ura_no_ura | [IC] Appointments

[Barnaby simply had the problem of skewed priorities. Information on his associates and possible way to open communication channels with the Management were far more important to him than any of the hints at the political conflict within the enclosure or the ongoing war beyond the barrier. He was retired, and he was firm in that decision.

Any choices made from this point onward were his, and his alone. Until there was reason to think otherwise, he was determined to follow his own path.

He glanced over at Kakashi, genuinely curious.]

How fast do you want to go?

[ Kakashi's primary concern is gaining as much understanding of the world around them, which might allow them to find a way out, or to gain access to the upper echelons of power which control the space they're in. Cars, unfortunately, do not help him very much in that endeavor.

Even if they're rather convenient, comfortable modes of transportation and interesting to ride in. ]

As fast as you can.

[ Kakashi glances back over to Barnaby, something like curiosity gleaming in his eye. ]

[It was an easy enough request. With a small nod, Barnaby floored it. The car quickly picked up speed-- he didn't care to count the exact number. His sole concern was correct steering, to make sure that they didn't careen into one of the walls.

The safeties were on, but it would still be jarring.]

[ Wow.

They're going fast. Very, very fast. Kakashi's a little surprised at how quickly the car picked up speed and just how fast it can go, with the world whirling by in a blur. If he had to estimate, they're going well over a hundred by now, if not more. This could certainly be very, very useful if weaponized correctly, he thinks, but ah, the issue of controlling it might be a problem, especially with sudden turns.

Either way, he's mildly impressed. ]

[The sudden turns took practice, that was all. Barnaby was more familiar with handling his Chaser at high speeds, usually in his full gear. All of the pesky problems about glasses and hair were eliminated while in the helmet, and the armor itself buffered against the worst of injuries in case of a crash.

Of course, there never was a crash.

He briefly glanced over at Kakashi, and smiled. The reaction...or, lack of it, was amusing.]

[ Even if Kakashi doesn't show much by the way of outward reaction, the intensity in his gaze, the way he's become more focused is quite obvious to someone who knows how to look for it. He returns the smile with a dip of the head, and then after another moment or so of watching the world zoom by, he finally says-- ]

Well, I suppose it goes quite fast.

[ Deadpan. ]

[Barnaby huffed, quietly amused by the flat commentary.]

Oh, is that all?

[It was a glimpse at something genuine that was buried underneath the layers of cordial manners and general politeness, beyond the snark and other fronts that he used to separate himself from others. No more and no less.]

[ Kakashi quirks a brow ever so slightly under his hitai-ate in response, maybe a touch of amusement softening the corner of his eye. ]

And it's a very smooth ride~

[ He adds on, just as deadpan as the previous statement, though there's a slight lilt to the end of the sentence. ]

Edited 2013-07-26 05:00 (UTC)

[A very smooth ride? Barnaby took that as his cue to kick up the speed as they veered around the bend, showing off more of the car's capabilities for Kakashi's further amusement.]

[ The sudden burst of speed pushes Kakashi back against his seat as his pulse quickens slightly from just how unbelievably fast they're going, adrenaline pumping. But all he outwardly shows is a slightly sharper inhalation of breath, gaze completely riveted by the road. ]

[Barnaby was confident enough at the wheel to spare Kakashi a momentary glance when he heard the sharp intake of air, and grinned in a small sense of satisfaction. It was a clear, if subtle, reaction from the fairly collected Shinobi.

His job was done.

Returning his eyes to the road in time to straighten their course, Barnaby spoke up with clear amusement in his tone.]

Is this fast enough for you?

[ Oh yes. It's plenty fast. Hopefully Barnaby is a very good driver and doesn't crash or something, because that would be... very uncomfortable. Safeties on or not. ]

Not bad.

[ Kakashi quips, but his tone has taken on a slightly elevated pitch. ]

[That was Barnaby's cue to lift his foot from the gas, allowing the car to slowly decellerate as he guided them along the track.]

Hm. [he hummed thoughtfully, not taking his eyes from the pavement.] It's nothing compared to an airplane, but it has it's uses.

What are you thinking now?

I'm thinking I should probably also learn how to drive a car.

[ Kakashi says lightly, glancing at Barnaby as he visibly relaxes now that the car's not going quite as insanely fast as it was. (Though really, that was fun. That was really fun. And kind of exciting, in its own way.) ]

If you'd like to teach me.

[~~Oh no. Did Barnaby create an adrenaline junkie?~~]

I already told you, I'm not much of a teacher.

[He paused briefly, taking a moment to consider it.]

But, I have nothing on my calendar and too many hours in the day.

[That, and he was tired of thinking. It could be an interesting endeavor.]

Mm! I'd offer to teach you something in return, but I'm not sure I have anything you'd want to learn~

[ Actually, Kakashi has plenty of things he could teach Barnaby, but he's not going to just let that on so easily. Rather let Barnaby believe that he really has absolutely nothing of value to offer, and consider his teaching Kakashi new skills some sort of... community service. Or something along those lines. ]

[The offer caught his attention. It was a quid pro quo scenario, like he had already set up with another in town, and he was quite curious about what a Shinobi could do.]

Is that so? I'll keep that in mind.

[Because he knew that his abilities would come to light eventually, with all of their strengths and drawbacks. He knew that there would be a day when he had no choice but to fight, but he would rather be able to do things on his own terms when the time came. The lack of resources in Luceti, particularly his own gear, limited his options.

Anything was of value. Even the things that made him uncomfortable.]

I don't actually know what I can offer, but if you think of something, let me know~

[ Kakashi's actually banking on the fact that he doesn't think Barnaby will think of something, or at least hopes he won't. It'll make his life a lot easier if he doesn't have any obligations to anyone, after all. ]

[Sorry to disappoint. He did retire from public service, and is more than capable in a fight if he needed to be.]

I will. It sounds like an interesting proposal, Kakashi-san.

Mm, it's settled then, Bar-na-by-sen~sei~

[ Oh that was way too cheery of a drawl. ]

[Way too cheery. Barnaby cast him an incredulous look.]

I--don't say it like that!

But it's your name~!

And you're not a child, Kakashi-san. We're adults here, in case you don't know that. There's certain things we can agree on.

[Like not being so casual and playful with his name.]

Would you rather me not call you "sensei"?

Just Barnaby. My name's Barnaby.

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