Brothers
19
Ages
Hiro: 13
Tadashi: 17
Normal POV
Hiro and Tadashi Hamada were seated in a café inside SFIT, Tadashi's school. He got just got admitted this year and was excited for Hiro to see it. The twelve year old was slightly impressed, but not to the extent Tadashi had hoped for.
"C'mon Hiro, you're graduating in a just a few months; isn't there any college that catches your eye?" Tadashi asked. Hiro shoved a few gummy bears in his mouth and shrugged. "To be honest big bro, nope. I'm just done with school for now." He said honestly.
Tadashi frowned. "You don't like this?" He asked, gesturing to the school.
"I like this." Hiro said, pointing to his bag of gummy bears. Despite this not being the answer Tadashi had hoped for, he cracked a light smile. His brother had a rather dry sense of humor that most people took the wrong way. The young one's sarcasm tended to get him into trouble more often than not.
"Well, there's still time I suppose." Tadashi said thoughtfully. Hiro continued to shove gummy bears into his mouth, counting how many he could fit before his cheeks couldn't take it anymore. His cheeks were already puffed out like mini balloons. It looked quite funny, causing Tadashi to burst out laughing. "Hiro, tone it down, we're in public." Tadashi scolded, trying to stifle his chuckles.
Hiro smiled at the fact that Tadashi was trying not to laugh, so he kept going. He puffed his cheeks out even more so, giving Tadashi a mock glare. Then, he grabbed some chopsticks from the caddy and stuck them in his nose. Tadashi burst into a fit of chuckles and put a hand to his mouth to control himself. He tried to calm down, but Hiro looked so damn ridiculous.
Cheeks puffed out, chopsticks in nose, trying to look angry made his cheeks puff out further. He looked so funny, Tadashi pulled out his phone to take a picture.
"Say cheese." His older brother said. Hiro gave a Cheshire grin and crossed his eyes, making Tadashi laugh harder as he snapped the photo.
Hiro stuck three more gummy bears in his already full mouth and that's when they went flying. On, over, under, and behind the table they flew. The one's that flew backward were the ones that Tadashi deflected with his fork. A waiter gave them a dirty look. Tadashi gulped.
Hiro smiled sweetly at the waiter, silently challenging him to say something. "Hiro, quit it!" Tadashi whisper cried. The younger brother rolled his eyes at Tadashi. "C'mon bro, what's he gonna do? Kick us out?" Hiro asked mockingly.
"I cannot believe he kicked us out." Tadashi said in utter disbelief. They were both seated on a curb outside of the university.
Hiro snickered. "Well c'mon. This'll be a great story to tell your friends someday." He joked.
"Yeah Yuk it up. You actually got to finish your food." Tadashi said, shooting Hiro a glare. The older brother's mind went to thinking about his lone apple pie that was most likely collecting flies in a trashcan somewhere.
"Oh boo hoo. Suck it up Tadashi. Take it like a man." Hiro said, waving it off. Tadashi was not amused. "You owe me a pie." Tadashi demanded. Hiro looked at his brother as if he were joking. "You're kidding right?" he asked. "I'm dead serious." He replied. Hiro raised an eyebrow at his older brother. "Tadashi, we LIVE in a bakery." Hiro reminded. Tadashi blushed in absolute embarrassment. "Oh right." He said. Hiro shook his head and laughed.
"Who's the older one again?" Hiro asked mockingly. Tadashi bonked him on the head. "Just because you were right about one thing, doesn't mean you can rack on me." He defended. Hiro rubbed his chin as if he were thinking it over.
"Hmm, I think it does. Clearly I'm the alpha sibling." Hiro mocked, purposely pushing Tadashi's buttons. It worked as the older sibling's usually calm demeanor turned into a heated, yet playful one.
"That's it, you know what's coming." Tadashi warned. Hiro pretended to look scared. "Oh no, whatcha gonna do bro? Give me a dirty look?" He mocked, faux shivering. Tadashi smirked.
"Nope." He said simply. Hiro looked at his older brother. Then, his eyes filled with real fear. "Oh no, you're not gonna…" Hiro says, trailing off. Tadashi smirks in response.
"Oh no." Hiro says, getting up off of the curb, ready to make a run for it. Tadashi was having none of it though. The older Hamada brother pinned Hiro on the floor and lightly sat on him, preventing him from moving. Hiro squirmed from underneath him.
"Get off of me! You weigh like 900 pounds." Hiro complained.
"Psh, calm down you big baby. This isn't even my full weight."
"Well, I'm not about to stay down here to feel all of it."
"You have a smart mouth, you know that?"
"You know, for someone that skipped a grade, you aren't very bright if you're just now realizing that."
"Hiro, I don't think you should talk or else gravity may not be in your favor."
"Gah! Tadashi get off. You're crushing me." Hiro whines. Tadashi rolled his eyes.
"Apologize." Tadashi demands.
"For what? Making you laugh? Us having a good time?" Hiro questions sarcastically.
"No bonehead. For making this the fourth time you got us kicked out of a restaurant." Tadashi says in a tone that makes Hiro feel guilty. The younger brother sheepishly lets out a tiny laugh.
He ceases squirming and looks at Tadashi with big eyes. "No Hiro. No puppy dog facing your way out of this one." Tadashi says firmly, looking away from his brother's face. Hiro sighs heavily. Putting a hand on his chin in a bored manner he says a quick "Sorry for getting us kicked out of four restaurants."
Tadashi face palms himself. "No one should have to give such a weird apology." He says in aggravation.
Hiro attempts to push Tadashi off of him while the older brother is distracted, but he's too weak to barely even move Tadashi. The older sibling looks at Hiro. "When are you going to start taking life seriously and start taking responsibility for your actions?" Tadashi asks. Hiro rolls his eyes once more. "Great, serious Tadashi. There's the guy I was looking for." He says sarcastically.
"Serious Tadashi?" The older one questions. "Yeah, there's lots of different versions of you. You get extremely upset, jealous, overprotective, serious, etc." Hiro explains. Tadashi gives Hiro a look, causing the younger one to smile innocently.
"Seriously Hiro. Do you take anything seriously?" Tadashi asks. Hiro gets defensive at once. "Hey now, I take a LOT of things seriously." He protests.
"Name three." Tadashi challenges.
Hiro clears his throat and begins. "Gummy bears, getting on your nerves, and getting kicked out of restaurants." He says goofily. Tadashi face palms himself again.
"Careful big brother. You're gonna bruise your face if you keep face palming yourself." Hiro warns with a grin.
"You didn't even take the fact that I said you weren't serious seriously." Tadashi exclaims. Hiro shrugs. "Sorry I'm not boring and a killjoy like you." Hiro says nonchalantly, starting to walk. Tadashi grabbed his t-shirt and dragged him back.
"Hey, watch the shirt. It wasn't cheap" Hiro says, brushing Tadashi's hand away.
"I mean it Hiro. When are you going to stop taking life as a joke? This isn't funny." Tadashi says sternly.
Hiro looks aggravated. 'Funny how he was laughing a second ago. He was taking a picture of the moment and now he's nagging at me. Mood swings much? Like, can you say; hypocrisy?' He thinks to himself.
"I don't know, when are YOU gonna lighten up and stop taking everything to heart like a butt hurt elderly?" Hiro fired back emotionlessly. Tadashi gasped.
"You did not just say that." He said in disbelief.
"Too bad I did." Hiro replied.
"Hiro, I'm going to let this go because I'm NOT a butt hurt person, but you need to stop taking these lightly." Tadashi commands.
"I'm sorry, who died and made you the boss of me?" Hiro asked, not realizing the impact of his words until he spotted the hurt look on Tadashi's face.
"Oh shit. I didn't mean it that way Tadashi I swear!" Hiro exclaimed with jazz hands.
"This is what I'm talking about. Not thinking things through before you just use that big mouth of yours. Take a minute to realize what you're doing before you do it." Tadashi says.
"Okay that makes sense, but c'mon Tadashi. You were laughing yourself at the whole thing. What brought this whole nag on Hiro stuff?" He questioned.
"Hiro, you have to understand that while I'm a kid, I have to be a good role model for you. That includes having to act like an adult sometimes. Yes, it was damn near peeing my pants hilarious what you were doing with the gummy bears and that we got kicked out of four restaurants, but I can't encourage that kind of behavior. It's not responsible." Tadashi tries to explain.
"I totally get that Tadashi, but just think; maybe if you were a little less uptight, I would be more responsible. Live a little." Hiro urges. Tadashi adjusts his hat in thought. "Alright I'll make you a deal. I'll try to be easier on you if you stop doing things to get yourself into trouble all the time." He offers, holding his hand out. Hiro shakes his hand without a single trace of hesitance and smiles.
Hiro lay in his bed in anger. Mochi was at his side, attempting to comfort him. "I can't believe Tadashi grounded me." Hiro says to no one in particular. "Is this what he thinks being lenient means? Because he's way off." Hiro muses.
Suddenly, the teenager gets up and slips his shoes on; determination etched into his face. "No. you know what Mochi? He can't do that. He can't ground me. I'm going out." Hiro says, running out the door.
The boy walked around before spotting the Sapphire café; one of the four places he had gotten himself and Tadashi kicked out of. He chuckled at the memory of what he did.
Flashback
"Hiro, quit it, you're going to get us in trouble." Tadashi warned, though an amused grin traced his lips. The younger brother paid no attention to his brother's warning and he kept blowing bubbles into his chocolate shake.
"Look at my mustache Tadashi. I'm hitting puberty faster than you ever did." He joked. Tadashi rolled his eyes. "Real funny. Now wipe your face and finish your shake like a civil person." Tadashi commanded, handing his younger brother a napkin.
Hiro wiped his mouth, but didn't finish his shake. "Hiro?" Tadashi questioned as the younger boy pulled a smallish blue cloudy orb looking thing from his pocket.
"This chick from the SFIT lab gave it to me on orientation day. I think her name was Lemon or something like that. She said to put in liquid for a surprise. Wanna find out what she meant?" Hiro asked suggestively.
Tadashi didn't look quite as eager. "I don't know Hiro, what if something a little less than desirable happens?" he asked worriedly. "Oh quit your worrying. What could possibly go wrong?" He questioned, dropping the orb into his chocolate shake to Tadashi's dismay.
The shake suddenly started bubbling on its own, causing Hiro to smile and Tadashi to panic. Then, without warning, it exploded, making chocolate go spewing across the floor. It covered the entire surface of their table, and large parameters of the tiles floor.
A waitress stomped over to their table, covered in chocolate herself. Tadashi looked at her in horror, while Hiro laughed his pants off. "LEAVE!" She ordered, pointing to the door. Tadashi was beyond embarrassed while Hiro couldn't stop laughing.
When the waitress closed the door, Tadashi glared at Hiro. "How can you laugh at a time like this?! Your chocolate shake exploded, drenched the entire cafe in chocolate, and coated our waiter in CHOCOLATE!" He exclaimed. Hiro smiled.
"Uh, because my chocolate shake exploded, drenched the entire café in chocolate, and coated out waiter in CHOCOLATE." Hiro said, mimicking Tadashi's tone. "That's what's funny about it. No other explanation needed." He said.
Tadashi tried his hardest to keep a stern look on his face, but couldn't help and let out a laugh. It WAS pretty funny looking back on it. "Okay that was pretty funny." Tadashi admitted
End of Flashback
"Man that was awesome." Hiro said aloud. He kept walking when he reached the Star café; another one of the four café's he had gotten kicked out of. Hiro looked through the glass to see the beautiful egg shaped cookies they had made and frosted especially for Easter as it was coming up.
"This one was certainly…interesting." Hiro said aloud, thinking about how he had managed to get them kicked out of this one.
Flashback
"Trust me on this Tadashi!" Hiro had said excitedly. Tadashi looked uncertain. "Hiro, remember what happened last time you tried to entertain us at a café?" Tadashi reminded. Hiro waved it off. "Minor setback. Besides, you laughed your hat off at that, don't even try to deny it." Hiro said.
"Alright, just promise me you won't blow anything up this time?" Tadashi begged. Hiro smiled innocently. "Psh, don't even sweat it bro, I've got this in the bag. Ha, see what I did there?" Hiro asked, pointing to his paper bag. "Oh Hiro that was a really bad joke." Tadashi said, trying not to laugh.
The younger of the two walked to a lady two table behind them and handed her the paper bag. "Enjoy an early Christmas gift." He had said with a smile. The lady smiled back. "Thank you little boy." She said, patting his head.
Hiro rushed back to his and Tadashi's table. Tadashi was doing his absolute best not to burst into laughter. Then, the older boy got a worried look on his face. "Hiro, what if she can't take a joke? I mean, this isn't a really good idea now that I think about it." Tadashi said nervously. "Then don't think. Besides, have I ever told you that you worry WAY too much?" Hiro asked, irked.
"Yeah, have I ever told you that you don't worry at ALL?!" Tadashi asked, getting scared. Hiro rolled his eyes at his older brother. "Relax, kick back, and enjoy the show." He said, putting his hands behind his back. Tadashi attempted to calm down, but was a nervous wreck on the inside.
The lady reached into the bag to retrieve a cookie with bright red icing. She took a good clean bite out of it and shrieked in alarm, causing Hiro to laugh manically. The lady glared at Hiro and flung the bag at him, but he dodged it with ease.
"Merry Christmas indeed." He said mockingly.
The lady marched over to their table and smacked her pursed directly in front of Hiro. "Where are your parents?!" she demanded. Hiro smiled emotionlessly. "Dead. You can go see em at the graveyard if you really want to tell them off." He said, trying not to laugh at the lady's expression of horror.
"THAT IS IT! I AM NEVER COMING TO THIS CAFÉ EVER AGAIN." She announced, storming out in anger. Hiro waved comically after her. "Bye." He simply said. Tadashi was beyond embarrassed once more.
The manager approached both brothers with an angry expression. "I think it's in the best interest of the customers if you discontinue to come here." He said, pointing to the door. Hiro smiled, waved, and headed out the door calling out a "You're cookies tasted gross anyway, adding hot sauce was probably an improvement!"
"OUT NOW!" he bellowed as Hiro scrambled out the door with Tadashi in tow.
Hiro had to clench his stomach in pain from all the laughter being emitted. "Hiro, I cannot believe you did that!" Tadashi exclaimed, laughing as well. "I know, did you see her face when she was looking for parents that weren't there?!" Hiro asked. "Oh my god, she's probably traumatized." Tadashi said, face palming himself.
"That's the last time I take you to a café." Tadashi says, wagging a finger in Hiro's face. "Psh, yeah right, who are you gonna go with? You're friends?" He asked mockingly. Tadashi raised his eyebrows. "Why not?" He asked. Hiro punched him in the shoulder. "Ha, real funny." He said, as they walked home.
End of Flashback
'God that was hilarious.' Hiro thought, as he continued to walk.
He had walked so far, he could see the Honey Lemon café. According to Tadashi, that was where Honey Lemon (his friend) had gotten her name. She loved that place to death for their Lemon iced sugar balls.
Hiro thought back to how he got kicked out of this one, but shook his head and shivered. "Better not to relive this one." He thought with a shudder.
He peeked through the glass to look at what their featured item was, when something else caught his eye; or rather someONE. "Tadashi?" he questioned, although there was no possible way his brother heard him.
His brother and friends, minus Fred were seated at a booth in the café. For some reason, Hiro felt anger and hurt pound into his chest, though he was too prideful to show it. He clenched his fist and breathed deep breaths to relieve the anger.
Hiro's POV
'He grounds me, but goes to a café himself?!' I thought. I continue to watch for a while. Fred approaches their table a while later with drinks in hand. The beanie clad boy opened up a straw and began to whistle through it, making them all laugh; including Tadashi. I felt more hurt creep its way into me.
'So it's okay for a college guy to act like a child, but not for a child to act like a child?' I thought as Tadashi made no move whatsoever to scold Fred.
I decide to take action instead of watching like a stalker and a loner. I walk into the café with crossed arms, but cool demeanor. The bell makes its signature chime, indicating that I walked in and I see Tadashi turn his head to look at who walked in. his face contorts into confusion upon my arrival. I narrow my eyes at him and make my way toward their table.
"So it's okay to goof off with your friends, but when I do it I get lectured?" I demand. Tadashi gulps, but then narrows his eyes back at me.
"I thought I said you were grounded." Tadashi says with a raised eyebrow. I notice his friends exchanging uncomfortable looks.
"Yeah, too bad I don't care." I say nonchalantly. "Now back to the point." I demand again. Tadashi looks pretty miffed. "I can't believe you deliberately disobeyed me. Wait, scratch that, I CAN believe. Man, what did I do to deserve this? Why can't a have a normal brother who listens to me once in a while?" Tadashi asks, seeming to talk to the ceiling at this point. I frown at his words.
"I don't know, why can't I have a brother whose fair?" I ask him.
"Do you always have to have the last word?" He asks me with a glare.
"Maybe. Maybe not. You're avoiding the point as always." I say with a shrug.
"I hate that about you Hiro. You know that? The fact that you take everything so lightly. Why can't you be serious just for once?! Maybe there's actually a reason for everything I do." He says frustratingly.
"Well, I'd like to see one." I say. Tadashi slumps his shoulders. "No, you know what? I'm not dealing with this. Not today." Tadashi says with determination. I raise an eyebrow. "What are you gonna do? Sit on me? New flash Tadashi, we're in a café. That wouldn't exactly be 'mature'." I point out. Tadashi smiles noncommittally and calls a waiter over.
"Yes, how may I help you?" He asks. I wide my eyes and look at Tadashi for a trace of a smile on his face, but find nothing. Is he seriously about to do what I think he is? What the heck?!
"Sir, this boy has been banned from this café for life. He isn't even supposed to be here." Tadashi says, causing me to drop my jaw.
The waiter looks at me in confusion, before a knowing look replaces his expression. He gasps and points at me in shock.
"Y-you're th-the Demon!" He breathes, recalling what I had done a few weeks ago to get myself kicked out
. I glare as menacingly as I can at Tadashi. He doesn't meet my gaze. "I can't believe you." I snarl. "I could say the same to you." He replies.
"Tadashi honestly, how. Could. You." I state rather than ask. He doesn't even look the slightest bit guilty as the waiters get two security guards to escort me out of the café. I leave just as I hear Gogo question "Damn, what'd the little munchkin even do? Two security guards?"
Normal POV
Back home, Hiro was shoving what few possessions he needed into his worn out blue backpack. His face had evident anger as he thrust item after item into the bag. Mocha walked its way into Hiro's backpack as well, causing Hiro to go back to his usual mood.
"Rea funny Mochi, out you go." He said, removing the cat from his bag. "Meow?" The cat called as if to ask why she couldn't come. Hiro scratched his head. "You're right Mochi. I guess you can come as long as you don't bleed me dry of food." Hiro decided, putting the cat in the outer pocket. The fur ball poked its head out and licked its paw as it watched Hiro pack.
"Alright, I think that's everything." He said, looking around his room. He eyes settled to Tadashi's side of the room. "Sorry for being such a failure of a brother." He said sourly, moving his arms into the straps of his backpack.
"Maybe I should leave a note in case they think something bad happened to me." Hiro thought, grabbing a paper and pencil from Tadashi's desk.
After leaving the note, Hiro walked downstairs and headed to the door.
"Oh, Honey, where are you going?" Aunt Cass called from a table she was waiting on. Hiro gave a half smile. "Just gonna head to the park. Don't wait up." Hiro lied through his teeth smoothly.
"Alright sweetie, be safe." She said. Hiro nodded and headed out the door.
It was kind of windy outside, so Hiro was glad he was wearing his hoodie. He zipped it up and moved the hood over his head. "This is a good idea." He said, reassuring himself. The boy felt squirming coming from his backpack and let Mochi out. "You wanna walk for a bit?" He asked. Getting a meow in response, he made his way toward anywhere.
Normal POV
"You guys think I was too hard on him?" Tadashi asked his friends uneasily. They all looked away and sipped their drinks to avoid the question, except Gogo who looked at Tadashi with a 'Ya think?' expression. Tadashi face palmed himself. "Shoot! I must be the worst brother in the history of brothers." Tadashi said.
"Oh no Tadashi. You just had a bad day today is all. I'm sure of it. Watch and see, tomorrow you and Hiro will be getting kicked out of a different restaurant!" Honey Lemon exclaimed. Tadashi looked at his blonde friend with uncertainty.
"Well let's be honest here Tadashi. You called security on the kid. Your own brother." Gogo pointed out, popping her gum. Honey Lemon shot Gogo a look who shrugged as if to say 'Hey, it's true.'
"Well, it'll be okay. I mean, Hiro's an easy going sarcastic teenager. I'm sure he'll bounce back. Dude's got like zero emotions half the time like Gogo here." Fred said, eyeing the purple streaked girl.
Gogo gave him a look that scared him so bad, he turned to Wasabi for help.
"Erm, what Fred is trying to say is that you have nothing to worry about. As Hiro would say at a time like this; don't sweat it." Wasabi added. This seemed to lift Tadashi's spirits a bit.
"Yeah, you guys are right. Thanks. I guess I'm just worried because he's been on edge lately, you know?" Tadashi says. Gogo gave him another look. "Tadashi, when are you not worrying about the kid? Practically worship him." she stated. Tadashi narrowed his eyes at her. "Do not." He countered. Gogo smiled at Tadashi. "Oh really? Then why are you about to call home?" She asked as Tadashi had whipped his phone out.
"Well we had a fight. I just want to make sure he's alright." Tadashi defended. Gogo just crossed her arms and smirked in victory. Tadashi waved her off and dialed home.
When he was done, he got up and left money for the bill. "Where are you going?" Honey questioned. "Hiro's at the park. Aunt Cass said he was fine, but I'm just going to make sure." Tadashi stated, heading out.
He thought he was going alone, but he heard heels click behind him and turned to face Honey Lemon by the front door. "Want me to come with you?" She asked shyly, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear, a soft blush decorating her face. Tadashi being the oblivious guy he is, shrugged and said "Sure."
Delighted, Honey followed him.
"So have you and Hiro always gotten along so well?" Honey asked, just to make conversation. She hated absolute silence.
Tadashi frowned and stopped walking, confusing Honey Lemon. "Is that some kind of sick joke? I thought you were the nice one." Tadashi said, eyeing her. Honey lemon gulped and gasped.
"Wha? Tadashi what do you mean?" she asked. Tadashi observed her. "You didn't mean it the way I took it, I'm sorry." He apologized. Adjusting her glasses, Honey put a reassuring hand on Tadashi's shoulder. "What did you mean?" She asked softly. Tadashi sighed.
"I thought you were making fun of my relationship with Hiro because we just had an argument, but I take it that you meant that question seriously. Tadashi explained.
"Oh. No I didn't mean it the negative way. I'm sorry, that was probably a poor choice of words." Honey apologized sheepishly. Tadashi shook his head. "No, I'm the mean one. I don't know what's wrong with me today. I just keep upsetting people. Hiro, you, Professor Callaghan." Tadashi listed.
"Professor Callaghan?" Honey Lemon questioned. Tadashi looked at her with trusting eyes, hoping she wouldn't repeat this news to anyone else. "Yeah I ran into him earlier today. I mentioned Hiro to him and he got sad eyes; saying something about his daughter Abagail." He admitted. Honey Lemon wrapped Tadashi in a warm hug while blushing insanely. Tadashi accepted the hug and responded back, making Honey blush three more shades of red.
"Thanks Honey Lemon. You always know how to make people feel better." Tadashi said appreciatively. Oblivious to the girl's flustered face, he shot her a heartwarming smile. Honey wondered if she'd ever gets the guts to admit her feelings to the boy, but she couldn't be selfish. Hiro was his main priority and that's what he was focused on right now, so she'd do anything she could to help.
"So you didn't exactly answer my question earlier." Honey said.
"Oh, right. Well, actually no. We used to get into fights like crazy. Well I say we, but it was more me. I'd do some things to Hiro that I'm not proud of." Tadashi hinted guiltily. Honey patted him on the shoulder. "You can tell me Tadashi." She said, sensing his nervousness. "I'm not here to judge you from your past actions." She assured.
Tadashi tugged at his hat cautiously and sighed. "Alright. Just don't tell people. I hate having this memory in my conscience." He started. Honey agreed easily.
"So it was when Hiro was around three or four. I was eight. I wanted to go to the mall with my friends, but Aunt Cass was busy and said that I had to stay and watch Hiro, or take him with me. Reluctantly, I took him with me. When we got there, my friends eyed Hiro judgingly, but I didn't really care then. Of course being as antisocial as Hiro is, he hid behind me. They all made fun of him when he wasn't listening, and I admittedly joined in. (But I totally regret it now!)." He insisted.
Honey gave him a warm look. "Tadashi, that's not so bad. You were only eight years old. As long as you wouldn't do anything like it again, you shouldn't feel so guilty." Honey assured him. Tadashi shook his head. "That's not the end of it." He said. Honey urged him to go on.
"So I bought us both ice cream when my friends suggested we ditch Hiro. I was a bit hesitant, but I agreed so I went to him. I handed him his ice cream and led him to a chair in the parlor. He looked at me with trust and it made me feel a little bad, but I was eight; I cared more about what my friends thought of me.
I told him if he sat in the chair and didn't move until I came back, I'd buy him a huge bag of gummy bears and we'd watch a movie together. He didn't even blink before nodding eagerly and sitting in the chair. My friends and I headed to the town from there and spent the entire day together. When I was making my way home, I remembered Hiro and nearly fainted. I ran as fast as I could to the ice cream parlor and there he was, sitting.
He was kicking his feet at the table and trying his hardest not to sleep. Oh my god Honey Lemon, I'll never forget his face. He was exhausted to death, but he wasn't sleeping because I told him not to do anything. I felt like an asshole." Tadashi said sourly.
Honey Lemon didn't know what to say. She tried not to look sternly at her crush, but couldn't help and send him a small glare. That was simply horrible. Tadashi noticed her trouble and chuckled emotionlessly.
"I know. I'm a terrible brother. My gosh, I still can't believe that I did it to this day." Tadashi said, emotions rising at an all-time high. Honey gave a small simple smile.
"Were." She said softly.
"Huh?" Tadashi questioned.
"Were a terrible brother. I bet you're the best thing for Hiro now. You just made a mistake and you'll continue to. Look at today. I'm sure you wish you never did what you did to Hiro if you could go back in time, am I right?" She asked.
"Yeah." Tadashi said, feeling a bit better, but then a frown came crashing onto his lips.
"But you should've heard what happened after I got in the ice cream parlor." Tadashi said sadly. "Go on." Honey pressed
"I went to the little guy and you know what he did? He started crying as soon as he saw me. I hugged him and tried my hardest to calm him down, but he kept crying." Tadashi said sorrowfully.
"What did you do then?" She asked carefully.
"I was about to apologize to him, but he spoke before I could. He said, and I quote "Dashi, I'm so so sorry. I had to go the bathroom once and I moved from the chair, but then I didn't move. I swear Dashi! I didn't even sleep. Please forgive me! Do I still get gummy bears and a movie?" he had asked me."
Honey looked bewildered. "He apologized?!" She asked in wonder. Tadashi nodded sadly. "After that, if anyone even looked at Hiro with a less than friendly expression, I glared them down." He admitted. "That's why I fuss over him all the time." He explained.
"That's quite a story. Does anyone else know?" she asked. Tadashi smiled a bittersweet smile. "This part of the story is the icing on the cake. I had explained to Hiro what I did to him and told him if he hated me, I'd understand completely, but to my surprise, he hugged me. He looked me in the eye seriously and asked me if I meant my apology and if I would ever do something like it again. I promised him I wouldn't and he believed me. We walked into the café and Aunt Cass asked us how our day was. I was about to tell her what I did and accept my punishment when Hiro interrupted me and said we had the best day ever. I couldn't believe he did that for me. I looked at him and smiled. He smiled back and wagged his finger in front of me like a mother scolding her son saying that I better keep my promise." Tadashi said, smiling at the memory.
Honey couldn't contain herself. "AWWW!" She cried. Tadashi chuckled at her and suddenly felt a lot better, despite the guilt he felt from the story.
"Oh, we're finally here." Tadashi mused as they entered the park. Honey Lemon's smile dropped. "Uh, Tadashi, there's no one here." She pointed out. Tadashi got a look of worry as he called his Aunt Cass. Upon hanging up, Honey waited for an explanation. "He's not home." Tadashi said in concern, running around the park, looking for Hiro.
Honey was looking too, calling the boy's name out in desperation.
Tadashi stopped running and stopped Honey Lemon from yelling any longer. "Wait." He said, trying to calm himself and Honey down.
Tadashi remembered the promise he made to Hiro. Not to worry as much. Get laid back.
"Let's not jump to conclusions." He said to his friend. "He could've just left the park. He could be on his way home. He could've gone to the store or something. We don't know for sure." Tadashi reasoned.
Honey seemed to calm down as well. "Thanks Tadashi. I needed that." She said.
"No problem. I bet Hiro's just fine." He says, trying to reassure himself more than Honey Lemon at this point.
Hiro's POV
"God Mochi, where even are we?" I asked, looking at the unfamiliar surroundings. Mocha meowed and licked her fur in response. We made our way to a shopping center type place and I found a café that looked promising. "What do you say Mochi?" I asked. The fat fur ball didn't make any protesting meows so I walked in and heard the familiar ding of a bell indicating that I entered. Sure it wasn't the exact same chime, but at this point, any slice of familiarity made me feel better about running away.
A waitress made her way to me and didn't exactly look kid friendly. "Party for...one?" she asked, eyeing Mochi distastefully. I flash her a smile, showing my tooth gap. "Not exactly a party, but yeah." I say lazily as she rolls her eyes and seats me at a table. I make Mochi sit on the floor under the table.
"What can I get you?" She asked in a bored tone. I smirk and feel my sarcasm coming in.
"How about a new waitress? One that's better looking with a side of less attitude." I say, watching her seethe with rage and storm away from me. I laugh to myself and annoyingly find myself thinking of what Tadashi would say. He'd laugh no doubt, but then he'd lecture me on how that wasn't polite even though she was worse.
I eye the menu, missing the giggles coming from behind me. I feel a tap on my shoulder before I can really scan the menu and turn around. Behind me is a table with four other kids. Two girls and two guys. They actually look around my age. This takes me by surprise. I'm not used to talking to people my age. I'm not exactly the popular one back at home with my nerdy head; having just graduated and all.
These kids however, they give me friendly smiles and gesture for me to join them. I shrug and go over, Mochi following behind.
"That was hilarious." One of the girls says. She's got crazy red hair with a lime green beanie on. She had to have died it with the bright strawberry color it had.
"Thanks." I say with a light smile.
She holds her hand out to me. "I'm Strawberry. Well, it's actually Lasiandra, but you can see why they call me Strawberry." She says with a playful eye roll. I smile in response.
The other girl (with blonde hair) smiled lightly and held her hand out for me to shake as well. "Hey, I'm Daisy." She said. I guess she was pretty straight forward.
"I'm Jaws. My real name isn't important." One of the boys says. "And I'm Chip." The last boy says. I shoot him a look. "How'd you get that name?" I ask, cursing myself for sounding rude. Luckily, Chip doesn't seem bothered.
He shrugs. "I'm good with computer chips." Is his reply. I half smile.
Strawberry gives me an expectant look. "So? Aren't you gonna tell us your name oh funny one?" she asks with a smile. "My name's Hiro." I say off handedly. She gives me a smile and I see that she's missing a bottom tooth. Kinda coincidental.
"Hero? How'd you get that name?" Chip asked mockingly. I smiled at him. These are definitely my people.
"It's my real name actually. It's spelled H-I-R-O." I explain. They all seem a bit surprised that I have a strange name.
"Well that won't do. You need a nickname." Strawberry says determinedly. "I don't think there's a name out there that'd suit me." I say. Strawberry smiled. "I think we'll figure something out. I'm good at thinking of nicknames." She brags.
"Well knock yourself out." I say, grabbing a menu from their table.
"This your first time at the Slice?" Chip asked. I raise an eyebrow. "This place is called The Slice?" I ask with a snort. I didn't pay attention to the name of the place before I walked in.
"Well, it's actually called Piece of Cake, but like Strawberry insists, we call it the Slice." Jaws explains. I make an 'oh' shape with my mouth and browse the menu some more.
"So how old are you?" Daisy asks. "Thirteen. Going on fourteen. You guys?" I ask, giving up on the menu. "We're all fourteen. What school do you go to?" Daisy asked. "I don't go to school. Not anymore at least." I say nonchalantly. To my pleasant surprise, Daisy or any of the others don't question why.
"That's chill. So what you said to Sarah was pretty damn hilarious. We've been tryna get on her nerves for days now. She's such a drag." Daisy explains as the others nod in agreement. I shrug. "She had it coming. Judging me when she doesn't know me." I say, assuming that they're talking about the waitress from before.
"Preach!" Chip cried as the others erupted in giggles. I crack a smile, showing my tooth gap. Strawberry gasped in delight. "Yes! I'm not the only one with jacked up teeth after all!" She exclaims. I smirk at her. "Thanks." I say sarcastically. She blushes slightly. "Whoops, I didn't mean it like that." She defends wit jazz hands. I let out a little laugh. "Don't worry, I'll try not to cry." I say jokingly.
They all laugh at that to my surprise. Usually people think I'm immature. For the first time since I ran away a few hours ago, I feel genuinely happy. Like running away was actually worth it.
"So what's the deal with the extra fur?" Jaws asks, pointing to Mochi, whose rubbing its head against Chip's legs. "Oh, I had to bring him along. I probably spend the most time with him anyways." I explain.
Before they can ask me more questions, a waitress approaches out table. She looks nice which makes me smile. "Ah, Chip, Strawberry, Jaws, and Daisy. The usual I presume?" she says with a knowing smile. They nod. Then she turns to me. "Oh, a new face? Are you dating Strawberry? She has been boy crazy lately." She says. I try not to laugh at this sentence as strawberry's face turns to the color of her name.
"Fizz!" She cries in alarm. The waitress, Fizz I guess, smiles brightly. "Guess not. Well, what can I get you?" she asks. "Anything with gummy bears in it." I say plainly. She writes something down on her notepad and turns to me. "Straight forward I see. I guess your Daisy's type then." She says tossing wink in the blonde's direction who rolls her eyes in reply. Fizz leaves to get our stuff.
"Fizz's been trying to set us up with people for ages." Chip explains with a laugh. Strawberry still looks pretty flustered.
"So I'm guessing you guys have been here before." I say in a knowing tone. "Yup. Every Friday." Daisy confirms.
"So I've never actually seen you around here before. What subdivision do you live in?" Strawberry asks, having recovered from her embarrassment.
"I'm not from here. I honestly have no idea where I am right now." I say honestly. Again, I'm surprised to see that they don't look like they're judging me.
"Sweet. You travel or something?" Jaws asks. I shake my head.
"Try ran away from home." I say with a smirk. This catches Chip's attention. "Why?" he asked.
I sigh, explaining what happened between me and Tadashi.
"Dude, no offense, but your brother sounds like a hypocritical jerk." Chip says when I finish. I don't say anything and I guess Strawberry mistakes it for sadness. "Hey don't worry about it Brave. I think it's cool that you're not afraid to run away from home to feel free. You're independent. You can stand alone." She muses. I raise an eyebrow. "Did you just call me Brave? As in addressed me as that?" I ask.
Strawberry nodded with a grin. "Yup. I think it's the perfect nickname." She says with such happiness, I can't complain about how girly that name sounds. "Brave." I say, testing it on my lips. "I'm anything but." I mutter.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Strawberry asks with a slight frown. "Nothing." I respond, relaxing by resting my chin on my hands.
"So tell us Brave, why exactly did you come here. Like here to Frost Point in particular." Daisy asks.
"I didn't exactly plan it. I kind of just followed Mochi really." I admit. "Mochi? Is that the cat's name?" Chip asks. I nod in response. Suddenly, Fizz comes in with our stuff.
"Coconut cream pie for Daisy. Triple chocolate shake for Chip. Crunch bar ice cream sundae for Jaws. Strawberry smoothie for Strawberry obviously. And for the new kid, a gummy bear avalanche Icee." She says, placing it in front of us.
"Fizz, this is Brave." Strawberry introduced. "Ah I see. Well Brave, take good care of Strawberry for me. Make sure she doesn't get into trouble." Fizz says with a wink. I notice Strawberry's cheeks grow pinker again. "Fizz he is NOT my boyfriend." She says in embarrassment. I smirk. "But you bet you wish I was." I say to fluster her further with success.
Fizz laughs and leaves to serve another table.
"Dang Brave. You should've run away forever ago." Chip says with a laugh. I smile against my own will. "Thanks. You guys are pretty great too." I respond.
Suddenly, Jaws gets a sly look on his face and shares glances with Daisy and Chip. "Hey I left my wallet in my bike basket. Anyone come with?" He asks. "Right behind ya Jaws." Chip says, getting up. Daisy smiles and follows them wordlessly as well.
I scoff at their attempt to be subtle. It's a bit obvious they left me and Strawberry alone on purpose.
I decide to mess with her. I've never really socialized with people so close to my age, so I want to make the most of it. I always wanted to mess with a girl too.
I slurp my icee and moan at the taste, just to get a kick out of Strawberry's reaction. She burns a bright red at the noise I make and I burst into laughter. She glares at me and punches me in the arm.
"I hate you." She mumbles. "Hey, I love you too." I say teasingly.
"Do you love your girlfriend?" she asks hesitantly. I smirk.
"Yup. Me and my pillow really get it on every night." I reply. She laughs and covers her mouth to try to keep herself down. I smile. I've heard guys say that making girls laugh is a super good feeling, but I didn't think it felt this good. She turns serious for a second and I get a bit nervous.
"You know, I bet your brother, Tamagotchi, misses you." She says quietly. I laugh and she shoots me a glare, indicating that she meant what she said. "Sorry, it's just, his name isn't Tamagotchi. It's Tadashi." I correct her.
"Oh, well you know what I meant." She said with jazz hands. I smile softly and look at my icee. If I was here with Tadashi, I probably would've gotten up kicked out by now for doing something stupid. I sigh and give Strawberry a look. "I know. I don't plan on running away for good. I just needed to clear my head." I assure her.
"Well whatever you came for, I'm pretty glad you did." She says with a blush dusting her cheeks. I smile at her. She is pretty cute.
"Yeah, me too." I say, but my answer holds a double meaning.
"So you guys wanna hit the skate park?" Chip asks as he and the rest come back inside. "Sure." Strawberry says, blush gone from her cheeks.
"Sorry, but I think I'm gonna head out." I say, grabbing my backpack and icee. They actually all look pretty disappointed. "Are we ever going to see you again?" Strawberry asked, hope filling her voice.
I'm not one to give false hope, so I don't. "Well, I honestly don't know for sure and I'm not promising anything, but I do hope so." I say with a half-smile.
"Group hug!" Daisy cries, gathering all of us in an embrace. I blink. I've never been a part of a group, let alone a group hug. It felt…nice.
"Well bye guys. It's been fun." I say. They all murmur their good byes and head out the door. All except Strawberry that is. "Yes?" I ask teasingly. She closes her eyes and sighs. "Just in case we don't see each other again." She says, inching toward me.
"Wha-?" I start, but I'm cut off by a kiss from the redhead. I close my eyes almost unwillingly and it's over before I can fully process what it felt like. Strawberry is blushing brighter than her hair at this point and she runs out of the café before I can even react.
I put a finger to my lips. "Almost as good as gummy bears." I muse as I can taste her strawberry smoothie that lingered on my lips.
I quickly get a glass of milk (to-go) and rush out of the café to see what to do next.
Tadashi's POV
I had been walking forever. When I got home, Hiro still wasn't there, but Aunt Cass wasn't aware. When she asked where he was, I lied and told her he was sleeping. She believed me and I felt panic rise in my chest. I tried calling the bonehead, but he didn't pick up.
I had glanced around our room for any hint or note of his random leaving. I found a note on my desk and almost dropped it before I finished reading it. It said he ran away to clear his head from everything and to not go looking for him. Of course I ignore the last part and was looking for him.
Now I was stranded in the middle of nowhere, searching for him.
I look at a sign that read 'Welcome to Frost Point.' "Where the hell am I?" I questioned aloud
Right when I was losing hope, I heard a voice say "Here Mochi, drink up!"
I ran in the direction of the voice.
Hiro's POV
I opened the lid of the milk cup and held it out to the cat. "Here Mochi, drink up!" I say, as the poor cat must've been starving by now.
Then I hear footsteps stomping toward me. I'd recognize those footsteps from miles away.
I didn't even turn before talking to him. "Tadashi. I see you ignored the note. That's expected." I say in a bored tone.
"Hiro, this isn't funny. I hope you're satisfied because I practically looked all over the city for you only to find that you city hopped." Tadashi scolded.
"Okay first of all, city hopping isn't a thing. Second, whatcha gonna do? You already sat on me. Called security on me. What's left? 911?" I ask bitterly.
"Well okay Hiro I get that, but c'mon. You can't do something crazy like this every time I make a mistake." Tadashi reasons. "Well then stop making so many mistakes." I respond as Mochi finishes the milk.
"Hiro, come on. We are going home." Tadashi states. "No." I respond.
"Excuse me?"
"Did I stutter?"
"I think you need to chill out and think about what you're saying."
"I think that you need to go home. Without me."
"Well I think you need to come with me right now before I get Aunt Cass involved."
"Well I think that's stupid because I planned on staying here awhile."
"Hiro, don't tell me you actually enjoyed running away."
"Alright, I won't tell you then."
"You can't be serious."
"Make up your mind Tadashi. Do you want me to be serious or not? I'm just never gonna be good enough for you am I?" I asked in aggravation.
"So you're telling me you don't regret running away at all?" Tadashi asked.
"Nope. In fact, I think it's one of the best ideas I've ever had." I confirmed.
Tadashi was not convinced. "Oh really? Name one thing you like about being away from home? One thing." Tadashi challenged.
"I met friends my own age, I didn't get kicked out a café, I didn't get nagged at since I left, I made a girl laugh, that same girl kissed me, I've smiled more today than I ever have in my entire life, and I probably had the best icee in history of icees." I list off.
"Hiro, please come home." Tadashi begged, ignoring everything I just said.
"Why the heck would I want to do that?" I ask.
Okay, ignore me, but don't you care about Aunt Cass?" He asked.
"Course I do. I'll still come visit." I say.
"Hiro do you even hear yourself? You'll come visit?! You're thirteen for crying out loud." Tadashi pointed out. "Almost fourteen." I mumble.
"Hiro, you're coming home." Tadashi said sternly.
Normal POV
"No." Hiro said stubbornly. "I'm not going back to a life of constant nagging, scolding, and yelling about how immature I am. You're a kid Tadashi. No matter how hard you try, you can't be an adult all the time. Why do you only let loose in front of your friends Dashi? Why? I miss the older times. The times when you'd get into trouble with me. Nowadays, you only get laid back with your friends. You're my brother before anything else. You know that right?" Hiro asked, almost desperately.
Tadashi was taken aback. Hiro's usual cool demeanor was replaced with a sad and longing one.
"Hiro, you know I have to act older around you. I have to be a good role model." Tadashi explained. Hiro grew angry at these words.
"That's what Aunt Cass is for. You're not my legal guardian Tadashi, Aunt Cass is. I don't think you fully comprehend that." Hiro stated.
Tadashi looked down. Hiro suddenly felt bad.
"Tadashi, it's not that I don't want you to take care of me. Believe me, I'm not saying that. I just want to hang around like we used to. You know, laugh when I'm acting childish and maybe join in instead of lecturing me. We should both be getting into trouble together, like normal misbehaving kids." Hiro said.
Tadashi gave a half smile and looked at Hiro with determined eyes. Mischief twinkled in them.
Hiro waited in anticipation for what his brother could possibly say to show him that he was going to try and be more like a brother instead of a father.
"So you kissed a girl huh?" He asked teasingly. Hiro cracked a huge smile.
"There's the brother I missed for so long." Hiro said.
"So you like it here that much?" Tadashi asked.
Hiro nodded. "But let's go home. I get the feeling Mochi misses Aunt Cass more than I do." Hiro joked, picking the cat up.
"So how was it?" Tadashi asked.
"How was what?" Hiro questioned in return.
"Your first kiss baby bro." Tadashi said, nudging Hiro in the side. Hiro looked up. "Perfect. Hey, can we buy some strawberries on the way home?" He asked goofily, laughing at his own joke.
Okay a few things
Sorry this chapter is so long, like it's toooooooo long
Sorry I'm not updating every day, but I've been busy. I'm tryna update as fast as I can, so bear with me (PLEASE)
Sorry if there wasn't as much of a brotherly bond here, but I was going for a 'Tadashi needs to be more of a brother/best friend rather than a father' type approach.
Hope you liked it! Review if you want!
-girl you would expect.