Barnaby didn't know the full story behind Kotetsu's alias, but he did remember hearing that it matched with the Japanese kanji in his first name. Since it had such a personal connection to his civilian identity, he wasn't sure whether he'd share that kind of information with Gabe. Still, Barnaby managed a polite smile. "Perhaps you can ask him someday."
As meddlesome as Kotetsu could be, he wouldn't be surprised if the two crossed paths at some point. Just one conversation with Gabe demonstrated his unusual nature. If he continued to sit around outside with his feet bare, for example, it was only a matter of time before Kotetsu swooped in and warned him about catching a cold. That was simply the kind of man he was, and so perhaps it was inevitable that they would speak.
Of course, it was impossible to say for certain. Barnaby could do a lot of things, but reading the future wasn't one of them.
He hadn't expected the other patient to follow his lead and pack up his food. Barnaby regarded the man with faintly raised eyebrows. "No, I'm all right," he told him. It was bad enough that his nurse insisted on wheeling him around. The last thing he needed was for other patients to feel like they had to look after him too.
"The shift will probably end soon," he added as he stared back out over the clear pond. Although the water was aesthetically pleasing to look at, the dead grass and empty trees served to remind him of the winter season. He hated this time of year. His only consolation was that he didn't have to look at any Christmas decorations. The lack of snow didn't go unappreciated, either. Even so, the cold air that stung at his nostrils carried the stench of unpleasant memories.
Then, as if on cue, the intercom sounded, and the nurses began to approach the patients scattered throughout the courtyard. The noise seemed to break Barnaby out of his momentary trance, and his gaze shifted onto Gabe again. He wasn't sure what to say to him.
"If you ever find out where the water drains, I'd like to know," he finally said in a neutral tone. Then, after a brief pause, he continued. "In the meantime, try to stay aware of your surroundings. It's dangerous here, especially at night." While there was little else Barnaby could do for him without stretching himself thin, he wanted to warn newcomers as best as he could. After all, passing information along could certainly help reduce casualties in the long run.
no subject
As meddlesome as Kotetsu could be, he wouldn't be surprised if the two crossed paths at some point. Just one conversation with Gabe demonstrated his unusual nature. If he continued to sit around outside with his feet bare, for example, it was only a matter of time before Kotetsu swooped in and warned him about catching a cold. That was simply the kind of man he was, and so perhaps it was inevitable that they would speak.
Of course, it was impossible to say for certain. Barnaby could do a lot of things, but reading the future wasn't one of them.
He hadn't expected the other patient to follow his lead and pack up his food. Barnaby regarded the man with faintly raised eyebrows. "No, I'm all right," he told him. It was bad enough that his nurse insisted on wheeling him around. The last thing he needed was for other patients to feel like they had to look after him too.
"The shift will probably end soon," he added as he stared back out over the clear pond. Although the water was aesthetically pleasing to look at, the dead grass and empty trees served to remind him of the winter season. He hated this time of year. His only consolation was that he didn't have to look at any Christmas decorations. The lack of snow didn't go unappreciated, either. Even so, the cold air that stung at his nostrils carried the stench of unpleasant memories.
Then, as if on cue, the intercom sounded, and the nurses began to approach the patients scattered throughout the courtyard. The noise seemed to break Barnaby out of his momentary trance, and his gaze shifted onto Gabe again. He wasn't sure what to say to him.
"If you ever find out where the water drains, I'd like to know," he finally said in a neutral tone. Then, after a brief pause, he continued. "In the meantime, try to stay aware of your surroundings. It's dangerous here, especially at night." While there was little else Barnaby could do for him without stretching himself thin, he wanted to warn newcomers as best as he could. After all, passing information along could certainly help reduce casualties in the long run.