[As always, none of Minato's emotions show on his face. I'm happy, he says, with an expression that's almost starting to be a frown. But Ken knows his sincerity so he nods to the statement, softening his own expression into a smile for the both of them. He can do that. Neither of them were terribly demonstrative, but he can do this easier.]
I am, too, [he agrees.] I'm glad I'm back, and I'm glad I'm still myself. There are still lots of things I want to do.
... I'm glad to be back, so I can still be with you as me, Minato-san.
You're always you, [Minato says faintly, exhaling a quiet breath.] Even if you didn't remember, I wouldn't mind. I'd do every step of that journey with you again if I had to.
[Sometimes, Minato is frail and human and doubting himself and all of his choices. He's ambivalent, or filled with trepidation, or just plain afraid. He can be selfish and miserly with his feelings, not to mention cold and distant.
And sometimes, Minato is every inch the person who had stalwartly faced the Dark Hour night after night, who'd watched lives torn apart or outright be killed because of it, and pushed forward to become the Great Seal without a spec of hesitation. There's specific times where his frailties fade away, and his core of strength-- that dark, black band that let him survive all those years after his parents without removing his capacity to change for the better-- shines through.]
... But. [Now he finally smiles slightly.] It is easier this way. I don't have to explain that you shouldn't eat the convenience store food, for example.
[Those aren't empty reassurances from Minato, and Ken knows it, so he lets them fill him up with warmth and smiles, agreeing silently. If Minato disappeared and returned without his memories, no matter what time he may have come from, Ken knows he wouldn't let that discourage him either. Minato-san was Minato-san no matter what. But they don't have to worry about that now.]
I would've figured it out, but you're right. It's easier this way. ... Can I sit with you for a bit?
[What he's most glad about is not the convenience of having memories, or the ease that comes with not having to explain things over and over. It's this; all shared memories forge bonds, and he's so grateful he didn't have to let go of this one.]
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I am, too, [he agrees.] I'm glad I'm back, and I'm glad I'm still myself. There are still lots of things I want to do.
... I'm glad to be back, so I can still be with you as me, Minato-san.
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[Sometimes, Minato is frail and human and doubting himself and all of his choices. He's ambivalent, or filled with trepidation, or just plain afraid. He can be selfish and miserly with his feelings, not to mention cold and distant.
And sometimes, Minato is every inch the person who had stalwartly faced the Dark Hour night after night, who'd watched lives torn apart or outright be killed because of it, and pushed forward to become the Great Seal without a spec of hesitation. There's specific times where his frailties fade away, and his core of strength-- that dark, black band that let him survive all those years after his parents without removing his capacity to change for the better-- shines through.]
... But. [Now he finally smiles slightly.] It is easier this way. I don't have to explain that you shouldn't eat the convenience store food, for example.
no subject
I would've figured it out, but you're right. It's easier this way. ... Can I sit with you for a bit?
[What he's most glad about is not the convenience of having memories, or the ease that comes with not having to explain things over and over. It's this; all shared memories forge bonds, and he's so grateful he didn't have to let go of this one.]