leaveofabsence | Imeeji Inbox

Imeeji Inbox

[ The default voicemail message greets you. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only | Expand All

[ Thinks really hard on this for a long moment ]

It was a joke, but . . . that's true . . . I guess I see your point . . .

It is one thing when we are---

[ Bickering like a married couple ]

Bantering. In those circumstances, I see where you would perceive it as such.

"Bantering."

Is that what we're calling it now?

I see nothing wrong with the term.

But we're obviously warring gods!

I'm retired.

--I'm a god smiting a lowly mortal!

[ In the same tone of voice as a toddler ramming dinosaur action figures together ]

[ Pinches his cheeks ]

Ow ow owwwww, hey--!!

[ Kisses the now slightly pink skin.

But not apologizing. ]

Incorrigible . . .

[ Though he leans into the touch as he says it ]

Careful.

Or you'll also begin to sound like an old man.

I don't wanna hear that from the universe's oldest fossil!!

I'll have you know that I've met at least two people here older than I.

I'm practically a awe-struck adolescent in comparison.

. . .

Really?!

Really.

I doubt that I am the oldest being in Teyvat, let alone the many worlds that exist across the stars.

[ Makes a show of thinking about it ]

I guess there's the Primordial One . . .

[ Just lets out a long sigh and kisses the top of Venti's head ]

Are you finished?

[ Tilting his head up to capture those lips with his own. ]

Fine, fine. For now, yes.

[ Hmmmm. Venti seems emotionally exhausted, and he does not want to rile him up for another challenge.

So instead he'll kiss him back. Gently. More of a comfort or intimacy than anything.

Before gathering him tighter in his arms and tucking him close to his chest. ]

For now.

[ He closes his eyes with a sigh, tension slowly seeping out of his posture. Even his wings go limp. ]

Thank you, Morax.

[ And then, softer: ]

I adore you.

[ Ah. Venti was getting soft in his old age.

(That was fine. So was Zhongli.) ]

I adore you, too, Barbatos.

Sleep.

The problems of today can be the problems of tomorrow.

As long as you're here when I wake up.

[ Needy? Never. ]

[ He brushes a stray bang from Venti's face ]

Has that ever not been the case?

I will be here in the morning. And for each morning after. And if we are ever apart, the wind will guide us back together again.

[ He doesn't answer for a long moment, swallowing over the dull ache in his throat at the thought that something might last. Something might be a safe constant, won't turn to dust in a handful of years. ]

. . . That's right. I'll make sure of that. I promise.

Re: Day 498, very very late

leaveofabsence - 2022-10-22 03:27 (UTC) - Expand

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only | Expand All