leaveofabsence | Imeeji Inbox

[ Another long pause ]

I saw you and Xiao during the intermission.

Ah . . .

That's right, Little Morax was keeping an eye on things, huh?

I will not press if it a story you do not wish to tell. But if you wish to talk about it, I am here.

I assume it greatly affected Xiao himself as he made a swift retreat from the Game Tower and I have not heard from him since.

. . . I'm more worried for Xiao, to be honest. I've been too cowardly to speak to him yet, since . . . there's very little I could say.

I'm not angry, though. None of us were in our right minds after being brought back.

You being angry is the least of my concerns regarding this.

Then . . .?

I am more concerned of your hurt, Barbatos. And what you might be telling yourself in regards to how it could have been avoided.

Ahhh, well . . . I think that's where some of my earlier feelings of disgust come in, if I think on it too long. But Xiao is efficient, which is a mercy in such a situation.

I'd never like to repeat it, but it won't be foremost on my mind on long nights . . . does that make sense?

Very much so.

I would say --- that is very Barbatos logic.

Hehe . . . if anyone would know, it would be you.

[ A considering pause ]

Though, I do have to ask. . .

You don't really think I'm indifferent to your thoughts and opinions, right?

Do you believe that I do not care about you?

No.

I may be greedy and shameless, but not quite so that I would put myself out for something that one-sided.

Then my answer is the same.

Though I do not always understand your logic, I respect it for the adherence to the principals which you hold so dear.

[ Giggling a little ]

That's the most diplomatic take on our ideological differences I've ever heard.

Perhaps those differences are less important now than they were before.

Yes, maybe so.

[ Venti pauses their stroll so that he can tug Zhongli into facing him ]

Some of the things said back then were my true feelings, and I'm hoping you know which. Your companionship has always brought me happiness, for thousands of years now.

[ Just the hint of a smile ]

We would not be the people we are today had we not been in each other's lives. Of this, I am quite certain of. I have and always will be pleased to know that I am a cared for companion of Barbatos.

Though I must apologize also for my own words.

I cannot say the same - if any of what I said then were my true feelings. Perhaps insecurities would be a more accurate description.

Hehe . . . you need only apologize when the buffoonish words are your own. Which is often enough!

Still, insecurities? The indomitable Lord of Geo? It's difficult to imagine.

The Lord of Geo had very strict and precise rules to live by. Yet the nature of living as a mortal is not always so clear or well established.

But that is not something that the god of freedom has to worry about too much, I imagine.

Nope, can't relate!

So, what do you think? Maybe the Archaic Lord could learn a thing or two from the god of freedom for a change?

Perhaps. I suppose we shall see.

In this, I will make neither promises nor guarantees.

Edited 2022-03-14 01:10 (UTC)

[ Laughs ]

That's the answer I would expect from a stubborn old stone!

And would you be willing to attempt an ideal of mine in exchange?

To balance the scales.

Maaaaybe. That depends on what it is.

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