Barnaby can't seem to stop crying, as much as he knows he should. He's just too overwhelmed by what Kotetsu is saying to him, by this whole situation. He thought their relationship as partners would be broken down for weeks after what happened. He thought Kotetsu wouldn't want to see him again. What is he supposed to do when his expectations have been so thoroughly shattered?

How can he do anything besides cry?

Still. Kotetsu is breathing, and smiling, and reassuring him as he always has. Barnaby should feel bad for relying on his partner this much... but at the same time, he knows Kotetsu wouldn't have it any other way. In the end, all he can feel is affectionate.

He rubs his eyes a bit, huffs as he looks Kotetsu in the eye only for his lips to twitch up into a smile.

"Then... I don't know what to say. I haven't... had experience with this in a long time. Not a lot of people get this kind of feeling out of me." And fewer deserve it. "B-Besides, it's not exactly the same as... as being in love, right? So maybe I'm wrong." He avoids Kotetsu's eyes now, the nerves catching up to him. "I don't think I am, though. I think..." He thinks he's ready to say this.

"I think I'm in love with you."