[The untranslatable muffled reply caused Barnaby to take a small step back, partially due to his surprise and partially due to disgust. He didn't have the time to look but he hoped that even if 1% of the food in Kotetsu's mouth hadn't stayed there when he'd spoken, then it at least was currently not on his clothing. The shoes were a questionable sacrifice, seeing as they had already been dealt with an unsightly fate a few minutes ago. He could have easily taken the time to berate his partner's lack of manners, even get him a napkin to first take care of himself and then whatever mess Kotetsu had left behind, but that required more time than he had left at this point and this was not a time for words anyway. Barnaby only needed action, and so with a shake of his head and a sigh he removed his hand from Kotetsu's shoulder only to try and remove the plate of food (why had he put so many? He didn't intend to eat all of it in one go did he? This mixture of textures and flavors couldn't possibly be appetizing) from his hands.]

It doesn't matter, you'll do just fine. If you're concerned about missing out on the food I'll pay the caterers myself to make another batch of everything when we're done. [His shoulders tensed as part of the orchestra began to warm up. He could hear strings plucked, then the stray keys of a piano, a horn played a sharp that was too sharp and all through it the heels kept a steady and quick rhythm. Barnaby could feel a suspicious burning heat on his back which meant that woman was getting closer, ready for the kill. Barnaby had never begged for anything, because he does not beg, and so he would not beg. But right now? The look that he was pinning Kotetsu down with? He was clearly begging. Please save him, please.]

Please?