Archive of Our Own ^beta

You'd registered a few commissions locally for the next couple days with Katherine, and stopped at the aforementioned restaurant with Paimon to savor the local cuisine you'd both come to miss when away. It just so happened that Jean was there at the same time, and had been incredibly happy to see you.

You'd asked how she was - busy as ever, but she'd made herself take breaks here and there - and was feeling much better because of it. "You'd better be, so you don't get sick again!" Paimon exclaimed with a smug grin and crossed arms, in typical Paimon fashion.

Jean softly chuckled in agreeance, and moved on to thank you for everything you'd done for the city once again. Which you were quick to brush off, visibly flustered, earning yourself a light laugh from the Acting Grand Master.

When she'd asked what brought you back, you'd explained the two of you returned just to relax, and that you'd come to miss Mondstadt in your travels.

She happily offered for you to spend your stay at a house that had been vacant for a while, "Free of course, for our honorary knight!", she'd enthusiastically added. While it was heartwarming to know she regarded you this highly, you thanked her and insisted you were fine, explaining the Serenitea Pot you'd received in Liyue.

She'd had none of it, insisting you should feel welcome and comfortable and that she wanted you to be able to really experience the city.

And so that's how you ended up where you were now, setting your things down, Paimon rolling around on the fresh sheets of the bed.

"Paimon feels like she's on a cloud right now!" She gushed, rolling dramatically like a cat doused in catnip. You couldn't help but laugh at the sight.

"Good practice for when I get really hungry and roll you into a burrito next time we set out!"

"Oh come on! You ruined Paimon's moment!"

It was admittedly really nice to be able to open the curtains and see the city below, and just be, like any other citizen or visitor, without an agenda. The Caramel Pinecone you were sipping on was made that much sweeter by the view of the sky, clouds passing like free spirits above. Paimon, of course, had sucked hers down at lightning speed, barely able to greet Diluc at the tavern earlier for her excited cheers over the beverage.

You both stepped onto the balcony and sighed in content. You still missed and worried about your home of course, but on occasions like this you couldn't help but feel thankful for the peaceful moments, the sights you'd seen, and spending time with your hyper, food vacuuming travel buddy - who was now waving at and talking to the dog trotting along on the street underneath you both.

Midnight was even more peaceful than evening. Stars scattered across the sky, gentle breezes tousled your hair in various directions, and the nocturnal insects kept the air alive with their symphonies. Paimon, having crashed from her sugar high hours ago, lie passed out on the couch in the living room, covered in blankets you'd found in a closet.

As for yourself, you'd washed up and changed to comfier clothes, now settled into the windowside bed. You'd opened the windows earlier, letting the midnight breeze through, which paired exquisitely with the soft sheets that were nice and cold, and you could feel yourself drifting off...

That is, until a knock at your door jerked you out of your descent into slumber.

Somewhat exasperatedly, you threw the covers off and got up, marching half asleep past a non-affected Paimon to the door.

If you were sleepy before, you just got backhanded into wakefulness. There to greet you in all your post-shower hair, pajama clad glory was none other than the last person you'd want to see you in this state- the Anemo Archon himself.

"Ah, traveler! I'd heard around you were back and wanted to come see you... You've gotta tell me about all your adventures and what you've been up to... *yawn*... ya know..." He trailed off. It was clear he'd had a few drinks, his cheeks dusted pink and a wide self satisfied grin plastered across his face. He was obviously tired, evidenced by the yawn breaking up his sentences.

Having jerked you out of your restful state aside, you couldn't help but (begrudgingly) mentally acknowledge just how cute he was. Cyan-tipped dark hair that framed his features just right... Kind but mischievous doe eyes, on the border of green and blue, hands that seemed warm and soft when held, that weaved melodies and guided the winds that shaped this land. A slim, approachable figure, belying the power of a god he held within...

You had to mentally slap yourself out of your reverie before the silence became uncomfortable.

"Hey... uh... it's really nice to see you Venti, but it's like 1 in the morning..." you replied awkwardly, not wanting to come off mean, but still a bit perplexed by his sudden appearance. It didn't help that your face was heating up, and you willed yourself not to stutter.

"Well..." Another yawn escaped before he could finish, and a hand raised to scratch his head in slightly embarrassed realization. "It is about that time, isn't it, aha..."

You just blinked, knowing if Paimon was awake she'd had let a snarky comment out right at this moment.

"I was at the tavern and Diluc mentioned you were back in town... Shortly after, when he refused to give me anymore wine," he stopped to mutter something unintelligible in annoyance, "he changed the subject and said I should visit you tomorrow, being the honorary knight and all.... I uh, was a little too tipsy to realize it was quite this late so I decided to drop by right away instead, ehe. I was too excited to wait until tomorrow.... I hope you're not mad..." He trailed off, voice seeming to grow sleepier every time he spoke.

You probably should have been, but how could you be mad? Maybe it was the fact that you were hopelessly crushing on him, maybe it was your over forgiving nature... Yeah, we'll go with the second option, but you could never get mad at that (annoyingly) cute face.

But excited? He was excited to see you... Ugh. The most logical explanation was that being your friend, and interested in your travels, that's why he was excited. You mentally reminded yourself to not let your hopes get too high and cloud your judgement.

"No, just a bit surprised to see you is all," You muttered, unsuccessfully stifling a yawn yourself, "Excuse the way I look, I didn't really expect to see anyone this late, but no, I was looking forward to seeing you too."

His eyes seemed to light up in relief, and he straightened his posture back out. "Well in that case," another yawn, "Mmm.... is it okay if I come in for a moment? I'll just stay a minute..." Before you could reply, he spoke again. "And don't apologize..." this time, a hiccup interrupted him, "You always look amazing to me..." he finished, eyes halfway closed in a sleepy-tipsy haze. Still wearing that goofy grin.

Oh. If it weren't for your own sleepiness, you would have died on the spot as if struck by Ei's lightning. Calm, calm... You reminded yourself he had had who knows how many bottles of Dandelion Wine, but those words coming from him... were enough to fold someone in half like a sucker punch. That damn tone deaf bard, you thought, thinking Paimon's nickname fitting for the moment.

"Uhh, yeah, sure!" you fumbled, a little too obviously flustered and with maybe a hint of excitedness, backing away from the door to allow him in. "Just be quiet, since Paimon's asleep over here." Why did he want to come in at this hour? You didn't know, but you honestly were too tired to care at this point... and since it was him.

What were you two, though?

Well, you were undeniably friends, close even. The first archon you met, one of the first who knew of your predicament. Whenever you'd returned to Mondstadt, you'd run into him so many times, and he'd helped you and the others repeatedly. He'd guided you through the city's festivals, shared stories of it's history, made you feel as though you belonged, never judging you.

You'd hung out together sometimes, too. Paimon napping on your lap as the three of you sat under the tree at Windrise, him playing a tune on his lyre. Nights at the tavern when he'd make sure you were at ease around strangers. Walks at dusk, when his serious face showed the bard Venti give way to Barbatos, when he would spill stories of his own life, memories only he had, history of the land. You'd in turn describe your world in detail, the places you loved, your adventures in Teyvat.

He was one of the few people you really felt comfortable talking to about how you felt, talking about home. He was a bastion of comfort and reassurance, an easygoing and understanding shoulder to lean on like a cool breeze on a hot day. Your fears, your worries, anything - he always knew what to say to melt them all away, and lend a supportive ear.

So it was no wonder you harbored such feelings for him now. But again... to share such intimate details, to share so many moments of almost brushing hands, of if I just scooted closer I could feel his warmth distance.

What did he feel? There were hints, of course, you weren't an idiot. But you couldn't be sure.

Well, you mused, thinking too much about it wouldn't reveal anything, so might as well focus on the present.

You directed him silently past where Paimon was still sleeping soundly, and gestured for him to come into your room, where she wouldn't be disturbed by your voices.

He sighed after the door closed, turning toward the open window and, of course, yawning once more.

"We just got back here today. Both Paimon n' I had really missed Mondstadt, so we decided we'd come back and stay awhile. She kept going on about craving sticky honey roast," you laughed lightly, "but I have no room to talk, I missed it too. Quite frankly, we also missed you. But how did you know we were staying here? Wait, Diluc told you, didn't he?" You said, realization hitting as you spoke.

He chuckled lightly. "Yep! He said you'd both come in earlier, and I asked if he knew where you all were going. He said he'd spoken to Jean earlier, and she told him she'd offered you two this place to stay, even though you initially refused," he laughed in that sweet voice of his, "that's so like you."

A small "Heh" was all you could muster, a bit red faced, fiddling with your hands.

You both stood there for a moment, you searching for something to say to break the quiet, him turning to gaze out the open window the moon was now shining through.

"Honestly," he sighed now, voice shifting almost to a lower, defeated tone, "I came here because I wanted your company. I wasn't gonna... come so late, I didn't realize, so sorry about that..." he trailed off. "I just, the wine wasn't enough tonight, and Diluc wasn't going to let me at anymore bottles anyway, and talking to you always makes me feel better." He wouldn't meet your eyes as he finished speaking, still focused on the view outside.

Ah. So that's what led to this whole predicament. You'd figured out a long time ago he'd occasionally use Angel's Share as his go-to when things bothered him, so that must have been the case tonight.

Even through the wine's cloudiness, you could see that you were dealing with Barbatos now when he turned back toward you - he'd dropped the cheerfulness, and you could see that all-too familiar look in his eyes, the subtle shift in expression.

With as much as he cared for everyone else... you wished he'd never feel sad. Even as show-up-and-disturb-your-sleep-y as he could be.

This time his eyes seemed to will themselves shut when he yawned, and you swore he could fall asleep right where he stood, if it weren't for him speaking again, before you could find the proper words to reply.

"Ah, I should probably go now, it's really late and I've already kept you from resting," he said apologetically, scratching the back of his head once more, "that's no way to greet you when you've come all this way from Inazuma."

You considered your next words. You could be brave, and offer him to stay here, possibly setting one foot out of the realm of just friends - or you could let him leave like he said he would and wonder what might have been.

You chose the first, despite your nerves.

I mean... you could obviously see he wasn't in the highest of spirits, and you didn't know of any place warm and indoors that he could retire to for the night, much less manage the walk there in his current state - nearly falling asleep with each second that passed.

"You can," you can do this, (y/n), dammit! you thought, "you can... stay here, if you want." Your face was blood red at this point, and you hoped the lack of light had your back in hiding it.

"I can tell you're really tired, and again, I don't mind you coming this late," you gained a bit of confidence as you continued, "I don't know where you usually go, but it would probably be nice to have a comfy bed, right?"

His lips eased into a small smile now, and his eyes seemed to regain a bit of light. He appeared to think for a second. "Well, then..."

You didn't even have time to process what was going on before he'd stepped toward you and wrapped his arms around your torso and back, face buried in the crook of your neck. Your arms stayed in the air for a moment out of shock, but you quickly placed them on his back, resting your own head against his green-clad shoulders. His hands were cool where they met the skin of your shoulder, but not cold.

Your heart was racing, and all you could manage was to wordlessly, blissfully savor the moment. He was warm pressed against you, and smelled of breeze-carried flowers underneath Dandelion Wine. His hair brushing your face was soft, tousled gently by the air flowing through the open window. The silence of the moment was peaceful, his feather-light breaths against you barely audible. 

His grip tightened a bit before he finally let go, and you wished it could have lasted just a bit longer as you opened your eyes.

His voice was hushed and soft now. "Are you sure it's okay? Are you comfortable with me staying here? I won't be upset if you want me to go."

Summoning your ability to use words back from your prior stupor, you reassured him, voice light now as well.

"I'm sure."

If there was ever any moment - the night sky and city outside the window framing his silhouette, moonlight highlighting his features and setting aglow his dark locks, wind seeming to pick up and snake it's way through the room - it was now, to tell him how you felt.

"Venti, I..." you looked at his eyes, which now had their attention fully turned to you.

"Hmm?" he hummed, tone kind and inquisitive.

"To be honest," you sighed in defeat, ready to let the river flow. "I've had feelings for you for a while. I think about you a lot, everywhere I go. I get so excited to see you again when I come back here. I was so happy to see you at the Irodori Festival," you continued, "and I feel like you're one of the few people I can really feel comfortable with and trust. You're such a caring friend, and I feel myself missing you when you're gone."

"You trust me and really talk to me, even though I'm not from this world, and it really means so much to me. I think I love you, Venti." Your voice was barely a whisper as his name slid off your tongue, shyness overtaking you.

His eyes widened as you spoke, and you swore you could make out his cheeks flushing in the dim light, as slight shock spread across his face. After you'd finished though, he'd closed his eyes and smiled.

"My heart has belonged to you for a lot longer than you know," he began, clarity breaking through the alcohol and claws of sleepiness. "Freedom is important to me, so I didn't want to burden you with my feelings, or make you feel like you had to love me back. I know your journey is the most important thing for you right now, so I never wanted to tie you down, and if friendship was what you needed, it could stay that way. Your happiness is what matters most to me, your freedom as a traveler as well. I never want to hold you back."

"But, hearing you say these words... I'm so happy. I'm so happy I really don't know what to say, I," he laughed that soft laugh again, the wind whipping outside now, "I held myself back from saying or doing anything overt, but the time I've spent with you became one of my favorite things. I feel like I'm being healed when I'm with you, like that time under the Tree..."

He stepped forward to embrace you once again, just a bit tighter than before, and you could feel wetness from his cheeks on your shoulder this time.

"I love you too, (y/n)," he spoke, using your name this time, "I have for a really long time. I would have been content with you never noticing, or just being friends, but you have no idea how happy I am right now. I've lived for thousands of years," he stopped for a second, "and I've never felt like this for someone before. He... was my best friend. Dvalin, too. And I've had friends since, watching over the people of Mondstadt, but ever since you came to this world, it's something I couldn't quite describe."

He let go now, eyes meeting yours, one hand coming to rest on your cheek, the other brushing stray strands of hair out of your face. You were speechless. You couldn't deny you'd imagined scenarios like this before, but for it to be actually happening right now? Words were impossible to form.

He placed a kiss on your forehead before pulling back, chuckling as you squeezed your eyes shut. The way he looked at you... almost brought tears to your eyes.

What seemed like the thousandth yawn once more escaped him, the wind outside seeming to follow his lead as it too calmed down - was it tied to his emotions?

"If it's alright with you, can I... sleep beside you tonight?" He asked, "I've wanted to nap with you for a long time actually... Whenever we spend time together in Windrise, I just want to pull you into my lap and play my lyre... Again, I want you to be comfortable, so it's okay if the answer is no." He stated, voice still soft and sweet.

You could feel the sleepiness tugging at your own consciousness now after the rollercoaster of emotions you'd just experienced, and the thought of his warmth you felt just minutes ago returning was something you didn't want to pass up. "I'd... like that a lot, actually. It's kind of embarrassing, but I've wished I could curl up next to you a lot of times when we've sat under the tree." You added, looking at anything but the object of your flusterment.

He reciprocated your feelings... If you weren't so tired, and standing in front of him, you might be squealing half in euphoria and half in disbelief when the realization hit.

He started fumbling with the ties of his cape, then worked his corset and the belt bearing his false vision off, while you returned under the cozy sheets you'd been taken away from earlier. It was almost strange to see him without his full outfit on, and without the beret atop his head. He was so damn ethereal... it was unfair. How could someone be so beautiful?

You felt the bed dip slightly when he slipped in beside you wordlessly, lifting the sheets to cover himself, and then...

"Lift your head." He whispered, his voice now just inches behind you - sending shivers down your spine. You did so, and his arm slid under your head as a pillow. His other arm came to wrap around you over your side and he pulled you to his chest, warmth surrounding you like a cocoon of safety. The scent of flowers and what you could only describe as the wind itself flooded your senses.

Secure. Secure and loved were the only ways you could think to describe how it felt with his body covering yours from behind, arms around you, legs tangled. You could feel his chin come to rest by the back of your head, and from his sheer closeness you could feel him sigh in content behind you. Was this what bliss was? To be loved and embraced by the god of Anemo, the wind himself... you were so thankful to have met him.

"Hmm?" you mumbled half asleep, when he pulled the blanket down off you both. Cool air hit your skin, and you whined like a cat being separated from a bowl of tuna.

"Shhh". He breathed into your ear.

A moment later, the sound of ruffling and a slight burst of wind caught your attention, and the cold absence of the sheets was soon replaced with something fluffy and warm carefully surrounding you. Feathers...

He'd mentioned something about having wings in his Archon form before, hadn't he? The fact that he trusted you enough to not only reveal a part of that form to you, but to wrap them around you so lovingly - even half asleep, you blushed at the thought.

They were large enough to envelop most of your form, and so fluffy... The moonlight glinted off the golden part of his wing, and the feathers themselves ruffled with the breeze, white as snow. You reached out to run your hands along them, and he hummed with contentment behind you, burying his nose into your hair and squeezing you further to him.

Paired with his slow breathing against your back, the sounds of night outside the window, and the warmth surrounding you, you finally drifted off.

The last thing you heard was a whispered "Goodnight, my Windblume".