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[outofoffice]

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[leaveofabsence]

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

I enjoy your new rendition on that old classic.

[outofoffice]

[ Blessed Morax ]

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

[leaveofabsence]

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.

[outofoffice]

[ That earns a small ghost of a smile ]

That does sound like something you would say.

[leaveofabsence]

[ 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?

[outofoffice]

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

You could stay for a while?

[leaveofabsence]

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.

[outofoffice]

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

[leaveofabsence]

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

[outofoffice]

[ . . . Soft . . .

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

. . . I wonder . . .

[leaveofabsence]

Hmmmm. Wonder about what?

[outofoffice]

[ Leaning up to press their lips together. ]

[leaveofabsence]

[ He makes a soft surprised sound at that. Clearly Venti caught him off guard.

But he's not pulling away ]

[outofoffice]

[ Pulling away after a lengthy moment ]



Have I done that before?

1/2

[leaveofabsence]

Yes. But I was very drunk last time.

[leaveofabsence]

Might I try again?

More... properly this time.

[outofoffice]

[ Thoughtful: ]

Yes.

[leaveofabsence]

[ He frames Venti's face carefully in between both hands, looking equally thoughtful, before he leans up to kiss him. Perhaps a little bit chaste but with a warmth and softness that does not come easily to someone attuned with the earth. And the delicacy of exploring something precious for the first time. ]

[outofoffice]

[ Venti pauses with a little exhale -- surprised, maybe -- before pressing closer and kissing back, his fingers slowly curling in the front of Zhongli's dress shirt. ]

[leaveofabsence]

[ He does not hurry the kiss. Quite the opposite, in fact. It seems that Zhongli would prefer to savor the inside of Venti's mouth like a fine wine - licking into each crevice and mapping out each inch of that sweet wet warm.

When he does finally pull away it's with a teasing nip to Venti's lower lip.

Just enough to leave a white mark across the pink flesh but without breaking the skin. ]

[outofoffice]

[ Venti blinks at him a few times once they pull apart, expression flickering a little.

Eventually, with the detached interest of an observer rather than a participant: ]

Just now, I actually felt something . . .

1/2

[leaveofabsence]

[ What did Venti say just now---




Oh.

Oh.

Honest Venti is extremely dangerous and should be handled with caution. ]

[leaveofabsence]

I did, too.

I felt how very fond I am of you.

[outofoffice]

[ Tilting his head, considering ]

Hmm . . . perhaps that's what it was.

This must be a testament to how important you are.

[leaveofabsence]

We've seen a lot together, you and I. Naturally there would be a closeness on shared experiences alone.