Would you believe me to be Barbatos if I were any other way?

[ He knows it is difficult. How can it not be? There was something vulnerable – a tiny crack that Morax was most likely unable to patch up... to ignore... Barbatos knows he'll have to live with it until the ends of his days.

Such brutish denial doesn't scare him off. Instead, he inches closer with that wingspan all but a flutter. ]

I have, but...

[ There was a wag of his bag at his hip. ]

I planned to visit you regardless, old friend. Don't tell me you're one to cancel plans we made months ago.

[ Truthfully, all he does is confirm with a sympathetic smile. Soft, small, and timid. ]