"Ow! Easy!"
Just my luck one of those dang things shifts and nearly crushes me… And now I get the honor of being pin cushion… Hiro thought trying to hold still.
"I am sorry Hiro, I am almost finished." Baymax said as he finished up a stitch job he was doing on Hiro's forearm. "There."
Hiro sighed in relief. "Thank goodness… Sorry just sore all over…"
"It is alright. Your reaction is normal." Baymax patted his head. "You have been a good boy." He offered him a lollipop.
Hiro smiled taking it. "Thanks Baymax, you're the best."
"I try."
"And you are." He leaned back in his chair twirling the lollipop in his fingers. "How's your battery holding up?"
"I will need to be recharged for a bit." His message box went off. "Tadashi wanted to inform you that Kathleen has gone home for the day. She was exhausted from last night."
"Got it… It was a pretty long night… But it was worth it…" He smiled remembering how Tadashi had reacted to the watch. "And as for your battery… I'll let ya get some rest… I am satisfied with my care."
Baymax nodded going over to his charging station powering down.
Hiro stretched a bit minding his injuries as he got up. "Alright time for bed myself… Least for a few hours…" Probably should give bro a heads up that I'm gonna lie down for a bit… Good thing about Aunt Cass knowing everything she'll give me a cover.
Hey, exhausted, I'll be fine, needed stitches. Don't freak out. - HH
Nothing new to me. I'll tell Cass so in case Kat asks she'll have an excuse ready. -TH
We all know what it'll probably be: "Kokoro." since when does that robot not try to kill me? -HH
Yep. As for where you were… I'm pretty sure Kat won't ask. - TH
Hiro chuckled a bit before replying.
Yeah, she respects privacy. But I am wearing long sleeves until these stitches come out. I don't wanna worry her even if she knows. Always worse if you can SEE the thing. - HH
I have to ask…. Are you going to tell her about BH6 or are you gonna wait until she puts everything together herself? Because you know she will eventually if she gets curious enough. - TH
…. Should I? I mean… I don't know. Maybe… I need to think about it. I know she'll put two and two together eventually but I wanna hold out for a bit longer…. -HH
Not gonna rush ya just… don't want to end up lying to her a lot. - TH
I don't lie.. Alright so I lied once or twice but I was young and stupid. -HH
Just tell her if you want to. Though I think she's going to be around a bit more than just cafe runs… If you know what I mean. - TH
Yeah, I still gotta ask her what she wants to do for her robotics homework. Rushed out of there so fast that I didn't even ask… I kind of owe her one. -HH
Well then make it up to her then. - TH
I will Nerd King. -HH
Go to bed Nerd Prince. - TH
Going up the stairs now. Don't stay out too late… I mean I know you got a girlfriend and all…. -HH
You better be glad we're not in the same room right now. - TH
Why do you think I made that crack? I know opportunity-And you're outside the window aren't you? -HH
WONK!
"Never mess with a ghost."
Hiro yelped rubbing his head. "OW!" He gave his brother a look. "You were waiting for me!"
"Yep. Flew on home after Kat left."
The boy rolled his eyes but smiled sitting on his bed. "You have fun with your new disguise?" He asked as he took off his shoes laying back.
"Oh yeah, felt great." Tadashi sat on his bed. "It'll take some getting used to but I'll be fine."
Hiro yawned nodding as he curled up. "Awesome… Glad for ya Nii-san… I love you…"
Tadashi got up, tucking Hiro in. "Love you too Hiro."
He smiled before he drifted off, out like a light.
oooooo
"Kat… can you please take us to SFIT some time?" Elly asked giving a puppy dog look. It was lunch at the school for the girls right now. "Those guys sound awesome."
Kathleen paused in taking a bite out of her cookie looking at Elly with a sheepish look. "I can't bring just anyone… It's not my lab…"
"But…" Kailey gave her own puppy look. "The college guys! The geniuses! … The explosives!"
"Spoken like a Keller." Shiloh muttered.
"Girls please… They got a lot of work going on there and well… I just have access-"
"Because of Hiro." Annabelle snickered. "We know."
"Of course… Boyfriend privileges!"
Kathleen turned bright red. "He's not my boyfriend!" She squeaked placing her cookie back down. "He's my friend and I care about him but not like that!"
"She seems pretty clear about it." Elly munched on her sandwich. "How about we drop it huh?"
"What fun is that?" Annabelle asked taking a sip of her water. "We all went through the mocking. It's customary for a happy relationship!"
"Because if we can't take it how will we take the stupid stuff our guys do eventually?" Kailey added.
"He's not…" Kathleen lowered her head. "Oh you guys aren't gonna let it go even if I sing it from the rooftop."
All of them nodded. "Yep."
"It's nice that he's helping you with your homework though, and his friends too." Elly smiled. "Your own personal tutors."
Kathleen smiled giving a small shrug. "They just wanna help… They literally said if I needed anything to just ask… And they don't mind… Only thing I haven't gotten done yet is my robotics assignment…. Hiro's been tired from working so he hasn't had time to help…"
"What he do this time?"
"Um… I think there was another round of attempted murder by robot…"
Annabelle cringed. "Oh… bummer."
Kathleen nodded wincing remembering what she had been told by Cass. "Yeah… Something about it managing to get ahold of one of Hiro's screwdrivers and…" She made a stabbing motion with her hand. "You can guess from there…"
"You're kidding me!"
"Nope. His project has daddy issues…" Though that sounds a little far fetched even for Kokoro… Hiro usually only gets punched, thrown or… Tackled… Actually… Not too far fetched…
"Well hope he feels better." Kailey snapped her fingers. "Maybe you could make him some sweets."
"M-Me?" Kathleen blushed a bit. "Well… I know I could make him something that has gummy bears in it… He loves those things."
"Then do that, surprise him."
"I think I will… Heh maybe I could bring Johanna by too... "
"... Get pictures if she gets all cuddly on his head."
"Will do."
"Hey girls!"
All looked to see a fellow student at the end of their table with another student with fliers.
"You planning on going to the school dance?" he asked, holding up one of the fliers.
"Heck yeah!" Shiloh took one looking at it. "Taylor's not getting outta this one!"
"I know I am… I bought my dress last week." Kailey smiled sheepishly. "The only pink one they had left."
"Royden and I are all ready thanks to my mom." Elly giggled. "Annabelle too."
"Yup, her mom works miracles with fabric." Annabelle giggled. "Caleb looked so cute in his suit…"
Kathleen gave a small shrug. "Eh… I probably should study that night…" She murmured lowering her head. Not like anyone here would ask me out….
Elly frowned, squeezing her shoulder.
"Well, it'll be great to see you there!"
The students ran off, heading towards other students.
Kathleen sighed. "School dance… Great…"
"No one said you have to go Kat… and you don't fail at life if you never do." Elly gave a look. "Don't go there."
"Didn't think I was failing at life…. Till now…" Kathleen gave her own look. "I don't wanna talk about this guys…"
"Then we won't. NEXT SUBJECT."
oooooo
"Kat coming today?" Tadashi asked from his station. He was already diving into his work and enjoying himself, but that didn't mean he didn't have time to talk.
"I think so, I called her to ask but… She sounded weird…" Hiro replied as he worked on his own project. "... She sounded crabby."
"I'm thinking another stress day." Tadashi hummed in thought. "Or teacher was a jerk today."
"Well we'll find out when she gets here…" Hiro mused looking to the door hearing it open. "Speak of the Sweet Devil."
Kathleen gave a quiet hello to the others when they greeted her as she made her way over to Hiro. Her hair was tied back in a tight bun. "Hey…" She murmured.
Stress day…
"What happened now?" Hiro asked as he closed the door to his lab so no one else could listen.
Kathleen kept quiet for a moment as she set her bag down. "... You'll laugh at me…" She said finally.
Hiro blinked back confusion, going to her tipping her chin up. "Come on Kat I would never."
"Promise?" She asked some worry in her eyes.
Concern crossed Hiro's as he saw her expression change.
"Kat… what's wrong?"
Kathleen moved her head away looking down. "... My school's having a dance… No one's asked me… All my friends are going and of course… They all have boyfriends and… I guess I just fail at life…" She crossed her arms taking a few steps away from Hiro. "Just… It sucks… No one ever asks me… So I wind up sitting against the wall the whole night or I don't go and then hear about it for days!"
Hiro was rather surprised at this. He had never really heard Kathleen ever complain about something like this. Dances never really meant anything to him, heck he just ignored them half the time since he'd rather be out bot fighting instead. But seeing this… he couldn't help but feel bad for her.
"No one huh?"
"No…" She laughed but it was bitter as she looked to him. "Just plain ol'Kathleen… I'm not an athlete like Shiloh, or a dancer slash hacker like Kailey. I don't run the Nerdet club like Elly and Annabelle, heck… I'm just… Me…"
"And what's wrong with you?" Hiro placed a hand on her shoulder. "You make awesome sweets, heck are a fantastic cook in general. You're kind, you always try your hardest in school and are nice to everyone. I see nothing wrong with you Kat."
She looked at him and sighed. "I guess…. I just worry I'm not anything… More like…" She lowered her head. "More like I worry I'm never gonna amount to anything or be anyone…"
"Now what's got you thinking like THAT?"
Kathleen sighed. "Charlie's an amazing athlete… Alice is a born actress… They do amazing things, everyone likes them… And here I am not sure what I'm gonna do or who I want to be… I don't even know what college I want to get into!"
"Kat…" Hiro sat down, having her sit next to him. "You're still a sophomore, you got time to still figure things out."
Kathleen brought her knees up to her chest. "It's my worst fear Hiro… It scares me that I don't know yet… I just… I just want to have some sort of idea… Something I can do… I guess… I just hate how it seems everyone knows… Everyone but me… I mean… Look at you… Your Hiro freaking Hamada... " She looked to him. "You got into this school at fourteen… Graduated high school at thirteen…"
"Yeah but that's me… not everyone in the world Kat… I figured out things quicker yes but that isn't setting the standard for how quick everyone else should figure things out, especially you."
She nodded. "R-Right… Sorry… I guess this dance just brought up everything…"
"Really bugs you that much?"
"Yes… It's stupid I know-"
"Ah! Don't say that." Hiro got a serious look. "I may not have cared much for dances but if it's making you upset then it matters."
Kathleen's eyes widened a bit before smiling a bit. "Hiro…"
"You shouldn't have to be upset over this… And honestly… dances are lame… you could be doing something so much cooler like…" Hiro trailed off… an idea crossing his mind. "... When is this dance again?"
"Three days from now."
"Well since you're not going… How about you and I do something that's cooler instead?"
"R-Really!?"
Hiro nodded. "Really."
"Okay… Where? … And what?" She asked curious now.
"Meet me here at the lab around 5 in the evening. Bring your warmest clothes too." Hiro grinned. "The rest is all a surprise."
Kathleen smiled. "Alright… Thanks Hiro…" She laid her head on his shoulder. "Sorry for going all postal…"
Hiro blushed a little, giving a sheepish look. "It's okay… we all have our bad days."
"Still.. Means a lot…" She closed her eyes sighing a bit. "Sorry… Just been a long day…"
Hiro's gaze softened bringing an arm around her.
"You'll be okay… and Kat… you'll find out what you're looking for to do in life… just be patient…"
Kathleen relaxed huddling a little closer to him. "Thanks Hiro… I will…"
"Anytime… and if need be… I'll help you find it."
Hiro….
oooooo
Alright, warm clothes… Check… Phone in case folks call… Check… Just now to play the waiting game….
Kathleen was rather excited. She was with her friends who were all ready for the dance but were hanging with her till it was time to go. All curious what she had planned… especially with the grin she had on her face.
"Got something fun planned?" Elly asked. "You got quite the grin on your face."
"Oh, just something a friend of mine planned… He said it's a surprise." Kathleen replied with a small giggle.
"Oh… THAT friend eh?" Kailey smirked a bit.
"Yes…. He just wants to do something nice for me… That's all."
"Aww! What a gentlemen!" Elly squealed. "Coming to your rescue!"
Kathleen blushed. "Well… That's Hiro…"
"He lives up to the name." Shiloh grinned. "Tell us ALL about it okay?"
"We'll see... "
"Still… he really is awesome for doing something for ya Kat. You deserve something special."
"Thanks Elly… I just hope it goes well… I'm really excited."
"I hope it goes well too."
"Alright everyone we're heading out!" Elly's father called. "We'll stop at SFIT to drop off Kat and then we'll head for the school."
"Coming Dr. Cunning!" They called as they all got in, Kathleen getting in last.
"Ah this is gonna be fun."
"Just hope your dad's not chaperoning Kails… Remember what happened last time?"
Kailey turned a little red. "He wasn't that bad…"
"He brought the chainsaw…."
"...Yeah okay it was that bad… But he only brought it out when he was outside!"
"And it was for Alex…" Annabelle added.
Kathleen giggled. "Bring me pictures if he is."
"Roger that."
oooooo
"Oh she's gonna be so surprised." Honey giggled as she waited with Tadashi outside the lab.
"Heh, I can imagine… Hiro's going all out tonight." Tadashi chuckled. "He's been talking about it for the last couple of days."
"It's really great that he's doing this for her."
"Yeah… She was pretty upset about this whole dance thing… Hiro being himself, just wants to see her happy…" Tadashi smiled. "Heh…. Technically this will be his first date…"
"They grow up so fast."
"I'm here!"
They looked to see Kathleen running up. She was dressed in jeans and a warm jacket, her hair pulled back a little.
"Ah the lady of the hour. Welcome back." Tadashi grinned before poking his head inside. "Hey genius! She's here!"
"Coming!"
Hiro came running out… and to Kathleen's surprise… was dressed in a very familiar set of purple and red armor carrying a helmet under his right arm.
He gave a bow. "Evening madam."
Kathleen's eyes were wide as her jaw dropped a little. "H-Hiro…. Oh my gosh you're... " She composed herself. "You're H-1…!?"
He grinned, putting on his helmet. "Well… Surprise!"
She was stunned but found herself laughing. "Oh my gosh it all makes sense now!" She gave a small bow of her own. "Well then… Evening to you too…"
Hiro walked up to her, taking his hands in hers. "Ready for tonight?"
Kathleen nodded. "Ready and willing… I've been looking forward to it since you made plans with me…"
"Then come on."
He lead her out back to where Baymax was waiting patiently in his armor, waving to the two as they came forward.
"Hello Kathleen."
She waved. "Hey Baymax…" She looked to Hiro. "This makes a lot of sense now… Thought that face was familiar… Oh my gosh this is awesome!"
Hiro chuckled getting on to Baymax's back before offering a hand to her.
"Come on up and hang on."
She took his hand as he pulled her up with him. She held on tight feeling excited. "This… Way blows dancing out of the water."
"Alright Baymax. Wings!"
Baymax nodded, his wings coming out before he took to the sky, flying out towards the city.
"YEAH!" Hiro cheered as they flew.
Kathleen laughed holding on tight. "THIS IS AMAZING!"
"Show her what we got Baymax!"
Baymax gave another nod, flying through different parts of the city, performing different flight patterns as they soared through the sky. Once they got on a straight glide path, Hiro let go a little, sitting up a bit.
"And look at that view right there." he said, gesturing his hand outward.
Kathleen looked, eyes wide in wonder at the city before them. Everything was lit up, making it look as if San Fransokyo was glowing. "Amazing…"
"Yeah… it's something I get to enjoy with Baymax every time we go flying just because we can… I wanted to share this with you since for me… I just forget about everything and feel... free."
"I can see why… It feels amazing… Flying… We're really flying…" She looked around a big smile on her face. "Incredible…"
After awhile they found themselves resting on one of the fish turbines above the city. Hiro had Kathleen sitting close to him so she didn't slip off, though Baymax kept to her side just in case. He slipped off his helmet smoothing out his hair.
"That felt good…"
"Agreed.." She sighed happily looking out at the view, leaning her head on Hiro's shoulder. "I'm really happy right now Hiro… This is better than anything I could've imagined…"
Hiro smiled, feeling some heat rush to his face.
"I'm glad Kat… hate seeing you sad…"
"You're so good to me…" She looked up at him noting the blush and realized what she had been doing turning a bit red herself. "A-Ah sorry, I won't do that again-"
"No no… you're fine… Really…"
She waited a moment before laying her head back on his shoulder. "Thanks… Seriously… For everything…"
"Anytime Kat…"
He was still blushing but he was starting not to mind it as much… and before he knew it had an arm around her shoulders.
What's gotten into me…?
Kathleen was a little surprised but relaxed into him, huddling closer. He's warm… So warm….
Hiro closed his eyes, resting his head against hers. It was complete silence… he just wanted to take in everything he was feeling right there. He was still feeling that sense of freedom from earlier with the adrenaline rush… but now there was something else he was trying to understand.
His heart was beating faster, there was still some heat in his face but he didn't feel sick… It just felt.. Different. It feels… Right…
Kathleen closed her eyes smiling a little as she curled up to his side sighing a little. I feel so happy right now… Like there's no one else but us in the world… Our own little bit of forever…
"So… having a good time Kat?" he asked.
"The best time ever Hiro…" She replied.
"Good… cause I know I am… Never really took anyone flying with me with the exception of Immortal 7 since he can fly… but it's nice having another person here." He looked to Baymax. "Not that you're not fun Baymax, you're awesome."
"I understand Hiro." He patted his charge's head.
"This really is just… Awesome…" Kathleen giggled a bit. "Our own secret…"
"Something like that… just a way to be free for abit before going back down to Earth…" Hiro sighed happily. "Just… step into a different world."
"Yeah… You're right…" Kathleen nuzzled him a little. "It's perfect…" Wait what am I-Oh screw it… It's nice…
Hiro felt more heat coming to his face.
She's really close… and I don't mind… I… I think I like it…
Kathleen didn't notice the blushing as she kept gazing out at the city, but she brought her arms around Hiro in a loose embrace. She said nothing just savoring the quiet. High enough that most of the noise from the city was gone, save the quiet hums of the turbines.
Hiro held her close, burying part of his face in her hair a little.
This is nice…
"Your neurotransmitter levels have increased."
They both jumped a bit when Baymax spoke. "E-Eh?"
Hiro closed his eyes. Not now please not now-
"You are both experiencing joy… brought on by being close with each other."
They turned red. "Uh-uh well… I mean…" Hiro stuttered.
"I-I…" Kathleen looked to the side. "I mean this is… Really nice…"
"I-It is…" Oh gosh heart stop beating so quickly, Baymax is gonna notice.
Baymax blinked scanning Hiro. "Your heart rate has increased dramatically."
"Y-Yeah.. uh…"
Baymax turned to Kathleen scanning her as well. "... As has yours."
Kathleen turned red. 'W-Well uh…"
"I hope we ain't getting sick…"
"I have come to a diagnosis…" Baymax held up a finger as he chimed: "Attraction!"
Hiro's face went completely red. "Uh…!"
Kathleen stuttered and just resorted to burying her face in Hiro's shoulder. "He didn't say that, he didn't say that, he did not just say that!"
"I do not lie, your symptoms are clear. It is not a bad thing that you two are experiencing this."
Baymax… just… please stop!
"Just… That's not something you yell to the world!" Kathleen murmured just loud enough to be heard. "I think half of San Fransokyo heard…" She was exaggerating yes but she was embarrassed.
"I apologize, I did not mean for others to hear… I am happy to see that you two enjoy being in each other's presence."
The two looked to one another for a moment.
"... Oh screw it. C'mere…" Hiro pulled Kathleen into his arms burying his face in her hair. "He's gonna announce it anyway…"
Kathleen was red now but relaxed into him, hugging him.
"Hiro…"
"Kit Kat…" He nuzzled her a little.
She nuzzled him back, gazing a little.
He smiled gazing into her eyes. She's so cute…
He's amazing…
She rested her head on his shoulder, curled up to him.
Please don't let this be a dream… let me have this at least…
He kept her close, stroking her hair a bit… Humming softly.
"Thank you again for this Hiro… this really made my night…"
"Anything for you Kat…"
She smiled closing her eyes, enjoying the moment.
It didn't last forever to their dismay. They had to go back eventually… well least so they didn't freeze. They were back in Hiro's workstation, huddled up to Baymax who had his heater on to warm them up along with some hot chocolate.
Kathleen sighed happily glancing at Hiro out of the corner of her eye. He really is a good guy… He means so much to me...
Hiro looked over to her, smiling a little. I can't stop looking at her…
He never wanted it to end.