This spur between them, this moment of his departure-

Cid had never grown less upset about it, only firmer in his choice over the years. Though he only felt madder for it. There were so many things that he did not know that likewise, Barnabas would never tell him.

Well, maybe if Barnabas was feeling more desperate… Drunken ploys play behind Cid’s eyes as he looks at the other man. Though the magnetic field had ceased, Cid does not remove his arm. He leans in, gazing at Barnabas’ reflection in the darkened window.

He chews his tongue for a moment before squeezing Barnabas’ shoulder, and starts to bring it back to his own lap.