Mischievous Birthday
[church]
Venti:Oh Aether~
Aether:I don’t like how you said my name.
Venti:What’s wrong? It’s my birthday. I’m a special little birthday boy who wants a special little gift.
Aether:You always want wine. We have a good things going.
Venti:Yes, but I started thinking, wine is no good without entertainment.
Aether:I want to remind you we’re currently in a place of worship.
Venti:Uh huh, for me!
Aether:….How did I forget that?
The door opens and Amber, Keqing, Yanfei, Kokomi, and Ayaka all walk in and sit on a front row bench. Nervousness hit Aether immediately. Venti snickers as he drags Aether to stand in the front. Things only got worse as Venti pulled out flash cards.
Venti:First question-
Aether:Wait! Is this some twisted game show or something!? You’ve explained nothing!
Amber:Just roll with it, haha.
Venti:First question! What’s the most physically appealing thing to you about all of your partners?
Aether:*blushing* I’m the entertainment!? Can I get a lifeline!?
Keqing:Not how it works!
Aether:Uhh ummm. Okay… *takes a breath*
Yanfei:I feel slightly bad.
Kokomi:No this is great.
Ayaka:Agreed.
Aether:Physically appealing. Well I can’t be too embarrassed about yours Amber. You caught me staring at your butt like two weeks into knowing you.
Amber:And it was hilarious.
Aether:As far as everyone else, Yanfei, we’re crop top buddies. The bond was instant.
Yanfei:Heck yeah!
Aether:Keqing’s eyes are very beautiful.
Keqing:Awww, now say you’re actual answer.
Aether:*red* I mean your leggings look good on you.
Keqing:There it is!
Aether:I want to die… these we’re supposed to be private thoughts.
Venti:You got two more! Tough it out.
Ayaka:*smiling*
Aether:To be honest, your face is just… so adorable.
Ayaka:What!? *red*
Aether:Yeah. You’re beauty mark, pale skin but intense eyes. Soft cheeks. It’s just cute.
Keqing:I take offense!
Aether:The question was most appealing, not first impressions. If that was the case then I’d say face for all of you. Eyes were legit the first thing I noticed about you. It just so happens I like your legs more.
Keqing:*red*….You live today.
Aether:Kokomi, I’m torn. I want to play with her hair every time I see her. But also….*red* It’s hard not admiring your figure. Your thigh-highs are longer than Amber’s.
Kokomi:*smiles* And just like her, I caught you looking as well. I just never said anything about it.
Aether:Am I free now?
Venti:Question two!!! What thing does each partner do that is your absolutely favorite?
Girls:CHANGE THE QUESTION!
Venti:The birthday boy says no! Aether, I highly recommend you let this question kill you. It would be funny though.
Aether:You all have such little faith. Do you even know my answers?
Kokomi:No matter what they are, it’s embarrassing!
Yanfei:Have sympathy! I thought this going to far!
Amber:There’s no shame left between us so fire away. Plus it’s no fun if you’re lying.
Venti:I like your spirit!
Aether:Guys, it’s literally not what you think. For Amber, it’s hugs. Since all of you are either busy in your office or have an image to keep up, what always sticks out to me is that the moment I see Amber, she’ll run up and hug me.
Amber:Score one for the land of freedom and being average citizen!
Keqing:It’s not a contest ya know.
Aether:Don’t pout. It’s fine that you’re busy. When you know I’m around, you either stay late so I can conveniently walk you home and have a late dinner with no one else around. That, or there’s a suspicious space in your schedule that I always manage to get.
Keqing:*red*…..
Venti:No defense?
Keqing:I’m no liar. He called it like he saw it. Guess I’m not as sneaky as Ningguang is. I wonder who else noticed?
Yanfei:Ningguang, Ganyu, probably Yelan, me, your major staff must be suspicious-
Keqing:*covers face*
Aether:Fishing has become a big thing between Yanfei and I. Whoever catches the least has to cook them. Still we end up cooking together anyways most times. She always manages to get incredibly long ramblings out of me before I realize it, hours pass. I really like it. *smiles* you’re really good listener.
Yanfei:I am a legal consultant. If I can’t listen to people’s problems and find a way to put them at ease, then I wouldn’t be the best.
Aether:Kokomi and I have nap dates.
Kokomi:Don’t confess to that!
Aether:But it’s literally the best! I’m tired from adventures, you’re tired from your job. Finding a place to run off and go to sleep is comforting. You always get so cuddly.
Kokomi:*flustered*…This stays in the church!
Venti:Why of course! Now then, what about Ms. Kamisato?
Aether:Ayaka will take any new food I cook her and try cooking it herself for the next time I visit. Then there’s the fact she tries “teaching” me tea ceremony etiquette. It’s a great excuse to bring my teapot. I guess you and Keqing have something in common. You do a lot of things to create alone time. It makes me feel special.
Ayaka:You’re the one teaching me so much about the rest of the world. How could I not want to see you? You broaden my horizons in an otherwise practiced life. I’m thankful.
Aether:*smiles*
Venti:Awww, I think she loves you.
Ayaka:H..Hey! Don’t single me out!
Venti:I’m just teasing. Now, third and final question! Aether, what-
The church doors fly open. Barbara stands in the doorway, breathless, and visibly annoyed for once.
Barbara:Venti! Jean wasn’t in danger at all, or at Windrise!
Aether:You sent her on a wild goose chase!?
Venti:Well…duh. This is a church! No one would just allow this to happen.
Barbara briskly approaches the bard. Not wanting to stay, a sudden gust of wind blows in everyone’s face, sending the flash cards flying and giving Venti the perfect opportunity to run by Barbara, but not before twirling the girl first.
Venti:Thanks for the wonderful gift everyone! I’ll be sure to make a song about it!
Barbara:Venti!
Yanfei:Did we…become accomplices?
Amber:It’s fine. Let’s chalk it up to we were in the wrong place at the wrong time, without knowing.
Yanfei:That’s an unknowing accomplice!
Amber:Trust me, it’s fine.
Kokomi:There’s still a question left.
Keqing:Well, it’s not like we need him as long as-
Ayaka turns Keqing’s head to show her the cards that should’ve been on floor, are gone; as well as Aether. Everyone looked around but sure enough, he bolted the moment chaos happened.
Keqing:Oh I am not making time in my schedule next time he visits!
xxxxxx
Sometimes, the best place to hide is in plain sight. Aether and Venti sat in the hands of the statue in front of the church, watching everyone go their separate ways. The only one who bothered to look up was Amber, but all she did was give her salute before going on her way. Figures the glider knew to look towards the sky. Venti waved the flashed card in hand, and a bottle in the other.
Venti:So my fellow escape artist, what made you fall in love with such wonderful and kind people?
Aether:Sorry Venti, some songs can’t be played for just anyone. *smiles*
Venti:And that my dear friend, I couldn’t agree more with. Bonus question, ever wanted to sleep with a wind god?
Aether:Haha! Tempting, but sorry. I’m spoken for.
Venti:Ehe, worth a shot.
He let go of the card, letting it soar to the heavens.