outofoffice | what are the elderly up to

[zhongli was indeed about to order from the bartender, examining their stock, before the banging of the heavy wooden interrupts him, making the closest patrons and the bard jump. but zhongli keeps calm, turning around on his own time, and raising an eyebrow when he sees who's just barged in.]

Ah, there you are. [like he's not the one who's just faked his own death in a very public way that would spread to all corners of teyvat.

not like any of the humans here would know, anyway.]

[ Barbatos is not well known for having a temper. In fact, if one could lay an accusation at his feet, it's that he's far too glib about seemingly everything.

But unfortunately for Morax, his mere presence in this tavern has managed to violently drag that temper up from the depths.

Did Morax plan this? Was his death all a ruse? Why would he come to Mondstadt now? Does anyone know, even in Liyue?

Did he even stop to consider that Barbatos might hear the news and believe it?

(In the back of his head he knows the answer -- it wasn't intentional deceit, but plain and simple blockheaded-ness. Barbatos's reaction probably never even occurred to him.) ]

[ Of course, none of that makes him less mad.

If anything, it throws pettiness on top of the pile. ]

Don't you "there you are" me! Like I'm the one who was missing! Who do you think you are, huh?! Just some dead guy, probably!

[ Sorry Master Diluc, people are now staring ]

... Ah, it seems like you're angry. [he has to wonder... no, he doesn't actually have to, when barbatos himself has already mentioned dead men and such-- clearly word of rex lapis' death has reached the flighty anemo archon's ears.

but making a scene here wont do, and zhongli strides forward, hand outstretched to put it on barbatos' shoulder.]

Come with me.

[ His hand fidgets, some truly bratty part of him wanting to smack that hand away.

. . . But it's grounding, the tactile proof of a friend he thought he wouldn't meet again in this life, just like all the others. It takes at least some of the wind out of his anger. ]

Fine.

[ He pivots on his heel and marches out of Angel's Share, assuming Zhongli will follow. "Come with me" apparently meant "Come with Venti" and not the other way around. ]

[he cant help the tiny smile of exasperation and knowing that blooms on his face, before he turns around to give the bartender and the man with the pyro vision a small bow in apology. they've earned that courtesy at least, especially with the outburst.

though he cant help but think that they do owe zhongli even just a little bit-- barbatos isn't known for his restraint with alcohol.

still, zhongli follows barbatos out into his city, trusting the drunkard to know the best spot for a private conversation.]

what are the elderly up to

dw has been v hungry for them recently

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