Barbatos, the carefree Anemo Archon, had always enjoyed his moments with Morax—those quiet talks, shared glances, and the easy camaraderie between them. To him, their bond was natural, built over centuries of shared history. But as time passed, something shifted inside him. He found himself lingering longer in Liyue, savoring their encounters, and noticing the way Morax’s presence grounded him in a way he never expected.

At first, Barbatos brushed it off, attributing it to the weight of his own duties or the nostalgia of their long friendship. Yet, one evening, as they sat together beneath the stars, watching the wind dance through the trees, Barbatos realized the truth: his feelings for Morax had deepened into something far more profound than mere friendship.

The realization struck him unexpectedly—Morax, with his unwavering dedication, stoic strength, and quiet wisdom, had become something Barbatos could no longer simply admire from afar. He cared for him, not just as a friend, but with an intensity that transcended the simple, carefree bond they once shared.

Barbatos was left with a quiet sense of both excitement and fear. He had never imagined falling in love with Morax, yet now that the truth was clear, he felt a surge of both tenderness and vulnerability. How would Morax, with his solemnity and duty, respond to this newfound affection? Barbatos didn’t have the answer, but for the first time, he found himself longing for something more than just their shared history—he longed for the future they could create together.