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From his throne upon the highest mountain, the Geo Archon sat sullen, a resting hand covering half of his face as a way to somehow ease the stress he was feeling from the multitude of problems he had to deal with.
Managing the large weight of his adeptus and the people of Liyue Harbor who turn more and more complex as every generation passes by. The corruption of half of his yakshas. And also keeping tabs on every god he locked away just to make sure they stay that way.
Anything can go wrong if he isn't careful enough, his yakshas are beginning to show symptoms of the corruption they've been fighting off. Soon, they'll become madden and filled with karmic debt that'll eat them out alive and fight whatever that moves. He needs to plan out how he can deal with it if such a time comes by.
Furthermore, what if the people of Liyue are getting too comfortable with the adeptus watching over them? That won't be good, he and his adeptus cannot live forever and there will come a time where the people have to protect themselves without their archon and the adepti.
Not only that but the caged gods he had entrapped over the years after the archon war. What if one of them got out and destroyed Liyue? The destruction and catastrophe he can imagine right before him- the screams and terror of his people, fallen comrades dying right in front of him. He can't let it happen, not again and surely not when he's reigning over this land.
After some time of silence that was only fueling his head with more worries. A gust of wind brushes through him.
He could feel his heart race, as he shot his eyes up.
'Oh celestial',
From above, comes a small god in all white, braids with deep blue ends, and with wings bigger than himself descends softly.
Like an angel appearing before a mortal. So shall Barbatos, the anemo archon, bestow himself to the geo archon.
"Morax~!" a familiar voice came singing while sounds of wings flapping in the air can be heard. He smelt of wine and dandelions, presents like a breeze of cool air, and smiles like the sun warming the most hardened parts within him. Good gracious, it's really him.
"Greetings Barbatos" He replied, remaining composed. But that doesn't stop his chest from aching, as he unconsciously leaned forward when the small god smiled at him.
It's been a while since the neighboring archon came to visit him. A few decades perhaps? No matter, Morax is happy to see his old friend.
"Hello to you too Morax" the small god rolled his eyes as the smile gone bigger.
"In what way do I owe you a visit? Is there something you need?",
"What else? To explore your land once more! It’s been so long since I have visited Liyue that I fear that many things have changed since I last came" the small god’s wings stretched wide. Pure white wings expand in his view to expose their beauty, while the god beams brighter than ever “So I’d like to ask you to guide me through your lands”,
“Barbatos it’s only been 80 years, not much had changed”,
“Said you! How would you know when you're stuck with work all the time to explore your nation” The wind god huffs.
Morax crossed his arms, amused that the Anemo Archon would say that. When he, in fact, would be the first one to know if such things had drastically changed in the landscape of his nation. After all, the Geo Archon had shaped this nation with his own two hands.
“What is this really about Barbatos?”,
“As I told you! I’d like for you to accompany me around Liyue! To wander in the oh so lush fields, climb the highest mountains, and breathe in the romantic atmosphere!”,
“Romantic-?”,
“Shush, what I’m saying is that the view is just overall fantastic! I could write a song or two walking around here-”,
"Just say you want to spend time with me Barbatos" the Geo Archon sighs, feeling the heat coming into his cheeks, as the wind god chuckled.
"Your no fun at all Morax" the Anemo Archon rolled his eyes before he twirls to transform into his bard form. All green and a lyre in hand "All this bard's desire is but a walk around Liyue with you, yet you refuse to answer such a simple request",
"And what makes you think I'll venture with you?" he teasingly asked, playing into his games. This got the other giggling more.
"Aw Morax, you wouldn’t let this poor bard get lost though right? Ohh this poor innocent bard, unfamiliar with the Liyue landscape but so enchanted by it that he would surely get lost just a few seconds stepping into the borders and what would happen then? He might get hurt! Or even worse! Die from the monster circling the nation ohhh this poor weak bard-”,
“If you like, I can get one of my yakshas to accompany you” secretly amused at how it made the anemo archon flare-up.
“No No No!! It has to be you!!”,
“Oh? And why is that?”,
“Ugh, you're making things so difficult Morax! Here I am, trying to cheer you up from how overworked you are, and yet you're denying my advances!” the frustrated bard turned back into his godly form, wings flapped lightly as he hovered closer to the geo archon, that subtly made Morax's face burn red from how close he is “You need to loosen up more. I know we’re immortals and all, but at this rate you're cutting off half of your non-existing lifetime Morax!”
He couldn’t help but chuckle at the other’s words. Despite hiding behind jokes and gags, Morax knew that the wind god has good intentions. Yet how can he take time to leisure when he’s too busy?
“Ack I know that face Morax, no you are certainly NOT busy” crossing his arms in a frown “You wouldn’t be sitting by yourself stressing about every little thing that can go wrong if you were! Come on, one day taken from you wouldn’t hurt. Plus I brought wine!”,
“You’re growing a liking to it as I noticed” he replied, remembering the time when the small god’s nation was finally free from the aristocrats is where Barbatos started to drink more.
“As I should! It’s called dandelion wine and might I say it taste just as delectable as it smells. It grew more and more tastier as generations passed by. I had a sip of a 50-year-old wine with my dear friend Vanessa and it was simply paradise” the god beams before taking out a bottle magically from behind “ CATCH! ”,
The geo archon skillfully caught the bottle without hesitation, rolling his eyes as he hid his smile.
"Do you think wine is enough to make me join you?" he asked, but yes, yes it was. Barbatos didn’t even need to bring anything to make him join him. Yet will he openly say this? Never, he examined the wine bottle in his hands as he ignored such thoughts. It was cold, and still at least unopened surprisingly.
"Well I was thinking to bring Osmanthus wine, but I remembered it being reserved for archon meetings only so…",
"So?",
"So why not make this wine reserved for our meetings only?" The god gave a large grin, knocking the air right out of Rex Lapis, replacing it with an invisible force squeezing his heart inside his chest softly. Does Barbatos not realize he’s getting himself into a contract with him?
"Our meetings only…?",
"Yeah like, whenever we meet. I’ll bring my nation’s wine, and we’ll drink it by ourselves for the rest of the night!” giggling as he flew closer to him “What do you say Morax? Let’s get out of here”,
The said god coughs, moving back a bit to give them space.
It would be a complete lie if he said he didn’t want to go. Just sensing his winds after a few years of no contact, gave him the urge to embrace the other.
But the responsibilities he holds- the chances of disaster striking his nation-
“Please? Please! PLEAASSEEEE! ”,
Curse this god and his adorable methods of pulling him in.
“Fine, fine I’ll join you, under one condition”,
“Ohh using your contract skills on me, alright then lay it on me Morax!” he replied triumphantly, this cheeky little god…
“I request our gathering be in Mondstadt for now, it’s also been so long since I’ve visited your nation. So I am quite curious about the state of it- OOFT”,
“OH MORAX THIS IS SO EXCITING, IT’S BEEN SO LONG SINCE YOU’VE BEEN THERE! AND OH- I KNOW A GREAT PLACE TO DRINK! BUT BEFORE THAT WE SHOULD VISIT THE CITY AND THEN WE SHOULD VISIT CAPE OATH AND THEN-”,
The Geo Archon listened carefully to his words, savoring this embrace given by the small god. Such as cool winds breezing through a mountain, as to remind it that it will never be lonely.
These feelings he has for this wind god grew stronger the more he pushed them away.
_____________
Hiking up Starsnatch cliff, Barbatos smiled at him.
"Wasn't that fun?" he asked, carrying bottles of wine that they had successfully gotten from the city. Their supposed singular bottle of dandelion wine becoming more than four.
"If you think running into the city while there's a festival going, watching you perform for drunkards and having to pay for everything you wanted to get is 'fun' then I don't know what to say" he replied stoically, also carrying a bag of small trinkets he bought there.
"I was going to pay for them too ya know" the small god huffs "Plus you didn't have to do that. I can pay you back if you like, I still have some mora with me-",
"No need, you are fully aware that I can create mora out of thin air, as mora runs through my blood and name derives from it" looking at the bard, before smirking at him "Also, I bet you don't even have 1/4 of the mora to pay for it",
"MORAX THAT'S SO MEAN!!" the wind god cries, softly hitting his arm as the geo archon laughs "Might I say that being a bard is hard work, and it doesn't help that the people think I am a child and refuse to serve me a drink!",
Morax doesn't say anything to that. As he knew the reason as to why the god chose this face to wear, and frowned at the memory of the day Barbatos told him the story.
So, he only stared off into the scattered groups of cecilia around them. Stem green as grass and petals bright as the moon. They were still as beautiful as he remembered.
Once the pair had finally reached the edge of Starsnatch cliff. The moon was fully out and showing its pale skin, stars sparkling as if winking at their presence. And the breeze, cool, and comforting as he remembers.
"FINALLY!" Barbatos sat on the edge before setting down the bottles of wine next to him, stretching his arms up as he felt the winds coming through.
"Morax come and sit! The wind feels great!",
The man sighs, shaking his head with a smile as he sat down next to the bard.
They were quiet at first, but this silence was welcoming. Morax breathes in, letting himself feel the wind breeze through him as if they carried away his worries. Away and leaving him feeling light and at peace. If freedom had a feeling, it would be this.
He heard a cork pop.
Gasp
"Barbatos what are you doing?!",
The bard beside him raised his brow, while he chugged on the bottle of wine.
"Oh don't worry Morax, that's why we have backups! Here's yours" offering him a bottle as well, but pulled it back as he saw Morax's disapproving face.
"How uncivil you are!",
"Pffft it's not like I drank this too Morax don't worry",
"No, I mean we aren't meant to be drinking straight from the bottle. This is an art Barbatos! There is a proper way to consume alcoholic beverages. Not just drinking it like some town drunkard!",
Barbatos stared wide-eyed at him, before bursting out of laughter.
"AHAHAHAHAHA OH GODS- My apologies Morax, I guess I shouldn't drink like this whenever I'm with you" sticking his tongue out as the geo archon had let out a deep sigh "Though the problem is, I didn't bring any cups! So…",
"Nice try Barbatos, I bought a couple here" digging in his small bag of trinkets, Morax got out four pieces of shot glasses. Still in their boxes, yet the design from the display was seen.
"WOAH! You bought the really fancy ones too!" Barbatos picked it up while the other was taking it one-by-one "Heh, it got the four winds as its design. And the quality of the glass isn't too bad",
The geo archon sighs with a smile. Grabbing the opened wine bottle, and poured in two of the shot glasses before giving one to Barbatos, who was still in awe with the design of the cups.
"Here",
"Ah, many thanks Morax" smiling as he raised his glass to him "Cheers to our friendship! Without you and your mora making abilities to handsomely pay for our expenses, I might not be able to afford most of these! Haha!",
"Shameless" Morax huffs, warmth waved through his red cheeks as they both bottom-up their shots. It's too soon for him to be drunk, why is he already feeling so hot?
"Why should I be ashamed when it's with you?" The wind god asked, as he poured another one for himself "You're fun to tease",
"Ridiculous Barbatos",
"Awwww your already blushing red- AHAHAHAHAHA THAT'S SO CUTE!!",
They continued to drink under the star-filled night. The more they drink, the more loose Morax feels around him.
The anemo archon had gotten more affectionate too, getting more comfortable with him. And causing him to be the victim of Barbatos' endless teasing for his heated face.
"AHAHAHA LOOK HOW RED YOU ARE MORAX!" Having the audacity to pinch his cheeks, and laughing near his face.
Regardless of how annoying it gets, having this wind god so close to him. Made his mind fuzzy and chest squeezing. Only being able to let out an annoyed huff as this geo archon pulled him closer in his embrace out of impulse.
Perhaps it's the alcohol that made him like this, or perhaps Morax wasn't thinking straight at the moment and just let it happen.
Of course Barbatos took notice, yet he only gave a soft smile. Cupping the other's cheek as he caressed them, Morax leaned in more into the touch of this small god's palm.
"I like you like this"
"Like what?",
"Relaxed, smiling, and just generally cuter" his laugh was music to his ears "Didn't think you were a cuddler when your intoxicated",
'Only for you' it echoed in his head yet he pushed this thought back down.
Morax stayed quiet as he let himself get drowned in the cool and comforting touch of the anemo archon. Eyes close, as Barbatos continued to run his thumb on his cheek.
Something suddenly got into his hair.
"There, now you looked cuter with a cecilia with you haha!",
Morax himself can't help but smile at this laughing wind god before him. Sensing this warm feeling in his chest that he so wishes to go away, grew stronger. He hopes it's because of too much alcohol he consumed with this god...
Barbatos let go of his hand from him and Morax is already missing it.
Leaning closer to him, Barbatos' head near his shoulders. A perfect height for the wind god to sit and relax his head.
Yet he continues to drink. Focusing more on the wine, instead of his companion next to him that was quietly suffering from this chest pain he's feeling.
Morax stared at his empty glass. Realizing now once all the chatter died down, the floating aroma of this wine made him gag.
"I've realized how much I hated this smell",
"The smell of what?" Anemo Archon asked.
"The smell of this wine, it reeks my nostrils, yet it doesn't taste that bad…",
"Eh, you'll get used to it once you drink enough. Plus, I promised to bring us wine every time I visit so you better get used to it now Morax cause it's not going away!" turning to him just to smile widely, raising his glass as if to cheer.
Morax chuckles, rubbing his thumb over the glass. The wind softly brushing onto the flower in his ear, these feelings growing stronger.
'I hope not…',
More time passes and the wind god had become more comfortable with Morax. Leaning against the geo archon as he took out his lyre. Strumming it lazily as he hummed random tunes.
"My, do you really play like that Barbatos?" He teased.
"Of course not! Morax you wound me!" the small god laughs "As you know I put great effort to entertain my audience! But right now I have no one to play for, so that's why",
Barbatos strummed the strings back and forth, playing a little melody as he smiles.
Morax eyed him, and could feel his stone heart beating faster as he coughed a little.
"Then play for me. If you like, that is",
Barbatos looked back at him, the alcohol already flushing his face in deep red, before giving him a wide smile.
"Why of course! You are my special guest here! So as the host, I will play you a song of your nation-",
"A song from your own is fine" he replied "We are in Mondstadt, it'll be inappropriate to play another nation's song here. And, I do like to hear more of your city's culture and tales",
The geo archon was confused at the other's dumbstruck expression before he laughed.
"My apologies Morax, it's just that… Nevermind, a song from Mondstadt coming right up!",
He wonders what the other wanted to say, yet brushed it off as something not important.
Notes fly as the anemo archon started his story of lovers that seek escape from their two families at war.
Morax leans back, while the small god strums his lyre right beside him. Listening to the bard sing made his body light as a feather, dancing to the winds of the song.
He smiles.
"So, how was it?!" Barbatos asked after he played, eyes bright, and staring at him. This god couldn't help but tease.
"Hmm, I'm no judge to know if you've gotten the song right-"
"Moraaaax…" the wind god fume.
"Ah, but don't you pride yourself with the knowledge of all songs from past, present, and future? Surely you don't need pointless praises from me" he silently laughed at the angry god before him.
"You're mean, I shouldn't have played if you're gonna act like that" separating himself from the geo archon, Barbatos huffs and crosses his arms.
"Oh don't be like that Barbatos, I'm sorry for teasing. You've played beautifully no matter what instrument you choose, whether it be a lyre, a flute, or your own voice. Every song you play is already a blessing to hear and such skill deserves high praise- huh?",
"You mean it?" The wind god was suddenly so close to his face. Eyes, bright and striking towards him. With both his hands on his shoulder.
It was a sudden move, and Morax was taken by surprise. But with no hesitation, he placed his hand on top of Barbatos'.
"Yes, every word. I mean it" he stared back, feeling something going on with his chest as the two gods stayed like that.
"You better" the wind god smiled before leaning back to the geo archon's shoulder "I'll kick you if you lied",
"Feel free to do so" Morax rolled his eyes as he chuckled at that statement.
Slowly, after a few more banter and bottles later. The wind god doze off. His head, that used to occupy Morax's shoulder. Now slipped and rested on his lap. Smiling as if pleased with the spot he had landed.
The geo archon can only gasp silently but looked in awe. His friend was so at peace while he sleeps, that Morax almost doesn't want to move. Yet that won't be possible as the sun was close to rising, and how he should be leaving by now since he still has work to do.
But how can he leave?
Morax just can't leave Barbatos' slumbered body out on the cliff. His body right now is in the most vulnerable state, and someone might take this chance to attack him.
Of course, he knows that this wind god is more than capable of taking care of himself. He is a god of freedom for a reason. Yet it also feels rude to leave him without saying goodbye…
Oh but his work, his adeptus would be waiting for his return, the stack of papers and routine he has to do to check if everything is okay-
But how can he move? Morax could always wake him up, but that also felt rude.
The geo archon stayed still for a few minutes, trying to think of what to do. While looking far off into the distance with pure nothingness in his eyes.
'Oh celestial…' he cursed, buffering as he doesn't know what to do while Barbatos peacefully slumbered away on his lap.
Until finally, an idea came to mind.
Morax looked in the direction of Liyue, then back to Barbatos, then back to Liyue, and then back to Barbatos.
'Forgive me Barbatos for what I'm about to do…' he sighs, before his eyes start to glow gold, and raises both his hands slowly.
The piece of land from where they stayed, separated from the cliff as they started to float away. He made sure to do this without too much sound, not to accidentally wake up the slumbered god.
And now as quick yet slow as possible, they moved back to Liyue. Of course, he had replaced the missing piece of the cliff with another before he left. At least now, Morax can keep this god asleep as he scanned through all his work, hoping nothing goes wrong that needed him to use brute force.
He shakes the thought away. For now, Morax should just focus on keeping this rock afloat and moving towards Liyue. Letting the winds guide him home.
________________
Barbatos isn't really asleep.
He just wanted to tease Morax a bit, and make the geo archon wake him up, or scold him to get off his lap.
Yet that's taking longer than he expected.
But anyways, Barbatos is sure at any moment. Morax will wake him up, be absolutely infuriated that he(Barbatos) slept on a guest, and will give him a scolding of a lifetime while Barbatos will only laugh. That was the plan.
The anemo archon wanted to immediately jump up and say "HAHA I GOT YOU!" when the ground started to shake, taking this as a sign of Morax's slow build of anger. And not wanting to test that after Morax had thrown him an entire mountain that one time-
Yet the shake immediately disappeared.
'Huh, is that it?',
Strange, he knew that was from Morax from the amount of geo energy coming out the ground. Yet it wasn't as strong as he was expecting it to be.
Did Morax just gave up and let him sleep on his lap…?
Nahhh
Impossible, Morax is a refined, headstrong, and easy to tease god if you are Barbatos. And him letting the ground shake a little bit that it isn't enough to feel threatening, that's already out of his character. Where's the dramatic strong quake that'll certainly wake Barbatos up in a few seconds? Where's the deep, scary, and alluring voice of the geo archon showcasing his disappointment to this wind god? Also, why hasn't Morax moved at all for the past few minutes?
It all felt out of character to him (other than him not moving, that seems spot on to his personality but it's different when Barbatos is around) the anemo archon began to think. Is there something wrong? Did someone stop him? Or was he just shy? Ahaha the third one is undoubtedly untrue.
While this was going on, something else came to mind.
Why did the winds feel different?
Compared to the winds in Starsnatch cliff, where it was strong, refreshing, and cool. These winds feel more earthy. A bit weak, carrying a scent of soil in them, and a little hot. Such as a sudden warm breeze you feel on a hot summer day.
It’s identical to the winds of Liyue, scratch that it is the exact replica of it. But that's out of the question. They were in Mondstadt, and it's impossible for them to be in the geo nation. Because if they were, Morax needed to carry him there while Barbatos was still on his lap.
Yet that’s impossible, come on. If Barbatos isn’t pretending to sleep he would have laughed at that thought since this is Morax we’re talking about.
That no fun blockhead who gets annoyed by him so easily, would do the effort of carrying Barbatos' (not so) unconscious body to his nation? That's mental, crazy, absolutely bonkers.
But that still doesn't explain the change of winds, and how he's starting to smell paper, and inks, and… incense?
'Wait a second…',
"My lord, I'm glad you have returned safely from your travels. I- is that the anemo archon?" a familiar voice appeared.
'Holy fuc-',
"My apologies for the delay. And yes, I had to bring him too for… safety reasons" safety reasons? Barbatos wonders what he means by that "Xiao would it be alright if we chat more softly? I don't want our voices disturbing Lord Barbatos' slumber",
'Oh celestial',
Barbatos tries hard not to hide his face in shame, who would have thought the kindness of this geo archon would be this big? Of course, he knew how nice Morax can be but this is too much!
Such an act of generosity the geo god had for him made Barbatos flustered red. Oh, stupid Morax! Why would you go this far for someone like him? His outside made of stone yet hidden under all those bedrock is a heart of gold!
Oh how he feels like he's been abusing this god's kindness!
'If you had work you could've always left me a note!! You don't have to bring me there too!' ,
"O-Of course my lord" Xiao replied, he almost couldn't hear it but he imagined Xiao was on his knee as he bowed low.
"Now that's settled, what do you wish to tell me Xiao?" The anemo archon felt a hand hovered over his head, as if it planned to brush his hair. Yet stopped midway and immediately pulled away "Ah my apologies Barbatos...",
Barbatos felt heat growing to his cheeks more. If he wasn't trying hard to show he's still asleep, he would have buried his face in his arms to muffle out his screams.
'WERE YOU ABOUT TO BRUSH MY HAIR MORAX?? OH CELESTIAL YOU CAN'T JUST ALMOST DO IT AND NOT DO IT AAAAAAAAAAAAA MY POOR HEART, MORAX LOOK AT WHAT YOU'RE DOING TO MY POOR HEART',
He would be rolling around the grass if he wasn't here. Oh how could Morax do this to his feelings?
Who is he kidding, this probably means nothing to Morax but just helping out a friend in need. And Barbatos is just being delusional to the possibility of this god feeling the same things as him.
He shouldn't hope, when there's nothing to hope for. They have nothing in common. Barbatos is with the wind while Morax is growing from the ground.
One has deep-rooted traditions, while the other thrives in unorthodoxy. One is committed and the other is free-spirited.
One is Morax who deserves to be with someone who shares the same values as him, and not be with this unreliable, sleeping, drunk god.
But oh well, at least Barbatos can still mess around with him...
As he calmed down these strong feelings inside, he continued to listen to the geo archon and his yaksha's conversation. Which were the usual reports on his battles with the remnants of the defeated gods.
Listening to how detailed Xiao explained his hard battles with these beings made his heart sullen. He could imagine the amount of bad karma Xiao carries in his heart that tortures him every day.
How he wishes to just take them all and blow them away to the winds. Yet all Barbatos could do was to play the flute to relieve a fraction of his pain.
"If I may ask my lord… my apologies if this is too direct",
"You're free to do so, do not worry Xiao",
"Ah, thank you my lord. But, is Lord Barbatos hurt?",
The geo archon immediately replied.
"Oh dear no, he isn't",
"Then is there something wrong? If so, I can always assist you two with whatever you need",
"It's nothing like that, me and the anemo archon had a few too many drinks and he went to sleep to recover. I didn't want to left him all alone, so I brought him with me" gahhh your too nice Morax Barbatos sighs dreamily "It felt rude, and… well it might feel a little silly but I rather wait for him to wake up rather than doing it myself",
'You shouldn't be needed to do so Morax, I have troubled you long enough now,
Yet he could still feel this heart of his beating fast, yes kindness is nothing new to them but not this much. He imagined what Morax looked like as he said that. Just to hurt himself more with these emotions.
Picturing a small smile, with his golden eyes that used to look at him with displeasure and annoyance now seems soft as he stared below to his figure.
Celestial why do you torture this bard with such strong emotions? He already cannot let himself fall for this god. Much less letting himself indulge in this once-in-a-blue-moon experience of being this close for this long.
For now, Barbatos decides to push these feelings away, paying no mind to how his heart ached. All he can do now is stay still, posing himself as a slumbered god on the geo archon’s lap that doesn’t know what’s happening or will ever remember it.
“That is all my lord” Xiao spoke in such a calm tone describing all these gruesome events happening in his battles. Barbatos could feel Morax’s pain for his suffering
“Good work as always Xiao. I am always pleased to see you every time you visit. But please take these”,
“Medicine?”,
“It is not much, but it is something to ease the pain away”,
“I-” Barbatos could imagine how lost of words he is, embarrassed? Shy? Maybe both “Thank you my lord, I will take my leave now”,
Nothing more came, as he heard footsteps walking out and fading into the distance. Barbatos decides it’s his time to expose the truth.
Turning his head right side up, Barbatos opens his eyes to find the diligent Morax writing on his scrolls. Now stopping as he found this wind god wide awake.
“Oh, you're awake”,
“Why didn’t you wake me up?" He immediately said "I already know how busy you can be, I do not mind if you had left all the sudden ya know”,
Morax hesitated, but leaned back. Giving space for the anemo archon to rise up and face him on the floating rock they’re on.
Barbatos noticed how the cecilia he placed in Morax's ear was still there. Causing the ache in his chest to return.
Why did you keep that in? Feeling a little embarrassed now that he remembered that he talked to Xiao with that flower sitting neatly as it was before on his ear.
“My apologies, I had let my worries get the best of me. I feared for your safety if I had just left you out on the open”,
“Well you shouldn't be worried about that, I have slept in trees and bar counters for decades yet no harm has done to me”,
This is the truth, Barbatos had remembered a time where he accidentally slept on the floor of a bar because of how lazy(and intoxicated) he was to find a cozy branch. Morax should have already known this, this is old news to the rest of the archons.
Yet why does Morax stare at him with furrowed eyebrows like this was the first time he told him that.
“Barbatos, you can always sleep here if you like. I can ask one of my adepti to give you a room-”,
"Ah, no need Morax! I have troubled you enough for the day" Truly, the geo archon's kindness is limitless! He cannot fathom what is too much for this god's standard!
"Nonsense, I am pleased to help a friend",
Barbatos stared at him, touched by these words as he smiled a little. After all these years of knowing Morax, it still surprised him how kind-hearted and sweet he is. Truly I say to you, no archon he had met is this patient and nice with him.
Barbatos sighs, what am I gonna do with you?
"Well, this friend thank you for your kindness" bowing to him "But he must take his leave now" Dropping down from the floating piece of land, Barbatos turned and stretched out his hand for the other to take “How about we get you a proper seat? You must be aching after sitting there for hours”,
And Morax gladly took it, looking at the anemo archon with fondness as he did so. Their hands felt like two puzzle pieces fitting for one another, Barbatos should quit this wishful thinking he has. Shaking his head slightly, and watched as the geo archon slid down the rock with grace and elegance.
“You underestimate me Barbatos, this is but nothing to me” Morax replied back, waving one hand to make the floating land behind him disappear out of sight. Specks of geo essences fly around the area like fireflies before fading away.
“Hehe I dare not underestimate you, Morax” smiling at him, Barbatos noticed how they were still holding hands and quickly pulled away you must control your feelings Barbatos “Well I will take my leave now Morax, or if you like. You could also escort me back to Mondstadt?”,
Damn it-
“As much as I love our walks, I must sadly decline. I have much work to catch up on”,
His heart aches a bit from the rejection, yet fully understands. Barbatos shouldn’t have tried after troubling Morax from his shenanigans.
“Ah, that’s fine, Though I have to apologize again for holding you back from work”,
“Like I said Barbatos, it’s nothing”,
_______________
“It’s nothing? Well, it isn’t nothing to me! I wasn't even sleeping!” Barbatos huffs, arms crossed, making his way home by foot. Not in the mood to spread his wings, and would rather take the long route to have some peace and quiet for himself, also to speak his thoughts out loud.
It was already near sunset in Liyue. The orange hues of the sky kept him company, their warm presence felt comforting.
“Ugh, I should’ve told him the truth. It feels rude that he went through all that trouble just for me to sleep safely. And I just had to ruin it with not actually sleeping in the first place! Sigghh what is wrong with me?" burying his head in his palms as he walks, reminiscing his failed prank just to torture himself again in guilt "Why did I even do that? It wasn't even funny, at least use a better joke Barbatos",
"Your jokes can be strange, I do not understand most of them sometimes" a sudden voice commented, Barbatos immediately turned, and as he expected it was the yaksha. A bit bloodied in battle, yet still the same as ever.
"Hello Xiao! Nice to see you again after all these years" smiling at the warrior, Barbatos noticed the slight flush of heat coming into the yaksha's cheeks.
The man did a low bow, still polite and respectful to their difference in position.
"Lord Barbatos, it is nice to see you again",
"How long have you been listening to my mindless ranting?" feeling a little worried that one of the geo archon's yakshas heard him.
"I dare not meddle with the affairs of the archons… it is also disrespectful of me to eavesdrop on you" Barbatos softens at how Xiao looked away from him.
"Oh, then are you perhaps watching me?" He joked, giggling at the feared reaction the other had generated.
"Absolutely not Lord Barbatos! I- I was just passing by- until I saw you by yourself and-",
"Ah, so you were about to follow me!",
"NO- I- IT ISN'T LIKE THAT I-",
"AHAHAHAHA! DON'T WORRY TOO MUCH XIAO I WAS JUST KIDDING!" Barbatos howled in laughter, patting both his hands over the other man's shoulders "My apologies for giving you a fright though",
Xiao can only scrunch up his face and look away from his gaze. His body leaned in more to his, yet backed it away seconds later.
"Do not make such jokes with me",
"Of course" Barbatos softly smiled, and took a good look at this man. Noticing the open wounds and injuries Xiao had on his body made him frown. Were these old or new ones?
"Ah look at you Xiao, you should take care of yourself more”,
Xiao stared down below him, biting his lip.
“Evil doesn’t rest”,
“Yes, but you aren’t like them. You aren’t evil so why talk like you are the same as them” taking his hand, Barbatos leads him to two big stones. And Xiao just let him, the wind god got him to sit down on one of those stones.
Barbatos pulled out his flute out of thin air.
“Now let’s fix you up shall we?”,
The yaksha stayed quiet, maybe he didn't know what to say or had nothing more to say. Yet he flinched once Barbatos started playing.
Melodies weaved themselves in the air, dancing to the mist of the winds of Liyue as to soothe this injured yaksha. Xiao sighs, finally letting himself relax and succumbing to the song. As these wounds and bruises he once had, disappeared slowly.
The wind god smiled, seeing his friend be at peace even though it’ll be just until the song ends. He thinks it’s better than nothing.
"Still feeling any pain anywhere else?" Barbatos asked after he finished the song, sitting on the other stone.
"...None" he heard him muttering, though Barbatos could feel that he wanted to say more. But only silence was met with the pair.
That is until a small bouquet of qingxin was held near this anemo archon.
"Xiao-!",
"Please, take it. This is a small gift for all the times you have helped me" Xiao avoided his gaze. Clearly embarrassed by how red his face was "I apologize for not getting you something better than this",
"Oh Xiao…" and who is Barbatos to deny such a gift from him? Xiao must've worked hard to gather these, all fresh too "These are beautiful Xiao, thank you",
Barbatos smiles, wanting to let him know that his efforts are noticed and seen. Truthfully, he just wants Xiao to know that everything he does will always be seen with pride by his god and his friends.
"Thank you… and if I may be so forward with you Lord Barbatos" he finally spoke. These golden eyes, where Barbatos always saw pain, apathy, and devotion. Found something else among them "I wish to tell you something that is perhaps presumptuous of me to say",
Barbatos got a little worried.
"Ahaha don't be Xiao, you are a good friend to me after all!" he forced out, drops of anxieties rising within him. Already seeing where this is going.
Of course, he knew what Xiao's true feelings were. It was clear as day, this wind god could already see it in his eyes since the day they met. But, Barbatos wouldn't voice these thoughts. Deciding to stay quiet as he valued their close bond.
"I'm happy you think so kindly of me, Lord Barbatos…" Xiao's expression softened, going quiet as he bowed his head. Staring at the bouquet of qingxin in the anemo archons' hands.
Barbatos leaned forward a bit, worried for him.
"...Xiao?",
"Lord Barbatos, you shouldn't be afraid to tell your true feelings to Rex Lapis",
The air in his lungs was taken away.
"Eh?! Xiao what are you talking about?",
"I can see it, the way you look at my lord with eyes filled with much love and desire" Xiao straightened his back, eyes closed with his relaxed expression.
The wind god felt all the heat of the world coming into his face. Shaken up and frozen as he couldn't move from his spot.
"Ahaha Xiao, I look at everyone like that! You must be misunderstanding!",
Xiao's eyes shot up.
"No, it's different when it's him. You looked at him yearning for something more. I cannot force you to tell him right now about how you feel Lord Barbatos, it isn't my place" He hesitated, but continued on "Yet you cannot deny these emotions you have. Rest assured Lord Barbatos, you will be surprised once you tell him your true feelings",
The anemo archon was still processing everything he said, how did Xiao knew that he harbored such a silly crush for his archon? And how long? Was Barbatos THAT obvious with his feelings? Oh celestial, this is humiliating. He would rather the ground swallow him whole.
"Guess I wasn't that slick in hiding it huh?" Barbatos let out an embarrassed chuckled.
"No you weren't Lord Barbatos, it was as clear as day that even the majority of the adepti knew",
"THE OTHER ADEPTI KNEW??" if they knew, then it's more likely Morax knew. Oh gods- that's it. Barbatos will not visit Liyue ever again. Perhaps he should start visiting the other nations more, maybe pull pranks on the tsaritsa, or go drinking with the hydro archon. Or just explore more around Sumeru, but that's next to the Chasm and there's still a chance that Barbatos might see him so now that's off-limits too-
"Yes, but if you worry that my lord would know. He doesn't",
"How does he not know? Don't you guys tell him?",
"No, we do not pry on Rex Lapis' personal life",
"Even so, do you think he knows?" Barbatos scooched closer as he whispered.
"I don't think so" Xiao replied, shaking his head "So please do not think that your confession will be fruitless and disappointing"
"You make it sound like this is easy…" the wind god frowned "With how many years we've spent, though not that long. I have cherished it close to my heart. Guess I'm just afraid it will change our relationship into something sour",
"I- my apologies, if I have worded it like that. But I know how difficult it can be to tell a close friend that you crave for something more",
Barbatos went quiet.
"What happens if the worse has come?",
"Rex Lapis is a benevolent and caring god. He wouldn't let this get in the way of the bond you two have, you know this well" Xiao stared forward to the field "Yet, if it did happen. I will profoundly apologize, and be willing to bear the punishment of my actions",
Barbatos lightly smacked him on the shoulder.
"Xiao no! You will not bear such a thing! An apology will be enough for me" he huffs yet his expression softens "But, you are right. I, I do have to accept these feelings whether I like it or not",
He stared down at the bouquet, thinking about it more, Xiao does have a point. He cannot repress it anymore. Barbatos can no longer ignore the truth that he was deeply in love with Morax.
"I'm pleased to hear that Lord Barbatos" he nodded, now standing up and giving a bow, shaking a little "Thank you for giving me a chance to speak about this. I must apologize now that I have to take my leave now, there are still duties to fulfill and-",
Barbatos hugged him.
"You did well Xiao, and I'm so proud. You are so strong, and I wish you nothing but the best. I hope you know that I'll try to be there as much as I can for you" and he means every last word.
Xiao was hesitant to hug back, but finally did. Clutching onto Barbatos as if he never had experienced this kind of touch before. It saddens him, he hoped this would leave him at least with nice memories.
The yaksha pulled back, his mask already on to hide himself.
"If you need of anything, call out my name",
Barbatos smiled at that.
"Of course" waving before the adeptus disappeared.
_____
Few days had gone by, as it was now late at night.
Morax scanned the scrolls over him, brush in hand as he wrote in each of them with precision. With a critical eye on every stroke he made.
'The people in Liyue Harbor are doing good for now. No major disaster had happened yet. All the monsters are still sealed inside their cage. Everything seems fine as of now, that's good' he sighed in relief.
Dimly lit except from the excellently-craved lantern he had on his desk, and the moon which had been peeking out from his opened window. The night was especially breezy and it reminded him of a certain someone he couldn’t stop thinking of...
A gust of cool wind blew past him.
Morax snapped his head to the side and saw him.
“Hope I didn’t interrupt anything” his figure sitting on the ledge of the window, wine in hand, and in his archon form. His wings wide and soft, Morax wishes to touch them, but he quickly shakes these thoughts away. Barbatos giggled, and shook the bottle forward “As stated in the contract, I brought wine”,
Morax couldn’t hide his smile as he stood from his chair.
‘Finally’ he said to himself as he sent Barbatos a stare.
“Good evening to you too, Lord Barbatos. And good timing, I needed a break from work” he replied nonchalantly, hiding his joy of seeing him again so soon. As he motioned the god to take a seat “Please excuse the mess. I’ve just finished reviewing the usual”,
“Ahh, even the mighty Rex Lapis get stressed over paperwork” the wind god laughed, no matter how long or short their meetings are. The sound of his voice still makes this geo lord's heart curl.
He can only huff, waving his arm to make the pile of scrolls disappear.
"Quite the opposite actually, there wasn't much trouble happening. So I decided to pause for the night",
"You? Stopping yourself from working? Goodness me, are you really Morax?",
Snapping his finger, and two porcelain cups appeared before the geo lord. Painted with small, but detailed imagery of his dragon form watching over Liyue. The cups landed softly on the table.
"You have underestimated my abilities to rest, Barbatos" huffing as he took the wine bottle and poured in the two cups.
"Well, your idea of resting is shopping around Liyue Harbor for the finest antiques and crafts!" Barbatos throws, bowing his head a little in thanks and gulping in the entire content.
"You already know I cannot help but to purchase fine craftsmanship at its original price. The artist had clearly given it passion and love! And it must be known that someone, other than themselves, sees that! And- is something the matter Barbatos?",
The wind god suddenly had his eyes widened and stared at him. Not directly at him, but something on his head-
"You're still wearing that",
"Wearing what?",
Barbatos stood from his seat, leaning forward and on his tiptoe to caress something in his hair. And Morax immediately knew what it was.
"This" it was the cecilia flower Barbatos had place in his ear many days ago. Now crinkled, and perhaps turning brown as it wilts away.
Not only from that, but the brief moment his face was so close to Barbatos. He too, thought he was wilting away.
"Oh- how did that get there-" he blurted out, not knowing how to respond.
"I'm hurt, you didn't remember our time together?" Barbatos pouted but then start chuckling "Well I won't blame you, I did make things difficult for you",
"You weren't difficult Barbatos, I chose to bring you here",
"Well, you shouldn't have exerted much effort for little old me" Barbatos laughed, and it honestly hurt Morax a little "Don't want the strong Rex Lapis wasting his energy on me",
He didn't know what came over him, but Morax reached over to hold Barbatos' hand as if it was the most fragile thing in the world.
"Morax? What are you doing-",
"Barbatos, you are very dear to me. And it pains me to hear that you see yourself so little whenever I'm near" Morax leaned down to kiss his fingertips "I would gladly help you the best I can, don't ever think you are a burden to me. You are so much more than that",
He noticed how Barbatos had his head down, was this too much? Did he accidentally made him uncomfortable?
"How can I not?" Barbatos voice, raising his head to give Morax a sadden smile "You deserve someone who is your equal. Someone who will always be by your side",
"Yet my heart chose you" he blurted out, and Barbatos freezes. Oh no.
"Morax don't say stuff like that, I might misunderstand",
He cannot go back now, he might as well accept this fate.
"Misunderstand what? That I cherish our friendship? I do not tell lies, you are special to me",
"Don't do that, come on" Barbatos turned red, perhaps this is too much. The pain in his chest returns as Morax held his hand tight "You know what I mean",
"I dare not think of what it may imply" because it is impossible.
"I cannot keep this up you know?" Barbatos hid his face "It is already hard enough Morax",
"What's hard enough? Tell me, please",
"I don't want to say, or else it will ruin the bond we already have" Morax saw droplets of tears, and immediately leaned over to wipe them away, but Barbatos moved his head, refusing his touch. He finally got what he meant.
"Barbatos, I apologize for the discomfort I have created for you" He pulled back as he let go of his hand "I didn't think I was that evident on my feelings for you, but I must take the responsibility for that",
"Huh??",
Moras sighs, how could he be so blind? The pain grew as it spread throughout his chest the more he realized it. Barbatos knew, he knew his true feelings but decided not to tell him in fear of their friendship ruining.
"Just because I am in love with you, it does not mean you should feel obligated to put up with me and- OOF" a body was thrown at him, sending him to the floor as the table was flipped over in the process. Sounds of cups breaking and the bottle breaking can be heard, but how can he focus on such trivial matters when Barbatos was on top of him with those emerald eyes sparkling like the rarest of ores and filled with tears that would smite him down?
"You're-You're in love with me?" His wings were spread wide, as if they were in shock too. But Morax can't help but be enchanted by them, by him.
Words became harder to form as the air from his lung got sucked out.
"Who wouldn't?" he finally said, a single tear ran down his cheek "You are as free-spirited as they say, and do whatever you please with no restraint. You write poems and sing ballads, and be there to help the people you love",
"Morax… you blockhead..." he leans down until their foreheads touch, Morax watched carefully as they were so so close to one another "I too, feel the same",
Dear celestial- Morax couldn't help but finally pulled him into his arms.
A gust of wind hurled into his chest, as Morax heard the other holding breath. Barbatos' wings were closing in on them as if to hug him back.
"Why?" he sobbed, yet he also laughed, something in his chest burst into life like a flower finally blooming to beauty "Why didn't you told me sooner?",
"How could I?" Barbatos raised his head, teary-eyed and chuckling "You're you, and I'm me. I couldn't see the two of us together. I wouldn't even dare think of the possibility you were in love with me!",
"So I wasn't being obvious with my feelings!",
Barbatos burst into laughter.
"Oh Morax, just let me kiss you right now",
_____________
"By that night, the winds became one with earth, no matter how different they are. They have loved and will forever be in love. The end",
"Wow, Paimon didn't expect they would abruptly end it like that",
"Yeah well, maybe the author doesn't know what to write next" Aether sighs, putting away the scroll he had been reading to the rest of the pile.
They were at Sumeru's largest library, in search of more answers.
"Still, it was an interesting take on the anemo and geo archon's relationship. Though Paimon doubts that's what actually happened" the small pixie sighs, continuing their search for more information about the archons and the history to teyvat.
But most texts here were either just myths created by the people, or already known knowledge that they have from previous libraries.
"I'm hurt traveller. I think it was a wonderfully written work of fiction" Venti giggled, as he returned with a handful of scrolls that were on the brink of falling out of his arms.
"I agree, though the author made a mistake with the part where they made the anemo archon initiate the kiss first" Zhongli followed up behind him. Also carrying a pile of neatly stacked books with him.
"Huh? What do you mean?? I'm sure that the anemo archon did it first since the geo archon was too in shock to make the first move" the bard argued, huffing at the man.
"No, I am most certain that it was Rex Lapis who had kissed him first",
"Aya, Zhongli. The anemo archon wouldn't wait much longer if he found out that the geo archon was in love with him too" Venti pouts, but starts smiling as Zhongli leaned down to kiss him.
"You're insufferable" he replied with a small smile.
"And yet your still here with me hehe",
"Jeez, can you two get a room? We're here to research, not flirt around!" Paimon huffed, and Aether can only smile.