I had a feeling you didn't know. [ Brigade is looking in Hikaru's direction but off to the side of his face into the room behind him, avoiding his eyes. He takes a swig and a drag. ] She is your mother after all... and I'd like to think I'm a friend [ Trust? ] enough for you not to keep tabs on every little thing I do anymore. [ Privacy? ]

Yes, [ Brig gives out a sigh. He has absolutely no control right now over his reactions. This rarely happens. ] I was, brother. [ He doesn't say the last as an honorific. He never has with Hikaru. He's saying it with a sense of he has no idea what he's feeling. ]

I wasn't hiding it from you. I know you know that.