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[outofoffice]

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[leaveofabsence]

[ The confusion doesn't abate. ]

Yes.

I gave that to you for safe keeping.

And it appears you have been keeping it very safe.

[outofoffice]

And I'm giving it back.

If I disappear, it needs to be somewhere safe.

[leaveofabsence]

[ Immediately: ]

You're not going to disappear.

[outofoffice]

I very well could.

I know you're more realistic than this, Morax.

[leaveofabsence]

[ He opens his mouth once. Twice.

As ineloquent as Barbatos has ever seen Morax. For once, words failing him.

Before he takes a deep breath, expression schooling into something neutral before holding out his hand. ]

[outofoffice]

[ There's some kind of phantom pain, one he's aware of but still doesn't quite feel properly.

Placing the gnosis in Zhongli's hand, with some reluctance. But he doesn't remove his hand from Zhongli's. ]

. . . Forgive me.

[leaveofabsence]

Forgive what?

[ And he takes his other hand to cover Venti's ]

You are looking out for me. As you always have.

[outofoffice]

But it hurts anyway, doesn't it?

[ . . . ]

You can return it to me after all this, if it's possible.

1/2

[leaveofabsence]

[ He smile is soft as he pats Venti's hand one final time before slipping his soul gem into his pocket. ]

I will keep that in mind, Barbatos.

[leaveofabsence]

[ And he takes a step back ]

Shall I tell you some stories of Teyvat?

I thought that might help your condition. That and the wine.

[outofoffice]

Okay. That sounds nice, I think.

[leaveofabsence]

[ He takes Venti's hand and leads him back toward the bed.

They really need to get you a room upgrade ]

[outofoffice]

[ Venti allows himself to be pulled along, and as soon as they're on the bed, he curls up half in Zhongli's lap.

It just feels . . . right. ]

[leaveofabsence]

[ He reaches down to card his fingers through Venti's hair ]

Shall I tell you about the rise of the Windblume Festival?

[outofoffice]

I've never head you tell a Mondstadt story before.

[ A pause ]

Have I?

[leaveofabsence]

They are usually your specialty. So no - you have not.

But I would be remiss to not know the culture of my closest ally.

[outofoffice]

What sweet words.

Okay then. Remind me.

[leaveofabsence]

[ He tells of the origin of the Windblume Festival in the time of Decarabian - that is was part of the secret code of the rebellion.

He tells of the history of the festival in the time of Barbatos - how any flower could be made into the Windblume. The various theories on why each native flower of Mondstadt could be so.

He tells of the modern Windblume Festival - where the citizens of Mondstadt were expected to prepare the gift accompanied by sweet poetry themselves.

He tells of the Windblume Star and the blessing of Barbatos.

All with the elegance and poise like a poet from Liyue and less of the charisma and warmth of a bard from Mondstadt. ]

[outofoffice]

[ There's still beauty in the elegance and poise of a poet. Venti listens in uncharacteristic silence, eyes half closed. Some parts he remembers, others he doesn't, and it's as disorienting as it is frustrating.

Still, once Zhongli finishes . . . ]

Gifts for courtship, huh . . .

Have I ever given you a gift?

[ That seems like a detail he would forget in his flightiness, he thinks. Maybe? ]

[leaveofabsence]

Many.

The first was a potted glaze lily that is stored in my room.

[outofoffice]

[ Oh. Right. ]

Wow.

I'm better at this than I thought.

[leaveofabsence]

That is surprisingly true for many facets of your life.

[outofoffice]

[ A beat. ]

. . . That sounded rude.

[leaveofabsence]

From one angle, yes. It is very rude.

But it's also true that you always underplay your own accomplishments.

[outofoffice]

[ wow nice save ]

Well, it's fine if it's rude anyway. I don't really care.