[The mark imprinted on Baren's wrist stings, as if condemning his silence -
But even now, Baren never expects someone to speak on his behalf like this, never expects a defense this strong for someone like him. He feels the fever, knows it's the curse, understands that the trees have something to do with it, but... for a few indulgent, selfish seconds he wants to remember this. This moment where Sanji is defending him despite knowing nothing.
... if he knew the truth, would that matter?
They begin to exit the woods and Baren only starts to find his voice again, if only because these words are easy.]
... you're not a failure, Sanj.
[The trees laugh. They mock them. Even as Baren starts to feel uneasy on his feet, his mind still races to figure out what he can do to stop this - to heal himself. He was there when it happened to Odasaku, right. He can reference that. He just needs to -
Admit it.
If Sanji knew the truth, would he still defend him?]
I need something from you.
[Is Baren enough of a coward to live in a lie, if it means comfort?
How badly does he want to hold onto this?
His wrist still burns, this time from where Sanji is holding it.]
no subject
But even now, Baren never expects someone to speak on his behalf like this, never expects a defense this strong for someone like him. He feels the fever, knows it's the curse, understands that the trees have something to do with it, but... for a few indulgent, selfish seconds he wants to remember this. This moment where Sanji is defending him despite knowing nothing.
... if he knew the truth, would that matter?
They begin to exit the woods and Baren only starts to find his voice again, if only because these words are easy.]
... you're not a failure, Sanj.
[The trees laugh. They mock them. Even as Baren starts to feel uneasy on his feet, his mind still races to figure out what he can do to stop this - to heal himself. He was there when it happened to Odasaku, right. He can reference that. He just needs to -
Admit it.
If Sanji knew the truth, would he still defend him?]
I need something from you.
[Is Baren enough of a coward to live in a lie, if it means comfort?
How badly does he want to hold onto this?
His wrist still burns, this time from where Sanji is holding it.]