[ He pauses for a moment, considering whether he's alright with dropping the pretence of nonchalance so soon - but it's a hollow pretence and they both know it. So why bother. ]
No..?
[ He laughs under his breath, a short sound lacking in humor. It is kind of funny though, in a way. In a 'you have to laugh or you'll cry' sort of way. ]
I'm sorry, I... I didn't realize it was so obvious.
[ He sits back, looking at his hands where he's picking idly at a thumbnail. His brows knit slightly. It's one thing for Barry to see it, but... as hard as all of this is, he doesn't want to be pitied, and the idea of inadvertently guilting Taako into anything is the worst thing he can think of. He already knows that's easier to do than one might assume. He withdraws slightly, self-conscious. ]
It's not as bad as all that, really.
[ Yes, it's difficult - but it could be much, much worse. He's grateful for all that he's got here, he really is. ]
no subject
No..?
[ He laughs under his breath, a short sound lacking in humor. It is kind of funny though, in a way. In a 'you have to laugh or you'll cry' sort of way. ]
I'm sorry, I... I didn't realize it was so obvious.
[ He sits back, looking at his hands where he's picking idly at a thumbnail. His brows knit slightly. It's one thing for Barry to see it, but... as hard as all of this is, he doesn't want to be pitied, and the idea of inadvertently guilting Taako into anything is the worst thing he can think of. He already knows that's easier to do than one might assume. He withdraws slightly, self-conscious. ]
It's not as bad as all that, really.
[ Yes, it's difficult - but it could be much, much worse. He's grateful for all that he's got here, he really is. ]