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[outofoffice]

Comments

[leaveofabsence]

You are quite preoccupied with how selfish you seem to be.

There is nothing wrong with having wants and desires. Especially considering your domain.

[outofoffice]

Ohhhh, trust me, no one could possibly accuse me of not leaning into my wants and desires.

[ Unless it's about emotional intimacy, in which case bye ]

[leaveofabsence]

I am accusing you of it right now.

[outofoffice]

That makes you--




The only one. Ever.

[leaveofabsence]

That does not make me any less correct.

[outofoffice]

Okay. I know better than to argue with the god of arguing.

1/2

[leaveofabsence]

[leaveofabsence]

Drink your tea.

[outofoffice]

[ OK.

He lifts the mug back to his lips, but not without giggling behind it a little.

Ah . . . it's good that Morax seems to be better . . . ]

[leaveofabsence]

[ Tips the teacup up with his still-present tail when Venti tries to take a sip. ]

[outofoffice]

Wh--

Hey!

[leaveofabsence]

You should not drink that anyway. It was oversteeped.

[outofoffice]

[ SPUTTERS INDIGNANTLY ]

You brat!!!

[leaveofabsence]

[ Sorry.

That just earns a snicker behind one gloved hand. ]

[outofoffice]

[ He harrumphs, pushing back from the table like he might flounce.

. . . Except he simply rounds the table to drop himself right into Zhongli's lap. ]

[leaveofabsence]

[ Oh?

Is this his punishment then?

He simply wraps his arms around Venti and rests his head in the crook of his neck. ]

[outofoffice]

[ Yes. This is his punishment. Venti even pulls his legs up and folds his wings in such a way that Zhongli must bear the burden of all of him. ]

My wants and desires reminded me that this is where I'm happiest.

[leaveofabsence]

[ His tiny wind god... ]

Hangover drunk early in the morning and drinking oversteeped tea in another patheon's version of eternal punishment?

I think I'm worried more for you now.

[outofoffice]

No need to be deliberately obtuse. You're naturally obtuse enough already.

[leaveofabsence]

[ He just laughs and leans over to kiss Venti on the cheek. ]

[outofoffice]

[ Venti twists in his lap so that he can get an arm around Zhongli's neck in an embrace. Clinging on as hard as he reasonably can in this position.

And uncharacteristically, doesn't offer another glib remark. ]

[leaveofabsence]

Thank you for your kindness, Barbatos.

And for giving me space.

It is one of the hardest things to let someone you care about walk away while still hurting.

[outofoffice]

You don't need to thank me. Your free will is always yours.


[ Even if, yes, he stared at the ceiling all night wracked with concern ]

[leaveofabsence]

But each choice we make has consequences. And ripple to those around us. If my plans for retirement have taught me anything, it is not to underestimate how strong those waves may be.

[outofoffice]

[ Tipping his head ]

And do you still want space now?

[ He asks, already in Zhongli's lap, clinging onto him . . . ]