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pof203 · 11 days ago

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Together under a starry sky.

NOTE: This takes place in AU since (SPOILER ALERT) at the end of Tiger & Bunny 2, Yuri died. Also, he’s Jewish, based on a piece of fanart I once saw.

It was Christmas Eve in Sternbild again. The shops were lined with decorations of holly, tensile, lights, and popular Christmas figures of Santa and such. The streets were full of vehicles either trying to return home for the Holidays or going to parties or getting last minute gifts or food. But no place in Sternbild was busier than the Sternbild Mall.

The Sternbild Mall was bustling with last minute shoppers, adults taking their children to take pictures with Santa Clause, and those just wanting to hang out with friends and family either in the food court or, the most popular, ice-skating in the mall’s skating rink.

Barnaby Brooks Jr. took some children from the orphanage to the mall to shop for presents or take pictures with Santa. Barnaby also convinced Kotetsu Kaburagi, the hero formally known as Wild Tiger, along with Antonio Lopez (Rock Bison) and Ivan Karelin (Origami Cyclone), to help out. Kotetsu also brought his daughter, Kaede, as well. However, she wasn’t too happy when her father had her take a picture with Santa, as well.

“Think of it as stocking stuffer for your grandma,” assured Kotetsu. “You and I know she’ll love it.”

“Okay,” Kaede groaned in defeat. “But only if Barnaby is in the shot with me.”

“I don’t mind,” said Barnaby.

Barnaby goes next to Santa with Kaede while Kotetsu goes to the other side.

“I said if Barnaby was in the shot,” scolded Kaede.

“Why not?” said Kotetsu, shocked.

“If I wanted Grandma to have a picture of both you and Barnaby together, I’ll just give her one of my pictures.”

“But I don’t you have any pictures of us with you in it,” said Barnaby, with a smile.

Kaede just couldn’t say no Barnaby when he makes that smile and lets Kotetsu in the shot.

“Somethings never change,” Ivan said to himself quietly.

After the pictures were taken, Kotetsu noticed something.

“Where’s Antonio?” he asked.

“He said he wanted to do some last minute shopping,” answered Ivan.

“Let me guess: For Agnes?”

“Who else?”

“I take you’re still upset that when you found out he was getting a gift for someone during the X Incident, it was for Agnes and not you?” asked Barnaby.

Ivan was silent for a little bit and finally answered, “Maybe a little… Probably for the best.”

“And why is that?”

“Well, if Antonio had gotten me a gift… Edward would surely be jealous.”

Everyone, even Ivan, couldn’t help but laugh at that.

Meanwhile, in a jewelry store, Antonio was having a hard time trying to decide what to get Agnes for Navidad (Christmas). There were many trinkets to choose from, but which one would be perfect for a woman of power like Agnes Joubert… Especially one in his price range. True, his shared payment with Ivan is good, but his sole payment from Kronos Foods hasn’t been looking so good.

“I guess that like Origami Cyclone a little more than Rock Bison,” Antonio remembered his boss saying.

“If you are not going to buy anything,” said the snooty salesclerk. “I must ask you politely to leave.”

“Hold your cattle,” said Antonio, his gaze still fixed on the display case. “I’m still making up my mind.”

“You should get her something in gold,” said a voice behind Antonio.

He turns around to see Ryan Goldsmith and Karina Lyle.

“It’s okay, I’ll vouch for him,” said Ryan.

“Certainly, Mr. Gold,” said the salesclerk. “By the way, I’m a huge fan of yours. How about later, you can get me an autograph. I would also like to get one from Blue Rose for my kids.”

“I think I can arrange that. I’ll even have them ready in time for Christmas.”

The salesclerk leaves.

“You know you have to charge him for my autograph, right?” asked a stern Karina.

“I’ll pay for it,” assured Ryan. “In the meantime, what’s eating you, Antonio? Trying to find something nice for your mother?”

“Ha, ha. Very funny,” said Antonio, sarcastically.

“You’re looking for something for Agnes, right?” asked Karina. “You should get her some ruby earrings. She has a thing for red.”

“Too expensive. The best I can get her is something from the desk display.”

“Those ones are always not that impressive,” said Ryan.

“I know. But things haven’t been going well at Kronos Foods for me.”

“What about your shared payment with Ivan?” asked Karina. “You still have that, right?”

“Why do you think I’m looking at the desk?”

Antonio just looks back at the display, completely unsure.

“I just want to get her something special. Like the gift she got me for my birthday the other week.”

“I still can’t believe she actually got a gift for someone,” said Ryan, still remembering the party at Justice Tower.

Antonio looks at his wrist. The gift Agnes got him for his birthday was gold bracelet with a topaz buffalo head whose eyes are zircon, both are Antonio’s birthstones.

“What could I possibly get her that could top this?”

“Well, you could get her that cake at the bakery we just passed,” suggested Ryan. “We know should love it. Especially with-“

“Ryan!” scolded Karina.

“Sorry.”

“Look, Antonio, we know how much you like Agnes, we really do. And we can tell she likes you, too. I’m sure that whatever you get her, she will like it. It’s the thought that counts.”

“I know,” said Antonio.

He takes another look at the display case until, he spots something. There, just a little on the side that one could be forgiven for not noticing them sooner, were two plain gold pendants, each looking like the broken half of a heart.

“I think I know which one,” said Antonio.

“Would you like those monogramed?” asked the salesclerk. “It’s cost extra, though.”

“I’ll think about it.”

The clerk goes to get the key for the case.

“By the way,” said Antonio. “What brings you two here? Doing some shopping yourselves?”

“We already did all our shopping online,” said Karina. “We’re here to do a show at the skating rink.”

“That reminds me,” said Ryan. “Have you figured which song your gonna sing?”

“I’ve decided the classic All I Want For Christmas Is You. And what about you? You’re still not thinking of singing that one, are you?”

“Say what you will, the King killed it with Blue Christmas. I don’t know why you’re so upset about it.”

“Well, we still need a song for the duet.”

“Have you thought of one, yet?” asked Antonio.

Ryan and Karina just stare at each other.

“We’re working on it,” answered Ryan, nervously.

“Your purchase is ready,” announced the clerk.

Antonio paid for the pendants and he, Karina, and Ryan leave the store.

“I need to catch up with Kotetsu and the others,” said Antonio. “Barnaby brought the orphans, Kotetsu brought Kaede, and I brought… Ivan.”

“We’ll see you at the show,” said Karina and she and Ryan left.

Antonio managed to catch up with the others.

“We’re going to take the kids ice-skating and then watch the show before we leave,” said Barnaby.

“Yeah, I ran into them,” said Antonio. “But I have to warn you, Ryan’s singing a song by the King.”

“Oh brother,” said one of the orphans.

Later at the skating rink, the party was skating on the ice. Kotetsu and Antonio were not so graceful, unlike Barnaby and Kaede where were practically swans out there. Ivan stayed off the ice to watch the gifts they bought.

“Sorry, Ivan,” said Kotetsu. “You drew the shortest straw.”

Ivan watched as the others enjoyed the ice.

It’s probably for the best, Ivan thought to himself. We’re an odd number. No one would partner with me. Now even my partner.

Ivan looked to the side and saw someone selling roasted popcorn. Ivan thought about getting some, but he had to stay and watch the gifts. Suddenly, he saw a sight he never thought he would see. Someone was buying the popcorn and it was…

“One, please,” said Yuri Petrov.

Suddenly, Yuri noticed he was being watched. He recognized Ivan and knew he wanted popcorn, too.

“Make that two,” he said.

After buying the popcorn, he sat down with Ivan and they enjoyed their treat.

“Doing some chopping, I see,” said Yuri.

“Not really,” said Ivan. “I’m just here with them.”

He pointed to his friends one the ice. Barnaby was helping Kotetsu back up after falling on the ice for eighth time with Kaede laughing while Antonio was still trying to keep his balance, much to the orphans’ amusement.

“Someone had to watch their gifts.”

“Are there any there for you?” asked Yuri.

“I don’t really celebrate Christmas. My family’s from Russia. What about you?”

“I’m Jewish. I celebrate Hanukah.”

“Right.”

Ivan and Yuri return to watching the skaters on the ice.

“How are you holding up?” asked Ivan. “I heard about what happened to your mother. It must be hard.”

“It will be different,” answered Yuri. “This will be my first Hanukah without her. It’s always been just use since my father passed.”

“Don’t you have anyone else? Other family members?”

“No. My mother was an only child and didn’t even have cousins. Her parents passed long before I was born. As for my father, he never talked much about his past. Not even his family.”

“How come?”

Yuri was just silent at the moment and finally said, “Like I said, he wouldn’t say.”

“Alright. I won’t pry further. But if you don’t have any plans tonight, you could come to my place. We don’t celebrate Christmas, but my parents come to visit none the less. But my father just had eye surgery, so they can’t make it this year and all my other relatives live too far away.”

“What about the other heroes?”

“Kotetsu and Barnaby are going to a party at Barnaby’s apartment. Antonio’s relatives came over from the West Coast to celebrate Noche Buena. Ryan is going to a Holiday party that Nathan is hosting, I wasn’t invited. Karina is spending it with her parents and grandparents. Keith’s parents are visiting. Pao-Lin went with Lara and her mother to visit their relatives out of town. Same goes for Thomas who is spending it with his sisters and dads in Pleiades and Subaru who went to his hometown of Panjourney.”

“… I’ll think about it. But for now, it’s good to talk to someone about this.”

And Yuri was. The only other people he has ever told that his father was Mr. Legend were Kotetsu and Barnaby.

After some time, Kotetsu, Barnaby, Kaede, Antonio, and he orphans decide to sit down as the stage lit up in front of the Christmas Tree and Blue Rose and Golden Ryan cam on stage.

“Happy Holidays, Sternbild!” cheered Blue Rose.

“Get ready for a golden night!” Golden Ryan also cheered.

Almost everyone in the mall exploded with excitement and holiday spirit.

“Then here we go!” Blue Rose and Golden Ryan said in unison.

Blue Rose then began to sing All I Want For Christmas Is You. Many of the people, most of the men, ended up singing along to this very popular song at this time of year.

“Thank you, everyone!” thanked Blue Rose.

“Now for my go,” said Golden Ryan. “Let’s take it a bit slow with this little number.”

Oh boy, Blue Rose thought to herself.

Golden Ryan begins singing Blue Christmas. Many of the people were weeping over the smooth words of a song that was originally sung by a music legend.

After the song, it was time for Blue Rose and Golden Ryan to do their duet.

“It took a while, but we finally came with a song we can both sing,” said Blue Rose. “A little something a friend of a friend of mine heard. She called them and her friends gave us permission to sing this song.”

“And you can sing it, too,” added Golden Ryan. “So, shall we?”

“Yes!” screamed the crowd in delight.

“Then here we go!” Blue Rose and Golden Ryan said in unison. “Here’s For NEXT Christmas!”

The two heroes began singing their song as many people began singing along. It was a night to remember.

After the show, it was time to call it a night. Antonio found out that Ivan and Yuri were going to spend the night together and decided to invite them come home with him for Noche Buena… He made it hard to refuse.

“Before we go to your place, I’d like to stop by the prison to drop off Edward’s gift,” said Ivan.

“I don’t see why not,” said Antonio. “He’s still your friend.”

Ivan felt a little awkward about visiting a criminal he once tried to kill.

In the parking garage, Antonio, Ivan, and Yuri drive off with Antonio and Ivan in the former’s van with Yuri driving after them. Kotetsu and Barnaby were helping the orphans on the orphanage bus while Kaede was waiting for them in Kotetsu’s car. They notice Blue Rose and Golden Ryan are signing autographs for the jewelry store clerk. After helping the last orphan on the bus, the nun driving it drives off back to the orphanage.

“Thanks again for helping me, today,” said Barnaby. “I really appreciate it.”

“No sweat, Bunny,” said Kotetsu with a smile. “I’m just glad you decided to let my family celebrate at your place. We were going to do it at my place, but the water’s been acting up.”

“Well, to point it out, should have had those pipes checked a long time ago.”

“Well, to be fair, I was kinda busy being a hero. And I’m still kinda busy new with the company.”

“Either way, I’m glad you’re having the party at my apartment. I was going to invite Mattia, but some of his friends from college invited him to catch up out of town. But he said he’ll be back in time for New Year.”

“Yeah.”

Barnaby looks to Kaede in Kotetsu’s car who was on her phone. He sighs.

“Something wrong, Bunny?” asked Kotetsu, a bit concerned.

“I’ve never had a family Christmas since I lost my parents,” answered Barnaby. “I’ve always had Mr. Maverick and Samantha… Well, more like it’s just Samantha since I learned the truth. And since I met all of you, Christmas was no longer lonely. But still, it would be nice to spend it with a family and not just friends.”

“I know how you feel, Bunny. Ever since Tomoe passed away, Christmas hasn’t been the same. There were times I tried to go back to Oriental Town to spend it with Kaede, Muramasa, and my mother, but I had to be a hero. There was nothing I could do. But now that I’m no longer a hero, I have all time in the world to spend it with them… So why aren’t I happy?”

Barnaby places his hand Kotetsu’s unsure face and started to feel more comfortable.

“You’re still a hero, Wild Tiger,” said Barnaby, happy to be with Kotetsu in that moment. “Just in a different way. You still help people one way or another. Having time for your family is just new. Give it time, you’ll get used to it and you’ll be happy. You’ve become your own kind of hero… That’s why I love you for it.”

Kotetsu was very happy to hear that. He always knew his partner believed in him, even though he wouldn’t admit in the past. He places his hand on Barnaby face and stroked it with his knuckles which Barnaby liked.

“And I love you, too, Bunny, for being there for me,” said Kotetsu.

Before either of them knew it, they were now embraced in a passionate kiss… It was a Christmas gift to each other they would never forget.

They part as Kaede begins calling from the car.

“Hey, Barnaby, Uncle Muramasa wants to speak to you!”

Barnaby takes the phone.

“What is it, Muramasa?” he said.

“Hey, Baranby?” said Muramasa’s voice. “You know that big pink flower with the green and yellow leaves?”

“My Coral Orchid? Yes.”

“I have a question… Is it rare and expensive? No, Kaito! Leave the dirt alone!”

Barnaby quickly hands Kaede back her phone.

“I think it’s time to go,” he said.

“I think we better,” said Kotetsu.