(Author's note: Hey guys! I recently watched Big Hero 6 not too long ago, and the movie has morphed into something that caught my interest to a full on obsession. I absolutely love the brotherly relationship between Tadashi and Hiro, and who could ever not love Baymax? This is my first attempt at fanfiction, so feel free to leave some constructive criticism. Enjoy!)
"Sometimes being a brother is even better than being a superhero" -Marc Brown
"Hey Hiro, look at that! Aren't those your favourite comic superheroes?"
Ten year-old Tadashi Hamada pointed at the foggy, mist covered window of the small, cramped car he was seated in. His long finger landed on a life-sizer poster on one of the tall glass buildings, where a superhero in a extravagant costume was shown frozen in a heroic pose, amidst loud japanese lettering. Little three and a half- year old Hiro Hamada gave a quick glance towards the direction in which Tadashi pointed, staring out at the brightly coloured lights of San Fransokyo. For a moment, his wide, chocolate brown eyes shone with glee as he smiled widely, showing the adorable gap between his two front teeth. Then, as if remembering he wasn't supposed to show any form of delight, he slumped back down against the worn leather of the car seat, burying his tiny face in the belt strap and turning away from his older brother, curling in a fetus position.
" "Yeah." He mumbled, his voice barely above a whisper above the roaring city life. He closed his eyes, clutching the faded blue stuffed teddy he'd had for as long as he could remember (which hadn't been that long) to his chest. Tadashi sighed in defeat and pressed his nose to the cold glass pane, staring out listlessly at the neon, brightly coloured lights that adorned the streets and listening to the lively chatter of the people. The two brothers were on their way to the Lucky Cat Cafe, where their Aunt Cass resided. Their parents had been killed in an airplane crash while aboard a business trip a week ago, leaving the boys all alone with no one else to look after them. Their will had stated that they should be taken in by their mother's sister, Cassidy (or Cass for short), should anything happen to them.
So here they were, on an awfully long road trip from the San Fransokyo airport, where they had flew in from Arizona, their previous hometown. Despite Aunt Cass's warm attempts and cheerful banter to make the boys feel at home, Hiro felt shy, scared, and very uncomfortable towards their new guardian. The brothers had only met her a few times at yearly family gatherings, where she would come to visit, and weren't exactly user to her overly hyper active personality. When she came to pick them up at the airport, she had brought freshly baked chocolate chip cookies as a nice gesture to welcome them, but Hiro had clutched Tadashi's blazer tightly as he hid behind his older brother, while Tadashi, who was always the poilte and mild-mannered one, greeted aunt cass warmly and accepted a big hug (and the cookies).
Throughout the whole journey, little Hiro had been tired and cranky, and apart from eating the meals provided on board or sleeping, he never did anything else except sulk or cry silently, clearly unable to handle the loss of his parents (and who could blame him, when he was only 3?) Although he made an effort to avoid as much social connection and conversation as possible, he would always turn to Tadashi, who he sought comfort in, and who knew what to do to cheer him up (but not for long, at this point in time.) No one could tell, but Tadashi too, was devastated over the loss of his parents, except that he hid it away from everyone else, especially Hiro. He'd made a solemn promise to stay strong for Hiro's sake, and would always will himself not to cry when he noticed Hiro sobbing once again. The brothers had always been impeccably close growing up, and had even created their own set of 'Hamada Brothers' Rules' (usually consisting of childish whims involving flying rocket cats).Thus, Tadashi had took it upon himself to guide Hiro onto the right path and look out for his little brother.
Tadashi was still lost in his train of thought when the car jerked to a halt outside a row of tiny shop houses, throwing him against the worn material of the seatbelt. The engine coughed and spluttered, letting out a wheeze of petrol fumes before falling silent. (Tadashi wondered if his aunt would let him fix that sucker one day when he grew older.) It was pouring out now, heavy droplets of rain as clear as crystal pelted down on the dull grey concrete pavement, and despite aunt cass having the sorry excuse for a car's heater turned on to it's maximum, the young boy shivered, as if the cold from the outside reached him. Tadashi peered out the window once more, taking in the structure of the cafe. Although it was tiny in size, he found the warm yellowish light that radiated from the cafe cosy and inviting, a break from the screaming brightly coloured lights in the more urban side of San Fransokyo, certain he was going to get a headache sooner or later from the constant glare that weakened his eyes. Tadashi heard a soft stirring and turned his head. Next to him, Hiro was curled up in a small ball, literally sprawled out on the car seat sleeping peacefully. Somewhere during the ride, Tadashi had removed his jacket and placed it over his little brother, making sure to keep him warm. Tadashi smiled as he looked at his brother sound asleep. Not wanting to wake him up, he looked over at the front mirror of the car, exchanging a knowing glance with Aunt Cass. Without a word, Tadashi scooped Hiro up in his arms, and creaked open the car door, stepping out onto the grey slab where Aunt Cass was waiting with an umbrella. A chilly breeze swept past and he shuddered, tightening his hold on the blazer which cradled Hiro in his arms.
Aunt Cass unlocked the doors to the cafe and quickly ushered a now freezing Tadashi inside. The Cafe was an appealing sight; rows of pastries stacked neatly in glass cases, perfectly frosted donuts and cupcakes, and the smell of freshly brewed coffee lingered in the air. Aunt Cass had Tadashi sit down at a nearby table and spoke softly (for Hiro's sake), although the eagerness and excitement never left her tone.
"Do you want anything to eat sweetie? I know the trip has been long and I could fix you something."
"No, its alright, really." Tadashi immediately replied, then hesitated. "...Although, some tea would be good. Thanks, Aunt Cass." His new guardian smilled, patting his shoulder before rising and heading towards the barista. Tadashi sighed. he liked Aunt Cass, he really did. But he missed his mom dearly and although they resembled each other in many ways, they weren't exactly the same, and he disliked the awkward, too formal air that surrounded him and his aunt, almost as if they were strangers. His thoughts drifted back to the day the parents said goodbye to them. His mom had kissed his forehead and whispered; We'll be back soon, take good care of Hiro. We're proud of you and we love you so much."
Needless to say, they never came back.
Tadashi bit down hard on his lip, tasting blood. he could not cry, not now. He stared out at the window of the cafe, mesmerized by the relaxing sound of the rainfall. he continued to stare until he felt himself calm down.
"I miss you, mom."
The soft clink of china on table brought him back to his senses and he handed a still sleeping Hiro over to Aunt Cass, greatful for relieving the sore ache in his arms. He took a sip of the scalding tea that was brought to him and his insides melted instantly as the cold left his body. Chamomile. he smiled thankfully at his aunt, who returned the gesture. Aunt Cass reached out a slender fingered hand and enclosed Tadashi's lean one in her's, drawing circles comfortingly with her thumb. "I know it's been a long day for the both of you, and you must be feeling tired. Why not you go upstairs and get some rest? Your bedroom's at the very top, in the attic." Tadashi drained the rest of his tea, before standing up, retrieving Hiro from her grasp and smiled softly. "Thanks, Aunt Cass." His aunt ran a hand through a hand through her curly brown bob before enclosing him in a tight hug and wishing him goodnight.
"Tadashi expected the room to be cramped, small, and uninvitingly dusty. This room did not match up with the image he had in mind.
The walls were painted a sky blue and adorned with various japanese elements such as the country's flag, movie and comic posters, and lots of science blueprints and motivational quotes. Rows of books lined the shelves and there was a workspace complete with a science computer of the latest technology. A paper wall partition seperated the room into two, with identical double beds (with clean sheets), and vidoe game controllers complete with an array of game and movie discs on each side. Although it wasn't the room they had left back in Arizona, Tadashi immediately felt right at home. And the best part? Getting to share it with his little brother. He easily identified Hiro's side of the room (Action figures and comics books lined the shelves, and the walls were plastered with way too many superhero posters), and lay Hiro down on the bed, pulling the thick quilt up to his chin and placing his stuffed teddy in his arms. As he made his way back to his own bed, Tadashi couldn't help looking over his shoulder, at his adorable baby brother sleeping peacefully.
As he turned off the lights that night, he took one more glance at Hiro on the other side of the room and smiled. His parents might have been gone, but Tadashi made a solemn vow to protect Hiro against all odds, and would do his best to replace the void their parents' deaths left in Hiro's tiny heart. He smiled once more, before tearing his gaze away from the brother he loved the most in the entire world and letting himself drift off to sleep.
That was his promise.
...
(Author's note: Whew! That was quite a start. Anyone gettting feels yet? /wiggles eyebrows/. i literally had to look at the concept art to descibe the Hamada brothers' room, then add on my own details. Hope you guys enjoyed the first chapter! Do rate and review! I'll be continuing the story tomorrow.)
