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[outofoffice]

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[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.

[leaveofabsence]

That also is usually true for you. Despite how much you posture about it.

But you have not asked the logical next question.

Have I ever given you a gift?

[outofoffice]

[ Stop roasting him when he can't even get huffy about it!!!!!! ]

Is that the logical next question?

[leaveofabsence]

[ He will never be able to win this easy ever again though... ]

It is.

[outofoffice]

[ mathlady.gif ]

I don't understand why it's obvious . . . but okay, have you ever given me a gift?

[leaveofabsence]

Yes.

I am going to purchase one for you right this moment.

[ Don't mind him pulling out his phone. And give him a bit to pick out the perfect gift. ]

[outofoffice]

[ MATHLADY.GIF INTENSIFIES ]

Why? You know I'll probably just forget by tomorrow, right . . . ?

[leaveofabsence]

Then I shall buy you one tomorrow. And the day after and the day after.

[outofoffice]

. . . Okay . . .

I guess you're good at courting, too.

[leaveofabsence]

I would hope so. I have been reading a hefty amount of literature regarding the subject as of late.

[outofoffice]

. . . You read a book on this?

[ Please insert the absolutely ruthless teasing that would normally go here ]

[leaveofabsence]

Of course.

How else am I supposed to get better at it?

[outofoffice]

Practice?

[leaveofabsence]

But then my partner bears the brunt of my trial and error.

[outofoffice]

I suppose that's true.

Well, I don't remember all the details exactly, but . . . I think I wouldn't have wanted this if I expected you to be anything other than what you've always been.

[ Blockheaded and accidentally hurtful included ]

Actually, I'm certain that's true.

[leaveofabsence]

That does not mean I should not try to improve myself. Or learn from the experience of those who have gone through similar experiences.

[ Said as he finally presses purchase on his order. ]

[outofoffice]

[ This is now a "remove Venti from your lap" challenge. ]

That's true. I think you're doing okay, though.

[leaveofabsence]

No offense but I would like a second opinion once you are feeling more yourself.

[ Looks to Venti.

Then to the door.

Back at Venti. ]

The delivery service does not bring items inside the dorm itself.

[outofoffice]

[ A loooong pause before he gets the hint ]

--Oh.

[ Sitting up and scooting away with zero fuss. ]

[leaveofabsence]

I shall return shortly. Do not go anywhere.

[ And with the rustle of his elegant suit, off he goes ]

[outofoffice]

Where would I go?

[ Said to the room at large.

At any rate, the doors remain open and Venti resumes burrowing deep inside a blanket pile, until only his face is visible. ]