Chapter 12: Reconnect

Tadashi sighed, feeling nervous as he fiddled with his hat. "I don't know. Maybe this was a bad idea."

"It is too late to go back." Baymax replied, giving his creator a pat on the head. "It will be alright. Your friends have missed you."

"Yeah but Gogo's probably gonna brain me for the whole running into a fire thing."

"... Most likely but I will bring you back if she kills you."

Defibrillator hands… Yep. Real glad I put those in now.

Tadashi gave his robot a small smirk. "Thanks Big Guy-"

There was a rapid knocking at the door.

"Who is it?" He called.

"Your favorite brother!"

"I have a brother?" Tadashi asked mockingly. "Gee, I thought you were a bot fighter."

Hiro rolled his eyes, opening the door. "You're still a dork."

"And hello to you too-" Tadashi's sarcasm was cut off as he saw the others right behind him. "Uh…" He was still caught off guard, even if had been somewhat expecting them.

Hiro gave a sheepish look as the gang filed in. "Sorry Bro, cat got out of the bag."

Tadashi nodded as he looked at his friends.

"Hey, guys."

Before he knew it he got swept up into a round of hugging and greetings.

"Good to have you back Tadashi." Wasabi grinned as he and Tadashi exchanged a fist bump. Fred grabbed him in a noogie, messing up his hair, taking the chance of Tadashi missing his hat.

"The zombie lives!"

"I'm not a zombie, Fred! And don't you dare make that a nickname!" Tadashi laughed, trying to get loose.

"Oh, you're so getting a nickname!" Fred smirked but let him go.

Gogo grabbed him by his shirt and pulled him forward. "You ever scare us like that again and I will kill you where you sit. Capiche?"

Tadashi gulped. "Ca-Capiche!"

"Guys, give him some breathing room!" Hiro said, trying to get between his friends and his sibling. "You're gonna crush him!"

"I'm fine. Thanks, everyone. I-I'm sorry for the trouble I caused." Tadashi glanced down. "I didn't know I'd have hurt you guys this bad."

"Hey, it's in the past. What matters is you're here now." Wasabi told him as Tadashi glanced back up.

"Thanks, Wasabi." He smiled.

Honey Lemon came over, looking him over. "Tada…" She murmured.

Tadashi took one of her hands in his. "I'm here."

She threw her arms around him before he could react, hugging him tightly. Honey Lemon was quiet, just holding him close. Tadashi brought his arms around her, stroking her hair.

"Shh… I'm here… I'm here." He murmured, nuzzling her a little. "I'm okay."

"Thank goodness. I thought we lost you." Honey Lemon murmured, pulling back a bit, taking in his features. The gentle smile that seemed to always say "everything's alright" even if it seemed it wasn't. His eyes that held confidence but kindness.

Things she thought she'd never see again when he had "died". Honey Lemon teared up a bit, remembering it as she hugged Tadashi again. "You're my best friend. Don't do that again."

Tadashi kept her close, giving a nod. "I won't being do that again anytime soon. I missed you guys." He said, looking to all of them. "It's not the same without having my friends."

"Ahem."

"And my little brother who may be a devil."

"Thank you."

They all laughed before they jumped a bit, hearing a shriek from the hallway.

"HAMADA, I KNOW THIS WAS YOU!" Tristan shrieked.

Tadashi just smirked, giving a bit of a bow.

Hiro clapped. "What'd you do to her?"

"Let's just say pretending I'm not hungry was worth it."

They all cringed.

"Hospital food avalanche?!" Hiro yelled.

"Yep."

Gogo shook her head. "Be afraid everyone, be very afraid. We have two Hamadas in our midst again."

"I don't think we'd have 'em any other way." Fred grinned.

Honey Lemon nodded, keeping close to Tadashi. "Two Hamadas are better than one."

Tadashi chuckled, reaching over and ruffling his little brother's hair. "Yep."

"HEY!" Hiro yelped, trying to guard his head. "QUIT IT!"

"Oh no, my hand is possessed! I can't… control it!" Tadashi yelled dramatically before ruffling Hiro's hair once more.

"DASHI!"

The team laughed at the brothers' antics.

Life looked good right then. Tadashi was alive and on the mend. Hiro had his brother back and they had their best friend back.

oooooo

"So, not a lot has changed?"

Everyone was with Tadashi in the physical therapy room as he tried once again to get used to walking with a different prosthetic this time.

Everyone shook their heads, biting their tongues a little.

Can't tell him about THAT fiasco just yet. He's already got enough to take in.

"Not really. Just trying to get through school and be sure our projects don't flop." Wasabi said, leaning back. "We all got a running tally of freak accidents."

Honey Lemon lowered her head sheepishly. "I… have a record. Unfortunately."

"She got close to making an explosion that I swear could've blown up the moon." Gogo smirked, nudging her playfully.

"Ehehe."

Tadashi chuckled. "Nothing new to me."

Hiro smirked. "All in all, the same ol'same old… and my project tried to throw me out a window but that's faulty servos."

Tadashi winced. "Sounds like Baymax when I was still working on him though least he didn't toss me. I think the worst was punches, funniest… or rather, weirdest, was when he went on hug fests. Honey Lemon could tell you all about that clearly."

Honey Lemon giggled, remembering it. "Yeah, he didn't want to let go. It was funny. Good thing he was so cute."

Baymax lowered his head as if giving a sheepish look.

"I am sorry about that, Tadashi."

"Hey, I was still getting your programming in order. Don't worry about it-" Tadashi slipped, Baymax catching him. "Ugh…"

Hiro shook his head. "You're still getting better. Don't go breaking something else."

Baymax patted his creator's head. "There, there."

Tadashi sighed. "I won't. Least I'm not slipping as much like I did last time but I think I hate this leg just as much as the last one." He looked down at the fake leg, giving an annoyed look.

Gogo shook her head. "If I had a say in it, there'd be some serious tricking out to be had."

"I thought you liked him enough to not want to kill him with those wheels-"

WHACK!

"Thank you for your input, Fred."

Tadashi shook his head. "I don't want to cramp Gogo's style. Speed is her thing. Don't want to steal that now. Don't want to die just yet."

"Good boy." She smirked.

Oh, if you only knew Bro. Soon… I just gotta finish it. Hiro thought, squeezing his sibling's arm. "It'll work out Bro. Just gotta find a new angle, right?"

Tadashi gave a nod, smiling. "Yeah, more than anything though… I want to get out of here. Go home and… well, try to pick up where I left off." He looked to all his friends. "I want to re-enroll back into SFIT."

"That, we can help with for sure." Honey Lemon smiled.

"Yeah, if they give us a hard time, I know a good lawyer or two." Fred smirked a bit. "Though if you need a fire breathing lizard-"

"NO."

Tadashi blinked. "Fire breathing what now…?"

"Nothing!"

"He was just joking!"

"One of his "not really science" things!"

Hiro nodded quickly, hoping Tadashi didn't see through it. Oh, we are so busted if another slips out.

"O-kay then..." That was a little too quick of a response. They're not telling me something but I'm probably not gonna get a straight answer so best to leave it alone for now.

"A-Anyway." Hiro cleared his throat. "We're looking forward to you getting outta here too, Tadashi. Aunt Cass keeps making plans for a big welcome home dinner. There was talk of hot wings."

"Numb faces ahoy!" Tadashi laughed.

"Darn right!" Hiro laughed.

"Yeah, your aunt can cook, that's for sure. Those wings though, man." Gogo shook her head. "I think she could kill someone with those if she tried hard enough."

"I think she nearly killed Fred." Wasabi chuckled, nudging his friend. "Face was redder than a tomato when he tried one."

Fred laughed, nudging him back. "Yeah, could've breathed fire I bet."

"Pyromaniac." Hiro deadpanned.

Tadashi laughed again, wiping a tear away from his eye.

"Oh gosh, I've missed you guys."

"We missed you too."

The group continued chatting… until Tristan peered in. "Oh hey, your friends came. Quick, which one is your girlfriend?"

Tadashi got a little red in the face.

"P-PARDON?!"

The nurse smirked, leaning on the doorway. "You heard me. Which one of these pretty girls is your girlfriend? I mean, with that face, I'd be surprised."

Hiro facepalmed, trying not to laugh. Seriously. He's never gonna hear the end of this one!

Tadashi was baffled, glancing at the two girls before looking at Tristan.

"M-Mind you I was coupled up with school! Robotics were my girlfriend!"

Tristan chuckled, shaking her head. "Oh, denial Nice."

"I don't see YOU wearing a ring yourself." Hiro quipped.

Tristan went a little red. "Oh, uh, look at the time! Don't keep him up too long!" She fled.

Tadashi sighed, running a hand through his hair.

"Ugh… I apologize for that Honey and Gogo. She kind of needs her drama fill."

"It's fine." Gogo waved it off. "Some people…"

Honey Lemon nodded, blushing a little. "Y-Yeah. It's fine."

"That nurse is always trying to talk his ear off. Apparently she used to talk as loud as she could when he was out cold."

"And I don't remember much since everything in between is all fuzzy."

"Well, least she didn't prod further… though, Tadashi." Fred gave a bit of an evil look. "You sure about that whole robotics were your girlfriend?"

"Oh come on, not you too!"

"I'm just saying that I do recall times you left your station and would be in close proximity of Honey Lemon's station for a good amount of time."

Oh, great, now he's getting all fancy in terms. That is NEVER a good sign.

"Oh, whoa, whoa!" Hiro smirked. "Honey Lemon, eh?"

"Yeah! He would say he needed to stretch his legs or was looking for a tool and it would be like forty five minutes till he finally got back to work!"

"Freeeed!" Tadashi was turning a little red.

"Oh deal with it, Hamada." Gogo smirked. "I remember once you spent the entire time at her station and had five minutes to scramble to your next class."

Hiro laughed. "You were LATE!?"

"I still made it!"

"Mm-hm. Suuuure. "

Oh, this is good stuff. Evil little brother liiiikes.

Tadashi lowered his head and if it was possible, he probably would've had steam coming off him.

For the love of all that is holy please stop. I just liked being around Honey Lemon because she listened to me when I needed to vent and… she's a great girl too.

"A-Alright guys let's stop stressing Tada out." Honey Lemon was a bit red in the face herself as she tried to get things under order.

"Alright, subject change- but you are so hearing about that later, Bro- You still got the number of that doc you kept talking to? The regular at the cafe? Cinnamon Roll addict?" Hiro asked, looking up to his brother.

"You mean Andy Yablonski? Yeah. Got his number in my old journal back at home. Actually…" He dug in his pocket, pulling out the phone he was currently using. "Yep, his number is on here too."

"Awesome. Lemme see it real quick!" Hiro went to grab the phone. Just don't ask me why-

Tadashi held the phone back a little.

"Hold a sec. Since when has Andy been of any interest to you?"

"Why is that question needed?" Hiro shot back, reaching for it.

Okay, sort of a point. But I don't recall him ever talking to the guy… or maybe he did after I "died".

Tadashi sighed, handing the phone over.

Hiro grinned as he entered the number into his own phone before handing it back. "Thank you, Nii-san~"

"You still call him that, eh?"

"I don't wanna hear it, Fred!"

Tadashi ruffled his hair.

"Love you, Otouto."

Click!

Honey Lemon quickly snapped a picture before they could realize it.

"Ack! We're under assault by cameras!" Hiro yelled, ducking behind Tadashi. "Take him instead! He's old!"

"HEY!"

Honey Lemon giggled. "Oh come on, you're both adorable."

Both brothers turned red.

Why does this always happen to us!?

"Al-Alright." Hiro mumbled. "You win but he's still old-"

WONK!

"But still got a fist."

"OW!" Hiro, rubbed his head. "Yeah and the martial art precision to go with it!"

"Alright, children, break it up." Gogo smirked, glancing at the clock, sighing. "Remind me, how long do visiting hours go?"

"I think till seven." Hiro murmured, glancing at the clock, cringing. "Oh man, we've been here THAT long!?"

"Guess we got so caught up in the reunion. Can't blame us though." Wasabi looked to Tadashi. "We missed our friend after all."

Tadashi gave a sympathetic look. "Guys…"

"You're our best friend Tadashi. We couldn't believe it at first when Hiro told us until you sent him that text. It's incredible."

Hiro hugged his brother. "Yeah. Do us a favor and don't scare us again."

Tadashi hugged him. "I… I'll try." He closed his eyes, resting his head against his brothers.

Honey Lemon sneaked another photo, making sure the flash was off this time so they didn't notice.

Hiro sighed in content, nuzzling a little. "Good."

Gogo leaned over to Honey Lemon.

"I want copies of those later." She whispered.

"You got it."

Hiro leaned back, sighing. "Guess we better get going. I'll be a little late tomorrow so don't kill anyone unless you have to- but if you want my opinion, go after Dr. Marks first."

Tadashi chuckled, ruffling his brother's hair. "Noted… and get some rest, okay? Those dark circles aren't a good look for you."

"I'm trying the goth look." Hiro joked, trying to smooth his hair down a little. "But I'll try. I promise."

"If he doesn't, we'll confiscate the coffee maker until he does." Gogo promised.

"HEY!"

"Thank you, amazing friends." Tadashi chuckled.

"Anytime."

Hiro rolled his eyes as he got up. "Just for that, I'm not bringing you more rice candy. You're on your own!"

Tadashi gave a pout. "Otouto~"

"Nii-san~" Hiro smirked.

"Alright, come on, let's get a move on before that nurse decides to kick us out herself." Gogo said, grabbing Hiro by his hoodie, towing him behind her.

"ACK! Gogo!"

Tadashi laughed. "Right. Best to go before she decides to ask about everyone's love life."

Everyone gave a nod before filing out, Honey Lemon being the last one left as she got her things together.

Tadashi looked to her. "Hey, thanks for coming by. D-Don't be a stranger."

Honey Lemon smiled, giving a nod. "Anytime Tada. Seriously."

He smiled. "See ya soon. Have a good night."

She made her way over to him, hugging him again. "One last hug and then I promise I'm out of here."

Tadashi chuckled, hugging her back. "You're fine. Just don't give the nurses any ideas." He winked.

She giggled. "I won't. You got enough problems."

"Yeah. See ya."

"Bye." She gave a wave, walking out.

Soon, it was just Tadashi and Baymax. Baymax lead him on back to his room, giving his creator a somewhat curious look the whole time.

"Tadashi, your neurotransmitter levels were quite high during that last moment. You sure you wanted her to go?"

Tadashi groaned, flopping onto his bed. "Not you too!"

"I am just saying you seemed happier with her around and that is my goal is to be sure you are satisfied and happy."

"I was. I missed her… I missed all of them." Tadashi sighed, looking up at the ceiling. "I can't wait to get out of here and get back to school. I miss working on my projects. I also really can't stand another round of hospital food. That stuff has to be radioactive."

"I believe it is not, however…" Baymax waddled over to a bag in the room, bringing it over to Tadashi. "It would seem your aunt left you some food."

Tadashi gave Baymax a grateful look as he dug through it, grinning as he pulled out a box. "Yes! Rice candy!"

"It would seem Hiro's plans to get back at you have failed."

"Ah, that'll annoy him. Good." He chuckled, eating a few pieces. "He can't stand the stuff but I can't get enough of it."

"Just be sure to eat anything else your aunt brought you."

"I will, promise. I'm not like Hiro who would eat a full bag of candy and call it dinner." Tadashi shook his head. "Gosh, I worry about him. He really needs more sleep."

"Once you are home, I will assist in helping him get back into his normal sleep patterns. It is hard though when his mind starts going into what he calls "over drive". It is almost impossible to get him to sleep."

Tadashi chuckled, shaking his head. "That's Hiro for you. Sleep is not and probably never will be his friend. He still sneak downstairs to watch TV at night?"

"Sometimes. Generally, he is working on his own projects and tools."

"Got it. At least he's focusing… By the way, quick favor."

"Yes?"

"I need a newspaper or a way to access a news site. For some reason it's blocked on here and Aunt Cass probably had Hiro put the password so it means I can't crack it." Tadashi gave an annoyed look. "I'm nineteen not ten."

"I can access the internet via your phone without any blocks. I just need to know what you need me to find."

"Current news in San Fransokyo, recent events, that sort of thing. Exclude any and all Krei Tech news. I don't wanna hear about him… and if possible, information about Robert Callaghan." The name came out more as a growl as Tadashi's gaze darkened. I wanna know if they caught him for the fire or if he ever confessed or if he's using Hiro's tech as his own to make profit.

Baymax took Tadashi's phone, accessing the web.

"Information downloaded."

Baymax turned on his screen, showing a list of articles.

"It is a long list but it has all the information you are looking for. I have already discarded files that were incorrect."

"Thanks Baymax." Tadashi looked at the list, raising an eyebrow at one of the headlines. "Big Hero 6 defeats masked man?"

Baymax opened the file, showing the article to him.

"Tadashi, please do not be mad."

Tadashi held up a finger as he read, surprise coming to his eyes as a photograph was brought to his attention. "I-Is that…?" He leaned back. "... Did he put you up to that!?"

"Tadashi, I wanted to help Hiro in anyway I could. Even if it meant new protocols. There was a moment I wish that had not happened but I did all that he asked voluntarily. I wanted to help him get better."

The man's gaze softened. "Thanks for looking out for him… but geeze, no wonder they were all jumpy." Tadashi rubbed the back of his neck as he looked at the picture. "... I'm guessing that's Fred in that mutant lizard suit. That explains SO much."

"A lot has happened… and since you know, I will inform that the masked man was Robert Callaghan. He was arrested shortly after we defeated him and is now in prison."

"Good." Tadashi sighed. "And I probably should fess up too. I knew it was him that started the fire. He ignored me when I tried calling out to him and…" He closed his eyes, remembering. "The microbots snapped the beam pinning me. He tried to kill me."

Baymax turned off his screen, bringing Tadashi into his arms.

"I am sorry, Tadashi. I know you looked up to him."

Tadashi leaned into the embrace, sighing. "I just don't know why he would've left me there. Well… no, I can guess. I saw too much. If I had gotten out of there, I would've reported him to the cops. You know me. Live by the law."

"Yes. Callaghan had plans. We did not know until Hiro came across him by chance when one of his microbots was following the signal to where he was. From what Hiro says, he was caught up in revenge."

Tadashi frowned. "Revenge, eh…?" He leaned back, curious. "Baymax, I want to know everything. You don't have to tell me if you don't want to but… I'd like to know what was going on while I was asleep."

"I will do my best. In fact…"

He turned on his screen again.

"OW!"

Tadashi looked, seeing Hiro on the screen, having a curious look at he stared back at Tadashi, when in truth, he was looking at Baymax.

"So, the knucklehead hurt himself. He looks surprised."

Tadashi listened, watching as Hiro tried to deny ever getting hurt and knocking over his shelf. He cringed, watching Hiro's collection of figures topple down one by one on him. "I told him to stop collecting those things!"

Baymax had no comment and kept the video going. Tadashi watched and listened intently. Some parts he couldn't help but chuckle at things Hiro said… but as they went on, he couldn't help but cringe… and then be saddened. But the worst…

"BAYMAX! DESTROY HIM! NOW!"

Tadashi watched in horror as on the screen, Hiro was trying to command Baymax to kill Callaghan. He could see it, the fury in his eyes. "No, no, no…" He murmured.

He wished he could reach in and stop his brother, seeing him pull out Baymax's healthcare chip.

NO!

Baymax lowered his head, seeming to cringe as the moment played out. Soon as it was over, it cut to another scene with Hiro trying once again to remove the chip and finally losing it.

"TADASHI'S GONE!" He cried out, lowering his head.

Tadashi felt his heart break, a few tears escaping. "Oh, Hiro… I wish I could've done something." He watched on, seeing Hiro calm down as Baymax's testing footage was shown to him.

Poor kid. This is all my fault. I shouldn't have gone in.

The last of the footage was the battle that had gone on with the team and Callaghan… and something Tadashi couldn't believe had happened.

"I can't lose you too!" Hiro cried out, looking at Baymax with a begging look.

"Hiro…" Baymax said to him. "I will always be with you."

Hiro… Tadashi ran a hand through his hair, feeling like his heart had just shattered.

"Are you satisfied with your care?"

Hiro hugged him one last time before pulling back.

"I'm satisfied with… with my care."

After that was said, the footage shut off for a moment, before coming back on to Hiro again, who an excited look in his eyes.

"Hello, I am Baymax your personal healthcare companion. Hello, Hiro."

Hiro said nothing as he smiled, bringing his arms around him.

The footage shut off again as Baymax turned off his screen.

"He rebuilt me after I sent him back." Baymax pointed his chip compartment. "I had placed my healthcare chip in the rocket hand that sent him back."

"You saved his life." Tadashi sighed shakily. "Saved it more than once… Thank you. Thank you for doing what I couldn't."

Baymax brought his creator into an embrace again.

"I look out for all patients but my first priority was your brother and now, you."

Tadashi smiled, hugging him. "Thank you, Baymax. You're the best." He wiped away a few tears that escaped. "I'm so proud."

"Is there anything else you would like to know?"

He shook his head. "That's all I need to know. I think I can make a guess that Hiro's story about being a random shooting was all bull. He was doing the hero thing, wasn't he?"

"We were rescuing someone that had been kidnapped. The perpetrator got loose from the authorities and shot him."

Tadashi cringed. "Got it. Thank goodness he's okay. That perp better hope I never find him or he's gonna get it."

"He is serving his time in jail now. There will be no need but I am sure you can look after your brother once you are well again."

"That's the goal. Can't let you take on the knucklehead by yourself. He's Hiro after all."

Baymax nodded.

"For now, you should rest. You have had a long day. If you require more information, I will find it."

"Thanks, Baymax." Tadashi yawned before laying back into bed. "Rest sounds great about now. 'Sides, tomorrow, I'm sure it'll be back to trying to get this stupid prosthetic under control."

Baymax unclipped the prosthetic, setting it aside.

"I will do all I can to help you walk again."

Tadashi smiled before starting to drift off. "I know you will."

I know it.