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... )
[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 off.]
I'm glad it's done, but just hearing about it... It's still hard to believe. But - I believe... what you've told me.
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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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Don't remind me; I try not to think about such irritating things.
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