#dude's not the type to think he's the prettiest shell on the beach if you know what I mean

[axewchao]

Hey Dalex, Revali likes you. Like, a lot. :3c

The silent knight, of course, says nothing in response to your bold claim. Given his current relationship (or lack thereof) with the Rito Champion, there's no hint of affection that the Hylian can detect, romantically or platonically.

But something tells you that regardless, he won't forget what you said anytime soon...

"How could he possibly still like me after... that. I mean, sure, he doesn't think I'm a liar, but..."

"...did... did he really say that? As in, you actually heard him say he still does? ...please don't say you're joking..."

"I-I think you're-... y-you're, uh...! Y-You've gotta be blowing this outta proportion! S-Sure, Rev and I are friends, but... like-like? As in he actually...?"

"...N-No, there's no way. Him? The great Rito Champion, seeing ME as a possible mate? Th-There's just no way—!! ohcodmyvoicecracked..."

"Wh-What could I have to offer someone like him? What could I have to offer... a-anyone...?"

[catstailtavern]

On a picnic with the genshin boys

Fluff? did someone say fluff??

characters: Diluc, Kaeya, Zhongli, and Childe

content warnings: I'm not a good writer lmao so it's probably OOC- that's the biggest warning- Alcohol mention (bc Kaeya), slight injury mention (bc childe), and like slight spoilers from the beginning of the story involving the darknight hero. Other than that it's just platonic fluff!

authors note: this for some reason took me 3 and 1/2 whole hours to write for some reason???? why??????

Dulic:

When: Diluc is a busy bee so whenever y'all go on picnics it's usually on his lunch break or after work.

Where: therefore you two would probably set up somewhere scenic near Mondstadt! I think probably near Windrise!

what was packed: for the blanket he'd probably pick something simple or something classic like gingham. food wise it depends on how he's feeling, if he's feeling drained he might just take some food from Angel's share or order his favorite picnic-safe food from Good Hunter! if he's feeling more motivated he might make some sandwiches or something else that's light. He doesn't like feeling sluggish from eating a lot!

what you talk about/do: Common topics of discussion between you two are simple things like how each other's day went or plans for the weekend. it's nice just to relax and talk about stuff that doesn't really matter in the grand scheme of things. I feel like Diluc would find these peaceful little moments to be a lovely respite to his usual life. Nose constantly to the grindstone with running a business and being a vigilante. Maybe if Diluc has had a particularly rough day you two might cloud gaze and come up with stupid stories for the shapes you see in the sky.

Kaeya:

When: As Calvary Captain, you'd think Kaeya would have no time for things like this, but he always makes time for leisure! He loves making time for the people he cares about so really any time would be okay. As a lover of aesthetics if it were up to him he'd probably pick any time when the sky looks prettiest so most likely sunset!

Where: I feel like Kaeya would love the idea of a picnic by the water, more specifically the beach. Oceans are a thing of beauty: vast, deep, and full of life. A muse of many great poems and stories, aka the perfect place for a fancy dude like Kaeya lol, everything he does demands to be done in style.

What was packed: an absolutely flamboyant blanket probably brandishing some type of pop culture reference or meme. As for food, quite frankly, it's definitely more wine than food, but that doesn't mean he skimped out on the snacks. I feel like Kaeya would invite a lot of friends (at the very least venti is also there, Rosaria and Lisa if they can make it. Jean's always invited too, but she's usually busy), so that means a lot of food. 3 whole baskets to be exact- filled to the brim with wine and things to pair with each flavor.

what you talk about/do: The evening is full of tipsy laughter, stupid stories, and various other shenanigans. Lots of shell hunting, splish-splashing, and lazily laying where the ocean kisses the beach. Letting the waves graze your legs as you all watch the sun melt into the sea. After all, is said and done and it's time to pack up you feel a little empty as you say goodbye, but to end this wonderful day means that there are more good times to be had the next!

Zhongli:

When: Zhongli seems like an early riser to me, maybe that's just bc he's an old man fjkdhsafkjsahf. Anyway, I feel like he finds the rays of early morning light peeking from behind the clouds to be warm and inviting.

Where: If anywhere he'd pick to set up underneath a large tree by the flowery fields in Qingce Village. It's a lovely and quiet place with just enough shade to block the sun from your eye, but enough light to still read a book.

What was packed: A large embroidered silky sheet bc Zhongli gives off an air of elegance even in casual situations- for the actual eating part of this event; the foods Zhongli brings are more for a tea party than a picnic. A thermos of a strong yet refined tasting tea and plenty of finger foods to enjoy. Maybe some almond tofu or small slices of various cakes for dessert!

What you talk about/do: Zhongli will spend this precious time recanting long-winded stories of his various exploits and the time he spent over his many years in Liyue. If you're not in the mood for his bullshit, I mean, long tales then he doesn't mind just reading next to you or relaxing. You could even nap, he doesn't care, he finds it nice to be in the presence of friends. It makes his world feel a little less lonely.

Childe/Tartaglia:

When: After a long day of fatui business Childe would love to unwind with friends in the evening/at night! I see him as a night owl, but to respect your sleeping schedule he won't drag you out anywhere at the witching hour or something. He'd opt for a middle ground between you two, probably around like 9-10 pm!

Where: I think he'd pick somewhere on the docs with less foot traffic, surrounded by the lights of Liyue! Two reasons for this: 1.) As an extrovert he feeds off being surrounded by others. Eavesdropping on passers-by, just the excitement of the bustling port makes him smile. 2.) The way the water looks when the moonlight bounces off it as the jet black silhouettes of ships glide over the stillness on its surface is very nice scenery!

What was packed: Childe probably didn't pack a blanket or really even a basket, just an extremely large lunch box! Here's what's on the menu tonight: snacks, snacks, that seafood abomination he makes, and more snacks. There are no healthy options to be found. Childe is a gremlin that is only sustained by junk food.

What you talk about/do: Childe will talk non-stop about where today's various cuts, scars, and bruises came from. He loves to show off his fighting prowess. Very "if you think this is bad you should see the other guy," kind of attitude. If you express concern for his safety he will find it touching, but ultimately handwave away your worries telling you there's nothing he can't handle. He likes to people watch and come up with wild, melodramatic, telenovela-style stories for random people you see shuffling among the crowds. Egging you on to voice over their thoughts and feelings with him. I can imagine him having a large appetite so if you two are still hungry all things said and done, he'll take a walk with you past the shops looking for more things to munch on.