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The first time Pantalone realized the pair of red-colored eyes were watching him from afar was when a Snezhnaya nobleman invited him for a walk in the conservatory of Zapolyarny Palace. An old nobleman with his sly business of trying to lick Pantalone's boots with lies and sedition. A business in the new era held by the ninth Harbinger, the nobleman said.
The Snezhnaya nobleman led Pantalone through the grand halls of the palace, adorned with glittering chandeliers and marble statues of past rulers. As they entered the conservatory, the nobleman continued his persuasive spiel about the benefits of their alliance. But Pantalone's attention was caught by a pair of glowing red eyes in the shadows.
Pantalone tried to ignore the unsettling feeling that crept up his spine as he continued to nod along to the nobleman's words. However, his eyes kept darting towards the glowing red eyes that seemed to follow their every move. He couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched.
The conservatory had thick, transparent glass walls that offered an unobstructed view of the exotic flora that was collected from every corner of Teyvat. The temperature inside was carefully controlled to match the warm, tropical climate of Liyue. As he stepped inside, he was hit with a wave of moist, fragrant air that made him feel like he was in a different world.
He couldn't help but admire the beauty of the plants and flowers, from the delicate cherry blossoms of Inazuma to the majestic ferns of the Dragonspine region. He was aware that the device used to regulate the temperature was made by Dottore at the request of Her Majesty Tsaritsa, which only added to his admiration for the doctor's skills.
Of all the plants that grew in the conservatory, Pantalone was most drawn to the crimson flowers that seemed to glow in the dim light. The nobleman, seeing his interest, boasted that those flowers were brought from Snezhnaya and were extremely rare. "They only bloom once every few years, and only for a short period," he said with a sly smile.
Pantalone, however, was not convinced of the nobleman's words, as he could sense the underlying deceit in his tone. He made a mental note to ask Dottore about these flowers later, as he trusted the doctor's knowledge more than that of any Snezhnayan nobleman.
"Ahh, I see," Pantalone said with a forced smile, speaking as quickly as possible. He knew from the start that this meeting was going to be a waste of time and, as Dottore had predicted, useless. However, since this nobleman was a regular borrower from Northland Bank, Pantalone knew that he couldn't afford to treat him carelessly. After all, this was the same person who had been squeezed by the Regrator at every turn, even if he had only taken a Mora from his wallet.
After the nobleman left, Pantalone's gaze drifted towards the hallway leading to the left wing of the palace where Dottore's lab was located. He searched for any sign of the second Harbinger, but found the hallway empty except for a Sumeru rose petal left behind by Dottore.
Pantalone couldn't help but feel a chill run down his spine as he realized how Dottore seemed to appear and disappear like a phantom, despite their long-standing partnership. The thought made him uneasy, but he quickly shook it off and made his way out of the conservatory.
After all, he is more trusted the doctor's who changed the water in his favorite flower vase every morning.
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The first time Pantalone realized that Dottore was more than just his business partner was on the last day of June. He was sitting in his office, surrounded by a stack of files that needed to be signed that day, while his assistants bustled in and out of the room to deliver his orders.
Today, Pantalone realized he had been working nonstop for two days straight, with the exception of brief intervals for eating and showering. While he was willing to forego sleep to complete the necessary state documents, he knew that taking care of his physical health was also important. Unlike Dottore, who could go without eating or bathing for a whole week, Pantalone recognized the importance of hygiene and self-care in maintaining his well-being.
"Lord Harbinger, a letter has arrived from Lord Dottore," announced Oresh, Pantalone's skilled and dexterous assistant who had been recently transferred from the Sumeru Desert due to his previous involvement with Dottore. Oresh was known for his ability to efficiently handle internal affairs and his tight-lipped nature also made him an enigma to many. "Lord Dottore also requested permission to visit tonight."
"Requesting permission?" Pantalone repeated with a puzzled expression, as he read the contents of the letter from Dottore. He raised an eyebrow and looked at his assistant with a questioning gaze. Oresh shook his head slowly and apologized for not being privy to the internal affairs between the second and ninth Harbingers.
That also applied to Pantalone, who was unaware of the doctor's intentions this time. The end of the month was supposed to be the day the Harbingers completed their tasks, so Pierro wouldn't complain on the first day of the following month. Dottore should have been busy with his experiments, just like Pantalone with his state affairs. But the doctor was so casual as to send a letter requesting to meet Pantalone in his private chamber. It was indeed peculiar.
Pantalone retrieved a piece of paper from his desk drawer and quickly jotted down a few sentences. He then folded the paper neatly and placed it inside an envelope, making sure to spritz some of his signature perfume on it before sealing it shut. He knew that Dottore would not have received the letter without the familiar scent that only he could provide.
"Give my reply to the doctor," he instructed Oresh before the assistant departed. "Tell him not to bring his peculiar things to my quarters later."
After the assistant left, Pantalone rubbed his forehead, which was now throbbing from the lack of sleep. He couldn't help but think about Dottore and what he might bring with him to their meeting tonight.
Pantalone appreciated Oresh's loyalty and obedience, as he needed someone he could trust to keep his secret trysts with Dottore hidden. He couldn't count how many times his foolish assistant had disappeared, only to end up on Dottore's surgical table. While the doctor was usually unfazed by rumors surrounding their partnership, he had become increasingly sensitive to gossip as of late.
When the wall clock struck 9pm, Pantalone excused himself from his office and headed back to his resting place. His private chamber is not so far from his office. But when he approached his chamber, he noticed the soft glow of a lamp illuminating the room.
He pushed the door open to find Dottore, his partner, already lying on his bed in peaceful slumber. Pantalone was surprised to see him sleeping so peacefully, without his mask, without any sign of his usual restlessness and eagerness to conduct any heresy experiments. He couldn't help but feel a pang of envy at the sight of Dottore's serene expression, knowing that he himself would likely spend another sleepless night worrying about his various business ventures.
Pantalone let out an exasperated sigh, wondering if he should just leave Dottore be and let him sleep. But then he remembered the reason why he came to see him in the first place. With a gentle shake of the doctor's shoulder, Pantalone tried again. "Dottore, wake up. We need to talk."
Dottore stirred slightly, mumbling something unintelligible before opening his eyes with a groan. "Sleep, Lone."
"I can't. Didn't you come to my Chamber because you need something from me?"
As the night wore on, Dottore watched his partner's face grow increasingly weary. The stress of their work as Harbingers had taken its toll and Pantalone's eyes were beginning to droop. Dottore patted the empty space on the bed next to him, inviting Pantalone to sit down and take a break.
"Do you want me to sleep with you?" Pantalone asked.
Dottore shrugged. "It's not the first time for us, anyway. It's already late, and I can see you're about to pass out. If you don't rest, you'll get sick. Now, sit beside me. It's the doctor's order."
Pantalone pouted, not knowing how to react to Dottore's words. But he reluctantly sat beside Dottore and rested for a while. The two of them sat together in silence for a while, enjoying each other's company and the peace of the moment.
Eventually, Pantalone laid down and Dottore pulled Pantalone gently towards him, embracing him in a tight hug. Pantalone relaxed into the embrace and resting his face on Dottore's chest, feeling grateful for the comfort that Dottore provided.
"You know, sometimes I wonder if you're a doctor or a nanny," Pantalone teased, finally relaxing against him.
Dottore chuckled softly, his hand gently rubbing Pantalone's back. "I'm whatever you need me to be."
The room was quiet, the only sound was the sound of their breathing and the occasional creaking of the bed. Pantalone felt himself slowly drifting off to sleep, feeling comforted by the warmth of Dottore's body next to him.
Pantalone and Dottore settled into their comfortable positions on the bed, with Pantalone's head resting on Dottore's chest. The room was filled with a serene stillness, and the only sound that could be heard was the slow, rhythmic sound of their breathing.
It was almost as if the world outside had ceased to exist, and all that mattered in that moment was the warmth of their bodies and the gentle rise and fall of their chests as they breathed in unison. The soft glow of the moon shone through the window, casting a tranquil aura over the room as they drifted off into a peaceful slumber.
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The first time Pantalone realized that Dottore was always listening to his ramblings about his business was when Dottore came again to his office unannounced. Well... As usual, the doctor would ask for an extra Mora for the umpteenth experiment. But this time, Dottore brought a box of cupcakes that he 'said' he bought from Fontaine along with a small pot of tea from Liyue.
"Ah, Dottore, what brings you here today?" Pantalone asked, trying to hide his annoyance at the unexpected interruption.
Dottore's grin widened as he pulled out a box of cupcakes and a small pot of tea. "I also brought you a little something. I picked up these cupcakes from Fontaine and this tea from Liyue. Thought you might like to try them."
Pantalone raised an eyebrow in surprise. Dottore had never been one for pleasantries or small talk and usually only came to Pantalone for extra mora. He was always so focused on his experiments and research that he barely had time for anything else. Yet here he was, offering Pantalone cupcakes and tea.
"Oh why, thank you," Pantalone said, feeling a bit touched by the gesture.
Pantalone pushed his chair away from his desk and walked over to the couch where Dottore had set up a plate for the cupcake and a spot for Pantalone's portable tea pot, which he retrieved from an antique cabinet nearby. As he settled onto the soft cushions, he couldn't help but admire the cozy atmosphere that Dottore had created. The subtle aroma of fragrant tea wafted through the air making him relaxed.
Dottore approached with the plate in one hand and a glass of tea in the other. Pantalone noticed the care with which Dottore had prepared the tea, brewed exactly to Pantalone's liking─as he had taught Dottore in the past. As he took a bite of the rich, chocolate-flavored cupcake, Pantalone closed his eyes in appreciation. The frosting was rich and creamy, and the cake was moist and flavorful. It was clear that Dottore had gone to great lengths to make this a special moment for him.
Finally, Pantalone opened his eyes and turned to Dottore. "Thank you," he said, sincerity lacing his words. "This was a nice surprise."
Dottore's smile widened. "Anything for you," he replied and Pantalone knew that he meant it.
The banker observed the light breaking through the curtains, bathing the room in a warm glow. He sat in silence for a moment, taking a sip of his tea while observing the snow through the window. He turned his head to Dottore, who was still smiling. It was strange for Pantalone to see Dottore smiling so genuinely. The man he knew was usually expressionless or grinning like a madman, not like this sweet and caring person.
Pantalone cleared his throat and asked, "Did you eat something weird or get poisoned, or do you want a raise in your funds?" His confusion was palpable and he could feel his heart beating faster as he awaited Dottore's response.
Dottore chuckled lightly, and Pantalone's heart skipped a beat. The doctor's laughter was a rare sound, and it only added to Pantalone's confusion. "No, nothing like that," Dottore replied, still smiling. "I just wanted to do something nice for you. Is that so strange?"
'It is! I thought the world is crumbling or something!'
Pantalone was taken aback by Dottore's words. He had always known the doctor to be manipulative and cunning, but this act of kindness was a side he had never seen before. He felt a strange warmth in his chest as he looked at Dottore, who seemed genuinely happy to see him.
"I'm sorry for my disrespectful conclusion over your actions today," Pantalone said, his voice slightly shaky. He looked down at his hands, feeling a wave of embarrassment wash over him. "I just... I didn't understand what you were doing and I was frustrated. But that's no excuse for the way I spoke to you."
Dottore remained silent for a moment, and Pantalone wondered if he had made things worse. But then the doctor spoke up, his voice gentle. "It's alright, Pantalone. I understand how you feel. And I'm sorry if I didn't explain myself properly."
Pantalone looked up at Dottore, surprised by the doctor's kindness. He had never seen this side of Dottore before, and he felt his heart swell with warmth. He didn't know how to describe this feeling or this sudden closeness between them. They had always been partners in contract and business, but now it felt like something more. Pantalone was flustered just thinking about how kind the doctor had been to him lately.
"But I won't refuse a raise in my funds if you offered it to me," Dottore removed his mask, revealing his flushed face and red eyes. Pantalone couldn't help but feel a little flustered himself at the sight. And for the first time, Pantalone felt a sense of more than camaraderie with the doctor.
"... You're joking, right?" Pantalone tried to lighten the mood, breaking the awkward silence between them.
Dottore's face turned serious, and he leaned in closer to Pantalone. "Hey, say that one more time. Didn't you see my sincerity on my face?" he said, with a slight chuckle in his voice.
Pantalone couldn't help but let out a small laugh. "Alright, alright. I believe you."
The rest of the day was spent in lighthearted conversation, with Dottore eagerly amusing Pantalone with stories of his Akademiya's days, something he had never shared with anyone else before. Pantalone, in turn, talked about the stocks he had invested in and his predictions for their future.
The banker found himself thoroughly enjoying the company of the usually stoic doctor, who was now opening up to him in ways he never thought possible.
As the sun began to set, the two retired to Pantalone's chamber, still lost in conversation. Pantalone couldn't help but notice the way Dottore's hand lingered in his as they walked, a warm feeling spreading through his chest. When they arrived, Dottore lit a few candles and set them around the room, casting a soft, flickering light.
Without hesitation, Dottore pulled Pantalone into his arms and they lay down on the bed together, wrapped up in each other's embrace. They talked softly for a while, their voices low and intimate, before slowly drifting off to sleep, safe and secure in each other's arms. Pantalone felt content, finally realizing that he had found more than just a business partner in Dottore.
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Pantalone realized he had feelings for the doctor on New Year's Eve, during Zapolyarny palace's annual celebration. It was a rare occasion when important figures from across the nation gathered, and the festivities were in full swing.
As the sun set and the lights came on, casting a glow over the path to the secret garden behind the palace. He had never been one for attending parties where his presence wasn't strictly necessary and since he had grown closer to the doctor, he found himself shunned by some of the nobles who approached him with malicious intentions.
Pantalone sat on a bench overlooking the city below, the twinkling lights of the houses below capturing his attention. He was so lost in thought that he didn't hear the doctor approach him from behind, carrying two glasses of wine.
Dottore sat down next to him and the two of them watched as fireworks lit up the sky above. "If anyone seeing you here with me, your reputation will--"
"Surely," Pantalone continued. "They would prefer my money to my presence," he chuckled, taking another sip of wine. "Besides, I find the view from here much more appealing than the fake pleasantries of the party-goers," he turned to look at the doctor, admiring the way the moonlight shone on his mask. "Speaking of private time, I'm glad you could join me here tonight."
"And why do you care about my reputation?" Pantalone asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Because I care about you..." Dottore started to say before coughing and correcting himself. "I mean, I care about your image in society."
"You are a bad liar," Pantalone's lips curved into a gentle smile, amusement evident in his eyes. His cheeks, however, betrayed him, flushing a deep shade of red, not just from the chilly winter air, but from a warmth that had spread from his heart throughout his entire being, causing him to blush in the presence of the doctor.
Despite the coldness of the night, Pantalone felt a sense of comfort being with Dottore, which made him feel vulnerable yet safe at the same time.
"... Lone, I am a bad man--"
"And do you think I'm not? The rest of us?"
"I mean it. You know how I conducting my experiments. It's cruel than anyone else in this world, perhaps."
Pantalone raised his eyebrows, intrigued by Dottore's sudden confession. "Is that why you think you're a bad man?" he asked.
Dottore nodded, looking down at his wine glass on his hand. "Yes. And also... because of what we do. People would never understand about us. They would see it as a perversion, a sin. And they wouldn't be entirely wrong," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Pantalone took a step closer to Dottore, reaching out to touch his arm. "I don't see it that way," he said softly. "What we have... it may not be conventional, but it's real. And it's beautiful in its own way. Don't let society's narrow-mindedness make you feel like a bad man."
Pantalone took another sip of wine and leaned back on the bench, enjoying the momentary peace and quiet. As the two of them sat side by side, mesmerized by the colorful display, they watched as each firework illuminated the dark sky above, leaving a trail of sparkling dust in its wake. The loud booms and crackles of the explosions were music to their ears.
"It's beautiful," Pantalone said, breaking the silence.
Dottore nodded in agreement, as he took off his mask. "Yes, it is. It's almost as beautiful as you."
Pantalone turned his head to look at Dottore, surprised by his words. He saw the doctor's gaze fixed on him, and in that moment, he realized that his feelings for Dottore went beyond mere admiration for his intelligence and skills.
Without a word, Pantalone leaned in and kissed Dottore, their lips meeting in a soft and gentle embrace. The fireworks continued to burst above them, but all Pantalone could focus on was the warmth of Dottore's lips and the way his heart raced in his chest.
Pantalone's voice was barely above a whisper as he spoke with a soothing tone. "Dottore...what are we now? What is our relationship?" The question hung in the air between them as they watched the fireworks light up the sky above, casting colorful reflections on their faces.
Dottore answered with a gentle touch on Pantalone's hand, squeezing it gently. "More than a business partner, perhaps."
"Is that so? I'm... I'm not certain─" Pantalone's voice trailed off, uncertainty evident in his words. The banker looked at Dottore, searching for any sign of doubt in his eyes. But all he saw was sincerity and care.
The world felt like a gentle embrace and Pantalone felt his cheeks flush with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. He looked into Dottore's eyes, seeing the reflection of the fireworks illuminating the night sky. It was as if they were the only two people in the world at that moment, and the rest of the world had faded away.
"Then why don't we try to find out about us together? To explore where our hearts truly lie."