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Zhongli hadn’t been lying when he told the Traveler, Lumine, and her floating companion that it had been a long since he’d been in Mondstadt.
Even after the Cataclysm 500 years ago, it took some time before he’d been comfortable stepping stepping foot within the nation of Freedom. And stepping foot was all he’d been able to do.
The winds in Mondstadt have always felt different compared to other places. It was a common thing the people of Teyvat would say. And after knowing the God of Anemo for song, even Zhongli can tell when there’s another subtle difference.
Back then, when he’d step foot in Mondstadt it had been brief. He knew right away Barbatos was no longer around. The lack of backlash left him with hope that Barbatos had not perished in that fight. But it wouldn’t be the first time a God’s power had been mostly restrained upon their fall within this nation.
The only thing that reassured Zhongli at the time was when no other Anemo Archon had appeared like it had when their other friends fell.
Barbatos was most likely asleep. That meant they could eventually meet again if time permits it.
And like the many other time they’ve met after Barbatos has slept, Zhongli doesn’t predict how it will go. Though he supposes he should have expected some sort of reaction after crossing so far within Mondstadt this time.
There’s a change in the wind that Lumine and Paimon don’t notice as they head to their destination to heat up the ore they collected to find the right now. It might have been rude to wander off, after all he was the reason they were here to begin with. But for as easy as it was for him to brush off the wind, this time felt it would be even more rude to ignore it.
So he allows the breeze to guide him elsewhere. Eventually finding himself under some trees near some cliffs. And there waiting was a familiar figure that Zhongli hasn’t seen in several centuries.
“Barbatos.”
The name slips from his lips as easy as breathing. And when he looks back at him, he’s only gifted the briefest glimpse of turquoise eyes before they turn towards the ocean.
Suppressing a sigh, Zhongli begins to walk over. “I’m surprised. I didn’t expect to see you so soon.”
“Funny. I didn’t expect to see a ghost either, and yet I’m still looking at my supposedly departed friend and sometimes lover. Which is odd considering spirits don’t linger for long in Mondstadt.”
Zhongli isn’t sure he wants to comment on the ‘sometimes’ part of that sentence. But this time he isn’t able to hold back a sigh as he stops behind him. “…you’re angry.”
“I’m not.” Barbatos shrugs. He continues to gaze out at the water, his back to Zhongli. “I’m sure you have your reasons, so I won’t ask. It’s not like I told you right away I was awake anyway. Though a heads up would have been appreciated. Imagine my shock and confusion hearing the great and mighty Rex Lapis died, and yet I felt no backlash.”
His words make Zhongli wonder how he found out. A traveling merchant that had heard rumours? Someone who has witnessed his fake vessel fall during the ceremony? Maybe an overheard story at a tavern?
Whatever scenario Zhongli thinks off, he knows none are a kind way to find out your someone you care for as passed on, and violently at that.
Zhongli steps closer and after some hesitation, hugs Barbatos from behind. He’s warm and solid and familiar in his arms. And when he leans back against him instead of pulling away, Zhongli takes it as a sight to continue.
“I will explain when I can and share what I am able once everything is settled.” He says quietly. “But this was set to be in motion before you returned.”
“Glad to know I would have woken up to hearing you survived the Cataclysm just to die afterwards.” Venti deadpans. He wonders what kind of expression he was making. It was probably for the best Zhongli doesn’t know.
“So you are upset.”
“It’s not the fake death that annoys me, Morax. Despite what others think, I know how you get. I’ve known you long enough I know your quirks. Both the charming and annoying ones.”
“So what does annoy you about this?” Zhongli frowns as his brow furrows. If Barbatos isn’t upset about his supposed death and being left in the dark, Zhongli can’t think of what else it could be. He almost misses the days when his friend wore his heart of his sleeve and it was easy to figure out what was on his mind.
But just because Barbatos was better at keeping things in now, it doesn’t mean he lost his sense of honesty about those feelings when he did speak them.
“That this is what it took for you to return to Mondstadt. I know you could be a blockhead, but have some tact. I can’t even get you here for a festival, but suddenly you casually stroll over after I hear rumours of your death. Even my feelings can get hurt you know.”
It would be better if Barbatos yelled, or at least sounded as irritated as he claimed to be. Instead, he sounded calm and resigned. And it’s with shame that Zhongli understood why. Even more so when he knows he should have figured it out on his own.
Before he can say anything, Barbatos steps out of his arms and turns to face him. Finally letting Zhongli get a good loo at his face.
His eyes were just as bright at Zhongli remembers. His hair still in those braids that framed his face. And despite knowing he had no right to, Zhongli still finds himself brushing his knuckles across Barbatos’ cheek. And despite the way pale skin flushes, Zhongli is left disappointed he cannot feel the warmth through his glove.
But just like when he held him, Barbatos doesn’t step away. Instead tilting his head like he was leaning into the touch.
“Five Hundred years since we last saw each other and you can still be insensitive. I don’t know if I should be impressed or exasperated.” he comments. His eyes flicker about, making Zhongli wonder if he was taking him in just as much. “I’m glad you actually are okay though. After the friends we lost, I’m not sure what I would do if you were one of them.”
“I’m glad you are okay as well.” Zhongli cups his cheek in his hand, brushing his thumb just under Barbatos’ eye. “We will catch up when the time is right. I promise.”
“I believe you.” This time, it’s unmistakable the way Barbatos leans into his touch. “But listen to me, Morax. Contract or not, be careful with whatever you’re planning to do with that Gnosis.”
Zhongli doesn’t bother asking how he’s aware of that. He knows he won’t get an answer. “I will. I know what I am doing.”
“I know you do. That’s the annoying part.”
Stepping closer, Barbatos lifts off the ground and wraps his arms around his neck. Such a nostalgic and familiar action, Zhongli automatically closes his eyes. And even if their kiss doesn’t last long, it’s enough to leave a small smile on Zhongli’s lips. One that Barbatos returns as he touches back on the ground.
Right now, he knows he’s the last one to call something unfair. But a selfish part of Zhongli can’t help but wish to make this reunion last long. “Barbatos-”
“I still go by ‘Venti’ among mortals.” Barbatos-Venti-tells him. “You can tell me you’re new name next time. Unless it’s one I’m already familiar with. Or maybe our new friend will tell me first. Either way, you better make things up to me, Morax. I wasn’t lying about having hurt feelings.”
“...I shall. Take care, Barbatos. Venti.”
It’s with a flash of light and lingering feathers that soon fade that Venti disappears from sight. Though when he goes to meet up with the Traveler again, Zhongli thinks he hears a familiar laugh on the wind guiding him back.
For better and worse, some things haven’t changed with this choice he’s made. At least now Zhongli can be a little more confidant he made the one he can live with.