[ kaeya is also experiencing a sliver of surprise himself, but mostly because he can't believe that barnaby is still here. given what happened at venera, and how the man vehemently opposed the regent and their cause, he expected barnaby to have joined the ranks of the pleroma aion, and yet here he was, cooking something as mundane as fried rice in the citadel's kitchen. something is strange about this picture, and it's hard to tell whether he has the energy to find out why.

at least it can't hurt to start with small talk. that's easy enough. ]

Vent? [ he shakes his head, easy smile attached. ] It didn't even cross my mind— I'm more interested in why you're still here.

[ he isn't referring to what barnaby is doing up at this hour. what happened after the man knocked him out? ]

I didn't expect to see you again so soon.