Title: & Bunny – epilogue (three)
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.
A/N¹: Time skip. As Kaede was around 12 years-old before the epilogues started, she's currently 17 (I believe, heh).


Kaede was grateful when her feet finally touched the ground, but her eyes never left the teenager standing beside the obvious NEXT. "Is he...?"

The copper-haired man glanced at his companion, the light around him disappearing, and smirked. "A NEXT? No, he's not."

Kaede chewed her bottom lip in thought. Something about both individuals seemed familiar to her and her soul would be haunted until she figured out what it was. Unfortunately for her, Tony chose that moment to show up, riding grandly on the back of a Griffin. Each of the seven major companies of Sternbild had agreed to have their statues replicated and stored for the teen to use, only when he made his debut. That meant Tony had a Griffin, a Phoenix, a Komainu, a Minotaur, a Dragon, a Pegasus, and a statue of the feline Egyptian Goddess Bastet at his disposal.

"Are you all right?" he panted, warily eyeing the two men.

"I'm fine," Kaede mumbled, trying not to be too out of sorts as she leapt onto the wing of the animated stone creature. She climbed carefully before finally seating herself behind her fellow Hero. Her savior lifted a hand, waving as Tony guided the Griffin back around to take them back to the city. Kaede craned her neck to watch him until he could no longer be seen.

X

"Kaede." The teenager endured her father's poking and prodding as he checked to see if she had sustained any unknown injuries. Barnaby was the one that pulled him away. "They couldn't find you—said you were out training." After the incident with Edward, Hero Academy expanded their teaching of new NEXTs to include controlled hostage situations. "I'm surprised Tony did, but still...!" Kotetsu took a deep breath, reaching up to squeeze the reassuring hand Barnaby had placed on his shoulder. "What happened?"

"I attempted to make a leap that I… I guess I wasn't prepared for. I fell. I forgot the last person I'd touched was Tony. Thought it was Sky High…" She lifted her shoulders in a shrug. "Somebody saved me."

The two men exchanged a quick glance; the cameras hadn't recorded any such thing. Granted, though, HeroTV focused on the sponsored Heroes rather than the Second League, both of which Kaede wasn't, not yet. Kotetsu suddenly developed a sinking feeling. "How?" he pressed.

Kaede pursed her lips, tilting her head. "I felt like... I was floating."

Barnaby kept a straight face as he endured the death grip Kotetsu now had on his hand.

Kaede smiled at them. "But I'm safe. Let me check in and we can go home." She turned away, hesitating before turning back around, her hands clasped in front of her. "I can't wait until we work together. A Hero family," she giggled. Kotetsu managed a weak grin, holding it only until his daughter could no longer see him.

It was Barnaby's turn now. "You know something." There was no question.

"I might," Kotetsu responded, his lips pressed into a thin line and his hand still gripping Barnaby's as a lifeline. Barnaby had been aware of his kidnapping, and knew who had been behind it, along with all the sordid details that came with it. As they waited for Kaede, he told his partner his suspicions on who could have saved Kaede. "We ended on good terms, but knowing he's back in Sternbild is what's making me uneasy." Kotetsu leaned back against his SUV with a groan. "He'd only be back for a job." He started, stumbling away from the car when his phone vibrated and chimed in his pocket. A text message. Kotetsu opened the new mail. The slight fear he felt after reading its contents was pushed aside for a feeling of slight amusement.

/I can't come back just to visit you, old man?/

Don't do that. It's creepy.
Did you
really come back to visit me?

Kotetsu sent the message, smiling sheepishly at Barnaby's curious stare. "An old… friend, if you will." His phone chirped again and Kotetsu laughed nervously, looking away from the blond to check his phone.

/I'm a friend now, old man?
You won't think that when your
daughter tells you exactly what she saw.

Later./

Barnaby could see his partner's uneasiness return, but there was nothing he could say or do since Kotetsu was obviously keeping his burdens and demons to himself. He sighed, hoping Kotetsu would open up to him sooner rather than later. "Let's go inside to wait for Kaede. I'm sure we'll have to give Tony a ride home also."

Kotetsu perked up at the mention of the boy's name. "Do you think they're dating?" he whispered, sticking close to Barnaby's side as they made their way to the building.

Barnaby's eyes rolled—an automatic response to most things 'Kotetsu', his lips curling into a small smile. "Wasn't it just five years ago you were worried that she was dating Tony? Now you sound like you want it to happen."

Kotetsu glared at the blond's profile. "She was still a baby then. You're no fun," he huffed.


It was at dinner three days later that Kaede lifted her fork high, exclaiming, "The other guy looked just like Dad from high school!" She smiled at the two adults across from her. "I used to go through the photo albums with Grandma. You and Uncle Tony were trying to look like punks."

Barnaby would have loved to see those photos, but he was more concerned with the look of abject terror on his partner's face. "Are you certain, Kaede?" he questioned, speaking on Kotetsu's behalf.

The teenage NEXT nodded emphatically, taking the time to chew and swallow her food before speaking. "The only thing that's different is his eyes. They're red..." Kaede blinked in surprise when her father abruptly stood from his seat. She followed him with her eyes until he disappeared out of the room, then glanced to Barnaby.

The blond smiled apologetically before excusing himself to see to Kotetsu.

Kotetsu hadn't even made it to the bed. Once inside the bedroom, he slid to the floor, the wall at his back, and tucked his head against his knees in an attempt to remember how to breathe properly. Barnaby sank to one knee in front of him, placing his hands gently atop the other's shoulders. Kotetsu lifted his head, removing his hands from his face, and smiled weakly. "I'm fine, Bunny." He dropped a hand to his abdomen, rubbing it almost reverently before curling the arm around his midsection. "I might be pregnant."

Barnaby turned tomato-red in less than a second—a new record. "Don't joke about something's not even possible!"

Kotetsu frowned. "Who's to say it's not?"

"We don't—Kotetsu, stop trying to change the subject."

Kotetsu's grin faded as he looked away to avoid Barnaby's glare. "I'm fine, Bunny. Honest."

"We've been together for almost five years now. I can tell when you're hiding something from me. What I don't understand is why."

Kotetsu smiled at the floor. 'Because I don't want to be a burden.' He forced his lips wider in what he hoped was a more reassuring grin, silently praying for Barnaby not to push the subject any further. "Let's go back to dinner. I'm sure Kaede's worried."

Barnaby removed his hands from Kotetsu's shoulders and stood without a word, walking out just as quietly. He'd seen the desperation in Kotetsu's haunted eyes and decided he wouldn't push the subject any further. It hurt, knowing Kotetsu still carried burdens that he couldn't share with him. 'We're supposed to be partners, Kotetsu.'

Kotetsu, who had remained seated for a few minutes longer, grunted softly as he finally pushed himself to his feet.

Kaede was standing beside his chair when he returned to the dining room. The worried look on her face made her seem more mature, even more so than she already was. It also reminded him of Tomoe. "Dad," she started, hands clasped in front of her. "If you don't feel well, I can make you some tea."

Kotetsu grinned, showing her just how well he felt by tousling her hair. It was a gesture she didn't like, but tonight, all he received was a small frown, which meant she really was troubled, about him. "I feel great," he told her. "Let's finish up here, so we can all relax after such a long day."

In truth, it had been a hectic day, for all Heroes. Several NEXTs—Tony included—had been kidnapped from the Academy, to draw the sponsored Heroes out in an attempt to destroy them all. It was a difficult rescue, given that no one would be able to make a discreet enough entrance. Kaede, however, remembered the NEXT Karina had told her about one time—he could hold his breath and turn invisible—that had stolen her belongings. It wasn't hard locating him, and Kaede introduced herself, shaking his hand. She didn't want to run off, despite practically vibrating out of her skin to save her Heroes, and had a small conversation with the gangly man. Agnes reminded her of her time limit via the microphone in her ear, and she apologized, saying she had to run. To ensure her safe travel, Ben was there to pick her up, and she all but jumped into the back of the taxi cab. It was a difficult rescue, but they managed. Kaede created enough distraction for the others to make a grand entrance.

Right now, Kaede looked skeptical, but relented and allowed her father to take a seat.

There was no accidental bumping of shoulders, elbows, or wrists between him and Barnaby, and dinner finished without any further event.

x

Barnaby was already in bed when Kotetsu returned from the bathroom. Propped up on his side—he faced the wall, meaning his back was to Kotetsu—with his arms crossed over his midsection, the blond stayed on the very edge of his side of the bed. Kotetsu sighed, realizing there would be no cuddling tonight.


Kotetsu played hooky from work the following day, hoping Lloyds didn't blow a fuse or send out a search party. He sat on the front steps of his old home in the Bronze Stage, hoping his intuition proved him right. Sure enough, after several minutes, the man he sought made a grand entrance. After hearing a sharp whistle, but seeing no one on the streets, Kotetsu tilted backwards on the step, staring upward.

Radboud Gustaav strolled calmly down the side of the building. He stepped off after reaching the door, continue his descent on his own personal, invisible set of steps. Finally, he stood on the solid step beside the seated man, smirking down at him. "It's been a while."

Kotetsu patted the concrete. "You're making my neck hurt. Sit."

Radboud did as he was told, hands still tucked away in the pocket of his loose, dark jeans.

Kotetsu leaned forward, bracing his elbows atop his thighs, hands tucked beneath his chin. "How's Evelyn?" he inquired.

Radboud let his sunglasses slide, revealing green eyes filled with amusement. "You see her every day. Evy's gotten absolute control over her abilities, and she's still learning new things. She's everywhere, old man, but she's actually thinking about joining you Heroes."

"That doesn't answer my question," Kotetsu pressed on.

"She's not dead, if that's what you're worried about. She tried to leave Ouroborus not too long after we started over, and they tried to take her out, saying she was too weak and not a NEXT because she wanted to be with humans." Radboud's smirk widened. "I have never loved my sister more than when she showed them just how weak she was. She's probably listening to us right now. Evy!"

There was a small rosebush nearby. The closed buds of the flowers slowly unfurled, each thick and beautiful in their bloomed state. It reminded Kotetsu of the multi-colored rose he still kept, which had yet to start wilting. Barnaby had asked about it, since he kept it in their bedroom—on his own nightstand—and Kotetsu told him it was from a special fan. Kotetsu smiled, picturing the young timid woman he'd left behind.

"She's changed—grown," Radboud stated, as though reading his thoughts. He tilted his head back, staring up through the tiers of the City to catch a trace of the sun as the sudden silence stretched on between them.

Kotetsu lifted a hand to rub the back of his neck, breaking the tense atmosphere by broaching the subject he actually wanted to discuss: "I thought I told you—"

"And you should've known—"

"I did." Kotetsu exhaled deeply. "I suspected."

"If you want to meet him, I suggest you bring your partner. He almost seemed in a hurry to escape from you this morning." Radboud grinned from behind his sunglasses. "He might even force you to move back in here if he found out about this meeting." Kotetsu paled, making him look as though he was going to be sick given his tanned complexion. "Sorry," Radboud mumbled, hiding his guilt behind the dark glasses he wore. He'd overstepped his boundary.

"I'll tell him, about today," Kotetsu whispered. "And see if he'll want to meet you and… him."

Radboud smirked. Kotetsu had addressed his android as him, not it. "Since you're already out here, would you like to meet an old friend?" Kotetsu showed him an innocently questioning stare.

X

"Tiger!"

Kotetsu was very grateful to Radboud's steady hand at his back when an overzealous blonde—the tips of her hair were black—launched herself at him. She was attached to him like a koala, arms and legs wrapped tightly around him, with no regard for their surroundings. Kotetsu laughed nervously, wrapping his arms around her for extra support.

"I've missed you so much, Tiger! I wanted to visit you, but then you moved in with that… brat." The woman continued rubbing her cheek against his. "Our first year apart was so painful, especially since Ray saddled me with his child!" She let out an annoyed squeal. "I tried to mold him into my image… make him like you more than Bar—that brat."

Radboud, who still had a hand resting against Kotetsu's lower back, chuckled at the accusation directed towards him, but did not deny it.

Kotetsu could only wait it out, knowing telling the woman 'you're in public' would be a waste. When she took a breath, he cut in, "I've noticed you're no longer making airtime? Is there another name I should address you by?"

The blonde pulled back with a grin, her brown eyes sparkling. "Eva! And I've stopped causing trouble 'cause I have something important now."

Kotetsu blinked in mock surprise, keeping his arms around her waist when she finally unwound her legs so her feet once again touched the ground. "Eva…? Is it short for something? Because I remember hearing this story about a sweet little girl named Evangeline. That's… that's not you, is it?"

Formerly known as Dark Star—Eva grinned at the man, bouncing on the balls of her feet. "Stop teasing me. C'mon!" Her arms remained around his neck and she tugged him forward into following her. "Let's go in." In meant entering the restaurant they stood in front of, making a spectacle. "We can catch up—my treat!"

Kotetsu glanced over his shoulder at the copper-haired NEXT. "You know what would make this better?"

"Me?" a soft voice interrupted.

Dark Star was now pressed against his back, her chin on his shoulder as she stared along with the veteran Hero. Kotetsu wouldn't be surprised if his mouth was hanging open. Evelyn Gustav had grown up in the past several years. Her crimson tresses rolled down over her shoulders in lengthy curls, making her green eyes stand out even more. Kotetsu couldn't tell if she had grown up any centimeters, but she had grown into her mature age; the form-fitting dress showed off her slender shape. If it had been missing before, the innocence was back in Evelyn's eyes as she stared at the man that changed her life in just several weeks.

"Kotetsu-san," the redhead giggled, blushing shyly.

"There's the Evelyn I know," Kotetsu chuckled. He reached out a hand to her and she took it, her blush deepening. With Dark Star chattering away in his ear and Radboud bringing up the rear, Kotetsu led the way into the restaurant, unaware that he was being watched from across the street.

x

Kotetsu's lunch date was cut short when the green and white band on his wrist began flashing. He apologized to the trio of ragtag friends and family, bowing politely after he stood from his chair. With one last wave, Kotetsu darted out of the restaurant, already wondering where the safest location was to call in a pickup from Saito. He didn't have far to go.

Barnaby was standing in front of the restaurant, his arms crossed over his chest and his eyes narrowed in a glare. Behind him was his red sports car. "Keith-san told me where you were," he offered in explanation, before delivering the order, "Get in."

Kotetsu did as he was told, buckling his seatbelt once inside the car. Barnaby closed the door he'd been holding open then circled around to the driver's side of the car. Kotetsu lifted his head, glancing out of the window. A small smile tugged at his lips as he spotted Dark Star making faces at the car. She was soon out of sight after Barnaby pulled away from the curb and merged into traffic.

Their Hero transport was parked two blocks away, void of any insignia as to not attract attention. Kotetsu left his jacket and hat in the car before hurrying after his partner.

X

It was after the chase and capture—Dragon Kid scored the most points—and everyone was back at the Justice Tower, that Barnaby addressed Kotetsu in regards to his earlier actions. The blond slammed a hand against the right wall of the corner he had Kotetsu pinned in. "They kidnapped you," he spat. "Did you forget that?"

"Because they were ordered to… by Maverick! Did you forget that?" Kotetsu glared back. This was one time he refused to be upstaged by someone younger than himself. "They realized they were mistaken and released me. Dark St—no… Eva has been living a normal life for several years now."

"Kaede said she saw that thing—that… android," Barnaby reminded him, leaning in closer. "I don't like thinking about it, and I can't imagine how difficult it was for you, but… do you want it to happen again?"

'No.' Kotetsu averted his eyes, quickly realizing they were the only ones left in the room.

"You're willing to trust the man that made it? Kotetsu!"

"Yes," Kotetsu stated softly. He repeated his response in a louder voice, turning so he once again stared into his partner's narrowed emerald eyes. "And if you'd stop yelling for a second, I can probably tell you he offered to let me meet the new android—"

"No!" Barnaby shouted, slamming his left hand against the wall so Kotetsu was conveniently trapped.

"But only if you come also," Kotetsu finished, his glare almost admonishing.

"The answer is still 'no'," Barnaby sighed, lowering his head. He was close enough that he almost touched the older man's chest. "…is what I want to say, but I know you won't let this rest until you can see him."

The creases in Kotetsu's brow faded away as he slowly grinned. "Bunny…"

"My name's not Bunny…" Barnaby mumbled for old time's sake, already letting his body sag against Kotetsu's.

The brunet laughed, hugging his partner close. "Thank you, Bunny."

The group of over a dozen that stood outside the door eavesdropping sagged in relief as the tension lifted.

X

Kotetsu slept peacefully that night, curled against Barnaby.


The fated day arrived a week later. Barnaby picked a public location they all knew well: the skating rink. Since Christmas was still months off, there were no decorations, and only couples and parents with children occupied the large domelike structure.

Kotetsu looked nervously between the glaring blond and the redhead hidden behind his usual shades. Clearing his throat, he made quick introductions before setting his sights on the short figure standing beside Radboud. It was as Kaede said—it looked just like him in his high school days, but with some differences.

"He's hardly dangerous now." Radbound placed a hand to the dark head and the android bowed under the slight weight, showing his maker a look of irritation. "Just a simple body, with no extra strength. I fine-tuned him a little, though. This is actually his second new body. The first..." Radboud shook his head with a laugh. "You probably don't care to know, do you?"

Kotetsu tore his gaze from the teenage version of himself to stare at Radboud—really stare at him. The copper-haired NEXT looked older now—five years had passed, but he also looked worn out, unlike during their lunch date. "Why'd you do it?" Kotetsu questioned, tilting his head slightly.

"Because I couldn't bear the thought of losing him," Radboud answered, all traces of amusement gone from his voice and his features. "He was my first. His memories were being constantly recorded and backed up on a special drive, but I stopped after Maverick took control of him."

Ebitsu stared up at Kotetsu with a look the older man remembered wearing whenever he watched Mr. Legend in action. "I'm not the same," the android stated. "I remember you and Bunny—" Barnaby, who stood by as silent reassurance, bristled after hearing the nickname from someone other than Kotetsu and Kaede. "Ray told me to apologize for whatever my first generation self did in the past." The teen-like figure bowed his head in repentance.

"He picked up that 'Ray' from Ster," Radboud sighed. "Ster didn't tell you what her 'something important' was, but she lives in the Silver Stage, with her girlfriend of four years now." Kotetsu's eyes widened, a surprised laugh tumbling from his lips. Radboud smirked. "She mentioned visiting you, but…" He shifted his hidden gaze to the sullen blond. "She's not fond of you. Still, for some reason, she kept that picture you guys took here several years ago."

Barnaby reigned in his surprise, hiding it behind a glare. That was the night everything had started.

Radboud continued to stare at him, chuckling softly as he saw behind the mask the blond wore. "Your husband's getting antsy. I promise we're not here for bad business."

Kotetsu turned to grin at Barnaby. "Are you my husband?"

Barnaby spoke, his narrowed eyes never leaving Radboud, "It's just a title. I'm your partner, and I plan to stay with you as long as you allow." Kotetsu's grin softened to a warm smile.

Ebitsu stared at their interaction, a small smile etched onto his own replicated features. He chewed his bottom lip nervously, processing the consequences that his actions would bring. To hell with it. He reached out, taking Kotetsu's face between his hands to pull the older man down, and locked their lips together. The kiss went on surprisingly long before Barnaby recovered from his shock and pulled Kotetsu away and behind him.

Ebitsu grinned. "I'm sorry. I didn't know when I'd be able to see him again. It's... for building memories." He peered around the blond to the stunned brunet. "And now I can taste, so it's even better."

Radboud forced the teen android low in a bow with the hand to the back of his head. "Sorry," he muttered.

"I'm not," Ebitsu chirped.

"Shut up or I scrap you."

"That threat's old now. You'll just make a new me, so what?"

"One without a voice box."

Ebitsu ducked out from under the restraining hand to gape at his creator. "You wouldn't dare..."

"Try me," Radboud threatened. With a scowl, Ebitsu turned his back on the trio, his posture showing that his arms were crossed over his chest. Radboud pushed his shades up into his hair, sighing deeply. "Sorry," he repeated, both for himself and Ebitsu. "The real reason I called you out was to ask if I could make Kaede a suit for her Hero debut."

Kotetsu stepped out from behind Barnaby to study his former enemy. "Why?" he asked hesitantly.

"Because of her abilities to mimic others. She needs a suit that will allow for her to easily adapt to whatever NEXT she touches." Radboud's trademark smirk returned. "And I, luckily enough, can access vast databases that let me know of all NEXT abilities that exist."

"Saito-san is in charge of suit development," Barnaby stated curtly, wanting to bring this meeting to an end once and for all. "We appreciate your offer, but it's already being taken care of."

"Right." The sunglasses were back on and Radboud was in a more comfortable state. "For the debut of a Hero family." He laughed, the sound soft and almost scornful. "Good luck." He bowed his head to both men, eyewear slipping down the bridge of his nose. The glare that could be seen over the rim was directed at Barnaby. Radboud straightened up, bumping Ebitsu as he began walking away. "Let's go, kid."

Ebitsu looked between his creator and his favorite Heroes. He grinned, waving excitedly at them, before dashing after Radboud.

"He's nothing like me at that age," Kotetsu chuckled, feeling just a little old.

Barnaby relaxed at the statement, uncrossing his arms to wrap one around Kotetsu's shoulder. "You're not old, Kotetsu."

"I'm old enough that we don't do it as often as we used to." Kotetsu pouted at the blushing blond. "I wanna do it tonight," he whined.

"K-Kotetsu…!" Barnaby stammered out, looking around to see if anyone had overheard. Sternbild learned of his relationship with Kotetsu T. Kaburagi—his fellow Apollon Media associate—two years after they began officially dating. Rather than a swarm of paparazzi, they received fan letters at Apollon Media every day, for several months, from various female citizens of the City.

Kotetsu grinned, laughing, and tucked himself closer against Barnaby to steal a kiss from his mumbling lips. He took the younger man's hand, dragging him onto the ice. It was just as fun without skates. And so much fun was had, both men barely had time to get ready for bed before they were fast asleep, let alone thinking about intercourse.


It was the night after Keith housed a karaoke party at his house—after Ivan dropped the microphone and the feedback ran through the room—that Kaede realized why her savior was familiar and set about meeting him again. Sitting in her father's SUV, knees drawn up to her chest, she waited.

The radio crackled to life, despite there being no key present in the ignition. "You're just like your father," a voice spoke, breaking as the frequency evened out. "Has anyone ever told you that?"

Kaede grinned. "All the time. Wait…" She looked to the ceiling of the car. "No, still all the time. You know, this was where we first met, but I still don't know your name."

"Radboud Gustaav. Ster calls me a technophile, but I like to think of myself as a super genius, hence the hacking of the car radio. I also hack the city's cameras… and the Hero database."

Kaede's eyes lit up. "Really? Is there a file on me?"

"Of course. Surprisingly enough, you don't have a red mark for that first night when we met again. You and Tony borrowed that Griffin, saw someone getting robbed, and reacted. Do you want to thank me for cutting the camera feed from capturing you?"

"Forgive me if I come off as rude, but you're full of hot air, aren't you?" Kaede followed up her statement with a laugh. There was a soft knock on the window of the vehicle and Kaede curled her fingers around her phone. She lifted her head, relaxing after seeing it was her father peering in at her. He opened the door, poking his head in.

"Are you okay?" Kotetsu questioned, looking around in the vehicle to make sure nothing was out of the ordinary.

Kaede nodded, smiling at him, and held up her cell phone. "I was talking with a friend."

"Out… here?" The confusion was clearly written across the man's face.

"Your car has more room than Barnaby's," Kaede joked, unwrapping her arms from around her raised legs.

Kotetsu's eyes narrowed at the radio. "Radboud."

"Sir, yes, sir," the disembodied voice spoke.

Kaede smiled sheepishly at her father.

"The lovely Kaede invited me here, so of course I had to acquiesce. Before you interrupted, though, I had planned to discuss her Hero suit for her upcoming debut."

"Bunny said—"

"She won't have any sponsors," Radboud argued. "Why would Apollon Media want to make her a suit?" Kaede nodded in agreement, but managed to tamp down on her excitement after staring at her father's worried face.

"I don't want to argue with Bunny again," Kotetsu sighed, slipping into the SUV.

"But he has a point," Kaede murmured. "I won't have sponsors. Technically," she stressed, leaning sideways, closer to the dash, then back again. "Tony has more sponsors than me already." Kaede grinned widely at her father.

After several moments, Kotetsu exhaled deeply. "Fine. I'll talk to Saito and Ben and see what they say."

"Maybe I should talk to them," Kaede suggested.

At the same time, from the voice through the radio: "Let your daughter do the talking."

Kotetsu frowned at the radio. "Is there something wrong with me talking to them?"

"You don't want Barnaby mad at you," Kaede reminded him, waving her hands in a distracting manner. "Which is why we should probably head inside. Radboud. Do me a favor and put your number in my phone. Don't eavesdrop on the discussion. I want you to be as surprised as I am. I'll let you know if and when we can work on my suit… together."

"Ja, mijn Kaede."

Kaede blushed and pushed her father out of his open car door. She followed behind, but quickly turned back, leaning her upper half inside. "Tell Evelyn she needs to stop by and visit. We can cook together again. I miss her!"

"She heard you," Radboud informed her.

With a grin, Kaede ducked out, closing the car door. She looped her arm with Kotetsu's, leaning her head against her father's shoulder as they headed back into the building.


A/N²: *sobs* This one was finished before the 2nd epilogue, imagine! I keep crying to my editor... everybody wants their time to shine. Just when I think "yay, I'm done~" my writing hand gets taken over and I'm six pages deep before I can blink. There's one more after this... I hope *wibble*

Also~ *beams* I need my readers' help again. I need a Hero outfit for Kaede (maybe Tony, too... maybe). I really, really... need. Several outfit suggestions can be merged into one (something along the lines of the Evangelion plug suit has been sticking with me. Hell, if anyone suggests anything by Kousuke Fujishima, I'm game; that man is my design GOD). As for names, me and my editor settled on "Ms. Echo". I ran through all the synonyms for "duplication", thought "Carbon Copy" might be cool ('cause I noticed the Heroes have two names: Wild Tiger, Rock Bison, Sky High, Blue Rose... etc), but then "Echo" clicked. So... thoughts, suggestions, yes, please~