Title: My Hero – part one
Author/Artist: Cheza-chan
Pairing/Characters: Antonio Lopez / Keith Goodman
Rating: PG-15 (overall R)
Genre: Science-fiction; superheroes.
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters, and I definitely don't own the sponsors that they wear.
Summary/Notes: Written for an anon meme over at LiveJournal; "Antonio sees that Keith is lonely and sad and tries to be kind and spend some time with him to make him feel better. Keith latches on and develops a crush. Antonio doesn't mind" +bonus.
Keith may have had everyone else fooled with his wide, never-ending smile, but Antonio knew better. He himself had seen the look hidden in the depths of those sparkling blue eyes many times before; each time he looked at his reflection. Antonio took the free machine beside the blond, adjusting the weight to its highest setting. Apollon's equipment served to give him a challenge, which he enjoyed, unlike other machines he'd encountered back in the day; powers activated or not, he was still a strong man. "If you wanted somebody to talk to…" No talking during reps didn't apply where NEXTs were concerned. "Somebody that'll actually listen…"
Keith's fingers gripped the bar of the arm press tightly and the forced smile returned as he faced his fellow Hero. "Thank you, Bison-kun, but—"
"Antonio's fine," said man grunted as he continued his exercises.
"Antonio-san." Keith's eyes brightened as the named rolled off his tongue. So used to addressing everyone by their Hero titles, using Rock Bison's real name felt almost refreshing. Ever since learning the truth after having opened himself up to the android—no, he would always see her as a kind young woman—named Cis, he'd accepted the stares and words of pity and apology with nothing but smiles, in hopes of keeping them all at a distance. True to his nickname—"Bull Tank of the West"—Antonio charged through to reach him.
Antonio let the weights rest so he could do the same. Forearms braced on his thighs, he glanced left and found the former King of Heroes smiling at him. Antonio returned the gesture, noting that the light had returned to the clear blue eyes. "I mean it," he told him. "I don't need another Kotetsu on my hands."
Keith's smile disappeared, replaced with a look of curiosity. "Wild-kun? What—"
"Don't ask," Antonio sighed, looking away. Kaburagi Kotetsu was his best friend, but was also a man who rarely let anyone into his own personal life. He shook his head, sitting up straight on the bench as he faced the blond again. "You can hate me if I'm wrong, but I'm sure you've never gotten drunk in your life before."
"That's not true!" Keith argued.
Antonio's eyebrows shot upward at the shout, his eyes wide, and he chuckled softly. "How 'bout we add another notch in that belt, huh?"
Keith sat up straight, tilting his head as he blinked questioningly.
x
Kotetsu peered out from behind the wall, watching his friend and Sky High as they continued to converse. "They look so chummy…" he mumbled. "What are they talking about…?"
"Why don't you just ask them instead of looking suspicious?" Barnaby suggested, arms crossed over his chest. As always, he was at Kotetsu's side, but in front of the entrance, keeping the automatic doors open. "Or better yet…" Kotetsu started as he was dragged away from the entrance courtesy of the hand clutching the back of his shirt. "Since you have this much free time, we can do some paperwork."
"No," Kotetsu whined, digging his heels in. It did nothing to stop him, and the doors finally slid shut once the duo had put enough distance between its sensors.
x
It was also time for Keith to take his leave. He had to report back to his sponsors and then begin his preparations for his night run. Standing from the machine, he lifted his arm at an almost perfect right angle in a wave. "Tomorrow night, Antonio-san, if the city's crime gives us the luxury!" Keith laughed at his own quip.
"Hero's Bar," Antonio reminded him.
Keith confirmed with an exuberant nod. He moved away from the twin machines, throwing a quick glance over his shoulder before descending the stairs to the locker rooms. With a shake of his head and a soft laugh, Antonio curled his hands around the handle bars of the arm press and resumed his workout.
X
It was as if the entire bar acknowledged Keith Goodman's presence when the man walked in. Antonio thought he stood out like a sore thumb. He lifted a hand, waving the blond over, and swore the waitress passing by on skates almost tripped because of the dazzling smile thrown in his direction. Keith took a seat on the bar stool beside Antonio after reaching the brunet's side. "Sorry… if I'm late."
"Don't apologize." Antonio lifted the short glass, emptying it. He pushed it forward across the counter and it was collected to be refilled.
"But I kept you waiting," Keith continued. "I'm sure there was something else you had planned for this evening."
"We need to work on this habit of yours," Antonio sighed, fingertips closing around the rim of the filled glass that was placed in front of him.
"There's something wrong with me?" Keith whispered, leaning closer to the larger man.
The close proximity didn't bother him; Kotetsu and Nathan had broken down those barriers. Antonio turned his head, momentarily distracted by the crystal blue eyes begging for an answer. He took a swig of his drink, exhaling deeply. "There's nothing wrong. Your attempts at pleasing others have become your life's goal… or your life… and you've forgotten about you."
Keith moved back to his side of the bar. The smile was gone now that the truth had been brought to the surface. Antonio hated seeing that 'kicked puppy' look on the other man and mentally kicked himself for being the cause of it. "You're right," Keith stated, his voice barely above a whisper. He glanced around furtively before continuing, "Hero duties aside, I used to tell myself that helping others made me happy—it does, but…!"
"You lost sight of your happiness." Antonio nodded sagely. "It's still there. You just have to find it."
"You've been through this, Antonio-san?"
The brilliant blond head rose and Rock Bison looked away before he became entranced. "Still do sometimes," he muttered, swirling the liquid in his cup.
Keith smiled apologetically. "I'm sorry."
"I'll feel better if you stop apologizing so much."
"I can't help it," Keith chuckled.
"Then, drink up." Antonio clinked his half-empty glass against the untouched one in front of his companion. "We came here to drink our sorrows away."
Keith faced forward, carefully picking up the glass. With a wide smile, he lifted it towards the brunet. "To our sorrows," he laughed.
Antonio grinned, meeting the blue-eyed gaze before touching his glass to Keith's once more. "Our sorrows."
Antonio grimaced at the wet feeling running across his face. He mumbled in protest, turning away, but whatever it was disturbing his sleep persistently followed. There was a whispered voice, followed by a bark—that jarred him away, because he knew he didn't have a dog—then soft shushing. Antonio squinted against the light after letting his eyes flutter open. Then sun paled in comparison to Keith's warm smile, which only served to be magnified by the excited air of the golden retriever he kept at bay.
"Mornin'," Antonio mumbled, sitting up. He combed his fingers through his hair.
Keith grinned. "Good morning! And good morning, Antonio-san!" The canine managed to free itself from his master's hold, bounding onto the bed.
A startled shout left Rock Bison as he was tackled back onto the mattress. The wetness returned, sweeping across his face, and he grinned, succumbing to the dog's morning kisses. "What's his name?" he asked, gently capturing the muzzle.
"John." Keith placed a knee onto the bed, reaching for John's collar. "John," he repeated, now addressing the dog. The retriever whimpered as he was pulled away. "He's probably excited that I brought someone home. John, stay." With a bark, John immediately placed his rump on the floor, his hind legs folded beneath him; his front legs kept him upright.
Antonio laughed, wiping a hand across his face. Keith noticed the action and stood from the bed, rushing towards an open door off to the right. Water could be heard running. It was shut off, and the blond returned. He sat down on the bed and offered the damp towel to his guest. "Thanks." Antonio accepted it, using it to clean his face from John's earlier attack. He lowered his hands, taking the time to look around at his surroundings. He only had his and Kotetsu's places to compare it to, but it looked to be a penthouse suite; remove the furniture and John would be able to tire himself out running around. 'This is just the bedroom,' he reminded himself.
"No woman's touch," Antonio murmured aloud, realizing the room had the familiarity of the displays in shop windows; decorated to catch the eye.
"No." Keith ducked his head. "I didn't have a hand in any of that. My sponsors gave me the key. I just make sure I keep it clean, and keep the fridge stocked. And as I mentioned before, you're our first guest." John trotted over, bumping a wet nose against Keith's hand. Keith smiled, petting him.
"I consider that a privilege," Antonio stated, smiling at the pair. "That I'm your first."
"I'm glad that you're my first also," Keith added softly.
John stole the show, demanding attention by climbing over Keith and back into the bed. Antonio laughed, hugging the retriever around the neck.
x
As he walked down the sidewalk, hands buried deep in the pockets of his fur-lined jacket, Antonio couldn't help but wonder if something more happened last night. His steps slowed. He remembered them doing just as they had toasted—drinking their sorrows away—but everything else was somewhat of a blur. Keith hadn't seemed too distraught, so maybe he was just assuming things. With a shrug, Antonio continued home at a leisurely pace.
A/N: I'd been toying with the idea of posting this here, but Keia-Marie convinced me to go ahead and do it~ Not really pulling pieces out of it, but remembering what I'd written, I was using this as a base for the Antonio/Keith I was sprinkling throughout "& Bunny" ('cept I realized Nathan says the same thing about "fine specimens"; guess that's what I always see him saying xD)