Several times as they worked Kosuke noticed the Ranger feel up at his throat. What was he looking for? Did he lose a necklace perhaps? Or maybe it was a gesture he made when he was nervous. What would he be nervous about though? As far as the boy could see, they had tackled any and all of their immediate threats. Did the Ranger know something then? Was something bad still going to happen, and he just didn't want to worry them by telling them?... On the other hand, he could have just lost a necklace. The boy really couldn't be sure.<br/><br/>Well, no matter the reason, it had happened enough times that the boy felt compelled to confrunt him about it the next time they were alone. He got such an opportunity shortly after they, miraculously, finished unblocking the pass. It felt so good to be done. Every one was congratulating each other on a job well done, and heading home to get a good night's sleep. But the boy put off celebrating for now. First he wanted to check with the Ranger, just to see if something really was wrong.<br/><br/>When the time came for the men and the Ranger to split directions, Kosuke began following the Ranger. Crowley turned around and saw the boy wasn't following and called out to him, "Oy, aren't you going to sleep in the barracks with us?" he asked.<br/><br/>Kosuke turned back and smiled. "I think so," he said. "I'll come back later."<br/><br/>Crowley just gave a shrug and continued walking. Alaster was glad to continue the joke he'd been telling the big man.<br/><br/>After that pause, the boy jogged a bit to fall into step beside the Ranger. Before he could say anything, the boy spoke up. "Something's wrong isn't it?" he asked. "You've been off all afternoon. You<span style="font-style: italic">can</span>tell me you know," he said, giving a reassuring smile. "I might even be able to help."