Imeeji Inbox

[leaveofabsence]

[ The default voicemail message greets you. ]

Comments

[outofoffice]

[ Even if Zhongli is getting misty, he would never be so rude as to point it out. Not under these specific circumstances, anyway.

He doesn't stop playing until all seven glaze lilies have opened, glistening gently on the pot. Once they do, he allows to final note to linger before lowering the flute. ]

How fortunate. They're as kind an audience as I remember.

[leaveofabsence]

[ Once the song is complete, Zhongli's arms move to wrap around Venti's waist from behind as he rests his chin atop of his head. ]

Unbelievable.

[outofoffice]

[ He leans back into Zhongli's hold, tilting his head up a little like he could somehow see his face in this position.

(He cannot) ]

Eh? What's unbelievable?

[leaveofabsence]

You. Who else?

How did you even find unbloomed glaze lilies?

[outofoffice]

Ehehe . . . you can buy them in the store!

It only seemed right for you to have some.

[leaveofabsence]

[ He leans down to kiss the top of his head. ]

Thank you, Barbatos.

That was very kind of you. I will endeavor to take good care of them.

1/2

[outofoffice]

[ oh ]

[outofoffice]

Well, if you ever need help making them bloom again, you know who to call! ☆

[leaveofabsence]

Of course.

I am surprised that you chose the Dihua flute first though. Instead of your lyre.

[outofoffice]

You know how very fond I am of the lyre.

But still, even I can concede that some melodies are best played on their native instruments.

[leaveofabsence]

Yes. It can be comforting - that kind of permanence and tradition - in the face of all that is new and unfamiliar all around us.

[outofoffice]

Hmm . . . with talk like that, I have to wonder if you're feeling out of place these days?

[leaveofabsence]

. . .

I must admit I feel a little of my age when surrounded by the young enthusiasm of my unitmates trying to shoulder the responsibilities of the world.

[outofoffice]

Some humans have a tendency to do so, no matter where they are.

[ Jean and Diluc come to mind immediately.... ]

But I'm sure you'll do what you can to guide them, as you always do.

[leaveofabsence]

[ Only because it's Barbatos... ]

I'm supposed to be retired.

[outofoffice]

I know a workaholic when I see one!

[leaveofabsence]

[ HARRUMPHS ]

It's unfortunate how well you know me.

[outofoffice]

Ehehe ♥

It's nice, though, isn't it? Just a hint of familiarity in this sea of uncertainty.

[leaveofabsence]

Are you fishing for a compliment after I've already spoiled you so much today?

Though I suppose you have outdone yourself.

[outofoffice]

Don't you know? Rather than food, an artist lives on praise!

[leaveofabsence]

I see.

[ Seriously considering this ]

And are you less rowdy when you are full and sated?

[outofoffice]

Certainly, certainly. A soul fulfilled is a soul at ease.

[leaveofabsence]

I see.

[ Well then.

Zhongli is going to unhook at least one arm around Venti then so he can lead him back to the bed. ]

Then might we start by making you more comfortable.

[outofoffice]

[ He allows himself to he led, but not without snickering. ]

What's this? Are you putting moves on me, Mr. Zhongli?

[leaveofabsence]

That depends.

Is it working?