So... is anybody still left in this fandom? Nope. Just me. Alright. For any souls left out there I hope this is something you can find enjoyable nevertheless.
Warnings: can divergence (as in a lot), supernatural elements, character(s) death(s), fire destroying entire lives (perhaps just not in the way you think), and loads and loads of original characters. Along with that list goes with questionable situations teenagers get themselves into, morally confused characters, and the author crossing the thin line between right and wrong tons of times.
The prequel is up: Madness Breeds Sorrow. I'd recommend reading that first just cause it does start the canon divergence this story picks up on but it's so short I'm not going to say that you have to 100% read that to understand anything that's going on. Here's some important things you should probably know before diving in though:
- All the characters are much older than their movie counterparts.
- Tadashi is still alive as Hiro never participated in the showcase (yet) cause of events that happened in Madness Breeds Sorrow.
- Hiro still has Baymax cause Tadashi is crazy and overprotective and worries like nothing you've ever seen before. Cass does too but she's cooler about it all.
- Hiro is in a very bad place mentally, physically, and emotionally and its only going to get worst.
All mistakes are mine. Updates will appear without rhyme or rhythm (though the more feedback the higher chance of a quicker update. Just saying). Like always, hope you enjoy.
"I had the same dream last night."
"Oh really? Care to elaborate?"
Hiro stopped fiddling with the bottom of his hoodie, his brown gaze rising so it could focus on his psychiatrist- Dr. Johnathan Stewart. A man of high prestige, or so he's been told. The many certificates and newspaper clippings hanging all around his walls were proof enough of that, though Hiro still wasn't all that fond of the man.
He didn't really have a good reason on why so he was stuck to going back every week and, as far as he could tell, he was the only college student he knew stuck going to see a shrink because his aunt was concerned about his mental health.
"Not really," he admitted in a soft tone, dropping his expression so it was on his hands.
"You sure?" Dr. Stewart pressed as he leaned further in his seat expectantly, "You know you're in a safe place here. There's no reason to be scared."
"I'm not scared," Hiro snapped, his tone harsher than he intended but he quickly swallowed his temper as he closed his eyes and focused on counting backwards from ten.
Dr. Stewart didn't seem fazed.
"That feeling of uneasy is normal," the man reassured as Hiro still refused to meet his gaze, "It's an uncomfortable topic for you. It's understandable."
It wasn't really, especially considering Hiro didn't remember why the thought still made him sick. Four years later and he still hold no recollection about what happened to end him up in a completely different town alone and dazed.
Hiro didn't say that aloud, though. Despite what everyone's been telling him, he didn't feel completely comfortable telling Dr. Stewart everything. If he could, he wouldn't tell him anything.
"Look Hiro," the man sighed removing his glasses so he could rub tired eyes before he leaned forward and spoke like they were old friends catching up, "I understand that you're not the biggest fan of me, but at this point I'm the only one who'll take you as their patient so let's go back to that dream of yours."
Hiro swallowed back his sneer at the reminder that his other three psychiatrists dropped him shortly after their first lesson, claiming they have more important things to deal with then some child who wanted attention. He doesn't think he's ever seen Aunt Cass so mad then he did after that one told her nothing was wrong with Hiro, and that he was making the whole thing up.
The thing was, however, that Hiro might not remember what had happened to him but he knew his family remembered quite clearly him disappearing without a trace. They only found him because he had called them from the hospital.
"If I say no?" Hiro demanded instead, meeting his psychiatrist's eyes daringly knowing it was at that point he usually got dropped.
The man just sighed, though, rubbing his eyes again like he was exhausted. Perhaps he was, but liked the paycheck he received from Hiro's rich older brother too much to protest too much.
"I can't force you, but I think you'll feel better if you did," Dr. Stewart told him and Hiro swallowed again, never taking his gaze from the man across from him.
Dr. Stewart wasn't a very large man, quite thin and almost fragile looking. His head was shaved bald, revealing almost ancient looking features as piercing blue eyes remained to stare at Hiro through thick lens. There wasn't anything all that impressive about him, until Hiro realized he was the only person who seemed to care what he actually wanted.
His family meant well but they didn't care that Hiro didn't want to visit a psychiatrist on a weekly basis, most of the time too busy to even come pick him up and neither wanted him anywhere past dark by himself regardless of how old he was. Not that he minded all that much considering he received his personal BAYMAX for Christmas.
"I'm sorry," Hiro apologized focusing his attention elsewhere, feeling something hard and round lodge itself in his throat as he added in a near whisper, "I know you mean well."
That, at least, seemed to take Dr. Stewart slightly aback. After all, Hiro's never once showed any emotion other than a slight aloofness towards the man.
"Hiro, is something on your mind?" his psychiatrist asked in a soft sort of tone, concern underlining his voice as he leaned closer to where Hiro was sat upright on his bright red couch.
"No," Hiro denied, voice shaky as he looked up to meet the man's gaze, "I just realize that I'm not the easiest patient to have, and I'm sorry. I just can't tell you about it though I have no idea why."
"Do you want to?" Dr. Stewart pressed and Hiro scrubbed his fists across his face, a growing sense of frustration bubble up inside him though he knew that this time it had very little to do with the psychiatrist and everything with him.
"No. Yes. I don't know," Hiro replied, voice as raw and conflicted as he felt; brown eyes rose to blink up at the man as he was nearly certain his face conveyed a sort of helplessness.
Hiro hated feeling helpless yet recently it seemed to be his new trend. It certainly didn't help that everyone else was convinced he was going insane too; that his suppressed memories were too much for him to handle.
Hiro didn't believe that, though he couldn't distinguish why.
Dr. Stewart just leaned back in his chair, finger to his chin as he seemed to regard him thoughtfully. Bright blue eyes were almost dizzyingly perceptive and Hiro felt his shoulders slump as he allowed himself to be scrutinized by him.
"Sometimes there's a light," Hiro finally spoke up, feeling his attention drift off to the corner of the room as he continued boldly, "and voices. That's all I seem able to recall."
Dr. Stewart remained silent.
Hiro risked a glance, surprised to find the man staring at him with such an intense gaze it was nearly frightening. He shifted on the couch uncomfortably, something hot creeping to the back of his neck as his cheeks flushed in embarrassment.
"Is this part of your dream?" the psychiatrist finally asked after what felt like a lifetime- or rather several lifetimes.
Hiro ducked his expression again, scrubbing his face hard enough to hurt as he murmured in a low voice, "No. This is… something else. My memory, I guess."
"Does anyone else know?" Dr. Stewart pressed as a sudden peak of interest colored his voice and eyes; the man bent over in his seat as he seemed to eagerly await Hiro's response.
Hiro shook his head, dropping his hands so they dangled from his knees. He released a shaking breath, feeling his fingers tingle with nerves. He clenched his hands into tight fists, white knuckles poking from his bony hands.
Neither one of them said anything.
Hiro blinked, lifting his attention back to his psychiatrist curious now. The man's face was nearly unreadable as he seemed to consider something thoughtfully. Hiro stared, remaining quiet as he tried to discern why the look made him feel so cold and nervous.
"Anything else you'd like to share?" Dr. Stewart finally asked with a thoughtful expression, blue eyes rising so he could peer at him; for whatever reason, the skin on Hiro's back crawled with nerves.
He shook his head, tongue suddenly heavy in his mouth.
"Okay then," Dr. Stewart said with a firm nod as he rose from his chair, "I think this is a good place to stop for today, if that's okay with you."
Hiro nodded, rising to his own feet as relief bloomed in his chest warmly. Dr. Stewart seemed to notice his relief as he smiled thinly.
"Hiro," he said as Hiro gathered his jacket from the back of the chair, "I know you think I'm only helping you for your family's money but believe me when I say that I'm not."
Hiro blinked at the words, freezing several feet from the door so he could turn and regard the man with a thoughtful expression. His face conveyed honesty, though, so Hiro allowed his sudden defenses to deflate slightly.
He nodded, remaining silent as he moved the last couple of feet to the door. It opened silently, Hiro's view almost instantly obscured by a familiar white object.
"Are you done?" Baymax's monotone robotic voice asked as he glanced between the two of them with beady black eyes, "My internal clock indicate that you both have 13 more minutes."
"We've decided to cut it short," Dr. Stewart explained as he came to stand beside Hiro, cautious not to touch the youth, "Tell his aunt and brother that he's making progress."
Baymax nodded, accepting the order almost too submissively and if it wasn't for the fact that his brother built the things to blindly follow orders he would've found it within himself to be annoyed by how quickly Baymax had agreed.
Dr. Stewart turned to him, blue eyes gazing sincerely at him as he spoke in a calm neutral tone, "See you next week, Hiro."
Hiro nodded, pulling his red jacket over his thin frame.
In the past four years Hiro managed to grow some but it still wasn't enough. He was hopelessly short and practically rod thin, which was enough to set his poor aunt on edge. Not that he blamed her too much for fretting over that, considering the fact that she owned a restaurant yet both her nephews were still so skinny.
She must have not heard that skinny was in this year.
Though, he supposed, borderline anorexic was never really in- not that he was anorexic. He loved food too much to stop eating completely, it just didn't seem to stick to him.
"Come on Baymax," Hiro beckoned though less of an order as he already started down the hallway, "It'll be getting dark soon."
Baymax quickly waddled after him; Hiro made a mental note to upgrade his speed though sometimes when he wants to be alone it's useful to be able to outrun the robot. Though the last time he tried to ditch Baymax had also been the first- only two weeks after receiving him.
He remembered, almost vividly, how he had been annoyed with the robot and his constant hovering and worrying and practically mothering. He was, in many ways, like Tadashi set to eleven in the worst way for there was no teasing or poking fun in his expense. There was just constant worry and concern and a need to help him in ways Hiro suspected neither of them fully understood.
So he lured him out in an alleyway and bailed.
He made around the corner when four guys several years older than Hiro and twice as big decided it would be cute to then vandalize the robot all the while making snide remarks about them and their creator. Hiro likes to tell himself that that was the reason he had gone back and nearly got sent to the hospital.
Some part of him always assumed that, though he was reluctant to admit it, he cared about Baymax even then. Now it was no secret, Hiro's possessiveness over the robot knowing no bounds and he's quick to reassert himself as Baymax's which was awkward sometimes when he tried with Tadashi.
He reached the door, fingers gripping the metal knob tightly as he spun around to catch sight of his healthcare companion. Three yellow orbs floated into view, drifting soundlessly through one wall to the other.
Hiro blinked though he wasn't as surprised by it as he was when it first started happening. Nor was he as excited, remembering how after the first couple of experiences he had felt a bubbling sense of childhood curiosity as he marveled at how cool that was. Very superhero-esque.
Then it started losing its appeal as the nightmares grew more frequent and he came to realize that whatever happened in his lost week was terrifying. Enough that he couldn't remember found bright lights and men's voices without hurting himself.
Baymax stopped when the orbs passed by him, black eyes watching their movement and Hiro allowed a small grin cross his features at the sight. He wasn't sure why but it seemed Baymax could see what he did, reassuring him on a daily basis that he wasn't crazy. Just a freak.
The three orbs disappeared through the plaster wall, and Baymax moved again. The robot waddled over to where Hiro was still waiting, brown eyes staring at the spot the orbs disappeared.
"Are you ready?" Baymax questioned, as proper as ever.
Hiro tore his attention away from the wall as he nodded, turning the handle with his hand and permitting them both entrance to the cold outside world. Soft mounds of snow was settled on the sidewalk and against the trees, drooping from the branches and from on top of the buildings. All the while the small white flecks sprinkled down from the sky, sticking to Hiro's face and hands as he shoved the cold appendages deep in his coat pockets.
"Come on buddy," Hiro commanded starting down the street he knew would eventually lead him to the café- in the opposite direction of the buses.
"Hiro, I think that it's too cold to remain out in the open for too long," Baymax protested and Hiro resisted the eye roll, knowing the robot meant well but didn't really have any perception of temperature.
Whenever it snowed or rained, he was freaking out, though Hiro hasn't missed the way Tadashi and Aunt Cass often grow real weird whenever he wants to go out while it's raining. Sometimes it's necessary, like the time he forgot his blueprints at the school, while other times he just wanted to splash around in the puddles. Regardless, his family would grow real nervous and reluctant either forcing Baymax or one of them on him.
"It'll be fine," Hiro reassured as he kept his hands fisted in his jacket pockets, "I don't think I can handle sitting in any more cramped areas. Besides the exercise will be good for us."
Or for him, at least.
And he found he couldn't really go wrong with exercise and Baymax.
"Alright," Baymax relented as he started after his ward, Hiro slowing his step so the robot could keep up.
Baymax was slow, waddling more than actually walking, but Hiro was surprised to how adaptive he grew to that. At first it had drove him near insanity but as he grew closer to the marshmallow robot he found he didn't mind all that much. It wasn't like he was in any particular hurry.
The walk to the café was a brisk fifteen minute stroll in perhaps the worst part of the neighborhood, and since Hiro wasn't all that keen of staying out longer than necessary he spent most of his time hurrying past the one place Tadashi and his aunt forbid him of going.
What they didn't know didn't kill them, so he would often cut through; he's just never had Baymax with him before.
"Hiro, I would not advise continuing on our current path," the robot piped up as he practically hovered over him, voice as calm and robotic as ever but Hiro liked to think he hears a touch of emotion in everything he says.
This time that emotion was fear.
Something sour and bitter swelled up in the back of his throat as his fingers twitched. He halted mid-step, shocking Baymax enough that he had continued several feet ahead before stopping himself. Hiro didn't move, though, stunned by his own reaction as he realized how much he hated the thought of making Baymax scared.
He swallowed, eyes wide as he tightened his fists still stuffed inside his pockets. Several feet away, Baymax blinked at him as he cocked his head slightly to the side.
"Hiro?" he repeated, voice confused and slightly concerned.
Hiro blinked, forcing him from his shock as he hurried forward before he was able to talk himself out of it. Behind him, Baymax hurried to follow.
"Its fine buddy," Hiro said over his shoulder as he hurried forward with a quicker pace than before, "I won't let anything hurt you."
"It is not my health I'm concerned with," Baymax replied like it was obvious and Hiro ducked his head slightly, soft tufts of his bangs tickling against his forehead.
He didn't say anything in return, knowing that he'll still try and protect Baymax if it ever came down to it. Just like he knew Baymax would try to keep him safe. It was odd but how they worked and possibly the only reason they hadn't fallen apart yet.
It also, hilariously enough, made Tadashi green occasionally. Hiro couldn't figure out which one he was jealous of though: his little brother or his creation.
Hiro blinked the smile fighting to gain access on his face as he tilted his head back so he could catch sight of his companion. Baymax, waddling as fast as he could, was still several feet behind him. He hadn't called out for him to slow down yet, which meant he hadn't sensed any particular danger yet.
Hiro stopped, turning so he could give Baymax an exasperated look as he called, "Faster Baymax."
"I am not fast," Baymax responded, moving as slow as ever and if it wasn't for the fear of Tadashi flipping out on him Hiro would've upgraded the robot's speed a long time ago.
Instead he rolled his eyes, feeling the cold spread across his cheeks as he replied, "No kidding."
Baymax didn't respond, stopping when he finally reached where Hiro was waiting for him. Hiro blinked back at him, surprised when a floating blue orb struck the soft vinyl that was Baymax's arm. Instead of passing harmlessly though like they normally did, it suddenly burst in a display of blue butterflies that all fluttered off in the same direction.
Hiro stumbled back in shock; Baymax just blinked at the spot it had touched him before up in the sky already darkening as night descended on them. For the first time in a long while Hiro wasn't in any hurry.
He likes to think he's adapted well to the orbs' presence. They don't make him as jumpy as before, at least, and he's less paranoid but the thought that he and Baymax are the only two who seem capable of seeing them still unnerved him.
Thankfully, before they seemed to avoid him and he had just assumed it was because he was human and they clearly were not. Now he wasn't sure that was the case.
"You alright Baymax?" Hiro asked in a small voice, still staring with large round eyes at the spot the orb had spontaneously sprouted into butterflies.
"I am a robot, Hiro. I'm incapable of feeling pain," Baymax reassured in his typical fashion and Hiro looked up so they could lock eyes with each other.
"That's not what I meant," Hiro murmured though he didn't correct him any more than that as he turned to resume walking; he felt rather than saw Baymax follow.
It didn't take much longer before they finally arrived, the warm glow of his aunt's busy café shining out at him through the windows.
He blinked, catching glimpse of his aunt bustling around as she scurried back and forth as it seemed ever seat was occupied.
It wasn't that her café hadn't been popular before, it was just small and privately owned and people just tend to lean more towards large chains. Aunt Cass hadn't seemed to mind all that much, though, earning enough to be able to support them and her shop.
Then Tadashi invented the BAYMAX line and became a celebrity, her business spiking incredibly.
The small bell dangling above the door jingled when he entered, already stripping himself from his coat. The warmth inside the shop washed over him nearly instantly, counterattacking the cold numbness that had already started frosting over his cheeks and nose.
Aunt Cass glanced up at the sound, bright grin splitting her features as she didn't falter in her movement. The plates she was holding didn't even quiver as she set them on the side of the counter to be cleaned later.
"Hiro, do you mind lending a hand?" she asked and Hiro glanced at the crowded restaurant and realized he didn't have much of a choice.
He nodded, moving to dawn his apron and order pad before going to the tables that still hadn't had much service. He wasn't entirely sure where Baymax had been sent but he was certain his aunt had found him a job as well.
He stopped at one of the booths by the window, blinking in recognition and shock.
"GoGo? Wasabi?" he asked in surprise, nervously tapping the tip of his pen against the paper in thought; it wasn't that his brother's friends didn't come visit every once in a while without Tadashi but it was still rare and even rarer for them to be nearly alone.
"Hey short stack," GoGo teased with a familiar smirk crossing her features; Wasabi matched her grin, reaching out to ruffle his dark hair with a massive hand.
Hiro scrunched up his nose at their public show of affection and he mentally swore that all of his brother's friends were just as affectionate if not more so than Tadashi. That, or Hiro just attracted that side out from people, which he hoped wasn't the case.
He hated being petted and coddled out where others could witness an otherwise private thing. No one else seemed to agree with him though, and Baymax had decided that physical comfort was the best type of comfort somewhere along the line so he was stuck.
"Are you two on a date?" Hiro asked as soon as Wasabi moved his hand, blinking up at the two of them with a curious expression and mischievous glint in his eye only a younger sibling could pull off.
GoGo sputtered, cheeks turning rosy as Wasabi blinked taken aback. Hiro hid his smirk as he kept his innocent expression, large brown eyes shifting between the two of them.
For whatever reason, the two seemed to refuse to ever take that step in their relationship. Hiro didn't understand that, both so incredibly smart and talented and close but Tadashi confided in him once that they didn't really want to be anything other than friends. Really good friends but friends nevertheless.
That didn't mean Hiro would never stop teasing them about it.
"What makes you think this is a date?" Wasabi asked, fingers drumming against the table nervously.
For such a big guy, it was a marvel of how incredibly dorky the dark skinned male could be. When they had first met, Hiro thought he was one of those cool football star types with a posse and tons of friends. He hadn't figured anything wrong with that, just found it odd that his brother had become so buddy-buddy with him.
Then Wasabi had opened his big mouth.
Instead of cool and collected, Hiro's vibe changed to a steady, everything-needs-to-be-right type and it suddenly made a lot more sense on how Tadashi had become such great friends with him. He was still awesome, as far as Hiro was concerned. They all were but there was no way he'd ever tell any of them that.
Hiro just shrugged in reply to the older man's question as he explained with an innocent bat of his eyelashes, "You two are at a designated restaurant together at a specific time without the rest of the nerd crew."
Nerd crew referred to Tadashi and his gang of small friends from college, and Hiro couldn't decide if they hated or adored the nickname. Sometimes he wondered if they knew.
Recognition flickered through their eyes simultaneously and GoGo snarled in an accusing tune, "You're teasing us."
Hiro beamed at the both of them the same time Wasabi boomed with laughter, reaching out to ruffle his hair once more. Hiro chuckled, something warm and precious swelling in his chest.
"Uh excuse me," a voice suddenly spoke from behind causing him to blink and turn from his brother's friends to the well-dressed man standing behind him with a tight frown marring his features.
Hiro blinked, taking in the man's tall stature and broad shoulders as a wave of déjà vu washed over him. He couldn't place the face with a name, though, so he figured he must have seen him around the café before. Most people who visited did more than once, coming because of Tadashi's fame but staying for the food.
"May I help you?" Hiro asked with a confused expression as his brain tried placing a name to him with no luck.
"Yes. I was wondering if you were done and could take my order now. I'm in quite a hurry," the man replied bluntly and it was the rude snarl he used to accompany it that had Hiro blink in surprise.
Behind him he heard GoGo growl- low and lethal- as she no doubt resisted the urge to throttle the man. Wasabi didn't make any move to soothe her either, which revealed his own displeasure at the degrading way the man spoke towards Hiro.
"Sure," Hiro agreed before there was an argument and his aunt got involved; he gestured for the man to show him towards his table.
Several of the regulars were frowning, some snickering about how lucky the guy was that Hiro's brother wasn't there. Hiro swallowed at the words, uncomfortable at being talked about, but even more so when he realized they were right.
Tadashi would've flipped.
His friends still might.
"What can I get you?" Hiro asked politely, pen against his notepad as he blinked at the man not unkindly.
As far as Hiro was concerned the man was a costumer and Hiro had been goofing off with GoGo and Wasabi, so his attitude wasn't totally excessive. After all, he's dealt with worst.
"Just a coffee," the man replied in an almost friendly tone now as he leaned back, "and something light from the pastry stand."
"Alright," Hiro nodded as he moved off to fetch the order when a hand clamped around his wrist, jerking him back in front of the booth.
That, Hiro thought though he didn't make any move to pull away, was very much unnecessary.
"I saw you walk in with one of those nurse robots," the man told him with a mix of accusation and curiosity in his voice.
"Uh… healthcare companion," Hiro corrected jerking his hand back, surprised by how easily the man had relinquished his grasp.
The whole restaurant was staring at them now, even though most of them wouldn't be able to hear their conversation. And it was painfully quiet save for a few snide comments and snickers about how the man was about to get it when the owner came back out from the kitchen.
"Yes," the man agreed as he leaned forward on his elbows blinking at him with renewed interest, "How, may I inquire, did you become acquainted with one of those?"
The sudden change from him to Baymax had Hiro grinding his teeth together, a wave of protective fury overcoming him. Jibs on him he could handle, but any sort of attack or threat on Baymax was another thing entirely.
"He was a gift," Hiro responded, forcing himself to keep his voice level and calm.
"Ah," the man replied as he nodded in understanding, seemingly allowing the topic to drop as he leaned back and Hiro went to fetch his order.
He glanced over at where GoGo and Wasabi were still sitting, surprised to see both of them watching him with tight frowns and narrowed eyebrows. Wasabi's hands were curled in tight fists and GoGo appeared three seconds from murdering someone.
It was nice knowing there were people out there who cared so much about him but he found the sentiment unnecessary. Despite common belief, Hiro was neither weak nor fragile and was quite capable of handling himself. It was just a matter of rather or not he would.
He reached the counter and was pouring the coffee in a mug when Aunt Cass cornered him, shocking him into nearly spilling the dark substance all over her clean floors.
"Trouble with a costumer?" she asked and her voice was neither teasing nor degrading; it was hard and cold and furious as she stared at him with concerned eyes.
Uh oh.
"No trouble," Hiro promised with a shrug, placing one of his aunt's freshly baked Danishes on a plate and went to move past her.
"You sure?" she asked evidently not ready to allow the matter to drop as her eyes took in his every feature and Hiro smiled again as he nodded once more.
"Don't worry so much," he chided with a trademark smirk, "They can't all be barrels of candy."
That, at least, earned an amused snort from his aunt before she replied in a concerned tone keeping him glued to his spot, "I know but I heard a table snicker about how he had touched you."
Which would've been concerning to anybody in that context, much less to his overprotective aunt who doted on him more than anything else. Especially after the incident four years ago.
"Its fine Aunt Cass," he reassured with an exasperated look before he straightened, adjusted his grip, and added, "I can handle myself."
"I know," she nodded teary eyed before she reached out and wrapped him in a tight hug; he nearly dropped the pastry and coffee but managed to keep a firm grasp on them both.
When she released him he blushed furiously before going to give the man his order. The man didn't say anything, just gave him a knowing smirk as he took the offered plate with a grin. Hiro didn't make any indication that the grin gave him the creeps, sending tendrils of discomfort down his spine.
Moving past the table, he somehow ended up beside Wasabi and GoGo who were both staring at him with wide concerned gazes. They looked like a matching pair of owls, eyes huge in their (unnecessary) worry.
"He hurt you?" GoGo demanded instantly, her own special way of asking if he was alright.
"I'm fine GoGo," Hiro reassured with a genuine smile and, for once, he was thankful Tadashi hadn't been there; that would've been bad and not in the hilarious sort of way.
"You sure?" Wasabi asked and though Hiro knew he wasn't a violent man he was more than capable of hurting someone and he was already protective of his friends. The fact that Hiro was several years his junior and practically a little brother just made those feelings worst.
Hiro nodded, relieved to have people who so obviously cared about him though he knew that it wasn't needed this time around. After all, the costumer wouldn't try anything with all these people around if he really wanted to hurt him, which Hiro seriously doubted.
Something about him was just too familiar, and it wasn't in a frightening way.
"Something bothering you?" GoGo pestered and though her frame was more relaxed she had yet loosen the tight grip of her fists.
"No," Hiro denied too quickly for it to be the truth and he frowned before correcting, "I don't think so. It's probably nothing. I just," a frustrated sigh accompanied by a hand carding through his head as he concluded with a slump to narrow shoulders, "have the lost week on my mind, I suppose."
Neither one of them needed to be filled in with what he was talking about.
He wasn't entirely sure if Tadashi had told them when he very first disappeared, but he had eventually explained it all to them after Hiro had come home. Then instead of one overprotective sibling he suddenly had five, which had been slightly annoying, but Hiro had always been a sucker for attention.
"Did you have a session today?" Wasabi inquired, voice soft and delicate like he was afraid too harsh of a voice would somehow injury Hiro.
Hiro nodded, scrubbing the side of his arm awkwardly before he beamed back at the both of them and reassured, "I'm sure it'll pass. It's just me being silly."
"Hiro, you're not silly."
Hiro blinked in surprise, eyes coming up to stare at GoGo like she had grown a second head. Coming from the older girl, the words were a rare revelation. A crack in her otherwise tough exterior, and it sent waves of warmth floating through Hiro.
"Thanks," he beamed back to being his usual childish self before he sobered and added sincerely, "Its fine guys. I'm fine. No need to worry yourselves over it anymore."
Two hard stares back at him.
Then Wasabi blinked, shrugging broad shoulders as he relented, "Alright, but if he touches you again don't think I won't say anything. He has no right."
Hiro didn't reply with words, instead nodded in understanding as he moved away.
The next couple of tables were done in silence, people giving him kind expressions but weren't comfortable with him enough to say anything about it. Hiro appreciated that, and he'd nearly managed to shake the uncomfortable feeling that's crept on him until he made his way back to the table and realized the man hadn't touched the coffee or Danish.
"May I get anything else for you?" Hiro asked, uncertain.
People don't just walk in a café and order something they have no plans on consuming. Of that, Hiro was certain.
The man just shook his head as he rose from his seat, unfolding a crumpled hundred dollar bill and placing it on the table.
"We don't break hundreds," Hiro informed though they could if it really came down to it.
"I'm quite aware," the man reassured as he draped his jacket over his shoulders, "Keep the change. My gift to you."
"That's not really necessary," Hiro denied shaking his head, "If all you have is hundreds then I'm sure I can break it."
"Its fine," the man promised again, reaching out to ruffle Hiro's head before slipping past; Hiro hardly even noticed as something cold crept through him so suddenly it nearly stole all his breath away.
And for the slightest second he was no longer in his aunt's café but somewhere dark and cold and familiar though he was certain he's never seen it before. At least, he doesn't remember seeing it.
Then it was over and he was back.
Someone had their hand pressed against his shoulder, steadying him with their presence and he frowned as he turned to see GoGo staring back. Dark eyes were narrowed and hard around the edges but when they met she forced a kind smile across her features.
"Hiro?" his aunt's small voice asked, concern filling every inch of it and guilt flooded through him as he realized he had managed to worry her again.
She really deserved better.
Spinning, he turned to face her, smile already splitting across his features as he pushed all thoughts of the cold feeling to the back of his mind. His aunt's face seemed to warm considerably when she realized her nephew was fine. Confused but otherwise fine.
That's when he realized almost everyone was staring at him.
Time to make his grand escape.
"I have a ton of homework that needs to get done," Hiro spoke as he grabbed the untouched dishware from the strange costumer's table, "so if it's alright with you I'm going to call it a night."
Aunt Cass just nodded, narrow shoulders slumping as relief painted her features. She looked so old sometimes it was unreal, all of her age stemming from concern for him.
Just another thing for him to feel guilty over.
"Of course sweetie," she reassured softly reaching out to run a soothing hand over his head as she brought him in a tight hug, which Hiro accepted gladly before he went to slip upstairs.
Baymax appeared somewhere though Hiro didn't really notice until he reached his room, which was strange. He must really be out of it to miss the giant robot's presence but, then again, he was all but used to the familiarity that was Baymax.
He was a nice companion and one Hiro's grown adapted to after spending as many years as he has with him.
"Hiro?" Baymax asked, robot voice concerned and Hiro wasn't sure if that was his insanity or reality that he heard it as clear as he had.
"I'm fine," he reassured bending over to pull out his many college books from his backpack and dropping them all on his bed, "I just need to get this done before tomorrow. I can't risk anymore bad grades."
Or SFIT would kick him out.
Something he'd never even dream of having to deal with when he was younger, but the professors seemed to expect more from him because of his celebrity of a brother. Including Tadashi's old mentor, Robert Callaghan. Especially Callaghan.
"Hiro," Baymax repeated and Hiro realized he had yet looked to see what was causing the robot so much distress.
Glancing up, he saw two orbs one green and the other a pale blue floating close enough to touch and in the four years he's watched them he's never seen them so close before. Something about the sight sent chills down his spine and something close to dread to fill his stomach.
Get a hold of yourself Hamada, he chided himself as he swallowed and forced himself to relax, it's probably nothing. You're just still freaked out from whatever happened downstairs.
He was wrong, of course.
Dreadfully wrong.
The two orbs touched, feather soft and barely noticeable from where he was standing. Or it would've barely been noticeable if not for the fact that a bright light sparked between them. Something strange and powerful, thrumming deep inside his soul as a slight buzzing filled his head.
He blinked, stunned, as he watched the two orbs seemingly fold into each other. Beside him, Baymax seemed tense (or as close as he could, being a robot) as black eyes took in the sight.
This wasn't right.
He wasn't sure what it was but he was certain that this was wrong. Four years of observing the things gave him the confidence in that.
He flashed back to earlier, when one had touched Baymax and spontaneously sprouted into butterflies before fluttering away and he realized why this was all so strange.
Until today they had avoided each other and avoided him, but something had changed. Something Hiro didn't know but he was certain now that something was different.
At the worst possible time too, he thought bitterly homework all but forgotten as he continued to stare at the spot they had disappeared from curiously.
Four years of constant watching and he still wasn't sure what they were.
He supposed now was as good a time as any to start learning; he glanced back at his books still stacked on his bed and gave a bone weary sigh. His shoulders slumped as he sulked back to his bed.
Right after he finished his lab report.
(•-•)
The lone figure spent the next 3 and a half hours loitering across the street from the Lucky Cat Café (weird name) and just watched the upper most window where he would occasional catch glimpses of the boy inside.
Hiro Hamada.
It had been by pure incident that he's stumbled upon the boy and when he had he had been surprised to see him doing so well. Though he has heard rumors of his sudden case of insanity, seeing things that weren't there.
He was just lucky he didn't hear voices too.
The man sighed, the buzzing in his ears yet to calm down as he remained where he stood, despite the cold, just staring up at the boy's window. If his aunt or brother or any of his other friends found out he had spent the last three nights watching the boy from afar he'd probably be arrested on the spot.
That didn't scare him so much, though.
He could always plead insanity, and the whole matter would all but disappear.
What did scare him, however, was Hiro finding out. He wasn't sure how the boy would react but he saw in his eyes that he didn't recognize him, which he supposed was for the best. Except not really because he had just spent most of his life tracking the kid down only for him to not remember.
They weren't going to be very happy when they found out.
If they found out, that was, and he sincerely hoped that they never would. Hiro wouldn't know, of course, until it was too late and the effects could be detrimental to the kid.
The light to the room finally flickered off and he assumed the boy had finally called it a night, which was good. He was going to need the sleep, especially if the warnings the voices were suddenly whispering in his ears were any indication.
A great evil was stirring and for whatever reason it was stirring in this specific city, though he assumed that had nothing to do with accident and everything to do with his and Hiro's presence. Perhaps others he's yet managed to track down- though he could never be certain.
The voices spoke in riddles, after all.
"This isn't the end Hiro," he whispered though he doubted Hiro would be able to hear him, "One way or another you'll remember."
Of that, he could promise.
(•-•)
The door slammed shut sending satisfying vibrations up and down the wall as the anger filling Hiro threatened to bubble out. Baymax blinked at him from the other side of the small cubicle Hiro had been assigned after it became clear he wouldn't be able to work with anyone else.
"I detect increased levels of testosterone indicating that you're upset," the robot piped in and though Hiro was still upset he couldn't bring himself to take it out on him, though he'd let him and would probably take it better than a person.
"I'm fine Baymax," he lied instead, leaning back against the door.
In one hand he clutched his robotic invention for class, a small black robot with several limbs sticking out on its side. Painted in a center circle was a carefully drawn smiley face and it was one of the first inventions Hiro had actually been proud of.
That is, until Professor Callaghan called it childish and stupid comparing him yet again with his perfect brother. Not to mention that he spent weeks perfecting the design so he could get a good grade on this stupid project.
Baymax blinked at him disbelievingly as he waddled over to where he was still standing, back pressed against the door and knuckle nearly white from how tightly he was gripping Megabot. Two vinyl arms reached out, pulling him in close for a hug and most of the tension Hiro felt started to ebb away.
"There, there," Baymax assured with a firm pat to his head, "You will be alright."
"I know Baymax," Hiro agreed leaning away from the robot so he could blink up at his friend with wide brown eyes, "I just can't believe he said that. I worked hard on this project, harder than I have in a while."
But Callaghan had regarded the thing with disdain, sneering something about how it belonged on the streets participating in bot fights and Hiro's worked too hard piecing his life together after the incident for some professor with a grudge to dismiss it all like he wasn't worth anything.
"I'm sorry Hiro," Baymax apologized as Hiro moved past him, setting Megabot on the table.
"It's alright," Hiro reassured in a low tone, head bowed as he rubbed small circles around the robot's smooth surface, "It's not your fault."
Hiro wasn't sure whose it was, though.
All he knew was that he wanted to punch someone- namely Callaghan- in the face but his stupid pacifist of a brother was currently in his head telling him violence was never the answer. It also didn't help that nearly twice as many orbs were now crowding around his small space, nearly suffocating him as they seemed to follow him around and just observe his every movement.
He wasn't any closer to figuring out what they were either.
He was starting to develop a migraine somewhere in the far corners of his cranium, and he wanted nothing more than to go home and sleep.
A voice ringing outside in the lab caught his attention, prickling his ears as he moved back out the door, Baymax not far behind. It clipped close behind them, giving him perfect view of the tall blond woman several years his senior.
She was nearly rod thin with bright clothes. Her blond hair was pulled back in a tight bun that seemed impossibly the same size as her head. Her back was turned and she appeared to be talking to someone.
"Honey Lemon?" he asked, voice curious as he inched closer to the woman.
She spun at her nickname, a blindingly bright smile crossing her features as she caught sight of him. It also gave him perfect view of who she was talking to- the Dean of Engineering and perhaps the most powerful man in the whole institution.
How did she know him?
"Hiro!" she cooed excitedly, leaving the Dean so she could grasp his forearms tightly and give him two quick kisses to either of his cheeks.
He blinked, stunned before he realized the Dean had followed her over. His eyes were narrowed on Baymax behind him.
"How did you manage one of those?" the Dean asked in a seriously gruff tone, "From what I'm aware, they're still under copyright. Any attempt of recreation is a violation and results in immediate expulsion."
Hiro's stomach dropped at the words.
Of course.
"No, no," Honey Lemon jumped in when Hiro realized he couldn't say anything past the lump in his throat, "It was a present from the inventor. Besides, I'm certain Tadashi would be more flattered than insulted or angry."
Dark eyes narrowed on her as the Dean demanded in a cold crisp tone, "What?"
"Tadashi Hamada," Hiro filled in finally finding his voice, "Baymax's creator. He graduated from here several years back."
"I know that," the Dean snapped, furious gaze turning back on him in a smoldering expression, "I want to know how someone like you know him."
Hiro's skin crawled at the disgust in the man's voice. Beside him, Honey Lemon tensed. Sparkling green eyes hardened as she regarded the Dean with a frightening look of her own.
"They're brothers," she clarified but her voice lacked its usual cheery tone.
The Dean blinked, recognition filtering through his expression before it turned curiously on Hiro and he asked, "Brothers, eh? Why haven't I heard much about you before then? Surely you're just as skilled as your brother."
"He's better," Honey Lemon bragged in a proud tone as she brought Hiro in an awkward side hug, "Tadashi tells us stories of how he was building robots since he was five."
"Oh?" the Dean asked and his eyes never left Hiro's as he added confidently, "I'm sure you're excelling at all your classes."
"Err… not exactly," Hiro stumbled as he thought back to Megabot and felt the backs of his teeth to grind together, "Callaghan declared my latest invention as a 'waste of space' and 'childish.'"
Honey Lemon gawked though the Dean didn't seem surprised. Perhaps he didn't hold high hopes for Tadashi's little brother.
"May I see?" he inquired and Hiro swallowed as he nodded and lead the two of them back in his small office.
"Aw. When did you get a personal office?" Honey Lemon asked and cold dread filled Hiro as he realized he hadn't told anyone of the incident he had nearly a month ago.
"Several weeks ago," he supplied in a dry tone as he held up Megabot for inspection.
The Dean took it, regarding it with a critical eye before he handed it back and said in a short clipped tone, "Demonstrate its purpose."
Hiro nodded as he grabbed the controlled from the desk and flipping the switch. After demonstrating several basic movements he pressed a button so the robot collapsed in six separate parts. Risking a nervous glance, the engaged look the Dean was regarding his robot encouraged him and his fingers worked quicker on the remote.
Megabot reassembled itself, spinning in a seemingly graceful arc as he did so. Hiro turned, setting a Styrofoam cup on the floor.
"Megabot," he said expression darkening, "destroy."
The yellow face spun, revealing an angry expression painted in red as the robot leapt forward easily crumpling the cup in a tight bear hug of a grip. The Dean blinked, seemingly impressed as it flipped back to yellow and gave a polite Japanese bow.
"Impressive," the Dean praised and something light and warm lifted Hiro's spirits.
"Thanks," he replied before frowning again and grumbled, "Though you seem to be the only person who thinks that."
"Nonsense," the Dean snorted still not looking at Hiro as he regarded the small robot in his hands curiously, "Callaghan is just upset that your brother went to work for Krei after graduation. The man is a fabulous professor but can hold quite a grudge."
Hiro blinked, the thought of Callaghan taking his frustrations from his brother out on him never once even crossing his mind. The Dean must have recognized his dumb look of shock as he gave a soft sigh, shaking his head.
"I'll go get this straightened out," he offered before turning to Honey Lemon and added, "Of course, if you don't mind waiting."
"I don't mind," Honey Lemon promised quickly with a bright smile, "This needs to be handled as soon as possible in case you have a senile moment."
The Dean frowned at her innocent expression but didn't say anything about the teasing comment. Hiro briefly wondered if they often exchanged things like that then the Dean was gone and Honey Lemon descended on him like an overgrown excited puppy.
"How have you been?" she demanded excitedly as she clasped both his hands in hers and just held him there.
"Fine," Hiro reassured still distracted over the fact that the Dean had liked his invention, though he hoped he didn't get Callaghan in trouble.
"That's good," Honey Lemon nodded like she approved, green eyes twinkling brightly as she proclaimed proudly, "I got nominated for a Humanitarian prize."
"That's great," Hiro praised with a bright smile, thrilled that one of Tadashi's friends had finally been recognized for their genius.
Honey Lemon nodded again before quickly adding, "There's no guarantee I'll get it; though just being nominated it a huge deal. Tadashi says I should be proud, which I am though I haven't done much to earn it. I just want to help the world."
Hiro gave her a sly smirk as he replied, "You've done more than enough. I'm sure you'll win."
"Thanks Hiro," Honey Lemon beamed before her eyes brightened back up and she added, "and Fred's book had become a bestseller last week, earning him the number one spot on the nonfiction list for a while now."
Hiro hadn't heard about that, and he had made certain to keep track of the progress on Fred's novel. He even read it, and he usually hated those types of books.
He found he liked Fred's book, though. More than he thought he would and ended up reading it two more times before college started kicking his butt.
"That's great," Hiro said and Honey Lemon was practically glowing.
"What about you?" she asked in a curious tone, "You must've done something pretty great to earn a personal office this soon. Tadashi had to wait till his last couple of years before receiving his."
"Uh… not exactly," Hiro murmured good mood plummeting as he scratched the back of his neck awkwardly and explained, "Several weeks ago another student had discovered I was visiting a psychiatrist every week and thought it would be cute to make a big scene out of it. It wasn't pretty and last I checked he had been expelled and I had been moved here to avoid any further incident."
Which had worked in his benefit though the whole incident still left chills down his spine.
Honey Lemon's expression had fallen considerably, green eyes hard and unreadable as she seemed to regard him with a hard look. He squirmed, not liking the glint now taking over her expression.
"Eh. Honey Lemon?" he prompted nervously.
"The jerk better be happy he was expelled," she finally growled and there was a dark edge in her voice that he wasn't used to, "If your brother or the others ever found out-"
"I know," Hiro filled in as she trailed off in angry silence before he turned to regard the robot standing silently behind him with a broad smile, "and I made Baymax keep it between us two. Who knew he could keep secrets?"
Honey Lemon snorted, reaching out to ruffle his hair playfully. Her expression was still hard, though, uncharacteristically so and enough to make Hiro feel uncomfortable as he racked his brain for a way to make her go back to being her usual sweet bouncy way.
There was a reason his brother had a crush on her for as long as he did, after all.
Not that Honey Lemon would ever know about that, of course. Tadashi swearing Hiro into secrecy though Hiro still found enjoyment in snickering about it every once in a while, finding the fact that his dork of an older brother had crushed on any of his dear friends no matter how brief.
"So what brings you all the way out here?" Hiro asked, changing the subject as he blinked almond eyes up at one of his closer friends.
Her eyes seemed to soften, at least, as she turned back to the bubbly girl Hiro was so fond of and as long as she avoided the scary expression she had just donned it would be alright.
"I have a deal with the school," she explained in her usual cheery tone as green eyes turned towards him thoughtfully, "They help supply me with most of my research as they are the most capable at getting me the supplies I need."
"But you're employed elsewhere?" Hiro inquired with a curious expression, having heard Tadashi talk to Aunt Cass about where all his friends had gone off to after college.
Honey Lemon hummed as she nodded, nearly back to her usual self when the door opened and the Dean entered. He was still holding Megabot delicately, almost as if he was afraid he'd break it which was improbable. Hiro had specifically designed it so it was sturdy and capable of handling a lot.
"Good news," the Dean announced seemingly ignoring the fact that Hiro and Honey Lemon had just been in the middle of a conversation, "I've made a few calls and found another professor to take over Callaghan's spot."
"Did you fire him?" Hiro demanded because he might not like the man but Tadashi had and he really was a good teacher. Just not for Hiro.
"Oh heaven's no boy," the Dean gasped like the mere idea shocked him, "but considering the circumstances I've decided it would be best to give you to someone a little less… personal with your family."
"Who?" Honey Lemon asked, face serious as she set a gentle hand against Hiro's shoulder and just held it there.
She was being protective again, Hiro thought with a mental sigh but didn't bother shaking her hold off.
The Dean shrugged before explaining simply, "A new professor we're trying out. He hasn't been hired very long but he holds an impressive list of credentials and I think he'd be a good match for you."
"How so?" Hiro asked before Honey Lemon could, keeping his voice a childish sort of curious as he kept his gaze glued to the man still clutching his invention several feet away.
"He shares a lot of your interests," the Dean informed him and Hiro was surprised by how patient he was being with him knowing he had a bad reputation for being overly hard on students who approach him.
Perhaps it was because Honey Lemon was still there, Hiro considered idly, she seems to have that way with people.
"Can I meet him?" Hiro asked and wasn't able to keep the excitement from his voice at the thought of changing professors- somehow knowing that the stressful load of college will lighten some as he no longer needed to worry about satisfying some grudge against his brother.
The Dean gave him a strange look, head cocked to the side as he stared at him like he wasn't able to figure why Hiro asked such a dumb question. A quick rush of heat colored Hiro's face as he realized how idiotic he must seem now.
Great job Hamada, he thought bitterly as he ducked his expression and shuffled from one foot to the other- apology already on the tip of his tongue when the Dean spoke again.
"Of course," he replied before adding, "though he's not in today and it might take some time to transfer everything over to him. I'll make a few calls and let you know by tomorrow. Until then I suggest you go home and rest. You look like you haven't slept in days."
Not totally inaccurate though probably not in the way he was thinking.
Hiro didn't voice that out loud, of course, as he nodded obediently. Honey Lemon pat him on the back, face back to its usual ray of happiness, before she turned to the Dean and started chatting about something. Hiro tuned her out as he turned to Baymax, who had miraculously watched the whole interaction without saying a word.
Ladies and gentlemen, he can be taught, Hiro thought as he flashed the robot a smile and asked in a soft tone meant only for the two of them, "Ready to go buddy?"
"Of course Hiro," Baymax responded in his usual manner, head rising to stare at the Dean and Honey Lemon exit the small room as they both seemed to talk in an animated manner. A yellow orb seemed to float after them, trailing their every move as if it was bored.
Gathering his things quickly, Hiro lead Baymax out of the room. Remembering to lock it after they left, he hurried down the hall and out into the chilly afternoon secretly hoping Aunt Cass wouldn't request his help today in the café.
The Dean had been right. He was exhausted.
"Everything alright Hiro?" Baymax spoke in a soft tone as he waddled beside the youth, "You seem to be uncharacteristically silent."
Hiro flashed the robot an exhausted grin as he reassured, "I'm fine Baymax. Just tired, is all."
"Because of your late nights staring out the window?" Baymax inquired and if it had come from anyone else it would've sounded like an accusation.
It was Baymax, though, so Hiro didn't feel the need to immediately clam up. He didn't try to curl in to himself and keep everything about himself a secret. After all, Baymax knew about the orbs- could see the orbs- and it helped to have someone else share his insanity even if was just a robot.
"Yeah Baymax," Hiro sighed with a nod, stuffing his cold hands in his pockets and holding them there for a long time as he allowed his mind to wonder.
They didn't see his aunt when they finally arrived back at the Lucky Cat, so he called out to tell her he was home and that he was going to bed. Her voice responded somewhere in the café's kitchen telling him okay and that she loved him, which made something light flurry around in his chest.
It wasn't like it was a secret. He knew he was very well loved and if he didn't then he had Baymax to tell him, the robot occasionally telling him stories of how Tadashi used to confine in him about just how much Hiro meant to his brother.
That had made Hiro smile all embarrassed, already knowing that but hearing the words made his stomach feel all weird as he pressed his face against the soft vinyl. Thankfully, no one had been around to see just how much Hiro's face turned red.
Finally making it up to his room, he flopped on his bed and felt sleep immediately overcome him as a small smile graced his features.
Tomorrow promised to be a good day.