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[leaveofabsence]

[ The default voicemail message greets you. ]

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[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?

[outofoffice]

A little bit~

[leaveofabsence]

Ah, I see. So you are not immune to your own irreverent style of flirting.

[outofoffice]

[ Dear Archons, Morax has learned to recognize flirting????? ]

Why employ a tactic if you don't know from experience that it works?

[leaveofabsence]

You are incorrigible. But I suppose you already knew that.

[ As he takes a seat on the bed and gestures for Venti to join him ]

Come. Shall I sing your praises then?

[outofoffice]

[ Following after him. There's only a split second of consideration before he drapes half in Zhongli's lap. ]

Oh, yes, it will be a totally new experience~

[leaveofabsence]

You're being quite thoughtful, for starters.

[ He says, carding his fingers through Venti's bangs so to not mess up the braids ]

Looking after my well-being when it was your unit who faced death both during the last game and from the guest stars.

[outofoffice]

Hmmm . . .

[ Tilting his head to the side a bit, into those movements ]

And yet no harm came to me. I wonder why that is?

[leaveofabsence]

Because that man is a coward.

[outofoffice]

[ Chuckling a bit ]

Well, I certainly don't disagree.

But after witnessing what we did, I'm grateful you didn't fight him.

[leaveofabsence]

I suppose in the end he was taken down. But at too high a price.

Ah, but that is not what I want to dwell on today, Barbatos. The fact of the matter is your unit also "died" in that strange mystery game as well, yes?

[outofoffice]

I guess . . . what's that got to do with anything, though?

[leaveofabsence]

I thought I was being obvious.

Your unit and you yourself have been through much in such a short time. I am simply worried about you.

Did you think I would not notice how you put others before yourself when you are stressed?

[outofoffice]

Oh.

[ There's a long pause where Venti merely stares up at him, wordless. ​]




Are you sure you're really Morax?

1/3

[leaveofabsence]

. . .

[leaveofabsence]

Is it so hard to believe that my words are sincere?

[leaveofabsence]

And no, I am no longer Morax. Nor am I Rex Lapis. I am Zhongli now. Normal mortal Zhongli.

[outofoffice]

[ There's a small frown, almost imperceptible. Except Zhongli knows him better than that. ]

Is that the name you would prefer I use?

[leaveofabsence]

For you? No. You may call me as you like.

But it would be remiss for me to say I am the same person that I was back then. Even mountains must bend to the elements over time.

[outofoffice]

Ehe . . . you're starting to sound your age.

Should I be the one who's worried?

[leaveofabsence]

I am fine. There is no need for you to worry about me more than anyone else who is here.

Would you like me to do the same?

[outofoffice]

Heeeeh . . .

Oh dear. It seems I may be far too selfish to say yes.

[ NOTICE HIM MORAX ]

[leaveofabsence]

Then I will simply learn to overcome your inclination to avoid being worried over.

May I see your wings?