[Zhongli please he'd be perfectly happy to crash on someone's couch and eat a couple cheap meals at Wanmin Restaurant, you don't have to bankrupt people over him.
Ah, there's that descriptor again. Seeing Zhongli smile is nice, but he's never quite sure what to make of words like that. Acknowledging his good traits is not something Jun is good at. Besides, how many times had he neglected to think of others in the past, even as they suffered? Making someone a meal doesn't make up for that.
... No matter. He's going to focus more on what Zhongli says after than his own self-reflection. This isn't the first time he brought up such talk...stepping down must be on his mind a lot. ]
You've mentioned that before ... what will you do after that day comes?
[ Technically, all Mora that was ever minted on Teyvat belongs to him. He only needs to take into account how to redistribute it optimally for the best effect.
He doesn't answer immediately, instead taking a long sip of his tea. When he speaks, he sounds nostalgic; a sentimentality that would not have been ascribed to him in centuries past. ]
I will visit some old friends, and have a drink in their memory. Then, I suppose I will take a very long nap.
[ At least he never took naps while on duty, unlike a certain tone-deaf bard. ]
The answer Zhongli gives is a simple one, one very fitting for an old man. Jun can appreciate it though. His own dreams of life outside his duties weren't exactly thrilling by any measure. ]
Haha, that sounds really nice. [Another reason to solve this situation, so Zhongli can have that]
Speaking of your old friends - is Barbatos here? This is his region, isn't it?
[Jun tried to look for him, but it's hard to spot divinity without his spirit senses]
[ It's definitely how money works, says the god of money. ]
Yes. Barbatos is the Anemo Archon, but just as how Mondstadt is the city of Freedom, he is also the God of Freedom. To embody such an aspect is to live life according to his own whims. [ Which is to say... ] He has a habit of disappearing for centuries at a time. You would be lucky to catch even a glimpse of him.
[ Is that slight disapproval in Zhongli's voice? ]
Though, the arrival of Outlanders would be a good enough reason for him to show himself. I would expect him to make an appearance soon enough.
[ That's bad...that's real bad. He knows the gods on earth don't often show themselves to mortals, but they're still there in some capacity, watching over. Feel that on the wind, Venti? It's respect for you quickly going out the window.]
In a way, yes. We are colleagues, and we would be able to sense each other's presence from many miles away.
[ For better or for worse, Barbatos has managed to keep Mondstadt mostly crisis-free. Durin aside... slavery aside.... yeah.... ]
Barbatos does not wish to rule over humanity. His predecessor, Decarabian, was a tyrant and was cast down by the people he lorded over. That experience shaped his identity and motivations to become the God of Freedom.
[Well, he supposes that means Barbatos isn't dead anyway. That's something. He was hoping to know if he'd been affected by the same curse that Zhongli had, but ...oh well. He'll find out whenever this God of Freedom presents himself.]
Mm, I remember the story you told me. [Back on the island, when Jun had first learned of Mondstadt through that story. Back then, he'd never expected he'd end up in Mondstadt. His life has a way of taking surprising turns]
Don't worry, I won't say anything about how he should do his duties. [He knows it's not his place. Both as a mortal and an outsider.] Mondstadt seems to be doing well on its own, aside from the current situation. It must give you optimism about how Liyue will fare on its own, right?
[ Barbatos is the weakest of all the Archons, and this was by his own choice. Perhaps his lack of constancy in his presence was an unintended side effect, for it would cost far more of his energy to do something that Zhongli would be able to accomplish easily. But that's a question that Zhongli will leave Venti to clarify - it's not his place. ]
It was Mondstadt's freedom that first gave me the thought of stepping down. For better or for worse, the kindness of its citizens' hearts have brought the land a measure of peace. Liyue is far more prosperous and far more intricate, so it will be quite some time before I am able to assess whether it is time to move on.
[ Thanks, Venti. Even if Zhongli will never compliment you in front of your face. ]
[He had a feeling Mondstadt had something to do with Zhongli shifting towards retirement. Seeing a country function with an inactive god must've been a relief.
Still... it's endearing hearing Zhongli speak of his assessment. He's like a protective parent, working himself up to accept that its time his kids leave the nest.]
I'm sure they'll pass your assessment. They had a good role model to learn from.
[ After all, they have this predicament to solve first. While Zhongli could sense the overall state of Liyue despite being away, it meant that he could not actively progress his plan unless he returned. The fog barrier around Mondstadt is proving to be rather troublesome. ]
Ah, I should finish my meal soon so we can take a look at your sink. [ Zhongli's habit of talking for long periods of time would mean that Jun might be stuck here for hours if Zhongli didn't stop. He should have a healthy sleeping schedule. ]
But it's good that Zhongli remembers that Jun is a human and will eventually need sleep, since Jun wouldn't think of that. Because really, the kid's sleep schedule was shot long before Zhongli's lectures became part of his life.]
Ah right! Please eat up! [He did want to make sure Zhongli ate. He has no idea if the archon needed food, but if sleep seemed to help him...it couldn't hurt right?] This tea is incredible, by the way. Thank you.
[ Zhongli sounds amused; satisfied. He'll return his attention to his meal, eating carefully but also faster than usual, so that he doesn't waste too much time. He wouldn't bother Jun with more questions - not only is it impolite to talk while you eat, he also knows that Jun isn't the talkative type.
Once he polishes off the last of his dinner, he would get up from his seat to wash the box clean. ]
Thank you.
[ Never remiss to express his gratitude one more time. They can head over to Jun's apartment once Zhongli has dried the box and returned it to him. ]
[ Zhongli's not wrong about Jun not being the talkative type. He's content to finish his tea quietly, letting the silence hang comfortably. When he finishes his drink, he'll get up to set the teacups near the sink. ]
Haha, anytime. I enjoy cooking.
[He'll wait patiently for Zhongli to wrap up so they can head over to his place. He kinda wishes he'd had a chance to tidy up before showing it to anyone, much less Zhongli of all people, but oh well. ]
[ Zhongli knows how to cook as well, but it's been a long time since he's actually had enough time to do it. Though, since he's trapped in Mondstadt now, he has plenty of time on his hands. Maybe he should make something for Jun in return. ]
I am done. Shall we go?
[ The thought is filed neatly in the back of his mind amidst all the other things that he wanted to try out since becoming mortal. (When did he became mortal? That's a question he feels like he should know how to answer.) The task at hand is to fix Jun's sink, and he follows the boy to his apartment down the corridor.
Regardless of how messy Jun's place is, it's probably less messy than Venti's. Zhongli notes the presence of some ceramics - Jun was probably practicing on them, judging from their shape.
Now, as for the sink... hopefully it hasn't been reduced to dust yet...? ]
[Jun will nod at the question before heading out. His apartment isn't too far, just further down the corridor and around the corner. He'll unlock his door and let Zhongli in.]
Sorry for the mess-
[The apartment itself...isn't that bad! It's a little cluttered - the bed isn't made, the dishes from the day haven't been done yet, and there's a corner that's messy with clay thanks to Jun's attempts at geo vision pottery (which the sheer number of ceramics both finished and unfinished is a testament to how much he's been working on that). It's definitely the level of mess you'd find in a typical teenager's place- but it wasn't a pigsty.
Besides the mess, the place had some other items in it. His holy sword, which might even be taller than Zhongli, was propped carefully against the wall along with other weapons that Jun's procured (a bow, a normal sized sword, the dagger Zhongli gave him) that'd been carefully stored. The nightstand had his now-dead smartphone and a black book with a cross on the front. In the window a potted Cecilia he bought from Floral Whisper was growing, and scattered around the apartment was a small but growing collection of odds and ends that Jun found pretty or interesting: gemstone fragments, small pieces of art, books, etc.
All in all, it's not a bad apartment...until you reach the bathroom.
The sink wasn't dust yet, but it was in a sorry state. The faucet had been broken off, and the basin was cracked. The water was still running as a mild stream, with a bucket underneath the sink to catch any water that seeped through the basin. It looks like he attempted to use his geo vision and some clay to glue the faucet back on, but boy did it not work. ]
H-Here it is. [Jun says with mild embarrassment. Because obviously. obviously this is the broken sink what else would it be]
[ You know what... he's seen worse. This is still okay.
Zhongli walks through Jun's apartment without commenting on the mess. His gaze lingers briefly on Jun's (very large) sword, then he'll return his attention to the bathroom and the mostly fragmented sink. From what he can observe, it seems that Jun might have used too much force in a short time. Well, mastery of the earth doesn't come easily, so it's understandable. ]
Worry, not, it will be alright.
[ He folds his arms, and a soft warm glow begins to form around the sink's fragments and the faucet. The sink pieces itself back together in midair before descending smoothly to its original position. Some of the water might splash out during the few moments that the basin is airborne, but the sink is effectively good as new. ]
[Yep, if nothing else, it shows that for all duties and responsibilities he shoulders- ultimately he's still a teenage boy.
Jun watches him work, both curious and hoping that maybe he can figure out something to apply to his own skills. But considering Zhongli is Geo Archon with 6000 years of experience under his belt -- yeah it's on par as a kid who just learned their multiplication table watching a rocket scientist calculate orbital velocity.]
Wow...
[Logically he knows this is a pretty dumb mundane to be awed by considering all the other feats Zhongli's done, but still????]
You might've missed your calling as a plumber, Zhongli.
[ It would be difficult for him to explain his reasoning to Jun as well, because so much of his skill over Geo is instinctive. He is the embodiment of the element itself, and the earth around him is as much a part of him as his current vessel. Merely standing on the ground lets him be in tune with the land's breath. ]
Proficiency will come with time. [ No pressure.
Jun won't live long enough to become as good as an Adeptus, though. Unless he becomes one himself. ]
Have I? I do admit to enjoying some reorganisation once in a while. [ Like how he casually reorganized all the rocks inside Jun's bathroom. ]
Haha sure, but I don't think I'll make it to your level. [What with being mortal and all. He doesn't sound bitter about it, it's just a simple fact. ] I have been observing some human geo users, so I know what's obtainable.
[Zhongli really is a meddling grandparent. reorganizing his stuff smh]
Mm, I think it might look better than it did when I moved in.
[ Zhongli chuckles - he's a lot more expressive with Jun, at least compared to other people. ]
I believe there is a Geo Vision user from Teyvat amongst our number. Her name is Ningguang; should you need tips while I am not around, you could seek her out.
[ There are some things here that only he can do. ]
Do you need help with the other rooms? I could neaten them for you too. [ Jun probably spends a lot of his time training, so Zhongli doesn't fault him as much for being a little messy. ]
Ningguang? Oh, I think I've met her. She seems nice. [Also like someone he should never cross, but hey that's not a bad thing] There's also Albedo, one of the Knights of Favonius. He's...a little strange, but he let me see some of his techniques.
[Look he's not great at telling someone's not human without his knight senses ok]
[And then Zhongli offers that, causing Jun to pause outright, freezing with his awkward smile that he makes when he's stuck on what to say. It's such a sincere, well meaning offer ... which possibly makes it worse.
His apartment upkeep is so bad the Lord of Geo feels the need to intervene.
So this is what it feels like when one is "Burnt". Good to know. ]
The hair ruffle catches him by surprise, but fortunately not in a bad way. He's used to receiving those from Ryouta, and the reminder of his dear friend is enough to be comforting. Comforting enough to remind him to breathe and relax a little.
Zhongli's just trying to be friendly and helpful, that's all. It's just how he was. Jun had to remember that. ]
Sorry. [For overreacting] Actually, I've been thinking of making geo constructs to help hang my weapons for storage. Would you mind helping me with that?
[It was something he did need. Just you know, less humiliating than a god making his bed]
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Ah, there's that descriptor again. Seeing Zhongli smile is nice, but he's never quite sure what to make of words like that. Acknowledging his good traits is not something Jun is good at. Besides, how many times had he neglected to think of others in the past, even as they suffered? Making someone a meal doesn't make up for that.
... No matter. He's going to focus more on what Zhongli says after than his own self-reflection. This isn't the first time he brought up such talk...stepping down must be on his mind a lot. ]
You've mentioned that before ... what will you do after that day comes?
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He doesn't answer immediately, instead taking a long sip of his tea. When he speaks, he sounds nostalgic; a sentimentality that would not have been ascribed to him in centuries past. ]
I will visit some old friends, and have a drink in their memory. Then, I suppose I will take a very long nap.
[ At least he never took naps while on duty, unlike a certain tone-deaf bard. ]
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The answer Zhongli gives is a simple one, one very fitting for an old man. Jun can appreciate it though. His own dreams of life outside his duties weren't exactly thrilling by any measure. ]
Haha, that sounds really nice. [Another reason to solve this situation, so Zhongli can have that]
Speaking of your old friends - is Barbatos here? This is his region, isn't it?
[Jun tried to look for him, but it's hard to spot divinity without his spirit senses]
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Yes. Barbatos is the Anemo Archon, but just as how Mondstadt is the city of Freedom, he is also the God of Freedom. To embody such an aspect is to live life according to his own whims. [ Which is to say... ] He has a habit of disappearing for centuries at a time. You would be lucky to catch even a glimpse of him.
[ Is that slight disapproval in Zhongli's voice? ]
Though, the arrival of Outlanders would be a good enough reason for him to show himself. I would expect him to make an appearance soon enough.
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C-Centuries at a time, huh...
[ That's bad...that's real bad. He knows the gods on earth don't often show themselves to mortals, but they're still there in some capacity, watching over. Feel that on the wind, Venti? It's respect for you quickly going out the window.]
Lucky us, I guess. Have you seen him yet?
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[ For better or for worse, Barbatos has managed to keep Mondstadt mostly crisis-free. Durin aside... slavery aside.... yeah.... ]
Barbatos does not wish to rule over humanity. His predecessor, Decarabian, was a tyrant and was cast down by the people he lorded over. That experience shaped his identity and motivations to become the God of Freedom.
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Mm, I remember the story you told me. [Back on the island, when Jun had first learned of Mondstadt through that story. Back then, he'd never expected he'd end up in Mondstadt. His life has a way of taking surprising turns]
Don't worry, I won't say anything about how he should do his duties. [He knows it's not his place. Both as a mortal and an outsider.] Mondstadt seems to be doing well on its own, aside from the current situation. It must give you optimism about how Liyue will fare on its own, right?
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It was Mondstadt's freedom that first gave me the thought of stepping down. For better or for worse, the kindness of its citizens' hearts have brought the land a measure of peace. Liyue is far more prosperous and far more intricate, so it will be quite some time before I am able to assess whether it is time to move on.
[ Thanks, Venti. Even if Zhongli will never compliment you in front of your face. ]
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Still... it's endearing hearing Zhongli speak of his assessment. He's like a protective parent, working himself up to accept that its time his kids leave the nest.]
I'm sure they'll pass your assessment. They had a good role model to learn from.
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We shall see.
[ After all, they have this predicament to solve first. While Zhongli could sense the overall state of Liyue despite being away, it meant that he could not actively progress his plan unless he returned. The fog barrier around Mondstadt is proving to be rather troublesome. ]
Ah, I should finish my meal soon so we can take a look at your sink. [ Zhongli's habit of talking for long periods of time would mean that Jun might be stuck here for hours if Zhongli didn't stop. He should have a healthy sleeping schedule. ]
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But it's good that Zhongli remembers that Jun is a human and will eventually need sleep, since Jun wouldn't think of that. Because really, the kid's sleep schedule was shot long before Zhongli's lectures became part of his life.]
Ah right! Please eat up! [He did want to make sure Zhongli ate. He has no idea if the archon needed food, but if sleep seemed to help him...it couldn't hurt right?] This tea is incredible, by the way. Thank you.
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[ Zhongli sounds amused; satisfied. He'll return his attention to his meal, eating carefully but also faster than usual, so that he doesn't waste too much time. He wouldn't bother Jun with more questions - not only is it impolite to talk while you eat, he also knows that Jun isn't the talkative type.
Once he polishes off the last of his dinner, he would get up from his seat to wash the box clean. ]
Thank you.
[ Never remiss to express his gratitude one more time. They can head over to Jun's apartment once Zhongli has dried the box and returned it to him. ]
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Haha, anytime. I enjoy cooking.
[He'll wait patiently for Zhongli to wrap up so they can head over to his place. He kinda wishes he'd had a chance to tidy up before showing it to anyone, much less Zhongli of all people, but oh well. ]
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I am done. Shall we go?
[ The thought is filed neatly in the back of his mind amidst all the other things that he wanted to try out since becoming mortal. (When did he became mortal? That's a question he feels like he should know how to answer.) The task at hand is to fix Jun's sink, and he follows the boy to his apartment down the corridor.
Regardless of how messy Jun's place is, it's probably less messy than Venti's. Zhongli notes the presence of some ceramics - Jun was probably practicing on them, judging from their shape.
Now, as for the sink... hopefully it hasn't been reduced to dust yet...? ]
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Sorry for the mess-
[The apartment itself...isn't that bad! It's a little cluttered - the bed isn't made, the dishes from the day haven't been done yet, and there's a corner that's messy with clay thanks to Jun's attempts at geo vision pottery (which the sheer number of ceramics both finished and unfinished is a testament to how much he's been working on that). It's definitely the level of mess you'd find in a typical teenager's place- but it wasn't a pigsty.
Besides the mess, the place had some other items in it. His holy sword, which might even be taller than Zhongli, was propped carefully against the wall along with other weapons that Jun's procured (a bow, a normal sized sword, the dagger Zhongli gave him) that'd been carefully stored. The nightstand had his now-dead smartphone and a black book with a cross on the front. In the window a potted Cecilia he bought from Floral Whisper was growing, and scattered around the apartment was a small but growing collection of odds and ends that Jun found pretty or interesting: gemstone fragments, small pieces of art, books, etc.
All in all, it's not a bad apartment...until you reach the bathroom.
The sink wasn't dust yet, but it was in a sorry state. The faucet had been broken off, and the basin was cracked. The water was still running as a mild stream, with a bucket underneath the sink to catch any water that seeped through the basin. It looks like he attempted to use his geo vision and some clay to glue the faucet back on, but boy did it not work. ]
H-Here it is. [Jun says with mild embarrassment. Because obviously. obviously this is the broken sink what else would it be]
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Zhongli walks through Jun's apartment without commenting on the mess. His gaze lingers briefly on Jun's (very large) sword, then he'll return his attention to the bathroom and the mostly fragmented sink. From what he can observe, it seems that Jun might have used too much force in a short time. Well, mastery of the earth doesn't come easily, so it's understandable. ]
Worry, not, it will be alright.
[ He folds his arms, and a soft warm glow begins to form around the sink's fragments and the faucet. The sink pieces itself back together in midair before descending smoothly to its original position. Some of the water might splash out during the few moments that the basin is airborne, but the sink is effectively good as new. ]
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Jun watches him work, both curious and hoping that maybe he can figure out something to apply to his own skills. But considering Zhongli is Geo Archon with 6000 years of experience under his belt -- yeah it's on par as a kid who just learned their multiplication table watching a rocket scientist calculate orbital velocity.]
Wow...
[Logically he knows this is a pretty dumb mundane to be awed by considering all the other feats Zhongli's done, but still????]
You might've missed your calling as a plumber, Zhongli.
[...That was a joke ok.]
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Proficiency will come with time. [ No pressure.
Jun won't live long enough to become as good as an Adeptus, though. Unless he becomes one himself. ]
Have I? I do admit to enjoying some reorganisation once in a while. [ Like how he casually reorganized all the rocks inside Jun's bathroom. ]
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[Zhongli really is a meddling grandparent. reorganizing his stuff smh]
Mm, I think it might look better than it did when I moved in.
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I believe there is a Geo Vision user from Teyvat amongst our number. Her name is Ningguang; should you need tips while I am not around, you could seek her out.
[ There are some things here that only he can do. ]
Do you need help with the other rooms? I could neaten them for you too. [ Jun probably spends a lot of his time training, so Zhongli doesn't fault him as much for being a little messy. ]
1/??
[Look he's not great at telling someone's not human without his knight senses ok]
2/3
His apartment upkeep is so bad the Lord of Geo feels the need to intervene.
So this is what it feels like when one is "Burnt". Good to know. ]
3/3 DONE
T-Thank you, but that's okay you don't have to. I-I know how to clean.
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In the absence of anything suitably comforting to say, he gently ruffles Jun's hair. ]
Alright.
[ He won't force Jun to do it. It was only a friendly suggestion, and he intends to keep it that way. ]
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The hair ruffle catches him by surprise, but fortunately not in a bad way. He's used to receiving those from Ryouta, and the reminder of his dear friend is enough to be comforting. Comforting enough to remind him to breathe and relax a little.
Zhongli's just trying to be friendly and helpful, that's all. It's just how he was. Jun had to remember that. ]
Sorry. [For overreacting] Actually, I've been thinking of making geo constructs to help hang my weapons for storage. Would you mind helping me with that?
[It was something he did need. Just you know, less humiliating than a god making his bed]
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