Title: & Bunny – chapter seventeen
Author/Artist: Cheza-chan
Pairing/Characters: Kaburagi Kotetsu / Barnaby Brooks Jr.
Rating: R (M for Mature)
Genre: Alternate Timeline; science-fiction; superheroes.
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters, and I definitely don't own the sponsors that they wear.
Summary/Notes:Taking Ben's advice, Kotetsu decides to separate himself from Hero TV and the Heroes of Sternbild.
Kotetsu sat up with a scream, a hand to his chest. It took a few moments before the lack of pain registered. Taking a quick glance around, he saw that only whiteness surrounded him, but he felt safe; warm. The last thing he remembered was using the last of his Hundred Power to keep the abomination that carried his face from moving so Barnaby could deliver the final blow. That, and the searing fire that tried to eat away at him. "I'm dead," he sighed in realization.
"Not quite," a soft, feminine voice stated; a familiar voice. Kotetsu looked around, but he didn't have to look far. Tomoe smiled brightly at him and the scenery changed. They were now seated atop a grassy knoll, a gentle breeze causing the blades of grass to sway.
"Not quite is not 'no'," Kotetsu told her, leaning back, his arms keeping him upright.
Tomoe tucked her hair back with a soft laugh. "You're in a lot of pain, emotional and physical, and this is you escaping from it."
'Emotional…'
"Both forms of your pain are centered around Barnaby, because… well, he did shoot you with that cannon." Tomoe giggled at her own expense. Kotetsu glanced at his deceased wife, his expression a myriad of emotions. "Now you're worried that you've upset your memory of me," she hummed, feigning innocence. Tomoe folded her hands in her lap, her long hair curtaining her features off from the man. "You think about me, every day," she began.
Kotetsu sat up straight, leaning towards her. "I can't—"
"I want you to move on."
His hand, reaching out for her, froze.
Tomoe tucked her hair back once more, the brilliant smile on her face directed at him. "It's not my job to protect you anymore, and you no longer have to protect me. I've always been with you—always will be with you, but… your new life is just beginning and I don't want you to miss a minute of it because of me." She closed her eyes, tilting her head as though listening for something. "They're crying for you… Can you hear them?"
Kotetsu closed his eyes, listening closely. Distantly, he heard Kaede cry for him to wake up; a choked sob of his name from Blue Rose. And maybe it was just an image he created for himself, but he pictured Barnaby, tears falling down his face. Kotetsu smiled, "He's such a crybaby."
"And you're not?" Tomoe teased with a giggle.
Kotetsu sighed, opening his hands to stare down at his lap. "He needs me, but… but most of all, I think… I need him."
"I'm not being rude, dear, but… thinking's not your specialty."
Kotetsu lifted his head to show her his hurt, but only surprise was reflected on his face after finding Tomoe's face now inches from his. She cupped his face gently, leaning in to press a kiss to his forehead.
"Just feel."
At her order, the pain returned, but it wasn't as strong. The sunshine-filled afternoon scene receded, back into the smiling apparition that floated before him.
"Go. They're all waiting."
-0-0-0-
There was darkness now, but there were also sounds. An assortment of sounds, from exhausted panting, to pained groaning; angry shouting, and that gloating voice that crawled beneath his skin to irritate him. Kotetsu's eyes fluttered open, focusing on the city's light that flooded in through the hole in the side of the building. A hole created from the plasma blast. 'Get up,' he told himself.
"Kaede-chan…" he heard Blue Rose whimper.
That was all the extra push he needed—his daughter was in danger—to rise onto his feet.
He was still hidden behind his helmet, but Barnaby's mouth hung open, his eyes wide as he stared at the silhouette moving behind Maverick, Kaede held hostage in the crook of the man's arm.
Seeing everyone's reactions to what stood at his back, Maverick turned. His eyes widened in shock—"You?!" he squawked—then narrowed. He lifted the gun, a new target in mind, but the weapon was knocked aside.
Kotetsu put all of his dislike—or were his feelings strong enough to be considered "hatred"?—into the punch that promptly floored Maverick. He straightened up, lowering his arms to his sides. He glanced at Kaede before turning his focus on the group standing at the other side of the building. With a smirk, Kotetsu raised two fingers in mock salute. "I've come back from the depths of Hell," he boasted. Even with the Heroes that wore helmets, Kotetsu could see their confused, somewhat shocked stares. He rambled on, stopping only when his partner spoke his name.
Barnaby moved forward, his gait awkward thanks to the transformed leg of his suit. He tilted the faceplate of his helmet back, revealing a small smile and green eyes that shimmered with unshed tears. After the horror they'd just been through—the small army of faceless android drones programmed only to destroy them—knowing Kotetsu was still alive was a welcome surprise.
Kotetsu hid his smile. 'Crybaby.'
"Kotetsu-san. I thought you were dead."
Kotetsu, eyes wide, feigned hurt. "Don't go killing me off." He raised his hands, squeezing his eyes shut as he remembered it. "I passed out… from the pain! Did you even check my pulse?" There was no darkness behind his closed lids. Tomoe smiled at him, lifting a hand in a wave. When he opened his eyes, the only one there was Barnaby.
Barnaby hadn't even thought to check for a pulse—he'd been so terrified that he'd never be able to see Kotetsu again; never be able to apologize… for so many things. Without hesitation, he threw his arms around the older man. Kotetsu smiled, wasting no time in returning the young man's embrace. They were granted a few moments together before Kaede plastered herself to her father's side, silent tears of relief falling from her eyes. Kotetsu lowered his left arm, curling it around her to hold her close. His other arm was still wrapped around Barnaby. Blue Rose, not wanting to be left out, circled the trio, pressing herself against Kotetsu's back, sobbing openly. Kotetsu looked over his shoulder, laughing sheepishly. Everything felt right.
Origami Cyclone chose that moment to outrageously—see: throwing the giant shuriken he carries on his back—warn them that Maverick was attempting to escape.
After spewing his thoughts and beliefs about what "justice" really meant, Apollon Media's former CEO left the group with one cryptic statement, "Ouroboros will never be finished." Maverick's body became outlined in blue as he activated his NEXT abilities. He stared out at the glittering city below, slowly raising his hands to his head. To keep all his secrets safe, he took them away from himself, along with his mental faculties. He still had control over his motor functions, but Albert Maverick was now a "vegetable".
X
"Do you think he realizes he's not wearing his mask?" a female voice scoffed.
A male responded to her question, a hint of laughter in his voice, "Do you think he cares, given everything that's taken place? Besides, only certain people are allowed near the Justice Tower, so he's probably safe."
"He's… retiring from being a Hero."
The duo turned toward the third figure that stood with them on a nearby rooftop. Her body glowed in a soft light. Evelyn was eavesdropping on the conversation below. It had been difficult, finding foliage close enough to the building, but an untreated weed had been her opening. The light around her faded and she opened her eyes, staring down at the front of the Justice Tower where fire trucks were lined up. "They're both retiring."
"A little drastic, don'cha think?" Dark Star wrinkled her nose. She looked between their siblings; both wore matching looks of guilt. "You think we had something to do with it? This was all that man's fault! 's why I'm freelance."
The corner of Radboud's lip curled up at her comment and he shook his head. "No, you're not to blame, but I am, somewhat…" He exhaled deeply, the flickering lights below appearing dimmed from the shadowy perspective of the shades he wore. "No sense pointing fingers now. They've obviously made up their minds."
The silence that followed was, of course, broken by Dark Star's tactless comment, "Well. This Christmas sucked…"
"It did," Evelyn sighed, giggling softly.
It was quite obvious that even Ouroboros was capable of missing Heroes.
"Ah!" Using Radboud's shoulder, Dark Star looked off into the distance where a blue glow could be seen. "Is that a bonfire? It's the perfect time for one. Should we go roast marshmallows?"
Radboud shrugged her away, but grinned nonetheless. "I think we just lost our benefactor. No matter. We've already been paid in full. Let's go, girls." He turned away from the ledge of the roof, heading for the door that would take them back inside.
Dark Star slung an arm around the redhead's shoulder, pressing her cheek against Evelyn's. "Do you think Lunatic will ever come after us?" she murmured.
"No," Evelyn answered truthfully.
The brunette grinned, dragging her friend along to where Radboud waited at the open door.
His first attempt at a normal life had been improperly done. He was given a second chance, and this time his resignation was announced to many, which meant there was no guilt when he escaped back to Oriental Town. Kaede was busy catching up with school, so Kotetsu spent most of the cold weather curled up beneath the kotatsu, enjoying the warmth beneath the blanket.
Now that it was summer of the new year, though, she'd had enough of her father moping around the house.
Sprawled on the floor of his room, Kotetsu stared, upside-down, at the glaring pre-teen.
"Get up," Kaede hissed.
"Why?" Kotetsu whined. "It's quite comfortable down here. And it's too hot to be moving around," he added with a pout.
"The only times you moved was to get up and eat. Have you… even showered?" Kaede asked, her eyes widening.
Kotetsu looked betrayed; hurt. "Yes. I've showered."
"Every day?"
He worried his bottom lip between his teeth. "Yes." His reply could have passed for a question, with the uncertain infliction at the end.
Kaede's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Get up. Now."
"Yes." Obediently, though a bit awkward, Kotetsu rolled over onto his stomach and pushed himself up onto his knees. From there, he rose to his feet, stumbling a bit as he maintained his balance. He grinned at his daughter. "There. I'm up."
Kaede let her arms hang at her sides, her body losing tension. "Get out and do something," she sighed, not looking weary. "Anything. As your daughter, it's my duty to tell you that you're getting a bit out of shape."
Kotetsu drew in a quick breath, sucking in his stomach. "Not true." Kaede stared, unblinking, until he finally released his breath. "I can go for a jog," he panted. "Tomorrow, maybe. Kaede. It's so hot."
"You're exaggerating," Kaede scoffed. "It's not that hot."
Kotetsu tilted his head, smiling at his daughter, studying her. Her hair was longer now, and a loose French braid tamed it where it hung down her neck. "You look more like her every day."
Kaede's smile brightened. "Don't sweet talk me. Leave."
Kotetsu grinned and nodded, a hand tucked behind his head. He left the bedroom, wandering around until he found his mother. Anju sat on the outer hallway that overlooked her garden, a cup of tea in her hands. "How can you drink that—it's so hot." Kotetsu dropped down unceremoniously onto the floor beside her, a knee raised, tucked beneath his chin. "Some bubble tea would be nice."
Anju scoffed slightly, lowering the cup but keeping it nestled in her hands, which were resting in her lap. "Being in Sternbild's made you soft. And you're too old for bubble tea."
Kotetsu looked scandalized. "Not true!"
"Why are you running away, Kotetsu?"
This subject again. He smiled wryly, closing his eyes. 'Straight to the point.'
"I thought you were over this," Anju continued, staring straight ahead, out past the garden.
"I am. I could be." Kotetsu let his head loll to the side. "I've become a coward. Scared of so many things."
His biggest fear was not his declining powers—which had evened out to a solid minute—but the fear of definite rejection. Contact between him and the other Heroes of Sternbild had been constant, up until a few months ago, and then everything slowly dwindled down. Barnaby lasted longer, but only an extra month, and even before that, their conversations had started to become strained. There was never a day that went by that Kotetsu didn't want to call the young man and ask him how things were in the city, but he would always remember the pained look on the blond's face during their last video call.
"Terrified," Kotetsu whispered, hiding his face against his knee.
"Stop. moping." Each word was accompanied by a hard poke to Barnaby's chest. His glare was ignored and Karina delivered a heated look all her own. "Just because he stopped calling doesn't mean he doesn't want to see you. Have you ever thought to—oh, I don't know—call him?" she snapped.
"It would upset him." Barnaby recalled their last conversation, and the way Kotetsu constantly avoided his gaze over the digital screen.
Karina groaned, throwing her arms in the air. They stood in the privacy of Barnaby's suite, so there was no fear of being overheard. "If you're divorced, then I'll be your replacement." She crossed her arms over her chest, managing to stare down her nose at him, all seriousness and disdain.
"…divorced?" Barnaby mumbled, the word having drawn him out of his 'moping' as it was being called.
Karina rolled her eyes. "Yes. Divorced. You're acting like a bad married couple." She cast her gaze skyward in thought. "Granted… my dad probably wouldn't approve if I had to bring home someone as old as Kotetsu-san. Maybe… if I introduced him as Wild Tiger?"
"You're…" Barnaby recoiled as Karina turned narrowed eyes in his direction. "You're serious?" he finished, regaining some composure.
Karina sighed, "Yes. I am. That's obviously the problem. You're not serious about Kotetsu-san. It hurt when he resigned, but... unlike a certain someone, I didn't follow in his footsteps."
"I am serious," Barnaby stated.
Karina rolled her eyes and took out her phone. The young man looked curious as to who she could be calling, but understood after hearing the voice that came through the built-in speaker.
"Blue... Ah! Karina-chan!" Kotetsu laughed. "This is a surprise—a good one."
Karina smiled, Barnaby forgotten. "I miss you, that's why."
"I miss you, too," Kotetsu chuckled, "I'm sorry I haven't tried to make contact in a while. You guys are Heroes still, and I'd rather not disturb you." There was a moment of silence that stretched on indefinitely until the former Hero spoke again, albeit very softly. "How's Bunny doing?"
Barnaby smiled at the nickname he would obviously never get rid of, but now it warmed his heart as he thought of it like a term of endearment.
"Dunno," Karina sighed, tossing the blond an uninterested glance. "Fire Emblem says he's been leaving droppings of depression everywhere."
Kotetsu's laugh filled the room and Barnaby could see the older man standing before him, head tilted back as he laughed. "Why would he be leaving... droppings?" the unseen man questioned after catching his breath.
"He misses you, too. Not more than I do, but... it's close." Even after her quip, the silence returned, and Karina began to look worried. Like a paper torn in two, Barnaby could feel his heart do the same thing.
Kaede's distant shout of "otou-san" through the phone permeated the awkward cloud of tension that had settled, and Kotetsu uttered a quick 'later' before the call ended.
Karina stared at her phone, bottom lip tugged between her teeth. She released it, facing the man that stood a few feet away. Her plan had backfired disgracefully; Nathan would give her an earful once he found out she was the reason Barnaby's depression reached intolerable levels. "Barnaby." She closed the distance between them, lifting an arm to wrap it around the blond's neck. "I'm sure he misses you. Please don't think that he doesn't. He does," she whispered.
Karina rose onto her tiptoes, allowing Barnaby to bury his face against her skin, in the junction where shoulder and neck met. He couldn't resist; he needed the comfort. Karina soothed a hand repeatedly down the back of his head, like a consolingly parent would to a tearful child.
Kotetsu changed his location of sulking to his brother's bar after his own flesh and blood once again kicked him out of the house. Muramasa allowed it, only because he wasn't open for the evening yet. "You won't scare away what few customers I have with that face of yours," he'd told his younger brother.
"Aniki," Kotetsu sobbed, the sound broken. "I messed up—I always mess up!"
"Then maybe it's time to use the old adage: learn from your mistakes."
Kotetsu gurgled, pushing his glass a few inches across the counter. He trailed his finger through the condensation left behind. "Sometimes… I think it's a wonder Tomoe stayed with me." Muramasa stopped wiping the glasses, setting down the one he currently held, and gave his brother his full attention. Kotetsu exhaled deeply. "Would you… still think of me as family—"
"Is it Barnaby?"
Kotetsu closed his eyes, exhaling softly, "Yes."
"You're acting like you did when you and Tomoe first got together. You were still a brat back then, but a bit more energetic about it. You also behaved the same way when you came back home last year, sans the drooling on my counter. And if I remember correctly, your biggest concern back then, too, was Barnaby."
Kotetsu kept his eyes squeezed shut, still waiting for his question to be answered.
Muramasa noticed and chuckled softly. "I can't stop you from liking who you like, Kotetsu. You'll always be family."
Kotetsu visibly relaxed, a smile playing at his lips. "I love you," he murmured. "And I miss him."
"Tell him," Muramasa encouraged. "I don't think the kid will reject you."
"There!" Kotetsu sputtered, prying his cheek from the cool surface of the counter. "He's a kid. He's not, but… you said it. And I'm older than he is. I'm worried that he's just confused!"
Muramasa crossed his arms. "Are you?"
Kotetsu settled back onto the stool he'd risen off of during his outburst and thought back to Karina's phone call. He couldn't respond because he'd still be rambling on about how badly he missed Barnaby, up until this very second, days later. "I'm not," Kotetsu replied, honey golden eyes clear and resolute.
"Then get out of my bar and go home—back to Sternbild." Muramasa uncrossed his arms and turned his back on his brother to resume wiping down the cups.
"My family's so mean to me!" Kotetsu sobbed, reaching for his abandoned glass. He emptied its contents into his mouth, swallowing thickly as he slammed it back onto the counter. After a threatening glare from his brother, he apologized for his actions before leaving his payment next to the empty glass and springing up from the bar stool.
With a small smile, Muramasa watched his brother leave. "We're not mean, Kotetsu. This is all for your own good, because we just want to see you happy."
Kotetsu had only gone a few yards from the building before he froze on the spot. The individual standing before him grinned, hidden behind dark sunglasses. "Hey, old man."
"Radboud," Kotetsu breathed. The last time he'd had contact with the rogue Ouroboros members was on the rooftop during his release. "Where's Evy?"
"Aw, show me some love."
Kotetsu shifted his stance, relaxed but still wary, and fiddled with the ends of his hair. "I appreciate everything you've done—setting me free and all, but…"
"Yeah, I caused most of your problems." Radboud sighed, tucking his chin against his chest in a thoughtful pose. "That's why I want to make amends—with you. I'll always be Ouroboros, but… there's something about you." He revealed a grin to the older man, still partially hidden behind his shades. "I like you, old man."
Kotetsu offered him a small smile. "That means a lot."
"We might be leaving Sternbild."
The golden eyes widened.
"I'm the one that was sent to say goodbye. Evy didn't trust herself to see you one last time. I've stirred up too much trouble as it is—revealed myself. I like working in the background."
"Where… will you go?"
"Back home?" Radboud lifted his shoulders in a shrug. He smirked. "Oriental Town seems nice, but… we'll stick out like sore thumbs." He freed a hand from the pocket of his jeans, tangling his fingers in his short copper hair. He'd let it grow out over the months.
Kotetsu laughed softly. "Dark Star will blend in, won't she? Is she going with you?"
Radboud grinned widely. "Ster's settling down for a little bit."
Kotetsu's eyes widened. "She's… She has someone?"
Radboud laughed, "She's not that bad, y'know?"
"She's not—no! Wow…" Kotetsu shook his head with a soft chuckle. "I'm glad."
A comfortable silence settled between them until the young man shifted, tilting his shades up. "Go back home, old man. Sternbild needs you. You're the best Hero it's ever had."
Kotetsu's smile widened. "Thanks." He lifted an arm, holding out his hand. Radboud blinked, his surprise obvious, but found himself returning Kotetsu's grin. He moved forward, bypassing Kotetsu's hand to throw his arms around the older man. Kotetsu returned the hug. "Try not to get into too much trouble," he told the younger NEXT. "And, please, don't make any more of those… things."
Radboud's guilty look went unseen, but he nodded, closing his eyes. They pulled apart and he flicked his sunglasses back down onto the bridge of his nose. Kotetsu realized the young man felt more comfortable expressing himself when he was hidden behind the eyewear. Radboud stepped aside. "By all means, be on your way."
Kotetsu's eyebrows rose as he stared at the other NEXT. "You're hiding something."
"I'm hiding a lot of things, old man." Radboud slipped his hands back into the pockets of his jeans, nodding his head to tell Kotetsu hurry along.
Kotetsu sighed, but complied, walking the remaining distance to his SUV. Opening the door to his car, he froze before entering. He smiled at what sat in the passenger's seat. A single rose, with every petal a different color. Kotetsu slid in behind the wheel, reaching over to caress a yellow petal. "I'll miss you, Evy. All of you, so please visit. Let me know if I'm messing up." Kotetsu started up his car to begin the trip back to the house.
Despite family and friends' insistent prodding for him to move back to Sternbild, Kotetsu remained in Oriental Town for another handful of months. Rather than lounge around the house, though, he helped out at Muramasa's bar. When his brother didn't need him, he'd take a jog around town to start getting back in shape.
Kaede wasn't kicking him out on purpose, but she knew there was something her father was hiding from; something between him and Barnaby. It wasn't until the temperature dropped, and decorations for Christmas made appearances in the stores, that she decided to broach the subject again. Kaede pointed to the tatami mats as she lowered herself to sit on the floor. Kotetsu followed, crossing his legs at the ankles. He placed his hands to his knees, pressing down as he leaned forward to hear what had to be said.
"Make up with Barnaby," Kaede started. Kotetsu pressed his lips into a thin line, staring down at the mats between his thighs. "Given everything that took place last year, you should be closer than before, but there are obviously still problems. Fix them."
Kaede combed her fingers through her hair, studying her father. He looked lost, and words were the only way she could think of to help him find his way. "Go home. Yes, you were born here, but… it's not your home. Make sure I'll have somewhere to call my home away from home, or did you forget you promised I would live in Sternbild with you?" Kotetsu glanced up at his daughter shyly. Kaede shook her head and smiled, "Go home. Be a Hero—my Hero. I want to call you 'cool' again. Right now… you're not that cool."
Kotetsu pressed down more firmly on his legs as he mulled things over. "Okay," he finally murmured.
Barnaby stared, eyes wide behind his frameless glasses, at his wall monitor. He was getting ready to pay a visit to Samantha, as he had been doing for the past year. His left boot slipped from his hand, falling to the floor with a thump, as he sat up straight. He couldn't even hear the commentary that came with the live broadcast, all that mattered was that Kotetsu was on the news. Kotetsu—no Wild Tiger was in the familiar green and white suit Saito had custom-made for him. The faceplate was pushed back, revealing the man beneath that wore the usual domino mask. Wild Tiger grinned excitedly as he waved to the cameras.
'You're back…' Samantha comes first, he reminded himself. She was still hospitalized, in a coma, and he stopped by every day, talked with her for hours, hoping his voice would reach her and she would return. Barnaby picked up his boot, slipping it on and lacing it up. His entire being screamed for Kotetsu, but rationality won out, and he was soon driving to the private hospital available to Heroes, where Samantha was being cared for.
x
It was after his visit, and he was on his way home, that Barnaby almost stopped in the middle of the street when he realized something: Kotetsu hadn't contacted him; hadn't let him known he was coming back to Sternbild. He was glad for the stop light, so he could turn his thoughts over. If Kotetsu wished to have no further contact with him, he would like them to have a proper farewell. Barnaby pulled out his phone and sent a quick text. Meet me at my place.
X
Kotetsu tried to pay attention to the young NEXT of the Second League clamoring for his attention, but he was torn between them and the original Heroes standing off to the side, patiently waiting their turn. Holding up his arms, Kotetsu laughed out an apology, worming his way out of the crowd. Blue Rose, who was practically bouncing n place, latched onto him first, followed quickly by Fire Emblem.
"Tiger," the dark-skinned NEXT purred, his hands everywhere. Kotetsu smiled nervously, but let him have his way. He patted Blue Rose's back gently as the teen cried into his suit.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Antonio scoffed, lifting a hand to lightly cuff Kotetsu on the side of his helmet.
"What makes you think you get priority over anyone else?" Kotetsu retorted, arching an eyebrow at his childhood friend. "Don't think I've forgotten the way you treated me last year. Besides…" He shot a quick glance at the blond at Rock Bison's elbow. "I didn't want to ruin the honeymoon phase."
"That phase passed a while ago," Fire Emblem scoffed, still curled against Kotetsu's side. He turned his attention to Kotetsu, smile bright. "Bison aside, why didn't you tell us?" he inquired.
"Because…" Kotetsu, still grinning, reached out a hand for Dragon Kid. The young girl smiled, stepping forward to receive her hug. She had to squeeze in beside Blue Rose, who had yet to move, but that just made it more comforting. Kotetsu looked around, scanning the faces before him. "Where's… Bunny?"
"Retired," Origami Cyclone reminded him.
Kotetsu grinned sheepishly. "Right…"
"He's usually at the hospital," Karina told him without lifting her head. "He visits Samantha basically every day."
Kotetsu felt his heart clench and was sure the two girls heard the stutter in his heartbeat. He tried telling himself that it wasn't his fault—that Maverick would still have gone through with his plans. "I'm sure he'll be glad to see you," Keith stated with a small, yet still brilliant smile. "Maybe," Kotetsu sighed. Unable to lift his arms, he grinned widely. "Let's get back to the Justice Tower!" Everyone cheered in agreement.
X
After they all changed back into their civilian clothes, Nathan kidnapped Kotetsu away to his club—Keith and Antonio tagged along. There was much laughing and catching up, and the message on Kotetsu's phone went unseen. Before everyone went on their separate ways for the evening, Nathan gave Kotetsu a word of advice: "Go to him and make him yours!" Kotetsu didn't, however. He went home and fell asleep sprawled in bed.
Barnaby also slept, his phone fisted in his hand.
Kotetsu saw the message the following morning and promptly freaked out. He hurried through his morning routines, and was hopping out the door with one shoe on, trying to make it to the SUV.
Barnaby stared at the name of his caller, his face a blank canvas. Should he ignore it, as Kotetsu had ignored his request? No. He would be the better man. He accepted the call before it could end, putting it through to speaker.
"Bunny! Bunny?!" Kotetsu sounded frantic. "I'm so sorry! I… I didn't see your message until this morning. I'm on my way now. Can I…? Do you still need to see me?"
"Yes," Barnaby replied curtly.
"On my way!" Kotetsu repeated.
Barnaby's stoical mask broke when he heard tires squeal through the phone. "Kotetsu?"
"No need to worry," the older man laughed. "I'll be there in a few!"
The call ended and Barnaby closed his phone, sighing deeply. He lay back down on the single chair of his apartment, closing his eyes as he waited for the man's arrival.
X
Kotetsu removed his hat, clutching it tightly against his chest as the door to Barnaby's apartment opened. The young man never met his eye, turning away once his guest was given entrance. Mouth opened to speak, Kotetsu closed it, shutting the door behind himself. He hurried after the blond, stopping for few moments to recall the memories associated with the suite. He smiled and walked down the two steps, sitting a short distance from where Barnaby sat on the low alcove platform beneath the flower painting.
"Bunny…" Kotetsu hesitated before pressing his hands between his thighs. "Things have been…" He shook his head. "I know you probably hate me, especially with yesterday's text—"
"I don't," Barnaby interjected. "But it's obvious that you wish to have nothing more to do with me, so I just wanted to make it final."
Kotetsu laughed, squeezing his eyes shut. It helped in no way to stave away the hurt he felt. "Things have become this complicated… I guess you finally realized you don't really have feelings for me." Barnaby's eyes widened and he turned to gape at the older man. Kotetsu, however, couldn't see him and continued, "I stopped calling because I thought I was being a bother."
"I… felt the same way," Barnaby admitted. Kotetsu peeked at the young man out of the corner of his eye. Barnaby had turned away, and was sitting forward, hands clasped tightly and his arms braced across his thighs. "Blue Rose called you, because of me. I was there, listening."
Kotetsu sat up straight with a flail of his limbs. "You were...?"
"You didn't respond when she exaggerated at how much I missed you," Barnaby continued, his voice growing softer. "But it wasn't that great of an exaggeration. I really…" He caught the motion out of the corner of his eye and turned to find Kotetsu windmilling at him.
"Bunny..." The older man grinned, laughing. "Do you really want to know what I would have said?"
Numbly, Barnaby nodded.
Kotetsu breathed in through his nose, breathing out to let the words tumble forth, "I miss you, Bunny—for starters. I missed you so much. My entire family got sick of having me around the house. Maybe I was leaving 'droppings', just like they said you were." They shared a smile, before Kotetsu continued, "During our last fight, when you thought I passed on, I struggled with my feelings, and what I finally realized was that I never wanted to be apart from you, but I still ran away. I'm scared—was scared that you thought of me as just a father figure. But I've stopped running, and I need to know… How do you feel about me, Barnaby Brooks Jr.?"
Barnaby's lips trembled as he smiled, and he bit down gently on the bottom one, forcing his tears back. "I want to remain at your side also."
Kotetsu shuffled over, closing the distance between them. "Our first real kiss—do you remember it, Bunny?"
Barnaby nodded, reaching up to trap Kotetsu's hand against his cheek as his head was turned. "It was here, and you were warm..."
Kotetsu swallowed the young man's soft gasp as he sealed their mouths together. Barnaby opened against the first brush of tongue to his lips, accepting Kotetsu into his mouth. A sweet and passionate kiss that spoke of the years they spent together; a kiss that held promises of the many years they would continue spending together. This was real. Kotetsu was real; their love was real. Barnaby laughed softly after they pulled apart, unconsciously pressing his cheek against Kotetsu's.
"Ne, Bunny?" Kotetsu eased the blond away so he could see his face properly. "Are you going to become a Hero again?"
Barnaby sat up straight, lowering his gaze to his lap. He looked back up with a small smile and shook his head lightly. "But I see you have."
Kotetsu released the other, tucking a hand behind his head as he grinned sheepishly. "Kaede said I was no longer cool for being a couch potato at the house. But you know what?" His expression became more serious. "You don't set your own limits." Barnaby perked up, his curiosity piqued. "Even after I lose all my powers," Kotetsu continued, "And get mocked by everyone, or look ridiculous, I'm not going to let that stop me. I'm going to stay a Hero till the end. I'm not going to give up. Besides…" He leaned in, fingers curling against the soft skin of Barnaby's cheek. "It doesn't hurt to have a Hero who's not cool, right?"
"For what it's worth, I think you're cool." Barnaby smiled.
Kotetsu grinned, letting their noses brush before imparting another kiss upon the young man. "What did you have planned today? Maybe I can go with you?"
"I'm going to visit Samantha."
Kotetsu froze, unable to look away and hide the raw guilt that flooded his face. "I'm… I…" He fiddled with the leather band he wore around his wrist. "I'm… the—it was my face she saw, before…"
"But it wasn't you," Barnaby argued, reaching out to tilt Kotetsu's chin up so he could meet his gaze. "It wasn't you and she knows that. So, please, come with me?"
Kotetsu chuckled in defeat at the 'puppy' look being used on him. "I'll go, but we need to get breakfast first." He grinned sheepishly when his stomach reminded him it was empty with a low growl. "I didn't eat before rushing over here."
"We can get something to eat," Barnaby smiled.
X
Breakfast was actually brunch, which turned into lunch, at least for Kotetsu; the 'brunch' menus had nothing that would appease him. Lunch didn't last forever, though, and they were soon on their way to the Justice Tower, where Samantha was being privately treated.
After stepping off the elevator, Kotetsu's hand sought Barnaby's, and he twined their fingers together in a desperate attempt to stave off the nervousness that overwhelmed him and threatened to have his lunch make a reappearance. While Jake had threatened to eliminate every 'normal' human citizen, last year's incident hit home on a more personal level. Accused of attempted murder after being kidnapped and cloned left its mark.
Kotetsu stopped, forcing Barnaby to do the same, their arms stretched, hands still connected. He shook his head. "I can't…" he whimpered. "It was my fault—all of it."
"Did you willingly hand yourself over to Ouroboros?" Barnaby snapped, giving their arms a jerk. Surprise replaced Kotetsu's fear, forcing the blond to release his breath in a deep sigh. "If anything, it's my fault…" Barnaby smiled wryly. "But I'd rather us not stand here and argue childishly over whose fault it was. It's in the past now, and we've already come this far."
Kotetsu nodded, slowly moving forward to stand at Barnaby's side. Together, they continued on their way to Samantha's room.
x
Kotetsu spent the majority of the afternoon huddled away from the bed, enjoying the corner he hid in, only half-listening as Barnaby conversed with his comatose guardian. He was preoccupied with flicking the brim of his hat when he heard his name mentioned on the other side of the room.
"He came back to Sternbild, Samantha," Barnaby was saying. He smiled, reaching out to brush the back of his hand over the back of Samantha's motionless hand. "And everything's fine. All my fear and worries, my doubts—they're all gone. At least for the time being," he added with a soft chuckle.
Kotetsu found himself leaving the safety of his corner, albeit very slowly, and approached the bed.
Barnaby glanced at him. "He's here with me right now, Samantha. He's worried that you won't like him, but I guess he doesn't realize I've only been singing praises about him."
"And I've heard…" Kotetsu tore his eyes from Barnaby's face to stare at the bedridden older woman. "…so much about you. I wish our first meeting could have been under better circumstances."
It was Barnaby's hand that found his this time, but they both held on tight.
x
Kotetsu pulled his hand away from Barnaby's after they walked out of the building, but only so he could lift both to catch the snow that was now falling. He faced the young man, a wide grin splitting his face, and Barnaby catalogued this as one of his best Christmases ever. Barnaby noticed the way Kotetsu's behavior changed and understood why when the older man rolled back the sleeve of his jacket to stare at his wrist.
Kotetsu grinned at him. "Duty calls."
Barnaby nodded, shaking his head to get rid of the snow that had settled. He blinked away snowflakes.
"But I have to go back to your place to get my car," Kotetsu laughed, removing his hat as he walked back to the young man's side. He dusted it off and placed it atop Barnaby's head. "To keep the snow away."
The green eyes widened. "But you—" Barnaby began in protest.
"Me? I'm Wild Tiger." Kotetsu made a muscle, his grin never diminishing.
Barnaby smiled, reaching up to tug on the brim of the familiar hat. "Let's go."
X X X
The snow showed no signs of stopping, and had already settled like a thick blanket by the time Barnaby arrived at the cemetery that evening. He'd given Kotetsu back his hat, thanking him for it, and picked up an umbrella, which now served its purpose in keeping the snow away. Despite the headstones' readings being obscured by the snow, he still found the one that belonged to his parents; he'd walked the path enough times to know it by heart.
Barnaby knelt in the snow and gently placed down the wrapped bouquet of flowers. "Sorry I haven't come by to visit," he started softly. "I'm still trying to sort some things out, and there's a lot…" He pulled out the photograph taken on the day of his birth. His parents both smiled at the camera, Emily Brooks holding her newborn son, who slept wrapped in a blanket. His date of birth and his weight was written on the white edge of the photo. "Mom, Dad… I miss you." Tears formed in his eyes and Barnaby's voice trembled as he spoke, along with the hand holding the photograph. "I wish I could have spent more time with both of you…"
Moving the precious photograph to the hand holding the umbrella, Barnaby moved forward, mindful of the bouquet he'd just placed down, and brushed the snow away from the gravestone to reveal the inscription. His eyes widened as he took in his parents' birthdates, recalling the piece of paper Saito had shown him his last day of being a Hero. 1104 + 728 = 10313329. Despite its inconsistency as far as calculations went, Barnaby remembered the numbers vividly, hoping that the code that had saved every Hero that night from Rotwang's androids would somehow reveal itself. And now it had. He shifted the photograph back to his other hand, staring at the writing on the bottom. Barnaby Brooks + Emily Brooks = Barnaby Brooks Jr.
The umbrella fell from his hand, settling without rolling courtesy of the thick snow blanket. Barnaby braced himself up with his arms as he sobbed openly, realizing that his parents still kept their word, even after passing on.
X ~ X ~ X ~ X
Kotetsu managed to corner his culprit on the glass building belonging to a car dealership. The masked man had the audacity to don a red and white Santa suit, complete with a hat that also had reindeer antlers. The gun pointed at the Hero, however, was nowhere close to being Christmas-related.
Despite the odd not being in his favor, Wild Tiger saw no reason to back down. "Alright! Time to turn yourself in!" he declared, pointing at the burglar.
"Hah?" the man drawled, the sneer obvious in his voice as it was on his face. "I know that you've already exhausted your powers. Don't push your luck."
Kotetsu's arm fell back to his side, but he lifted both hands, cracking his knuckles as he prepared for the showdown. The suit could withstand bullets, but he would still be careful. There were several people that would yell at him if he let himself get injured. "Don't mock me. You think that toy gun's going to—" The single step he took across the glass roof was his downfall, literally. The remainder of the fragile panels gave out beneath him and Kotetsu shouted as he plummeted down into the building. He covered his face—the faceplate snapped up at the start of his fall— awaiting the pain that would come after making contact with the sleek, blue sports car directly beneath him. But it never came. Above the din of the glass debris falling around him, he heard something akin to metal crunching.
Kotetsu drew his hands away, returning his sight, and he found a one Barnaby Brooks Jr. frowning down at him. "Bunny?" he questioned, seeking confirmation that it was indeed the same young man he'd left earlier.
Adorned in his own suit, the former King of Heroes had caught Kotetsu in the same manner he had when they'd unofficially first met, and was showing no signs of strain as he kept the older man aloft. The blue sports car beneath him was, however, under great strain. "Honestly," Barnaby scoffed, tilting his head in a cocky manner. "You haven't changed at all, have you?"
"Don't worry about me," Kotetsu sputtered. He pointed an accusing finger. "I thought you said you were done being a Hero."
A small smile tugged at the blond's lips. "I had a few great people remind me what really being a Hero means." His mother, who promised they would protect him forever; his father, who was the first person to ever encourage him towards a trueHero's lifestyle that meant protecting others; and Kaburagi Kotetsu, an amazing man that let nothing stand in his way of achieving his dreams and goals, as a true Hero. "And I decided: if you're making a comeback, then I suppose I'll have to as well." Barnaby's smile widened as he stared down at the man in his arms. "Because I'm your partner," he added before he could be questioned.
At Kotetsu's first shift, he was released, and assisted to stand beside the other NEXT on the hood of the car. He stretched, a hand to his lower back, and glanced down at the vehicle, then back up at Barnaby. "You realize… you destroyed this car," he murmured. "You're paying the fine, right?"
Barnaby glared. "You're paying," he argued. "You would have probably done more damage if I hadn't caught you, especially since it feels like you've put on even more weight from the last time I carried you!"
Kotetsu turned red, stomping his foot on the already destroyed hood of the vehicle. "That's not fair… Bunny!"
"My name is Barnaby!"
And just like that, they were back.
X
"Have I really put on weight?" Kotetsu murmured, stretching out his legs and glancing down at his stomach. "I didn't really do any excessive exercising or work, so… maybe." As part of the Second League, he didn't get to participate in the same celebrations as Sternbild's first Heroes. Barnaby sat with him as they relaxed at the Justice Tower, so that made it better. He had never really been fond of the attention anyway.
Barnaby wiped his glasses off before replacing them on his face. "Well. We'll just have to make you a new regimen to get you back in shape." He reached out, ignoring Kotetsu's horrified look, to pull the man closer on the couch. He leaned in to kiss away his pout, but the door opened, stopping his advances.
"Bonjour, Heroes," a feminine alto voice drawled. "This is why you two are missing—you're celebrating on your own."
Kotetsu wrapped his arms around Barnaby, their cheeks still flush together as he grinned at HeroTV's producer. "We are celebrating. One year from today—this date—will be our official anniversary." Barnaby couldn't move in the embrace, so Kotetsu couldn't see his surprise.
Agnes crossed her arms, hugging them at the elbows. "I'm happy for you. Barnaby, will you be moving to the Second League as well?"
Barnaby lifted one shoulder—the other remained trapped—in a carefree shrug. "The points and the status were never really important. It's what Maverick wanted from me."
Agnes tilted her head with a smile. "Well, I think Sternbild is ready to welcome back Tiger and Barnaby, then."
Kotetsu distanced himself enough from the young man so he could shoot him a questioning look. "Are we ready to be Tiger and Bunny again?"
"Barnaby," the blond corrected with a frown.
"Tiger and Bunny…" Agnes grinned. I like it." Barnaby's eyes widened, but he couldn't find his voice to protest. Releasing her arms, Agnes turned away, her back to the duo. She waved over her shoulder, walking back out of the room. "Get ready," was heard before the door slid close after she began walking away.
"Look what you did," Barnaby sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose after he worked his arm free.
Kotetsu laughed, pecking Barnaby on the cheek before tugging him to his feet. "Let's get changed before Agnes comes back with an actual threat." Barnaby looked skeptical, but eventually allowed himself to be tugged along.
A hand reached down to the ground, carefully removing the dollar bill from the puddle. The symbol brought forth by the water was covered by the thumb of the hand that carried it. The last customer—a young blond boy—had long since hurried away from the stall that sold Sternbild Heroes' novelties by the time the new customers arrived. Another child, slightly older than the first, stared down at the stack of cards. His chestnut brown, unruly bangs hide his eyes.
"Want one, brat?" The voice was familiar, but the features of the young woman were different. Rather than long black hair, it was now blonde, and cut short and close, termed as a 'pixie cut' in the world of fashion. Brown eyes that had always mocked society were now lucid and filled with mirth. A hand on the boy's head, she grinned cheekily. "Lemme guess. Wild Tiger?" Her hand was knocked away and the dark head rose.
Crimson eyes glared at her from beneath the length bangs due for a trim. "Wild Tiger," the child muttered, confirming her guess.
The blonde grinned. "Of course." She faced the stall's owner and dragged her hand from her jacket pocket to hand over two bills. "Two," she explained when the older woman raised a questioning eyebrow. "Grab 'em, brat." With a sigh, the young woman tucked her hand back into the pocket of her jacket. "I still can't believe Ray left me to babysit you. You… He could've just let go of your memories, wiping 'em, really, would've been more convenient. You're ruining my love life. I had to cancel my date because of you."
Ignoring her, the boy stared at the Hero stat card he held between his fingers. Something in his eyes flashed, the red of his irises almost glowing, and his lips curled up into a smirk. He lifted his gaze to the woman behind the stall. "Will you accept this?" He held out his hand to her. In it, was the soggy dollar he'd picked up not too long ago.
She folded her paper, reaching out to carefully take the wet bill. "It'll dry. What do you want?"
"Barnaby," the child breathed out, picking up a third card; Barnaby Brooks Jr.'s Hero card.
His guardian snatched one of the Wild Tiger's from him, pressing it to her smiling lips. "Let's go, brat."
"Stop calling me brat, Evangeline. I have years of experience on you."
The young woman did a full body shudder, hunching her shoulders up to her ears. She regained her sense of self long enough to bark out a derisive, "Ha! You were just created yesterday. So, there!"
The boy's smirk returned, more cocky and smug than before. "What a mature response, Evangeline," he taunted.
The blonde groaned in frustration, resisting the urge to hit her companion. "Shut up, and let's go. Brat…" Still bantering, they both walked away from the stall with their purchases.
A/N: HAH! Did I actually finish something? Oh, snap~ I think I did, hurr. Well, not really, but... I have two epilogues in the works, or maybe just one. All I know is if these boys don't properly consummate their union, my editor will leave her country, and come to my country just to kick my ass. And I kept Samantha 'alive', so to speak... 'cause killing her off just seemed too mean. She'll wake up eventually :3 The little bit at the end... Kotetsu, 's the best I could manage v.v
Thank you, even the awesome ninja readers, for sticking around~ *hugs n' kisses*
