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[outofoffice]

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[outofoffice]

[ The wings themselves, upon close inspection, are encased in metal braces ]

A now-departed engineer returned me to the skies not so long ago.

[ Dropping himself into Zhongli's lap, also muscle memory ]

And now the production has returned you to me! Oh, this is wonderful . . .

[leaveofabsence]

[ He reaches out to trace his fingertips along one of those braces, brows drawn together for a moment as he considers something.

That expression is wiped clean to a fond smile as Venti settles in his lap. ]

Yes.

It seems that I have been granted more time here. I best make the most of it, wouldn't you agree?

[outofoffice]

Yes, I would.

[ He settles with his arms still around Zhongli's neck, discontent to let that point of contact go ]

Hehe . . . really, it was a trivial amount of time compared to our many separations in the past . . . and yet I felt it much more keenly.

Ah, but perhaps this is just part of living life as a mortal?

[leaveofabsence]

Perhaps.

Or perhaps it is because in our previous separations, you always could reach me if you needed to.

The illusion of something being taken away is a powerful motivator.

[outofoffice]

That's true.

Knowing you're only a breeze away has always been a comfort even I, with all my pretty words, can't find
a way to describe.

[leaveofabsence]

[ A tug on one of Venti's braids again ]

And I am just a breeze away once again. Even moreso with the new gift you have received.

My balcony window is always open.

[outofoffice]

[ He beams so hard that he just about sparkles ]

Tread cautiously, Morax. I'll avail myself of it until you want to fling me off that same balcony.

[leaveofabsence]

That is the other reason why it is always open.

1/2

[outofoffice]

[ Bursts out laughing ]

[outofoffice]

[ He tips forward, letting his head rest against Zhongli's shoulder. The smile remains audible in his voice, and the fingers that thread into Zhongli's hair are borderline possessive. ]

I truly am so happy. Welcome back, dear blockhead.

[leaveofabsence]

I am glad to be here as well.

[ And he idly strokes one of Venti's wings ]

Have you fared well after returning back here to the production?

[outofoffice]

[ Yessss good. He lives here now. ]

Nothing bad has happened at all, in fact! It's downright suspicious. They're surely going to kill us all any moment now.

[leaveofabsence]

[ He places a hand over Venti's mouth ]

Please don't do that.

[outofoffice]

[ LICKS IT ]

[leaveofabsence]

[ WIPES IT ON VENTI'S FACE ]

Barbatos...

[outofoffice]

[ Cackles in open delight ]

Will you ever not fall for that one?

[leaveofabsence]

I don't know if I could handle your immense disappointment if I did.

[outofoffice]

Awww . . . thank you for always thinking of my wellbeing, Mr. Zhongli.

[leaveofabsence]

Yes.

Which brings me back to my original point.

Don't talk of your death so flippantly.

[outofoffice]

Okay, okay. I'll stop.

[ Flattening out Zhongli's collar, unnecessarily ]

But suffice to say, things here have been alright during your absence.

[leaveofabsence]

[ He raises an eyebrow but otherwise allows it ]

Just alright?

[outofoffice]

It is still hell, after all. That was a glowing review, all things considered.

[leaveofabsence]

A fair assessment.

Perhaps I was hopeful that the people you have grown close to here would counterbalance the---

[ Hand wave hand wave ]

Rest of it.

[outofoffice]

Oh, they are wonderful, that's true.

In fact, I think I managed to convince Aliza to return to Teyvat with us, rather than doing anything foolish or self-destructive. She'd do better in a world that can easily put her in check.

[leaveofabsence]

[ He smiles warmly at that. ]

I think she would do well in the City of Freedom.