Title: & Bunny – epilogue (two)
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.
"Tony." Kaede grinned at the wide-eyed stare thrown her way. "Hi," she laughed, unable to stop as he stammered through a greeting. "Why are you so nervous? We see each other every day."
"Not without other people around," the boy mumbled, closing the locker door he had been hiding behind.
"That's not true, but that's not what I'm here to talk about. I'm not one to beat around the bush—can I borrow your powers?"
Tony's eyes widened and he quickly glanced around to see if anyone had overheard. He faced his classmate, but avoided her gaze. "I'm not allowed to use my abilities."
"You won't. I will. Please." Kaede used her best pleading face; the one that always worked on her father, and sometimes with Barnaby. "I'm trying to get the hang of my own abilities, which would be everyone else's." Tony turned away, pressing his forehead against the cold material of his locker. "Tony…" Kaede tilted sideways, trying to see his profile. "I'm not pressuring you. You can always say no."
"No," Tony whispered. "Sorry…"
"That's fine." Kaede kept her hands to herself, smiling as she passed behind him. "See you tomorrow, Tony!"
"Yeah," he mumbled, lifting his head to stare after her.
Kaede had already come in contact with Tony earlier in the day. The permission she sought was to have him nearby if things got out of control. For now, she would start small. On her way home that afternoon, Kaede stopped off to purchase a marionette; it was a bit more mature than a doll. Both Barnaby and her father were confined to their desks at Apollon Media. Since her father's house was more familiar than Barnaby's, she headed there to perform her experiment.
With a smile, Kaede cut the marionette's strings and set the lifeless doll flat on the floor. Body alight, she touched a finger to the marionette, remembering that Tony had been in contact with the statues the entire time during the incident at the rink. The puppet jumped, but went motionless after she drew her hand back. Kaede sighed, "This is why I needed you, Tony." Her eyes lit up and she picked up the puppet, cupping it in her hands. "Stand up," she whispered encouragingly. Slowly, as though trying to find its center of gravity and balance, the wooden figure rose to its feet. The top half, however, remained bent backwards. "Straighten up." The marionette snapped to attention, standing tall in her hands.
Kaede laughed, lifting the wooden doll to eye level. "I did it." Since she was seated on the floor, she let the marionette dance in glee for her, giggling as it twirled. After several more minutes, the wooden puppet delivered a courtesy bow before lowering itself into a fetal position, hands tucked beneath its head to mimic sleep. Kaede set the now lifeless doll down before standing and stretching. She checked the time and decided food was in order.
X X X
Kotetsu received a text before they were to be whisked off to change that gave him even more strength than his Hundred Power ever could:
Go Get 'em, Wild Tiger!
I'm home—yours, and I've already had dinner.
'Kaede…' He looked at the blond beside him and guessed that his expression was probably ten times sappier than his partner's.
Barnaby felt the stare and faced Kotetsu with a chuckle, showing him his text:
Don't let my dad be too reckless in tonight's capture.
Take care, Bunny-chan!
"You Kaburagis and this nickname."
Kotetsu grinned. "You have your orders, Bunny-chan! Let's go before Saito sends Ben after us." Taking Barnaby's outstretched arm, he pulled the young man in to steal a kiss. "That's for good luck." Laughing, Kotetsu danced around his desk to escape to the door. Barnaby shook his head and followed with a smile.
Kaede confessed to Tony the following day, apologizing profusely for borrowing his power. "I made a marionette dance, though," she added excitedly. "It was so much fun."
Tony's disapproving frown diminished, giving way to the slightest hint of a small smile. "It was Wild Tiger that made me realize I'm not a freak like some people say," he started in explanation.
Kaede grinned. "Wild Tiger's pretty amazing, isn't he?" The boy didn't know his favorite Hero was her father.
Tony's smile widened a bit more, his eyes going soft. "He went out of his way for me, and took full responsibility to ensure I would have as normal a life as possible—risked his name to keep me out of incarceration." He met Kaede's eye. "That was why I turned you down yesterday. I didn't want to ruin all of his efforts."
Kaede only vaguely remembered the ice rink incident—just that Barnaby saved her—but she also knew Tony had been the cause of it all. She wanted to reach out and offer some comfort to the boy, but she knew it would be taken the wrong way in a class full of children her own age. Kaede placed her elbow on the desk between them, forearm raised. Her pinky was extended and she wiggled it, inviting the boy to do the same. Hesitantly, Tony copied her movements, appearing startled when she hooked their pinkies together.
"Let's promise to get into Hero Academy," the brunette declared. "We'll work really hard and become First League Heroes of our generation."
Tony nodded, his blue eyes sparkling, and curled his finger tighter around hers.
"What are we promising?" a new voice asked, recognizing the gesture Tony hadn't.
Their fingers uncurled and the duo stared up at the young girl that now stood at the edge of the desk. Her sandy-blonde hair was pulled back into a loose ponytail, allowing a few strands to escape and frame her smiling face.
"Emma." Kaede grinned. "We made a promise to get into Hero Academy."
Tony's mouth couldn't get any wider after it fell open. "That's not something you tell everyone," he hissed.
Kaede tilted her head at him, eyebrows arched questioningly. "Why not?"
"Because you don't want everyone knowing your identity."
"But everyone knows Barnaby's identity."
Tony didn't have a comeback for that one.
Emma's green eyes lit up as she giggled. "You're both NEXTs," she stated, reiterating more for herself than the duo that knew of their abilities. "That's so cool. Can I be your first fan?"
Tony and Kaede exchanged incredulous stares, facing Emma as they laughed. "Yes," Kaede said. "But let's keep this between the three of us." She held up her pinky again, grin as wide as ever.
x
During lunch, Kaede took Tony and Emma to the gymnasium so she could show them her dancing marionette. Just in case she'd accidentally bumped into another NEXT over the course of the day, she looked to Tony, silently asking him permission. He held out his hand with a grin and she took it. Emma tilted her head questioningly.
Kaede laughed, "My ability is that I… I guess you could say I borrow other NEXTs abilities."
The young blonde's eyes grew wide and she leaned forward, hands clasped tightly together. "That's amazing," Emma stated, her voice barely higher than a whisper, and filled with awe.
Kaede blushed as she pulled the marionette from her school case. "Thanks," she mumbled, her body already outlined in a blue light. With her hands flat on her lap, she stared down at the motionless puppet, willing it to move. 'You have an audience,' she encouraged. The wooden doll stirred, slowly pushing itself up into a standing position. It straightened, standing tall, and looked from Emma to Tony. It mimicked tipping a hat to both children and the trio shared a laugh.
"You're doing such a good job," Tony praised.
"Really?" Kaede and the marionette faced him at the same time.
The curly-haired boy smiled. "Yeah. Unlike me, you're learning in a more calming manner, and starting small. When I realized what I could do…" His smile disappeared as he remembered the destruction he'd caused. Tony's eyes widened after he felt and saw the hands on him. Emma had taken one of his hands in both of hers. The marionette had moved into Kaede's left hand in order for the girl to place a comforting hand to his shoulder. Even the doll had a wooden hand placed against his cheek. Tony laughed, feeling accepted for the first time since Wild Tiger asked for his help those couple years ago.
The trio of classmates was forced to separate after the bell sounded, warning them that lunch was over and that they needed to head back to class. Kaede carefully placed the marionette back into her bag and ran across the floor to join her friends at the gymnasium doors.
Kaede eased her bangs to one side, pinning them back with the pink clip she'd held between her lips. Before lowering her hands, she wrapped her ponytail around her hair band, tucking the ends off to make a bun. She grinned and reached out her hand. Pao-Lin smiled back, taking the teen's hand. They separated shortly after and the Hero took a few precautionary steps away.
Kaede inhaled then exhaled deeply, her body now outlined in a blue light. It was her first time attempting to work with one of the wild elements. Her regular sessions consisted of working with Barnaby, Karina, and Keith. She smiled as she thought of the wind-using NEXT. Electricity crackled down her bare arms and giggle tumbled from her lips. "It tickles," she told the other teen.
"That's a good sign," Pao-Lin laughed. "I know you've been training. Do you have any moves?" Kaede nodded and the raw energy sparked again. "Perform those moves, and at the end, picture yourself firing."
"Firing," Kaede repeated. "Firing…" She faced her targets, exhaling deeply. Most of the moves she knew came from Sky High, and since thinking about him and his infectious smiles helped to calm her, she decided to execute his style. Kaede told herself that it was just wind being manipulated, even though she could feel the difference from the two elements. She outstretched her arms, pushing the energy outward, and was rewarded with a crackling explosion. Kaede waved away the dust and let out a short laugh at the sight before her. The targets had been burnt to a crisp, along with everything before them. She glanced around and found that Pao-Lin had also activated her abilities; probably to deflect her explosion.
"Sorry," Kaede apologized, ducking her head.
"No. You did great." Pao-Lin started toward the young girl, her smile wide. "Especially for someone that hasn't attended Hero Academy."
"Did you?"
The blonde shook her head. "But I had special, private training." Pao-Lin tilted her head, arms crossed as she studied the younger girl. "Teaching you kung fu might help, but it would be better for you to develop your own style." She smiled. "One that will work, no matter what abilities you have."
"Maybe a special piece of equipment, or an outfit?" Kaede's enthusiasm caused a current of electricity to dance from head to toe. Realizing she was still a living weapon, she let the light surrounding her fade as she deactivated her abilities. "I'm getting ahead of myself," she sighed, dropping her arms. "I'll probably end up on the Second League, if I ever graduate from Hero Academy."
Pao-Lin placed a comforting hand to her shoulder. "With an ability like yours, I wouldn't be surprised if you become the first Queen of Heroes." She laughed and Kaede joined in with a soft giggle, her cheeks flushed.
X X X
Kaede was still excited about her training session that she practically skipped through the lobby after returning home. She waved to the receptionist, who waved back just as exuberantly, and hurried to the elevator. As it was now her apartment suite, she had access to the key codes, and didn't need to buzz her arrival. The only downside to that was catching her father and Barnaby wrapped around each other. Kaede smirked as the two men attempted to untangle themselves, tapping her foot impatiently as they did so. "At this point, I can't even say I expected better from either of you. You're both setting a bad example."
"I apologize for my behavior." Barnaby lowered his eyes.
"Sorry, Kaede." Kotetsu ducked his head, wringing his hands together.
The young girl shook her head with a smile. "Is this why you weren't at the Justice Tower to oversee my lightning training?"
Kotetsu's eyes widened and he hurried forward, tripping up the circular steps that led out of the small den. "It's not my fault!" he pleaded. "I told Bunny—"
"Don't try to blame me!" Barnaby quickly joined Kotetsu, extending a hand to the young girl. "If Kotetsu knew he had someplace to be, he never told me."
"Of course not," Kaede scoffed, shooting them both diminishing glares. On the inside, she was cheering at how wrapped around her finger they both were. "Because being in your lap was more important than making sure I can use my abilities properly." Both men were turning red at the accusation, but it was Kotetsu who was two seconds from falling all over himself, and her, in tears and apology.
"I'm kidding." With a smile, Kaede flicked off Kotetsu's hat, tousling her father's hair. "Let's get started on dinner, hmm?" Officially, they hadn't moved into Barnaby's suite just yet, but unofficially, they were already living there. Kaede wiggled her fingers in a wave before hurrying through the side door to disappear into what would soon be her room.
Kotetsu slumped to the floor, face buried in his hands. "She's just like her mother, with a bit of her own personality thrown in. They rule you with a smile." Barnaby took a seat beside him and he slumped against the blond. "You're the same way, too, but you don't smile as much. You've been smiling more and more lately, though."
Barnaby slipped an arm around Kotetsu's shoulder, burying his nose in the dark hair. "That's because I have a lot to smile about, even if you do get on my nerves sometimes." He squeezed more firmly. "We should probably start on dinner before she comes back out."
"Yeah," Kotetsu muttered, straightening up. He kissed the underside of Barnaby's chin before they both rose onto their feet.
x
Barnaby cleared the table, bringing back tea for himself and juice for the father-daughter pair. He smiled at Kaede after taking a seat. "So, how was training?"
Kaede grinned at him over her cup. "It was great, even though I blew everything up." She laughed offhandedly, downplaying the damage; the room was meant to be destroyed, in a sense. "Pao-Lin also showed me a few simple kung-fu moves that she said would help to direct the electricity flow. I went in there with the mindset that I was still working with wind." She lowered her head, smiling down into her juice. "Maybe when I figure out electricity, I'll be able to work with fire." Kaede liked Nathan, but she tried to keep her distance from him just as well. A large hand cupped the side of her face and she leaned into her father's touch.
"I know you'll do just fine," Kotetsu told her, meaning every word and more. "At this rate, you might not need to attend Hero Academy."
Kaede shook her head, his hand becoming dislodged by the action. "I promised Tony. We're going together." Her grin was a proud one.
Kotetsu glanced at Barnaby, but the younger Hero merely smiled at him, knowing where his thoughts were.
x
"Do you think they're dating?" Kotetsu was seated in the middle of their large bed, legs and arms crossed as he tossed Kaede's words around in his head: we're going—together. "She said they were going out together."
Barnaby laughed after pulling on his shirt. "She did not, Kotetsu. She said they were going to Hero Academy together."
"That's the same thing," Kotetsu hissed, falling backwards before turning onto his side. He whined, curling into a fetal position. "She's too young."
"She's old enough and capable enough to make her own decisions."
"Hush, you! You're supposed to be on my side." Kotetsu felt a slight dip in the bed and knew he'd been joined. He felt a gentle hand combing back his hair and he sneaked a peek up at his partner.
"I am on your side," Barnaby stated softly, leaning down to press a kiss to Kotetsu's temple. "The offer to have a photographer follow her around still stands."
Maybe it was the serious expression on Barnaby's face, but Kotetsu couldn't stop the grin that spread across his own face, or the words his heart spoke for him, "I love you." The words were honest, on the same level as his confession and proposal to the late Tomoe.
Barnaby pulled back, his eyes wide. "Kotetsu?" he stammered, unable to control his voice.
"I," Kotetsu freed a hand from beneath his head, reaching up to curl his fingers around the back of Barnaby's neck, "love," He tugged, gently guiding the blond head downward, "you." Kotetsu chuckled at the frozen young man, hoping his kiss brought him back to reality. No such luck. He released his partner, rolling over to his side of the bed, and got comfortable for sleep. "G'night—"
"I love you, too, Kotetsu," was whispered urgently against the back of his neck. Barnaby's arms snaked around the slender frame, tugging the older man closer. He wanted to keep whispering it, but he didn't want to seem desperate. Kotetsu's hand found his and he squeezed it tightly, conveying the depths of his feelings through the touch. Kotetsu chuckled softly and found it was easy to go to sleep, even with Barnaby's entire being smothering him.
Kotetsu received an unexpected surprise on the final week of moving into Barnaby's suite.
"We need to tell the public we're an item, or we'll end up the target of paparazzi and shady tabloid papers," the brunet sighed, taking a seat on the long couch that had just been delivered. He had only been permitted certain pieces because his loving partner didn't want his place cluttered. Kotetsu stretched out lengthwise on the couch, staring out of the large picture window the piece of furniture had been placed in front of.
"They won't tell." Barnaby's 'they' referred to the group of movers that had pulled away several minutes ago. "Hippocratic oath or something."
Kotetsu leaned against the arm of the couch, his head tilted back, and laughed. "I don't think that applies to them, but we'll go with that." He closed his eyes, enjoying the warmth that bled through the glass and washed over him. He frowned when his sunlight was suddenly gone and peeked out through one eye to find out why. Kotetsu grinned up at the blond that leaned over him, both eyes now open. "What does my lil' Bunny want, hmm?"
The chime to alert them they had guests echoed through the room and Barnaby smirked. "For Kotetsu to answer the door."
With a groan, Kotetsu straightened up on the cushions, stretching, his fingers curling in the air. "I'm weary, Bunny, but I'll answer the door, just because you asked me to."
"Good boy." Barnaby plopped Kotetsu's hat back onto his head. It had fallen off during the older man's short-lived lounge.
Hands shoved into the pockets of his trousers, Kotetsu stalked across the floor, occasionally nudging one or two of the unpacked boxes still lying around. After arriving at the door, he freed a hand, pushing the button that brought up the video screen. His amber eyes widened. "Kaa-chan!? Aniki?!"
x
With a smug smile, Muramasa stretched out on the single lounge chair that originally came with the suite. Kotetsu and Barnaby were sitting seiza on the floor, a stern and glowering Anju standing over them. The older of the two men had his head bowed, hands fisted atop his thighs. "Kaa-chan…"
"I'm still trying to wrap my mind around the fact that my granddaughter, daughter of my youngest son—" Kotetsu hunched his shoulders up to his ears, wishing he could disappear "—had to tell me that her father—my son—" Even Barnaby cringed "—was moving in with Barnaby Brooks Jr., King of Heroes."
"Former," the young man interrupted. It was the truth; the title had been removed during his retirement and was still up for grabs. But it was still a useless fact where the peeved mother was concerned. Barnaby managed to last a few food moments under Anju's glare before finally mirroring Kotetsu's exact pose: head bowed and hands fisted atop his thighs.
"Mr. King of Heroes," Anju drawled, arching an eyebrow. "Is this a phase—Hero worship? Are you stringing my son along?"
The blond head snapped up, shaking vehemently. "No!" Barnaby cried. "I love Kotetsu! I… love him." He glanced at said man kneeling beside him. "I love you," he whispered. Kotetsu stared back, a smile tugging at his lips.
Anju hid her own smile and huffed loudly, gaining their attention once more; both men sat rigid. "Now that that's out of the way—Kotetsu." Kotetsu stayed alert, not wanting to miss a word of his mother's instructions. "Kaede did call us, but the real reason was because she wanted a few of her things brought from Oriental Town. Bring them up, please. Take your brother with you."
Kotetsu stood, waiting for Muramasa to join him. He saved his banter until they were almost at the door. "You drove that vintage van this far?"
"Because it's reliable," Muramasa shot back.
"Ha!"
Once they had stepped through the door and out of sight, Barnaby looked away to find Anju staring, her wide and gentle smile directed at him.
x
Kotetsu knew his mother and Barnaby had had some sort of discussion while he and Muramasa were downstairs. The younger man still flinched when Anju barked out orders, but a smile was present on his face for the remainder of the evening. When they were finished, the front room was no longer cluttered and looked very respectable. After everyone cleaned up, Muramasa prepared the evening's meal, taunting his brother that there was more to food than fried rice. It was a simple dish, but still delicious—tonkatsu, topped with Japanese curry. He was surprised to find all the ingredients necessary.
Kaede made her appearance then, declaring, "He's been teaching himself how to cook to please his partner." Unlike said partner, Barnaby knew humility and ducked his head at the girl's praise. Kaede grinned and hurried off to wash up before returning to enjoy dinner with her family.
Kaede bid her grandmother and uncle an early 'good night'—there was homework to be done and sleep to be had.
Anju declined Barnaby's offer to spend the night. She glanced between the couple, lips curled in a crooked smile. "I wouldn't dream of disturbing newlyweds." Barnaby averted his eyes, staring at the floor, whereas Kotetsu looked towards the ceiling; both blushed in embarrassment. Anju laughed, "Take care of yourselves." She bowed her head to both men as she shuffled past.
Muramasa clapped a hand down onto Barnaby's shoulder. He glanced at his brother before smiling at the blond. "Good luck."
Kotetsu frowned at his brother, eyes narrowed in suspicion. "What is that supposed to mean?"
"Just as I said—he'll need all the luck he can get, living with you."
Kotetsu stuck his tongue out at his brother's back, straightening up after hearing Barnaby's chuckle. The young man walked by, seeing his guests out. He closed the door, leaning against it with a smile. "Let's take a bath, Kotetsu."
x
Kotetsu held his toothbrush steady in his mouth, both hands occupied lifting suds from the foamy bath water. He moved his arms behind his head, grinning when a deep breath blew the suds almost everywhere. He smoothed his wet hands down over his damp hair, settling back against Barnaby. Kotetsu removed the toothbrush long enough to speak, "What did you and my mom talk about?"
Barnaby blinked in surprise before his expression mellowed out to a reverent look that went unseen, unless Kotetsu were to turn around. "I was ordered to never tell you."
Kotetsu sat up straight, splashing water as he twisted his upper half to pout at the younger man. "What? Why not?"
"Because, and I quote: tell him I said so." Barnaby smirked. He drowned out Kotetsu's whining, thinking back to the short conversation he'd shared with Anju. In so many words, she'd pointed out her son's flaws and misgivings—all things Barnaby had grown to admire; all things that made Kotetsu the unique individual that he is. But she had also done so with a smile that made Barnaby remember his own mother. It made him think what their relationship would have been like had she still been around. Would he have been firmly scolded or gently reprimanded? Spoiled rotten, or allowed to see that everything has a worth? Barnaby was pulled from his thoughts when Kotetsu's face suddenly appeared in his line of vision.
"You're crying," Kotetsu whispered, wiping away the tear trails with a damp knuckle. He wouldn't press the issue anymore than that, deciding it was only right for Barnaby to tell him when he felt ready. Smiling, Kotetsu pressed his lips to the tip of the young man's nose. "You already have me, so you don't need to cry."
Barnaby let out a laugh, a hint of his tears audible in the slight tremble of his voice. "This might be the only time you hear me say this, so treasure the moment. You're right. I do have you." He angled his head, leaning forward until his lips met Kotetsu's. He marveled in the minty taste from the toothpaste, but longed for a hint of the man he fell in love with.
Kotetsu grunted in protest before the kiss grew too intimate, pushing back gently. "Awkward…" he managed after getting some space between them, referring to their positioning. There was no support, and Kotetsu's one hand kept him upright as his fingers were curled around the edge of the tub. The tub, was in no way small, like his own, and could almost be considered a Jacuzzi, save for the lack of heated, bubbling water.
Barnaby realized the dilemma and worked to remedy it, tugging Kotetsu along as he backed up to the wall of the tub. He hesitated as Kotetsu leaned in close again, searching the man's face for confirmation. "You want to do this… here?"
Kotetsu grinned. "Best place, if you think about it. No extra cleanup, except maybe a shower, just to wash off everything."
"So thoughtful, Mr. Kaburagi," Barnaby chuckled, brushing his nose against Kotetsu's before angling his head to seal their lips together once again.
x
Kotetsu absently played with the damp ends of Barnaby's hair, hoping he wasn't disturbing the young man too much. His mind wandered back to their earlier tryst in the bathroom, and all the others that had taken place prior to that. A smile flitted across the man's face as he realized Barnaby was still holding true to his promise. He never pushed for more and always asked before indulging.
"I think I'm mended now, Bunny," Kotetsu whispered, sidling closer. He slipped an arm over Barnaby's waist, momentarily becoming the 'big spoon'; their positions would be reversed at some point while they slept, so he would definitely enjoy it while it lasted.
Kaede giggled, the sound turning into a full laugh after being tackled by John onto the lush grass. She brought her arms up covering her face to protect against the dog's loving tongue. Keith sat on a bench nearby, keeping an eye on them both. He enjoyed the time he spent with Kaede when they trained, and actually looked forward to her calls. They'd gotten off to a rough start, but made amends the same day. From then on, a friendship had blossomed and grown. Keith remembered being nothing but surprised when Kaede first approached him after officially moving to Sternbild.
-x-x-
Keith didn't move from bed after hearing the first chime, but John was there to drive him out the second time, front paws pushing on his chest. He knew Antonio was at his company so it couldn't be him, and the CEO of Poseidon Line usually barged in, not caring about his state of dress—or undress. Keith stood from the bed, smoothing out his white shirt, and made his way to the front of his apartment suite. John weaved back and forth, in and out, and around his legs before the Golden Retriever settled at the door before his owner arrived.
Keith checked the monitor to see who was visiting and his eyes widened even more in surprise. He allowed his visitor entrance, waiting beside the door for them to arrive at his floor. It took a few moments before the soft rapping against the door almost echoed in the quiet suite. Even John sat by, quiet and obedient, as his master opened the door.
Hands into the pockets of her jacket, Kaede grinned up at Keith. "Good morning," she chirped. "I bullied Antonio into give me your address, because…" She averted her gaze for a few second, momentarily stunned at the sight of the large Retriever, before looking back toward the man. "Well, I wanted to officially apologize for that day."
Keith knew which day she spoke of. It was the day of their first meeting. Kaede had been wary of him the entire time, even after Kotetsu arrived to pick her up. "I feel I should also apologize," he stated, placing a hand to his chest while bowing his head. "For not believing in Wild Tiger-san when he needed us the most."
Incredulity became clearly visible on Kaede's young features, disappearing as she closed her eyes to shake her head frantically. "You weren't… yourself, so that doesn't count. Not even Antonio, who's known my dad the longest, realized it was his childhood friend." That was the attack she'd used against Rock Bison—and would probably always use—in order to get Keith's home information.
"But Karina-san—"
"Stop comparing yourself to other people!"
John let out an agreeing bark and Keith knew he was beat. "Besides," the girl huffed. "You're not in love with my dad, are you?" Keith shook his head, his blond bangs brushing his face with the movement. He quickly closed the door behind Kaede after softly inviting her to come in so they could have a bit more privacy.
"Then don't fret. I also want you to train me to use your powers," the young girl mumbled, looking around and appraising her new surroundings. Keith watched as John trotted to her side. Kaede startled at the wet nose nudging at the hand still tucked away in the pocket of her jacket. Her face lit up after studying the dog and she removed her hand to pet the overgrown puppy; Antonio always told him he spoiled John.
"Why… me?" Keith questioned, taking a few steps forward, but keeping his distance.
With her hand still resting on the smitten Retriever's head, Kaede smiled at the blond over her shoulder. "I like you."
Keith's confusion melted away with the innocent confession and he returned her grin with a bright smile of his own. "You need permission from you father—" Kaede frowned at his statement. "—but I'll be happy to train you!"
Kaede smirked. "Deal."
John again barked in agreement.
-x-x-
Kaede was now seated beside Keith on the bench, John stretched across both their laps, enjoying the idle fingers that scratched and petted him. Keith was curious—he was always curious—about today's meeting, and decided to voice the thoughts loudest in his head. "Not that I don't mind hanging out with you, Kaede, but why did you want to meet if we're not training?"
Kaede smiled, leaning down to bury her nose between the Retriever's ears. John's tail thumped excitedly against his owner's thigh. She straightened up, leaning against the back of the bench. "I just like spending time with you. It's… calming," Kaede replied honestly. "I like hanging out with Karina, but most of the time, Nathan's there." She grinned. "He lost both my dad and Antonio."
Keith blushed faintly, realizing he was to blame.
"I like him," Kaede continued, "but he's the only adult adult of you sponsored Heroes, and he has to hold his tongue around me. I give him and Karina the freedom to gossip. I hardly see Ivan, and it has nothing to do with his abilities. Don't think of yourself as my last choice. You were my first. After Barnaby," she added, shooting him a sideways glance. "But he's… family now, so that doesn't count. Also, I think my dads want their privacy." School was out for the week, which meant she was home more often. Kaede lifted her gaze to the man beside her, waggling her eyebrows suggestively.
Keith's blush deepened as he understood the meaning behind her words.
A silence settled after that, lasting long enough that Kaede sighed, "I think John fell asleep." Her hand stilled, no longer scratching around the dog's ears. The soft whine from her lap let the young teen know her assumption was wrong, and she resumed her ministrations.
Keith escorted her back home that evening, and Kaede parted ways with a promise to keep an eye out for him during his nightly patrol. The teen was gracious enough to ring the bell to alert the penthouse suite's other occupants of her presence. She waited a few minutes before entering. With a quick "I'm back", she hurried to her room, glad that the shower was vacant as she passed it; she needed to wash away all traces of John.
x
A blanket wrapped around her shoulders, Kaede sat on the roof of the building, phone held with both hands as she enjoyed a joint conversation with Emma and Tony. They were all keeping an eye on the night sky to see if they could spot the jetpack-wearing Hero. Kaede's eyes widened and she quickly told her friends to switch to video mode. Turning her phone, she pointed it in the direction of the edge of the roof where Sky High hovered, staring directly at her. The Hero saluted before taking off into the starry night sky.
Kaede continued to stare after him, until he was no longer visible, listening while Emma gushed on about what kind of gentleman was behind the helmet. 'He's every bit the gentleman you make him out to be.' She grinned, pulling the blanket tighter around her shoulders.
Barnaby collected her after another hour, explaining that he'd grown tired of listening to Kotetsu worry about his baby girl.
A/N: I'm tired… I keep making the boys dance around each other, but I refuse to completely leave this story without them consummating their union! Also~ I wanted Kaede and Keith to have a friendship from the get-go, so that's why that scene is there. It was elsewhere, but I shifted it around… think it's better at the end *nod nod*
These epilogues are mostly for Kaede and her family (*whispers* Kaede needs a Hero suit design)
