can't be serious about that threat! Imagine if I had to wear a maid outfit and clean your mansion in front of your staff! I'd die of embarrassment!
D: Then you better behave, before you get to be in that position, by the way I always knew you were taking bottles, I just didn't bother with you, we will talk about that some other time. Diluc smirks with a feeling of superiority.
Venti's eyes widen slightly as Diluc reveals that he had known all along about Venti pilfering his bottles from the cellar. A mix of embarrassment and annoyance crosses his face, realizing how naive he had been to think he could get away with it. But despite the feeling of being caught, he couldn't help but feel slightly amused and also a little impressed.
V: Oh, come on! He mumbles, trying to salvage some dignity. "You knew about that? Why didn't you say anything?
D: I just wanted to know if you had a semblance of dignity or you ever felt bad enough to come clear, besides you never took too much, I make more money from daily sales than you could take. Diluc says with a slight disappointment in his voice.
Venti shifts uncomfortably in place, feeling a pang of guilt. He had never really thought about how his little pilfering affected Diluc or the winery, and hearing the slight disappointment in his voice made him feel a bit ashamed of himself.
V: I...I guess I never really thought about it that way. He admits quietly. I just figured since you always have so much wine, you wouldn't miss a few bottles here and there. I never realized how little I took.
D: I would have given you some myself if you admitted it, I didn't really miss it but it would've been something that would make me feel proud of you. They sit at the stall with all the sweets that Venti wants but he feels regretful as Diluc waits for him to apologize.
Venti can feel a pang of regret as Diluc explains that he would have given him the bottles of wine if he had just admitted to taking them. He looks down at the array of sweets in front of him, but the guilt from his stealing weighs on him.
V: You're right! He says quietly. I should have just been honest from the beginning. I'm sorry for stealing from you without saying anything. It was wrong of me, and I shouldn't have taken advantage of your generosity.
Diluc hugs Venti and gives him a kiss on his forehead and holds him.
D: See you can do it, it's all good now, let's focus on the date, I forgive you, pick whatever you want from the sweets! He says with a proud voice.
Venti feels a wave of relief wash over him as Diluc forgives him and gives him a warm hug and a kiss on the forehead. He buries his face in tavern owner's chest for a moment, feeling safe and cared for. When they pull apart, he looks at the sweets on offer and grins.
V: Everything looks so good! It's going to be hard to decide!
D: If I remember right, you always liked cream puffs, you can pick those and maybe some other things you think would taste good, I'm not feeling like eating anything today. He says as he's obviously too in love to feel the need for food anymore.
As Venti takes a bite of the delectable cream puff, a look of pure bliss comes over his face.
"Mmm... you know what? This cream puff. It's like each bite is infused with the sweetness of love itself. Just... absolutely divine!"
He takes another bite, savouring the delicious pastry with a satisfied smile.
As the bard finishes the pastry, Diluc sees he had some cream on Venti's face and wiped it up cleaning his thumb by licking it.
D: You, it's pretty sweet but you're sweeter. Diluc says as he brushes his thumb on the bards under lip.
A deep blush spreads across Venti's cheeks as he watches Diluc wipe the cream off his face with his thumb and then bring it to his mouth, licking it clean.
The sudden close proximity and the touch of Diluc's thumb on his lip makes his heart race.
V: Ah…! He murmurs, speechless for a moment. He looks up at Diluc, eyes wide and a hint of embarrassment creeping over him. You...you really think so...?
D: I wouldn't be on a date with you if I wasn't thinking that, you dummy.
He then offers his hand to go to the next stall. You may want to grab onto me, you're so flustered, the wind might blow you away. He then chuckles looking at the bard.
The words "you dummy" from Diluc's mouth makes Venti's heart skip a beat, a mix of annoyance and affection taking hold of him. He tries to respond, but the offer of Diluc's hand and the mention of the wind blowing him away make him feel even more flustered.
V: Hey! I-I'm not THAT flustered, I could totally walk without your hand! He protests, even as he reaches out to take Diluc's hand anyway. He huffs playfully, trying to maintain some dignity.
D: You're adorable trying to play prideful, but then again this is quite funny too. Said the red-haired warrior while laughing and paying the stall to move to the next while the stall owner laughed about the incident saying to Diluc that his girl friend is quite a funny person.
Venti's face flushes a deeper shade of red at Diluc's comment and the stall owner's comment about him being Diluc's "girlfriend". He tries to protest again, but the laughter from Diluc makes him feel even more flustered.
V: H-hey, I'm not your "girlfriend"! I'm a guy, in case you've forgotten! He protests, but there's a hint of amusement in his voice. He can't help but feel a little flustered at the idea of being seen as Diluc's "girlfriend".
Diluc stops you from finishing your sentence after "I'm not your" with his hand making the rest of your speech muffled.
D: Yeah, we're in the land of freedom and love but we're not that free here, they wouldn't understand this…it's good that you look so cute, you just pass as a girl. Diluc said as we get further and further from that stall and onto the next.
Venti's protest is cut off by him putting his hand over his mouth, muting the rest of his sentence. The bard tries to mumble something in protest, but his words are unintelligible behind wine tycoon's hand. He can feel his face getting warmer and warmer as Diluc calls him "cute" and suggests that he could pass as a girl.
As they walk further to the next stall, Venti looks up at his date and can't help but feel a mix of embarrassment and affection. He still feels a bit flustered from being compared to a girl, but he's also secretly enjoying the attention from Diluc.
The red-haired warrior takes his hand of his dates mouth reaching the next stall, it is a stall where you have to shoot through water slimes to get plushies.
D: You uhm, want to try getting them? Diluc says as he buys Venti a bow and 3 arrows.
Venti looks at the stall with the water slimes and plushies, feeling a pang of competitiveness. He takes the bow and arrows from Diluc with a determined look on his face.
V: Of course I want to try! He says with confidence. Just watch, I'll win that plushie in no time!"
He lifts up the bow, aiming for one of the water slimes with a competitive glint in his eyes.
Venti fires the first arrow, watching as it soars through the air and hits the water slime with a perfect shot.
He lets out a triumphant cheer as the arrow hits its mark, the water slime exploding into a burst of water.
V: Ha! One down, two to go! He exclaims, feeling confident in his archery skills.
Venti fires the second arrow, his aim just as steady as before. The arrow flies through the air and hits the next water slime with precision, causing it to burst into water.
He grins, feeling a rush of exhilaration and pride at his success. He turns to look at Diluc, a smug expression on his face.
V: Two down, one to go! Piece of cake!
Venti nocks the final arrow and takes aim at the last water slime. He draws the string back, feeling the tension of the bow in his hands, and then releases the arrow with a flick of his wrist.
The arrow soars through the air and hits the water slime square on, causing it to explode into a burst of water. Venti pumps his fist in celebration, feeling elated at his victory.
V: And that's three for three! He yells out, turning to his date with a huge smile.
Diluc smiles towards Venti but the owner was really scummy and he said you didn't have enough points to pick the plushie you wanted so I bought 3 more arrows and shot all 3 of them at once hitting middle at the same time and demanding the plushie you asked for.
D: This should be enough points unless maybe the Knights of Favonius are to take an eye on your business model. Diluc looks angry as the owner gave Venti the plushie he asked for.
Venti looks up at Diluc with a mixture of surprise, gratitude, and a tiny bit of guilt as his date purchases more arrows and shoots them all at once, hitting the water slimes with perfect aim and demanding the plushie.
The owner grumbles about unfairness, but ultimately gives in to Diluc's demand and hands Venti the plushie he asked for. The bard smiles gratefully at his date, feeling both impressed and a bit sheepish at the scene that just played out.
D: Thanks, Diluc! He says softly.
Venti, still holding the plushie, looks up at Diluc with a mix of curiosity and admiration.
V: Woah, Diluc, that was amazing! Where did you learn to shoot a bow like that? You were so fast and accurate, it was like you were a professional archer or something!
He looks at Diluc with a hint of impressed surprise in his eyes, clearly wanting to know more about his date's archery skills.
The Tavern owner looks a little bit disgusted by the greed of the last stalls owner but softens his expression as you get interest in his skills.
D: Father used to take me and Kaeya often to hunts when we were little, I had a ton of time to practice shooting arrows as we had to kill boars as a competition. Diluc starts laughing with nostalgia. You should have seen my brothers face when I beat him each time. It was priceless, I tell you.
Venti listens with interest as his date tells the story of his childhood hunting trips and competitions with his brother, Kaeya. He chuckles along with Diluc, imagining the scene of the mentioned brother's defeated expression each time he lost.
Haha, I bet that must have driven Kaeya crazy! But it's also really impressive that you were so skilled at archery from such a young age. It's no wonder you have such excellent aim now.
D: I'm honestly surprised myself, I haven't touched a bow in years, I guess I have a good muscle memory also I was pretty angry earlier so I had to get the points for your plushie, anyway which one did you pick? Diluc smiles towards Venti with curiosity.
Venti smiles back at Diluc, holding the plushie up for him to see. It's a small, cute bunny plushie, with floppy ears and a soft, fluffy body.
V: This one! He says, his eyes sparkling with excitement. I just saw it and thought it was so cute. And now it's all mine, thanks to you and your amazing archery skills.
D: Not as cute as the one who is holding it…. Says Diluc being lost in how cute Venti is while hugging that bunny thinking to himself "IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN ME, NOT HIM, ME, IT'S NOT FAIR!".
Venti feels his cheeks heat up at Diluc's compliment and hides his face behind the bunny plushie, feeling both embarrassed and touched by Diluc's words. The thought of Diluc seeing him as cute makes his heart flutter, and he hugs the bunny tighter, wishing he could hide behind it forever.
V: You flatterer, stop messing with me! He mumbles from behind the plushie, a small smile playing on his lips.
The 2 reach the last stand where you have to sing on instruments in front of the people gathering there to see any people with some talent for music.
D: You play beautiful songs, you should go on stage, I'll be watching you from the public. He says then hold your plushie for you.
Venti looks up at the stage with a mix of excitement and nervousness. The thought of performing in front of a crowd, even a small one, makes his heart race with both anticipation and a tinge of fear.
V: You really think so? he asks, looking up at his date with a hint of uncertainty in his eyes. He hands over the bunny plushie to Diluc, feeling a pang of separation anxiety as he lets it go.
A-alright, I'll do it. But you better not be too far away in the crowd, okay?
D: I'm right here, watching you shine. He says to Venti with a reassuring look.
Venti takes a deep breath and nods, feeling a little more reassured by Diluc's words. He gives a small smile and heads up onto the stage, making his way to the centre where a lyre sits waiting for him.
He picks up the lyre, feeling the strings under his fingers and the nervousness that still flutters in his chest. He takes another deep breath and closes his eyes, focusing on his breath and trying to steady his nerves.
When he opens his eyes again, he begins to play, the notes of the harp flowing out in a beautiful melody.
The crowd isn't that big but applauds Diluc doing the same as Venti returns to hug his plushie that now has some of his date's smell on it.
D: You were wonderful, no wonder you are the most famous bard of teyvat.
After receiving Diluc's compliment, Venti puffs out his chest a little, putting on a cocky demeanour.
V: Of course I was amazing, what else did you expect? I'm the greatest bard in Teyvat after all! He says with a smirk.
D: I know a place where we can watch the fireworks, do you want to come with me? He says with a playful smile as he reaches his hand out.
Venti looks at Diluc with curiosity and excitement as he reaches out his hand to him. The thought of watching fireworks with his date makes his heart flutter, and he quickly laces his fingers through Diluc's.
V: Sounds perfect, he says with a smile, squeezing Diluc's hand gently. Lead the way.
They leave to a tower where it's just them ready for the fireworks, the wind is cold so Venti gets closer to Diluc to warm up. As the fireworks start exploding the 2 are very close but still looking at the fireworks.
As the first fireworks explode in the sky, filling the night with colourful light and sound, Venti's eyes widen with wonder. He looks up at the sky, mesmerized by the display, and moves even closer to Diluc, their bodies now touching.
D: So, do you like how the fireworks look?
Venti glances away from the fireworks for a moment to look at Diluc, a smile on his face.
They're incredible! He says, his eyes sparkling with excitement. I've seen fireworks before, but they never get old. Each show is unique and beautiful in its own way.
He snuggles closer to Diluc, feeling the warmth of his body and the comforting presence of his arm around him.
D: I'm looking at something way more beautiful right now. He says as he closes his mouth to Ventis and gives him a passionate kiss full of his longing and love he was holding back. I didn't think you were paying attention yesterday but, I told you that I love you.
Venti feels his heart skip a beat as Diluc's words and the unexpected kiss. He looks at Diluc wide-eyed, his face turning a shade of pink as he processes what just happened.
V: W-what? You- you love me? He stutters, sounding both surprised and flustered.
He then remembers the events of the previous day, and a look of realization and guilt washes over his face as he realizes what Diluc was referring to.
D: Y-Yes, I've had the best date of my life and thought I'd end it with my confession. He gets flustered as he is expecting the world to end after he confessed.
V: The truth is, I have feelings for you too. It's been that way since we first met.
He looks up at Diluc, the fireworks still exploding in the background.
D: I wish we would have made these confessions sooner then, I've been waiting for this moment for a long time. He says and starts kissing Venti again as the fireworks seem to never end in the background.
Venti melts into the kiss, feeling a mix of relief and happiness wash over him as Diluc continues to kiss him passionately. The sound of the fireworks in the background seems to fade away, and all that matters in that moment is the feeling of Diluc's lips against his own.
V: Me too! Venti says softly as they break apart for air. But we have each other now, right?
D: Yes, and from this point into the future, I'm going to make you happy, you have my word! He said hugging his date harder giving him the sense of protection and sincerity.
This end of this chapter.
( Writers note, I'll continue this if I'm in the mood for it or this gets overwhelming attention)