[Sadly, Baren notices.

His eye for detail is great, which sucks.

Yet it doesn't seem to register on his face - he's still in the middle of putting things together. He listens and even if he doesn't consciously recognize it, Leo's right. Baren's making decisions on what he thinks should be done in order to get the best outcome. He says that he doesn't care what people do, what mistakes they make, but he still tries to move them like chess pieces.

At least his expectations are so nonexistent that when Leo lashes out, he doesn't even seem fazed or bothered.]

I know a similar story - so if you want to clear up the differences between the two, that'd help.

[But he tilts his head.]

You're scared you'll hurt her worse? With something more than words. Probably on accident.

[If it's more than a person's feelings getting hurt - it's gotta be something more drastic than that. Fire is pretty drastic. The burn scars under Baren's gloves ache faintly with that reminder.]

Ah, is that why you tried to push her away?

[Because you'd rather hurt her on purpose and be able to control the damage...? Or is that too much of Baren's projecting?]