"Come on…" Barnaby encouraged, passing the bottle of liquor to Kotetsu. "Drink! Drink!"
"I'm too old ta drink this much…" Kotetsu refused, passing the bottle back.
"Nuh uh." Barnaby said, pursing his lips together decisively. "You're not too old. He's, uh, he's not too old, is he, Charlie-Boy?"
"You're not too old…" Charlie-Boy agreed with a nod. He rubbed his shortly cropped blonde hair and smiled. "How old are ya?"
"Old." Kotetsu replied simply.
"Have some fun." Barnaby insisted. "What do you want to do? I finally got you to take off from work and we're just sitting around…"
"You're the one who wanted to go clubbing!" Kotetsu complained, refusing the bottle as it was passed back to him.
"I wanted to go clubbing." Stag said, scratching his unshaven chin. He sank back on the fine leather seat, his gentle brown eyes scanning the lower level of the club. "It's my birthday…"
"Oh, uh, well, Happy Birthday…" Kotetsu said awkwardly, smiling at Stag politely.
"It's hardly worth celebrating…" Stag pouted, unbuttoning the sleeve of his dress-shirt. "I'm old now."
"Oh? You can't be much more than-" Kotetsu began.
"He's 23!" Charlie-Boy blurted before erupting into rude laughter. "It's all downhill from there, Stag."
Kotetsu's eyes widened, his mouth agape. "I, uh, don't think that's exactly how life works…"
"Shaddap!" Stag chastised, kicking Charlie-Boy in punishment.
"Oh, yeah, I forgot." Charlie-Boy smiled apologetically, his distractingly beautiful blue eyes meeting Kotetsu's. "You're really old. We weren't supposed to mention it…"
Barnaby clicked his tongue, covering his face with his hand. He inhaled deeply before leaning to the side, gazing at Kotetsu. "Sorry. He's a dumbass drunk."
"It's not like I don't know how old I am…" Kotetsu grumbled.
"Charlie-Boy," Barnaby said, his voice coming out as an order. "Go find Stag some birthday pussy."
"Yes, Boss." Charlie-Boy said, standing up and nodding.
"Stag, go with him or he'll fuck your birthday pussy…" Barnaby instructed.
"Yes, Boss." Stag agreed with a nod.
"Stag doesn't really stand a chance if he stands next to Charlie-Boy…" Kotetsu murmured once the two men had disappeared down the stairs.
"Really? You think so?" Barnaby chewed on his bottom lip thoughtfully. "I think Stag is much better looking. He looks like the blushy/teary type…"
"You're a pervert…" Kotetsu groaned.
"Yeah, I am." Barnaby admitted with a smile.
"I feel bad. You should've given him the night off for his birthday…" Kotetsu said, watching Stag and Charlie-Boy approach the bar downstairs. Stag ordered a drink while Charlie-Boy was instantly swarmed by a group of lovely, young women.
"We've spent every birthday together for the last 7 years." Barnaby replied, checking his phone. "All three of us."
"Really? I guess I didn't realize ya'll were friends…" Kotetsu frowned thoughtfully, scanning the crowd for the two men.
"The Brooks name comes with a reputation." Barnaby explained. "At school I was either a target or ostracized. I'm not complaining or anything," Barnaby murmured. "I just finally found two guys brave enough to eat lunch with me and I guess I wanted to keep them around…"
"That's so cute." Kotetsu nearly giggled. "Little high school friends."
"Charlie-Boy was total white-trash." Barnaby continued. "His dad worked as the groundskeeper for our private school and he got to attend on scholarship. Stag was an honor roll student carrying around fifty extra pounds…" Barnaby laughed. "And I was the mafia orphan who walked to school rain or shine."
"What?" Kotetsu arched a brow in confusion.
"It took me years to get into a car willingly." Barnaby confessed, handing the bottle of liquor back to Kotetsu. "I'd scream and cry, it's kinda embarrassing…" Barnaby looked down at his hands in shame. "So I showed up to school all sweaty or wet or whatever…"
"Ya know," Kotetsu breathed, throwing his arm around Barnaby's shoulder. "You've done well, Kid."
"What?" Barnaby furrowed his brows.
"You went through some scary stuff." Kotetsu explained gently. "I don't know if I could've survived what you went through…"
"Dumbass," Barnaby laughed. "You did survive it."
"No, I mean, I was a grownup. You were ten." Kotetsu clarified. "When I was ten I still thought foxes took my missing socks to the spirit world."
"Why would foxes want your socks?" Barnaby asked.
"That's not the point, Bun-ny…" Kotetsu drawled in annoyance. He pushed his hand in the center of Barnaby's forehead. "Don't be so difficult."
Barnaby's phone went off and he took it out of his pocket, staring at the screen before answering. "What?"
"We've reeled some in."
"Good."
"They're super hot too. Stag bagged a solid 8. Want us to drop you off at home first?"
"We'll stay here."
"Have fun with the old man…"
"Yeah, well… Pick us up in two hours."
"Of course, see ya then."
"Enjoy yourselves." Barnaby said before hanging up. He pushed his phone back in his pocket and returned his attention to Kotetsu. "They've found some ladies and are gonna go have some fun."
"Shouldn't you go with them?" Kotetsu asked, looking down as he spoke. "Keep up the birthday traditions and such?"
"What?" Barnaby scoffed, adjusting his glasses. "Are you saying I should go fuck some random bitches with my boys?"
"No, I just meant-"
"Because I don't like women. I never have." Barnaby continued, removing his jacket.
"I just thought-"
"Or wait… Maybe you wanted to go with? Maybe you wanted me to fuck you in front of them, is that it?" Barnaby purred, removing his tie.
"Hey." Kotetsu snapped, his eyes wide. He made a face and Barnaby licked his lips in embarrassment, he'd obviously gone too far. Kotetsu pinched Barnaby's nose between his fingers. "You better be playing, little boy. Because I don't like that tone…"
"I was." Barnaby said sheepishly.
"Good." Kotetsu breathed, slowly unbuttoning Barnaby's shirt. "This floor is private right? No one else should be coming up here?"
"Totally private." Barnaby said with a nod.
"Okay," Kotetsu murmured, his fingers fumbling with Barnaby's leather belt. "Now listen, you can 'play' big daddy, but you need to remember who you're talking to…" Kotetsu smiled, his eyes bright and playful. "I'm your equal. Got it?"
"Got it." Barnaby agreed, his green eyes entranced by Kotetsu's fingers. Kotetsu's fingers brushed along his wrists and hands, teasing the lengths of his fingers. "I didn't forget."
"Good," Kotetsu whispered, tying the belt around Barnaby's wrists. "I think I might be a little drunk right now…"
"Maybe a little?" Barnaby laughed. His skin seemed to tingle in anticipation and he could hardly keep from squirming beneath Kotetsu's gaze.
Kotetsu rolled off the couch, kneeling in between Barnaby's legs. He unbuttoned Barnaby's pants, pulling the zipper down with his teeth. He looked up and smiled, his dark skin stained with red. His hands moved gently, pulling Barnaby's cock from his underwear. He stroked him, base to tip, before pressing the glans against his lips.
Barnaby adjusted his bound wrists, running his fingers through Kotetsu's hair. He shuddered as Kotetsu took him into his mouth, his toes curling in his shoes. He licked his lips and sat back, watching Kotetsu's lewd action. It turned him on an unbelievable amount, seeing Kotetsu suck his dick. Kotetsu's eyelashes fluttered against his smooth cheeks and then his eyes shot open, locking gazes with Barnaby.
"Fucking shit…" Barnaby moaned, nearly coming from the unexpected and lustful intimacy. Kotetsu was the most beautiful thing Barnaby had ever seen. And he was on his knees, eagerly sucking on Barnaby's cock. The loud music reverberated from the floor and walls and Kotetsu Kaburagi was sucking him off on the private top floor.
"I wanna fuck you." Barnaby pleaded, beads of pre-come dripping from Kotetsu's lips.
Kotetsu pulled back, Barnaby's cock sliding from his mouth. He smiled impishly, pushing off of Barnaby's knees into a standing position. "Yeah?"
"Yeah…" Barnaby groaned, hooking his finger through one of Kotetsu's belt loops. He rolled his wrists, pushing against the leather belt tying his hands. "You want me to fuck you?"
"Yeah." Kotetsu murmured, pulling out of Barnaby's reach. He untucked his shirt, letting it fall loose over his hips. He kicked off his shoes and then unzipped his pants, letting them fall to the floor. He finished removing his clothes and stood in front of Barnaby, wearing only black dress socks and a green button up shirt.
Kotetsu grabbed the belt, pinning Barnaby's hands above his head, and pressing them into the wall. He climbed onto Barnaby's lap, straddling him. They kissed deeply, Kotetsu's tongue delving into Barnaby's mouth. Their kisses tasted like tequila and hunger.
Kotetsu dropped his left hand, situating himself over Barnaby. He pushed up higher onto his knees, his mutilated hand holding Barnaby firmly in place. Kotetsu gasped, a tiny involuntary sound, and released Barnaby. He worked himself open with his fingers, his head resting against Barnaby's shoulder.
He fingered himself, sitting in Barnaby's lap, for a while before, once again, attempting to get Barnaby's cock inside. He rocked up and then down, sinking slowly onto Barnaby. He groaned, loudly, his right hand releasing Barnaby's wrists.
Barnaby dropped his bound arms around Kotetsu, resting his hands on Kotetsu's ass. He thrust his hips upward, using his hands to bounce Kotetsu gently. Barnaby groaned, his lips grazing against Kotetsu's neck. "Do, uh, you think they can see us down there?"
Kotetsu made a disgruntled noise, throwing his head to the side. He rocked back and forth, his hips rotating. He surveyed the crowded dance floor beneath and shook his head. He leaned in closely, his lips inches from Barnaby's. "It's too dark up here…"
They kissed over and over, sweet kisses, lazy kisses, deep kisses. Kotetsu grinded on top of Barnaby with one hand gripping Barnaby's shoulder and the other stroking his cock. He pumped his hand in pace with Barnaby, his leaking erection pressed between their warm, taut stomachs.
"You feel good…" Barnaby breathed out, his creamy-white fingers splaying across Kotetsu's beautiful dark skin.
"Mmhmm…" Kotetsu agreed, lifting off of Barnaby only to sink back down on him.
Barnaby removed the belt binding his wrists in two fluid motions. He flashed Kotetsu an apologetic smile before kissing the older man's surprised face. He braced himself, holding onto Kotetsu tightly before rolling them both over. Kotetsu landed on his back on the couch, Barnaby on top and still inside.
Kotetsu moaned loudly, slapping a hand over his mouth. He grunted around his hand, the couch knocking against the wall with a noisy thump. Barnaby pumped into Kotetsu, pounding his hips against his lover's ass. It was forceful and hurried, a desperate and hungry meeting of two bodies.
"B-B-Bu-Bun-ny!" Kotetsu stammered, his voice shaking from the motion. "Ah! Shit! Fuck…"
Barnaby gripped Kotetsu's left hand, pressing those fingers to his lips. He sucked them enthusiastically, his cock twitching like crazy inside of Kotetsu. And the noises that escaped Kotetsu's throat were intoxicating. Barnaby moved Kotetsu's other hand from his mouth, biting down on his lip as those lewd, lascivious noises filled the air.
"You're so hot." Barnaby muttered without thinking. The only thing he could focus on was Kotetsu. Kotetsu's voice. Kotetsu's mouth. Kotetsu's fingers. Kotetsu's ass.
"Shit…" Kotetsu groaned, his thighs starting to tremble. "Bun-ny…"
The way Kotetsu whined. God damn it. Barnaby cursed, increasing the speed of his thrusts. Sweat rolled down his cheek, down his stomach, even his knees. He grunted incoherently, his mouth crushing Kotetsu's. And then Barnaby orgasmed, his come shooting deep inside of Kotetsu.
Kotetsu covered his face, his stomach muscles rippling. He murmured quietly as Barnaby stroked his cock, rubbing it between their bodies. Barnaby slowly rocked his hips forward, his come dripping out from around his cock. Kotetsu's body tightened all over as his orgasm coursed through his body. He panted, his hands shooting to his stomach. His skin prickled and his dark face flushed, his hands pressing down on his lower belly.
"Fuck." Was all Barnaby managed to say, dropping his head to Kotetsu's chest.
"You're good at that." Kotetsu exhaled, his fingertips skirting around the load of come on his stomach.
"You're kidding, right?" Barnaby sighed heavily, a whistle escaping his lips. "I'm just trying to keep up with you… Holy shit."
"What does that mean?" Kotetsu groaned, suddenly feeling too sticky to be comfortable.
"Those noises you make. They're unfair… I'm already doing my best and then you moan like that… It's enough to give me a heart attack…" Barnaby admitted.
"You? What about me? I'm an old man…" Kotetsu argued. "I'm the one in danger here…"
"You fuck like a twenty-something." Barnaby said, smiling down at Kotetsu. "Trust me."
"Ah, well, uh, thanks, I guess," Kotetsu murmured, looking away in embarrassment.
Barnaby pulled out, kissing Kotetsu on the temple sweetly. He sat up and rolled off of Kotetsu and to his feet. "There's a shower in the back. Want to go?"
"Ah, yes, thank God." Kotetsu nodded, trying to get up without dirtying the couch.
"Need help?" Barnaby asked, a laugh escaping his lips. "You look like a little turtle."
"Shaddap." Kotetsu snapped, pulling his dress-shirt around himself.
"Let me help…" Barnaby purred, lifting Kotetsu with ease. His hands were warm against Kotetsu's bottom. Barnaby brushed across Kotetsu's wet thighs and he smiled impishly. Barnaby withdrew slowly, his fingers fondling Kotetsu before lowering him to the floor. "I'll clean that up for you in the shower."
"You're such a pervert." Kotetsu chastised half-heartedly.
"Well, I'm the one who made you all dirty…" Barnaby breathed, chasing after Kotetsu as he retreated to the restroom. "It's only fair if I clean up after myself…"
Charlie-Boy and Stag returned early. A foolish smile was plastered on Stag's face but Charlie-Boy appeared annoyed, Kotetsu was almost curious enough to ask. Charlie-Boy screwed up his face, sniffing the air suspiciously. "It smells like spunk up here."
"Oh?" Barnaby rolled his eyes.
Charlie-Boy's pale face reddened and he tugged on the high collar of his shirt. "Oh, yeah, duh…"
"I'm hungry." Barnaby said, checking his phone. "Let's go eat."
"Sure. I could eat." Charlie-Boy answered, straightening his tie.
"Where do you want to go, Stag?" Barnaby asked.
"Anywhere's fine." Stag replied with a shrug. That smile seemed permanent for now. It was a charming smile and it made Stag look much more handsome.
"What do feel like Kotetsu?" Barnaby asked, walking down the stairs. "Don't say 'anywhere' or 'I don't know'. That's annoying…"
"Heh," Charlie-Boy laughed rudely. "Barnaby thinks you're annoying, Stag."
"My birthday ended two hours ago." Stag said. His words were ambiguous but that gorgeous smile was still on his face. Even his dark brown eyes seemed more beautiful when he smiled. Kotetsu wondered what had ever been plain about him.
"Well, the best diners are Downtown, but that's a bit of a drive if you're hungry…" Kotetsu thought aloud. "How about Night Owl Café?"
"Where's that?" Charlie-Boy asked, shaking his head.
"The museum district." Kotetsu explained, his hand trailing along the railing of the stairs.
"That's close." Stag reasoned, hurrying down the stairs to get in front of Barnaby.
"The food's good." Kotetsu insisted. "It's a little hole'n the wall, Mom and Pop place…"
"Alright." Barnaby agreed, pausing to let Stag pass. "Let's go there."
"Tiger?" Kotetsu scanned the crowd hurriedly. The music was so loud he wasn't even sure if he'd really heard his name. "Tiger! Over here!"
Barnaby heard it too. His green eyes narrowed and, somehow, he seemed to get even broader. Kotetsu finally spotted him, standing just beyond the staircase. He waved, his grey-blue eyes crinkling as he smiled. "Keith?"
Keith weaved through the crowd, pausing just in front of the staircase. He looked at the two huge bouncers blocking the stairs and smiled sheepishly. Stag and Barnaby exchanged looks as Kotetsu passed them on the stairs.
"Hey!" Keith yelled over the music.
"Hi." Kotetsu yelled back. "Out with friends?"
"Yeah. Well. Sort of…" Keith blushed, scratching the back of his head. "They kinda took off already…"
"Oh." Kotetsu nodded.
"Whatcha doin', Tiger?" Keith shouted over the pounding beat.
"Ah, we're celebrating a birthday…" Kotetsu answered.
"Who is that?" Keith asked, shaking his head.
"I'm his lover." Barnaby shouted, suddenly appearing beside Kotetsu. "You are?"
"Eh?" Keith looked at Barnaby in shock.
"Barnaby, this's Keith Goodman," Kotetsu shouted, a little more than irritated. "He worked in the bar."
Barnaby was silent, his face motionless. He gave no sign of even having heard Kotetsu.
"I tried to punch you and then told you to get the fuck out." Keith explained needlessly. "You don't remember that?"
"Well, we're gonna go." Kotetsu said quickly. "Have fun."
"Yeah, be careful." Keith warned.
"He's fine." Barnaby growled.
"Well, he just doesn't seem like himself…" Keith challenged. "He doesn't normally associate with your type of people…"
"You've got a mouth on you…" Charlie-Boy started, his hand curling into a fist.
"Don't bother." Keith replied with a shrug. "I can't fight all three of you at once…"
"Well, uh, we're gonna go…" Kotetsu said awkwardly. "I hope you're well… Good luck with your classes."
"I got a job as vet tech." Keith said suddenly, smiling as he spoke. "At a place in Midtown. It's really nice and the vet lets us bring our pets to work on Fridays…"
"That's great!" Kotetsu exclaimed, beaming from ear to ear.
"He said we're leaving." Barnaby said simply, knocking his shoulder against Keith's violently. "So stop talking."
Keith stumbled backwards a few feet, knocking into a group of women behind him. He turned around apologetically, helping the women stabilize. Barnaby placed his hand on Kotetsu's back, urging him through the club while Keith was distracted. They walked hurriedly until they were outside on the sidewalk.
"What the hell!" Kotetsu complained, sliding out from Barnaby's reach.
"What?" Barnaby demanded, licking his lips in irritation.
"Don't be so rude." Kotetsu scolded.
"He was rude too." Barnaby argued.
"Not to me." Kotetsu barked.
"I'm gonna get the car." Stag muttered, walking around Barnaby and Kotetsu.
"Oh my God." Barnaby groaned.
"What?" Kotetsu asked, his eyes wide.
"Nothing…" Barnaby snapped. "I just think it's funny that you think I was being 'rude'. That's laughable… I mean, who do you think we are?"
"I-"
"I'm Barnaby Brooks Jr. I'm an organized crime boss… I'm sorry if I was short-tempered back there… Did I hurt your feelings?" Barnaby taunted.
Barnaby wasn't expecting Kotetsu to punch him. He punched him hard, a direct hit to the jaw. Barnaby would have been sprawled on the sidewalk if it wasn't for Charlie-Boy keeping him up. "I already warned you, Barnaby…" Kotetsu growled lowly. "Don't treat me that way."
"Y-you hit me…" Barnaby's eyes were wide, his hand pressed to his swelling jaw.
"I'm sorry I hit you." Kotetsu breathed, his hands shaking.
"Y-y-you hit me…" Barnaby repeated in absolute shock.
"You asked me who I think you are," Kotetsu spoke angrily. "What does that mean? I think you're Bunny-chan. I think you're my sweet, little Moon Rabbit. I think you're special to me and that I'm special to you…" Kotetsu's volume kept rising and everyone on the street stopped to watch. "Isn't that who you are?"
"Or am I supposed to be afraid of you?" Kotetsu continued. "Am I supposed to cower at your feet? Because I can fucking promise you, I won't ever do that…"
"The car's here." Charlie-Boy said quietly, unsurely releasing his hold on Barnaby.
"I can't believe you'd hit me…" Barnaby hissed.
"Get in the car, Bunny." Kotetsu ordered, throwing open the door. "Everyone's staring at us. Get in."
"You get in first." Barnaby demanded, folding his arms over his chest.
"Fine." Kotetsu said, sliding into the back seat.
Charlie-Boy ushered Barnaby to the car, shutting the door as soon as Barnaby was inside. He hopped into the car and just as soon as he door closed the car took off. Charlie-Boy looked at Stag and groaned, "Jesus Christ."
"Look," Kotetsu began. "I'm sorry. I was wrong. You were acting so aggressive, it's kinda a conditioned response and I know that's not really an excuse, but I am sor-"
Kotetsu's head snapped back against the seat. He felt a strange warmth erupt from above his eye. He tried to sit up but his head felt so heavy. And then Barnaby struck him again, knocking him sideways. He slumped in the seat, the belt holding his neck at an unnatural angle.
"Bun-ny…" Kotetsu grunted, his fingers wiping blood from his eye.
"You shouldn't have hit me, Tiger." Barnaby growled, punching Kotetsu over and over.
"Yo!" Charlie-Boy gasped, he unbuckled his seat belt, climbing through the small space into the back seat of the car. "Stop! Stop it! Barnaby!"
"Don't fucking touch me, Charles! Or I'll fucking kill you!" Barnaby snarled, pushing against Charlie-Boy with all his strength.
"Stop, man!" Charlie-Boy pleaded. "Calm down!" Barnaby wrapped his hands around Charlie-Boy's slender, tattooed throat and squeezed. His electric blue eyes widened and he barely managed to choke out, "Stag!"
Stag spun the steering wheel and threw the car into park. He kicked open the driver side door and walked around the car. He opened Barnaby's door and as soon as Charlie-Boy unbuckled Barnaby's seat belt, he dragged Barnaby from the car. Charlie-Boy spat, rubbing his throat as he climbed from the car. He stood beside Barnaby and Stag, looking from one to the other.
"Chill out, Barney." Stag said simply, wrapping his arms around Barnaby. He embraced him, a deep sigh escaping his lips. After a moment, Barnaby lifted his arms, hugging Stag back.
"Fuck…" Barnaby cried, blood dripping from his shaking knuckles. "I fucked up."
"You're okay." Stag murmured, dropping one of his arms but keeping the other around Barnaby's shoulder. "Charlie-Boy, you're okay too, right?"
"I'm golden." Charlie-Boy said, flashing that million dollar smile.
"Ko-" Barnaby whispered, his eyes wide with fright. Charlie-Boy and Stag followed Barnaby's gaze. Barnaby swallowed heavily, bending at the waist to peer inside the car. "Ko-tet-su?"
"I'm fine." Kotetsu said, doing his best to clean up his bloodied face.
"Fuck. Fuck. I fucked up…" Barnaby groaned, turning away from the car in anguish. "Fuck me. Jesus. I'm so fucking stupid…"
"Save that shit for your parents' killer, remember?" Charlie-Boy interjected, slapping Barnaby on the shoulder.
"Let's get Kotetsu home." Stag suggested, nodding slowly. "I'm sure he's ready to rest."
"Kotetsu…" Barnaby whined, climbing back into the car. "I am…"
"I'm sorry that I hit you," Kotetsu apologized, his hand reaching for Barnaby's. "We're not like this. We don't hurt each other…"
"No, I know. I'm sorry," Barnaby cried, big, fat tears rolling slowly down his cheek.
"Seatbelts." Charlie-Boy reminded the car gently.
Barnaby buckled up quickly. "I'm so sorry. I don't know what came over me."
"You haven't had the healthiest examples…" Kotetsu reasoned.
"No, my dad… my dad said that no matter what, you don't hit your wife…" Barnaby croaked, covering his face. "I've ruined everything…"
"Bunny-chan," Kotetsu said gently, doing his best to ignore the skull-splitting agony. "You haven't ruined anything." Kotetsu took a deep breath. "I'm not so fragile that such a thing would ruin me."
"Look at me," Kotetsu urged. "It will be okay. I'm okay. You're okay."
"I'm okay too!" Charlie-Boy added.
"Shut up." Stag growled under his breath.
"Hey, uh, Stag," Kotetsu said, wiping at his face. "I'm still pretty hungry. Do you mind stopping?"
"Not at all." Stag agreed, watching Barnaby in the rearview mirror.
"Is that okay with you?" Kotetsu asked, squeezing Barnaby's hand. "I just have a monster craving for something swimming in processed cheese…"
"You don't have to force yourself." Barnaby whispered. "We will take you home if you want."
"I don't want to go home right now, Barnaby." Kotetsu breathed out.
"Why? Aren't you pissed off? Aren't you hurt?" Barnaby groaned.
"I want to stay with you." Kotetsu said softly. "I'm afraid if I go home now we won't… I don't… I don't want you to feel… I, uh, I just want to stay with you…"
"I took things too far." Barnaby protested in self-depreciation.
"I want to take responsibility…" Kotetsu insisted.
"Why? For what? I was wrong. I know that…" Barnaby confessed.
"No, I mean I want to take responsibility for you. Fuck. I just…" Kotetsu doubled over, his hands wrapping around his stomach. "You forgot me so I left you alone. I never should've left you alone… I was wrong. I thought it was better, but it just… I was wrong to leave you alone. I should have kept up with you…"
"I'm not complaining," Barnaby breathed out. "But I needed you. I didn't know what, but I knew something was missing. I lost everything… Everything was taken from me… Even my fucking sanity…"
"No, Barnaby. I promise." Kotetsu assured him, gripping his hand tightly. "You're not crazy. There's nothing wrong with you. You're going to be okay…"
"I don't want to be like him!" Barnaby sobbed, curling into a ball in his seat. "I don't want to be Yuri!"
"You're nothing like Yuri. I swear to God, Bunny!" Kotetsu nearly shouted.
"I'll kill myself before I become like that…" Barnaby vowed.
"No, you can't hurt yourself." Kotetsu shook his head, his throat constricting. "Don't say stuff like that…"
"I don't want to be like that…"
"You're not." Kotetsu assured him, unbuckling his seat belt and pulling Barnaby into his arms. "I know you both very well. I swear to you, you are nothing like him…"
"Do you still love me?" Barnaby asked, the tears drying.
"Yes. I love you very much." Kotetsu murmured.
"Say it again." Barnaby asked, smiling apologetically.
"I love you." Kotetsu repeated firmly.
"I love you too." Barnaby said. "More than anything. And I promise I'll do better."