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The rooftop was silent for a moment that felt like forever. Then:
“So, how was your night?” Kotetsu spoke with amusement, breaking the silence. The wind brushed Barnaby's hair gently, providing a cool breeze on a warm summer night.
“Pfft. As if you weren’t there,” Barnaby responded. They’ve been together the entire night, patrolling the city. He didn’t know what the old man was on about this time, but when did he ever? He turned from the flashy landscape of Stern Bild’s ever–blinding night life to face Kotetsu, who’d already turned to him. His eyes were so earnest— no. Nope. Barnaby’s not doing this tonight.
“Sure, but you’re my partner, I gotta know how you feel, right?” Barnaby will never admit to what those words do to him. Kotetsu really says the darndest things so freely sometimes. Barnaby wished he could do that too, someday.
“I don’t think that’s what that means, Kotetsu.” Barnaby chuckled.
“Hell yeah it does!... Wait, does it?” Kotetsu hesitated adorably. His expression shifted from confusion to something more akin to affection. “Hey, you called me Kotetsu again,” he beamed.
“Whatever, old man.” Barnaby turned away, finding it impossible to keep a smile off his face. Maybe he could keep some dignity this way.
“Oh quit it, I’m not that old,” Kotetsu protested, but before he could argue any further, their communicators jingled with that familiar tune. A feeling of disappointment washed over Barnaby, but it’s not like he had much time to stew on it. The city needed them.
Well, there'll be many more of these patrols anyway, right? It's not like the city hasn't beat them down before (hell, it seemed to love doing that), but they've always stood back up. Barnaby stole one last look at Kotetsu, who had already stood up on his feet. And with the backdrop of the city's night life, Barnaby —not for the first time— thought Kotetsu looked just as gorgeous as his soul was.