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[ He hoped the flattery went to Diluc's head. He deserved to hear it. In Mondstadt, Venti didn't get to spend a lot of quiet one-on-one time with the people he cared about. He knew Diluc was also a very busy man at home, too. So to have the chance to make time for just one another should be treasure - regardless as to how old Venti was or how old he would be. He would live so long.

He steps in when the door is offered and takes a seat, reaching out immediately to take Diluc's hand. He is relaxed, isn't he? He's happy, too. Being in Nippon has proven to be an experience for him. ]

You make it very easy for me, Diluc. This place has made it easy, too. But I assure you that the company isn't hurting my mood.

[ His smile is easy. ]

I love my time with you and being around you just as much as I simply just love you.

[ It's that simple. It's not as an Archon, either. He means this as Venti and Venti only right now. And he hopes that is clear. ]

I'm very free with you.

[ To be himself. To not put up a front. To not pretend and fake it through anything. He has no need. He's relaxed because he's free. ]

And I hope you at least feel some of the same.

[ He never really has expected the way he is with others to be fully returned to it, but he's also at peace with that fact. But he does want to Diluc to feel happy and free with him, too. ]

[Though it never quite leaves his mind that this person is the Anemo Archon, Diluc has been able to see Venti as simply 'Venti' more and more as they have grown closer. The thought barely pops up at all these days, and he does understand what the bard means when he talks about love. Diluc can be himself with Venti too... and that's important.]

Of course I do.

[He knows that he has relaxed here, to a point that it might be shocking to people who only know him from home. He's been able to resolve so many things that were keeping him unhappy that he even surprises himself sometimes.]

It's hard for me to put it into words sometimes, but... there are many things that have happened here that I wouldn't change. Including this. [In spite of everything else.]

Come on, let's sit down.

I wouldn't, either.

[ He's happy and comfortable, and he gets settled into his seat, admiring the man he's with. Diluc is beautiful to look at, but he's even better company. It's so great to get past the surface and get to know the more relaxed man. ]

I don't think you always need to have words for things. Some things are best felt and simply known.

[ A small laugh. ]

Must sound weird coming from a bard.

Not at all.

[It sounds a little strange coming from Venti, admittedly, when the bard is someone he has always known to have a word for every occasion - and sometimes when he would rather the other man be quiet - but he finds himself unsurprised in the end that he has that kind of opinion.]

I've always thought you'd have a song any time one might be called for, but you're right. Sometimes things simply are.

[And that's fine. Besides, Diluc doesn't think he would relish the idea of putting some of his experiences here into verse. He reaches across the table and takes Venti's smaller hand in his, giving in a small squeeze.]

This is my treat, so have anything you want.

[ He normally does have words for every occasion, but he knows that sometimes what's unsaid is best. There's always going to be some feelings that are hard to describe. Venti grasps Diluc's hand when the other took his, smiling towards him. It's easy to be here with the other, just sharing space with him. Venti loves him, and he loves his company. ]

Anything...

[ He says the word and knows Diluc means it. He's going to do his best to not take too much advantage of the kindness. ]

What are you getting?

Mm... I may just get udon... Hm, this one. [He taps his finger to where it's written on the menu. Though he doesn't expect Venti to get the same thing, it's a dish he's had before and that he knows he likes. Noodles don't tend to fill him up for long but the one he chose has plenty of meat and vegetables along with it.]

If you're not sure, they'll usually put a few things in sample bowls for you.

[Diluc is fully ready to dote on Venti this evening. Absolutely anything he wants, he can have without question.]

Oh - that looks good!

[ Hearty, too. It's very Diluc. This place seems very nice, and on a glance, things look good here. He looks over the menu for a few quiet moments before he speaks up again. ]

I think I know what I want, though, so no need for them to go through extra effort.

[ Plus if he starts trying samples, he doubts he'll eat any ordered food because he won't be hungry. That would be pretty awkward on a date with someone, he thinks. He wouldn't want that. ]

There's a nice rice bowl that looks like it has a lot of vegetables.

[ And it looked to be pretty light but filling. ]

[It does sound like a fun thing to try one day, though. A little bit of everything, if they could find somewhere to cater to something like that.

(Nippon, clearly, needs to be introduced to the concept of 'tapas'.)

He glances over to what Venti has in mind and nods - it's not too surprising a pick given what he knows of the bard, though he's happy enough to share some of his own meal if Venti wants to give it a try.]

Is that the one you want? We can order when they come by.

Yeah. It was a pretty easy choice since it has a lot of things I love.

[ While he can be a little particular, he's not a picky eater in the slightest. He'd try anything once, and fully anticipates picking items off of Diluc's plate to take for himself. ]

Thanks again for taking me out, Diluc. I'm always happy to spend time with you. I can't think of a reason I'd pass up on the privilege.

It's my pleasure. We were long past due for a night out like this.

[And how funny that he should think that now, when he has so often rolled his eyes and sighed simply at Venti's presence in his bar. The bard is a friend, to be sure, but Diluc is not known for his open and sociable nature in Mondstadt.

This is nice, though. They really ought to do it more often.]

We have come a long way from you making eyes at me from the bar while I try to work, don't you think.

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