leaveofabsence | Imeeji Inbox

[ Zhongli opens the door to his balcony.

Glances down.

And just wordlessly picks Venti up off the floor as if this was just an everyday occurrence. ]

Good evening.

Have you been enjoying your night?

Ouch . . . Well, I was trying to!

[ Surprisingly, he's steady on his feet once righted, seemingly not actually drunk ]

[ Putting a hand on the small of his back as he leads him inside ]

Did something happen?

Yes!

[ He harrumphs ]

I was enjoying myself at the karaoke bar -- an excellent establishment, by the way, I'm bringing the concept back to Mondstadt -- when someone shouted at me to go home. And of course, due to their phrasing, I had to obey, so I took off and before I knew it I . . .

[ Trailing off in realization as he looks around the room ]

. . . Ended up here . . .

[ Just...

Give that statement a few moments to percolate ]

[ Let's DEFLECT for a moment. While that is still processing. ]

Ah.

So the effect has not yet gone away.

[ Sir have mercy

Looking deeply embarrassed suddenly ]

Quite so.

Then I shall continue to be careful in my phrasing.

Have you finished your wanderings for the night? Enough that I might be able to help you to bed properly.

Well, with an offer like that, I might just be convinced~

Excellent.

[ Then Zhongli is going to lead Venti towards the bed with that hand still on the small of his back before giving him a little shove to sit down. ]

I have been known to offer a favorable proposal now and again.

[ Going the extra mile and outright sprawling across the bed ]

Don't let it go to that blockhead of yours.

[ Well - at least that makes it easier to remove all the accessories and the whatever corset equivalent Venti is wearing.

He hums as he slowly begins to untangle the length of his braids ]

It is not arrogance if I am correct.

[ Flustering (just a little, thank you!!!) at the insufferable smugness ]

Oh no, it's already happened . . .

[ He says, doing nothing to prove him wrong. Instead he just reaches up to pull the tie out of Zhongli's hair. ]

I'm sure you'll manage somehow.

[ He tilts his head slightly so that Venti may have easier access before folding the outer layers of clothing and setting them neatly on a chair somewhere nearby. ]

Comfortable?

Do you need water or tea to stave off the coming hangover?

[ Splaying the hair between his fingers, looking a touch smug himself now ]

I'll have you know I'm completely sober.

Well. That is certainly surprising.

[ He moves to tuck Venti into bed, careful not to wander too far and keep his ponytail out of reach. ]

Considering you were at a karaoke bar.