００２ 。 VIDEO - backdated a tad to this morning!
[Sup Somarium. Instead of Barnaby's usual sullen expression, he's showing a small, cordial sort of smile today.]
As a new member of Somni's police force, I thought I might attend the Banquet tomorrow evening. But I've been left with a small problem.
[The smile grows minutely as he eyes the camera, ever so charming. He's a celebrity, it's well- ( Read more... )
As a new member of Somni's police force, I thought I might attend the Banquet tomorrow evening. But I've been left with a small problem.
[The smile grows minutely as he eyes the camera, ever so charming. He's a celebrity, it's well- ( Read more... )
But this? This is golden. This right here just warrants the old man stumbling carelessly into the room. He's grinning, he might just be laughing a little, too. This is none of his business, but a lot of the stuff he sticks his nose into isn't.
He's only heard the tail end of the broadcast, but not through watching the video. He heard it through the wall, just that one part, and that's all he needs to hear.
And so he exclaims:] Bunny! Are you asking someone out on a date?
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As Barnaby turns to look at him, an uncertain gleam in his eye mixed with a brief spark of emotion he hasn't seen in quite some time, he meets it with confidence.]
Of course I was. I couldn't just sit there and watch, I had to help somehow.
[He's not sure what the other is referring to, what event. After what had happened between them, or after what had happened to his parents. All the same, though, he still nows how to appropriately respond.]
I'm your partner. [You're not alone.] I'll always be here to help.
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[The words are murmured, almost too low to hear. He looks up again, this time holds Kotetsu's gaze. His eyes no longer sting, but his chest still feels taut. He's conflicted.
The last thing he remembers of Kotetsu, before arriving in Somni, is still the knowledge that their partnership was worthless, that Kotetsu didn't trust him, wouldn't trust him. He still can't shake that from his mind - it's been weeks, but the sting of what had seemed like betrayal is still fresh and sore.
But now he knows for certain what lies ahead. Now he knows that he doesn't face Jake alone, but with Kotetsu. Kotetsu, who trusted Barnaby to look out for him when a death-like sleep was claiming him. Kotetsu, who dragged him out for a late night walk after that dream. Kotetsu, who calls him partner, even now.
He sucks in a breath.]
You really never can resist meddling, can you?
[But he says that with a small, lop-sided smile.]
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He shakes his head, and were he to be called out on his "meddling" at any other time, he'd vehemently protest it, defend it, but his partner is smiling a genuine, calm smile as he says it, and so he lets it slide.]
It's irresistible, so you'd better get used to it.
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For an uncertain moment, he wrings his hands.]
This is - strange, [he says, for wont of a better word.]
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He thinks he knows what the younger is referring to. The strangeness of being told the future, the strangeness of their relationship, strained and broken in his time and bonded closer in his own. He decides against asking, instead offers a simple answer.]
I'm sure you'll get used to it in time.
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[He smiles again, in spite of himself. His hands are wrung again and then he stands, as if brimming with restless energy. Kotetsu hasn't asked or probed for an answer, but Barnaby finds himself speaking up regardless. He paces a little whilst speaking, awkward, hesitant, but continuing regardless.]
My whole life has been devoted to tracking down their killer. Everything, since I was a child... Drawing the symbol, asking people, trying to track down more information... I've always been chasing him. [A pause. He stills, then his hands tighten into fists and the name comes out with no small amount of venom - ] Jake Martinez.
[He stops again, rolls his shoulders, easing the tense lines of his back.]
I was so angry. I was so - close, and then I thought it had been ripped from me... Another dead end, after all this time, and finally finding out who...
[He comes back to Kotetsu and sits down beside him again.]
Knowing it's done - or that it will be... Knowing that I - [wasn't alone, he doesn't say, instead trailing ( ... )
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He can't help the twinge of guilt at the mention of how close he was, how easily it slipped through his fingers. He'd acted on a whim, hoped that it was in his partner's best interest, but it wasn't and he suffered for it a lot more than he had considered.
He relaxes as his partner reseats himself, and can't help but lean a little closer, the fact that things are starting to right themselves is as comforting to him as his partner's smile. He hopes to be seeing that a lot more now, too.]
I told you that you'd find him before, and you did. I'm telling you that you find him now, and you do.
[And like always, his reasoning is as clear-cut and simple as ever.]
Thank you for believing me, Bunny.
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I guess I really can't ignore it then. We really are partners.
[It doesn't change the last thing he remembers, and the sting of betrayal still lingers in his mind, but he knows that regardless of that, he can still put his faith in this person. That his trust is mutual.
The corner of his mouth curls into something like one of his usual cocky smirks.]
However, don't think this means I'll let you show me up, old man.
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The brightness of his partner's eyes and the tone of his voice seemingly goes unnoticed, but only because he's used to seeing it back home, in his time. He's more than pleased to see it again, and it reflects in his own tone of voice as he speaks.]
That's what I've been trying to tell you all this time!
[The laugh is cut short, however, the enthusiasm dipping into the negative area just a little at the next part.]
Huh? [The hand held palm up before him points into one finger, and he jabs it at the blond.] Show you up? That sounds almost like a challenge!
[His smile slowly returns, though, despite his ongoing overdramatic flails. He wants to keep this side of his partner, encourage and nourish it. It's the way he should be, and he silently makes it his task, but not his burden, to keep him smiling.]
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Then it turns genuinely serious, and he looks at the other man for a moment before he says:]
Thank you... Kotetsu.
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You don't need to thank me... [His smile doesn't fade, if anything it only becomes brighter, more lopsided.] But, y-you're welcome!
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[Amused again, he shakes his head. This time, when he sighs, he seems a little more at ease, some of the tension in his shoulders unwinding.]
I've waited this long. Knowing I just need to wait a little longer...
[His hands form fists again, but he smoothes them out on his knees.]
I can hold out.
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[He quickly chides back, loud, over-exagerated and childish in tone and action. Kotetsu is definitely the complainer, he might even know that, but like hell will he admit it.
The simple gesture Barnaby makes doesn't go unnoticed, and he shakes his head with a small smile.]
You're not the only one waiting. [As to say, again, that he isn't alone.] Time flies faster when you have company, too.
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[When not obnoxiously cheerful, that is. But the reprimand lacks Barnaby's usual sharpness, and at those words his smirk fades into something softer, more sentimental - for a moment or two, and then he grins again.]
Only if you're with good company.
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Shut up. [He scoffs and waves his hand.] I'm the best company you've got right now.
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