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[leaveofabsence]

[ The default voicemail message greets you. ]

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[leaveofabsence]

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?

[outofoffice]

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

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

[leaveofabsence]

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.

[outofoffice]

I got sent home before I could have too much fun.

[leaveofabsence]

Just how long were you there before you were asked to leave?

[outofoffice]

I dunno . . . an hour, tops?

Talk about unfair!

[leaveofabsence]

[ Yes, dear.

Incredibly unfair.

He pats Venti on the head. ]

Well then.

Perhaps we can visit there another time when you are feeling better.

[outofoffice]

Yeah, well, joke's on them! They arranged better plans for me.

[ Using his hold on Zhongli's hair to tug him closer, ur welcome ]

[leaveofabsence]

Hmmm?

[ As he lies down next to Venti, though there is an eyeroll as he's tugged by his hair.

Sir please. ]

You'd prefer to be sent home?

[outofoffice]

In this case . . . yes.

[leaveofabsence]

Then I hope you are prepared for a quiet night of resting.

It's past my bedtime, you know.

[outofoffice]

Awww, come now. I could play something for you! Or read you some of that poetry you care for. None of my own compositions, I promise.

[leaveofabsence]

Such a proposition seems one-sided. Perhaps I could suggest something that requires more active participation on both our behalves.

[outofoffice]

A duet?

[leaveofabsence]

Are your thoughts really so pure?

[outofoffice]

[ A beat ]






Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh, you're putting moves on me!

[leaveofabsence]

And very poorly so, given your reaction.

[outofoffice]

[ Climbing his way into Zhongli's lap now ]

Aw, don't take offense. I spent a thousand years flirting with you and you were too blockheaded to notice. It seems I need to adjust to the idea that you're doing it back~

[leaveofabsence]

Yes, there was a whole section in this book I read on how pulling on one's ponytail or braids is a sign of affection.

It was quite fascinating.

[outofoffice]

Hey, I also wrote you many pretty verses! I don't think you caught on, though, because you just critiqued my rhyme schemes. I moped for three days, and the wind didn't blow in Mondstadt at all!

[ He says, grinning fondly as he tugs at some of that hair. On cue. ]

[leaveofabsence]

[ HOLD UP THERE, SIR. He blinks owlishly at Venti even as his hair is tugged to one side. ]





Those were for me?

[ This does not compute ]

[outofoffice]

[ By some miracle of self-control, he does not burst out laughing ]

They were, yes.

[leaveofabsence]

[






Oh. ]

In retrospect, then, while I stand by my critiques, I believe that some might have come across as... harsh.

[ As in scathing.

Brutal even. ]

[outofoffice]

[ Okay. He does start laughing helplessly now, burying his face in Zhongli's shoulder. ]

So you see, [ in-between giggles ] I simply have some adjusting to do.

[leaveofabsence]

[ Then he misses Zhongli's extremely serious expression. ]

Would more direct flirting help such an adjustment period.