"What the fuck are these?" Rock Bison, his wet hair combed back, exhaled, pushing the pictures across the table.
Curious, Dragon Kid leaned forward for a closer look and Fire Emblem covered her eyes. "No, no, honey, it's not for you to look at."
"I don't understand." Dragon Kid whispered. "Why don't we call the police? We're not detectives…"
Barnaby spun one of the pictures around, pushing it toward Dragon Kid. She looked down at the image of Tiger, bruised, bloody, and beaten. In silver marker, scrawled across the photo, was a message. If you contact the police further, Wild Tiger is dead. She cringed and closed her eyes.
"There's so many." Origami Cyclone said, his violet eyes scanning the table in shock. "Why would anyone do this? What is the point? Everyone loves Mr. Wild Tiger." Origami Cyclone looked up at the other heroes. "At least everyone who knows him."
"Whoever did is," Rock Bison reasoned, his entire body shaking as he spoke. "They plan to kill him anyway."
"Don't say that." Blue Rose snapped, slamming her hand against the table. She had seen enough. She pushed her chair back and stood, turning away from the grotesque photographs. "We can't just sit here and do nothing."
"What can we do?" Dragon Kid asked quietly. "They left clues, they intend for us to try and figure it out."
"Well, I don't know about you…" Fire Emblem groaned. "But these photos mean nothing to me. All I see here is that Tiger has been beaten badly."
"Can I see them?" Dragon Kid asked nervously.
"You really shouldn't." Fire Emblem replied. "They're graphic."
"I electrocute people to earn points on a television show…" Dragon Kid retorted. "Let me see the pictures." Fire Emblem raised their hands dismissively and scooted their chair back. Dragon Kid stepped forward and began to sort through the pictures slowly. She swallowed heavily, her stomach twisting into painful knots.
"Any clues, Nancy Drew?" Fire Emblem teased, crossing their arms over their chest.
"The first seven photographs were taken before the blackout. Four of them have malfunctioning electronics visible in the background." Dragon Kid explained, pointing to the pictures. "The last eight are taken using heavy flash. And if you look right here," Dragon Kid gestured with her finger. "You'll see the televisions, the computers, everything is smashed."
"Good work, Pao-Lin, but what does it mean?" Sky High asked, leaning over Dragon Kid's shoulder.
"Some sort of electromagnetic pulse or interference, probably." Origami Cyclone reasoned. "My guess is we're dealing with a NEXT."
"But why?" Barnaby asked suddenly. He looked around at the other heroes and laughed bitterly. "He is second to last in the point ranking… what's the reason behind taking Tiger?"
"Whoever it was," Rock Bison reminded Barnaby. "Is angry because Kotetsu didn't show up somewhere. Where was he supposed to go? Who was he supposed to meet?"
The room grew silent for a long time before Dragon Kid spoke again. "Can we trace the source of the blackout?"
"I don't see why not and I really don't think it'd be a problem." Sky High answered. "We should call Agnes. Her research skills are the best in the industry."
"Maybe we should ask Cain Morris first." Barnaby suggested. "I'm afraid of what Agnes might do. The last thing I want is for this to become an episode."
"I think we're missing something bigger here." Blue Rose said, turning to rejoin the conversation. "Someone unlocked Barnaby's door. Snuck into his house and left these pictures and Tiger's phone. They don't want the police involved either. To me it seems like they don't actually want Tiger. This feels like a trap."
"The reigning King of Heroes would make a pretty nice target." Rock Bison nodded in agreement.
"But if they wanted Handsome, then why would they just leave? They were in his house. They had the opportunity…" Fire Emblem argued.
"We're wasting time arguing." Origami Cyclone barked. "I'm calling everyone I can think of. We have to find the source of the black out. And then we are going to crush whoever is on the other side of that lens."
"Ooh, so forceful," Fire Emblem growled smacking Origami Cyclone on the rear as he passed. "I like 'em young and feisty." Origami Cyclone's eyes opened wide as he began to dial on his cell. "Well, maybe not that young…"
"I don't know how you can joke at a time like this!" Blue Rose shouted, tears threatening to fall from her large, brown eyes.
"Oh, honey," Fire Emblem sighed. "If I cried whenever I felt like it my makeup would be an absolute disaster. Now chin up. Want a fucking tissue?"
"I'm going to go to sleep." Barnaby said as he stood. "I want to be woken up as soon as someone hears something."
"Will do," Rock Bison mumbled, covering his face with his hands.
"Pao-Lin, Karina," Barnaby gestured to a door on their right. "There's a guestroom. Gentlemen, everything in the fridge is fair game."
"Thank you, and again, thank you," Sky High called out, giving a friendly wave. "I have to admit we're all starting to get a little hangry. Nathan, I mostly mean you."
"Oh, whatever, Keith." Fire Emblem muttered. "Stop making up words."
Barnaby simply walked away from the commotion. He didn't think he had the heart for it. Every single person in there was worried about Tiger, and every single person had a different way of showing it. Barnaby took the steps quickly, his left hand trailing along the banister. He decided hiding in his room was for the best. He sat down and kicked off his shoes. I'll just take a little nap, Barnaby reasoned. That way I'll be fresh and ready for anything.
But as soon as Barnaby sank into his bed he felt a terrible aching in his abdomen. It was a stabbing pain and he doubled over with a silent cry. He curled into a ball, pulling his knees to his chest. With his last remaining strength he pulled the blankets over his head and he began to cry.
Tiger came to in a bathtub. He scrambled out of the full tub, sloshing cold, dirty water over the sides and onto the floor. His clothes and hair were dripping, the water cascading down him. He looked down and lifted his soaked shirt, examining his body fretfully for any evidence of wrong doing. He appeared to be fine. Tiger exhaled shakily, looking around the bathroom in confusion.
The room was no bigger than a closet. A tub, toilet, sink and, oddly enough, a dinner tray with a laptop and a pistol. He ripped an orange Post It note from the side of the screen, Go through the tabs. Tiger hunched over the flimsy tray, swirling his fingers over the mousepad. The computer screen flashed to life and Tiger took an involuntary step backward. Google Maps was on the open tab. The directions were leading to his mother's home in Oriental Town.
"Oh, fuck." Tiger groaned, his shaking hand barely able to switch tabs. The next tab was from Oriental Town's only newspaper, The Report. It was Kaede's birth announcement. Tiger straightened up, turning around and kicking the tub with all his strength. He cursed and lashed out in every direction. He didn't want to turn back around, but he had to.
Tiger switched to the third tab, his eyes narrowing as he realized that it was Richard Max on video chat. Richard smiled and, knowing he had the upper hand, relished the moment before he began to speak. "Kotetsu Kaburagi aka Wild Tiger."
"What are you doing?" Tiger asked, his voice cracking. "There is no need to do anything to them…" Tiger dropped to his knees in front of the tray. "God, please, I will do anything…"
"I was hoping you would say that." Richard explained with a pleasant smile. "I'm sure you've noticed the pistol on the tray beside the computer."
"Yeah."
"Well, I want you to say a few things for me."
"What do you want me to say?" Tiger asked without hesitation.
"First, tell the camera who you are."
"My name is Wild Tiger."
"But who are you really?"
"I'm Kaburagi Kotetsu." Tiger whispered.
"Say you've been held hostage by a group of NEXT from Russia or someplace." Richard instructed. "Make it convincing. Look around a bit. Come on, you can do it, you're a television star."
Tiger closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. His amber eyes shot open and he looked around nervously. "I'm being held by a group of NEXT. They're speaking in a language I don't recognize…"
"Now, tell everyone how terrible of a hero you are." Richard demanded, the lights behind him flickering. "Tell everyone how much better Barnaby deserves!"
"I'm… I…." Tiger took a deep breath. "I was never cut out for this hero business. I was never cut out to be B-Bun-aby's partner…"
"Tell the camera," Richard breathed excitedly. "Tell the camera that you've been given an option. You can watch your daughter die or you can shoot yourself in the head."
Tiger sank onto the floor. He couldn't process this anymore. He couldn't handle the strain. His heart pounded in his throat, in his ears. He swallowed the sick rising in his throat and he pushed himself back into the view of the webcam. "They say they will kill my daughter if I don't cooperate. I have offered my full cooperation."
"Remove your mask." Richard instructed.
Tiger removed his mask.
"Do you have any last words?" Richard asked.
"Daddy loves you and I'm sorry, Ma." Tiger wheezed, his body shaking. "Bunny… you weren't-"
"Don't talk to Barnaby!" Richard's voice barked through the speakers. "Now, pick up the gun." Tiger picked up the gun and calmly placed it against his temple. "Fire."
Tiger turned slightly and without a second's hesitation he fired. Blood splattered everywhere, a chunk of flesh flying backward. He collapsed onto the ground, the tray and laptop falling to the concrete floor with a clatter.
There was a knock on the door and it roused Sky High from his light sleep. He rubbed his face tiredly and stood, walking to Barnaby's front door. He opened the door to find a bulky man with wild brown hair. The man smiled and offered his hand. Sky High shook the man's hand politely, but remained solidly in the doorframe. "May I help you?"
"I need to speak with Barnaby Brooks, Jr." the man squeaked.
"He's sleeping, you'll have to come back later, and call at another time." Sky High instructed, smiling. Sky High began to swing the door shut when the man pressed his foot in between the door and the frame.
"Wait…" the man hissed angrily. "It's about the black out. I think Wild Tiger is in trouble."
Sky High opened the door and, after looking around outside for suspicious characters, led the man inside. "My name is Richard Max. I'm a NEXT as well."
"Uh, well," Sky High fumbled unsurely. "The name's Keith." Richard smiled and began to walk toward the stairs. "Excuse me?" Sky High stopped him, a forced smile on his face. "I'll have to ask you to wait in the living room."
Rock Bison stirred in his chair, his eyes opening and settling on Richard. Richard smiled tightly and Rock Bison waved awkwardly before sitting up. He looked around the living room and wiped at the sleep in his eyes. "Who're you?"
"My name is Richard Max." Richard introduced himself halfheartedly. "I saw some very strange things tonight before the blackout."
Within a few minutes each of the heroes were seated in Barnaby's living room. They sat in a circle, waiting with baited breath for Richard's information. "I was leaving the gym where I work. I train Olympic hopeful boxers. Well, I saw a group of bad-looking guys. And then I saw Wild Tiger. I could tell from where I was that he was scared. He went into one of the warehouses with the guys… I stood there for a minute, 'cause it was so strange, and that's when the citywide blackout happened."
"What warehouse?" Rock Bison asked at the same time that Barnaby stood up and shouted. "Where?"
"The West Sternbild Wharf." Richard answered.
"Ivan, call Cain back, I'm going now." Barnaby instructed.
Origami Cyclone nodded his head. "Okay."
"I'm going too." Rock Bison added.
"We are all going." Blue Rose snapped, gesturing with her hand.
"Where in the West Sternbild Wharf?" Barnaby pressed. "Which building? What did it look like?"
"It's hard to explain…" Richard said sadly. The corners of his mouth twitched as he looked up at Barnaby. "But I can show you."
"I will drive you." Fire Emblem offered, knocking shoulders with Barnaby. "I'm the best, fastest driver and your head is already gone."
"Thanks." Barnaby answered, trying his best to stay calm. "I'm not waiting for anyone. As soon as I get there, I'm going in."
"We don't know how many there are…" Blue Rose argued. "That's too dangerous. Wait for backup."
"No, I'm not waiting." Barnaby retorted, his green eyes narrowing. "Let's go, Nathan."
It was a half hour drive to the West Sternbild Wharf. Fire Emblem's car roared into an empty parking lot before ten minutes had past. Barnaby unbuckled, glaring at Fire Emblem as they grabbed hold of his arm. "Wait, Handsome, just one more second…"
"What?" Barnaby groaned. "Let's go."
"This doesn't sit right." Fire Emblem growled. "Tiger isn't an idiot…"
"I don't care what else is in there…" Barnaby said firmly. "As long as Tiger's in there."
"I'm right behind you then." Fire Emblem opened their door and their long legs swiveled from the seat. Barnaby and Tiger's suits arrived a moment later and Barnaby suited up silently.
Barnaby waited impatiently as Rock Bison and Richard Max pulled beside Fire Emblem's fancy car. Richard hopped out and jogged toward Barnaby, pointing to a small silver door. Barnaby and Richard ran together, Richard holding the door for Barnaby to enter.
"Antonio," Fire Emblem called out, grabbing Rock Bison's bicep tightly. "I want you to follow them. That guy, he stinks."
"I agree." Rock Bison said with a nod. "Where are you going?"
"I'm going to check the other buildings." Fire Emblem answered.
"What about the others?" Rock Bison asked quickly, pulling free from Fire Emblem's grip.
"Keith's the one who told me." Fire Emblem explained. "He'll warn the others."
"Got it." Rock Bison called over his shoulder, running full out toward the silver door after Barnaby.
"Be careful!" Fire Emblem yelled.
"Yeah, you too," Rock Bison said as he disappeared into the dark warehouse.
When Rock Bison reached Barnaby and Richard they were in an empty storage unit. Inside, on the floor, was a laptop. Richard kneeled down, looking at the laptop suspiciously. "Should we see if there's something on it?"
"Yeah," Barnaby exhaled heavily. "They left it here for a reason."
Richard fumbled with the laptop, gasping as a video hijacked the screen. It was dark and grainy but it was most definitely Tiger. Rock Bison stepped forward, and Barnaby kneeled for a better view. "Is this live? Is this a live feed or a video or what?"
"My name is Wild Tiger, Kaburagi Kotetsu." Tiger's voice filled the empty room. It had a chilling effect and Barnaby and Rock Bison both shuddered. "I'm being held by a group of NEXT. They're speaking in a language I don't recognize…"
"What the fuck is this?" Rock Bison repeated, his voice low.
"I was never cut out for this hero business. I was never cut out to be B-Bun-aby's partner…They say they will kill my daughter if I don't cooperate. I have offered my full cooperation."
The video Tiger removed his mask and Barnaby gasped.
"Daddy loves you and I'm sorry, Ma… Bun-…"
And then the Tiger on the screen blew his brains out.
There was a terrible choking noise behind Barnaby, but he couldn't even move enough to look. Rock Bison sounded as if all of his air was being wrenched from his lungs. Rock Bison inhaled sharply and a few seconds of silence followed before a sob escaped his lips. Barnaby tried to focus on Rock Bison. Rock Bison was loud. Rock Bison had lost control.
Barnaby ripped at his own heart, sealing it off like a tourniquet. Rock Bison was feeling the pain. Not him. Rock Bison was fighting for his next breath. Not him. Rock Bison had nearly collapsed against the wall of the storage unit. Not him. Rock Bison was cursing and breaking everything he could touch. Not him.
"Barnaby," Richard said, placing his hand on Barnaby's shoulder. "You're bleeding."
Barnaby looked up at Richard in confusion, his fingers slowly brushing over his face. He wiped at the blood, smearing it across the bottom of his nose and upper lip. The scarlet blood was bright against his pale fingers. "I'm going home."
"Shouldn't we investigate?" Richard suggested, shutting the laptop. "Those guys… they could still be here."
"I quit." Barnaby said, climbing to his feet. "I'm done being a hero."
"What?!" Richard screamed in a panic. "You can't stop being a hero!"
The storage unit became like the inside of a vacuum. The intense volume of his voice sent a wave crashing over Rock Bison and Barnaby. The emergency light flickered as the glass covering cracked, spilling glass onto the floor. The two heroes exchanged looks as they staggered to regain their footing. Rock Bison shook his head, rolling his sleeves up.
"No," Richard said, his eyes wide and fearful. He raised his hands peaceably and took a step back. "Barnaby… No…"
"What the fuck…" Rock Bison growled. "What's your power? Tell us now."
"Sound manipulation…" Richard explained, his eyes locked onto Barnaby. "Please… what do you mean? I'm just trying to help…"
"Antonio," Barnaby breathed unevenly. "My suit has interference."
"NO!" Richard roared, running at full speed toward Rock Bison. Rock Bison's fist connected with Richard's stomach, but Richard was unfazed. His voice blasted Rock Bison, throwing the hero through the thin wall of the storage unit. Richard turned around to look at Barnaby, shaking his head. "Barnaby…"
"Who do you work for?" Barnaby demanded, his green eyes flashing blue. He engaged his suit, aiming at Richard. "Ouroboros? Who?"
"Barnaby, no, no, this is a mistake." Richard explained desperately.
"Barnaby…" Sky High's voice buzzed over the communicator. "There is something you have to see… It's insane… I don't even know how to explain it…"
"It's seriously fucked up," Fire Emblem added. "Antonio, get him out of there."
Barnaby looked down at Rock Bison unconscious on the floor and then at Richard Max. "Who are you?"
"I'm your new sidekick." Richard answered softly, shrugging his shoulders as if the question had been a serious blow.
"No," Barnaby breathed out heavily, his fist lifted threateningly. "No, you're not."
"I'm better than him." Richard argued, stepping closer to Barnaby.
"Who?" Barnaby snapped. "Tiger?"
"Yes! I'm better than Tiger!" Richard explained, banging his fist against his palm. The sheer force of his voice caused the room to tremble. Barnaby's hair whipped around his face as the sound wave crashed over him. "My power is better! My work ethic is better!"
Barnaby jumped forward abruptly, his foot landing in the middle of Richard's chest. Richard's eyes narrowed in hurt and he grabbed Barnaby's metal boot. He twisted Barnaby's foot, knocking Barnaby onto his back. He looked down at Barnaby, anger twisting his lips into a snarl. "Don't be stupid, Barnaby. I love you!"
"Let go of me." Barnaby said, worry filling his voice. He kicked out, hitting Richard in the knee and toppling the man over. Barnaby jumped over Richard and lifted Rock Bison over his shoulder. "Get the fuck away from me…"
"Don't walk away from me, Barnaby!" Richard roared, climbing to his feet.
"Guys," Barnaby breathed into his communicator. "I need help." Barnaby felt so small. Those words escaping his lips felt entirely unnatural. The only person who he allowed to see him vulnerable was Tiger… Barnaby snarled. Tiger. He lowered Rock Bison back to the floor and re-engaged his suit.
"Don't be stupid." Richard pleaded. "I'm a hero."
"Bullshit." Barnaby spat. "You're insane."
"I'm not insane!" Richard shouted, the veins on his neck pulsing. "I just want to be with you! I want to help you!"
Barnaby wheezed for breath, the time ticking away on his screen. He had less than three minutes left. He struggled to stand, a strange ringing in his ears. "I only want one thing from you… Where is Tiger now?"
"I don't know… You saw the video yourself… How would I know?"
"Good Luck Mode!"
Barnaby launched himself forward, landing a roundhouse kick to Richard's jaw. There was a loud pop and blood poured from Richard's nose like a faucet. Barnaby didn't hesitate. He used his knee, knocking the wind from Richard's chest. His fist landed hard, cutting the sensitive skin above the man's eye.
"STOP!"
The sheet metal walls shook and Barnaby was blown backward. He spun in the air, crashing through the far wall. He groaned, struggling to his feet as quickly as he could. His suit malfunctioned, the screen blurring and buzzing with interference.
"I don't want to fight you, Barnaby," Richard explained apologetically, stepping through the hole in the wall into the empty room where Barnaby had landed. "I love you."
"I would rather die." Barnaby spat. "Don't say that to me ever again…"
Richard's face rippled with different emotions, finally settling on pure rage. "If I can't have you…"
"My ice may be cold," Blue Rose huffed, climbing through the hole Barnaby had created. "But your crime has been put on hold."
Richard stood frozen for only a moment before he let out a terrible scream. The ice cracked and rained down on the concrete like hail. He turned around, punching Blue Rose in the face before she could even react. "Stupid little bitch."
Blue Rose crumpled to the ground unconscious. "Karina!" Barnaby shook his head angrily. "Heroes don't hurt other heroes."
"Please…" Richard replied with a humorless laugh. "I know you better than you-"
"Handsome," Fire Emblem said, kicking the sharp edges of the metal down so they could step through. "Take Blue Rose and Rock Bison…"
"Everyone needs to leave us the fuck alone!" Richard roared. "Leave us alone! He doesn't need you!"
"His power is sound manipulation…" Barnaby yelled as he struggled to remain on his feet. "My fucking head," Fire Emblem groaned, blood spurting down their face. "You need to run, Barnaby… Run!"
Run. It was an odd order. He was a hero. He was the Barnaby Brooks Jr. But all he wanted to do was run. He wanted to get away from Richard Max. He never wanted to see him or hear him or think of him ever again. It was a peculiar feeling, to feel so powerless.
And he did run. He grabbed Blue Rose and twisted the door open roughly. He ran down the hall and kneeled beside Rock Bison. "Antonio…" He slapped Rock Bison's cheek roughly. "Wake up, Antonio…" Rock Bison's eyes opened slowly and he stared up at Barnaby in confusion. "Can you run?"
"Yeah… I think so…" Rock Bison said, standing up as a burst of flames exploded down the hall. "Oh, shit… I'm coming…"
Barnaby didn't wait. He ran as fast as he could, Blue Rose's weight over his shoulder nothing more than pressure. His screen ticked down and he held his breath, running until he reached Fire Emblem's car. He laid Blue Rose down, frowning as he looked around at all the station's vehicles on scene.
One of the show's medics rushed forward, taking Blue Rose from him and laying her down on a gurney. Another rushed over to him, but Barnaby shook them off. "I'm going back…" Barnaby exhaled shakily. "I forgot something."
Barnaby walked past the little silver door and squeezed through the chained door of the building beside it. He jumped, startled to discover Sky High standing at the end of the long, narrow hall. "Keith… what's going on, what's here?"
"Barnaby, wait there…" Sky High instructed, lifting his hand in a halting gesture.
"Why?" Barnaby asked nervously. "What's wrong?"
"We don't know yet." Sky High said softly.
Barnaby's timer began counting down and he lunged forward as quickly as he could. He pushed against Sky High, who stood trying to bar him from the room to his right. "Let me see! What's in there? Is it him?"
"Barnaby, we don't know…" Sky High replied, grabbing Barnaby's arms and dragging them down to his sides.
Dragon Kid was at the furthest end of the hall, her green eyes wide in terror. She looked down and Barnaby's eyes followed. He realized in horror that he and Sky High were standing in blood. A trail was smeared from inside the room all the way to where Dragon Kid stood.
With one final push, Barnaby broke free of Sky High's grip and rushed into the room. The bathroom was horrendous. Blood was everywhere, smeared and spread across the floor like someone had been fighting for their life. A clogged sink overflowed, sending blood and water rushing over a broken laptop and a wooden tray.
"Oh, God." Barnaby whispered, thankful that the visor of his suit covered his face. "He's really dead."
"I don't know if I should show you or not," Sky High spoke softly, pressing Tiger's mask into Barnaby's suited palm. "But there's a room down the hall. I think you should know about it."
"Where does the trail lead?" Barnaby asked, careful to avoid stepping in the blood beneath his feet.
"Around the hall and outside." Dragon Kid answered. "It went all the way to the water."
The emergency lights flickered and Dragon Kid pressed against Sky High's side. Sky High patted her head softly, leading the way to the room in question. Origami Cyclone stood inside, his back pressed against the wall. He looked at Barnaby apologetically before lowering his eyes.
Barnaby inhaled slowly and the timer blinked annoyingly, his Hundred Power had reached its end. "I had no idea." Barnaby whispered, his hand trailing along the broken computer screens. Tiger had been in this room. Tiger had seen this. "I had no idea someone was watching me." Barnaby turned and his stomach twisted into knots. He reached out slowly, lifting a picture of Tiger where Tiger's eyes had been cut from the photo. "It was my fault."
Origami Cyclone and Sky High looked at one another. "Oh, no…" Origami Cyclone said quickly. "There's no way you could have known. This man is seriously ill… That has nothing to do with you, Barnaby…"
Barnaby snatched an unmolested photo from the floor. Tiger was a bit out of focus, but the photo was still beautiful. There were three specks of dried blood in the corner and he tried to brush them away with his thumb. The photo smeared slightly and he gasped, rolling the photo carefully in his hands. "Ivan, take this for me. Keep it safe."
"Okay, yes, I will." Origami Cyclone agreed with a nod.
"You should leave. You don't need to be here. You need an hour to recharge anyway." Sky High suggested. "I'm going to go help Nathan."
"I'll be fine." Barnaby insisted. "Actually, I was coming for Pao-Lin anyway."
"Huh? Me? Really?" Dragon Kid asked in surprise.
"Yes. That guy's strong." Barnaby cleared his throat, blinking away the tears hidden behind his suit. "He wasn't trying to hurt me and I couldn't do it."
"Let's hurry. The way these lights keep sputtering, Nathan might be in trouble." Sky High interjected hurriedly.
They ran down the hall, squeezing through the narrow opening of the door. Origami Cyclone ran toward the waiting crew and the other three ran back into the building billowing with smoke.
"Moshi Moshi." Anju Kaburagi's, Tiger's mother, voice filled the headset.
"Oh, hey, Mrs. Kaburagi, it's me, Antonio Lopez…" Rock Bison struggled to maintain an even tone as he spoke. "Did I wake you?"
"Antonio," Anju wheezed. "No… No… Tell me he's okay…"
"I'm sorry," Rock Bison spoke with a great effort. "We don't have a lot of information. I just wanted you to know, before… before you see it on the news."
"Is… he….?" The phone dropped onto the floor and Rock Bison heard a terrible cry.
"Hello? Hello? Who is this?" Muramasa Kaburagi, Tiger's elder brother, spoke anxiously, picking up the phone.
"It's Antonio," Rock Bison repeated. "Something happened."
"Where is he?" Muramasa asked without pause.
"We don't know."
"How do you not know?"Muramasa demanded.
"I'm sorry…" Rock Bison breathed. "Kotetsu may be dead."
There was a long silence on the other end of the phone and Rock Bison feared that Muramasa may have hung up. Finally he spoke again, his voice strained and low, "Call us as soon as you know anything."
"The moment I find out anything, I will call," Rock Bison promised. "I've already spoken with the producers and Apollon. They've sworn not to air any footage or make any statements until you've been notified."
"Yeah," Muramasa muttered. "Thanks."
And then the line went dead.
The warehouse was collapsing. The structure had nearly been destroyed by the onslaught of massive sound waves and physical damage done by the heroes. The fire was out of control and crews were doing their best to keep it from spreading to the other buildings. News crews from every single other station in Sternbild circled by helicopter. It was a media circus as Richard Max and the heroes were forced out into the open, their battle raging on.
"You can't beat me!" Richard Max gloated. "You're not faster than the speed of sound."
Barnaby, unable to use his Hundred Power, moved carefully, grabbing Dragon Kid and pulling her to the side. He turned her around to face him, kneeling down in front of her. "Pao-Lin, you're young but you're a hero. Hell, you've been doing this longer than I have…"
"Barnaby, what's the matter?" Dragon Kid asked, looking up at Barnaby in confusion.
"He's dangerous." Barnaby explained quickly. "Karina is down, Ivan is sitting this one out, Antonio is almost finished, Nathan is vomiting and Keith keeps getting knocked out of the sky." Barnaby looked around cautiously before continuing. "You have to finish this."
"Me?" Dragon Kid asked unsurely. "Why me?"
"He just said it himself. We aren't fast enough." Barnaby continued. "But you are. Nothing is faster than the speed of light."
"But I've been trying. I haven't been able to land anything…"
"That's okay, that's why we're over here talking…" Barnaby assured her with smile. "I'm going to stall him. I want you to smoke him. Don't hold back."
"Okay, if you think you can stall him long enough…" Dragon Kid agreed.
"I'm going to grab him." Barnaby said "And I won't let go. My suit will protect me."
There was a terrible shriek and Fire Emblem was thrown several yards into one of the news vans. Dragon Kid nodded her head and turned around, "Let's go, Rookie." She flipped her staff, whipping it back and forth expertly.
"Richard!" Barnaby called out, taking a step forward. He lifted his visor and raised his hands peaceably. "Let's talk."
"It's past the point of talking now, Barnaby." Richard fumed. "You've disappointed me."
"Am I to blame?" Barnaby asked, taking another step forward. "You really surprised me today."
"Stay back, Barnaby!" Sky High yelled in warning.
"It's fine, Sky High," Barnaby called out. "Richard is my friend. Richard's not going to hurt me…"
Richard looked from Sky High to Barnaby in confusion. He lifted his hand, as if he might strike out, but Barnaby stepped forward, taking his hand in his for a handshake. "Let's start again, I'm Barnaby Brooks, Jr."
"Richard Max." Richard wheezed, staring down at Barnaby's hand in his. Richard looked up and smiled brightly and that is when Barnaby moved. He wrapped his arms and legs around Richard and twisted, pinning Richard's arms tightly behind his back.
"Now, Dragon Kid!" Barnaby shouted.
Dragon Kid's staff crackled, a stream of lightening coursing through the air. Richard opened his mouth to scream, but the lightening cut him off. His body convulsed and he shook violently, sending him and Barnaby to the ground.
"Again, Dragon Kid!"
Dragon Kid moved quickly, flipping her staff. "STO-" The lightening sparked as it struck Richard. A few seconds later, Dragon Kid was thrown backward, the sound wave hitting her full force.
Richard groaned, unable to pull himself back on his feet. He tried to sit up, reaching out for Barnaby who lay unmoving, his suit completely fried. Richard growled, using Barnaby's suit to pull himself to his knees. He rolled Barnaby over and ripped his helmet off. "You…"
"Good luck mode!"
"Huh?" Richard turned to the side in surprise. His eyes widened fearfully, his mouth opening to scream. But the sound never came. Black Tiger's suit had grabbed Richard, yanking down on his jaw with so much force that it dislocated. Richard moaned, scrambling backward as Black Tiger lifted his arm.
Richard was caught in the net, held in place as Dragon Kid climbed to her feet once more. She walked slowly, dragging her bruised leg a little on the concrete. She tapped her staff against the leg of Barnaby's suit, "You okay, Barnaby?"
"I'm alive." Barnaby answered miserably, trapped in his dysfunctional suit.
"Richard Max," Dragon Kid said swinging her staff back and forth. "I just want you to know, you'll never be on our show. Not even as the villain." She sent another bolt of electricity into Richard's stomach and then another. She didn't stop until Sky High stepped in, gently ushering her over to the medics.
Barnaby sat up, freeing himself from his heavy suit with a growl. He climbed to his feet, watching the police collect Richard with detachment. Nothing felt real. He obeyed as two medics pushed him back on a gurney. He couldn't see the stars, too much smoke and dust choked the air.
"It's over." One of the medics said softly. It was meant to be a relief, but the words cut Barnaby like a knife. It was over. Tiger was gone.
"Who brought that suit?" Barnaby asked, nodding toward the Black Tiger suit. "Who's idea?"
"Agnes's." The medic placed an oxygen mask over Barnaby's nose and mouth and Barnaby inhaled the fresh air greedily. The door to the ambulance shut and the vehicle sped away.
"Hello?" Muramasa's anxious voice floated through the pay phone speaker.
"Where's Ma?" Tiger puffed, gripping the sides of the booth for support. "Where's Kaede? Is everyone alright?"
"Kotetsu! Oh, my God! Kotetsu, where are you? Are you okay?" Muramasa's voice cracked with relief.
"Just shut up for a minute, Muramasa…" Tiger wheezed. "Is every… one…. Okay?"
"Yes, everyone is fine here. What's going on? Are you hurt?"
"You need to get out of the house…" Tiger instructed weakly, leaving bloody handprints on the glass of the booth. "He found her…"
"Who? Who found her?" Muramasa asked. "Kotetsu, have you gone to the hospital? Have you called Antonio?"
"Get out of that house… please…" Tiger pleaded. "I'm begging you… just get Kaede and Ma away from there…"
"Alright. I will." Muramasa agreed. "But I'm calling Antonio from my cell. Where are you?"
"A payphone…" Kotetsu said, looking around the dark street. "I'm in Legend Park…"
"Stay there." Muramasa instructed. "Hold on… Someone is coming to help you."
"Yeah, Yeah…" Tiger muttered before hanging the phone on the cradle. He gasped in pain and pulled his hand more tightly against his chest. He pushed open the booth door with his foot and stumbled out, heading toward a park bench. He sat down and let his head fall backward against the seat. The night air was chilly against his wet skin, at least he hoped it wasn't from blood loss alone, and he shivered.
He watched the thick clouds moving swiftly across the sky. How he wished he could see the stars. He swallowed slowly, his eyes becoming heavier and heavier as he struggled to stay awake.
"Mr. Wild Tiger!" Tiger was startled awake, Origami Cyclone's face coming into view. "Oh, thank God! It is you! You're alive!" Origami Cyclone wrapped his arms around Tiger, squeezing him tightly. Tiger groaned and Origami Cyclone apologized, taking a step back.
"I'm going with you in the ambulance." Origami Cyclone assured Tiger, holding his hand as he was laid on a gurney. "I'll be right here."
"I need to talk to Bunny…" Tiger insisted, trying to sit up as the medics began hooking him up to an IV. "Wait, I need to talk to Bunny right now…"
"Not now," Origami Cyclone said, frowning. "You have to go to the hospital first."
"He's in danger…" Tiger exclaimed, closing his eyes as the oxygen mask was placed on his face. "He's being followed."
"We know." Origami Cyclone said. "We already caught him. Richard Max has been arrested."
"Oh… good…" Tiger breathed before passing out.
"Wild Tiger is out of surgery…"
It was all Barnaby needed to hear. He yanked the IV from his arm and swung his legs over the hospital bed. The nurse rushed forward chastising Barnaby as he struggled to break past her. He smiled, exhaled and looked down at her pointedly, "Ma'am, I am going to see him now. I'm sorry I ripped out my IV, I know that's a bad thing to do. But please let me go…"
"Mr. Brooks…." The nurse groaned before stepping to the side. "He's in third floor recovery."
"Thank you," Barnaby said, throwing open the heavy door. "Thank you! Thank you!"
Barnaby ran down the hall, sliding in his socks as he rounded the corner. He pressed the elevator button, and being too anxious to wait, he took the stairs instead. He ran down three flights of stairs, speed walked past the nursing station and came to a halt outside of Tiger's hospital room.
He raised his hand to knock, his stomach twisting uncomfortably. Was he awake? Could he talk? What was the extent of the damage? He swallowed a lump in his throat and rasped his knuckles loudly against the door three times. There was a long pause and then Tiger spoke, "Uh…. Come in….?" Barnaby opened the door, closing it behind him quietly. His hand lingered on the knob, the curtain drawn and blocking his view. "Umm, hello? Who is it?"
Panic began to rise in Barnaby's throat. Richard Max would never have hurt Tiger if it wasn't for him. Was Tiger angry? Had Tiger even been told the extent of it? The curtain was thrown open and Rock Bison came into view, his shoulders thrown out intimidatingly. His eyes softened when he saw Barnaby and he exhaled in relief, stepping to the side for Barnaby to pass. "Jesus, can't you talk?"
"Sorry," Barnaby apologized, walking around Rock Bison. His eyes moved slowly, fearfully, toward the bed.
The off-white blankets at the foot of the bed, the pumping circulation cuffs on Tiger's calves. He lifted his eyes to the empty left hand, the golden ring gone. Barnaby swallowed, focusing on the heavily bandaged right arm. The blankets were pulled under Tiger's arms. The hospital gown Tiger wore was green and grey. In contrast, his own was blue and white.
Barnaby's eyes roamed higher. His coloring was off. His beautiful toasty skin was unnaturally pallid. Even higher, a smile tugged across his lips. And then, those amber eyes that were locked on his, watching Barnaby intently. There was a thick bandage around his head, covering his shaggy, dark hair. He looked tired and he looked worn down. But he was alive. And he was smiling. And he was beautiful.
"Bunny…" Tiger began, only to discover that Barnaby had started to cry. Tiger's smile widened, his eyes glistening. He patted the bed with his left hand and gestured with a nod. "Come here, crybaby."
Barnaby walked stiffly over to the bed. He looked down, he looked everywhere but at Tiger. Tiger lifted his left hand, gesticulating. Barnaby leaned in closer, his eyes closed in embarrassment. Tiger's left arm wrapped around Barnaby and he pulled the younger man against him. Barnaby left his tears unchecked as he climbed onto the bed, lying sideways with his body pressed against Tiger's. Tiger hooked his arm around Barnaby's shoulders, playing with his hair softly.
They were silent until the nurse technician arrived to check Tiger's vitals. The nurse tried to shoo Barnaby away but he refused, wrapping his arm around Tiger's waist, mindful of his injured right arm. Tiger assured her that he was fine and the nurse left, Rock Bison following her, mentioning something about vending machines.
"I thought you were dead." Barnaby said at last. "I saw you kill yourself."
"There's no way I would kill myself," Tiger said simply. "Not when he had my Ma's address. Not when he threatened my daughter. I couldn't die before I made sure they were safe."
"But I saw the video… How did you manage?" Barnaby asked quietly, drawing circles onto Tiger's covered thigh.
"I took a risk." Tiger breathed. "I tried to shoot my hand, but the angle was weird, I got my ear and about an inch of skull."
"And then he threw you in the bay."
"No, actually, I threw myself in." Tiger laughed humorlessly. "I shot myself and laid on the floor. I couldn't scream, I couldn't groan... I was supposed to be dead. I laid there on the floor, bleeding everywhere because I thought he would come in. I planned on attacking him as soon as he tried to move my body. He never came. After an hour, I got up. I wrapped my missing fingers in my shirt and tried to stop the bleeding."
"I didn't want him to know I was alive. I broke the door down, hurt myself further and had to crawl down the hall. Then I jumped from the wharf."
"Why? Why would you jump into the water?" Barnaby asked, shaking his head. "You're lucky you didn't drown or go into shock."
"I could get away faster." Tiger answered simply. "I crawled out about a mile down."
"And walked to Legend Park?" Barnaby looked up at Tiger. "And called your mom instead of an ambulance…"
"That reminds me," Tiger recollected. "I owe some homeless guy two quarters."
"I'll remind you later." Barnaby promised. "You know, I have no idea how you survived. It doesn't make sense."
"I told you. I couldn't die yet." Tiger laughed, letting his head fall back against the bed.
"Where's your ring?" Barnaby asked, taking Tiger's hand into his.
"In a bag somewhere," Tiger answered. "They had to take it off for the surgery."
"I'm sorry." Barnaby whispered.
"Oh, it's alright, I'll get it back in a few hours." Tiger replied.
"No, not the ring…" Barnaby groaned. "I'm sorry for me. I'm sorry for what I did."
"And what are you sorry for?" Tiger asked, his eyes narrowing in confusion as Barnaby sat up. Tiger suddenly felt unbearably cold as Barnaby pulled away.
"For kissing you." Barnaby said. "I shouldn't have been so selfish."
"Bunny, I…"
"You don't need to lie. You don't need to say it was nothing. Because that is the lie. It wasn't nothing." Barnaby blurted. "I have felt this way for so long. I can't help it. And it's not admiration, it's not friendship, I know the difference… And I was selfish when I kissed you. I just threw my feelings out there and I can't take them back now and I ruined everything… I just…"
Tiger's lips pressed against Barnaby's firmly. Barnaby's eyes opened wide in surprise and then fluttered shut as he kissed Tiger back, his hand caressing Tiger's cheek. Tiger pulled away, taking a deep breath. He looked at Barnaby and shook his head, "You should fucking apologize for never letting me finish a freaking sentence."
"I… I'm sorry," Barnaby apologized, his green eyes blinking innocently.
"Apology accepted." Tiger groaned, settling back into the hospital bed. "Now let me talk for a minute, no interruptions, 'kay?"
"Okay."
"Bunny, you haven't ruined anything." Tiger said softly. "You aren't the only person here. I have feelings too. I have moments when I'm confused too…"
"I'm not confused…" Barnaby began.
Tiger smacked Barnaby on the top of his head. "Shaddap, kid and let the grown up speak." Barnaby closed his mouth and Tiger nodded in approval. "Some days the only reason I get out of bed is to see you. I think about you all morning. And then, when I do see you, you act cold and cruel and disinterested…"
"I feel like I am walking on eggshells. I feel like I'm never good enough, but still I think of you and want to be near you. I'm not young and I don't have my whole life ahead of me…"
Barnaby kissed Tiger gently, pulling his bottom lip into his mouth. Tiger tried to speak but Barnaby shook his head, kissing harder and harder until both men were panting. Barnaby kissed all over Tiger's face, his lips, his chin, his temples, his forehead, his nose. He smiled down at Tiger, relishing the blush that crept across his cheeks.
"I was trying to talk to you, Bunny-chan," Tiger chastised halfheartedly as Barnaby kissed his eyelids.
"Everything is harder with words." Barnaby replied before kissing Tiger's lips once more. "Let me feel you and you can feel me."
"We're in a hospital!" Tiger complained. "I'm wounded!"
"Fine, we'll compromise." Barnaby suggested. "We can each say one thing, then we can share one kiss, over and over until we've said our piece."
"That's silly, I'm not doing that…" Tiger said, shaking his head. Barnaby smiled and kissed him tenderly.
"I 'm sorry you're in pain, because I am just so happy right now…" Barnaby kissed Tiger again. "Now back to you."
"I wish you were nice to me all the time, not just some of the time." Tiger said quietly. "I'm sensitive. I'm not proud of that, but I can't change it." Tiger leaned forward, kissing Barnaby in a way that made him dizzy.
"I wish I was nicer. I want to be nicer. Sometimes I say things I don't mean and I immediately regret them. I feel like I'm sabotaging myself sometimes." Barnaby admitted, pressing his lips against Tiger's throat.
"I thought this was one-sided. I felt like a dirty old man."
"I am jealous of all your friends. Even the mutual ones."
"I've been wanting to have this conversation."
"I really do masturbate thinking of you."
"B-B-B-B-Bunny!" Tiger whined, covering his face with his left hand. "Focus."
"I am focused. I'm being completely honest." Barnaby reasoned. "You need to know. I want to fuck you. If you weren't in pain, I would-"
"Shhhhhhh!" Tiger hissed, his face beet red. He covered Barnaby's mouth with his hand, replacing it with his lips.
"I think it's your turn." Barnaby said, a victorious gleam in his eye.
"I have all of your trading cards at home."
"What?" Barnaby laughed, shaking his head. "Does that count?"
"What? Why wouldn't that count? Didn't you just say we were counting masturbation?"
"What?!" Barnaby exclaimed, laughing happily. "No, No, you gotta uncover your face… You're the one who said it…"
There was a knock on the door and Sky High and Blue Rose entered. Barnaby sat up but before he could pull away, Tiger's hand wrapped around his. Tiger smiled handsomely, his eyes settling comfortably on Barnaby's face. "I don't want you to go anywhere."
Barnaby leaned down and brushed his lips sensually against Tiger's. "Okay," he breathed. "I promise I won't."
"Well, I can wiggle my fingers now," Tiger breathed, looking down at his yellowing hand resting on a pillow. "It hurts like a bitch though."
"You've got thirty minutes before you can have another oxycodone." Rock Bison called from the sofa.
"Nah, I don't want to take that stuff anymore." Tiger complained, flicking through channels rapidly with his left hand.
"You know, you could use the guide…" Barnaby suggested, taking the remote from Tiger. He pressed the menu button and handed Tiger the remote back. "See? Now you can actually know what's on."
"You tech savvy youngin'…" Tiger teased, winking playfully as Barnaby crawled onto the couch beside him.
Barnaby angled his body, pushing his left leg between the back of the couch and the cushions. He pulled Tiger against his chest, placing the pillow, and Tiger's arm, on his right knee. Barnaby kissed the top of Tiger's head, mindful of the wound on Tiger's ear and back of the skull.
Rock Bison turned, peering around the arm of the couch at Barnaby. He made a face, pinching his nose in distaste. He gestured to Barnaby, sliding his finger against his throat and pointing at the younger man.
Barnaby smirked, placing another kiss on Tiger's temple. He reached carefully around the older man, lifting the hem of his t-shirt and placing his palms against Tiger's lower stomach. Tiger looked up, his amber eyes searching Barnaby's. His skin prickled as Barnaby's warm hands rubbed small circles in his skin.
"Hey, Antonio," Barnaby said, looking up at the hero with a smug expression. "Can you do me a favor? Tiger's laying on me, I can't get up…"
"Huh?" Rock Bison scratched his head and turned, staring at Barnaby with an irritated expression.
"Can you toss me that afghan blanket? I don't want Tiger's legs to get cold."
"Hmm. Sure." Rock Bison agreed, sitting up and grabbing the blanket from the back of his sofa. He walked over to Tiger and Barnaby, covering Tiger gently, avoiding his arm. "Need anything else while I'm up, Kotetsu?"
"I'm fine, thanks." Tiger said, flashing a tired smile. Rock Bison eyed Barnaby before sitting back down, settling back into the sofa and watching television.
Barnaby inhaled the scent of Tiger's hair. It was a mild scent, minty and green smelling. He pressed his face against the back of Tiger's neck, the scent growing muskier and heavier. Barnaby's head swam; it was like he was drunk off Tiger. He kissed the back of Tiger's neck, pushing the collar of his shirt aside before nipping gently. Tiger jumped, a surprised noise escaping his lips.
Rock Bison's head turned to the side attentively, but he kept his eyes on the big screen TV. Barnaby couldn't suppress the smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. He buried his face in Tiger's neck, his hands dipping lower and lower until they reached the waistband of Tiger's pajamas.
"W-w-w-w-what are you doing, Bun-ny?" Tiger whispered, his left hand pulling at his waistband in shock. "H-h-hey!"
Barnaby's hand slid under the band, his palm resting against Tiger. Tiger's body twitched and Barnaby pressed more firmly. "Do you not like it?"
"You're bullying me, Bunny-chan," Tiger whispered, looking up at Barnaby. His eyes were wide, his cheeks were flushed, and his lips were quivering.
"You don't hate it, though, do you?" Barnaby asked, a devilish gleam in his green eyes. His hand began to stroke Tiger. Tiger's body melted against Barnaby's and he looked down at his lap, watching the blanket shift with Barnaby's movements.
"I don't hate it." Tiger breathed, his cheeks burning. Rock Bison fidgeted on the sofa and Tiger feared he would turn around and discover them. Tiger covered his face with his left hand, exhaling shakily.
With his free hand, Barnaby took Tiger's hand in his, bringing it to his lips. He kissed Tiger's hand before lowering it back to his lap. Barnaby pumped Tiger slowly, from the base to the tip. His thumb teased the head and came away sticky. Barnaby bit down on his lip, stifling the excited moan that threatened to escape.
Tiger's body began to tremble, his left hand pressing against Barnaby's over the top of the blankets. Tiger's eyes became heavy, his dark, thick lashes fluttering delicately. He bit down on his full bottom lip, sucking in a breath. Barnaby increased his speed and he groaned softly, his toes curling at the end of the sofa.
Rock Bison's ears turned a startling pink. He turned slowly, his eyes meeting Barnaby's. Barnaby smiled before looking back down at Tiger. He didn't want to waste a single moment that he could be looking at Tiger. "Does it feel good, Tiger?"
"Uh huh." Tiger muttered, nodding his head lazily. He reached up and cradled Barnaby's face, pulling the younger man in for a kiss. He kissed Barnaby hungrily, moaning into his mouth.
"Fuck," Barnaby groaned, moving his hand swiftly. Tiger's body was hot against his and in his hand. Tiger felt feverish and he looked feverish. His head turned fitfully from side to side, his face red, his eyes hooded. He rocked his hips forward, unconsciously, thrusting into Barnaby's hand.
""B-Bun-ny." Tiger stammered.
"Shhh… Tiger…" Barnaby said softly, his hand continuously pumping Tiger. "You have to be quiet."
"Ah, shit, Bunny," Tiger breathed, staring up at Barnaby. "I…I'm going to…" Barnaby huffed, squeezing Tiger gently as his orgasm ripped through his body.
Tiger curled into a ball, covering his head in embarrassment as Barnaby pulled his hand out from his pajamas. Barnaby kissed Tiger's neck, nuzzling and whispering sweetly, "Hey, don't hide… I want to see you…" Barnaby smiled brightly as Tiger looked up at him. "You okay?"
"Yeah," Tiger said.
"Good." Barnaby replied, pushing his sticky, wet fingers into Tiger's mouth. Tiger's eyes opened wide in shock, the blush on his face deepening. Barnaby brought his other hand toward Tiger's face, cradling it gently as Tiger was made to lick Barnaby's fingers clean.
Rock Bison shifted uncomfortably on the sofa and another wave of embarrassment hit Tiger full force. He turned around, slapping haphazardly at Bunny. "Barnaby, you...!"
"Why are you hitting me?" Barnaby asked with a laugh.
"I wonder." Rock Bison retorted with a snort.
"Ah! Bunny!" Tiger exclaimed.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry," Barnaby apologized. "I just like seeing that lewd face of yours."
"I hardly think I'm the lewd one!" Tiger snapped, sitting up.
"Oh, relax, Tiger," Barnaby replied. "You shouldn't get too excited, you're still healing."
The banner strung along the wall read, Welcome back, Wild Tiger!
Tiger paused at the door, his cheeks hot from the blood rush. He scratched at his chin, his other hand pulling his cap further down over his head, blocking his face. He cleared his throat as the room broke into applause. He eventually looked up and smiled, walking forward with great effort. "Wow, this is, wow, thanks everyone…"
"Thank you, and again, thank you!" Sky High beamed brightly. "You've truly been an inspiration to us all and we wanted to show some appreciation."
"Aww, well," Tiger mumbled, scratching nervously at the back of his neck.
"Don't get a big head," Rock Bison said with a sly grin. He reached forward and hugged Tiger tightly, his large frame nearly enveloping the smaller man. "He's just calling you old."
"I figured as much." Tiger said with a shrug. The room, as a nameless, faceless entity, laughed and Tiger smiled embarrassedly.
"How's your hand?" Dragon Kid asked, her wide, green eyes searching his fingers curiously.
"They're fine." Tiger said, wriggling his fingers in front of her face before ruffling her hair. "No rejection. The tissue is live and healthy." Dragon Kid looked at him expectantly and he bent at the waist, whispering into her ear. "Go ahead, hit the hors d'oeuvres… I won't tell."
"Hey! I wasn't…" She began to protest.
Tiger shook Blue Rose's hand gently as he moved down the line. She stared down at the floor, unable to look at him until he began to move away, her blue eyes following his movements. Tiger looked back at her and smiled and a blush spread across her cheeks. "Glad you're back…"
"Thank you," Tiger replied. "I'm glad to be back."
"Oh, seriously!" Fire Emblem huffed impatiently. "Hurry up and give me a hug! Have I even heard a 'thank you!'? I mean we are the rescue team!"
"Wild Tiger, the hero with the disproportionate amount of being saved…" Rock Bison added with a chuckle.
"Technically," Barnaby said, watching Tiger as he moved down the line of heroes. "He wasn't even there when we arrived. We didn't rescue him."
Tiger leaned in slightly, pointing at Barnaby in gesture, "See! He's absolutely right!" Tiger sobered as he stood in front of Origami Cyclone. Origami Cyclone smiled and bowed, in traditional style, and Tiger beamed from ear to ear. "Well, except for Origami Cyclone. He's my hero."
"Mr. Wild Tiger?" Origami Cyclone asked, tilting his head to the side.
"Everyone else was in the hospital." Tiger said with a shrug. "And then you waltzed in and saved me."
"Oh, no, no no… no, Mr. Wild, I…" Origami Cyclone could barely handle the praise. He bounced on his feet, his mouth twisting up at the corners. He looked up at Tiger with hungry, violet eyes. Tiger could recognize the craving in Origami Cyclone. He needed to feel accepted and talented and appreciated, and a hundred other things that Tiger himself had felt before. "I just went to the park."
The room laughed again. Tiger smiled politely before leaning in to Origami Cyclone, whispering into the young man's ear, "You were my shining white knight."
"T-thank you, Mr. Wild Tiger!" Origami Cyclone exclaimed, bowing again. "I will work hard to deserve such grand praise!" And then, Barnaby was the last man standing.
Tiger sighed as he found himself stopping in front of his young partner. He drank in every detail of Barnaby, from his combed back hair to the new, un-scuffed shoes he wore. Barnaby looked so damn presentable it hurt. The younger man smiled, and it nearly dazzled Tiger off his feet. He cleared his throat and shoved his hands in his pockets. "Well, what do we say to each other at an event like this?"
"I say, 'I'm sorry for all the trouble I caused.' And then you say, 'It was nothing, partner. Heroes face evil every day. It's a risk we knowingly take.'" Barnaby reasoned, his green eyes searching Tiger's face.
"I don't really talk like that." Tiger retorted.
"You're actually pretty eloquent when you want to be." Barnaby replied.
"Well, now that we have the awkward pleasantries over," Tiger whispered. "You look very nice."
"I was just thinking the same thing about you," Barnaby breathed, closing the gap of space between them.
"I literally wear this every day, Bunny-chan…" Tiger grumbled.
"And you lit-er-ral-ly," Barnaby spoke breathily, his lips brushing against Tiger's ear before the older man backed away. Tiger frowned disapprovingly, readjusting his clothes and looking around the crowded room. "…look damn amazing every day."
"Such a funny, funny Bunny." Tiger growled, widening his eyes pointedly.
"I think I'm hilarious," Barnaby admitted with a shrug. "But in complete seriousness," Barnaby spoke aloud, smiling around the room. "Wild Tiger is loud and a hot head, but he's compassionate and powerful. He has something in him, that I can't describe, that is worth more than a dozen heroes. I couldn't have a better partner, on or off screen, than Wild Tiger."
"Ah, well, thank you," Tiger said with a tight smile. "I feel the same about y-"
Barnaby kissed Tiger. In a room full of press, sponsors and co-workers, Barnaby cradled Tiger's face in his hands and kissed him deeply. It was amazing and passionate and for a moment Tiger thought he was seeing stars. Tiny, silvery lights flashed all around and it took Tiger several long moments to realize it was the flash of multiple cameras.
"B-B-B-B-B-B-Bunny!" Tiger stammered, his face and ears a startling shade of scarlet. He took a step back, staring at Barnaby with an equal mix of horror, betrayal and embarrassment. "What are you doing?!"
The room was bursting with outrage and excitement. The room was a whirling mess of confusion. The room was alive and sprouting fangs and gnarled fingers. The room was spinning, and just when Tiger thought the room might overwhelm him, Barnaby took his hand in his. Barnaby looked down at Tiger and smiled softly, squeezing his hand reassuringly. "You're my partner. The only one I want."
"Why did you just do that, idiot?" Tiger groaned. "The sponsors! Hell, everyone is going to see that…"
"They'll get over it." Barnaby said with such finality that Tiger fell silent.
"What do you think you're doing?" Alexander Lloyds hissed, looking from Barnaby to Tiger angrily.
"I'm showing the world the real Barnaby Brooks Jr." Barnaby said calmly, looking at Tiger before addressing the room.
Tiger felt as if the next two hours were stuck on fast forward, with him thrust in the middle. Barnaby handled every question, every insult, every thing as it was hurled at them. Occasionally he would find himself nodding in agreement or shaking his head and muttering 'no'. It felt surreal, and even though he was shocked, there was an undeniable exhilaration growing in the pit of his stomach. The event ended, and even though it was supposed to welcome him back, it had finished the Wild Tiger as they had all known him.
"Are you mad?" Barnaby asked, sitting in the back of the limo, squeezing his temples.
"Because we are probably fired?" Tiger asked. "Or because my Ma and my brother are going to choke on their breakfast?"
"So you are mad." Barnaby sighed, rubbing his cheeks in frustration.
"I'm not mad," Tiger said softly.
"Who would even think they'd get mad!? I mean, look at Fire Emblem! Fire Emblem is transgender! How can they be mad at us? It doesn't make sense! Isn't it the same… area?" Barnaby continued, not even processing Tiger's reply.
"I'm not mad." Tiger repeated.
"It's because we aren't stereotypical. If we painted our nails and spoke with lisps no one would be surprised! I think it's worse for guys like us. People think we are lying in wait to pounce or something… I'm sorry, Tiger, I just thought-"
Tiger shook his head and leaned forward in the seat. His lips were an inch from Barnaby's when the seatbelt tugged against his chest, barring him from getting any closer. Tiger groaned and dropped his head in aggravation. "I'm not mad."
Barnaby watched Tiger struggle for a moment before closing the distance, kissing Tiger gently. "Are you sure?"
"I thought it was sweet." Tiger admitted and they kissed.
"I wanted to claim you." Barnaby confessed and they kissed again. "I wanted the entire world to know."
"Ah, Bunny-chan," Tiger complained in embarrassment. "The things you say…"
"What about it?" Barnaby pressed.
"It's embarrassing." Tiger answered and they kissed once more.
"It's because I really want you, every part of you," Barnaby explained with a devilish grin. They kissed again, taking longer to break apart. "I want to be inside of you."
"Ww-w-w-w-what?!" Tiger cried out, shaking his head and closing his eyes.
"You blush and squirm and it just makes me that much harder." Barnaby breathed, as he unbuckled his seatbelt. Tiger turned back toward Barnaby, looking up at the younger man with hooded eyes. "You're too cute."
"I'm almost forty." Tiger muttered. "I'm not cute."
"You're wrong." Barnaby argued, sliding across the back of the limo to the side Tiger sat on. They kissed more, Barnaby's hands sliding up and down Tiger's body.
"Hey, hey, hey, B-Bunny-chan," Tiger exclaimed, shaking his head to clear it. "Wait. Let's get home first."
"Okay," Barnaby agreed, his head dizzy.
"That means you are supposed to stop," Tiger said with a laugh, pulling Barnaby's wandering hands into his.
"Ah, sorry," Barnaby sighed. "I can't think."
"We're almost there…" Tiger said, peering out the darkly tinted windows of the limousine.
"God," Barnaby groaned, biting Tiger's neck gently. "You're just so hot."
"Shit," Tiger growled impatiently, tapping his foot against the bottom of the car. "I'm too old for this…"
"You're wrong." Barnaby repeated slyly, his tongue darting across Tiger's ear.
"Stop!" Tiger said, pushing Barnaby back against the seat. "Wait."
"Fine, fine," Barnaby said, innocently sitting back. He stared out the window for a few minutes before turning back to Tiger. "Hey…"
"Hey." Tiger replied.
"How are you?" Barnaby asked, tilting his head to the side.
"Haah?" Tiger drawled in confusion. "I'm okay, and you?"
"I miss you." Barnaby said with a playful frown.
"I miss you to-" Tiger began before narrowing his amber eyes. "No, you don't! I'm right here…"
"But you're too far away." Barnaby whined, adjusting his glasses and staring out of the window. Tiger reached out slowly and took Barnaby's hand into his, their pinkie fingers intertwining. "That's better, thank you."
"You're welcome." Tiger sighed, resting his head against Barnaby's shoulder.
"Can I ask you for something?" Barnaby asked suddenly, his voice calm and measured.
"Uh, yeah, sure, what is it Bunny-chan?" Tiger asked in surprise.
"It's important," Barnaby continued.
"Can you take off that ring?"
Tiger looked down at his wedding band. He twirled the gold metal around his finger and inhaled sharply. It felt like forever before he shook his head, "I can't, Barnaby, I'm sorry…"
Barnaby was silent for a moment before speaking, "I understand."
Barnaby pressed his lips against Tiger's, his cheeks flushed and his eyes downcast. Tiger clicked his tongue and looked out his window before speaking again, "This ring is more than just me and Tomoe. This ring stands for everything I believe in…"
"We're supposed to kiss after each one…" Barnaby pointed out and Tiger nodded, leaning in for another kiss.
"My turn, then, I guess?" Tiger mumbled awkwardly. "I want you to call me Kotetsu."
"Ko-tet-su…" Barnaby smiled around the syllables. He kissed Tiger happily, pulling his bottom lip into his mouth gently. Barnaby smiled, leaning his head back against the seat lazily. "I guess I have a demand, and this time you can't refuse…"
"Uh… what?" Tiger asked unsurely.
"I want to meet your mother." Barnaby said simply. "I don't mean introducing me as a coworker and friend. I mean the works."
"Only if you promise to tell Kaede how awesome I really am…" Tiger bargained between kisses.
"She already knows." Barnaby replied with a laugh. "She knows how great you are."
"I actually doubt that very much…" Tiger muttered.
"The car has stopped, Kotetsu Kaburagi," Barnaby said suddenly, his voice low and husky. "Are you prepared for what awaits upstairs?"
"W-w-whoa… you sound so sinister." Tiger retorted, shaking his head.
"I have very impure intentions for you, Kotetsu." Barnaby breathed as the driver opened the car door. Barnaby slid out, waiting for Tiger to follow, and wrapped his arm around Tiger's slender waist.
"You're a maniac." Tiger whispered, jumping as Barnaby playfully pinched his bottom.
"Only for you," Barnaby replied with a shrug.
"Thank you!" Tiger and Barnaby both called to the driver in unison. He smiled and waved, sliding back into the driver seat. They watched him pull away before turning and heading for Rock Bison's front door.
In the short months since Richard Max's arrest, Tiger and Barnaby had both been looking for new places to live. Neither felt safe in their own space that had been invaded in such an intimate way. Rock Bison had invited Tiger to stay, and without an invitation, Barnaby had temporarily made himself at home, caring for Tiger any way he was needed.
"Antonio?" Tiger called out unsurely. "Ya home?" Silence followed. "Hey! Stupid cow!"
"He's not here." Barnaby said decisively.
Tiger and Barnaby looked at one another expectantly and then, suddenly, they were stripping each other's clothes. Barnaby's warm hands moved gently over Tiger's tanned skin, but Tiger moved quickly, with forceful desperation. He popped the buttons off of Barnaby's dress shirt. "We're even now," Tiger breathed, throwing the shirt aside.
"Nah," Barnaby teased, tilting Tiger's head back and nipping gently along his throat. "I've been suffering for over a year… I've wanted to kiss you, to touch you, to hear you say my name…" Barnaby licked Tiger's ear
"B-Bunny!"
"Yes, just like that, Kotetsu…" Barnaby murmured, nuzzling against Tiger's throat.
"Barnaby, you never let me finish…"
"I promise," Barnaby interrupted with a smirk. "I will let you finish over and over again tonight."
Barnaby hoisted Tiger into his arms and Tiger wrapped his limber, muscled legs around Barnaby's waist. Tiger ran his hands through Barnaby's long, blonde hair as they kissed. Barnaby pushed his tongue into Tiger's mouth and Tiger groaned.
With a thud, Tiger was pressed against the door of the coat closet. His light, amber eyes were glassy and he smiled crookedly, his dark hair falling into his face. Barnaby cursed under his breath. It was almost too much to handle.
Barnaby's arm muscles flexed powerfully and he smiled. He carried Tiger over to the couch and lowered the older man to the cushions gently. He rolled him over abruptly, and pulled him over the arm of the sofa. He was careful not to hurt Tiger but he was purposefully blunt in his actions.
Tiger made a small noise as Barnaby hooked his thumbs under the waist band of his boxer briefs. He pulled his underwear down slowly, watching as the cool air caused Tiger's skin to prickle. Barnaby blew out loudly, smacking both hands against Tiger's bare bottom. He grabbed greedily, feeling the goosebumps against his fingertips.
"B-B-Bun-ny!" Tiger cried out in embarrassment, attempting to stand up. Barnaby softly placed his hand on the small of Tiger's back, urging him back over the arm of the sofa. "Don't do anything weird…"
Weird? Barnaby thought, a smile tugging his lips. Barnaby kneeled and knocked Tiger's legs apart gently. His pale hands roamed up and down Tiger's warm, brown thighs. He inhaled shakily, watching Tiger's legs quiver beneath his touch. And then he licked his lips, his hands gripping Tiger's hips and holding them in place against the couch.
His tongue pressed against Tiger's opening and a moan escaped the older man's lips. Tiger grunted, covering his face with his hands and burying it in the cushion of the couch. His legs trembled as Barnaby continued, his fat, pink tongue sliding against and inside of him.
Tiger muttered inaudibly, gasping as Barnaby's left hand smacked against his bottom. Barnaby's tongue continued, his left hand rotating between pushing a finger inside and spanking Tiger's ass. Tiger groaned, his legs spreading further and further apart until Barnaby was the only thing holding him up. Sticky wet dripped down the side of the couch and down Tiger's legs, and he hadn't even orgasmed yet.
Barnaby cursed lowly, and leaned back on his knees. He turned Tiger around, supporting him against the side of the couch. He looked up at Tiger, his green eyes sparkling with desire. Barnaby's hand reached between his legs and he pulled himself free of his boxers.
Tiger's flush deepened, his amber eyes fixated on Barnaby's hand. Barnaby stroked himself expertly, his fingers teasing the tip before sliding tightly down to the bottom of the shaft. A bit of precum bubbled from the glans and Barnaby bit down on his lip, his eyes closing for a moment before opening them again.
He didn't want to miss a moment. He didn't want to waste Tiger, in the flesh and blood, standing right in front of him. Tiger was dripping, Tiger's face was pink and hot, his breathing uneven. Tiger was ready.
Barnaby was about to roll onto his feet when suddenly Tiger pounced. He dropped from the arm of the sofa, his amber eyes narrowed. His hand melted over Barnaby's, following the movement delicately. And then he took over, he grabbed Barnaby's hand with his free hand, sucking the fingers in his mouth.
Barnaby groaned, sinking back down to the floor in defeat. He grunted, biting down on his lip as Tiger began to kiss his chest. Tiger's kisses were soft and light, and then they became more intense until he was leaving love marks across Barnaby's skin.
With a moan, Barnaby rolled Tiger onto his back, catching his head with his hand before it touched the floor. The wood was cold against Tiger's bare skin and he shivered. Barnaby smiled and rubbed his palms across Tiger' naked body in a warming motion. "May I?"
"You don't have to ask every time, Bunny-chan." Tiger whined, covering his mouth with his hand.
"But I do have to ask…" Barnaby pressed, his fingers tickling Tiger's stomach. Barnaby's knees pressed against Tiger's thighs and he lifted Tiger's legs, resting them on top of his own. "I wanna hear you say it, Kotetsu…"
"Agh, you b-bully!" Tiger growled. "Yes, yes, yes, Bun-ny…"
"Thank you," Barnaby said softly, reaching his hand between them. He stroked himself quickly before pressing against Tiger's entrance. He pushed inside and Tiger groaned, his toes curling. Barnaby rocked forward, his body smacking loudly against Tiger's ass. He thrust slow and deep, hooking his arms around Tiger's legs.
Tiger moaned, his hands gripping uselessly at the wooden floor beneath him. His hands left prints as he clawed desperately, muttering unintelligibly the entire time. Barnaby leaned forward, his hips never slowing, and kissed Tiger. He pumped into the older man, his stomach melting comfortably as Tiger began to make a new sound, a stronger sound.
Tiger bit down on his lip, cursing and wrapping his arms around Barnaby's neck. Barnaby's arms flexed and he lifted Tiger from the floor, holding him up in a sitting position. "Is that the spot?"
"Oh, shit, right there…" Tiger panted, bouncing up and down on Barnaby. "Don't stop."
"Kotetsu... fuck…" Barnaby muttered, his green eyes flashing blue.
Tiger looked at Barnaby in surprise for a moment before nodding, placing several sloppy kisses on Barnaby's mouth. Tiger's amber eyes flashed blue and his arms tightened around Barnaby's neck. His body quivered slightly, every toned muscle flexing beautifully as he moved.
Barnaby's speed increased, his fervor nearly sending them onto the floor. He bit down on Tiger's shoulder, kissing and sucking until he left visible marks. Tiger healed fast, they never lasted, but while he could, he wanted to see them.
Tiger stiffened, his body becoming rigid. His moans were spaced out and small. They grew quieter and quieter until Barnaby adjusted positions and Tiger trembled. He muttered incoherently, his blue eyes open but unseeing. "Bar-na-by…" Tiger orgasmed, his muscles clenching so tightly that Barnaby thought he might not be able to breathe. Barnaby grunted loudly and a moment later he orgasmed deep inside of Tiger.
Tiger sank back onto the floor with a sigh and Barnaby pulled out slowly. A thick stream of Barnaby's cum dripped out of Tiger onto the floor. Barnaby groaned and pushed two fingers into Tiger's hole. "Another round?"
"What?!" Tiger gasped. "I'm not a young kid anymore."
"Oh, come on," Barnaby breathed, spreading his fingers teasingly.
"Bonjour Heroes!"
Agnes's voice flowed into the room over the communicator. Tiger jumped and Barnaby pulled away reluctantly. "Why are you calling us? We were sorta fired earlier…"
"Don't be ridiculous." Agnes said with a huff through the communicator. "The first superhero duo couple! Just imagine the ratings!"
"Ratings?" Barnaby said slowly as the information began to register.
"Especially with young, female viewers…"
"Hey, at least we aren't fired." Tiger said, his blue eyes fading to amber.
"Agnes," Barnaby said with a sigh. "That's great news… but we're gonna have to call you back…"
"Wait! There's a group of high powered NEXT-"
Barnaby turned off the communicator and crawled forward, lying alongside Tiger. He laid his head down on Tiger's chest, exhaling softly as Tiger's fingers combed through his hair. "We can't go anywhere tonight," Barnaby reasoned, wrapping his strong arm around Tiger affectionately.
"Agreed."
"Wanna sleep?" Barnaby asked, looking up at Tiger curiously.
"I'm awake, I'm awake." Tiger replied, waving his hand dismissively. "I'm just thinking."
"About what?" Barnaby asked.
"It's embarrassing." Tiger said with a nervous laugh.
"Oh, come on…" Barnaby urged.
"Okay, okay, I was just wondering if you still, you know, do that…?"
"That? What?" Barnaby shook his head in confusion before realizing what Tiger meant. "Do I masturbate…? I don't do it four times a day anymore," Barnaby admitted with a laugh. "But I still think about you."
"Ah, God, it's more embarrassing than I thought it would be…" Tiger mumbled, covering his face with his hands. Barnaby gently removed Tiger's hands and kissed his face.
"Now, my turn."
"Hey, we weren't playing!" Tiger protested.
"We're always playing and it's my turn." Barnaby said simply.
"Fine, Bunny-chan." Tiger gave in with a soft laugh. "I'll let you have your way, spoiled child."
"I'm in love with you, Kotetsu," Barnaby said breathlessly, but before Tiger could respond Barnaby pressed his lips against Tiger's. He kissed him forcefully but it was still pleasant and it made their heads feel light and airy.
"Barnaby, I-"
"You don't need to say anything back. In fact, I'd rather you not, until you can say it back…"
"Fucking let me finish, idiot!" Tiger yelled, sitting up and bopping his fist against the top of Barnaby's head. "Now the mood is ruined, it's your fault… Don't blame me later when all you remember of tonight is me smacking your stupid head off!"
Barnaby sat quietly, his head bowed slightly and his hands in his lap. He looked at Tiger apologetically and sighed. "I'm sorry."
"Agh!" Tiger groaned, pulling Barnaby's sideburn hair gently. Tiger pulled his knees to his chest and sighed, scratching his head nervously. "Okay, let's both forget my outburst just now. Okay?"
"Okay."
"Barnaby, I love you too." Tiger admitted, his amber eyes meeting Barnaby's pointedly. "I, I'm… I'm in love with you…"
"Wow…" Barnaby's voice was tight, his eyes watering threateningly as he fought the tears. He looked down at Tiger's wedding band and took his hand in his. "That's more than I… I…"
"Come here, crybaby." Tiger said gently, pulling Barnaby's body against his. "And don't go anywhere."
"I won't." Barnaby agreed, kissing Tiger's face lovingly. "This is the only place I want to be."
THE END