[ Ah, he's been invited forward. In the past there was a line here, drawn by either one of them or perhaps both; this isn't wholly unfamiliar territory in concept but in practice it's strikingly different, buffeted by receding tides of miasma, memories washed ashore and sake filling the gaps. It's difficult if not impossible to restore everything as it once was, if he even wanted to step back at all. ]

If you were to ask our former comrades, we likely share that too. Not the butterfly bit, of course. [ A touch silly and blithe, and a chance to take a breath and drink. He doesn't drain his cup, but it's close. ]

Sometimes, I wonder myself. [ A melodic hum that's not quite sing song, all too soft. He finishes his drink and sets the cup down, taking notice that the edges of the world have begun to blur like their colors. There's something funny in that, and he almost laughs. Almost, because there's still some room left to smile almost carefree. ]

Do you want to find out?