[He picks up almost immediately, replying as soon as he's sure it's Kotetsu. And because he's too distraught, for the first time in ages he doesn't switch over to voice. Kotetsu gets to see how his partner is holding up--pretty well, actually, as it turns out. He's pale, and he doesn't look like he's been sleeping much, but he's still outwardly together. Being forced to get up and go to work every day he's supposed to helped a lot with him keeping his calm, as it happens. As little as he liked that, it was infinitely preferable to having a breakdown.
...besides, he's discovered that working takes his mind off his troubles, for a little while at least.
His eyes widen as the implications of what Kotetsu is saying sink in.]
[video]
...besides, he's discovered that working takes his mind off his troubles, for a little while at least.
His eyes widen as the implications of what Kotetsu is saying sink in.]
He isn't? You're certain?
...how can you be certain?