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[outofoffice]

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[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. ]

[leaveofabsence]

[ Mood honestly.

Zhongli comes back to set a potted cecilia on the bedside table. ]

[outofoffice]

[ He peers out of his blanket cocoon, the cecilia actually earning a small reaction from him. ]

Ah . . .

[ Extricating himself slightly so he can lean over to to sniff it. ]

[leaveofabsence]

[ It's freshly bloomed. He did spend the points to make it high-quality.

Though, to be fair, he buys everything with high quality checked. ]

Shall I leave instructions with you on how to care for it? Luckily, Mondstadt's climate is intentionally mild so it should not be too difficult.

[outofoffice]

Leave a note, too. If it says who it's from, I won't forget.

[leaveofabsence]

I can do both.

[ Giving Venti one pat on the back of the hand before he goes to pick through his writing supplies. Surely by now Zhongli would have made sure there is a calligraphy kit in here somewhere. Especially after the month nap he took that one time. ]

[outofoffice]

Lucky me.

[ Said with utter sincerity.

It's probably not hard to find something, what with all the note-taking tools scattered around everywhere. And while Zhongli looks, Venti cradles the flower, humming something that's familiar in parts before he forgets the rest and has to improvise. ]

[leaveofabsence]

[ He prepares the note and slips it partially underneath the vase. ]

I enjoy your new rendition on that old classic.