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[outofoffice]

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[leaveofabsence]

Then let us consider our first plans upon arriving back in Teyvat settled.

A difficult journey seems less so when there is something to look forward to at the end.

[outofoffice]

Yes. I agree with that whole-heartedly.

It does beg the question, though -- once all your journeys are completed, what do you wish for yourself?

[leaveofabsence]

I have no idea. And no plans.

Is that not what retirement should be all about?

[outofoffice]

[ Laughs ]

Now you sound like me!

[leaveofabsence]

In this very particular instance, I will do my best not to take offense at that.

[outofoffice]

[ PINCHES HIS CHEEK ]

Just watch! Under my careful tutelage you'll learn how to relax in no time!

[leaveofabsence]

[ Makes a noncommittal noise as he drops his chin on top of Venti's head and proceeds to cage him in with his arms. ]

[outofoffice]

[ Reaching up to pet his hair, strategically without breaking that hold at all ]

Feeling any better?

[leaveofabsence]

Then yesterday. Yes, that is without question.

Since this morning---

[ And he tilts his head thoughtfully for a moment. ]

Yes, I suppose that is true as well. The journey does not pause even as we stumble along the path.

[outofoffice]

[ Pressing a kiss beneath Zhongli's jaw before resting his head against the crook of his neck. ]

Good. Then I shan't write off the day as a loss already, as I was sorely tempted to do before.

[leaveofabsence]

[ There's a huff that is more like a snort of laughter as he tilts his head to give Venti better access. ]

A pity if you did. Much of it still remains. As does the potential for where it could lead.

[outofoffice]

You'd understand better if you woke up hungover after three hours of terrible sleep.

[leaveofabsence]

[ The taunt is on the tip of his tongue, ready to judge Barbatos and tell him to bear the consequences of his actions.

And yet--- ]

Would you like to go back and rest? I can accompany you.

[outofoffice]

[ Zhongli mercy run ]

. . . I can't think of anything I would like more than that right now, actually.

[leaveofabsence]

Then allow me to clean up the tea and we can retire to your room.

[outofoffice]

. . .


[ This is the realization that he'll have to get off Zhongli for that to happen, though. ]

[leaveofabsence]

[ ???




???? ]

Barbatos...

[outofoffice]

[ He mutters indistinctly before sloooowly and reluctantly unfolding himself from Zhongli's lap ]

[leaveofabsence]

[ He is slightly perplexed by the sudden change in mood, but moves to swiftly clean and put away the dishes for his very unfortunate oversteeped tea. ]

[outofoffice]

[ Unsurprisingly, he does not help.

He does drape impatiently over one of the chairs, though. ]

[leaveofabsence]

Do not fall asleep on me. I shall not take up too much time.

[outofoffice]

I won't. I'm holding out for a warm, too-hard pillow who also really needs some sleep.

[leaveofabsence]

Provided it does not come accompanied with dreams.

[ And it does not take too long before Zhongli finishes and then returns to Venti, holding a hand out to him to help him up. ]

[outofoffice]

Let us both hope, hmm?

[ Taking the offered hand and tugging them toward sensitIV ]

[leaveofabsence]

[ To sensitIV they go!

As they are hovering outside the common room: ]

I suppose now I can ask since you are of sounder mind again - have you no plans to upgrade your own room?