[ Expectations. Expectations are a complicated thing, and while there are certainly many on him, it allows Basch to mold himself to them, gives him specific boundaries, and goals to achieve, and steady guidelines...
And hard spaces to fall on when he fails, of course, but that, he is used to.
The answer takes away that security net, but that's also not necessarily a bad thing. It makes him focus, and think, which further allows him to bank the anger. For the time being.
(And there is a definite pang, one of fear. It has been a very long time since he was last not... claimed. Not somebody's. Balthier not doing so is complicated on a level that is far below his reasoning. Because there, Basch understands, and appreciates.) ]
Aye. I'm... sorry.
[ Another moment, and the blue eyes return to the pirate, watching carefully. He doesn't ask what happened, because Balthier has been taking care to not... emphasize the effects. But, while he can honor the discretion, there is also information that he needs, and surely not all of it is going to be what Balthier wishes to conceal, where they are. ]
What are things like, here?
[ Just... generally. Beyond what Balthier has already said and and hinted at. ]
no subject
And hard spaces to fall on when he fails, of course, but that, he is used to.
The answer takes away that security net, but that's also not necessarily a bad thing. It makes him focus, and think, which further allows him to bank the anger. For the time being.
(And there is a definite pang, one of fear. It has been a very long time since he was last not... claimed. Not somebody's. Balthier not doing so is complicated on a level that is far below his reasoning. Because there, Basch understands, and appreciates.) ]
Aye. I'm... sorry.
[ Another moment, and the blue eyes return to the pirate, watching carefully. He doesn't ask what happened, because Balthier has been taking care to not... emphasize the effects. But, while he can honor the discretion, there is also information that he needs, and surely not all of it is going to be what Balthier wishes to conceal, where they are. ]
What are things like, here?
[ Just... generally. Beyond what Balthier has already said and and hinted at. ]