#venaether

[goldenfoxthe1st]

didnt wanna share this cause its embarrassing but a few nights ago i started genuinely sobbing cause my nightly daydreaming was about venti dying many centuries after the traveler saved teyvat and reunited with their sibling and the traveler being by his side as his body slowly loses its form and eventually disappears completely. anyways i sobbed for a good 3 hours it kept me up until like 5-6am i felt awful

[correct-genshin]

Traveler: Is it cheating to teach Toxic to every member in my Pokemon team?

Venti: Not at all, I’d love to hear them all sing it!

[redfirefox-55]

I was bored and I came up with a little comic idea

Is it cute? Is it cringe? I guess I’ll let others be the judge of that

[somnia-project]

CHAPTER 2 OF TRIVIUM IS UP!!!

Summary:

Aether and Lumine are journalism students who lost their childhood friend to a Vision. Determined to discover what happened to him the two of them search for Celestia, the alleged compound where Vision-Wielders are kept. Upon being captured by armed guards Aether finds himself separated from Lumine, and no one will tell him where she is. Despite not having a Vision himself, Aether is added to the list of Celestia’s residents and placed in the Anemo Group against his will under the watchful eyes of Barbatos.

Aether will learn the thoughts, feelings, and motivations of many different people whose lives were forever changed by Visions while he tries to find out what happened to his sister and their friend, all while unraveling a plot that could put the entire world itself in jeopardy.

[nagimitsus]

We have Lumine x Venti- so now what is your take on Aether x Venti? 👀 ps ps I love your blog mwah

Sorry I took this long, anon! Life’s been kicking me in the butt, but here I go! (Also, thanks, and Merry Christmas!!)

[Part 1] [About the twins and Venti] [LumiVen hcs]

Aether is the softer one. And it’s easy to be around him. Almost too easy.

Venti remembers another boy, in another time. Gentle and nice and too brave for his own good. And just as he did back then, he follows Aether - what else can he do?

To no one’s surprise, the melodies he inspires are ones full of life. There’s music in the arc of his arm as he wields his sword, a beat that can only be called thrilling hiding behind his laugh. Venti is mesmerized.

Lumine says that it’s because he’s whipped, because Aether’s laugh is ugly. (”The Seven knows I love him, but he sounds like he’s suffocating.”)

She braids cecilias in his brother’s braid every time she knows they’re meeting with him, and sends Venti this knowing look that makes him feel like...not a teenager, exactly, because he was never one to start with. But something along those lines.

One loves cats and the other is allergic to them. You can guess how that one goes.

Venti rests his head on Aether’s shoulder once and he sneezes for the next ten minutes. 

Venti, when he wants to cuddle: -Throws a whoosh of wind in Aether’s direction, just to make sure that there’s no fur in his clothes.- 

(Lumine gets SUPER pissed. It mess up his hair.)

Aether always seems to know what he’s feeling, doesn’t matter how much he smiles or sings or makes silly rhymes. It’s a curious mix between confusing and lovable.

After he loses his gnosis, Aether spends a lot of time with him. Sometimes, when darkness is creeping into his chest, he holds his hand. Slowly, so Venti can stop him if he feels like it. Making sure that he has a choice.

(Once, just because he’s feeling daring, Venti takes that same hand to his lips and place a kiss into his knuckles. Worth it, if only to see Aether turn so red that one could fried an egg into his forehead.)

[zuragin]

Some ZhongXiao fics on ao3 that I love a lot.

What the title says.

I have not read all the fics in the tag because there are so many, so... it is what it is! This sampling will probably be smaller than it should be.  This list is in no order of preference.

1. The ZhongXiao Alliance by  Yellow_Canna

R18 fic. I think this must be the most popular?? ZX fic with a little bit of VenAether too... it is the one fic that appears in the search engine when you type “zhongxiao ao3″, haha. But it is so worth it. The characterizations are well done. Also, it has EVERYTHING. Comedy, drama, romance, angst, absurdity, smut, misunderstandings, character evolution, babies. It is a whole ride. I love how Xiao and Venti are written here in particular, as well as the prose in the middle part. I enjoyed reading this so much and have even re-read some memorable parts. If I start reading it I end up reading everything... it is a very dangerous story! But it is such a nice read! Just read the summary. Not putting it here because it’s quite long. It is a whole adventure.

2.  Boca de dragón by  Narialam   (Spanish)

 Este fic está en Español y la verdad lo considero muy bueno. Me pesa mucho que no esté completo, pero al menos llegó a un punto de inflexión importante en la historia. Básicamente a Zhongli le da hanahaki. La caracterización de Zhongli aquí es muy interesante. 

“Cientos de años atrás, la enfermedad de Hanahaki había causado algún que otro estrago en la región de Liyue pese a la atenta mirada del arconte Geo. Ahora que se había retirado nuevamente tenía que enfrentarla. Esta vez, en sus propias entrañas.“

3. city of requests by  stonesbeyondthesea

“A strange mortal wielding a Geo vision cleans out all of the demons and monsters in Guili Plains and Dihua Marsh within a single night. Though reluctantly impressed, Xiao refuses to place any confidence in this man’s intelligence, considering he thinks the best time for such an activity is in the pouring rain at the dead of night.

In which Xiao discovers the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's Consultant who insists on accompanying him in his duties looks uncannily like his former Archon.”

This fic is so cute. Zhongli and Xiao are both playful, since Zhongli is playing at pretending to be a mortal. He thinks no one knows, but Xiao and the rest of the Adepti were aware of his real identity since the start... It’s such a cute fic. It’s also about Xiao getting closer to a mundane life. Qiqi is also suuuper cute. Also if I remember well Xiao speaks with the birds in this fic and it is sooo cute.

4. bury what needs burying by mnabokov

“Xiao has never felt grief like this.” 

R18 fic. MAN, THIS FIC KICKED MY ASS and punched me in the gut a couple of times while reading it. I do not know if I was too sensible that day but I for sure felt the sadness and the grief. Yes, this fic is about grief. This fic is also one of my favorites. Poor, poor Xiao. I never forgot about this story it’s just too good. 

5. dawnbreak by moonbell (snowdrops)

“If his destiny is death, has his lord’s will defied that of heaven’s?”

This is a response fic to the archon quest in 2.7... it is really nice.  I think the one line I loved was:

"I said I would not apologise for saving you. But I ask that you forgive my selfishness in keeping you alive," Zhongli says, lowering his head to Xiao. "It is one thing to ask your suffering for the protection of a nation. It is another, to have forced it upon you for my own sake."

6. xi wangmu by tzitzimeme

“Xiangling scales entire mountains to satisfy the palettes of her two pickiest customers. (Or, two men who are emotionally stunted by their own immortality inadvertantly turn an overly enthusiastic chef into their messenger pigeon.)

[Post 1.1 addendum added: Xiao remembers how to live.]”

This fic is more Gen (still, please be careful to read the tags beforehand), and I know the author has been involved in some drama, but I still enjoyed this particular story. I just enjoy the slow evolution of Xiangling’s interactions with both Xiao and Zhongli, and the ending is also cute. 

7. i let xiao eat a dream but it gets surreal and horny by bimbitri

“It's been hundreds of years since Xiao last ate a dream. Zhongli offers him the chance to eat his, but Xiao quickly realises that he's bitten off more than he can chew.

[ Xiao was no longer a hunter, a devourer – he’d become swallowed by Zhongli's dream entirely. He could feel it pressing against him. The weight made him gasp and squirm. Every inch of him – of his existence, of his identity, his self – was caught within the dream. Its touch was electrifying, sending tendrils of sweet heat over every inch of him. He was overwhelmed by each ethereal caress. Too much. Not enough. He wanted, wanted, wanted. ]”

The title and summary describe it well enough so I cannot add much. It is R18 obviously.

8. The Perks of Being a Cat by Minglan

“Hu Tao will kill me,” Xiangling breathes. Her gaze darts between Zhongli and the soup she prepared – the one which transformed Zhongli into a feline creature.--Zhongli accidentally turns into a cat and Xiao doesn't know.”

This one is a lovely fic about Zhongli turning into a cat and getting the rare opportunity to get closer to Xiao because of it.

9.  eternity begins with you by lorkhaj

“Zhongli remembered love. He remembered the pretty eyed boy left alone in the garden, covered in scars and cherry blossom petals. He remembered sneaking into their storage closets and stealing kisses amid breathless giggles and soft touches. He remembered midnight walks and stargazing and swordplay.Above all, he remembered all of their broken promises and fleeting maybes; he remembered Xiao.// 

So begins the tale of the dragon chasing the human through history.“

This FIC IS INCREDIBLE. I was in awe when I finished reading it. I read it in one go because I could no stop, I needed to know how everything turned out. It was a whole adventure. This fic is more like an AU based on the characters instead of a canon like story, but the story is so, so good. Please, please read it!! My words are probably not decent enough to praise it.

10.  the way joy sounds as it exits your mouth by crookedspoon

“Tender moments upon waking.”

R18 fic. This was very lovely and hot. 

11.  it's my first time being human (i learned to bear the retribution) by wisforia

“

One day, a young man catches his eye behind the counter at the coffee shop he frequently visits. A new staff, perhaps. He is not a familiar face, and Zhongli is certain he would have remembered him if he had seen him before.

There is a grace to the way he moves, fingers precise as he prepares the concoctions his customer has ordered. His dark hair streaked with teal is gathered at the small of his nape, yet still a few wispy pieces slip out, brushing against his sharp features, softening them.

Zhongli is merely a lawyer who frequently visits the coffee shop down the street from his office. Xiao is merely a barista working at that same coffee shop. One of these statements is not entirely true.”

This is an excellent AU in a modern setting that is still not finished but it’s uploading frequently and I am thinking it is already in it’s latest stages. The characterization for both Xiao and Zhongli, and just any other character in here really, is so good. I love it so much. I am enjoying following this story. I love the fragility of both Xiao and Zhongli in this. It is such a good slow burn story. 

12.  weathered stone by astracytevi

“Zhongli's heart is like weathered stone. He can stand waiting for Xiao after the incident at the Chasm; he is good with patience, after all.

But despite all of the weathering he has gone through, Zhongli holds firm (or does he really) when he learns that the one he loves returns the feelings.”

This is a nice mutual pining and love confession fic after the 2.7 event.  

“I’m sorry I’ve always been a burden to you. I’m sorry that you’ve had to deal with me being a nuisance for so long. It would have been better if Bosacius survived. He was a hero. I am not. Despite what I’ve told the Traveler, I am not.” 

Oh, Xiao...

13.  Even a Broken Glass Can Still Hold Water by Minglan

“Xiao always imagined their first kiss to be different. He imagined it to be warm and grounding – like finding home when his has been gone for so long. Too long.

---

Or: Xiao ends up in the same dorm room as his long-time crush Zhongli”

I also love this AU so much because they are just fellow students in this one, but also it talks a lot about Xiao as a character and the story creates a whole network of characters around Xiao too, so it is interesting to read. I enjoy seeing Xiao analyze his own mental struggles and trying to improve for his relationship with Zhongli. It is still not finished and the new chapters come out slowly, I pray everyday the author does not give up on this story... 

14.  Desire by ragnvndrr

“I wish that you, my lord, will tell me what it is you desire.”

Xiao worships Zhongli.”

R18 fic. Its is a sweet mature fic which I think, it is well described in the summary. 

15.  what it means to serve by morax-yipyip (ahajkunless)

“The thick musk of a powerful, centuries-old dragon permeates the air, enough that Xiao can smell it even outside the small cave Zhongli has hidden himself in. He knows it's dangerous to go in, deadly to offer up his own body for use like he's considering.

But to help Zhongli, he really doesn't have any other options.”

R18 fic naturally. This fic is basically Zhongli getting in some stage of heat, and Xiao willing to help him in the best way he can... I love Xiao’s devotion so much. This fic is about care and devotion. 

16.  报春花 (bàochūnhuā) by lumieres (irlsugawara)

“

beside my bed a pool of light— is it hoarfrost on the ground? i lift my eyes and see the moon, i bend my head and think of home.

Thoughts in the Silent Night

By Li Bai”

This fic is set in the past and it is about learning feelings. It is oneiric and poetic. 

17.  Terra Incognita by bunbum

“After carrying out a mission, Xiao returns to Liyue Harbor to find his Lord has taken on a new, unexpected form.”

This is a R18 fic. I like it mostly because there are not many fics where I see Zhongli taking a female-like form, so it is a nice surprise!! I like how they have such great communication, which is displayed en every scene and in particular in the smut. It is also based in the Rex Incognito books of Liyue, so it is of interest to me. And I like both Zhongli and Xiao in here. 

One part I liked: 

“Do you wish for my domination or submission?”

For once it’s a question Xiao can answer easily. His voice comes out in a weak breath. “Domination, always.”

“Thus, it is written in stone,” Rex Lapis declares.

18.  to struggle in vain by kirbeby

"So this is what it feels like to be warm." This is Xiao’s first thought when Morax grips his arm to pull him up from the ground. He hadn’t realized until just now that he’d forgotten the feeling. His second thought, moments later and much colder, is a desperate "He can never know."

soulmate au where when you touch a bare hand to your soulmate's skin for the first time, they receive a soul mark. one soulmate being marked doesn't make the other's mark appear automatically; they both have to touch a hand to skin. for angst purposes.

This is a soulmates AU and I love them all, enough said!! It is also after the 2.7 event, which is also welcome.

His second thought, moments later and much colder, is a desperate “He can never know.”

19.  A Novel Encounter by ApolloACNH

“Caught in a sudden rainstorm on the way to the train station not long after leaving work for the day, Xiao takes shelter in a bookstore with an eccentric owner…”

This is a lovely, lovely AU that was so good I wanted it to be way longer. It is long enough but it is just such a cute read. Here Zhongli is a bookstore owner, hehehe. 

[goldenfoxthe1st]

NATLAN QUEST SPOILERS

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THIS WAS FOR MEEEEEEEEE THE TRAVELER SEES HIM SO SOFT THATS THEIR BEST FRIEND IM GONNA CRY REAL TEARS

venti and the travelers friendship means so much more when you realize that the traveler is the first person to love (platonic or romantic is up to u) for all of him rather than just venti or just barbatos. even if venti is a little shit whos definitely leaving out some information from them, i do fully believe he wants to tell them but cant OR has good intentions because there is no way he would betray the traveler like that ESPECIALLY regarding what happened with his last best friends. they trust eachother so much and hold so much respect for eachother i truly dont think anything could tear that apart

[correct-genshin]

Venti: I am one step away from being rich!

Traveler: Right. Now all you need is money

[nagimitsus]

Hello!! It's the VentiLumi anon again! I worship every step you took, and yearns for the wind you breathe, because holy shit, that's a masterpiece!

Them?? Pining?? While everyone BUT them knows?? Oh sweet baby Archons. I woke up to serotonin today 😭😭💕💕 thank you so much!!

If it's okay, may I have more romance headcanons of them?? (With a grinning Aether on the side because I live for funny big bro Aether.)

Thank you very much!! Bless you!

Hello VenLumi anon!! You’re super cute, don’t worry! Sorry I took this long, merry Christmas!

[Part 1] [About the twins and Venti] [LumiVen hcs 1] [VenAether hcs]

Aether finds their relationship hilarious. Everytime Lumine calls him Tone Deaf Bard he leans into her space and goes: But you liiiike him.

Lumine, with that tone that she uses when she wants to sound like the Older but ends up sounding like the Little Sister: Shouldn’t you mind YOUR bussiness?

She has a hard time with the whole thing. A ancient being she might be, but she has a total of zero (0!!) experience with romance. 

Somehow, Aether teasing makes it beareable.

Zhongli, upon finding that they’re are kinda-sorta dating, to Lumine: My condolences.

Aether, upon finding that they’re kinda-sorta dating, to Venti: My condolences.

All in all, he’s happy. Lumine has always been too centered in traveling, even more than he is, and seeing her enjoying herself for once makes him feel at ease.

He makes sure to get her a ton of books from the library (that he’ll forget to get back later). All of them are romance. “Here, learn something!”

(She smacks him in the head with one.)

Once, after definitely NOT too many glasses of wine, with a bard that’s not-so-good playing in the background of some little tavern in Liyue, Venti turns to her and offers her a hand.

And they dance for a long time, two lost souls in a universe that always feels a little too big.

(Aether grins in the background. Paimon gasps, horrified. “Shouldn’t Lumine be thinking about getting us more Mora? We can’t face how much that Tone-Deaf-Bard waste in wine, can we!?”

Venti makes her twirl. Lumine laughs.

Aether sighs. “I think we can definitely do it, Paimon.”

(Aether: ”If worse comes to worse, we’ll sell you to Xiangling.”

Paimon: “Wait WHAT?”)

[goldenfoxthe1st]

venti and the travelers friendship means so much more when you realize that the traveler is the first person to love (platonic or romantic is up to u) for all of him rather than just venti or just barbatos. even if venti is a little shit whos definitely leaving out some information from them, i do fully believe he wants to tell them but cant OR has good intentions because there is no way he would betray the traveler like that ESPECIALLY regarding what happened with his last best friends. they trust eachother so much and hold so much respect for eachother i truly dont think anything could tear that apart