[ . . . yeah, that makes sense. Baren's only been in the city for three years, and they never would've crossed paths otherwise. So his answers are quick as he now finds himself able to get answers for his own curiosities.]
Three years in Recollé, I worked as a model and took a break a few months ago. I'm back at work again.
[ . . . and his discomfort shows as he seems to immediately wondering if that was too much information to share.
Sometimes they don't even notice. It's a Retrospec thing.
[ . . . . but the truth is that he actually doesn't wear his eyepatch all the time for work. If it's just for a shoot that doesn't call for it, it's not like he doesn't actually have his eye. It takes a bit of makeup magic and help from Kashuu, but sometimes he can go without it at all and look just like he used to.
[ - and he actually lets that bit of honesty to slip out. He blinks owlishly, looking over at Sakichi as if he's the one who holds the answers. But right now he doesn't seem to remember anything. There's nothing for them to talk about.
Nothing to tie them together in any way that Sakichi recognizes.
And yet—]
... I just felt like I had to, if you were around to be found.
[ The answer lacks substance, but Sakichi decides that it's honest. Baren seems like the kind of man who likes to appear in control, so the admission of uncertainty is unexpected enough to seem earnest.
Perhaps Baren's own confusion of intent is what has made this conversation so stilted. ]
Then I'll ask no more of our shared past until you know. I can wait.
[ The promise comes easily, but no less seriously. Even if Baren had not asked, keeping him informed would be the most productive course of action. Who would be able to provide context better than he at this point? ]
Is there anyone else here who shares memories with us?
A very, very, very sore point. Baren looks over at Sakichi and - he doesn't know who Okuni is. He doesn't know that Baren is merely 1 of 2, incomplete if you know him and only him. Normally Baren has no concern when it comes to talking about his sister. He mentions her freely, though never by name. But her presence is important.
- which is why her absence is all the more poignant.
So he looks at Sakichi for a lingering moment - you're still missing so much - before delivering the truth:]
Nope.
[And he'll turn away immediately, waving a hand behind him and issuing out an instruction that he hopes Sakichi follows:]
[Being rooted in place is gonna cost you your guy, Sakichi!
Seeing as Baren is going to turn a real quick corner, into a random alleyway, and will then be hopping up to the fire escape and rooftops to call Tanuki to bring him the rest of the way home!
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no subject
Three years in Recollé, I worked as a model and took a break a few months ago. I'm back at work again.
[ . . . and his discomfort shows as he seems to immediately wondering if that was too much information to share.
Someone doesn't do this a lot.
Anyway.]
When did you leave for the military?
no subject
In 2013. My contract entailed four years of active duty. I'll be on inactive reserve for four more years.
[ He signed up almost immediately after graduating high school. It was something he knew he wanted to do well in advance. ]
Is your modeling work not hampered by your need for an eyepatch?
no subject
[ . . . . but the truth is that he actually doesn't wear his eyepatch all the time for work. If it's just for a shoot that doesn't call for it, it's not like he doesn't actually have his eye. It takes a bit of makeup magic and help from Kashuu, but sometimes he can go without it at all and look just like he used to.
He doesn't say that.
But it's kind of funny.
How they exactly missed each other until today.]
Do you think the universe likes to play jokes?
[Apparently that's his real question.]
no subject
I think the universe likes to test us.
[ Whether or not people pass those tests is a question of patience and willpower. ]
What did you hope to gain by finding me?
no subject
[ - and he actually lets that bit of honesty to slip out. He blinks owlishly, looking over at Sakichi as if he's the one who holds the answers. But right now he doesn't seem to remember anything. There's nothing for them to talk about.
Nothing to tie them together in any way that Sakichi recognizes.
And yet—]
... I just felt like I had to, if you were around to be found.
no subject
Perhaps Baren's own confusion of intent is what has made this conversation so stilted. ]
Then I'll ask no more of our shared past until you know. I can wait.
[ He looks at Baren. ]
Did you have any more questions?
no subject
Baren stops walking and turns to Sakichi.]
You'll tell me if you remember anything? Anything at all.
[less of a question and more of a demand
but ok]
no subject
I will. You have my word.
[ The promise comes easily, but no less seriously. Even if Baren had not asked, keeping him informed would be the most productive course of action. Who would be able to provide context better than he at this point? ]
Is there anyone else here who shares memories with us?
no subject
A very, very, very sore point. Baren looks over at Sakichi and - he doesn't know who Okuni is. He doesn't know that Baren is merely 1 of 2, incomplete if you know him and only him. Normally Baren has no concern when it comes to talking about his sister. He mentions her freely, though never by name. But her presence is important.
- which is why her absence is all the more poignant.
So he looks at Sakichi for a lingering moment - you're still missing so much - before delivering the truth:]
Nope.
[And he'll turn away immediately, waving a hand behind him and issuing out an instruction that he hopes Sakichi follows:]
Don't follow me.
1/2
2/2
Then Baren turns to leave, and Sakichi is rooted in place out of sheer shock. ]
... Hey!!
[ And then he immediately jogs to catch up with Baren. ]
no subject
Seeing as Baren is going to turn a real quick corner, into a random alleyway, and will then be hopping up to the fire escape and rooftops to call Tanuki to bring him the rest of the way home!
:')
Bye.]