Title: & Bunny – epilogue (one)
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.
True to his word, Kotetsu transferred Kaede out of school in Oriental Town and into school in Sternbild, where she was now living with him. The finalized preparations ensured that she would be able to start school at the beginning of the New Year with everyone else. He was only allowed to see her off and pick her up on that first day of school. Since she was currently attending Karina's old middle school, the teenage Hero offered to walk her home every day, unless they were called in for duty.
Kotetsu couldn't wipe the grin off his face as he watched his daughter walk down to the entrance of the school, already with a handful of friends. It pleased him even more to see that Tony was amongst them. The Heroes had pleaded for his release—promised he would not show up on the radar again until Hero Academy.
Kaede spotted her father and Kotetsu's grin widened at the blatant happiness that lit up her face. She bid farewell to her new friends before rushing out to meet him.
"You look like you want to take back my restrictions," Kotetsu teased, tucking his hands away into the pockets of his trousers so he didn't tousle her hair. The single braid down the side of her head returned, but the French braid at the back had remained.
"The only reason that stipulation—"
'Stipulation,' Kotetsu mouthed to the sky, laughing softly.
"—came into being," Kaede continued with a knowing smile, "is because I didn't want you to always have to stop working to pick me up."
Kotetsu's surprise was genuine. "It's what a parent is supposed to do, Kaede." He bumped her shoulder with his hip, chuckling when she bumped back. "Also, we've been invited to Bunny's for dinner tonight. Were you given any homework today?"
"No." Kaede shook her head, excited at the invitation. "Just the list of reading materials for the semester. The school system's not that different, so I'm all caught up."
Kotetsu smiled, unable to stop himself from affectionately rubbing her head. His hand, of course, was slapped away.
X X X
Barnaby enjoyed having the Kaburagis over whenever time permitted. And they were tolerant and accepting with being his guinea pigs as he taught himself how to cook. Kotetsu was sometimes there to offer pointers, but tonight's dinner would be all his.
The door was unlocked, allowing Kaede to run in, her arms spread wide. "Bunny!"
"You, too?" Barnaby sighed, reaching beneath his glasses to pinch the bridge of his nose.
"But doesn't it sound cuter when I say it?" Kaede stared, wide-eyed, up at the blond. Kotetsu avoided Barnaby's pleading stare, but it was obvious he was enjoying the moment if the grin on his face was proof.
Barnaby smiled down at the pre-teen. "It does."
Kaede's face went blank for several moments before she allowed herself to smile. "You're a terrible liar."
"Kaede," Kotetsu chastised. There was no real heat behind it, but it was surprising that she would make such a statement. He finally met Barnaby's eye once Kaede wandered away into the suite. "You like when I call you 'Bunny', don't you?"
"I honestly do not like the nickname," Barnaby responded seriously, with no hint of amusement on his face or in his voice.
Kotetsu's face fell. "Oh… Well…"
Barnaby waited a few moments before smiling. "I'm not that bad of a liar now, am I?"
Kotetsu's eyes widened before he grinned. "Oi, Bunny!"
The name used to annoy him, but it was now a term of endearment from the father and daughter. He leaned in close, pressing a chaste kiss to the corner of Kotetsu's lips, before heading off to find Kaede. The young girl waited patiently in the kitchen, turning in a slow circle as she surveyed the area. She smiled after catching sight of the blond.
Kaede nodded her head at the two pots on the stove. "Curry?" she guessed.
Barnaby returned her smile. "Yes."
"It smells good." She inhaled deeply.
"Let's hope it tastes as good as it smells," the young man quipped.
Kotetsu entered the kitchen then, imitating his daughter as he took a deep whiff. "Smells delicious, Bunny."
Barnaby's face lit up as his smile widened. He ordered his guests to sit and set about spooning out plates for all of them. He took his seat at the table, looking at father then daughter expectantly. Both grinned, speaking in unison, "Itadakimasu." Barnaby smiled, his own spoon hovering while the other two dug into their meals. Their matching expressions of glee made him feel at his happiest; they seemed to bring him that feeling often.
"It's delicious," Kaede murmured.
Kotetsu nodded in agreement. "Really, really."
Barnaby wondered if they realized they'd switched back to their Native Japanese tongue. "Is it…?"
Their expressions, still identical, reflected confusion. "It's great," Kotetsu repeated.
Kaede picked up on their mistake. "It's good," she told Barnaby with a smile.
"I'm glad," the blond sighed, unable to get rid of his own smile. The rest of dinner went swimmingly; Barnaby almost didn't want them to leave. Then Kaede made a comment on her way out that planted a seed in his mind that slowly sprouted roots.
"Should I ask Kotetsu to move in with me?"
Nathan tried not to sputter too much, only making things worse by choking on his own drink as he did so. He picked up a napkin, wiped his mouth, and turned to give Barnaby his most astonished stare. The younger man was lost in his thoughts and didn't notice. "Handsome," Nathan gasped out. "That's… a big step. Is it really what you want to do?"
Barnaby nodded without hesitation.
-0-0-
"Bunny." Kaede wrinkled her nose, the action cute, but obviously in distaste, as she looked around his penthouse suite. "This place looks like you've just bought it. How long have you been living here?"
Kotetsu placed a hand to Kaede's head, grinning at the young man across from them.
"We'll fix it up for you—for free!" Kaede mirrored her father's grin, though hers was less sheepish.
-0-0-
"And little Kaede?" Nathan smiled at his own words. "Well, she's not that 'little' anymore, is she? She's going to grow up and become a gorgeous heartbreaker, just like her dad."
Barnaby laughed softly. "Yes. I'd like them both to move in with me."
Nathan hummed softly, smirking. "I guess that means he's stopped breaking yours then, hmm?"
"Yes," the blond responded with a small smile, "But sometimes…" His current situation fell into the unspoken category.
They lapsed into several minutes of silence before the dark-skinned NEXT sighed, "Just ask him. At this stage of the game, he'll probably say yes. If he doesn't, he'll let you down sweet and easy." Nathan finished off what little remained of his drink, keeping the empty glass trapped between his fingers. "Does Kaede know—about you two?"
Barnaby lifted his head, his surprise turning to slight confusion. "We haven't… told her yet," he started, stressing the fact that no one had had "the talk".
"Tell her, and then ask him."
Barnaby looked away, nodding slowly.
Unfortunately, Barnaby did it in the opposite order. It took two weeks before he mustered the courage, even though he'd declared it so forcefully to Nathan. They were shopping for groceries for the dinner that would be taking place at Kotetsu's home; he offered to show Barnaby how to make his fried rice. Kotetsu was busy contemplating which shrimp was best for purchasing when the question was sprung.
"Kotetsu…"
"Hmm?" the brunet hummed, fingers curled around his chin as he perused the selection of seafood.
Barnaby inhaled deeply. "Would you… like to move in with me?"
Kotetsu froze. His hand remained on his chin, but he no longer shifted in his merchandise inspection. Slowly, his fingers still curled around his chin, he turned to face the young man. "Do you… really want me to?"
Barnaby nodded, keeping Kotetsu's gaze; he wouldn't shy away. If he did, his offer would be declined. He can still say no a voice reminded him.
Kotetsu smiled, a small smile. "Let me think about it, 'kay?"
Barnaby, still unable to find his voice, could only nod again.
"Don't let our evening sink into despair," Kotetsu laughed, hoping to keep the tension from settling too thickly. "We're still going to cook up a feast!"
"You're going to cook up a feast," Barnaby corrected.
"No," Kotetsu stressed, finally snatching up a pack of shrimp. "You're helping. I won't allow myself to pass on until you've perfected the art of making fried rice."
"Don't joke like that," Barnaby told him, his voice soft and low.
Kotetsu couldn't resist expressing his reassurance any other way. He leaned over, pressing a quick kiss to the blond's lips.
"If you do that," Barnaby started, his voice rough as he held himself back. "Everyone will think I'm cheating on Wild Tiger."
"The Heroes aren't official yet." Kotetsu grinned, taking a few steps forward to let Barnaby know they needed to keep moving. He followed, and their shopping resumed.
X X X
This was Barnaby's first time in the Bronze Stage—his first time in Kotetsu's home. Kaede, seated in the living room with random books spread across the table in front of her, didn't look up as she called out a "welcome back". Kotetsu responded in kind, grinning over his shoulder at Barnaby.
The Kaburagis' guest was too busy being enthralled by the décor of the house. He felt as though it was out of place in the Bronze Stage. Did all other houses look like this? Apart from that one mural in the alcove behind his chair, Barnaby's suite looked just like Kaede had assumed: like someone just purchased it and had yet to finish moving in. The atmosphere was thick with warmth and love and Barnaby felt his chest tightening. He reached for Kotetsu's hand, squeezing tightly.
Kotetsu smiled. "Kaede. We have company."
"Barnaby, right? Hi, Barnaby." Kaede shot a quick glance in their direction, showing both men a smile, before turning back to her studies. "I'm not being rude, but I just… need to concentrate, sorry."
Taking Barnaby's wrist, Kotetsu guided him to the kitchen alcove, already given him instructions on what needed to be done. He released him, washed his hands, and was ready to get down to business. Kaede joined them shortly after, sitting at the outside of the counter, a grin on her face as she watched the two men work. This was the one time she wouldn't berate her father for always eating fried rice.
After dinner, Kaede insisted they watch television; she actually insisted Barnaby should spend the night. He would've been glad to, but he didn't have a change of clothes. Kaede and Kotetsu pinned him with matching stares. Even though he was slightly terrified at how similar they had become over the time spent together, Barnaby couldn't help but smile.
"Laundry," father and daughter told him.
"I'm sure my dad wouldn't mind letting you borrow a pair of pajamas, right?" Kaede smiled at her father.
Kotetsu, in turn, grinned at Barnaby. "Nope."
Barnaby shook his head obediently, accepting the invitation to stay for the night.
x
Barnaby felt smothered; physically and emotionally. He wasn't complaining. In fact, he rather enjoyed it. They were all seated on the couch in front of the television, watching HeroTV reruns. Kaede was curled against his left side, her head on his shoulder. Kotetsu sat on his right, their hands hidden and clasped. What he'd been missing for several years of his life had finally been given back to him. The moment Kaede's head slipped from his shoulder, the evening drew to a close.
Kotetsu carefully tucked her into bed, closing the door quietly upon taking his leave. He smiled at the young man that stood on the opposite side of the hallway. "We kinda forced you into spending the night. I don't think Kaede will be too upset if you're gone by morning. She'll—"
"I want to stay," Barnaby interrupted. "I want to be with you. That's why I asked you to move in with me."
Kotetsu chuckled softly, tipping the brim of his hat down to hide behind it. "I'm still thinking about it." He noticed Barnaby never brought up the subject of telling Kaede, but Kotetsu knew it needed to be done. He no longer wanted the labels of 'coward' or 'lame' and decided they—Kaede and himself—could decide together. Kotetsu wanted to move, wanted to be closer to Barnaby, but Kaede was important, and so were her decisions. "For now, let's just sleep on it, hmm?"
Kotetsu searched for clothes for his guest to borrow while Barnaby showered. He folded his findings, calling out to let the other know, and exchanged his stack for the pile of clothes that needed to be cleaned. By the time Kotetsu returned from his task of setting up the laundry, Barnaby was out of the shower, dressed, and standing almost shyly in the middle of the room. The curls in his still-damp hair had been washed out, though a few still remained, and Kotetsu flushed at his own thoughts to tangle his fingers in the golden tresses.
He cleared his throat, gaining the other's attention, and grinned, indicating to the made bed. "Get comfortable." Kotetsu removed his hat, laying it on the dresser he passed as he moved towards the bathroom. He grinned at the young man over his shoulder. "I'll be out soon."
Kotetsu emerged from the bathroom, traces of steam following him, still toweling his hair dry. Barnaby's head rose and he stared at the older man with gleaming emerald eyes. He'd taken a seat at the edge of the bed after being left to his own devices, and hadn't moved the entire time Kotetsu cleaned up.
"Bunny…" Kotetsu grinned and tossed his towel on the back of a nearby desk chair. Barnaby stared at the object, desperate to pick it up and give it the proper disposal treatment, but he focused all his attention on the man walking towards him. "I see you, staring at the towel." Kotetsu grinned. "You've lived your way for so long, do you really want me crashing the party?"
"Yes," Barnaby replied without hesitation. Kotetsu turned away from the bed, heading to where the towel hung. He took it back into the bathroom where it belonged. He came back out with a sheepish grin. Once he was close enough, Barnaby took the hem of Kotetsu's black Henley, tugging gently to bring the older man closer still. "It looks as if you were trying to get me to change my mind, Mr. Kaburagi. I thought I already proved myself to you."
Kotetsu reached for the fingers curled in his shirt, taking them in his own hand. "Maybe I'm the one trying to prove myself…" He laughed nervously. "Does that make any sense?"
"Plenty." Barnaby tugged their joined hands and Kotetsu found himself sprawled atop the young man.
Herein was the other circumstance that accompanied their budding relationship: being physically intimate. They had done nothing more than steal kisses and hold hands—which, in some places, was a big step. Kotetsu had always worried that his time in captivity, and what happened to him during that time, would affect his relationship. He attempted to move, but strong arms slipped around him, keeping him trapped.
"There's something bothering you, and you want to run away again."
Before Kotetsu could deny the truth, he was rolled over onto his back, Barnaby now on top. The fear and panic in the wide amber eyes of the man beneath him made Barnaby climb off hastily. He was on his feet, ready to escape back to the solitude of his own home. If Kotetsu no longer wanted him—
"Bunny!"
Barnaby frozen, his entire frame rigid, and slowly lowered the hand that reached for the door. He refused to turn around, forcing the other to communicate to his back.
Kotetsu was too busy staring at his hands in his lap, which he nervously wrung together. "It's not you—the problem's not you," he hastily amended. "It's me. It's…" Kotetsu released a shuddering breath, realizing now was as good a time as any to relive the past. "It's what happened to me."
Barnaby turned at the same time Kotetsu lifted his head. The brunet forced a smile, patting the space beside him. Barnaby walked back to the bed, taking a seat on the edge rather than move up to the middle with Kotetsu. Bracing his hands on his thighs, he clasped his hands together, waiting for an explanation.
Kotetsu shivered as he recalled the machine's touches, both violent and gentle. He opened his mouth and it all came tumbling out; every dark detail surrounding his kidnapping.
Barnaby lifted his hands once Kotetsu had finished, dragging his fingers through his hair. The reason behind the kiss imparted upon Kotetsu by the android finally made sense. "I'm sorry," he whispered. It was the only thing he could think of to say. He forced away the guilt creeping in and turned on the bed to face the older man, tucking a leg beneath himself. "I'm sorry, but I'm not that thing. I'm real, and if you'll let me, I would like to help you mend what was damaged."
Kotetsu smiled weakly. He shuffled forward until he was directly in front of the young man. He rose onto his knees, cupping Barnaby's face between his hands. His smile slowly widened until he was grinning.
Barnaby arched an eyebrow, concerned for his partner's mental stability.
"I'm not crazy," Kotetsu laughed, reading the accusation in the emerald eyes. "I'm just glad that you want to put up with me."
"I like you, Kotetsu." Barnaby let his hands rest on Kotetsu's waist, his thumbs pressed against the strip of flesh exposed from Kotetsu's earlier shifting. "Do you... want me to touch you, Kotetsu?"
Kotetsu's stomach flip-flopped, but in nervous excitement. He knew he was blushing, but it did nothing to diminish his grin. "You're touching me now."
Barnaby slowly slid his hands higher, the shirt rising with the movement. "You know what I mean, Kotetsu." He changed the direction of his hands, his fingers disappearing beneath the waist of Kotetsu's sleep pants.
Kotetsu trembled under the playful touch; Barnaby's fingers ghosted over the slightly obvious iliac crest that dipped down toward his pelvis. He was no gym fanatic, but he tried to exercise, outside of running around as Wild Tiger, and so the "Adonis Belt" was proof that he kept himself well in shape. Kotetsu could feel himself stirring under the other's ministrations and shifted to make himself more comfortable. The traveling fingers stopped, however, and he turned his wide-eyed gaze to Barnaby's face.
The blond smiled innocently. "You didn't answer my question, Kotetsu. Would you like me to touch you?"
"Yes," Kotetsu breathed out. There was no way to compare now with then. He actually felt desperate to feel Barnaby's touch; to have the gentle, caring hands wipe away all traces of the android. He tugged his bottom lip between his teeth in anticipation as Barnaby fumbled to get a hand inside his underwear, releasing it shortly in a gasp after the long digits curled around his hardening member. He slid his hands back up to cup Barnaby's face, guiding him up as he leaned down.
Barnaby accepted him and Kotetsu's lips parted against his, allowing him to slip his tongue inside. His fisted hand moved in calm, encouraging strokes, his thumb occasionally sweeping along the sensitive head.
Kotetsu moaned into his mouth, hips jerking as he sought more friction. "Bunny… please."
Barnaby smiled against Kotetsu's lips. His own arousal remained trapped, but luckily for him, there was enough room that it wasn't an uncomfortable feeling. Kotetsu must have read something on his face, because his hand was covered and forced to stop.
"Bunny, too…"
Barnaby continued to smile, shaking his head slightly. "I'm fine, Kotetsu. I just want you to feel good."
Kotetsu mumbled something, keeping one hand on Barnaby's. The other was used to fumble with the elastic waistband of Barnaby's borrowed sweats. He grinned after pressing his palm to the obvious erection hidden within the underwear, drinking in Barnaby's hiss. "I want you to feel good, too. It wouldn't be fair if I'm the only one that gets to enjoy this."
Who was Barnaby to argue? It was an awkward shuffle, getting him out of his pants and underwear, but Kotetsu was back in his lap, pressed closer than before. Realizing what the older man wanted, Barnaby brought his hands up, curling both around their erections. Kotetsu's back bowed, his fingers digging unconsciously into the other's shoulder at the spark of pleasure that coursed through him after their heated flesh touched. He moaned his partner's name, his hips thrusting against Barnaby's hands, cock sliding along the blond's. It had been so long since Kotetsu had even dreamed of touching himself again, and he knew his time was running short.
Barnaby sensed this, or rather, noticed that Kotetsu's breathing was increasing. He wouldn't be too far behind when the older man came. He buried his nose against the juncture where Kotetsu's shoulder met neck, breathing in his scent. He tilted his head, licking a path along the sweat-dampened skin. "Kotetsu…" He increased the pace of his strokes and was rewarded with a whimpering moan as Kotetsu practically rutted against him.
Kotetsu's arms were looped tightly around the blond. He shuddered as he came, his voice muffled as he painfully bit down on his bottom lip. Barnaby squeezed his eyes shut, arching up into his own fist, his seed spilling over to join Kotetsu's in a mess on their thighs. They used each other as support, keeping themselves upright.
Barnaby grinned against the older man's neck, nursing the teeth marks he'd left behind with gentle licks and kisses. "We have to shower again." He moved onto Kotetsu's mouth, placing chaste kisses over the reddened area where the skin had almost been broken.
"We do," Kotetsu laughed breathlessly, feeling no desire to move from his current location. "We will… eventually."
x
After they each took a second shower and dressed, the couple crawled into bed, the desire to sleep was a strong one. Kotetsu showed Barnaby a small smile and reached out, smoothing a hand down the side of the blond's face. "Let's go to sleep. Kaede'll be breaking down my door if I'm not up to take her to school on time."
Barnaby nodded, closing his eyes after feeling the tug to his glasses. His eyewear was removed and placed aside. Both men rearranged themselves into a more comfortable position on the bed. Barnaby smiled after Kotetsu tucked himself close and draped an arm loosely over his hip. "Goodnight, Kotetsu."
"Mmm," Kotetsu hummed. "'night, Bunny."
Kaede taped the note to the closed door of her room, knowing her father would rush there first. She whispered an apology to the silent house before quietly closing the front door behind her. Her face lit up as she smiled at the blond man that waited below to drive her to school.
Almost an hour after Kaede's stealthy departure, one of the house's remaining occupants began to stir. Kotetsu moaned softly, burrowing deeper into the pleasant warmth, which his somewhat conscious mind told him was hard and soft in some places. "…weird pillow." There was a soft sound above him. A laugh? "Pillow-san…" he mumbled. "Are you… alive?"
"Yes, I am, Kotetsu."
"Oh." Kotetsu was moments from slipping back into slumber when the small conversation he just had completely settled. He forced his eyes to open and squinted up at his 'pillow'. Barnaby was lying on his side, head propped up by an arm, a small smile playing at his lips. "Pillow-san?" Kotetsu inquired.
"I'll take 'Bunny' over 'Pillow-san' any day."
Kotetsu grinned sleepily. "Mornin', Bunny." He extracted himself from the young man, which was a difficult feat, given that their legs had become intricately tangled. Once free, he stretched, grunting softly. With quick reflexes, Barnaby managed to duck the flailing arm that came from Kotetsu suddenly swinging around.
"Kaede!" Kotetsu stumbled from the bed, almost slipping on the sheets in his haste, and out of the bedroom. He returned a few minutes later with a piece of paper in his hands. "She called Sky High to come and pick her up." He lifted his head to stare at his guest.
Barnaby was out of the bed in mere moments, pulling the pitiful-looking man into his arms. He reached between them, taking the sheet of paper, and skimmed it. Barnaby actually rolled his eyes once he was finished. "She went on to say that she didn't want to disturb you, and you can pick her up after school."
Kotetsu's bottom lip trembled. "But…"
"No 'buts', Kotetsu." Barnaby absently teased the hair at the nape of Kotetsu's neck, enjoying the soft sighs his comforting caused the older man to release.
Kotetsu sagged against the young man, linking their arms around Barnaby's waist. "I don't want her to grow up," he admitted. "I missed so many years of her life and I can't get them back."
"That's why you make sure you enjoy it as much as you can from now on. Even if you have to hire a photographer to follow her around."
Kotetsu pulled away, eyebrows arched high as he stared at the innocently smiling young man. A slow grin spread across his face before he laughed. "You've been around me too much. I'm a bad influence." He patted Barnaby on the chest, putting a bit more distance between them. "I guess we have to go to work, huh?"
"We don't have to, per se," Barnaby drawled, attempting to close the space that continued to grow between them. "But I think Lloyds-san will panic if we don't show." Kotetsu chuckled and instructed Barnaby to go ahead and use the bathroom while he went to collect the laundry so he could have his clothes to wear.
At the end of the week, Barnaby received an answer to his question.
Sky High, Rock Bison, and Fire Emblem were on the other side of the lounge of the Justice Tower, conversing amongst themselves. Kotetsu was seated on the couch, staring absently at the trio of Heroes as his thoughts ran ahead of him. Apparently Nathan had suggested that Keith and Antonio also move in together.
"It's such a big place," the dark-skinned NEXT had purred, draping himself across Antonio's back. "I'm sure he'll enjoy your company."
"Not ready," Rock Bison muttered, not bothering shrugging the man off. "And we manage to see enough of each other as is."
"That makes it sound like you're tired of our darling Sky High." Nathan pouted, curling an arm around Rock Bison's muscular frame so he could draw idle circles across Antonio's chest with a long finger.
Antonio shot the blond an exasperated look, begging for his help. Keith smiled brightly. "We're fine with our current arrangements," he told Nathan, reaching out to remove the Fire NEXT's arm. He curled his fingers around Antonio's firm bicep, tugging the taller man closer. Contrary to what others believed about him, he got jealous of Nathan and his outgoing personality at times.
Kotetsu smiled at groups' antics, forced to look away and up when Barnaby appeared in front of him, jacket draped over his arm. "Are you ready, Kotetsu-san?" the blond inquired.
Kotetsu stood, tucking his hands behind his head. He caught Nathan's eye, exchanging a grin with his friend. While Keith and Antonio may not have been ready to take that step, Kotetsu felt that he was. "Yes, I'm ready, and I'll move in with you."
The green eyes widened. "Are you… sure?"
"Yes, but only if you agree to let me and Kaede decorate." He wrinkled his nose as he thought about all the empty space. "Your apartment really is bare." And after mentioning his daughter's name, he realized there was something that needed to be done.
X
Kotetsu and Barnaby parted ways that afternoon, the father of one deciding to broach the subject of moving once Kaede had returned from school. Kotetsu pushed the door to his daughter's room, peeking in to see her seated at her work desk.
"Knock first," Kaede told him without lifting her head from her textbooks.
Caught red-handed and guilty, Kotetsu entered, taking a seat at the edge of the bed closest to her. She shot him a questioning glance. Half of a Pocky stick was held between the girl's teeth as she stared at her father, the questioning in her eyes turning to worry, and he couldn't help but let some of the tension roll off his shoulders. "Kaede. How would you feel... if I started seeing someone?"
Kaede's eyebrows rose high, almost disappearing beneath her bangs. She finished the remainder of her snack before showing her father her wide grin. "You're with Barnaby, aren't you?" she laughed, the sound incredulous and highly amused. "Or did you break up?" The grin was replaced with a frown.
Kotetsu shook his head frantically, hands waving. "No, no, no. We're still together. We're... together." He stared at her, tilting his head. "You knew?"
"Karina told me, as a warning." Kaede smiled, pulling another pocky stick from the packet on the desk. "I always knew he was special to you. And Keith-san has Uncle Tony." Kotetsu grinned at the old nickname. "You guys should make your relationships public. The audience technically doesn't know you, so it won't matter." A frown tugged at her lips as a thought crossed her mind and Kaede shook her head. "Actually, don't go public as a Hero. Do it as Kaburagi Kotetsu, because then people will think he's cheating on Tiger if they ever see you together, outside of being Heroes."
"You forgot the T," Kotetsu reminded her with a laugh. "And Bunny said the same thing—in regards to cheating on Tiger. It's still me," he mumbled.
Kaede rolled her eyes, turning back to her textbooks. Kotetsu cleared his throat to regain her attention. "One more thing," he started when she looked at him once again. "Would you... like to move in with Bunny? All of us—together?" Her brown eyes lit up and Kotetsu got his answer.
A/N: Still around, yes! My editor has been pushing and pushing me, 'cause I was about ready to wrap it all up with the so-called last chapter. The real reason being I wanted to run away from Tetsu and Bunny's "happy" time. I have this desire to make theirs a scene of lovemaking to its purest degree, and I don't think I can do it *sniffles*
All of these coming will be considered "epilogues", in the sense that I feel like the story ended with the previous chapter.
