Chapter One (A New Venture)

"Brother," Tadashi Hamada stated matter-of-factly to Hiro, his younger brother.

"Really?" Hiro said, twisting his boyish face into an expression of disbelief.

"Yeah, that was your first word," Tadashi said, and flashed a self-satisfied smile.

"I don't believe you," Hiro replied, growing embarrassed upon seeing the smugness on Tadashi's face reflected on the rearview mirror.

"Ask Aunt Cass she can confirm this," Tadashi replied, closing the conversation.

Hiro sat snugly behind Tadashi on his motorcycle as they drove towards the market. Hiro let the wind whip past his wild black hair and imagined he was flying as he shut his eyes.

The scent of Tadashi's aftershave wafted towards around him and he allowed the mixture of the crispness of the oncoming winter wind and Tadashi's aftershave to bring his senses to a unique place only he was fortunate enough to experience. There was no safer place in the world for Hiro, and he enjoyed every moment sitting behind his big brother on his motorcycle as they sped down the streets of Sanfransokyo. Of course, Hiro would never admit this fact out loud.

"Did you bring the list?" Tadashi said, bringing Hiro from out of his busy imagination.

Hiro rifled through his sweater pockets until he felt the crumpled piece of paper and sighed a breath of relief. He took the paper out to see Tadashi's neat handwriting sprawled down its length.

"Yeah, right here," Hiro confirmed, and handed Tadashi the list.

Tadashi looked surprised and said, "I'm shocked little brother you actually did something responsible."

"Hey, I'm not a kid. I'm turning sixteen soon and I'll eventually won't even need you to drive me around anymore," Hiro said, not letting the sadness show in his tone of voice. In truth, he'd miss Tadashi driving him around.

Tadashi chuckled softly and his broad back vibrated from his laughter. Hiro could see Tadashi's amused expression in the mirror, mocking him for being younger in years.

"Oh, baby brother, you think you're grown up but you still have a lot to learn. Despite your skills, you need wisdom, and that only comes with age," Tadashi informed, as he turned a sharp corner towards their destination.

Hiro watched as they passed throngs of people, their faces blurred from the speed at which they traveled. Every time, he'd wished he'd see their parents' faces in the crowd, but he knew such a thing was impossible.

A heavy sadness plagued Hiro and made his chest feel tight and he tried to focus on the road ahead instead of the intense pain. He felt like he wanted to cry, but no tears came.

Tadashi watched Hiro through the rearview mirror and noticed his brother's face turn suddenly solemn. He knew what he was thinking of even if Hiro didn't tell him – he knew his little brother more than Hiro realized.

"Hey, are you excited?" Tadashi cheerfully said, trying to get Hiro's mind away from thinking of the past.

Hiro blinked away lingering thoughts and answered, "Yeah… but I'm also a bit anxious."

"Good," Tadashi said, high-spiritedly. "It's normal to be a little nervous when starting something new. It means you're human."

Hiro processed his older brother's words and wondered if he had been a robot, would all his fears and worries go away? Hiro stared at his hand and gazed at his fingers. No gears and bolts, just flesh and bone.

"We're here," Tadashi announced and stopped the motorcycle. He took off his helmet revealing a short, convenient haircut unlike Hiro's untamed hairstyle. Hiro gazed at Tadashi for a moment in awe at how handsome his older brother was and felt a slight envy at his dashing looks. Hiro had always wished to be half as handsome as Tadashi when he reached his age, but he was still just the 'cute' little brother.

Tadashi reached into his back pocket and pulled out his Sanfransokyo ball cap to place atop his head making him appear even more athletic than he naturally was. "So what do you think of the place?" Tadashi said, as they simultaneously got off the motorcycle and headed towards the building.

"It's starting to really hit me now," Tadashi replied. He stared at the empty building with the 'FOR SALE' sign at the front of its darkened windows.

"Welcome to the world of business, little brother," Tadashi said, and slapped Hiro's back. "I can't believe you want to run your own coffee business."

"Not just any coffee business," Hiro corrected. "A robotics café."

"Why not start out small? Maybe help out at Aunt Cass' until you feel more ready. And then maybe eventually inheriting the business" Tadashi suggested, as he stared at the building Hiro was about to rent out.

They of course had similar types of conversations beforehand, but Hiro would never be swayed from his decision. He could be just as hardheaded and stubborn as Tadashi once he set his mind on something.

Hiro gazed up at the empty building and felt a newfound thrill run through him. "'Cuz I want to start something of my own. It wouldn't feel right just being handed something," Hiro explained.

Tadashi gave him one of his half grins and said, "Well then, that's awfully mature of you. I believe you'll be one of the only sixteen-year olds to have their own café business. Of course, I'll be here to help you if you need it. You may be getting older and taller, but I'll always be your big brother."
Hiro turned to look at Tadashi and for the first time, realized he was nearly eye-level with his tall brother. This fact gave him a sense of pride and he puffed out his chest.

"I'll be taller than you in no time," Hiro said, and smiled.

"Dream on, little brother," Tadashi scoffed, and ruffled Hiro's hair, making it even messier.

"Hey, stop that," Hiro said, and playfully pushed Tadashi away, but barely budged him from the spot.

Hiro's height may have increased, but Tadashi's athletic build had its advantage over Hiro's slight one.

Tadashi laughed as Hiro continued his attempt on moving Tadashi, but after the fifth try he had run out of stamina.

Hiro was huffing and puffing while Tadashi chuckled at his little brother's futile efforts to overtake him. "I'll be able to get you to move someday," Hiro said, in between gasps.

"Maybe one day," Tadashi simply said as he smiled at Hiro.

"Soon," Hiro panted, and wiped a few streaks of sweat on his forehead.

Tadashi chuckled softly, and Hiro could see his eyes soften. "I'm sure."
For a moment there was a comfortable silence between the brothers until Tadashi said, "So, what are you planning on naming this place?"

Hiro pondered for a long moment. He honestly never really thought about it. So he decided on the first thing which came to his mind.

"Hero Café. Hero with an E," Hiro stated, and felt a strong sense of excitement at the thought of seeing the name on the front of the building.

Tadashi laughed softly and said, "I see what you did there."