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[Tiger & Bunny] - Without Reason	By : ChronoDragon Category: +S to Z > Tiger & Bunny Views: 3881 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own Tiger & Bunny or any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
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Title: Without Reason

Pairing: Barnaby x Kotetsu / Kotetsu x Barnaby

Summary: Barnaby goes to live with Kotetsu and his family after the incident with Maverick. It is something Barnaby has a difficult time adjusting to, especially when it comes to fitting in with Kotetsu’s family when his feelings for the older man grow.

A/N:

So I was kind of desperate to write a serious romance story between Kotetsu and Barnaby, rather than just one-shot sex fanfics…haha. So I guess this can take place during the one year time gap at the end of Tiger & Bunny or on a separate timeline altogether; I’m not sure how I’m going to end this but I’ll figure something out. XD ~~And sorry I come up with the most strange and corny titles... ^^;~~

“There’s no point in being a Hero without you, Kotetsu.”

Barnaby’s words rang through Kotetsu’s mind like church bells. He didn’t expect Barnaby to quit as well, but at the same time, he was proud of him for making that decision. As his partner, Kotetsu just wanted Barnaby to be happy, no matter what he did with his life.

Although the other Hero’s were a bit shocked and upset with their decision, they held a small party to celebrate their retirement. Kotetsu still ached a bit from his wounds he received from the blast, but came and stayed late anyways, despite the protests of the doctors at the hospital who told him he needed to rest. He was all packed and ready to leave the next day and he wasn’t about to miss his chance to see his friends on last time, especially Barnaby who seemed relatively quiet and withdrawn that evening. Also, he had disappeared a few hours ago, which concerned Kotetsu a bit.

“Has anyone seen Bunny?”

“Handsome?” Nathan questioned, looking around the room from where he stood along with the other Heros. “I’m not sure. He didn’t look so well, so maybe he went home?”

“The last I saw him he headed that way.” Pao-Lin pointed towards a staircase at the back of the hall that lead upstairs. “Maybe he went to the observation deck upstairs?”

“Hmmm…I’m going to go look for him.” Kotetsu readjusted his hat with determination as he walked in the direction Pao-Lin pointed. “I’ll be back.”

“Hurry back because this party is for you two!” Karina shouted in a bit of irritation after him, blushing a bit as she did so. Luckily for her, Kotetsu didn’t turn to see her and just waved them off as he walked up the stairs and out of the room. Karina pouted, catching the attention of Nathan and Keith.

“Ohh~ looks like someone is going to greatly miss another certain someone~” Nathan toyed with the young girl, who quickly turned to narrow her eyes at him.

“It’s not like that!”

----

Kotetsu made his way outside onto the observation deck, shivering from the sudden blast of cold air that hit him. It didn’t take him long to spy his partner standing next to the railing at the end of the deck.

“I don’t belong in this place anymore…” Barnaby muttered sadly to himself as he stared off into the night-lit city. He crossed his arms tightly against his body to provide him with some warmth and in a way, some comfort.

“Bunny! You shouldn’t be standing out here like that!” Kotetsu quickly walked over to his partner. Seeing Barnaby outside in the cold winter night in just his black, short-sleeved shirt and pants worried Kotetsu. The man didn’t even have his boots on for some reason. He just stood there, his bare feet on top of the cold metal of the balcony. Barnaby was upset, that much Kotetsu could tell from looking at the man’s trembling back.

“I-I don’t know what I should do now…” Barnaby quietly sobbed, tears flowing out of his eyes and down his cheeks. “My whole life has been a lie up to this point! I…I-” He gripped the sides of his head with his hands, he whole body shaking controllably as he continued to cry, his emotions running wild and uncontained. Suddenly, he felt a hand placed on his shoulder and he turned his head, looking at the man that stood beside him. Kotetsu gave him a warm smile, his hand tightening its grip on his shoulder slightly. ‘It’ll be alright,’ he heard Kotetsu softly say, which just made more tears well up in his eyes. Barnaby stood there for a few moments, trying to compose himself even though his body refused to do so. He couldn’t take it; his intense emotions and numerous depressing thoughts were driving him crazy. He needed comfort, he needed someone to hold him in their arms and cradle him like a small child, and Kotetsu was the perfect person for the job. Barnaby fell against the older man, burying his face into the collar of his green shirt and gripping onto his vest tightly.

And he cried. He wasn’t sure how long he cried, but it felt like decades. For the first time in his life however, Barnaby had someone to hold onto, a shoulder to cry on that wouldn’t shove him away and tell him to grow up and be a man. He could just let all of his raw emotion flow and nothing would stop him. He felt Kotetsu wrap his arms around his body, gentle rubbing his back which both soothed him and at the same time made him sob even more.

Kotetsu flinched from the sudden contact, mainly from his sore body, but also because he wasn’t use to that kind of contact from the younger man. But he could feel himself smile as he held onto Barnaby, in a weird way happy that he was seeing this softer side to him. Not that he liked seeing Barnaby cry; he just liked it when he could actually express his emotions without holding back or hiding it like he use to.

Both of them stood out there in the cold, the muffled sounds of Barnaby’s sobs were the only thing audible for the longest time. Nothing could have torn them apart at that moment, not even a raging blizzard would have made them falter.

“Hey Bunny. How about you come live with me for awhile?” Kotetsu finally spoke up. Barnaby lifted his head from its place against his shoulder, his cheeks soaked and his eyes red. The younger man watched him in question, but stayed silent. “You can get back in track with your life and this way I can still support you through it. Wha-dya say?” He proposed with a smile on his face, talking softly with the younger man. The younger man’s expression slowly softened, a small smile growing on his face.

----

“Welcome home Bunny.”

Barnaby took a look around after he stepped through the door, a faint smile appearing on his face from hearing those words from the older man. The rich scent of wood and incenses filled his nose as he stood there, gazing down the hallway and eyeing the fish tank and table littered with decorative objects that were in front of him. It looked like a home; it felt like a home, or at least everything Barnaby expected a home should be. He only had faint memories now of the home he once lived in with his parents and even then he couldn’t remember the feeling of going home and be greeted by warm smiles and friendly hugs. Growing up in Maverick’s home, Barnaby rarely got that attention. He would just get an occasional pat on the head and a reminder to focus on becoming a Hero.

“It’s nice huh?” Kotetsu asked, tossing his shoes to the side and stepping in front of the younger man. “Well it’s not as fancy as you’re use to living in I’m sure but…” He trailed off, scratching the back of his head.

“It is a nice place.” Barnaby smiled at Kotetsu. “This is where you grew up?”

“Ah! Yeah! I did. Kaede has my old room now.” Kotetsu paused briefly, collecting his thoughts. “Here…” He began, picking up two of Barnaby’s bags. “Let’s go put your stuff in your room and I can show you around!”

“My…room?” He asked, following Kotetsu through the hallway, heading further into the house.

“Yeah. I called ahead and had my Mom make up the guest room for you.” Kotetsu looked behind him as he walked, smiling at the younger man.

They turned a corner into a separate hallway and stopped in front of a door there on the right side. Kotetsu pushed it open with his forearm, stepping inside and setting down Barnaby’s bags on the floor next the bed. Barnaby stepped inside as well, slipping off the shoulder bag he carried onto a chair there. His eyes wandered around the small room which brightened up a bit after Kotetsu opened the curtains above the bed. The room was pretty bare with only a small bed with a nightstand, desk and chair next to it and a tiny dresser in the opposite corner of the room. Not that Barnaby minded the lack of objects, he didn’t have much in his apartment he use to have back in Stern Bild.

“I hope this is okay…” Kotetsu spoke up, grabbing the younger man’s attention. “It’s not very spacious but I hope you can get a good night’s rest in here.”

“It’s fine Kotetsu…” Barnaby sighed in a bit of frustration. “Where are you staying?”

“I have my own room further down the hall. Unfortunately there isn’t a bed in there yet so I have to sleep on a mattress pad for awhile.” The older man explained, walking past Barnaby and to the doorway.

“Then maybe you should sleep here so you have a bed.” Barnaby suggested. “I can sleep on the floor, I don’t mind.”

“Hey hey hey! Who’s the guest here?! You are!” Kotetsu yelled, pointing a finger at Barnaby. “I’m fine with sleeping on the floor, I’ve done it before! Like I said I have a cushion so I have some padding.” He watched Barnaby look away in either sadness or embarrassment, Kotetsu couldn’t tell. He sighed, eyeing the floor as he did so, noticing something in particular about the younger man that reminded him of something he probably should mention to him. “Hey Bunny?” Getting the attention of the younger man, he pointed down towards the man’s boots. “Just so you know…a-and I’m not yelling at you alright! But…” He chuckled in embarrassment. “It’s custom for people here to take off their shoes when they enter a home, just so you’re aware of that.”

“Oh!” Barnaby glanced down at his boots, quickly bending down and undoing the lace on one of them. “I’m really sorry!”

“Don’t worry I’m not mad at you! You didn’t know!” Kotetsu smiled weakly, hoping he didn’t embarrass the other man because of it. He stood there, watching the younger man slip off his boots, noticing he didn’t have any socks on. “You wear you’re boots without any socks or anything?”

“Yes.” Barnaby simply answered, picking up both of his boots after taking them off. “Should I put these by the front door then?”

“Yup.” Kotetsu smiled, backing out of the room so that Barnaby could exit. “Do you want any socks at all? You can borrow a pair of mine if you want.”

“No it’s alright. I’m fine.” Barnaby walked past the older man and down the hall.

Kotetsu followed close behind, rubbing the back of his head. “Are you sure? I don’t want your feet to get cold.”

“Kotetsu…” Barnaby sighed in annoyance, setting down his boots next to other footwear near the front door. “I’m fine.” He repeated, looking up and back at the older man who frowned in response. The blonde stood there, watching the other man scratch the back of his head in frustration. Before he could speak, an older woman came through a doorway down the hall, instantly noticing them as she did.

“Oh Kotetsu!” Anju smiled and walked over to the two men. “I didn’t hear you come in.”

“Ahhh hah…” Kotetsu smiled pathetically before quickly perking up. “Oh Mom, this is Bun- ah I mean Barnaby.” He introduced her before turning to Barnaby. “Bunny this is my Mom.”

“Anju Kaburagi.” Anju bowed slightly, smiling at the younger man. “It’s nice to finally meet you.”

“Likewise.” Barnaby smiled warmly back at the older woman, not sure if he should bow in return.

“Kotetsu could I ask you a favor?” Anju’s attention went to her son. “Could you bring up a bag of potatoes from the cellar when you have a chance?”

“Sure thing!”

Kotetsu’s mother left and he motioned for Barnaby to follow. On the way to the cellar, Kotetsu showed Barnaby around the house; the kitchen, family room, in which Barnaby took note of the small shrine there.

“Is this your wife?”

Kotetsu stopped in his tracks, looking back at Barnaby who was looking at the picture of Tomoe that sat in the corner of the room. He swallowed and walked over to the younger man, rubbing the back of his head. “Yeah. That’s Tomoe.”

“She’s very beautiful.” Barnaby smiled at Kotetsu, who gave him a faint smile in return. “She was lucky to have you as a husband.”

“Hah?” Kotetsu blinked in surprised, not expecting for Barnaby to say something that at all. He stood there in silence for a brief moment before laughing quietly to himself. “You think so?”

“Of course. You have a kind heart Kotetsu.”

Kotetsu blushed slightly, feeling his cheeks warm from the complements he received from Barnaby. It wasn’t something he though Barnaby would ever say to anyone, it came as a bit of a shock to him. This man, who before always had a stern and somewhat cold demeanor, suddenly expressing the most tender and refined side of him that Kotetsu had ever seen.

“Kotetsu?”

Kotetsu snapped back to reality from his thoughts, blinking at the man before him who looked at him in question. “Uh…yeah?”

“Nothing…You were just staring at me.” Barnaby sighed, smirking in amusement as Kotetsu blushed slightly

“I-I was?!” Kotetsu leaned back, waving his hands and shaking his head in disbelief. “I didn’t even notice! Sorry.”

Barnaby chuckled. He’s so cute like this… He suddenly went rigid, wondering why something like that would even enter his mind. “Ah-um…don’t you have to get potatoes for your mother?” Barnaby reminded Kotetsu with haste, trying to change what he was thinking about and erase ever thinking that Kotetsu was cute.

“Oh! That’s right.” Kotetsu started walking towards the doorway to the hall, quickly turning back to Barnaby as he did so. “Thanks for reminding me! I’ll be right back!”

Barnaby watched the man leave the room, the expression on his face slowly going to his happy one to sad. He turned, gazing upon the photo of Kotetsu’s late wife once again. Somehow, looking at the photo of her broke his heart ever-so-slightly; maybe he was guilty, he wasn’t sure. He almost didn’t want to look at the photo ever again, but at the same time he couldn’t take his eyes off of it.

What is this strange feeling I’m having…?

----

Not too long after Kotetsu and Barnaby had arrived, dinner was ready. It had been awhile since Barnaby had a full, home-cooked meal. He actually couldn’t even remember the last time he had one, but he was pretty sure it was a meal Samantha made for him one time when he was visiting her. Kotetsu handed him a bowl and sat him down at the table there in the kitchen, quickly filling his bowl with rice, some chicken, and a variety of vegetables.

“Eat up!” Kotetsu grinned, setting himself down on his own chair next to Barnaby, filling his bowl with some food of his own.

Kaede came into the room soon after, greeting everyone and grabbing her own bowl and setting herself on the chair across from Barnaby. “How long are you staying with us Barnaby?” She asked the blonde haired man cheerfully as she filled her bowl.

“I’m not sure yet…” Barnaby gave the young girl a soft smile.

“Forever right?!” Kaede said optimistically, earning a chuckle from Kotetsu. “What?!” She snapped at her father who continued to giggle from the other side of the table.

“No he can’t sleep in your room at all.” Kotetsu simple stated, knowing that his daughter was a big fan of Barnaby and most likely would fangirl all over him whenever she got the chance.

Kaede blushed, turning her head away and pouting. “You pervert! I wouldn’t do that to him!”

“Seriously where did you learn that word young lady?!” Kotetsu shook his hand while holding his chopsticks at her.

“Dad I’m ten!”

“Doesn’t matter! You shouldn’t be saying things like that or words like that!”

Barnaby couldn’t help but chuckle watching the two bicker at each other. Kaede was very mature for her age, but still shared that stubbornness that Kotetsu had. He knew that she couldn’t deny that she was a lot like him.

“Now now…let’s not fight while eating dinner.” Anju spoke up, sitting down next to Kaede.

Kotetsu grumbled as he chewed on a piece of chicken, swallowing it afterwards. “Hey Mom, where’s my ever so tight-laced brother of mine?” He asked, looking around the room, noting the absence of his older brother.

“Muramasa? He called earlier and he was going to be a bit late. He’s still closing up the store.”

Kotetsu chuckled to himself. “That just means he couldn’t get that old clunker to start again.” He said, picking up a chunk of rice with his chopsticks and shoved it into his mouth.

After watching the drama that had just transpired before him, Barnaby stared at the contents in his bowl for a few seconds before looking around the table, noting the lack of silverware present. He did take note of the chopsticks in front of him however and picked them up, eyeing them curiously. He knew that they were used to eat with, how to use them was a different matter all together. He had no idea how to hold them. Barnaby set down the bowl of food he held and fidgeted with the two sticks, trying to figure out how to get them set in his hand. Eventually he gained the attention of Kotetsu, who was happily chewing away on some food in his mouth.

Kotetsu watched the younger man next to him get increasingly annoyed and frustrated with himself, dropping one of the chopsticks onto his lap every so often as he fiddled with them. Then it came to him; Barnaby probably had probably never eaten with chopsticks before. He smiled to himself and set his bowl and sticks down, leaning towards the younger man and grabbing the sticks out of his hands. “Here.” He grabbed Barnaby’s right hand with his left, setting one of the chopsticks into his hand. “Hold this one like this…” He reached for the other stick and adjusted the other man’s fingers the right way to hold the second one down. “…and this one goes like this. There, now you can grab and pick up stuff.”

Barnaby eyed the older man grinning at him before looking down at his bowl. He picked it up and tried picking up a piece of chicken with the chopsticks, awkwardly moving the sticks around in his hand.

“No no…You don’t move that bottom one at all. Just the top one.” Kotetsu interrupted him, placing his own chopsticks back into his hand and holding it up for Barnaby to see. “See?” He reached down into his bowl, showing the younger man how to move the top stick only to grab a piece of food.

Barnaby frowned, but turned back to his bowl and dug in with his chopsticks to try again. He fumbled around with the food in the bowl, growing frustrated whenever he nearly was able to pick up something only for the chopstick to slip and loose his grip on it.

Kaede giggled from the opposite side of the table as she watched Barnaby work with his chopsticks, only to be hushed by Kotetsu.

“Kaede shush! This is his first time!”

“I didn’t say anything!”

Barnaby ignored the two and continued poking around with the sticks. His spirits rose a bit when he was able to lift up a piece of broccoli he was finally able to grab. He slowly moved it up and towards his mouth, but his trembling hand caused the stick to slip once again and the piece of vegetable fell out from between the two chopsticks. Barnaby groaned in annoyance, gripping onto the sticks firmly with his fingers and suddenly impaling the ends down on a piece of chicken. He lifted the food up, eyed it menacingly before putting it into his mouth, chewing in silent victory.

Watching the younger man’s battle with the chopsticks the entire time, Kotetsu finally turned to his mother. “Hey Mom do we have any forks by chance?”

Anju smiled as she rose from her seat, also slightly amused by Barnaby’s first attempt with chopsticks. “I believe we do.”

“Don’t worry I’m alright.” Barnaby spoke up after swallowing the piece of chicken.

“No it’s not alright. I don’t need you stabbing yourself in the eyes with those.” Kotetsu pointed at the chopsticks Barnaby held. The younger man chuckled, setting down the sticks when Anju handed him a fork.

The door to the kitchen opened and Kotetsu turned, seeing his brother step through the door. “Hey bro!” Kotetsu waved to Muramasa, who waved back hesitantly, noticing a new face in the room. Kotetsu noticed his apprehension instantly and looked between him and Barnaby. “Ah! Brother this is Barnaby. Bunny this is my brother Muramasa.” He introduced them, going back to his food soon after.

Barnaby blinked at the man who stood at the other end of the table, quickly swallowing the food that was in his mouth. “Um…Hi. It’s nice to meet you.” He greeted with a bit of awkwardness.

Muramasa eyed the blonde-haired man with a bit of prejudice, not expecting him to be there at their household this soon. “It’s nice to meet you as well.” He said, pulling out the chair at the end of the table and taking a seat.

As soon as Kotetsu’s brother entered the room and started eating, the atmosphere in the room grew silent, except for an occasional few words spoken between family members. Barnaby ate slowly and quietly, his discomfort growing as he sat there. He felt a bit out of place; actually he was out of place. He was the odd one out of the five people in the room and the more and more he thought about it the more he felt like coming to live with Kotetsu was a bad idea. He knew nothing about the customs Kotetsu’s family had, such as taking off his shoes right after entering the house, so he was constantly afraid of doing something wrong or impolite. Eating with a fork was probably improper, even if Kotetsu and his family were alright with it.

Not too long after, everyone had finished eating, saved for Barnaby who slowly munched on his food. Kotetsu sat back down in his chair after helping his mother with some dishes, resting his elbow on the table and placing his head on his hand. He watched the younger man, eyeing him with growing concern. “You okay?”

Barnaby glanced over to the older man before eyeing the table in front of him, setting down is bowl in the process. “I’m sorry. I don’t have much of an appetite anymore.” He spoke softly. It wasn’t that he didn’t like the food, he just wasn’t use to eating food with so much spices added to them; it was upsetting his stomach a bit.

“It’s alright. You don’t have to eat everything up if you don’t want to.” Kotetsu answered.

“No. I should eat everything.” Barnaby was quick to say, looking at the dark-haired man troubled. “It’s impolite if I don’t.”

“Wah?!” Kotetsu raised his voice as he sat up in surprise, questioning Barnaby’s last statement. “Don’t worry about it!” He yelled in a bit of aggravation, grabbing Barnaby’s dish when he saw the man try to eat more out of it. “You shouldn’t force yourself to eat! That’s not good for you!” Kotetsu rose from his seat and walking over to the sink and placing them in there.

Barnaby sighed, drinking the rest of his tea before getting up from his chair. He quietly thanked Anju for the meal and turned to leave. The discomfort he was feeling before hadn’t waned, but he figured this was something he could probably sleep off and tomorrow would be different. That’s what Barnaby wanted to believe. He exited the kitchen and Kotetsu was soon right behind him, calling out to him.

“Hey Bunny!” Kotetsu ran up to the younger man, grabbing onto his jacket in the back. “Is something wrong?”

Barnaby paused in his steps and looked at the older man next to him, seeing the concern in the mans face. “I…I think I’m just tired.” He frowned when Kotetsu eyed him in suspicion, most likely seeing through his poor attempt to lie to him. He sighed, looking off to the side. “I’m just uncomfortable being here that’s all.”

Kotetsu blinked at the other man in confusion. “Why?”

“I feel like I’m intruding on you and your family.”

“What? No you’re not!” Kotetsu stood there, his thoughts going between confusion and annoyance.

“I’m sorry…I think I’ll go get some rest now.” Barnaby muttered and started walking down the hall towards the guest room. He didn’t bother looking to see if Kotetsu was following him, he didn’t want to see the hurt in the man’s eyes from saying such things and by now he was beginning to regret what he had just said. He stepped into his room, turning on the lamp on the table next to his bed before unzipping his jacket and slipping it off.

“You’re a part of my family as much as everyone else is.”

Barnaby paused and slowly turned towards the door to his room, eyeing Kotetsu who was leaning on the doorframe. The older man smiled at him in his usual charming way, which made Barnaby further regret his previous words. He looked to the ground, unsure as to what to say.

Kotetsu was also in the same boat. He was able to pitch that semi-cheesy line about him being part of the family but had nothing to go on with after that. He scratched his head and looked at the ground as well as the two of them stood there in a bit of an awkward silence, the unseen desperation the both of them had for the other to speak was building. It’s no use bothering him anymore… Kotetsu thought to himself. He glanced back up at the younger man who had also looked back up at him. “I’ll just let you go to sleep.” Kotetsu smiled weakly at Barnaby before turning to leave.

“Are you going to bed too?” Barnaby asked, causing the other man to pause.

“Ah no…I’m going to help my Mom clean up quick. And I know you’re going to say it so I’ll jump on the bandwagon first…” He raised his hands, gesturing in a way to ease Barnaby’s concern. “No you don’t need to help clean up. You’re the guest, this is your time to relax alright…?” Kotetsu watched as Barnaby sighed and smiled, looking like a small bit of weight was lifted from his shoulders. “Well then…Good night!”

“Good night Kotetsu.” Barnaby watched Kotetsu disappear behind the wall. He tossed his jacket onto the chair next to him before walking to the door, about to shut it when Kotetsu ran back up and peeked around the door.

“And if you need anything let me know!”

Barnaby smiled in amusement. “I’m fine Kotetsu, thank you.” He shut the door, listening to the other mans laugh quietly to himself before hearing his footsteps on the other side fade. Barnaby let out a breath, a bit saddened that he was suddenly by himself even though he was in the company of his closest friend. He stepped back towards his bed, leaning over it to close the curtains in front of the window before going to his belt, undoing it from his pants. As he undressed, various thoughts entered his mind, mainly ones that scolded himself for the way be behaved on his first day in Kotetsu’s home. An apology wouldn’t do any good since the older man would just tell him not to worry about it, but he didn’t want to do anything improper or embarrassing while he stayed here which made him worry anyways. Barnaby sighed, slipping on sweat pants and a loose night shirt before lifting back the sheets on his bed. He climbed into the bed, slipping his feet under the covers and pulling them over his body. He let his head fall heavily on the pillow and he stared at the ceiling, his mind suddenly becoming flooded with images of Kotetsu and his charming and warm smile that could cheer anyone up. Barnaby could feel a smile tug at the corners of his mouth and he reached up to take off his glasses, setting them on the table next to him before reaching up and turning off the lamp.

He laid back down and closed his eyes, hoping that image of Kotetsu would stay in his mind while he slept.
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[Tiger & Bunny] - Without Reason