My Home of Hyperfixations

Then suddenly, Venti perked up with a great idea in mind. He quickly changed his tone to one of defeat.

"Alright then. I suppose if you truly don't wish to go, it is understandable. And the poor Ragnvindr brothers just seemed so excited to see you there. Guess I've got to break the bad news to them." Venti said with a mischievous smile.

Though his voice appeared remorseful, his face on the other hand did not. Your back was facing him and even you could see through his farce.

"Ugh, Fine. You win."

"Perfect! We should be on our-" you stopped Venti before he could celebrate too much. "Not so fast." you stood up and faced him, completely serious.

Venti turned and looked at you in confusion, his bright eyes laced with concern.

"Huh, what's wrong now?"

"I'll go but only under one condition." A devious smirk grew on your face as the suspense slowly brought Venti’s breathing to a halt. Though you knew it would need some adjusting, you rather go as Santa than his dumb elf.

"We switch costumes of course."

❅ Diluc ~ Making Hot Coco

You hopped down off of the stool and looked back up at your work. A smile of satisfaction slowly spreading across your face.

"There! That’s the last of it." You had just finished your shift at the Angel Share cafe and had offered to stay behind to help finish decorating the place. You loved working here, often coming here even in your free time to enjoy the cozy atmosphere. Not to mention it appeared even more magical during this time of year.

Diluc gently sat the glass he was drying down on the counter and walked over to your side. You watched as Diluc skimmed over the final result.

"Hmm, Nice!" He said flashing you a warm smile. "Thank you again for the help. I should have you assist with decorating more often."

"Oh stop- you flatter me," you confessed. "...Please, keep going." Diluc rolled his eyes in amusement, dismissing your blatant honesty to be nothing more than a mere joke.

"Here, let me treat you to a cup of hot chocolate before you leave for the night. I've been testing out a new recipe and I figured you’d be just the right person to try it out. If you have the spare time, that is."

Diluc was always so gentle and inviting with his words- you couldn't help but notice that his features were far more relaxed now then throughout the usual shift hours. The thought of spending time alone with Diluc enticed you to stay, and without a second thought you said-

"Well who would I be to turn down a free drink?"

...

You followed Diluc to the main counter and pulled out a chair. He then began to gather all of the needed ingredients and placed them off to the side one by one.

"Hey Diluc?”

"Yes?" The barista whipped his head around at the sound of his name. Diluc currently had his hair in a signature high ponytail and with every move, it swayed along his broad shoulders.

"Is there anything else you think you'll need help with tomorrow? I could certainly use the free hot chocolate more often." you teased, earning a low chuckle from the barista. You brought your arm to rest on the counter, watching patiently as Diluc prepared your drink.

"No need. You're welcome to sit down for a drink anytime. I actually quite enjoy the company." His kindness made your smile grow even bigger.

The two of you chatted in the meantime until Diluc was finished. It didn't take long of course as it was just hot chocolate. Holding up a bottle of whip cream for you to see, Diluc asked if you would like any.

You nodded your head eagerly. "Oh, of course."

After spraying on a decent amount of whip cream, Diluc placed your drink before you.

"I made sure to use milk so it shouldn't be too hot to drink. But I suppose you'll be able to determine that for yourself." he said lowly. Taking a step back, Diluc watched in anticipation as you cautiously picked up the mug. You brought it to your lips, the steam and warmth from the cup bringing heat to your hands and face instantly. The very moment the warm liquid slipped past your lips you were immediately filled with the sweet taste of whip cream and a distinct blend of cinnamon & spice. You hummed in satisfaction at the taste.

"How is it?" Diluc asked. It was safe to say that your reaction was telling enough. You hesitated as you pondered your answer.

"Eh, I had better."

Diluc froze with his lips parted slightly. The shop quickly became even more silent then before.

You took another sip before placing the mug back down. "I'm just messing with you- It’s the best I ever had!" You exclaimed, shooting him a toothy grin. "You’ve got to add this to the menu, immediately!"

Diluc let out the breathe he was holding and placed a hand on his hip. "Please, don’t scare me like that."

“What do snowmen call their offspring?”

Cyno watched as Xiao pondered his question. Confused at how that was a joke, Xiao responded.

“I do not understand-“

“Chill-dren.”

The two sat there in silence, quietly blinking at one another. Though it was only a brief moment as Cyno was the first to break the silence.

“Did you get it? It’s a play on words. The term 'children' is synonymous to the term 'offspring' however, I substituted in the word 'chill’- referring simply to the cold temperature of the snowman.”

Xiao crossed his arms and placed his hand over his mouth. He stood there, contemplating this so-called joke.

“I see.” he hummed.

Cyno’s amber eyes watched Xiao with anticipation. He hasn’t always had the best judge of humor when it came to others.

“Pretty funny, isn’t it?”

Xiao, who was once deep in thought, looked up.

“Yes, actually. I found it quite humorous.”

Cyno froze in place.

What.

“Wait…really?” he said a little louder than expected. Cyno quickly cleared his throat in attempt to hide his initial shock.

“Hm. Well in that case,” he whipped out a small book seemingly from nowhere and had flipped open to a page.

“Would you like to hear another?”