Warning ahead of time, there is bathing in this chapter. As in Tadashi and Hiro bath together but nothing detailed or incestuous. There is a slight creeper but he doesn't last long. Nothing explicit or worth changing the rating over. You have been warned though.
4:
Tadashi was still there when Hiro woke up the next day; a good sign he supposed. At least that meant that he wasn't crazy and hadn't hallucinated his brother, but the sight of him reminded Hiro of the fire and a pang crossed through his chest suddenly.
Aunt Cass was gone; dead, like their parents.
Hiro made a soft noise, something akin to a whimper as he buried his face in his hands. Beside him, Tadashi was snoring softly, oblivious of his little brother practically shivering from the thought of the place he grew up in with the woman whom loved him dearly were both gone forever- and there was no going back.
Dark eyes blinked as he shoved back the memory and sat up. One quick glance around ensured that they were still holed in a dark corner of an old alleyway; one that murderers hid in and only idiots too dumb to live ventured inside.
Neither him nor Tadashi were dead, though, and Hiro glanced over at his softly snoring brother. His face was completely lax and pale although nowhere near as ghostly as it had been last night. Haunted and frightened as Hiro swatted away concerned hands.
He hadn't said it, but Hiro knew this is all his fault.
If he hadn't run off then they might have been able to get out as soon as the fire started. If he hadn't tried helping by sneaking out in the middle of the night then they might all still be alive and Tadashi wouldn't have to look like his entire life was over.
Another sob broke free from Hiro's throat before he shoved the sensation back down, rising shakily to his feet. He felt weak and wanted nothing more than to curl up in the alley and fade away completely. He knew better, though, knew Tadashi would just wake up and find some place they could stay with a roof and shelter.
The concrete was cold beneath his shoes as he silently crept his way down the alley so he could peak around at the world beyond.
Most of the city seemed to be waking up, cars and trams already cruising along at steady paces; people dressed in nice suits and pretty dresses strolled down the many sidewalks connecting everything; stores, bright and colorful, were opening and welcomed the people off from the streets.
It was a familiar scene, one Hiro's seen many times, but this time felt different. More real somehow.
A shadow crossed his path and Hiro stumbled back in shock as a man with dark hair and piercing blue eyes stepped into view. He was dressed in all black, hand marked with several rings on each finger as he gripped a black cane tightly. At his side, wrapped around his elbow, stood a pretty woman half his age with bright green eyes and curly blond hair.
The woman laughed upon seeing him, finding amusement at his misfortune, as she tugged the arm to a stop and exclaimed, "Look! A street rat! I didn't even know they still existed!"
"They don't," the man responded calmly, voice a combination of ice and steel as eerie blue eyes focused on Hiro.
Hiro stepped back, intent on rushing back in the shadows and away from their piercing gaze. The woman just frowned, unlatching herself from around his elbow to peer into his features intently. She was frowning, as a perfectly manicured hand reached out to poke and prod at his face.
"He looks like he slept on the street, though," the woman observed before a malicious grin spread across her gorgeous features and she snuck a glance back to the man as she practically purred, "We could take him with us. Sell him to your clients."
A sick feeling crept inside of Hiro.
The man's electric gaze narrowed on her as he snapped, "I don't sell people. You know this. Now hurry along or I'll leave you."
She rolled her eyes, unamused, but stepped away from Hiro nevertheless. Hiro watched, frozen in place, as the woman re-latched herself on his elbow and they walked off, and he's unsure how long he stood there staring after their shadows before something behind him shuffled in a desperate manner and he spun in time to see hands descend on him.
Before his brain was able to process anything, he screamed.
"Hiro? What happened? Hiro, calm down. It's me," Tadashi's worried voice questioned and Hiro blinked, the figure sharpening into focus and he felt heat creep into his cheeks when he realized it was his brother, eyes widened in panic.
"I'm fine," Hiro lied, ducking his gaze as he shoved the hands away from him, "You startled me."
Tadashi seemed to deflate at that, relaxing ever-so-slightly as he rubbed tired eyes and asked, "Why did you wander off? I was frightened when I woke up and couldn't find you."
"I know," Hiro spoke automatically, the words flowing freely from him as he ducked his expression again, "I'm sorry."
"Don't apologize," Tadashi reassured in a light delicate tone as he drew Hiro into a tight embrace, "I'm just happy you're alright- although you do look kind of pale. Is everything alright?"
"I'm fine," Hiro repeated, still refusing to meet his brother's gaze and he heard Tadashi huff in frustration before the hands disappeared and his brother moved to glance around the city.
"First thing's first, we need something to eat," Tadashi decided and, as if on cue, Hiro's stomach grumbled in agreement; Tadashi's gaze settled back on Hiro as he asked, "Do you still have that money? I'm not really fond of the idea of stealing."
Hiro nodded, pulling the wad of bills out and relinquished it over to his brother. Tadashi accepted it, eyes darkening slightly at the memory of how it was earned, and Hiro ducked his head again- ashamed of the way his brother looked at the money.
They found a cheap place that sold stuffed bread and after Tadashi quickly paid they left, chewing on the food in silence. Not that Hiro minded all that much, he preferred the silence. It gave him time to think of all the things he did wrong.
One, he ran off to an illegal bending fight. Two, he just sat and watched as his entire life burnt down in front of him, and then lashed out at Tadashi when his brother had miraculously survived. Three, he wandered away from Tadashi while his brother was sleeping, scaring the older boy.
Hiro was a terrible person.
He ducked his head even further, feeling ashamed as his cheeks burned hotly. In front of him, Tadashi continued walking like he forgot Hiro was with him.
Something in the alley moved behind him, shuffling in the dark. Hiro tensed, realizing Tadashi did the same as the younger boy spun to see what was lurking in the shadows. He didn't get a chance to search for very long, Tadashi's hand suddenly clasping his wrist as his entire body went rigid.
"Hiro, run," Tadashi demanded-growled as his other hand curled up in a tight fist like he was going to confront the still unknown danger.
"Tadashi no!" Hiro protested, at the moment not caring how his voice rose an octave or how his fingers dug into his brother's sleeve as he shook his head, suddenly feeling very scared.
"Hiro," Tadashi breathed, voice soft and hard as his eyes never moved from the spot where the sound came from, "Don't argue with me. Haven't you done enough with your rebellious stage?"
The words hadn't come out right, a mixture of fear and frustration causing it to sound harsher than it actually was. It still hurt though, and Hiro immediately released his brother's sleeve as Tadashi seemed to process what he just said. His eyes widened in horror as he turned to apologize to his suddenly wide-eyed little brother.
"No-" Tadashi started when a dark figure leapt from the shadows, striking him across the back.
The elder brother fell down, Hiro's surprised scream turning into laughter once he realized who the attacker was.
"A cat," the younger brother chuckled as he bent over to pick the furry creature off the ground and stroke its head lovingly, "You got taken out by a cat."
The cat purred, bumping its head appreciatively against Hiro's palm as the younger boy continued to stroke its head. Big bright eyes looked up at him like he was the best thing it had ever seen.
"Hiro, you don't know where that thing's been," Tadashi protested quickly as he sat up but didn't make a move to remove the animal from his brother's lap.
"Chill out big brother," Hiro reprimanded with an eye roll, but he never took his eyes off the creature as he continued to stroke it behind its ears, "I kind of like it, and I think it likes me. I mean, it hasn't tried clawing my face off, which is usually a good sign."
It was Tadashi's turn to roll his eyes as he spoke calmly, "You can't keep it. We have no way of taking care of it."
Hiro's heart stopped as he considered his brother's words before he turned his gaze up at Tadashi, eyes wide and pleading, as he begged, "Please Tadashi. You won't have to do anything, and we certainly can't leave it out here to die. I mean, look at it. Its fur is all dirty and matted."
Tadashi rolled his eyes again but did take a closer look at the animal for his brother. Sure enough, the orange hair was a filthy tangled mass. Then he made the mistake of raising his gaze to meet Hiro's, the younger brother staring pleading at his brother.
It was a look Tadashi's never been able to deny in the past.
"Oh, alright," he relented with a sigh, "but I'm not going to be in charge of it. Got it?"
"Uh huh," Hiro nodded vigorously as he ducked his gaze back to the animal in his lap; Tadashi rose to his feet, stretching long arms over his head as he did so.
"What are you going to call him?" Tadashi asked, still refusing to look at his brother and cat.
"Name?" Hiro repeated softly as he stroked behind the ears with a more serious expression, "What could I call you?"
"Why not something simple like Kitty or Cat?" Tadashi offered.
Hiro shuddered, expression darkening, as he muttered just loud enough for his brother to hear him, "You're an awful name picker. I'm glad you didn't get a chance to pick my name or I'd have to change it for the sake of my sanity."
"Oh, shut up," Tadashi groaned as he turned away, "I was only trying to help."
"By suggesting to name a cat Cat?" Hiro demanded hotly, raising his gaze to see Tadashi blush slightly as he scratched the back of his neck.
"Alright," he agreed, "so perhaps that wasn't the best suggestion. So what are you going to name it, Mr. Smart Aleck?"
Hiro's expression fell back to the cat still purring in his lap as he admitted in a soft whisper, "Don't know yet. What do you name a sweet little cat such as this?" The last words were emphasized by petting the bottom of the cat's chin.
"Are you thinking more traditional Japanese or English?" Tadashi asked crossing his arms and narrowing his gaze at the cat, "Because I think Neko would be a fabulous name."
Hiro's bottom eye twitched as he growled, "You can't just change a word to a different language and expect for it to be okay. Quit suggesting to name him Cat."
"Alright. Jeez," Tadashi relinquished as he rose both his hands in surrender, "but he can't be nameless forever. You've got to settle on something."
Hiro stuck out his lip in careful consideration, his hand unconsciously scratching the back of his head, before it dawned on him in sudden clarity.
"Mochi."
"Huh?" Tadashi asked, blinking his eyes suddenly.
"Mochi," Hiro repeated still affectionately petting the top of the animal's head, "That's what I decided. His name is Mochi."
Tadashi sagged his shoulders as he grumbled fondly, "Only you would name a cat after food little brother."
"Look who's talking!" Hiro snapped tightening his hold on the cat, "You wanted to name him Cat."
"Okay, fine," Tadashi reassured lightly as he shook his hands in surrender, "His name's Mochi. You always did enjoy the Mochi Rice Balls Aunt Cass would make in her café."
An unsettling silence settled on both of them as they remembered their aunt and her gentle smiles and strong hugs. She was one of the few people in the world that made the brothers feel truly safe and now she was gone, seemingly taking all the color from the world with it.
Hiro lowered his head back to the cat who, having noticed the shift in atmosphere, rubbed his body against Hiro's in an attempt to cheer the boy up. Hiro forced a sad little smile across his features as he scratched the back of his head.
"Yeah," Hiro agreed too soft for Tadashi to hear.
The day was relatively slow.
For one, Tadashi has no idea on how to take care of a pet and now his knucklehead of a brother decided he wanted to adopt one of the streets. An idea Tadashi was unable to put down since the cat seemed fond of his brother and it offered a good enough distraction from their recent tragedy. Come nightfall, though, Tadashi had no doubt the realization that their aunt is truly gone will strike and that what remains won't be very pretty.
Tadashi's barely keeping it together, walking in front of his brother who was still petting his newfound cat's chin like it was the most precious thing in the world. Ridiculous, Tadashi knew, because Hiro just found the thing and it's yet spent enough time with them for it to be considered precious.
"Tadashi," Hiro spoke up for the first time in hours instantly gaining his elder brother's full attention.
He turned to see Mochi curled up and resting in Hiro's arms, soft paws clenching against dirty fabric and purring contently while Hiro subconsciously pet it. Big brown eyes stared up at Tadashi expectantly in a way that made Tadashi's chest hurt.
"I think he's hungry," Hiro continued smoothly, scratching underneath Mochi's chin.
"Hiro, we can't waste money," Tadashi started but Hiro was quick to interrupt with a firm shake of the head, bangs flopping around his face still smudged with ash and dirt.
"We won't waste anything but he needs to eat, ya know?" Hiro explained and Tadashi sighed because he knew his brother was right; they couldn't neglect the cat, but they didn't have enough money for all three of them to survive forever.
"I'll go out and buy him something once we arrive," Tadashi decided and Hiro frowned, allowing Mochi to curl his short body around his neck.
"Where are we going?" Hiro asked, jogging so he could keep up with Tadashi's long stride; Tadashi didn't bother slowing down.
"To one of the shelters."
The shelters were old buildings people went to when they had nowhere else to go. They were open and free for the public until they ran out of space and at night they were locked but Tadashi never thought that would do much good under a real threat.
The shelters always looked like they were falling apart, crammed tight with people varying in age and gender. They all looked unclean, though. Not dirty, just unclean and Tadashi's taken special precaution to avoid them; he didn't out of malice, but he's learned that the homeless were desperate and had no qualms mugging a teenager and his kid brother for a couple of wrinkled bills.
Who would've guessed he would've ended up in one?
Hiro wrinkled his nose but didn't say anything. Mochi blinked black orbs up at him, almost like he was accusing him of taking his brother somewhere a person like Hiro had no right being at.
Tadashi knew that he had no choice, though. Once night fell then all the shelters would be closed, and they'll have to spend another night outside, endanger of being discovered and taken away, and that fate was worse than anything else Tadashi could think of.
Several minutes later, they finally arrived at a large wooden building with carved out squares for windows and a large door that couldn't keep anybody out if they really wanted in.
Subconsciously, Hiro herded himself closer to his brother, Tadashi setting his hand on top of Hiro's nest of dark hair as they headed towards the building together.
Directly behind it stood the wall, an immense structure built completely out of some material stronger than metal and impossible to bend- its main purpose to keep benders out and to lock in the few that manage to sneak inside. It was also the reason Tadashi's never seen anything but the city.
"May I help you?" an elder looking man with intense eyes demanded at the door of the shelter, seizing both brothers up critically.
Hiro shuffled impossibly closer and Tadashi straightened his back.
"Do you have room for two more?" he asked and the man squinted.
"Three," he corrected pointing to Mochi, "The cat makes three and, no. I have no more space so get lost." He waved his hand dismissively at them.
"Please, sir," Tadashi begged, the overwhelming sense of helplessness filling him as he tried appealing to the man's empathy, "Me and my brother have nowhere else to go."
"Sorry," he didn't sound very sorry, "No room."
"Mochi won't take up much space," Hiro protested stepping out from behind Tadashi's leg to blink pleading eyes up at him, "and I'll keep him real quiet."
The man squinted birdlike eyes at them before swooping down to inspect Hiro a little closer. Behind him, Tadashi stiffened as he prepared to strike the man should he try anything weird with his brother. Hiro just stood stock-still as he awaited for someone else to make the first move.
Then, after what felt like forever, the man blinked and stepped back before shaking his head and explaining, "I have spot for one."
Something icy and cold settled inside Tadashi as the meaning of that made sense: he could either abandon his brother here for the night where it was safe or try and hope for better luck somewhere else. That is, if they were able to make it before all the shelters locked down.
Hiro stepped back, already shaking his head, as he denied, "Sorry sir. We're not splitting up."
"Figured as much," the man sighed and a third solution occurred to Tadashi as he reached out to tightly grip Hiro's shoulders.
"We can share a bed," Tadashi spoke up squeezing Hiro's shoulders almost unconsciously, "It's no problem. We've done it before."
"It'll be tight," the man supplied suspiciously, but Tadashi was already shaking his head.
"Please sir. We're running out of options," and the man finally relented as he stepped back to nod.
"Alright. Last name," he demanded and Tadashi quickly told him before the guy lead them through another door and into a room with rows of sheets laid on top of something that must have qualified of cushion for they bulged slightly, and each bed was occupied by someone.
Hiro stiffened again, taking Mochi in bony arms so he could squeeze the animal close to his chest. Mochi made a soft noise of protest before closing his eyes and rubbing Hiro's cheek supportively. Tadashi just tightened his grip on Hiro's shoulders.
They finally made it to one of the beds squashed in the corner of two walls, and the man wasn't kidding when he said that it would be tight. It was barely big enough for one person much less two plus a cat but Tadashi thanked the man anyways as he took note of the bed before making his way back through the rows of beds and people.
Hiro wrinkled his nose again- at their situation or stale air, Tadashi wasn't sure- before flopping dramatically on the bed and whispering softly, "This sucks."
And that seemed to sum up their entire situation quite nicely.
"Come on little brother," Tadashi tried anyways, bending down so he could wrap Hiro's too small shoulders supportively while Mochi curled up in the younger brother's lap, "It won't be so bad. You'll see, I promise."
"You shouldn't make promises you can't keep," Hiro replied as he took in their surroundings, "This place freaks me out."
"Yeah. I know," Tadashi agreed, having felt the same sense stepping into the place, "but it's all we've got. Now stay here while I try and go find something for dinner."
"Don't forget about Mochi," Hiro called after him as he rose and hurried along the rows, trying his best not to step on anybody.
He found a place near the shelter, a little more expensive then where they ate for breakfast, but the portion was larger and the girl who served them was nice enough. Then he sprinted back to the shelter, offering a friendly nod at the man at the front, before making his way to where he left his brother.
His heart nearly froze when he saw Hiro was no longer alone.
Hiro was still sitting on the bed, Mochi in his lap, like Tadashi had left him but now two teens- one male and the other female- stood over him.
Nothing about the strangers seemed threatening. They looked relaxed and Hiro was smiling, but it was the fact that they were near his brother that sent Tadashi's heart pounding as he quickened his pace, less mindful of the people underneath his feet as he kept his gaze on the new people and his brother.
The strangers looked around his age; the girl with long blond hair and sharp features. She was crouched beside Hiro, long fingers scratching the top of Mochi's head. Her skin was a shade slightly darker than either of theirs as she grinned a bright smile. The boy, Tadashi realized, was taller than him with wide shoulders and dark skin. Short black hair was tied back in a green bandana as he stood slightly to the side but seemed as equally interested in his brother as the blond girl.
"Hey!" he shouted once he was within hearing distance, ignoring the annoyed glares he received from the people he was all but stepping on now; he tightened his grip on the food as he screamed again, "Hey!"
Hiro glanced up, meeting his gaze and face brightening upon seeing him.
The boy and girl followed his gaze and must have seen something Hiro didn't because the girl straightened up and went to stand beside her friend. Both gazed at him with cautious eyes as Hiro set Mochi down and hurried to meet his brother halfway.
"Tadashi, hey," he greeted breathless and grinning, but Tadashi ignored him as he forced Hiro behind him as he stared at the strangers with intense eyes.
"Who are you?" he demanded, not even attempting to be friendly as he narrowed dark eyes at the boy and girl.
"Oh… uh," the girl started before green eyes brightened and she introduced, "They call me Honey Lemon, and this is Wasabi."
"Uh huh," Tadashi nodded still unsure as he made sure to keep Hiro behind him before he asked, "What are you doing over here?"
Honey Lemon blinked green eyes in surprise as she tilted her head suddenly unsure. It was Wasabi who spoke, voice calm and honest.
"We were just making sure the little dude was alright," Wasabi explained and Tadashi stiffened as the slightly larger boy turned kind eyes back down towards Hiro.
"He's fine," Tadashi reassured, words cold and clipped, "I just ran out to fetch dinner, but he's fine and not alone."
"Alright," Honey spoke like she couldn't understand how what they did was wrong.
Tadashi forced his face to soften considerably as he bowed his head and spoke in a gentler tone, "We're fine. Thanks."
"Right," Wasabi nodded with a narrowed gaze, "We just wanted to make sure. I guess we'll be leaving then."
Tadashi stepped back, Hiro still behind him, as they moved passed; on their way pass, Tadashi could've sworn one of them murmured, "Really glad GoGo didn't want to come over with us."
Then they were gone and Tadashi remembered how to breathe about the same time Hiro smacked his arm.
"What the heck dude?" his little brother demanded, "Why were you so rude to them? They were only being nice."
"You're right," Tadashi said after a long pause, forcing a carefree and slightly apologetic smile across his face, "I'm sorry."
He handed his brother- as a means of a peace offering- his dinner, and after another long pause of Hiro pouting, he finally relented. Tadashi made sure to sit him on the side of the bed against the wall, watching affectionately as Hiro switched from feeding Mochi to eating his own meal and eventually Tadashi's heart calmed back down to normal as they sat in silence.
He knew Hiro was right, his behavior towards the strangers had been completely uncalled for, but they had caught him off guard. He couldn't help the panicked feeling he felt when he saw those people so close to his brother, of those people approaching his brother while he was out. It sent shivers down his spine as something icy solidified in his stomach.
He wrapped his arm back around Hiro's shoulders; Hiro gave him a weird look but shrugged and continued back to cuddling with Mochi. Tadashi found comfort in that.
Eventually night fell, the room darkening as their only light source sank behind the horizon and Hiro yawned. His head eventually dropped against Tadashi's shoulder, eyes blinking stubbornly as he tried fighting off sleep. Tadashi knew it wouldn't be long until Hiro's body would drag him under completely.
Carefully, as to not disrupt his brother, Tadashi laid Hiro's limp form on the bed. Hiro murmured something undistinguishable under his breathe before curling in on himself. It was only a matter of time before Hiro's body was sprawled across the small bed, but at the moment Tadashi admired the adorable expression that smoothed Hiro's face into a more vulnerable one.
Mochi curled up against Hiro's shoulders, large dark eyes blinking at Tadashi in the darkness.
He doesn't belong in a place like this, they seemed to say and Tadashi just sighed because he already knew that.
"It's alright now," Tadashi whispered softly as he reached over to stroke behind the cat's ears, "We'll figure this out. I'll take care of him."
Mochi just blinked again before nuzzling Hiro's neck, purring contently. Soon the cat was dozing off too, leaving Tadashi to stare at both of them in the dark.
The bed was small, too small for two people, but they've both been skinny and with Hiro pressed tightly against the wall Tadashi was able to lay down. Not before he pressed a firm kiss against his brother's temple though.
"I love you little brother," he murmured softly as he curled Hiro against his chest and allowed sleep to take him.
Sometime in the middle of the night, it happened- much like Tadashi expected it too.
He isn't sure what alerted him but, when it came to his brother, he always seemed to just know. Cass had used to laugh at him, calling him overprotective but he always knew it was more than that. It was like his job, his duty to know when something was up with Hiro.
Anything, no matter how small.
So he found himself suddenly emerging from sleep, Hiro's tangled legs in his own and the sheets knocked off the bed beside them. Mochi was awake, dark eyes watching Hiro as the younger boy's face twisted and he murmured soft words under his breath.
"No. Nononono. Aunt Cass. Tadashi. Come back. Don't leave me," he breathed, twitching ever-so-slightly.
Realization dawned on Tadashi almost instantly.
A nightmare, of the fire.
"Shh little brother," Tadashi soothed, mind flashing back to the fire and something cold and eerie crept down his spine as he squeezed his brother a little tighter, "It's alright. I'm not going anywhere."
Hiro just mumbled under his breath again, shivering, but Tadashi doubted it had anything to being cold. He held Hiro a little tighter, willing the nightmare to pass.
The brothers had always been different on how they've dealt with pain, Tadashi knew. He felt it all the time, the hurt lingering in his chest like razor blades; slicing up his heart until it felt like a bloody mess. Hiro, on the other hand, was an expert of distracting himself from feeling the pain up until he went to sleep where nightmares constantly plagued him. Reminding him of his emotions.
Luckily, for both of them, they've learned to adapt to the other.
Whenever Tadashi was sad or hurt, Hiro made sure to remain at his side until the feelings passed. To remind Tadashi that he wasn't alone, and that there was still people out there who loved him and enjoyed seeing him smile. Tadashi did the same with Hiro, but while he slept.
Hiro twitched, his childish face twisting even more as his breathing hitched.
Mochi was gazing at Tadashi now. Tadashi ignored the cat, bending over to plant another firm kiss against Hiro's temple as he whispered silent promises he's never shared with another soul in his life- would never want to because even if he survived long enough to find a pretty woman whom loved him and settled down, Hiro will always be the most important person in his life. The light at the end of his never-ending tunnel of darkness.
Eventually Hiro settled back down. His muscles went lax and limp, his face changing back to a peaceful expression as Tadashi kissed his forehead once more.
It had happened occasionally- Hiro's nightmares- while they were still living with Aunt Cass. Now she was gone and all either brother had was each other.
Something soft tapped the hand he had unconsciously raised so he was able to pet thick black hair back. Brown eyes focused on the ball of orange, white and black and his brain autocorrected.
All they had were each other and a cat.
With that thought, he drifted back to sleep.
He woke to Hiro staring at him, which was considered creepy under any circumstance- he didn't care what anybody said otherwise. He also knew it was something he'd never ever get used to.
"Hiro," he growled after he may or may not have let out an undignified scream as he narrowed his angry gaze at his brother, "What are you doing?"
"Waiting for you to wake up," Hiro replied like it was obvious as he sat up and pet Mochi good morning.
Tadashi rolled his eyes but appreciated the gesture. Hiro's always been the early bird out of the two of them, waking up at inhumane hours in the morning. It made sense he would've woken up before Tadashi and since they were practically tangled together on the bed so they could both fit, the second he tried getting up would've instantly alerted Tadashi and awakened him also.
He still reached out to poke his finger against Hiro's head as he snapped, "Don't stare at people while they're sleeping. It's creepy."
"Alright, jeez sleeping beauty," Hiro grumbled rubbing the spot he'd just been poked at, "I didn't realize you required so much."
"Its common sense," Tadashi reasoned as he moved to sit back beside his brother and Mochi, "to not watch people while they slept."
"Well… what would you like me to do?" Hiro snapped back, "It's not exactly like I had anywhere to go."
"Correct," Tadashi affirmed with another forehead poke, "because you're not allowed anywhere by yourself. And, before you ask, no. Mochi doesn't count as company."
Hiro's head dropped as he rubbed his forehead and grumbled, "Why are you being such a fun killer?"
"Because," Tadashi elaborated dramatically, grinning internally at the way Hiro winced as he spoke, "I'm your older brother, and that's my job. Plus, you're incapable of going anywhere alone without bumping into some sort of trouble."
Hiro pouted- rather adorably- as he grumbled from the side of his mouth, "The question was meant to be rhetorical, and I go places without getting in trouble."
"Oh really?" Tadashi drawled, more out of teasing his brother than anything else, but then Hiro's expression dropped and he seemed suddenly so sad that Tadashi's heart ached.
"I'm sorry about the other night, I didn't mean for Aunt Cass to die," and Tadashi's never heard so much wrong in one sentence.
"Hiro, the fire wasn't your fault," Tadashi reassured softly as he bumped Hiro's shoulder supportively, "and we'll get through this. We're strong, you and I."
Hiro snorted under his breath but his hands had relaxed back on his lap as he said, "You sound like one of those soap opera actors Aunt Cass used to watch when she thought no one else was around."
Tadashi allowed his grin to cross back on his features as he shivered dramatically and spoke in a hurt tone, "I do not. I'm a way better actor. After all, I have you to practice on."
Hiro grinned, head still bowed, as he replied, "Keep dreaming, nerd. The only thing you've got going for you is your adorably precious little brother."
"I'm sorry, who's dreaming? That would be you, little brother," Tadashi teased back, reaching out and ruffling Hiro's matted hair.
That's when Tadashi remembered neither one of them has taken a bath in two days- one of those they spent sleeping in an alley covered in ash and cinder. Not to mention they were both boys and were probably starting to smell as funky as the room they currently sat in.
"Alright," Tadashi decided as he climbed to his feet, jerking Hiro up with him, "Come on. We need to find a place to bathe and then find something to eat."
Hiro just nodded, submissive because he was still hurting. Mochi climbed back on Hiro's shoulder, curling his slightly fat body protectively around his neck, like an expensive scarf Cass would drool over when she thought they weren't paying attention.
Hiro laughed, reaching up to pet Mochi on the nose as he followed Tadashi through the rows of people.
A part of the shelter was a somewhat small bathroom complete with a large public bathing area filled with cold water that's changed once a day. It was free, though, and most of the other occupants sharing the shelter were still asleep. The bath was empty anyways.
"Come on little brother, strip," Tadashi commanded already disrobing.
Hiro blushed, shaking his head in denial as he protested, "We're brothers, Tadashi. We can't bathe together."
"Sure. It's not like I haven't seen you naked before," Tadashi shrugged off in that annoyingly dismissive tone only older siblings could pull off.
Hiro's blush deepened as he squeaked, "Dude!"
"Come on Hiro," Tadashi urged, already naked and climbing into the cold water.
It was chilly and sent goosebumps across his skin, but it wasn't freezing. He looked up at a still fully robed Hiro expectantly, waving his hand impatiently.
"Come on before someone decides to join us," he urged and Hiro quickly removed his clothing, throwing them in a crumpled pile beside Tadashi's before he climbed in.
Tadashi grinned, going over to start cleaning Hiro's head with the shared soap. Hiro squawked again, moving as if trying to get away but Tadashi held him firmly in place as he created a lather in the thick black nest Hiro calls hair.
He had just finished both their hair and was turning his attention to washing their clothes, Hiro preoccupied with trying to force Mochi to bathe, when the door opened and a large man with arms as thick as Tadashi's thighs strolled in. He grinned upon seeing both of them.
"Pretty little boys," he purred in a way that made Tadashi ill; Hiro went bone white before a bright crimson as he refocused on the tangled mess that was Mochi.
The man quickly disrobed before joining both of them. Tadashi made sure to herd Hiro back against a corner, his body directly between them, but the man seemed to forget that they were there. He was too busy washing his own massive hairy chest.
It was disgusting, and Tadashi was thankful when he finished, hurrying his brother out from the bath. The man focused beady eyes on Hiro then, reaching out as if to touch him when Tadashi caught his wrist and bent it far enough to break bone.
"No touching, okay?" Tadashi asked in a deceptively sweet tone before he released the guy.
By then, Hiro was already dressed in his wet clothes and Tadashi quickly threw his own clothes back on before ushering Hiro out of the room. Several more people- some male, some female- passed by to bathe. He hurried his brother outside, spending the least amount money he could on an extra set of clothes for the both of them.
"Here," he told his brother who seemed to still be recovering from the bathing incident, "Change into this so you won't catch a cold."
By then, they had enough money to feed the three of them for several more weeks. It wasn't a lot, and he knew they needed to find a steady income somewhere or they'll starve but it was a good starting place.
He treated Hiro to a cheaper restaurant, sitting in a crowded room full of people to enjoy the meal. Hiro seemed content, by then, the bathing incident all but forgotten and oblivious of all the strange looks they were receiving from people- the wad of nearly dry clothes sitting on the booth beside Tadashi.
After breakfast, they strolled around near the shelter. It was a part of the city neither of them have ever explored before and since it was going to be their new home he figured they might as well scope it out, and when the sun reached the middle of the sky Tadashi purchased Hiro another piece of stuffed bread, which Hiro instantly split in half.
"You need to eat too," he explained as he shoved the piece in his hands before heading back towards the shelter with a cheeky grin, "Quit fretting all the time."
Tadashi's eyes widened as he stared down at the food, stomach growling in betrayal. Then a genuine grin spread across his features as he followed him back to the hot and stuffy shelter to fold their spare clothes, wrap it in a sheet from their bed and stuff it all under whatever served as their mattress.
"So high maintenance," Hiro grumbled as he rolled his eyes and plopped down on the bed to pet Mochi.
"Shut up knucklehead," Tadashi replied with nothing but affection as he poked Hiro on the forehead, settling beside him to scratch Mochi behind the ears.
"Stop doing that!" Hiro protested, rubbing his head but didn't bother brushing off Tadashi as he wrapped a secure arm around his shoulders.
They were going to make it through this, some part of Tadashi thought determinedly, all three of them.
Here we have, Chapter 4 of this story that seems to be creeping at a snail's pace. Sorry, the chapters will be poster whenever I find the time to do so and I ask for you to have patience with me. Thank you. Good news, though, we've gotten past the worst part... just kidding. But, seriously, the story is already rolling into motion. More characters have already entered, so you can expect more in the future.
SPECIAL NOTES:
- Again, the shelters are something I made up, not at all involved in either Big Hero 6 nor Avatar. They function as homeless homes but so much worst because they have zero money and it's a miracle they are able to keep the bathe functioning. Although they don't have to worry about people not in the shelter using it because it's kind of gross and used only by the desperate. The very desperate.
- Mochi is unlike any cat. He's kind and very welcoming to the brothers, which is not impossible for cats. My girl cat is super friendly to an annoying degree and, yes, I am using a mixture of her and movie-Mochi for this Mochi in this story.
- Tadashi is friendly but also protective. I apologize if he came off kind of harsh towards Wasabi and Honey Lemon but he just lost his aunt and left to return to see people he didn't recognize with his brother. It freaked him out. No worries, though, he'll get better. Probably.
- Honey Lemon, Wasabi and GoGo are all also orphans living in the same shelter as the brothers. I know, what are the odds? They also all know each other. Fred is not an occupant of the shelter but frequently visits his friends from another life time. The man in charge of the shelter is neither Callaghan nor Krei and will probably remain nameless. Baymax is yet to be seen.
- The shelters are very low tech. Like, seriously, zero technology. The only light source they have is the sun (sorry if that was unclear. I thought it was but meh) and they receive it through the windows carved in the wood. No, the shelters are not very secure but only people with nothing left go to one. Who would want to attack that? Hardly anybody, though the same can't be said for those living in the shelter.
If you have any questions you want cleared up, or just nag about my sporadic writing, don't be afraid to tell me. Any criticism will be taken under serious consideration and all mistakes found are mine so don't be afraid to point them out. I try to fix as many as possible but perfection is a fleeting little thing. Quite slippery, if I do say so myself.