‼️‼️Spoilers ‼️‼️for the fifth episode of TADC! I wanted to write something about Ray spilling some lore in the bar scene. Peepaw infodumps abt his dope past. Also now just realizing Gangle and Kinger don’t have any lines of dialogue- well. Rip. Bearson mention —> @nixpainting
“-Aaaand there’s no point in asking Kinger ‘cause there’s no way he remembers anything.” Jax remarked, his pupils focusing on the person next to the chess piece, Ray. “What about you? Grandpa?”
“Hm? Me?” “Yeah you! Or- you too. I guess.” He said, vaguely wagging his finger at the shorter gentleman, Bearson. “Though we’ve heard him say he used to go to war or some junk-“ “Ah was in the military!” Bearson interrupted. “Yeah. We know.” The rabbit retorted. “But I don’t think you’ve said much about what you did.” “Oh! Well- it ain’t brought up much cuz it wasn’t asked much!” The monkey said. “Well, I’m asking now.” Jax replied bluntly. “What’s your deal?”
“… well. I have been slightly curious about that too.” Ragatha(as much as he hates agreeing with Jax right now)shyly admitted. “From how long I’ve known you. You’ve been like- surprisingly flexible and- athletic? And I’ve just realized I don’t- really know much about you- heheh-“ Ragatha said, chuckling hesitantly. Today is clearly not her day.
Ray is normally the guy that would answer anything given to him. Even if he didn’t fully know the answer. But he was.. a bit quiet. Stunned is too big of a word- but he did feel a bit of shyness and stage fright seeing everyone staring at him, curiously. It’s very unlike of him. This sudden trait Bearson picked up quickly. “Ahh- Ray don’t gotta say nuthin’ if he don’t want too.” The Bear spoke up in defense for his friend. “No pressure, Ray.” Zooble reassured. “We’re just curious.”
“Nah-nah-nah I get it.” Ray said. “I don’t talk about me much! New Orleans- yeah but not me!” Ray’s hands slowly fidgeted with the stem of his wine glass. “I guess I jus’ don’t know what to say! Um..” The monkey pondered. Tracing the rim of his glass. Trying to search through memories not circus related can be difficult. Especially finding ones that aren’t very personal or ones that are just- age appropriate.
“Mmm… nuthin’ much to read ‘bout me. Um… I used to be apart of a circus troupe when I wus’ younger” “wait- like- an actual- circus-circus?” The jester interrupted. “Like with a tent and everything?!” Jax asked. Entertained by this new information. “Yeah! I wus’ a contortionist. An’ occasionally an acrobat. Mostly for when I wus’…. I think yer’ age, Jax.” Jax’s eyes lit up. “Woaaah! Look at G-paw over here! Think you could do a cartwheel in the air?” Jax teased. But Ray only chuckled at Jax’s enthusiasm. “I dunno. Been a while- heheh!” Ray entertained. The bar stared slightly in awe and intrigued over the monkey man.
“Then I jus’ traveled when I wus’ done with my circus life.” “Wait- you left your circus life?” The rabbit asked. Majorly disappointed. “… I wus’ gettin’ old an’ I wanted to do sumthin’ different!” “Boo. That’s boring.” “B-but! What you shared with us was really interesting about you, Ray!” Ragatha interjected. “Yeah! It… explains a lot on how you can do the things you do.” Pomni added.
“See? This was a WAYY better story than what ol’ Kinger could have provided.” Just as how quickly the topic became on Ray, it just as the same switched onto something different. As Ray turned to face his best friend. Bearson looked up at him with a raised brow. “You didn’t tell meh you were apart of the circus.” “I didn’t?” “No. Ye’ jus’ said you traveled a loot. Mostly pickin’ up an’ droppin’ off things.” “Oh! Well… now I did.” Ray sheepishly answered. Taking a sip of his alcoholic beverage and looking away to face the commotion of the others.
Although the bear did feel… a bit hurt. Ray doesn’t owe him his life story. Bearson knows this. But it did sting to have someone you’re so close with purposely not share this information with just… you.
… Bearson will be fine. He has some skeletons himself he doesn’t want Ray to know. It’s… fine. The bear convinced himself. Plus it’s about time for him to speak.