Do you remember?

Misaki, DTE, jishe, thank you so much for reading so far! I hope you will enjoy the new chapter.



Special thanks to barrie18, for keeping me on track.







The dull, unrelenting beating of his heart wouldn’t give. “Why?” Riki was walking briskly, totally unaware of his surrounding, just hoping for the turmoil in his soul to succumb. Why did Iason have to be a total bastard? Why was Guy treating Kirie like shit?



-Shit … he mumbled, and almost stumbled upon a man lying on the sidewalk.



-Hey, punk, watch where you’re steppin’! The drunkard yelled.



The man was covered with some old cardboard, soiled by unknown substances. Riki couldn’t make out his face, but his sense of smell told him that the man hadn’t been visiting any baths lately.



-Sorry, man … he threw along with a side glance, quickly resuming his aimless walk.



Had the slums always been this depressing? When he had longed for his freedom, the slums had seemed to be some kind of paradise lost. The fights, the excitement, … the times when he only had Guy and the gang. Now here he was, back where he wanted to be and he found himself longing for that place, he once called his prison.



“When did you turn into such a pansy?”, Riki derisively asked himself, but he knew he wasn’t being honest with himself. “It’s not about places, it’s about people. They’re nothing without a soul.”



The thing with Guy and coming back here … that proved to be a really bad idea. Riki knew he couldn’t stay there anymore. It would drive Kirie insane, and Riki felt really sorry for the kid. His longing glances, the way he rushed to Guy’s voice like a puppy, his whole fidgeting showing his insecurities, it was just too much to bear watching every single day. Plus, Guy would not give up on him now that he thought he had a chance with Riki. This was a real no win situation. For anyone.



Riki needed a place to be alone, to lick his wounds. Damn, it, he felt so cold and alone. Instantly, before he could stop it his mind flashbacked , remembering Iason’s hot touch, his tongue leaving wet trails everywhere, aroused skin, begging to be. The memory made Riki tremble, and he had to hold his jaw with his hand, to stop his teeth from clashing against each other. “Iason!” his mind yelled in want and anguish.

It was all too much to bear. Riki wished, for a brief moment, that he could just get rid of the memories.



Unfortunately, the flesh always needs to endure cruel and unusual punishments brought forward by a reckless soul. He walked on. . .



********



-Listen carefully, Kirie.



Lounged on one side, Kirie wished he could stop sobbing. Long swirls of smoke were flying towards the ceiling, released from Guy’s cigarette.



-I like you warming my bed. You’re a great lay.



Had it been other times, Kirie would have been thankful for the words. Now, they only made him feel something bad was about to happen.



-Do you remember when I first met you?



Guy didn’t really need a confirmation, as Kirie remained silent. He could clearly hear the boy’s restrained sobs, but continued.



-You were so skittish, like a scary cat. But I knew it was enough to caress you a little, and you would yield. The truth is it could have been anybody, not just me. You just needed to lean on someone. It just happened to be me.



The growing sounds of Kirie’s sobs confirmed Guy’s words.



-So there’s no reason for us to pretend things are otherwise.



-They … changed.



-For you, maybe. Listen, Kirie, Riki is special to me. I’ve loved him all my life.



Now Kirie began crying torrents of tears. There was no holding back now. Guy remained calm, uncaringly blowing smoke towards the ceiling.



-You’re convenient. And you’re skilled enough to blow a grown man’s mind in a second. It won’t be hard for you to find another man to take you home.



-I don’t want another man! And it’s not like that! No one will ever take me home!



-Why? Couldn’t you keep it a secret?



Kirie hitched his breath, staring at Guy blankly.



-Because you suspect people know you’re a dirty little whore? Guy stated plainly, no trace of hatred in his voice.



-That … bastard! He … told you! Kirie was screaming.



-Who?



No response.



-Who, Kirie?



-That damn Riki! I’ll kill him!



-Kill him? Just touch a hair on his hand, and you go sleeping with the fish. But I see, he knows it, too. What a shame. Maybe he doesn’t want me because he thinks I got some weird disease from you …



-I’m clean!



-Good for you. But it wasn’t Riki, I knew it all along.



-I don’t believe you.



Guy turned seeking Kirie’s eyes.



-That thing you do … with your tongue … no way a virgin could have known that.



Guy caught Kirie into his arms and held him close, blowing hot air into his ear.



-I didn’t teach you that. Who did, Kirie?



The boy tried to struggle out of Guy’s hold, but failed.



-It was easy to discover what you were doing. Do you think I’m blind? But the truth is, Kirie, that I didn’t care. I don’t care now, either. But it made me feel relieved, at the time. You know what I mean, that I could show you the door any time I saw fit, without feeling guilty.



-No! The despair in Kirie’s voice was palpable.



Soon, his mouth was taken over by Guy’s. He tried to escape, but the man pursued him endlessly.



-Show me, little whore. How you do it when I’m not around.



Kirie went limp, much to Guy’s dismay.



-I’ll show you.



Kirie got up, and started to undress, with a blank stare in his eyes. Guy watched him curiously, as Kirie sank between his knees, taking the flacid cock into his mouth. The older man felt a chill running down his spine. Kirie was looking really young and vulnerable. And empty, like a shell. Angrily, he pushed the boy aside.



-No wonder you don’t get much dough! You would scare off the customers with these pathetic little stunts!



Kirie remained defeated, on his knees, as Guy shook him violently.



-What are you trying to show me, Kirie? That you don’t squirm in delight under those fat bastards in Midas, like you do under me?



-Yes, Guy. The answer was honest, and Guy could tell. Only problem was, he just wasn’t ready to accept it.



-Not only are you a bitch in heat, but you’re also a lying cunt as well!



Kirie clutched Guy’s neck with both his hands and begged.



-It’s the truth, just believe me, Guy! They mean nothing! I hate it! I just don’t want to be a burden!



Guy pushed the boy aside.



-You are a burden! You want me to love you!



-So what! I love you! I have the right!



-No, you don’t! Not when you’ve become a sperm bucket for who knows how many!



Kirie came to Guy on his knees, pleading.



-I quit! I’ll never go there again!



-Too late, Kirie.



The boy stopped. With a strange gleam in his eyes, he accused.



-You’re the one who’s a liar! It wouldn’t matter whether I’m ‘pure’ or not! Not as long as you don’t let go of that fucking Riki!



He didn’t expect Guy to hit him. He had never done it before. But the force of the blow caused his head to spin, as his eyelids fluttered to convey the tears welling there instantly.



Guy jumped to his feet, and dressed without a word. Kirie asked, through his tears:



-Where are you going?



-To get Riki back. When he steps through that door, you’re out!



Kirie felt the door slamming shut on his soul. He stayed there crying for hours on end. He wished he had some sort of a magical device to help him forget this pain.



********



While broken hearts in Ceres were crying out in vain to be released from their cage of despair, Iason began preparing to forget Riki.



-Are you ready, my son? Jupiter asked gently.



Determined, Iason laid himself on the strange chair, and fixed the mind wiping device on his head with steady hands.



*******



-Well, well, what do you know? If isn’t Riki the Dark himself?



There was something in that tone that made Riki become suddenly aware of his surroundings. When Luke’s face came out of the dark, he exhaled the one breath he didn’t know he was holding.



-Shit, man … Riki sighed.



Luke measured Riki’s lithe frame from head to toes, licking him with his eyes. The sexual undercurrent flowing from his former gang member didn’t escape the dark haired mongrel. His beautiful eyes turned into thin slits of dark light:



-What the fuck are you lookin’ at?



Raising his hands in a false pretense of an apology, Luke took a step back:



-Relax, man, it’s just me, remember, your old pal?



Something in Luke’s voice still sounded off, so Riki didn’t let his guard down. Yet, considering everything he still decided to ask:



-Hey, Luke, do you know some place I could crash?



-Uh, don’t tell me. Guy’s giving you the boot? Tsk, tsk, I don’t get it man … for that little piece of ass?



-Do you know or not? Riki asked flatly, ignoring Luke’s comment.



Luke pondered a little, while inspecting Riki through his lashes. In a low tone, he whispered:



-How about crashing at my place? I’ll keep you warm, I promise.



Riki, holding back his fury let out an exasperated sigh, and turned on his heels to leave.



-I wouldn’t be turning that sexy ass to anyone, if I were you, Riki! Without Guy watching your back, do you think you can fend off everyone? One of these days, Riki, one of these days you’re heading into big trouble…



Angry, Riki turned to answer the blatant threat, but the alley was empty. A cold chill passed through Riki’s spine.



****



Iason’s perfect face was convulsing in pain. ‘I knew it would be like this’, Jupiter pondered, while cooling her favorite son’s forehead with her translucent hand.



“At any point, I could stop the procedure, if I feel you are not able to endure”.



“There is no need for that. No matter what, Mother, …, I beg you to continue.”



Easier said than done, was Jupiter’s thought, while conducting the mind wiping sequence on Iason.

Her free hand flowed over the controls adjusting the action on the large screen . There was no need to let Iason know that she saw everything. He was asleep now, but the pain he was experiencing were shaking her circuits to the core. With saddened eyes, she watched the flashbacks of Iason’s memories fading away, one by one.



Flashbacks



***



“I don’t have a car, so we’d have to walk”.



Iason just nodded, following the dark haired youth through the street maze, leading … where? The enticing movement of those hips had the role of almost hypnotizing Iason. The promise there, in the languid movement lured Iason on drawing him on a mysterious adventure, that Blondies should never dare to walk. Turning the corner, the youth disappeared …



“Where am I?”



An annoying feeling of emptiness made Iason flinch in discomfort. What the hell was he doing in front of this Midas brothel?



“ Possibly I let my thoughts wander too much while walking and didn’t take note of my direction.” The frown on his forehead however, didn’t go away..



***



“We will be late, and if you make me look bad, it will be your fault. Don’t try testing my patience, Riki.”



“I won’t go, not in this skimpy outfit! Push the buttons on that friggin’ ring as long as you want, shithead!”



With slow movements, Iason clasped the leash on his pet’s neck, ignoring the ever flowing river of curses. With the other hand, he caressed the sweaty forehead:



“So beautiful, you are so beautiful, Riki. Just come stay curled at my feet for a while.”



Despite the youth’s reluctance, Iason dragged him near his chair, on which he sat gracefully. The boy kept his head down, heaving. Iason let his gloved hand rest on that tousled hair.



“Just like this, for a little while.”



The empty leash banged against the chair’s leg, waking Iason from his revery. Stunned, the Blondie looked at the spiked circle in his hand.



“Daryl, do I have a new pet?”



The servant stared right through him.



***



“There’s no point denying this … You like it, Riki.”



“Yes, I like it”, the boy admitted, panting. “But I hate you.”



“You don’t hate me.” Iason stated plainly while moving the bangs from the boy’s eyes, to let himself drown in those perfect black pools.



The kiss was soft and yielding.



“You are so warm, my pet, you are so perfect.”



Iason enjoyed the way Riki traced unseen routes through his long mane, while losing himself into the hot embrace.



“I can’t believe it is so chilly in here. Perhaps the window is open?”



Iason rose from the bed and checked the windows, while, behind him, the still imprinted form of a warm body slowly faded from view as distorted subtle movements of the sheets pulled themselves straight.



***



“Why did you bring me here?”



“I thought you would like it.”



He loved Riki’s smile. In natural light, his skin looked even darker, and his hair had highlights of unusual colors. Laughing, the boy turned towards him, and circled his neck with long sinewy arms.



“You know what, Iason?”



“What?”



Their noses were now nuzzling against each other, while craving lips started to part in eager expectation of their anticipated meeting.



“I lo…”



***



End of flashbacks



-NO!



The sudden cry took Jupiter by surprise. Iason’s eyes were not open, yet, the plea could clearly be heard. Surreptitiously, Jupiter took her hand off the controls. “As you wish, my son. You will be granted this single memory. But you will still not know who Riki is. Ever.”



****



Sitting at the bar, Riki continued sucking dry a bottle of stout, while pondering the alternatives.



-I thought I’d find you here.



Guy took the seat next to his former lover and asked the bartender for another round.



-Why did you leave like that?



-Isn’t it obvious man? Riki snorted, deliberately avoiding looking at Guy.



-C’mon, man ….



-Guy, there’s no point lying to ourselves. You and me … , shit, … it’s been a long time. We cannot be an item.



-Why? Is it because of Kirie?



-Kirie, circumstances, lottsa things. I expected you to move on. We’re not children anymore.



-Riki …



Guy reached tentatively for Riki’s elbow, but a stony blank look stopped him from finishing his move.



-I don’t know how to put it nicely, Guy, so I’ll just tell it to you straight: I care about you, but you’re just my friend. As for other shitty feelings, I’m still in love with that fucker, and I don’t know if I’ll ever get over him.



-That’s it? We’ve been together since … how long? Forever? And you can just turn off like that?



Riki put his hand on Guy’s shoulder and squeezed unhappily. He shook his friend lightly.



-Guy, if you leave Kirie because of me, you’re a jackass man. I don’t know where I’ll be tomorrow. The truth is … I ran away. I didn’t come here to mess with your life, or your lover.



-He’s not my …



-Stop talking shit Guy, do you even know what you’re talking about? The poor fuck is head over heels, and you treat him like dirt. You’re not gonna do this, in front of me? You want to throw Kirie out, fine. But don’t do it for my sake. Frankly, Guy, do you think you’ll find someone else in this fucking hell hole, to care for you like he does?



Inwardly Guy couldn’t help but cringe as he listened to the harsh truth Riki was pouring on his head.



-Let me tell you something, you inconsiderate fuck! When Kirie leaves, you’ll be on your own! Do you have any friggin’ idea how that feels?



Guy shook himself from Riki’s grip.



-Yeah, I know! When you disappeared to play the lap dog for that friggin’ Blondie, you left me alone Riki! So yeah, I guess I do know something about that shit, so don’t you come here, and start lecturing me about shit which you did to me!



Riki buried his head in his elbows with a loud sigh. Now facing his own past actions he mumbled:



-For all that it’s worth, I’m sorry, Guy, but we can never be like we used to. Go home, go back to Kirie. The kid loves you. Trust me, that counts for something.



-Then at least come back with me to the apartment. I can’t leave you here, alone. It just ain’t safe man, you know that.



-No, I can’t do that. If you don’t care about Kirie’s feelings, I do. I need to crash some place else. I’ll come visit you both, after a while.



Guy tried to embrace him, but Riki remained rigid.



-It’s better this way, trust me, Guy. I only bring trouble. And, no matter how much I care for you as a friend, I can never love you back.



Guy let his hands slide down, away from Riki’s frame.



-Is this your final decision?



-Yeah, Guy it is, do yourself a favour … look inside your soul, and ask yourself if you still love me, or you just love that kid that I was such a long time ago … the kid that clearly Kirie reminds you so much of.



Before Guy could reply, the bar door slammed shut, leaving behind a trace of wild cold wind.



********



Gathering his clothes around his body, Riki trembled. “On nights like this, … I wish I would have stolen some sweaters or something.” Seeing a side alley, Riki made his way there just to give himself a bit more shelter from the freezing night.



Being cold, tired and forgetting to watch your back was fatal in Ceres. The blow came out of nowhere.



Some time later, when he came to his senses, Riki’s eyes only reached the lower parts of leather boots, just inches away from his face. He mumbled:



-Whoever you are, I’m gonna kill you, you fucker.



A hoarse laughter was the only reply at first.



-You’re awake. Good. I didn’t want to fuck you while you were sleeping so pretty. Where’s the fun in that?



-Luke, you bastard. Riki hissed.



-Told you to watch your back, bro’, … but, hey, when have you ever listened to the rest of us, mortals?



-Just untie my fuckin’ hands, and I’ll show you how well I know how to listen you prick, Riki grunted through gritted teeth while his eyes glared in direction of his ex-pal.



-Like I’m stupid enough to do that …



Luke changed his position and hovered above Riki’s imobilized form. His hands raked the body beneath his, taking a perverse pleasure in watching Riki squirm in clear disgust.



-Take your dirty hands off me, and maybe you get to keep them, Riki threatened, as the assault continued.



-I wanted you for so long … the other man mused, almost to himself. You used to drive me crazy with that sexy ass of yours, but you cared only about Guy, and no one else. Would it have killed you, to throw the rest of us, a bone or something?



-What are you? Some fucking dog?



-Yeap, the laughter returned. A dog … in heat, that’s going to get what he wants for a change.



Riki tried changing tactics.



-You can’t keep me here forever. People will come looking for me. Even if you fuck me, it’d be at the cost of your dick. You know I won’t let this shit slip.



-Threats, huh? Maybe I’ll take you some place else then and enjoy you there, for as long as I want your ass …



The hands now squeezed the perfect cheeks. Drawn by the frantic movements of the lithe body lying on the floor, Luke didn’t notice a certain tension accumulating in the dark haired youth’s body. A swift move turned Riki face up, and Luke’s legs gave in to the sudden strike. The man’s head hit the floor with a sickening crash. Even tied up, Riki was better than his old gang, when it came to martial arts. With Luke temporarily neutralized, he tried to crawl towards the door, but a heavy boot landed on his spine, making him yelped in pain.



-Riki, man, are you there, man?



Sid’s clear voice could be heard. Riki’s mouth opened to scream, but a sudden stinging pain to the left side of his body was soon followed by the gushing of blood into his mouth. Riki felt the world fading around him again, but he managed to hear heavy boots running towards the back end of the alley as slow hesitant footsteps came towards him.



-Man, Riki, what the hell happened?



Sid tried to move Riki, then he saw the red patch growing bigger on Riki’s white shirt. Riki tried to speak, but he just spat blood.



-I’ll go get Guy, Riki, don’t die, man!



Riki tried to hang on Sid’s arm, but he failed.



****



Moments earlier ….



After cruising the streets for what seemed like hours, Guy entered the door to his apartment, shocked to find Kirie sitting calmly on the sofa in the room that served both as the hallway and the livingroom.



-What? You’re not out there, working? He asked, the irony in Guy’s voice falling flat.



-Not tonight.



-Bullshit. You’re all dressed up. You just returned, right? Already filled to the brim or something?



Kirie didn’t respond. He didn’t even cry. This sudden change in attitude made Guy stop and really look at the kid that had been sharing his bed for three years.



The boy stated plainly:



-I’m leaving, Guy. I don’t want to be a burden anymore.



Guy stood in the middle of the room, feeling like he’d been struck by lightning.



-You’re …leaving … me?



-Yes.



Kirie didn’t have the courage to look Guy straight in the eyes. He didn’t want to let the other see the tears still lingering there. He stood up and grabbed his luggage, an old suitcase that he didn’t even remember where or when he had gotten it. He headed towards the door, and grabbed the knob, when a warm hand was placed over his. A strong arm circled his waist, and Guy pulled him towards his own body, plastering him there. Hot moist lips searched for Kirie’s left ear.



-Don’t leave, Kirie. Just stay with me.



Trying to deny the effect the words and the touch had on him, Kirie stood straight.



-Why, Guy? Why should I stay?



The lips kissed gently the said ear.



-Because you’re mine, and no one else’s.



Kirie tried to get away from the touch, in order to compose himself.



-This ain’t good enough anymore, Guy. I might be yours, but you were never mine, so who do you belong to nowadays? Riki?



A heavy sigh was the only answer.



-I’ll be here for you, Kirie. That’s all that I can promise, for now. I talked to Riki tonight … he’s not coming back, so there’s no longer a problem about you staying here with me.



-No, Guy, I don’t want to stay here, just as your second hand option. Life’s tough enough as it is for me. So, let’s just call it quits.



But the embrace didn’t stop, and Guy turned the boy to him, seeing his eyes floating in tears. He felt the ice on his heart melting a little. He raised a finger gently brushing it against Kirie’s tears.



-Don’t cry for me, Kirie. I’m not worth shit. I just want you to stay with me. Maybe we can give it one more shot and make it work.



Kirie let Guy embrace him, but his heart and mind were doubtful. Loud bangs on the door made them both jump apart. Guy quickly opened the door, surprised to see Sid on his doorsteps, with a wild desperate look in his eyes:



-Come on, man, it’s Riki … he’s injured, he needs help badly, Guy!



Kirie just froze when he saw the feral look on Guy’s face as Guy turned towards him remembering Kirie’s earlier threat towards Riki. He raised his arms in self defense, shaking his head violently:



-It wasn’t me, Guy, it wasn’t me!



-Sid, who injured Riki? The tension in Guy’s voice could be cut with a knife.



-Don’t know, man, the guy took a hike, and left Riki there, bleeding to death! Hurry, what the fuck are you stayin’ here for?



Kirie’s eyes fell dim, while Guy’s hands, so loving moments before, circled his neck, cutting his air supply. Guy grabbed the boy and tied his hands together and then chained him to the headboard of their shared bed.



-I’ll deal with you later!



Those were the last words that Kirie heard, his injured throat no longer capable of shouting his innocence, as Guy raced out the door with Sid.



****



-Riki, man, what’s with you, man?



Guy tried to make Riki come a little to his senses. Sid was pacing the alley relentlessly.



-What should we do, man, what should we do?



-Shut up, I’m trying to think here! Go to this address!



Guy handed Sid a piece of paper with a name scrambled on it.



-This one used to be a doctor. Tell him we’ll pay, and pay well. Offer him anything just get him here fast.

Sid stormed into the dark streets as if the devil were chasing him. The clock was ticking mercilessly and he knew time wasn’t on their side...



-Riki, do you hear me?



Riki’s eyes flew open peace replacing fear upon seeing Guy’s worried face.



-Guy, it’s really you?



-I swear to Jupiter, Kirie will pay for this shit! Just hang in there, man, the doctor’s coming!



-It wasn’t Kirie, Guy …



-Riki, don’t take his part, not now, you’re bleeding like a pig man!



-I’m not…lying … It was Luke …



Guy fell silent, his mouth agape.



-Luke? What in hell …? Man, are you sure?



-Yes, the asshole wanted to fuck my ass. He was gonna rape me Guy …



-Shh, don’t talk, it strains you too much. The doctor will be here … Sid, what the fuck is taking you so long?



Riki grabbed Guy’s t-shirt to make him stop. His beautiful face was contorted in pain.



-I’m dying, Guy. I don’t think the doctor will help.



-Don’t talk like that! It’s just a flesh wound!



The tears in Guy’s eyes told a different story. Riki pleaded with him.



-I just want one thing, Guy …



-Yes, Riki, yes, man, anything you want …



-I want to see his face, just one last time.



-Whose face?



-His.



Realization dawned on Guy’s face, but there was no time to show his own hurt at this request. He nodded in understanding.



-What do you want me to do?



His hands now free, flinching in pain, Riki reached into his jacket and took out a small video transmitter device.



-Tap this number, Guy.



Guy listened, then placed the device with the screen facing Riki, and stepped aside, to give him as much privacy as possible.



Iason’s serene face appeared on the screen, and Riki smiled. The man he loved seemed to be well.



-Who is this?

Riki didn’t answer. It was all that he wanted, to see Iason’s face just one more time, hear his voice.

-Who are you? Where do you have this number from?



Riki put his face next to the screen, and used his fingers to follow Iason’s fine features on the screen. The Blondie continued to ask, growing impatiently:



-Who is this?



Sounds of police sirens drew near. Guy looked through the window and saw police hovercrafts coming right their way.



-Shit!



Riki looked straight at Guy.



-Run, Guy! We’ll meet again, on the other side.



Guy tried to step near Riki, but the look in his ex-lover’s eyes stopped him. With tears in his eyes, he murmured something that needed to be said, but not heard by the dying man, before bolting down the back end of the alleyway.



-See you, Riki!



Carefully, with his last strengths, Riki closed the transmission, while Iason was still demanding who was calling, then he closed his eyes. “Good bye, Iason, wherever I am you will always be in my heart”.



****



In Tanagura, Iason was still staring at a blank screen. Clearly, the transmission had been jammed, and he had not been able to see or hear who was calling. Was someone after him? How had they get his private number?



****



The room’s occupant slowly opened his eyes, taking in his surroundings.The white room seemed clinical in nature. As the man became more aware, he realized that he was in an unfamiliar place, and that both his arms were pierced by needles connected to all kinds of tubes. Strangely enough, he didn’t feel any pain or at least not yet. He was pretty sure though that by rights he should be feeling quite shitty. A man dressed in white appeared in the room, holding some papers in his hands.



-Agent Black, welcome back!



-Huh?



-You took your sweet time coming out of it, but once again it seems you managed to get away with no permanent damage..



-Where am I? Riki’s voice sounded hoarse, as if it hadn’t been used for quite some time.



-On board of the Zenovia, Agent Black, we’re going home.



‘Home?’ Right, the last mission had not gone so well. Riki was remembering something fuzzy about being shot during that mission, but the memories felt strange, like a new coat that didn’t quite fit right. The man dressed in white smiled reassuringly at him.



-You need to sleep some more. You’ll have time to catch up with the new team, soon enough.



-What happened to the old one? Riki asked, but the man turned his back, ignoring the question as he began adjusting the tubes contents.