Kotetsu had enough shame to wince when Barnaby didn't fall for his excuses. Yeah, he had known the whole time they had been here. He had known something was terribly wrong with his partner's memories again, but he had chosen to be selfish instead, hoping that it might work itself out naturally. When the days just kept progressing and nothing between them had changed, it seemed like the time for talk had passed and bringing it up became impossible for him.

Genuinely, he feared for what it would do to Barnaby. The older man didn't want to see him overcome with grief or depression, or let it drive a wedge between their partnership. He had been doing it to save the blond, but half of it was to save himself as well. And now all he feared was coming back around on him.

"I... I dunno, I just... hoped that he... wouldn't," he moped, wringing his hands together so hard he was certain he would eventually dislocate one of his fingers. "I'm sorry... I am--I'll, I'll tell you everything right now, okay? We'll, We'll just sit down and talk!"