Setting: After series
Genre: General/Angst/Romance (this part contains a make-out)
Rating: PG
Summary: Four years is a long time to be missing, but it doesn't stop Barnaby from trying to find his partner, Wild Tiger, who went MIA those four years ago. By chance, a man of strikingly similar warmth crosses his path; he is everything that Kotetsu was, but at the same time everything about him is wrong.

Once Lost Yet to Return

There was a moment of surprised silence in the room when Barnaby walked in on a crutch before he was bombarded with a flurry of furious questions from Nathan and Antonio, the others somewhat confused but no less concerned about the events leading up to this. Barnaby tried to calm them down, saying he was fine and feeling better than he had in a long time. Kaede tried not to giggle at how flustered the others were getting while Barnaby simply stood there with a warm smile on his face. Antonio's attention finally went to the girl standing in the room with them, before turning to the blond man with a sharp nagging glare. Barnaby assured him that the academy knew she was here, the teen adding in that she just had to see this. Everyone only blinked at the pair, even more confused at the exchange of smiles between the two before Kaede ran back through the doors, returning minutes later as she dragged in a man behind her.

The newcomer didn't say anything, but Nathan and Antonio knew who he was – at least who they thought he was – going on defense before Barnaby held a hand up, saying it was not what they thought. They both gave him a skeptical look, Barnaby struggling with what the best way to explain this was, but just ended up blurting out it was Kotetsu. There was a long pause as all eyes just stared in shock at the man standing in the center of the room; they barely recognized him as their Kotetsu. His hair was cut short, spiking up naturally on its own, his face clean of any facial hair let alone the traditional trademark kittens of Wild Tiger, but the smile – the warm glow in his honey-brown eyes was scarily familiar.

After a quick round of rapid fire questions and the man answering them all correctly, the room settled back into silent shock, as if still trying to comprehend the situation. Kotetsu remained quiet, letting the news sink in with everyone as each tried to process the information. Karina was the first to make a move, slowly approaching him with an almost fearful look, hands over her chest. He smiled at her, giving her a slight nod as he greeted her. Tears welded up in her eyes, before running at him, nearly knocking him over as she threw her arms around his torso, crying against his chest. Kotetsu made a small noise in surprise at the unexpected pounce, before letting out a soft sigh as he slowly embraced her back, planting a friendly peck against her hair.

He caught eyes with Pao-lin, seeing the young teen tearing up, biting down on her lower lip as she stood where she was. He held an arm out to her, and the blonde didn't even hesitant, arms circling around him and Karina as the tears flowed freely down her face. Kotetsu also gave her a small peck on the head, whispering soft apologies to them as he held the two girls tight. Feeling left out of the group, Nathan came up to them, looking with a hopeful sparkle in his eyes as he asked for a kiss as well. Kotetsu only laughed, tapping a finger to his cheek; not wanting to miss the opportunity, Nathan reached his arms around the veteran's neck, giving the biggest, warmest and most heartfelt kiss he could muster on the smooth cheek. Kotetsu laughed – he was fairly certain he had a pink smudge now from the fiery Hero's lipstick.

Thankfully Keith and Ivan just settled for a hearty handshake and a good pat on the shoulder once Kotetsu managed to detangle himself from the girls, laughing at Keith's typical habit of repeating his words. He then looked to the only person who hadn't moved since he entered the room. Antonio didn't say anything, looking torn between wanting to hug Kotetsu or slug him; the hug evidently won out in the end as he approached and pulled Kotetsu into the tightest bear hug he could manage, sobbing miserably against the smaller shoulder. Kotetsu only laughed, tapping his friend's side to get him to let go, teasing him that a man his age shouldn't be bawling like a baby.

After getting all the tears settled and everyone was seated down on the chairs provided, Kaede sat close to her father as he began retelling everything he could finally remember. He recalled his struggle with the NEXT thief underwater, how the wound in his side was made worse when the guy dragged the red blade further. A hand reached for his side subconsciously, knowing there was a jarring scar there as a reminder. He continued on, remembering he had let the thief go out of shock from the pain before the NEXT crossed his blades and slashed him hard across the chest, effectively decimating his armor. He considered himself lucky that the suit's material was thick, or he probably would've been sliced through without it. Everyone flinched at the thought of it. He somehow managed to get hold of the thief again, but after he felt the other stop struggling everything was blank and the next time he regained consciousness, he was in a hospital without a single clue to who he was.

"You couldn't remember anything at all?" Pao-lin asked leaning forward on her seat. Kotetsu only shook his head.

"Nothing. If I had to describe myself at the time, it was like I was a child who just gained self-awareness for the first time," he answered. "I remembered all the basic functions and how to read and write, but everything else – gone. I was given the name 'Akira Hurst' and just started life anew with a clean slate."

"But still – three years is a long time, one would think some of your memories would've come back to you," Nathan pointed out.

"I think – I was given something to keep my memories repressed," Kotetsu answered with a grim face. "I remember getting these shots during…training. I was told some bullshit excuse about it being for my health, but I seriously doubt that now." It was mildly surprising to see how casually the man swore in front of his own daughter, but the detail was brushed aside for now; Kaede's probably heard it more than enough times in school anyways. Kotetsu continued on with his life story, how he spent three months after his release from the hospital searching for his past, the events that led up to him accepting life as is, and how he stumbled into the assassination business he had been part of for nearly two years.

"And you never questioned it? You never felt it was wrong what you did?" Ivan asked, leaning his hands on his knees. The dark-haired man had explained how it worked, how it was typically a team of two, and the targets didn't matter as long as the price was paid. Kotetsu didn't answer right away, avoiding the eyes watching him, waiting for his answer as his face went blank.

"It – wasn't something I thought of at the time," he replied hesitantly. "I thought I was trying to repay a debt, but I didn't realise exactly what I was to…" He trailed off, staring down at the floor to avoid the curious gazes everyone was giving him, remaining as silent as stone. Nathan let out a sigh as he crossed one leg over the other, arm folding across his chest.

"You shouldn't be keeping this kind of information from us, dear," he scolded lightly. Kotetsu visibly flinched, but otherwise kept his gaze to the floor. "This is valuable details – if we know who is behind all this, we can work with the Justice Bureau and –"

"NO!" Kotetsu suddenly snapped, jerking his head up to give them a sharp look. Everyone was startled by the sudden outburst, a puzzling look appearing on each of their faces as Kotetsu bit his lip before glancing away from them. Even Barnaby was surprised by response; he and Kotetsu had talked a little bit after they had left the hospital and went back to the blonde's apartment, but it had mostly been trivial things. Nothing about what the man had talked about now; Kotetsu let out a sigh, threading his fingers through short, dark auburn strands as he tried to gather his thought to explain himself.

"Look, you know don't know what they're capable of; they'll know when the Heroes are on to them – these aren't the kind of people you can touch," he started explaining. "They have connections you'd never even expect, and…they'll figure out I'm still alive and I really don't want them after me." There was a momentary of confusion at that, before Barnaby and Kaede filled in the gaps, explaining what had happened last night, how Barnaby got the injury in his leg and Kotetsu's memories returning. He explained the setup to fake his death, and why he had to do it that way.

"This isn't something you can just 'walk away' from; there's no such thing as 'retiring' to them," Kotetsu answered with a dark tone. "There were guys even older than me still killing, because the second you're unable to hold a gun steady, they 'forcibly' retire you. They take no chances with loose-ends."

"Even if you say that, you're with us now. You can be guaranteed protection until we can take them down," Nathan assured, the others nodding in agreement. Kotetsu only shook his head.

"It's not just me they'd be after – they'd go after everyone close to me and I can't… I don't want to put everyone in that kind of danger," his voice shook a little, hands curling into fists as amber-brown eyes stared down at the floor. An odd unsettling silence fell between them, staring at the man completely different from the one they all used to know. This timid, almost frightened side of him was something they had never seen before; they have seen him hold things in, brush worries aside when he felt it would only be troublesome to others, but to see him this honest – this open about a daunting worrying like this. This was the man who always used to jump head first into danger if lives were at stake; this was the man who always threw caution to the wind, charging ahead without a plan or thinking for the consequences of his actions. So to see him so – reluctant to fight against an organization of assassins who killed anyone for the right price – it was a hard concept to grasp.

"But – you're Wild Tiger," Karina spoke up timidly. "You – you were always the most dedicated and enthusiastic Hero; you came back from your retirement despite your power loss. You…" her words faded, looking down at her lap to avoid seeing the man gravely shake his head in response.

"I can't be a Hero – not anymore; how can I trust myself to save lives when I've taken so many in return these past two years," he argued back softly. Karina wanted to open her mouth, to say some form of encouragement, of hope – like he had done for her when she had been lost about her career – but nothing would come out. She felt a hand firmly clasp hers, blinking up at Ivan slowly shaking his head; she grounded her teeth, hoping it would stop the threat of tears building up in her eyes. A heavy silence descended between them, the realisation sinking in that they had all tried to ignore – Kotetsu had killed. Even if he wasn't fully conscious of it himself, it still didn't change the fact. Kaede glanced between the Heroes and her father with worrying eyes, before taking his hand with hers.

"I don't care how many people you've killed!" she blurted out suddenly. Amber-brown eyes blinked at her in surprise, the girl swallowing a breath to continue on now that she had spoken. "I mean, I know it's horrible, but you had no idea who you really were at the time! It's not your fault! You're still my dad – always will be and nothing is going to change that!" Kotetsu only gave her an owl look, stern dark brown eyes staring up at him expectantly, a stubborn look on her face as she held her breath in anticipation for his response. He smiled with a sigh, placing his other hand over hers.

"Thank you, Kaede – but I've already come to terms with it as Akira," he assured. Despite saying that, there was a definite relief in his eyes at hearing those words, as if his daughter's view about him was all he needed to be completely sure of himself. A wide smile broke out across the teen's face before they drew their hands apart, glancing around the room to see the others with brighter smiles on their faces.

"…Give me some time – I want to readjust again. I just – want to re-establish myself as Kaburagi, Kotetsu," he pleaded quietly. "And maybe then – I'll help with bringing those bastards down, alright?" There were soft murmurs of understanding, although it would've been much preferred to strike sooner than later, but for now – everyone was just glad to have their lost friend back, alive and breathing. They talked away from the assassin matter for now, and began playing catch-up on all the things Kotetsu had missed out for these past four years. Barnaby kept mostly quiet throughout the whole thing, allowing the others to update the man on what's been going on; without a place to go, Kotetsu was staying with him for now – they had plenty of time to enjoy each other's company. The thought made him smile – this time, definitely, they would have all the time in the world.

-8-

The evening sky was illuminated by the lights below, sparkling like diamonds as they exposed the night life of the city. The pale glow shone through the large wall windows, casting an eerie shadow over his facial features as he sat on the ledge, leaning up against the glass. He wished he could appreciate it better – this view he hadn't seen in long a while, but without his glasses it was nothing more than a medley of colours blurred together. Kotetsu sighed, leaning his head against the window; sitting in a dark room with nothing but the city lights below was oddly refreshing. He used to think it was depressing whenever he thought of how his partner used to sit like this – alone in the dark with nothing but thoughts of revenge, and memories of his parents' death. Now – it was kind of calming, peaceful almost.

"So – how did it go?" a light voice asked from behind. Kotetsu looked up to see Barnaby limping into the main room, still toweling off his hair with one hand the other clutching the cane tight.

"Not as I expected, but not any less teary," Kotetsu answered with a light laugh. He had called his mother while the blond was in the shower; it had been an awkward beginning for both of them before she finally broke down in tears, Kotetsu unable to keep his own from falling as she apologized for giving up on him. He didn't blame her – he couldn't, saying it was alright and that four years was a pretty long time for someone to go missing. They had talked for a little while, Kotetsu avoiding a lot of the gorier details for her sake and even had a quick exchange with his brother, Muramasa. That hadn't been quite a tearful, but it was no less emotional, Muramasa simply saying he was glad his little brother was alive. He had hung up just a few minutes ago before Barnaby reappeared, simply taking in the view he never realised he missed. Barnaby limped over to the ledge by the window, wincing as he careful sat himself across from his partner.

"Need a hand?" Kotetsu offered, but the blond shook his head.

"It's fine, I can manage," he replied. Once he was seated comfortably and mindful of his injury, the two fell into a comfortable silence, each gazing out to the cityscape far below them. It didn't feel any different from all the times Kotetsu had invited himself over in the past, staying up late as they bantered, poked fun at each other, talked, drank on occasions – but something was different. Forest green gazed into the night with a blank look; he had felt something strongly for Akira, even after getting hurt, those feelings lingered and Akira had felt something similar for him. So where did their relationship stand now? Now that there was no more Akira, what were Kotetsu's feelings towards him? How would their relationship as partners, as friends, change from this? Barnaby jumped at the hand firmly grabbing his, looking up at Kotetsu with a puzzled look; the other wasn't looking at him, gazing down at their hands.

"Just so you know…my feelings for you as Akira haven't changed," he spoke hesitantly. Barnaby felt his breath catch for a moment, Kotetsu taking his hand to lift close to his face, gently pressing his lips against slender fingers. The blond blushed. "I think, maybe some part of me subconsciously knew, or maybe some part of me had already been in love with you, but I just never realised it." There was a pause, a dark colour flushing across tanned cheeks as the hand around his tightened, amber eyes still not matching his mint green ones. Kotetsu took in a few deep breaths, trying to organize his thoughts into coherent sense before he continued on.

"I know I did something horrible to you as Akira and no amount of apologies is going to fix it…"

"That – it wasn't your fault," the younger began, but Kotetsu held a hand up.

"Please, let me finish," he pleaded. Barnaby closed his mouth, slowly nodding his head. Kotetsu took in a deep breath, finally lifting his head up to gaze eye to eye with the blond. "I'm not asking for forgiveness – I know I've broken our trust then, but I…I just want to know what – you feel about me? Not as Akira Hurst, but Kaburagi, Kotetsu." They simply sat there staring at each other, the emptiness of the apartment floating between them as they awaited the response, an unsure expression on the blonde's face. What did Barnaby feel towards Kotetsu now? The man had always been a prominent figure in his life as they drew closer together as partners and as friends; he had been used to seeing Kotetsu as that guiding light, someone who would always be there to pick him up when he fell. Someone who could lead him back to the right path if he lost his way, but he never really thought hard about their relation, what they meant to each other beyond just being partners, beyond anything really. The ongoing silence made Kotetsu a little anxious, fearing he had gotten his answer as he slowly let the other's hand go.

"You…are Akira," Barnaby spoke up hastily. Honey-brown eyes blinked at him in confusion; the blond continued. "And – Akira is you. There were parts of you in him, and I still see parts of him in you. Honestly, if I had to describe it – Akira was just a more mature, dignified version of you." He reached out for the other's hand, Kotetsu surprised by the gesture as pale fingers tighten around his. Barnaby ducked his head down to hide his own blush, jolting slightly at the hand brushing through still damp honey-blond locks. He risked a glance up, seeing a timid, hopeful look in amber-brown eyes as the hand moved from his hair to his face, gently cupping his cheek. He moved closer, flinching at the stab of pain in his leg when he moved the wrong way, earning a concerned gaze, but otherwise brushed it aside as he closed the space between them. He gently touched his lips to Kotetsu's, hesitant, waiting for the other's reaction, feeling him press firmly, the hand traveling to tangle in wavy blond tresses.

It was slow, reluctant at first, as if both were unsure if this was really the right thing to do at the moment, before Barnaby felt a breath of sigh release itself from Kotetsu's shoulders, feeling him part his lips to deepen the kiss. He complied reaching his tongue out to meet the other's, an arm going around the back of the man's neck to pull them even closer. Kotetsu pushed past Barnaby's tongue, stroking the roof of his mouth, under his tongue, across his teeth; he moaned, a fluttering warm feeling flooding his stomach as the dark-haired man roamed his mouth. The two broke apart for a breath, panting heavily and faces flushed red as green clashed with brown, the chilled air of the apartment prickling their heated skin. Kotetsu pulled away further, giving the blond a half smile.

"So…I guess we have something now?"

"That depends – how long do you intend to stay?" Barnaby asked half-jokingly.

"As long as you are alive for, if you'll let me," Kotetsu answered tenderly. He leaned forward to capture the pale pink lips of his partner again, kissing him again softly, but not quite as deeply as the last one. Barnaby sighed into the kiss, enjoying the warmth, the smooth feel of Kotetsu's skin against his; Kotetsu touched his forehead to the blonde's.

"It's late – we should probably get some sleep," he suggested. Barnaby only hummed, Kotetsu standing up first before helping the injured man to his feet and help supported him as they headed to the bedroom together. He offered to help the other undress, but Barnaby assured he was able to do it himself, pointing out to the closet where Kotetsu could borrow some sleep clothes. With both in their sleep attire, Kotetsu pulled back to the covers for them, both climbing on to the mattress and sliding under the sheets as they settled for a good night's sleep.

Barnaby laid on his back, staring up at the blank dark ceiling, but he could feel the other's eyes on him, turning his eyes to gaze into honey-brown eyes. He held his hand up to his head, Kotetsu reaching out to take it as they gave each other an assuring squeeze. Neither of them was going to disappear in the morning – they'd be right there when they woke up, and figure out what to do with their lives from there. Sleep came easily, both drifting into pleasant dreams with smiles on their faces.

-Chapter Seventeen/End-