[venti is a good lad who looks after his children, even if he's a drunkard who steals diluc's apples and doesn't pay his ever-growing tab. and diluc doesn't plan on making him - it's the least he could do for his archon, who may be a drunkard but cares about his people and brings them hope. diluc may put on a show of barely tolerating venti, but he truly does care for him. he just can't be going around showing how much he truly appreciates him, or venti may use it to his advantage for something. he may never live down the teasing ever again.

thinking about him makes diluc even more determined to bring back mondstadt. honestly, his mind is pretty settled on a faction - the only faction that aligns with his own goals. but he wants to make sure there's nothing else shady going on, hence why he is here, sipping on grape juice like an old man with an actually old man, not that he knows that.]

That is my hope. I won't allow Mondstadt to lay in ruins while I live comfortably here.

[his grip tightens on his glass at his helplessness right now.

he's gotten too comfortable with this stranger, but something about being with another from teyvat and just his... entire calm vibe, makes diluc lower his guard just a touch.] Have you been here long? Do you miss Liyue?