Saturday (Day 5)

"Ouji-san would you please stay still? You're practically shaking the entire car." Barnaby asked tiredly from the passenger's seat.

Kotetsu beamed from the driver's seat of the company van, his fingers tapping happily at the wheel. Barnaby could only shake his head at his obvious enthusiasm.

Since Barnaby's alarm had gone off this morning, Kotetsu had been even more energetic than usual. He was whistling ridiculous pop songs (a few of them by Karina, Barnaby noted slyly) all morning and wasn't even phased by the quips Barnaby tossed at him. He would just laugh them off and continue on as if he hadn't even heard Barnaby. Then the moment the key hit the car's ignition, Kotetsu had begun to wiggle excitedly, just like a little kid on Christmas morning. They had only been driving for twenty minutes and Barnaby already felt that today was going to be excruciatingly long.

Turning instead to watch the city limits pass quickly by Barnaby did his best to hold his smile back from the occasionally observant amber eyes of his bodyguard. It just wouldn't do to let Kotetsu think that Barnaby was enjoying himself. After a successful dinner party at the Martinez's last night Barnaby was starting to feel more comfortable in Sternbuild. A feat that Maverick and his mansion had never quite managed in all of Barnaby's years. And the blond supposed that Kotetsu probably had something to do with it. But Barnaby wasn't ready to read too much into the man beside him quite yet, he had problems of his own to work out and he still wasn't sold on the idea of being buddy buddy with a cheesy old bodyguard.

So when Kotetsu began to sing rather loudly to the most recent song on the radio, Barnaby sighed and turned off his brain as much as he could.

"If Karina ever asks you to sing with her, please don't. I don't want her career over before it began." He smirked at the feigned look of hurt on Kotetsu's face.

"Oh, Bunny-chan! Your words wound me so. I for one think I'm a fantastic singer. In fact that was my back up choice if the whole saving lives thing didn't pan out." His words didn't match his expression though, his eyes were still as bright as his smile.

Leaning back into his seat Barnaby spoke, "Let's hope this gig keeps up then huh? The world isn't ready for a new single from you."

"Right, right. I guess I'll just have to keep looking out for your life then."

"I suppose so ouji-san." Barnaby agreed.

A moment of silence passed before Barnaby voiced his thoughts.

"Just how long has it been since you've seen Kaede? Your job doesn't allow for many personal days right?"

Kotetsu's face tightened only slightly before he answered, "Uh, it's been at least four months since I've seen my baby girl. Even longer than that since I've seen her actually skate." His amber eyes slid over to his passenger. "She loves it you know? Being on the ice and preforming in front of all those people. Shines just like a little star out there."

"You're starting to sound like a cheesy old papa over there." Because that's exactly what Kotetsu was; a cheesy old dad.

A brief pause followed Barnaby's statement as Kotetsu prided himself on how friendly Barnaby was being. "You'll understand when you have your own little blond kids, Bunny-chan."

Tempted to roll his eyes, Barnaby left out a puff of warm air. "Can't say I really see me being a family man ouji-san."

"I'm actually beginning to." Disbelief colored Barnaby's expression and Kotetsu was surprised by how he believed what he said.

"What made you change your mind?"

Laughing at Barnaby's expression, Kotetsu didn't really know what had changed in five days but he knew Barnaby would be a good father. In another 10 years probably, but still.

And with that thought a loud buzzing came from the little flip phone in the cup holder between the two men. Kotetsu recognized his ringtone immediately and reached for the device with a quick apology to the blond. It didn't seem that Barnaby had really been expecting an answer to his question though because he waved off the interruption and turned his eyes back to the window.

Flipping the little phone open he greeted cheerily, "Kotetsu Kaburargi! What's up?"

"Ah Kotetsu, great. I was hoping your client wouldn't be the one answering your phone."

Kotetsu perked up at the familiar voice, his smile back full force. "Antonio! Hey. Glad to hear from you." He laughed, because it was what Kotetsu did when he was particularly giddy. Then Antonio's words registered in his mind. Slightly insulted by the tease he glanced quickly at Barnaby with an unsure laugh returning his attention to his call. "Why would he answer my phone? That'd just be unprofessional."

"Never can tell with you Kotetsu. Besides seeing you two together the other day it seemed like he could pretty much do whatever he pleased."

Kotetsu pursued his lips together, good naturedly pouting. "Alright alright Antonio, I get the point. What are you calling about anyways?"

"Just calling to find out what the name of the place was again. I'm in the city but I don't remember half the information you rambled on about to me."

"Oh."

Kotetsu heard his friend's intake of breath preparing for whatever Kotetsu was about to say.

"Oh?"

"Uh, I forgot to tell you something."

"Obviously." Kotetsu let out his 'you'll never believe how funny this is laugh' while Antonio wondered how Kotetsu had lived to the ripe age of 35.

"Geez, Kotetsu. What did you forget to tell me?"

"So me and Barnaby are actually on our way up!" Kotetsu laughed sheepishly. "He said he was okay checking out the competition."

From the corner of his vision he saw Barnaby curiously peer at him. The kid knew Kotetsu had screwed up just a little. He was probably getting a kick out of the whole conversation.

"Kotetsu…"

"Yes?"

"You forgot to tell me that? So you mean that I drove an hour and a half to video your little girl's ice skating routine, when you and your client are coming up anyways?"

"Surprise?" Kotetsu said meekly. He heard another sigh escape from the other bodyguard. The burly man was probably rubbing the bridge of his nose in a calming motion, trying to count backwards from twenty in his mind. Kotetsu thought it was time to start sweet talking.

"But hey 'Toni! You know how much Kaede loves you. She thinks of you as her giant cuddly uncle. And there will be a lot of hot women there, I swear. Chicks dig this kind of stuff! The costumes, the lights, the glitter. They eat it up. Also you get to spend time with your best buddy and-"

But his list was interrupted by Antonio who gruffly refuted, "You think those are the type of women I want Kotetsu? Also I like Kaede, I really do. But come on, I can only handle so much glittery girl madness."

"Aww come on man. I know this is my bad but I really am glad you came." Then a name popped into his devious brain. Almost in a conspiratory whisper Kotetsu tried, "There's gonna be a boy there, one that Kaede likes. His name is Jamie Spencer. I need your help to keep them apart."

There was a moment of silence where Kotetsu was afraid that Antonio had simply hung up but just as he was about to speak he heard, "Fine. But just for Kaede."

Instantly Kotetsu's problem vanished, knowing he had back-up on the whole Kaede can't date until she's 40 thing. "Great, well I'll see you in about an hour man."

"Wait! Kotetsu where am I supposed to-" But the older man's voice abruptly ended when Kotetsu snapped his phone shut.

Barnaby sat with a well-disguised smirk as he finished sending a text on his own phone. Kotetsu felt the smugness roll of the blond. He didn't have any cute bunny aura right now. Nope, he was in devious tiger mode.

"You forget something ouji-san?"

"Haha, I might have forgotten to tell Antonio that we were coming up today."

No words were exchanged but Kotetsu noticed Barnaby shake his head, a quiet chuckle escaping him before he could help it. "Your memory is failing you already?"

"In my defense I was excited to see my girl skate, grumpy Antonio wasn't the first thing on my mind."

"The larger one from your work?"

"Built like a tank? Yeah, that's him." Kotetsu smiled at the image of an Antonio tank. That would be impossible to stop.

Barnaby slipped his glasses off his nose and began to clean the lenses methodically with the hem of his shirt. "He was alright, not very touchy. My body is safe from him."

The unexpected comment concerning Nathan's roaming hands had Kotetsu chocking on his laughter while Barnaby looked disapprovingly at the man.

"What? He seemed much less interested in getting in my pants. I like that about him. And watch the road or we'll never make it to see your daughter's performance!"

Peeking at the blond Kotetsu decided he was safe in teasing him, even if it was just a little.

"Aw, Bunny-chan is so worried about his innocence. Didn't think you were so straitlaced, Nathan would love to help you change that."

Barnaby didn't take the joke as well, turning his head away from the older male and settling into his seat. "It's not about being straitlaced, but professional! Bodyguards should know better than to hit on cliental."

"Uh-huh. Whatever you say Bunny-chan…"

"That aside, do you really think you should be interfering with your daughter's love life?" Barnaby reprimanded, deftly changing the subject from the awkward turn it had taken. Kotetsu for his part rolled his eyes.

"It's a papa's responsibility to watch out for his daughter! C'mon Bunny-chan, I can't just let a little hotshot skater walk all over my girl's heart. That would be irresponsible. And if I don't look out for her, who will?"

Barnaby rested his chin on his fist, realizing yet again how much Kotetsu was trying to claim responsibility for problems that weren't his. "Maybe she should learn to sort out her own problems. She can't have her father chasing away suitors until you deem her old enough to date."

"Who says I can't? That's exactly what I planned on doing!"

Green eyes caught Kotetsu's. "I figured as much."


"Here we are! And even 20 minutes early. I told you that back road was a shortcut Bunny-chan." Kotetsu turned excitedly to watch the blond disentangle himself from the passenger's seat.

Only slightly grumpy at having his life endangered by Kotetsu's driving he huffed, "Ouji-san I promise you that sign was a 'do not enter' one. Not a 'one way' sign." Kotetsu rolled his eyes and Barnaby chose to ignore the gesture, instead turning his attention to the rink. "The Ice Palace? They really couldn't think of a better name for this place?"

Barnaby eyed the glass building. It looked fairly new and spacious with one side of the building completely made out of glass, reflecting the mid-day sun. The rest of the building looked like it was made out of silver, a trick to pay homage to the town's name. A lot of thought had been put into it but it was also ridiculously clichéd with it's décor of flickering snowflakes and giant hand painted ice skaters in tutu's and skin tight suits.

"You don't like it? I think it's pretty cool!"

And of course Kotetsu would like it.

A hand on his hip, Barnaby frowned at the child like man beside him and sent a silent prayer that his daughter had more sense than him.

Twenty minutes early meant that they were here an hour before the junior skaters competition began. Kaede had easily convinced her father that he should be here early so she could point out all the competitors. But Barnaby had a suspicion that the little girl might want here papa there early because she actually missed him. Four months was a long time to be away from your family. He would know…

Barnaby shook his head to rid himself of the dangerous path of his thoughts before he trailed after Kotetsu, who was eagerly walking around, taking in the large crowd, the smell of popcorn, the glitter and general hustle and bustle of the rink. It seemed that the youngest group of skaters had just finished with their portion of the show. Families were huddled together, holding onto their brightly decorated skaters with reassuring words about how well they did on the ice. Kotetsu seemed to take notice of the atmosphere rather quickly. The bodyguard walked a little taller and had a pep to his step that made Barnaby mentally groan.

Abruptly Kotetsu stopped, his face breaking into a wide grin. Barnaby was about to inquire what was wrong when a feminine voice cut through the crowd. "Papa!"

And with a force not quite matching her size, a little girl rushed into the ready arms of her father. Kotetsu staggered a step before laughing and squeezing the girl right back. Both brunettes were smiling happily and Barnaby tried to shake off the feeling of not belonging as he watched the two embrace.

"Kaede! There you are." A moment later Antonio himself staggered through the curious eyes of the crowd, walking up to stand beside Barnaby. The much bigger man nodded in greeting, "Hello again Mr. Brooks."

The father and daughter combo seemed to remember where they were and quickly broke apart. Kotetsu stood up with a hundred watt smile and draped one tan hand onto the girl's shoulder. In turn the girl seemed to remember that she was a tough 10 year old, for her posture changed into a relaxed stance and began to adjust the hem of her outfit.

Motioning to the girl, Kotetsu introduced her, "Mr. Brooks, I would like to introduce my daughter." He glanced warmly at his little girl. "Kaede." The little girl must of resembled her mother more so because Barnaby could only pick out simple similarities in her face that were distinctively Kotetsu. The smile was his for sure. Barnaby could only wonder what her mother looked like. And whatever happened to her. Curiosity was a dangerous thing but Barnaby didn't mind waiting for answers. Looking back at girl Barnaby was also curious about her but for now he knew she was pretty and bedazzled and was Kotetsu's daughter.

"And Kaede honey, I would like you to meet my client."

But the little girl had already stepped forward from her father's side, her eyes wide and hands clasped at her heart. All three males looked stunned for a moment at Kaede as she practically squealed. "I know you! You're Barnaby Brooks Jr. You made the cover of the local paper! And you're dad's head boss's nephew. And you were voted as #3 on Sternbuild Times hottest up and coming celebrities. And-" But Kaede must of realized that she was babbling just like her father tended to do because her face flushed red and her hands clenched at her sides.

Barnaby stood there a little stunned that Kotetsu's daughter knew who he was, nonetheless his achievements. A quick glance at Kotetsu showed that he hadn't told his daughter anything about his client and this was all stuff Kaede knew on her own. Kotetsu's shoulders slumped, jaw slack at the little girl's expansive knowledge. Old habits kicking in, Barnaby put on his best smile and bent to the girl's level with one hand extended in greeting.

"It's nice to meet you Kaede. Good to know I've got some loyal fans out there." Kaede took his hand with an extra bit of confidence. Barnaby smiled again "Your dad had only great things to say about you."

As the girl's blush deepened Anotino laughed deeply, elbowing is friend playfully. "And that right there Kotetsu, is what made this entire trip worth it."

"Oh shut it Antonio." Kotetsu pouted as Kaede continued to ignore him. "She's too young for this."

"Uh huh, whatever you say 'papa'."

An electronic crackle sounded over the PA system reminding the next skaters had thirty minutes before their portion of the competition. Suddenly Kaede was back in business mode, her hands clapping together in thought. "Okay that means we have five minutes to find your seats, ten minutes to go through the competitors, and five minutes for food!" With that Kaede headed towards the seating area.

Antonio nudged Kotetsu into following his daughter with a reminder.

"Don't worry, your mom's already in our seats. Kaede just got up about ten minutes ago saying she felt that you were here."

"She probably heard the tires squealing on his car when he tried to park." Barnaby quipped from beside Kotetsu.

Kotetsu groaned, good mood slightly dampened. "Oh c'mon Bunny. It wasn't that bad."

Barnaby practically snorted at the comment and Antonio laughed loudly enough that several parents turned to watch as the group walked by.

Quickly enough Kaede found their seats, eagerly bouncing up to an older women who was simply flipping through the program schedule. "Grandma! Look who's here!"

The older woman looked up from her program to smile knowingly at the larger group.

"If it isn't my son. Kotetsu, so glad you could make it today. It is a rare chance for you to come to these events."

Kotetsu hugged his mom before he backed off, rubbing his neck. "Mom, you know I always want to be here. Usually I just can't."

Kaede seemed through with all the reunion's though for she interjected. "Uh, grandma? I was actually talking about dad's employer. It's Barnaby Brooks Jr. Do you know how amazingly cool that is?"

Kotetsu's mother laughed at her granddaughter's enthusiasum, shaking hands with the blond. "It's nice to meet you Mr. Brooks."

Barnaby nodded back, smilingly. "A pleasure Mrs. Kaburagi."

Turning to Barnaby, Kaede tugged on his jacket, eyes wide. "There's still time for food. Would you mind coming with me Mr. Brooks?"

Barnaby laughed, politely looking to Anju, who nodded. Another smile and Barnaby allowed himself to be tugged away by the small girl.

"But Kaede! What about you pointing out your competition?" Kotetsu called weakly. Kaede just mouthed 'later' and continued on with her hostage in tow.

Kotetsu watched as the two disappeared from his sight, knowing the concessions were only a heartbeat away and he could be right by his daughter and client in a crisis. At least Kaede had appeared happy to see him. Until a green eyed, blond hair male had stepped into the picture. He could use a little more attention from his baby girl.

Sinking into the hard plastic chair (also conveniently sparkly silver to go with the ice rink's theme) Kotetsu muttered, "He's too old for her."

Anju and Antonio found that hilarious, both refusing to hide their laughter.

"Oh hush Kotetsu. She's just excited her father is here, and with someone so famous. It's not often so many good things happen to her in one day." His mother reminded him wisely.

Antonio stretched his arms over two other seats, adjusting so he was comfortable. "Besides Kotetsu, I thought you were more worried about that Spencer kid than you were 'Bunny'."

"How did you know I called Barnaby that?" Kotetsu asked surprised.

"Probably because every time you talked about him you said Bunny. But I could be psychic, who knows?"

Kotetsu popped his neck, uncomfortable with how easily he had slipped into calling Barnaby 'Bunny'. Whoops. He wondered why Barnaby hadn't said anything? Maybe the kid had forgotten. Shrugging he adjust his longer than average legs and heard a crushing sound. Looking down by his feet as he saw a scrap of paper there.

The bodyguard bent, pulling out a newspaper clipping from under his shoe. And looking at him was a familiar green gaze. Kotetsu nearly gagged when he realized that he had pulled the clipping from his daughter's skate bag. While his mother pointed out the different competitors on the ice, Kotetsu scanned through the clipping, eyes looking at the words that had been underlined. Barnaby Brooks Jr., one of the head engineers at New York's top engineering companies, has recently announced his move to Sternbuild….

The article continued on, listing basic info about Barnaby and his recent break up (Kaede had circled the news) and snippets of interviews with the blond himself. There were words written around the edges of the clipping that were obviously in his daughter's handwriting. Words like "what a sweetheart", "dreamy", "gorgeous eyes" and the likes. He had only been convinced that Barnaby wasn't a complete brat, he had yet to agree with any of his daughter's sentiments. And he was so much older than her! Come on, Kaede was 10. This had to be a ridiculous crush. Sure Kaede was a girl, but she was his little girl. She wasn't allowed to like guys. But as Kotetsu inspected the scrap he felt his heart sink a little, Kaede had obviously carried this around with her, the edges were clearly worn and crinkled.

Curious as what had ensnared Kotetsu's attention for so long, Antonio reached over to pluck the scrap of paper out of Kotetsu's fingers. "What could've held your attention this long Kotetsu?"

Kotetsu harrumphed and crossed his arms annoyed. A brief moment passed as Antonio read through the little article and the girl's notations on the side before he laughed, tallying another reason he was glad he had come today. Kotetsu's daughter was practically fawning over his client and it was ruffling his fur in all the wrong ways.

"Dreamy and sweetheart my ass. Those are not the words I would use to describe him." Anju shot her son a warning look at his language. Kotetsu sunk down a little at the reproachful look so he chose to keep his voice down.

"Come off it Kotetsu. She's 10. Not anywhere close to Barnaby's age and I seriously doubt he'd even be into anyone related to you by blood. It's just a crush. You're overreacting."

"But it's not just her 'Tonio! Everyone seems to think he's prince charming in red. He's arrogant, moody, a brat 67% of the time and he's totally walking around with a stick shoved up his…" A glance at his mother kept him in line and he finished weakly, "you know where. Anyways I can't have my baby fall under his spell too. And I am not overreacting."

Antonio sighed, his friend obviously had some pent up emotions, but Barnaby wasn't nearly as bad as he made him sound. And he knew Kotetsu didn't feel like that about his charge. "I think you're just upset that Kaede was more excited to him than you. He's not all that bad."

"He calls me ouji-san." Kotetsu muttered sourly.

Antonio had to laugh at that. "He's also pretty smart." Kotetsu leaned forward onto his knees, cupping his face tiredly in his hands.

"He's not all that bad, but still… I just don't get."

Antonio placed a large hand on Kotetsu's shoulder knowing that Kotetsu would work things out in his mind and figure out that Barnaby was a good kid.

"That's the thing Kotetsu, you don't have to 'get it'. You've just got to guard him. Protect him for seven months and then spend time with your family. Stop thinking so much; it's not like you."

Kotetsu rolled his eyes good naturedly and sat up again. "Yeah you're right. And anyways, I'm here for my little girl! So which one is Jamie what's-his-face?"

Placing the scrap back into her bag, Kotetsu sighed and prayed that his little girl would get over this boy liking phase as soon as possible.

Less than a minute later Kaede and Barnaby reappeared carrying drinks for everyone and snacks for the group. Kaede set about filling in her grandmother about her adventures on the way to the snack stand, how there was this blonde woman decked out in all purple, yelling into her phone and totally disrupting the mood!

As she recounted her tale, Barnaby passed out the food and drinks. Apparently Kaede had known exactly what her dad wanted because Barnaby handed him a cheeseburger with extra mayo, ketchup and cheese. Kotetsu looked appreciatively at the snack. He felt his stomach growl and he realized he and Barnaby hadn't had breakfast this morning.

"Thanks Bunny-chan! I forgot we didn't really have much of a breakfast this morning."

But when Barnaby replied his face had morphed into an odd polite smile. "No problem."

With that he turned back to Kaede as she tried to catch the falling ketchup from her burger and keep it off her costume. He placed a napkin on her lap and she beamed up at the blond.

Kotetsu just eyed the two as he dug into his food, confused as to the exchange.

(End of Chapter 8 Part 1)


A/N: Yes that's right folks! This is chapter 8 part 1. I know I promised this would be a doozie of a chapter and I meant that in length and content, but once I hit 7,000 words, I figured I should break it up. On the bright side that means part 2 is mostly written. I just need to tie some loose ends up and bam!

Not the best chapter ever, but I like it and I like Bromance between Rock Bision and Wild Tiger so that had to happen.

Also I revised Chapter 7 slightly because of all the spelling errors, gross! Hope that makes it an easier read.

Again y'all I'm so sorry. This story is not abandoned or discontinued. I love writing it I just don't get time anymore. It's break for a while and I'll do what I can to update. Stay with me guys

deemama66: Bromance is pretty accurate! They are just so dysfunctional they work. And it's fun to write them. And we will see more of Jake and co. Promise

Crystal F. Flowright: I loved the bed shopping, it was so domestic and just so them! Hope this update with Kaede makes you smile! And I just had to include Yuri. He is the antagonist of the series haha.

halfbreedfox: so you have suspicions of Kriem, Cis and Jake eh? Hmmm we'll see how that pans out. ;) And as for Barnaby and Kotetsu? Well, there's a calm before every storm! Thanks for sticking with me

Dark Nuriko: Not abandoned! This ship is ready to sail again! Thanks for the kind words though. It's nice hearing that people actually enjoy this :)