[ If there was any uncertainty as to how their separation might play out, that chilly retort erases all doubt. Barnaby's rebuke of further banter signifies the dissolution of more than merely an amicable mood or some strategic alliance, but the framework of a bond that had knit itself together in their time here.
As the conversation takes a turn for the worse, J's hands withdraw to partially cross themselves across his chest. The fingers of his right perch against his face, a forefinger stretching up to massage little circles into his temple. The rest curl over a downturned mouth as the playful light in his eyes dims. ]
Come, now. That's giving me far too much credit. [ A long sigh pulls from deep within his chest as J anticipates an oncoming argument. ]
You've already done an outstanding job of shining a spotlight on yourself without the need for anyone's help.
[ It wasn't like Barnaby was being very subtle, when he'd gone on a fishing expedition for information from the Regent of all people. The room full of every Kenoma and Pleroma soon to be at war with one another surely hadn't missed the nature of those questions. Or how beneficial any potential answers would be to the Kenoma's opposition. Should Barnaby's plans have relied on him lying low before abandoning his current post, it's possible that he'd already sabotaged that option before the demon even thought to approach him. ]
And If you feel like you've been toyed with, for someone else's gain- [ Does Barnaby truly think J would throw himself under everyone's suspicion by standing at his side merely to ease the present tedium? The demon might not value his life, but with Makoto here, he's got too much to lose to be reckless without reason. ] Lashing out at the wrong target won't do you any good.
no subject
As the conversation takes a turn for the worse, J's hands withdraw to partially cross themselves across his chest. The fingers of his right perch against his face, a forefinger stretching up to massage little circles into his temple. The rest curl over a downturned mouth as the playful light in his eyes dims. ]
Come, now. That's giving me far too much credit. [ A long sigh pulls from deep within his chest as J anticipates an oncoming argument. ]
You've already done an outstanding job of shining a spotlight on yourself without the need for anyone's help.
[ It wasn't like Barnaby was being very subtle, when he'd gone on a fishing expedition for information from the Regent of all people. The room full of every Kenoma and Pleroma soon to be at war with one another surely hadn't missed the nature of those questions. Or how beneficial any potential answers would be to the Kenoma's opposition. Should Barnaby's plans have relied on him lying low before abandoning his current post, it's possible that he'd already sabotaged that option before the demon even thought to approach him. ]
And If you feel like you've been toyed with, for someone else's gain- [ Does Barnaby truly think J would throw himself under everyone's suspicion by standing at his side merely to ease the present tedium? The demon might not value his life, but with Makoto here, he's got too much to lose to be reckless without reason. ] Lashing out at the wrong target won't do you any good.