outofoffice | ( imeeji ) ic inbox

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.

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. ]

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

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

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.

[ A loooong pause before he gets the hint ]

--Oh.

[ Sitting up and scooting away with zero fuss. ]

I shall return shortly. Do not go anywhere.

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

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. ]

[ Mood honestly.

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

[ 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. ]

[ 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.

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

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. ]

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. ]

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

I enjoy your new rendition on that old classic.

[ Blessed Morax ]

It's all wrong though, isn't it?

Just because something is new does not mean it's wrong. And what is perfecting a craft by building what is already established.

Traditions are meant to move forward with time, not stagnate.

[ That earns a small ghost of a smile ]

That does sound like something you would say.

[ Reaches over to cup his cheek with one hand. ]

I am honored that you remember my mannerisms despite everything you are going through.

Is there anything else that I can get you? Anything else that would help soothe your burdens?

[ He closes his eyes, leaning into that hand. ]

You could stay for a while?

I was planning on doing that regardless.

[ As he sheds his coat properly this time and folds it, setting it on the nearby surface. ]

Let us rest for a while. And then we can consider what more can be done about your condition.

[ Venti takes his hand wordlessly, dragging him back onto the bed. ]

[ He pulls back the covers, divesting Venti of his hat and any outer layers before helping him back into the bed proper. ]

[ . . . Soft . . .

Venti makes sure to sprawl out over Zhongli again, but there's a considering pause as he peers up at him. ]

. . . I wonder . . .

Hmmmm. Wonder about what?

[ Leaning up to press their lips together. ]

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