[ open ] Catch All

[whirlwindthrust]

🧙 WHO: Xiao + you!
⚔️️ WHAT: Catch All
🕒 WHEN: Throughout March
🗺️ WHERE: Various
⚠️ WARNINGS: TBD



( Smoothies: options A and B )

[ Prior to this place, very rarely would Xiao partake in consuming human-prepared food. He doesn't understand the the need to combine things in a variety of different ways. Why all of this effort put into preparation? It seems like quite the waste of time and effort for a couple of moments spend consuming what had been prepared. Truthfully, he had only been passing by when the individuals selling these blended, flavored drinks seem to think that he is in need of them. Apparently it doesn't matter how much Xiao ignores them or attempt to pass by their wares, these sellers are persistent - even going so far as to shove small samples in his hands before moving on.

So, at first, Xiao merely sighs and figures that he might as well. No need to be rude. Butterfly pea-lemon tea seems to be the first flavor. There seems to be a calm that washes over him. Things that bothered the Yaksha in the past? Don't seem like such a big deal now. One can only wonder how this newfound inner peace is going to effect him. Maybe he'll try new foods! Or fall asleep in some random location... Or staring off into space.

The second flavor on the docket would be a strawberry-rose. It's a bit strong, of course, though over all Xiao finds he doesn't actually mind he cool, almost foamy and light texture of the smoothies. Don't expect him to be overt in his "flirting," if one can even call it that. Just a light touch here or there. A need to be closer than usual. When it wears off... Well. Won't that be a surprise. ]


( Bunny Café Chaos )

[ This should really be a simple task. How hard is it to poke a head into a café, scan said café for a particular rabbit, then leave? That's what his intention is at any rate. No need to linger.

Yet Xiao finds himself in a rather odd predicament. Odd for him anyway. ]

Move. [ He is telling this to a stubborn little thing that has taken the liberty to just block his exit. ] The one I seek is not here. I must move on.

[ Wait. Is he really being held captive by a couple of rabbits? Seems so! By the time anyone comes to check up on him, he's going to be covered in the furry little creatures, sort of frozen in place. ]


( Hay Fever: options A and B )

[ Originally Xiao had come along just for his own curiosity. This world does not have need for his particular skillset - not in the way that the Yaksha has always done - so he is still trying to find out where he fits in all this. Still feeling his way through. Thus Xiao thinks that it would be fine to simply observe.

What he doesn't expect is to be ushered along with other healers to perform this one-off spell. In fact, it seems as though he is about ready to argue over that. ]

I am no healer... [ "But you do have healing magic, right?" Which has Xiao making a slight noise and shift his weight. Whatever the case, he doesn't look comfortable. Looks like he might be in need of assistance in either 1) getting out of the situation or 2) being encouraged to proceed. ] That is of no consequence.

[ Additionally, all of this hay being tossed around is really stirring things up! Either Xiao or someone close at hand will soon have to contend with a next of those pesky pixies. They seem to really enjoy pulling and tugging on hair - be it Xiao's or whoever is working with him. ]


( Wildcard )

[ Obviously you know what to do either. Feel free to hit me up on discord or plurk. Or throw a comment my way on the meme! ]

Comments

bunny café chaos

[concierto]

[Venti thinks these little bunny-centric establishments are just adorable and wonderful. What a good idea to have these places overrun by cute fluffy creatures. He figures this sort of business venture probably brings in a lot of customers. Taverns should have a draw like this...

Venti has a rabbit in his own arms and is snuggling this one right to his cheek when he sees Xiao's predicament. He gives a little singsong tune,]

Yahoo, Xiao! Maybe you should try asking it a little nicer.

[Or don't and accept his fate being covered in rabbits. Either way, Venti is enjoying this. Please continue.]

[whirlwindthrust]

[ Fairly certain the thing about taverns is that people want to drink. People usually are there to drown their sorrows or ignore pressing problems. Allowing these fluffy creatures around wouldn't add to thiat sort of environment.

Xiao turns slightly, looking at the Archon's expression with a withering glare. ]

You are enjoying this entirely way too much.

[concierto]

[Venti holds up his own bunny! Snuggling the soft white down to his cheek once again.]

Oh, please! Don't let me get in the way of your work!

[He's really not helping! Just enjoying the scene. Are those bunnies still trying to use Xiao as a playground? Good!]

[whirlwindthrust]

[ Yeah his expression doesn't change. Though there is one thing that changes. The rabbit is now in his hands.

And a secondary one is flopping into Xiao's lap to take the first one's place. ]

You are getting in the way by subtly encouraging these creatures.

[concierto]

[Venti merely tilts his head innocently.]

Am I? ... Ehe.

[But look how nice all these bunnies are and how much they love Xiao.]

Is it really so bad to take a moment to enjoy the company?

[whirlwindthrust]

You are doing nothing to stop them. Our quarry is not here and yet you are choosing to loiter amongst these creatures all the same.

[ Xiao sighs and sets a rabbit to the side. Give him a moment, but he will try to stand. Try... Because when he looks over his shoulder, he sees some on his sleeve. :T ]

We have a task to complete, Lord Venti. Why do you allow for yourself to be distracted from it?

[concierto]

[Venti pouts. Such a workaholic.]

You'd think that with all of these bunnies here that the missing one would want to join his friends! I was only thinking of it that way.

[He's not being distracted! ... Much. At least he does decide to come closer and pick up one of the bunnies that is sitting on the yaksha. Venti now has two cute fuzzy boys in his arms.]

Eheheeh! How cute! They're just like hugging little puffs of clouds!

[... Okay, yeah. He's distracted.]

[whirlwindthrust]

[ He sighs... ]

Therein lies the issue. You think of it this way, but that is exactly what it is we are trying to prevent. Our task is to find this stray rabbit before he can "join" his "friends."

[ And have an apparently very sad missus back at his home. Xiao doesn't understand why it is such a serious affair for an animal, but whatever.

Venti coming over to help him gives him a fleeting moment of hope. However as soon as the Archon thinks to speak again...

Xiao sighs once more. ]

This is getting us nowhere.

[concierto]

[Stop sighing at him, Xiao. Venti is then using a quick wiggle of kinetic magic to pick off two more bunnies from Xiao's person. They start floating in the air like actually little clouds right next to Venti their little feet wiggling as they go.]

Well, if that's the case why not set this as a trap of soft friends and when the stray coming running you snatch it up before it can reach its goal?

[whirlwindthrust]

[ Perhaps he hadn't quite been sighing at Venti? Just maybe? Though now he sees magic being used and Xiao hums in thought. With several of the bunnies out of the way, he is able to shoo others off so that he can at least stand. ]

Is that your idea then? How would we make these little ones more appealing than the others?

[concierto]

[Venti simply snuggles the two that he's holding with another giggle.]

Leave that to me, I think affection and love go a long way to make a stray yearn for it.

[He winks at Xiao.]

You can do the catching. Is that fair?

[whirlwindthrust]

[ Xiao gives Venti a questioning look. All while having no idea that the Archon isn't just talking about the rabbit ]

Does it not... Already have someone to love and give it affection?

[ Aren't they doing this so that there isn't heartbreak to be had after? ]

I can catch it.

[concierto]

[Venti might just want to sit here and cuddle bunnies, okay? Okay.]

I'm sure a bit more will be just fine!

[The floating little rabbits are wiggling so Venti moves them to his lap as well. A pile! Of bunnies!]

I'll be here, Xiao. It's only a matter of time before the stray comes this way. Do your best!

[whirlwindthrust]

[ He absolutely wants to sit and just cuddle rabbits. Who does Venti think he is fooling here? ]

Once again you are simply attempting to get out of doing any real work, hmm?

[concierto]

[He absolutely wants to sit and just cuddle rabbits.]

Aww... Xiao. What do you take me for? I'm doing my part!

[He's baiting the bunny in here!!]

[whirlwindthrust]

A carefree spirit with too much time on his hands and not shouldering enough responsibility.

[ Come now. He might as well come out and say it, correct? ]

Perhaps if you played music then the creature will find its way here.

[concierto]

[Venti smirks off to the side.]

Now you sound just like Zhongli. Careful, you might get wrinkles just like him too.

[He giggles and then does unpack his old harp from his side.]

But- I think I can string together a few tunes for our fuzzy friends!

[whirlwindthrust]

[ Xiao actively frowns at that. ]

You are mistaken. There are no wrinkles that mar his skin.

[ Don't you dare insult him, Venti. Xiao might allow certain liberties, but not that!

But he'll also back off as long as no further comments are made. ]

Play something inviting then.

[concierto]

[Such an easy button to press. Venti just smiles knowingly and gives a tiny wave to the yaksha. Maybe he'll ask Zhongli about his milky skin that Xiao thinks he has, later?

In the meantime, he will start serenading the little rabbits with a fun tune. A simple and sweet and bouncy melody. The bunnies seem to wiggle at it. Just the chorus!]

When the bunny go do what the bunny do~

[whirlwindthrust]

[ The bunnies seem to wiggle at it, but Xiao? It does something else for Xiao. He closes his eyes. Folds his arms over his chest.

And just listens. ]

[concierto]

[Venti continues to play the soft simple song and looks at Xiao for a moment to see him enjoying the song...?

And well- He's never much of a worker himself so he won't nudge at Xiao that he should be looking for that rogue bunny. Instead, he'll continue to sing and play softly for the yaksha more than the bunnies now...]

[whirlwindthrust]

[ It can't be helped. That first time it had been the flute that had calmed him. Had chased away the darkness that had plagued to take his mind. How could he not be susceptible to even the bard's song.

His hands are stroking the rabbit's fur instead. Maybe he'll remember soon that they have something they are supposed to be doing...

But maybe Xiao had also been waiting for this for a while. ]

[concierto]

[What is this... Is Xiao actually- relaxing?

Venti watches him with a curious peek. His voice doesn't stop humming and singing his soft bunny song, fingers still strumming leisurely across his lyre. There is something like joy in Venti's heart when he can see the yaksha enjoying his music. He likes it when anyone does but with Xiao? It's something just a little different. Something distant and close at the same time. Old memories that make something just a little achy inside of Venti.

And the cute little bunnies are still wiggling around. The one being pet by Xiao is starting to doze off...]

[whirlwindthrust]

[ The feeling is mutual, of course. Hearing the bard's music, no matter what form it is, brings out an old painful longing. A desire that Xiao has held onto close for many years. Something akin to a wish. Oh Xiao does not think he could, nor should, actually pursue it. However in these moments, he can entertain those thoughts.

Eventually his eyes do open once more. The illusion isn't completely gone, but how long has it been? ]

No signs of our prey?

[concierto]

[Venti finishes his small tune. A few long moments of serenity before his fingers slow on the strings.]

Not quite.

[Not that Venti was actually... actively waiting for it to appear...]

Should I keep going?

[Because Xiao did look like he was enjoying himself.]