#Kotetsu broke down barnaby's walls over time

[bumpylines]

This is my favorite interpretation of them tbh

Hopelessly in love for the first time It-Boy and Secretive ojisan who pretends not to notice, being like "hey if he wants to do this he can say something about it. I'm not gonna initiate this".

[thingswhatareawesome]

what brings you home

title: what brings you home fandom: Tiger and Bunny pairing: Barnaby/Kotetsu (taibani) word count: 1165 summary: For Barnaby, there was nothing special about the concept of ‘home’, and no one special waiting for him there. Barnaby and what it means to come home, then and now.

For the March Flash fiction day four prompt: Coming Home, and day five prompt: Trapped Together.

There was an art print Barnaby once saw in the window display of a kitschy, cluttered shop that read ‘Life takes you unexpected places, love brings you home’. It was a foolish, sentimental statement, cloying, and he knew better: there was no good or comfort that came from coming home.

He’d learned the truth the hard way when he was only four, when pulling open the front door revealed a nightmare that haunted his every moment for the next twenty years. And he continued to learn it even once he was grown each time he returned to an echoing, empty apartment. Home meant being alone, meant solitude eased only by the white-bright glare of his computer in the dark as he sifted for fragmented clues about his parents’ murder in the debris of the internet, night after night.

He faintly remembered saying I’m back or I’m home when he returned to the house as a boy. He kept doing so out of habit, for a while, after. Then eventually he stopped. There was no need for it. What was the point?

For Barnaby, there was nothing special about the concept of ‘home’, and no one special waiting for him there. Home was just a place to exist and get more work done until it was daylight again.

**

Barnaby heard voices chattering and laughter even before he opened the front door, the sound only pausing as he stepped inside and said, “I’m home.”

“Welcome home,” two voices chorused in unison. Peeking back over the sofa, Kaede waved excitedly.

“Dad’s showing me your honeymoon photos!” Next to her, her father pursed his lips and made exaggerated smooch-faces at Barnaby until he got close enough to lean over the back of the couch and kiss him (briefly, though obviously a second too long according to Kaede’s standards for parental pda, considering the grossed-out ‘bleah’ noise she made.)

Wrapping his arms around Kotetsu’s neck, Barnaby bent down to rest his chin on his husband’s head. “Honeymoon photos, eh?” Placed on the coffee table before the pair, his laptop’s holoscreen displayed a slideshow, still switching from one picture to another to another. “Did your father show you the time he lost his wallet?”

Kotetsu flailed, “HEY,” and Kaede dissolved into giggles. Barnaby had taken no less than ten photographs of his (brand new) husband frantically slapping at his pockets while standing next to the resort’s brightly-colored bar, then another five zooming closer and closer in on the hand where Kotetsu was very obviously already holding it.

“Yeeeees!” she laughed, “I made him show me. And the one where the seagull stole his hat!”

Barnaby couldn’t help but smile while being jostled around as Kotetsu shook his fist. “Damned bird, I had to spend almost my entire minute of Hundred Power to get it back! And is this how it’s going to be now, you two ganging up on me all the time?” he complained.

“Yep!”

“Mm-hm.” Kaede and Barnaby grinned at each other after answering simultaneously, then fistbumped, while Kotetsu huffed.

Barnaby leaned down further to murmur into his husband’s ear, “The photos in the elevator…?”

“Not included!” Kotetsu shouted, then froze with a wide-eyed panicked look at Kaede’s curious expression. “The hotel’s elevator broke down, we were stuck inside, very boring, nothing happened, Bunny took photos for no reason, they turned out bad so I deleted them, next question!”

Waving her hands, Kaede crossed her arms in an X, yelling to be heard over her father’s babble, “Enough! Not asking, I do not want to know!”

“Well good, because there’s nothing to ask about, and I wouldn’t tell you even if you did, because there’s nothing to tell.” Kotetsu crossed his arms and pouted, giving Barnaby a narrow-eyed glare out of the corner of his eye.

Barnaby smiled back at him beatifically, radiating innocence.

(He knew where to find those photos, and how to get them back even if Kotetsu had deleted them. And what else was he supposed to do when they’d gotten trapped together in an elevator for nearly two hours, after swearing to not use their powers if they could possibly help it since they were on vacation, on their honeymoon. But the air in the elevator had gotten stuffy and uncomfortable and Kotetsu decided, as he was sometimes wont to do, he might as well take off his shirt. His golden tan skin had quickly started to shimmer as he sweat, and then a droplet had collected in the hollow between his collarbones, finally slowly trailing down in a glittering trail over Kotetsu’s pecs and over the muscles of his defined abs….

What was Barnaby supposed to do? It was his honeymoon, after all. And anyway, they left that elevator in perfect condition when it finally resumed service, clothing straightened and tucked in, and hair smoothed down back into place—so if before then someone had gotten supremely wrecked by another someone, Barnaby needed souvenirs. Other than the ache in his jaw afterwards that had long since faded but that he still remembered fondly, and his recollection of the way his husband staggered as they stepped out into the lobby finally, gait unsteady until Barnaby wrapped his arm around the other man’s waist.)

Barnaby’s smile grew smug, and he hid it in his husband’s hair as he pressed a kiss to the top of his head. Kotetsu grumped, then clasped Barnaby’s hands where they still crossed over his chest, until they were hand in hand, hand in hand. And they stayed that way, Barnaby still embracing him from behind, as the three settled down again to watch the remainder of the photos in the slideshow in comfortable silence.

*

Home, for Barnaby, meant being together with others. Home meant new family, meant friends, meant someone he loved more than he’d ever believed was even possible. Home meant clutter and noise and turning his computer off before sliding into bed with someone he could hold, someone who held him, who wrapped their arms around him and promised to never let him go.

Love had brought him home.

*

Kotetsu came up behind him as Barnaby hung the framed art up on the wall and straightened it carefully. It was a simple piece, hand-done calligraphy he’d found on an artist’s website, delicately illustrated with a small sketch of a tiger and a rabbit tucked down near the artist’s signature, just as Barnaby requested.

Peering at it closely, he nudged Barnaby’s shoulder gently with his own, “Kind of a sentimental saying, eh, Bunny?”

“It’s a good sentiment, though,” he answered. “It’s true.” Kotetsu hmmed, nodding. Leaning against him, Kotetsu wrapped an arm around his shoulders, and, arm sliding around his husband’s waist, Barnaby leaned back against him in return.

[multiverseanimecrossover]

So...Anthem is a drug that is screwing up in Sternbild City so it's up to Wild Tiger and Barnaby to find out  what's going on but things turn sour when they encountered their own counterparts with a few screws loose: Doug Billingham and his partner Kirill Vrubel are also investigating on the Anthem outbreak where they're trying to find out what's going on but they run into the dynamic duo of Wild Tiger and Barnaby. Two worlds collide while things get hectic in a city that consists of heroes, detectives, villains and a lethal drug! Please enjoy!

Agnes was having a spa day with a facial with cucumbers over her eyes as she relaxed in the hot tub when her cell phone rings. She takes the cucumbers off and answers her phone. “Hello.” Agnes greeted. “Is this Agnes?” A male’s voice asked. “Of course, who….” Agnes started to ask but the man sounds panicking, “Is your city Sternbild?” He asked. “Yes, why are you asking?” Agnes asked. There was a short pause before the guy spoke: “Listen, turn on the news. There’s trouble. Please, get somebody to stop this!” The male voice said. Agnes was suspicious as she turned on the TV to the news channel. On the news, Agnes is shocked as she couldn’t believe it. She picked up the phone and dialed the number before she put the receiver to her ear in frustration. Agnes heard Kotetsu’s voice. “KOTETSU, GET BARNABY AND YOU OVER HERE RIGHT THIS MINUTE!!!” She exclaimed. The next moment after; Agnes tells Kotetsu and Barnaby that there is a dangerous drug Anthem that is causing death and shows pictures of the effects that are shocking. “I don’t care what you had to do, get this drug out of my city! GET THOSE BASTARDS OUT OF STERNBILD CITY!!!” Agnes exclaimed. Later; Kotetsu, Barnaby and Agnes were at a tavern in the bar section. “I really don't understand why in the world you want me to find this drug.” Kotetsu noted. “Because this is causing mutation and death with some people.” Agnes muttered. Kotetsu glanced at her, “What?” He asked. “It is causing a mutation and death to civilization.” Agnes mumbled loudly. “Mind speaking up? Can't hear you!” asked Kotetsu. Agnes stood up straight, “I said it’s causing mutation with some people while death with others ALL RIGHT!!!” She said loudly. Kotetsu is surprised, “Really?” He asked. Then Kotetsu burst out laughing. Barnaby gives him a look. “Shut up, this is a serious matter.” Agnes rebuked. Kotetsu stopped laughing, “C’mon, you don’t have any proof this could be the cause of people like this.” He commented. “Of course it is, it’s a dangerous drug called Anthem made by a corporation called Esperanza.” Agnes explained. “So what’s so bad about Esperanza?” Kotetsu asked. “They are the most dangerous organization around.” Agnes explained. Barnaby was shocked. “You can’t be serious.” He said. “What? What are you talking about?” Kotetsu asked. “They are powerful Anthem-related criminal organization who are the ones responsible for.” Agnes clarified. Barnaby nodded, “So it’s going on only in Sternbild City?” He asked. “YES, IT IS HAPPENING IN STERNBILD! STERNBILD CITY! UGH, I NEVER THOUGHT IT WOULD HAPPEN BUT IT IS!!! THE PRODUCERS AND MANAGER ARE GIVING ME TROUBLE BECAUSE HEROTV WILL FALL APART BECAUSE OF ANTHEM!!!” Agnes exclaimed. “And that's why you're asking us, the most dynamic duo around huh.” Kotetsu joked. Agnes gives him a dark look, “I'm gonna smack you if you don't cut it out; all I'm asking is that you help me with that!” She replied. "All right, I think we can do this." Kotetsu insisted. "I'm counting on you Tiger, you too Barnaby." Agnes said, sipping her drink. "Yes ma'm." Barnaby replied with a small sigh. So they ventured off to locate where the drug is at and they managed to destroy them all by neutralizing with the help of the other heroes however Barnaby noticed someone broke into a sleazy club! In the meantime; Doug and Kirill confront an army of Anthem users who were torturing a bunch of innocent people.

“Looks like you guys are trouble, you from Esperanza?” Doug asked. Just then; the Anthem user attacked but Doug took him down with a shot from his gun, scaring everyone out of the club. While this chaos was going on; a guy hides while watching this as he saw something on the ground and looks at it. He takes it, puts it in a plastic bag and tries to leave as quietly as he did coming in when there was a bullet strikes at the door, stopping him. The next minute the guy is pinned against the door by this tall man in a suit! “Are you from Esperanza?” Doug asked. “If I was, whatcha gonna do about it?” The guy teased. He felt the guy’s hand tightened around him. “Ack! Dude, I’m joking! I don’t know who they are, please…!” The guy whimpered. Someone came into view, “What the hell are you doing? Get off him now!” A guy’s voice called. Doug just takes Barnaby's arm throwing him. Barnaby, lands on a table breaking it being surprised at what he just did to him. The guy starts to run off. As Kirill is about to run after him, Kotetsu rams into Kirill. Slamming him into a wall becoming somewhat injured. Kotetsu helped him out, “Time we have a chat…” He said. “Are you guys responsible for what’s going on in this city here?” Barnaby said. “Of course not, we’re from Lirvatta. You should know by now we’re taking care of business.” Kirill protested. “Well we’re not letting you guys go until you tell us about this drug, Anthem. Why do these people take this stuff?” Kotetsu asked. “That’s an important matter that doesn’t concern you.” Doug said. “Oh yeah? Try me.” Barnaby said. His whole body glowed blue. He was about to attack when Kotetsu stepped in and turns to them. “You guys must be with Esperanza?” Kotetsu said. Kirill was shocked then turned irritated: “With…Esperanza?! NO, we’re not from Esperanza! We’re here to take them down--Who the hell are you people?!” He demanded. Kotetsu was taken aback. “We’re NEXT, man.” He said. “NEXT? You’re Wild Tiger?” Doug asked. Kotetsu is surprised, “You heard about me?” He asked. “I’ve seen you around, you’re a veteran superhero.” Doug remarked. Kotetsu was shocked, “How would you know?” He demanded. “How long have you’ve been around here?” Doug inquired. “Um…a while?” Kotetsu said. Doug was quiet for a moment but he mentioned: “Hmm….I think you and I have a commonality. You see, I am a ‘veteran’ like you.” Barnaby is surprised. “WHAT?! Are you a hero?” exclaimed Kotetsu. Doug shook his head, “I’m an investigator.” He clarified. “So am I! BUT I WANT TO BE A HERO SO BADLY!!!” Kirill protested. Kotetsu was surprised by this comment and laughed, “Well, well! You come to the right guy because…” He was about to say however Barnaby cuts him off, “I don’t think so.” He said. “Same here.” Doug said, “I think we should be going.” Doug pulls Kirill away who protested but his partner ignored him. "Veteran...Buzz Cut...They seem new, how come I never heard of them?" Barnaby asked. He and Kotetsu were walking together later as Barnaby was bugged by these investigators. Kotetsu shrugged, "They’re not from here, kind of like how you were." He said. Barnaby crossed his arms in irritation, "Yeah, it's not every day we get a whole lot of trouble around here." He said, he had a suspicious look in his eye. Kotetsu soon noticed this, "C'mon Bunny, give them a chance. Just don't do something crazy." He warned. Barnaby looked at him, "Like what?" He asked. Kotetsu replied back, "Go off the deep end?"Just then, his phone rings and he answers it: “Hello?” Kotetsu asked. “Hi Dad.” Kaede’s voice rings out. “Oh, hi sweetie.” Kotetsu chirped, immediately happy. “I heard what was going on today, I thought you and the other heroes were done for.” Kaede piped. “Oh Kaede, you know your dad’s got this.” Kotetsu said proudly. “I was talking about Barnaby, you know.” Kaede retorted. Kotetsu makes a face at Barnaby who smirks at him. “Could you just show me a little appreciation, honey?” He complained. “Yeah, yeah. Listen, do you know a guy name Travis?” Kaede inquired. This made Kotetsu confused, “Travis? Mmm…no, that doesn’t ring a bell.” He said. “Hmm…Grandma got a call today from a guy name Travis Murphy. He sounded nice as he was curious to know if in the area I was in was safe.” Kaede mentioned. “Hmm…Interesting. Honey, you really shouldn’t be talking to strangers OK sweetie?” Kotetsu said. “Fine, fine! I was careful, I wasn’t giving him any personal information. Geez, give me a break!” Kaede moaned. “All right, fine. I trust you sweetheart.” Kotetsu said. “I’ll see you tomorrow?” Kaede asked. “Sure thing, see you Kaede.” Kotetsu uttered. Afterwards, he hung up after the call. That’s when Kotetsu noticed a tracker chip on his phone. “How did that got there?” He thought. Barnaby looks over and his eyes widened. He taps Kotetsu’s shoulder, gesturing him to the window. They both look over as they saw two familiar figures…Doug stood there with a small smirk with Kirill smiling smugly. Kotetsu and Barnaby are in disbelief, Doug gives a nod to them while he and Kirill fled. “Son of a…” Kotetsu muttered, crushing the tracker in his hand as he glowed blue. “Guess things are getting competitive.” Barnaby said.