#Tiger and Bunny x You

[emmajh97-mumaji]

A Former-Hero's Confession

"A night out drinking with your friend leads to questions about his old partner Barnaby... and where Kotetsu's true feelings lie." - Kotetsu T. Kaburagi x Reader - Reader takes on the role of a 30s-40s aged NEXT going to college for a nursing career. Gender neutral. - Bisexual Kotetsu and Aromantic Asexual Barnaby headcanon - SPOILER WARNING: Takes place after Episode 25 of Season 2! - Prequel to CHAPTER 2: A Former-Hero's Heart & Home

You're a NEXT who lives in a small town just outside of the city of Sternbild. You've made a decent living for yourself for many years, but never got the chance to follow your dream: becoming a nurse to aid the unwell. Finally getting to a stable point in your life, you applied to several colleges-- and were accepted to an acclaimed university in Sternbild!

At first you were embarrassed, thinking you'd be the oldest student in a room full of youths fresh out of high-school. To your relief, there were actually a few other people in your medical classes closer to your age. In fact, there was one person that was a year older than you... Kotetsu T. Kaburagi.

You'd heard about him in passing, of course. Mr. Kaburagi was a famous hero, who recently helped save the city from L. L. Audun, Gregory Sunshine, and the Abbas Prison Disaster! Sadly though, he lost his NEXT powers in the process... and had to retire from being a hero for good. When asked why Kotetsu was trying to get a degree in medicine, he claimed that he had taken an interest in physical therapy when his partner Barnaby injured his leg. That makes sense. When it came down to it, he and you both had the same dream-- helping people in need.

That was the dream, anyway. In reality, you felt bad for the old man. You weren't exactly a spring chicken yourself, but his terrible memory made you worry if he'd ever pass something like Anatomy & Phys. When he jokingly suggested you tutoring him, you jumped at the chance.

It's been nearly two years, now. You've come to know Kotetsu much more than just 'ex-hero Wild Tiger from the news' or 'the classmate who fails nearly every test'. What started as exchanging small details about your lives has become sharing each other's struggles. Kotetsu helps you with your NEXT powers, and you help him with his lack of them. Formal meetings in the college library have now become Kotetsu making fried rice in your kitchen, while you read off flash cards to him. Kotetsu using his phone to show you Hero TV clips has become you having dinner with his family while cheering Barnaby on, live from the Kaburagi's television. What started as-- "Your daughter seems very mature." "So you were talking with your old coworker Barnaby?" "I appreciate you inviting me out for a drink, Kaburagi-san." --has become "Ha! Kaede's going to kill you!" "How's Bunny doing?" "Congrats on passing, Kotetsu!! Drinks are on me, tonight!"

At first you were annoyed at this bumbling man and his foolish behavior. How dare he preach to you about studying too much while he wrecks his sleep schedule from trying to be friendly-neighborhood-hero-of-the-streets all night! But now... you've come to appreciate him as a warmhearted, sensitive guy who tries his very best. Someone who hides his pain, because he's so considerate of others he forgets to consider himself. A workaholic who loves his daughter, who loves his friends, but is still trying so hard to be true to his heart. To replace the dream he he had lost with a new one. ...you'd be lying if you said you hadn't fallen for him. Perhaps further than you could have imagined.

It was a Saturday night, the two of you go out to his favorite bar. You can tell Kotetsu is frustrated, but hiding it from you (as per usual). After a few drinks, he finally reveals he got into an argument with Kaede.

"She wanted me to try out this dating app, but I told her I wasn't interested." Kotetsu explained to you as he swirled his glass. "She's just trying to help you." You reply, "I mean, you do seem pretty lonely sometimes." "I'm fine being alone!" Kotetsu countered, putting on a charming façade, "I'm a too-cool-for-you single man!" "No you're not." you flatly rebuffed. Kotetsu groaned, "Yeah..."

He cut the act, taking a swig before continuing, "I told her that I wasn't sure if I was ready to love again... But she said Tomoe would be disappointed in me for being so pathetic......" "Don't worry about it too much," you console him, putting a hand on his shoulder, "I'm sure Tomoe would want you to be comfortable in a relationship. Trying to force it would just hurt both you and the other person involved." Kotetsu lips curled up into a little smile, the kind that made the scary tiger look like a soft kitten, "Yeah, you're right."

"Plus!" suddenly, his mood brightened, "I don't need a dating app, anyway! I already have someone in mind!"

"You're kidding?" "Nope!" "Who is it?!" He sing-song-edly replied, "That's a secret~"

You take a moment to think. You grin evilly, "Fire Emblem?" "What?! No!" Darn.

The egg-timer in your brain ticked as you thought. Then, with a ding the obvious answer dawned on you-- "...it's Barnaby, isn't it?" "H-HUH?!" Kotetsu looked like he would fall out of his seat, floored by your astute suggestion.

You suddenly remember something that makes you grin twice as evilly as before, "Oh, that's right! Remember? There was that one interview where you confessed your love for him!" Kotetsu, as you planned, had his entire face go red. He blundered through his words in a overly flustered manner, "That was taken completely out of context!!" "Oh really~?" you goad. You already know the context, but you enjoy sitting back and listening to Kotetsu's silly voice when he goes off on one of his patented Old Man Lectures (tm). "It was during that charity event Fire Emblem was hosting!" Kotetsu started,

"Fire Emblem gave a huge speech about how true love is about more than just sex or romance. How it's about trusting someone completely with your feelings. About how girls are allowed to say they love their best friends, but when men do it they're assumed to be gay. And they were right! Men should be able to tell their friends they love them! I really believed them! I was so moved by their speech that I couldn't help but--"

You cut him off with a smirk, "-couldn't help but make a fool of your coworker in front of thousands of viewers?" Kotetsu mumbled angrily at that. He slumped against the bar with an adorably grumpy expression, and took another swig of his glass.

You soften your tone, "I'm just teasing you, Kotetsu. I know you hate it when creepy fans make your relationship with Barnaby awkward." He looked up at you like a sulking puppy, "Yeah..."

"That being said... Part of me does wonder..." Kotetsu shoots you a betrayed look, "Eh?!" You hold your hands up defensively, "Hear me out-!"

"You told me one time that you invited Bunny over to your place for champagne, but that it was ruined because he misunderstood you and invited all your other friends along?" "....yeah?" "And also that you had dreams of an actress with blonde hair and green eyes... one that looks suspiciously similar to Bunny?" Kotetsu sweats, "...y-yeah??" "So? Doesn't that sound at least like a crush?" "W-what?! That's crazy!!" Kotetsu flailed about. But he was protesting too much, and as soon as he saw the look you were giving him he realized it was too late.

Kotetsu sighed in defeat, "You're too smart. I can't hide anything from you." You gasp excitedly at that. You were right! He DID have feelings for Bunny! ...wait. Oh no. He has feelings for Bunny... for someone else... You stare at him expectantly, not sure how to feel about this revelation.

Kotetsu leaned back, "I think it's because Bunny was the closest I'd ever gotten to someone since, well..." he rubbed at his ring finger. You nodded in understanding.

After Tomoe, Kotetsu closed himself off from sharing his true feelings with other people. Barnaby and him were obligated to work together- and ironically that made Barnaby the perfect candidate. As heroes, they were forced to trust each other. To literally put their lives on the line for one another. You remember Kotetsu introducing you to Barnaby. The two of them were so comfortable around one another that it felt like talking to an old married couple... With that kind of understanding, it's no wonder something deeper might blossom between them.

Meanwhile here you were. Just someone Kotetsu had gone to college classes with. You've checked in on Kotetsu, forcing him to stop drinking and get some fresh air while he was having depressive episodes. You've patched him up when he was still clinging onto the idea of being a hero, and doing reckless things constantly. But how could that ever compare to fighting criminals together? To going on TV together? To saving the entire city together? You feel a pit begin to form in your stomach.

All these thoughts swim in your head as Kotetsu continues to explain-- "I couldn't help it when old desires I had came up to the surface." he takes another sip, "But it really was just a passing crush at most." You're genuinely curious at this point, "Did you... ever say anything to him?" Kotetsu sighed... "I tried my best not to... but like you just did, he found out." You could infer from his tone of voice that it didn't end well, "Oh no...." Kotetsu grinned in embarrassment, rubbing the back of his head, "I got re-ject-eeed!" "Dang!" you consoled him, "That's too bad." Though (and you're not exactly proud about this) you're actually relieved to hear this news.

"Yeah..." Kotetsu doesn't seem too upset, mostly awkward, "Bunny told me that he loved me as a friend, but he doesn't swing that way." "Aaah... it makes sense. He's always such a show-off to his female fans." "No no, he said he wasn't interested in women, either. It's called..." Kotetsu scratched his beard as he struggled, "uh- arrow-something...?" You chimed in, "Aromantic Asexual?" Kotetsu points at you excitedly, "Yeah, that's what he said!!" "Wow..." you were genuinely surprised, "I never would have guessed." "Yeah, he keeps it a secret to protect his 'sexy celebrity image'." Kotetsu clarified mockingly. You frown, "...isn't he going to be mad you just told me about it, then?" Kotetsu's brow furrowed at that. Finally, he gave a comedically delayed, "...shit! Whatever you do, don't tell anyo-!" You laughed, "Don't worry, my lips are sealed!"

There was an awkward silence. Then suddenly you remembered what started this conversation topic-

"So wait... if it's not Bunny... who is the person you had in mind?" Kotetsu froze, getting one of his characteristically dopey expressions, "H-huh?" "The reason you 'don't need a dating app'! If it's not Fire Emblem, and it's not Bunny--" you think to yourself, 'I highly doubt it's Blue Rose, as much as she'd probably wish it was', "--then who is it??"

"Eugh- w-well..." Kotetsu is back to flubbering again... until he gets an idea, "It's one of my fans, from when I was Wild Tiger!" You didn't even try to hide your incredulous tone, "Oh really?" "And how come I've never heard of this person, if you're so keen on dating them?" "B-because like I said, it's a secret! I didn't want to disappoint all my other raving fans, you see." "...sure." you roll your eyes.

As you take a drink of your own beverage, you notice Kotetsu is staring at you. He has a familiar twinkle in his golden-brown eyes. The look he had when there was something he was trying to hide. Something eating away at him...

You stare back at him for a quite a while, before he realizes you're both gazing into each other's eyes. He immediately looked down at the table, avoiding your face in embarrassment.

Finally... you get the courage to ask... "Is it me?"

You swear you see Kotetsu shiver at that. "E-eh??" he nervously sweats again.

"Am I the one you want to date, Kotetsu?" you repeat, in no uncertain terms.

He stares at you again. This time you can really see the hesitation in his face. He absentmindedly puts his ring finger up to his lips... mumbling into his hands... "I told you... it's... another person. One of my old fans."

"So it's not me?"

You can hear the 'Please stop asking' pain in his voice as he states, "...no. It's not you. You're just my friend."

That last sentence sounded like he was trying to convince himself more than anyone. But still... Kotetsu's mind worked in strange ways. Maybe you really were wrong?

"That's okay. Sorry for asking." you backpedalled, "And don't worry, I don't have feelings for you or anything! Just being friends is fine with me." But then you added under your breath, "I really wouldn't mind if you wanted to ask me out, though..."

"What?" Kotetsu leaned in, seeming as though he didn't hear that last part. But you cover it up, not wanting the situation to get awkward again, "Hey, how about I get you another round? You promised to tell me the story of how you and Rock Bison stopped a monorail together!"

Kotetsu still seemed a bit on edge, but took the hint. He gave you a goofy grin that made it feel like sunshine indoors, "Hell yeah!"

Later that night...

As the designated driver, you escorted Kotetsu back home to his apartment.

"Hey... areyou ssure... about the not-having-feelings forme ththing?" Kotetsu drunkenly asked as he wobbled up the steps to his front door.

You forced a smile, "Yes." Helping him inside, you gave him a glass of water. "But--" "Kotetsu," you cut him off before he could question you, "Listen to me."

"Over this past semester I feel as though I know you enough to at least be your close friend." "That'scuz you are!" he replied with a drunken grin. You kept going, "So I have to say... I may not be the person you're pining over, but if I was... I'd want you to know that I care about you being happy more than I do about getting into a relationship. Because you are amazing. Even if you mess up all the time, it's always for the right reasons. You may cut your leg trying to save a cat from a tree, but seeing you try makes my life so much brighter. I'd tell you that... I know I could never replace Tomoe, but I want to help you pick up those pieces she left behind. Whether that's from keeping you warm on a lonely night, or simply just being there as your shoulder to cry on during the day. Because I love you. Not just as a hero, not just as a celebrity, but as Kotetsu. My friend."

"A-at least, that's what I'd say, if I were th--" you are about to finish when hear a sniffling sound.

Kotetsu is laying his head down on his living room table, ugly-sobbing into his arms. "K-Kotetsu?!" you fret, reaching towards him.

"Th...thaat'sso b-beautiful!!!" his voice is slurring not just from the alcohol, but from the tears. You chuckle, not really sure what else to say. Kotetsu rubs his eyes, then drunkenly says, "I- I love you too, pal!!" "W-wait, what?!" your heart raced, "Kotetsu, it was just an example, I didn't mean--!" But your attempt to respect sober Kotetsu's wishes fell on deaf ears, as drunken Kotetsu continued to spill his heart out-- "I- I mean it! Really!! I'm sso bad at thiss kinda thing! Antonio and Bunny have been so busy with hero work, Muramasa's got his own family to deal with, Kaede's off at boarding school--" he sniffed loudly, "Y-you're the only one that's really been here for me!! I'm so lucky to have you!" You couldn't help but smile at that. "I'msorry for lyingtoyou, I just-- I keepthinking of Tomoe- a-and Bunny rejecting me- a-and...!" Kotetsu tried to keep talking, but it had quickly devolved into incoherent sobbing. You patted him on the back, forcing him to drink the glass of water, "C'mon, Tiger. Let's get you to bed, okay?" You escorted Kotetsu to the bathroom, then waited until he came back out in his pajamas. "You okay?" you asked as Kotetsu got into his bed. He smiled, voice still cracking, "Y-yeah... I'll be fine." You nod, heading towards the door, "I'll come by to check on you tomorrow." The last thing you hear him say is a soft, "Thank you..."

[characterswithcolorsnamesfight]

Prelim Poll 6

Propaganda here

*Yes they're all names (and appearances) of the same character. In the picture above, the character presents as Amber, she/her

[skelekins]

Sans x You Week Day 1 - Fallen King

"you dropped this, king"

Snaps belongs to @didderd

[kitamars]

here’s the batch of illustrations i did for the second chapter of two shorten the road! hope you enjoyed reading :D

link to the fic:

[edenfire]

💗 virgin barnaby x chad kotetsu 💗

I saw this meme floating around and it's absolutely them😂😂💞

[verobatto-messy-art]

Aaaand "To Spite You" event from @ficwip server opens its posting season today!

So, have some TaiBani art inspired by this delicious event!

"Buuunnnyyyy chaaaaaan!"

I swear, one day I'm gonna eat this sexy, meddling, annoying old man.

[chocolate-crab]

Snow was falling outside the window. Big, soft flakes, covering Sternbild in a while, fluffy view. And it was only the end of October.

The sun had already set. Lights from the other buildings made the snowflakes sparkle, a beautiful dance of white and gold.

He was standing at the window in his bedroom, just looking at the world outside. His livingroom was alive, filled with music, laughter and noise.

"Happy birthday, Barnaby."

Her voice was low, but her words were loud.

Glancing over his shoulder, he saw her silhouette leaning at the door.

"You're missing all the fun."

"... I know."

He could hear her walk across the floor, and next thing he knew was the feeling of her arms wrapped around him from behind, her body tight against his.

"Y/N..."

"I know."

His breathing joined hers, matching every calm rise and fall of her chest, his racing mind slowing down, his heavy heart getting lighter, his demons retreating.

Turning his head towards her, their noses bumped into eachother and her lips found his cheek.

"Y/N.."

Their eyes met for a few seconds, before a loud bang interrupted the moment, shouting voices from the living room echoing through the silence.

He closed his eyes, hoping it wasn't something expensive.

"We better go and see." she whispered.

Nodding, he pulled away from her, allowing her to walk off towards the ruckus.

She stopped at the bedroom door and looked back at him, with those piercing eyes and bright smile of hers.

"Coming?"

Another bang.

Shaking his head in amused defeat, he couldn't keep himself from smiling and made his way to her.

"Yeah.."

He didn't have to be alone this birthday. He had them. And he definitely had her.

[robboyblunder]

Didn't know where I was going with this but I dove into more tiger and bunny outfit stuff because I adore these two so much I wanted to just draw them a bunch together kdjsgk. I STILL want to draw them more but this set is finally done

My personal favorite is the dancing one because i'm really soft for how sweet they look in it, but the glamrock one I think looks the nicest :P there's something to enjoy about them all though I think!

image ID in ALT!

(please don't repost or use these, and leave my description; thanks! reblogs appreciated!)

[charmygreeen]

Idk how to draw them yet so they look funky don’t @ me. Also no I did not make a devilman & klance reference in one post 🙈 ur crazy!!!

[non-boo-nary]

Tiger and Bunny Buddy Daddies AU

[blue-stripe]

drew this kotetsu for the dilf kotetsu calendar zine on twitter, which is free! my theme was mafia boss

[midnightlee25]

Yandere Valentines

Valentine’s day is a day where lovers show just how much they mean to each other with a whole day of love, however not everyone has such a sweet experience with their so-called “lover”. Are you ready for your bloody valentine?

John Doe game: John Doe

Error143: Micah Yujin

Big Hero 6: Wasabi-No-Ginger

Tiger & Bunny: Kotetsu T. Kaburagi

Dachabo: Bo

Something's Wrong With Sunny Day Jack: Sunny Day Jack

Tentador Leches: Koolie Sterling

Trapped with Jester: Jester

The Quarry: Jacob Custos

Snaggemon A Grunt Dating Sim:  Garrett

The Millionaire Detective Balance: Unlimited: Daisuke Kambe

Given:  Nakayama Haruki

Spy x family: Yor Forger

Candy Shop

Extra:

Yandere Valentines: Getting a love letter from their darling (Kaede Akamatsu)

Not even hero work will ruin this day - Yandere Wasabi-No-Ginger 

Stolen Heart - Yandere Aoi Asahina

Yandere Valentines: Writing a love letter to their darling (Swindler)

Finding a love letter written by someone else - Yang Xiao Long, Blake Belladonna, Nora Valkyrie

Sweethearts - Cyborg (Victor Stone)

The Quarry: Travis Hackett 

[mad-madam-m]

The Most Handsome Man in the World for WIP Wednesday please!

Kotetsu learned that he had a new neighbor at 2pm on a Saturday, after he'd spent the morning helping Kaede volunteer at an animal shelter downtown, an adventure which resulted in six scratches down each of his arms and cat pee on his shirt. Fortunately, the shirt was an old one, so he'd thrown it away and the shelter had loaned him a different shirt to wear home.

Something he'd completely forgotten about until he was in the elevator heading back up to his apartment, and in walked the most beautiful man he'd ever seen in his life: curly golden hair, sharp green eyes, and a face that was almost too pretty to be real.

[emmajh97-mumaji]

A Former-Hero's Heart & Home

"You check in on Kotetsu to see how bad his hangover is... and reminisce on your first time in his apartment." - Kotetsu T. Kaburagi x Reader - Very vanilla SFW slice-of-life romance - Sequel to the PREVIOUS CHAPTER: A Former-Hero's Confession !

You had only a mild headache when you woke up... but your brain was still swimming. "I already have someone in mind~" "I'm so lucky to have you!" "I love you too..." Kotetsu's words echoed in your mind...

'Was last night a dream?' you thought as you ate a simple breakfast of fruit and toast, 'Or... was it the start of something new?' It gave you butterflies.

'Calm down, I have to focus.' You get dressed, 'Gotta head over and make sure he's okay.'

It's a lovely spring morning in Sternbild as leave your place-- warm weather, birds chirping.

You arrive at Kotetsu's neighborhood. In the light of day, his apartment's front door is as inviting as ever. You knock, but get no response. You check your phone... It is fairly late in the morning. Did Kotetsu wake up already and head off somewhere? You text him a message to check. A minute or so passes. No response, and you still hear nothing from inside.

Well you tried the polite route, now to get serious. You rummage in your pocket and grab the spare key you discretely borrowed from Kotetsu's kitchen drawer last night.

The inside of the apartment is as dark as it usually is with the lights off, but at least the first floor living area is nice and sunny. It was fairly well kept, too. Only two or three beer bottles strewn about instead of the usual ten.

Unlike back then, over a year ago...

The first time you came to this apartment... . . .

Study sessions started not long after you two first introduced yourselves in your shared Anatomy & Phys class. Kotetsu met you regularly in the college library for them every week.

The meetings went fairly smoothly for about a month, until an issue left you tied up and unable to come. Still wanting to help, you offered to host the session at your place instead. Kotetsu took you up on it, and thankfully the socializing didn't interfere too much with the actual studying. In fact, it ended up going well enough that Kotetsu offered to return the favor.

A lot had happened after Kotetsu made that offer.

You'd seen the news... Members of a gang suspected to be tied with Ouroboros had kidnapped the hero Origami Cyclone. It took the combined efforts of all the heroes to find and rescue him. Rock Bison suffered major injuries in the rescue attempt.

His old friend Mr. Bison in the hospital, his partner Barnaby busy trying to find out who was really behind all this... you could tell the whole ordeal was weighing on Kotetsu. He was absent-minded throughout classes that whole week. Every time you messaged him, it was left on read. You overheard some of the phone calls he had with Bunny... something about the unsolved mystery of Gregory Sunshine's death.. You shuddered to think what Kotetsu was getting himself into, an old man with no NEXT powers sticking his nose into dark corners where it didn't belong. And yet every time you tried to speak with him after class, he said he was "Looking forward to your next study session together!". This man was a terrible liar, but he could really fake a smile.

Finally the day had come. You got out of class alone (it was one of the few you and Kotetsu had differing schedules for) that cold evening. As you walked through the dying leaves of late fall, you pulled out your cell and messaged Kotetsu one last time-- [[Just got out, I'll be heading over now.]] ...left on read, again.

You seriously contemplated calling this meeting off. Would Kotetsu even be in the right headspace to have company over? Then again... would he even be able to pass this upcoming test, considering how he hadn't been paying attention in class for over a week, now? You wanted to at least try to help. His scholarship was on the line, after all!

The sun set behind you in dark reds and yellows as you reached your car. You double-checked the directions on your phone, and started the drive... to his place.

Mixed emotions swirled in your stomach as you ascended those steps to the front door of Kotetsu's apartment. The fear of being in an unfamiliar neighborhood at night, the excitement of finally getting to see what your friend's (and a former hero's!) home was like, the worry of whether Kotetsu was mentally okay enough to do this...

You knocked at least twice-- before you heard the thumps of stumbling from inside. "Coming!" came Kotetsu's muffled voice, followed by crashing noises and under-the-breath curses.

Finally the door opened, Kotetsu standing there with a disheveled face and another one of those grins that you now recognized as forced. "H-hey! Sorry, I guess the study session was tonight, huh? Haven't gotten a chance to check my phone today."

The apartment was dark behind him... no wonder he stumbled so much. It was hard for you to process what you were seeing over the overwhelming smell of alcohol... More accurately, the smell of cheap beer. Yeesh.

"...are you drunk?" "Not yet." Kotetsu replied under his breath, before immediately realizing his mistake and correcting, "I mean- I've just had a beer or two, nothing to worry about." "Kotetsu, if this is a bad time then maybe we shouldn't--" "NO-!!" he cut you off immediately, catching you off guard, "I mean, no- it's okay! I still want to study with you." "...y-you sure?" you stuttered in disbelief. He stepped out of the doorway, beckoning you in, "Yeah, come on in."

He flicked on the light switch... revealing the absolute state his living space was in.

Alcohol bottles and cans everywhere. Unwashed dishes piled high in the kitchen sink. Bed un-made. An ironing board awkwardly left out of the closet with dirty clothes tossed around it. And the living room couch... covered in ominous newspaper clippings and scrawled notes that were most certainly not related to medicine.

As you awkwardly approached the living room table, Kotetsu went around like a busy bee frantically fixing things up. First thing he did was gather all the ominous looking research... you swear you saw at least a few Orobouros symbols amongst the black-and-white clippings as they were scooped up.

"Sorry about the mess!" Kotetsu laughed awkwardly as he squirrelled the papers away in a corner, then immediately went to the windows. Stifling blinds and curtains were pulled open to reveal the twinkling lights of the city street. "It's fine..." you reply back with bemusement, descending to the sitting area and setting down your backpack at the living room table.

As Kotetsu started the arduous task of picking up what seemed like hundreds of old beer cans/bottles, you marveled at his apartment. The media shelves with the TV and his record collection (you'd love to comb through those later). The vintage-looking kitchen. The wooden shelves and dressers... one of them covered in what looked like framed photos.

You looked over your shoulder-- there was still cans & bottles left, but it seems Kotetsu got distracted picking up the laundry. Either way, it was the perfect opportunity to snoop. You walked up close to the dresser and were greeted with a few familiar faces. Barnaby together with Kotetsu the day he retired from hero work, Kotetsu with old boss Ben, Kotetsu with his daughter the day she graduated grade school... But most of these were photos of someone new to you... his wife. You knew she had passed, but Kotetsu always dodged the subject when you brought it up. You squinted at the caption written on an old wedding photo... so her name was Tomoe. She was beautiful. Your heart ached just thinking about Kotetsu losing her.

A loud CLANG of bottles being put down in the kitchen snaps you out of your feelings. You quickly head back over to the sitting area. The apartment is much more presentable, now. Although you still felt uneasy. Not just because you knew all the neglect was simply swept under the rug, not just because the smell of alcohol still lingered, but because of that pile of papers in the corner... what you assumed to be research into a top secret crime organization... perhaps the kind of information that might make someone a target...

"All right! There we go!!" Kotetsu spoke up, coming downstairs from his bedroom area with his laptop and course work. You snapped out of your worried staring, whipping your head to face him. Kotetsu must have caught your reaction, because he got a concerned look as he sat across the table, "You okay?" "Yes. Fine." You finally realized that you hadn't taken out your own things yet, and immediately unzipped your backpack to pull them out.

You tried to break the silent tension in the room by starting off with the usual- asking Kotetsu to compare notes. ...only him to tell you he had none. For any of your classes together. For the entire past week. You tried to stay calm, but couldn't help yourself-- "What do you mean?!" "I'm really sorry, I've been very distracted!" "With what?" You snapped back, "Hunting down Ouroboros?!"

Kotetsu fell silent, perhaps finally realizing you already knew too much. "I'm really sorry about what happened to Rock Bison, Kotetsu, really I am. But..." You trailed off. You didn't know how to say it without hurting his feelings.

"I'm not an idiot." You were caught off guard as Kotetsu responded with a calm maturity, "I know I'm not a hero anymore." Seeing your shocked expression, he continued, "Yes, I've been trying to help Barnaby with the Ouroboros investigation. But I don't intend to become some sort of vigilante." That was a relief. But still... "Trying?" "I've spent the last week reaching out to my connections and asking around. A lot of the criminals I arrested back in the day respect me as their adversary, and were willing to talk."

"But... After I turned in my findings to the heroes this morning... Bunny told me to stop." Kotetsu's serious expression became sad as he looked down with dark eyes, "Said I was drawing too much attention, and that I was just putting everyone involved in danger." "He's right, you know." Kotetsu sighed, "I know..." "Did he say anything else?" Kotetsu rubbed the back of his head, "That I looked like I hadn't slept or showered in ages." "...have you?" He slumped, "Not really..."

You frowned, "So that's why you were sitting in the dark drinking... you feel useless." Kotetsu suddenly heated up at that word, glaring at you, "I'm not useless!!" "I know you're not!" you clarified, "But you feel that way, don't you? You want so badly to be able to help the heroes, but you're frustrated that there's nothing you can do. Or at least, nothing you're allowed to do, right?" Kotetsu fell silent at that. You could tell you were right.

"Of course I don't think you're useless Kotetsu." you repeated yourself to be extra clear, "The whole point of becoming a NEXT-specialized PT is so that you can help Heroes when they need you most, right?" "Right..." he half-heartedly replied. "So then try to have a bit more self-respect, okay? You know your own limits, so focus on what you can do instead of what you can't." "Uh-huh......" he was even quieter than before.

"Kotetsu..." you say with concern in your voice, "Remember last time... when I brought up going to therapy?" He gave a defeated sigh, "Yeah, I've been meaning to go..." "It really is free. You just have to call Student Services." "I know. I just..." Kotetsu looked over at the stack of now useless research in the corner. "You've been busy?" you gave him a consoling smile. He nodded.

You looked down, thinking back to the photos on the dresser... "I was worried you were avoiding going on purpose... because of your wife..." "What?" Kotetsu's voice was in disbelief. Oh no. You said that out loud. "S-sorry-! I mean-!" you fumbled, "Last time you told me you've seen a therapist once before, so I assumed it was because-- well...!" Kotetsu had a painfully neutral expression, "You're not wrong." He got a thousand-yard stare, "Who knows if I'd still be here if my boss hadn't forced me to go back then..." "I'm so sorry." Kotetsu shook his head, his voice bittersweet, "Let's not dwell on it any more, then." "Yes." you agreed immediately.

Kotetsu cleared his throat, glad that subject was skipped over. Suddenly, he smirked, "I'll make sure to sign up for Therapy after I sleep and shower, how about that?" calling back to Bunny's comment. "Sleep, shower-- AND taking notes for these upcoming tests!" you pointed a ballpoint pen at him threateningly. Kotetsu chuckled and grabbed his pencil, "Right, right."

You spent the rest of the night going over your notes and making sure he copied them and understood the material. You, at least, felt like you understood this place... and Kotetsu himself... a little bit more than before...

. . .

... it's been nearly two years since that day.

This is probably the fifth or sixth time you've been to Kotetsu's apartment, at least. You check the calendar he has on the fridge-- all the therapy sessions he had scheduled for the past month are checked off. Good.

You pay some passing respects to the photos of Tomoe, 'I'm trying my best to look after him for you so you can rest in peace.' before continuing on to the steps. It feels like second nature as you climb them upstairs to the bedroom area. Sure enough, there he is. Laying in a messy bundle of green comforters and sawing away. Well, more like purring, you'd say. Kotetsu's snoring was less like a chainsaw and more like an adorable annoyance. You check the time-- past 10AM. Certainly not early, but you figure you could let him rest more if he needs it.

You head back downstairs and check the fridge. It's all fried rice ingredients, of course. Old takeout rice boxes, assorted vegetables on the verge of going bad, and-- aha! Eggs. That'll work.

You have to wash some pans first, but eventually you fry up some eggs. You intend on bringing them upstairs and surprising Kotetsu. However, you nearly drop the plate when you hear a grumbling behind you-! You turn and see Kotetsu standing there, woozily holding his head as he barely manages to stumble over.

He calls your name questioningly. "What're you doing...?" "Good morning, sleepyhead. How's the hangover?" you walk past him and set the eggs down in the sitting area. "Not the worst I've ever had, but..." he groans, following. "Too sick to eat, or...?" "No.. I think I can eat..." You run over to get a glass of water, putting it in his hand, "Here." you guide him over to the table. "F...for me??" he asks in disbelief as you sit him in front of the eggs. "Yeah." "B-but what about you?" "I ate before coming over." "Oh..."

Kotetsu eats in awkward silence. You sit across from him and browse social media on your phone. The eggs were gone fairly quickly, and after finishing his glass of water, Kotetsu finally speaks up... "Did I say anything embarrassing last night?"

You looked up from your phone and saw Kotetsu's face drooping with genuine concern. That signature guilty puppy expression. "UH..." Normally you wouldn't hesitate to tell Kotetsu the silly things spoken when drunk. But this time, it was serious. It was pretty obvious that there were boundaries that weren't meant to be crossed, and you wanted to respect that. Plus, he just woke up. Was now really the right time to put him on the spot with a 'You confessed your love to me'?

Unfortunately, your conflicted expression was all the answer Kotetsu needed, "I did, didn't I?" "S-sort of..." you weaseled your way around the subject, "You told me that you asked out Barnaby once, but got rejected." "Oh god..." Kotetsu groaned, rubbing his face, "Yeah, I remember that part..." "You also told me that you were planning on asking out one of your fans to start dating." "That too..." he slumped back against the couch.

"What else do you remember?" you asked nervously. Kotetsu rubbed his hands over his forehead and through his hair, hmm-ing to himself... "You... drove me home, I think? Well, obviously you did." You nodded. "And... I remember crying about something... but I can't remember what..." "Well..." You sweat, careful to choose your words, "You said you were lonely. You miss Muramasa, Kaede, and Barnaby."

"Oooh- that's right!" Kotetsu sat up and tapped his fist into his palm, "And I was telling you how glad I was to have your company." "Uh-huh." you nodded, putting on an awkward smile. Suddenly, Kotetsu frowned, "Wait..." "Wait?" "......oh no." "Oh no???" Kotetsu curled his legs up on the couch and buried his face in his hands, "I REMEMBER NOW." "Oh no." "I confessed my feelings to you-!!" "Haha..." you died a little inside, "...yes. Yes you did." "AAAAAAGH." Kotetsu's embarrassment was muffled into his hands. 'AAAAH.' your embarrassment was screamed internally.

"I'm so sorry! I know we're just friends and you just want to help me graduate!!" Kotetsu pulled at his collar nervously, "I'm fine just pretending this whole thing never happened and--" "NO!" Kotetsu goes wide-eyed at your strong protest. You try to tone it down, "I mean- no, no, it's fine Kotetsu! If you really feel that way about me, then... I'm up for it." Kotetsu fell silent. Staring at you with a glimmer of hope and surprise in his eyes, "Really?"

"B-but only if you're up for it!!" you hastily add, "After all, you still have to figure out your leftover feelings for Tomoe and Barnaby, don't you?" He looked down seriously, "I do..." Then stroked his chin, "But... maybe I can multitask..." "Huh?" you cocked your head. Kotetsu was serious, matter-of-fact, "Coping with my old feelings and exploring these new feelings... at the same time." You're genuinely concerned, "Are you sure it wouldn't be too difficult?" Kotetsu shook his head, "The first part? Maybe... but second one? Not at all."

He looked up at you... his golden-brown eyes curved up from a sweet smile as he stared directly into yours, "I already know how I feel about you."

Your heart skipped a beat. He continued, "And I know you love me, too." "H-HUH?!" you felt your face go hot. "Seriously, that speech last night. 'If I was them I'd keep you warm on a lonely evening'? You weren't even trying to hide it, were you?" he chuckled. Now it was your turn to bury your face in your hands, "Y-yeah..." "Hey." Suddenly, you felt the warmth of a body next to you. You looked out from your palms-- Kotetsu had walked around the table and was sitting beside you now. He was looking you up and down, gently caressing your arm with his hand. You stared at him back, appreciating his features up close and personally. He opened his arms. You took the hint immediately, diving into his chest. You wrapped your hands around his waist and held him close, nuzzling into his neck. Taking in the smell of his sweat and a faint hint of cologne. The feeling of his rough skin and the old tank top he wore while sleeping. The sound of his breathing in his chest. Kotetsu nuzzled back, gripping you tightly with arms that made you feel safe.

The words had been weights in your heart for quite some time now, and you finally got to release them... "I love you, Kotetsu." You swear you could feel his heart beat faster...

"I love you, too."

 ♡

[kitamars]

happy new year ^^ ✨✨✨

[margaret-the-sylvia]

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