For whatever reason, Kotetsu was adamant about watching this film with him. Although Barnaby still felt like it was a frivolous way to spend their time, he couldn't help but be struck by how much his partner wanted to spend a couple of peaceful hours with him. Was it really so important?

Perhaps it was Kotetsu's way of making up for some of the things that had happened before Barnaby's arrival. On the other hand, he'd never known the man to insist on stopping a moment to smell the roses, especially when there was a crisis at hand. Once again, Barnaby was reminded of the way Kotetsu had fit comfortably in his arms that night they'd first bumped into each other at Landel's. He was different from the man he'd fought with at the ice skating rink, but it was difficult to understand all the nuances behind the change.

Barnaby was perplexed, but he was also interested to try to figure things out.

He took another sip of his drink. "You're not going to leave me alone about it, either, are you," Barnaby deadpanned. His cup may have been hiding the faint curve of his lips, but Kotetsu didn't have to know that.

Of course, his softening gaze was a bit more difficult to conceal. Even though he felt horrible, Kotetsu had a way with nudging his mood into a more positive direction when he least expected it.