i.

[illneverforget]

[This voice belongs to someone who has a very even, calm tone.]

Excuse me. The way this works is I communicate to this network, everyone may choose to respond, and it may not necessarily be in real-time, correct? Then, if one of you wouldn't mind, I have a few questions when you're available to answer.

I'm going to ask them now to save time.

[The display changes while he speaks.]


The welcoming committee didn't address my question regarding these devices. I was told I can purchase electronics different from what they offered there if I disliked them.

My question was "Who manufactures these?"

[Like a slide-show with a voice-over, it changes again:]


If anyone could give me an overview on trouble experienced while using this network, I'd be grateful.

[It changes one last time:]


I'm also interested in how the peace is kept, along with the local crime rate.

Thanks for your time.

Comments

[tiiger]

[ Two weeks, huh? That’s … a pretty long stay in the hospital.

Knowing his partner, and all he’d gone through, he’s not really surprised. It was still very much upsetting, considering the fact he wasn’t there for him.

Maybe he’s assuming things here. Maybe Barnaby was out a lot sooner but chose to avoid addressing the network? He hoped that would be the case.

Oh. He should probably say something by now ... ]

Heh, I’m alright. Nothing I can’t handle! [ The smile is evident in his tone regardless of his thoughts earlier. ]

Say, Bunny. Are you sure you’re okay? Even though it’s a bunch of lies, but it can be frustrating to hear out. Ahaha- haha ...

[ Is he being too obvious? ]

[illneverforget]

[His tone had been even -- not impolite or cold, but almost empty; like the emotion had been locked away somewhere, or like the device might have filtered it out. ...until the soft sound like the hybrid-child of a laugh and an exhale, followed by:]

Right, right. Of course.

[Those words were much kinder.]

[illneverforget]

[Unfortunately, like most nice things, that tone doesn't last.]

Stop. You're worrying about it, aren't you?

I'm fine. It was difficult to hear at the time, but it doesn't matter now.

[illneverforget]

[To answer a question: obvious like the sun if it was knocked into motion and heading for the earth, hours before the world's undeniable and imminent death.]

Are you using a device they gave you?

[tiiger]

... Oi, don’t change the subject.

[ Barnaby’s attempt to change the subject didn’t really stand a chance and Kotetsu, ever so skillfully, ignores it. I mean- to be honest it was a pretty lame attempt. Sorry. Try harder next time, Bunny. ]

[tiiger]

[ And now back to what really matters. ]

Of course I worry! You’re my partner. You don’t have to deal with this kind of crap on your own, ya’ know? Tch.

[tiiger]

[ There’s a lot of hand gestures and facial expression going on behind the screen that clearly displayed another episode of Kotetsu's struggles with the younger generation.

His kawaii life.

At least Barnaby can’t see any of this! ]

I’m not suggesting talking about feelings or anything like that. Unless you’re up for it? … It’s just- um, I don’t want you to get all upset that’s all!

[illneverforget]

I'm not changing the subject!

[On the bright side, this is the most emotion he's put into a sentence since he got out of the hospital.]

I really want to know.

[The only down-side is it also sounds incredibly fussy.]

[illneverforget]

[At least, until it sounds reassuring.]

I mean it. I'm fine now. I'm not dealing with anything alone. You're in the same situation, aren't you?

[illneverforget]

[Good thing he can't see Barnaby! Who...doesn't look much different from normal, to be honest. He might have stared passively at the wild gesticulations and not been very affected by Kotetsu's plight to connect over their age gap at all.]

If you want to talk about it, I don't mind listening to you.

[Did this just get turned back around on him? IT SURE DID.]

[tiiger]

That’s right! You’re not dealing with this alone, Bunny. Don’t forget that. Yeah?

[ He’s not really sure if he’s only lying to him just to end the topic or he’s being honest here. Regardless, he chose to trust him on this one. That’s what partners do anyway! Trust each other. ]

[tiiger]

... Hah? [ He paused to consider his suggestion, rubbing at his chin thoughtfully. ] Uh, I … don’t really have much to talk about. I didn’t believe anything they said, but- I’m not entirely sure why we’re here, and that kinda bothers me! And let’s not forget that we need to get back home soon. I’m really worried about Kaede an-

[tiiger]

[ Oh. Wait a second. He finally realized that Barnaby turned the situation around and he totally fell for it. This is embarrassing- but he's smiling anyway. ]

Man, you have always been very difficult.

[illneverforget]

[How can one forget when they're reminded all the time? But it's not like Barnaby's ungrateful for the reminders -- especially here, when he hasn't yet seen Kotetsu's face.

There are things about his partner's personality that would be nigh-impossible to fake. This infuriating probably-not-at-all-purposefully-forgetting-to-answer-his-question is one of them. He patiently listens -- until he hears the last sentence.]

Hah?

[illneverforget]

You're the one who's being difficult. If you're going to make accusations, then please answer my other question first!

[At least there's almost a certain fondness in that brand of irritation.]

Anyway, for the most part, we share concerns.

[Mostly. Hopefully that tables Barnaby's participation in a feelings discussion until a future date -- when he actually has the rest of his feelings sorted.]

[illneverforget]

Regarding your daughter... while I can't make you feel better about how much she must miss you, she's used to you being gone, isn't she? Things should be fine until we figure out what's going on.

However, there are some things -- such as your family -- I don't really want to discuss over a potentially-unsecured device.

[Was that supposed to be a normal person's version of 'Come over here' or 'Let me come over'? Isn't that usually followed by a meeting location?]

[tiiger]

… Huh?

[ It takes him a few seconds, but he finally remembers it. ]

Oh! Uh, yes! I am using the device they gave me. What else would I be using???? Tch. I don’t have any money to purchase another! [ Plus, it would be smart to save up his money for other necessary survival items.




Like beer. ]

[tiiger]

That’s not true!! I’m sure she’s missing me a lot right now! I … I just hope she’s not too upset about it.

[ He mutters a very pathetic sounding ‘Kaede’ but his misery didn’t last for long. His partner made a very valid point. It would be a lot safer to finish this discussion in person. Plus, he wanted to see him. For many reasons. ]

Heh, you’re right. Where are you right now? I’ll come over.

[illneverforget]

[That...really is not a necessary survival item. Please don't ever say that out loud.]

North 102. At present, I'm the only one here, so you won't be imposing on my roommate. You've been here long enough you know which buildings are which, haven't you?

[If he recalls correctly (and he does), Kotetsu's building-recognition skills are very poor. As for the rest of what he was saying... well, that can be addressed soon.]

[illneverforget]

By the way, there's a lot of furniture here at the moment. As soon as I speak with my roommate and decide what's mine, you're welcome to have most of it.

[Is that supposed to be a joke?]