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NEXT Drug
By : Xiophelia
Category: +S to Z > Tiger & Bunny
Views: 1079 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Tiger & Bunny nor do I make any proft.
Chapter List
- 1-NEXT Drug
- 1
A/N: If you haven't finished Tiger & Bunny, I suggest you do not read this as it takes place after the show. I respond to reviews here: http://xiophelia.livejournal.com/

~`~

Shock was the first thing that passed over Kotetsu’s face, then rage. Honestly, they should have seen this coming if they were going to suggest such a thing, at least that was Barnaby’s thought on the whole thing. They also could have had more tact, but then again, it always seemed that the scientists in research and development lacked that particular skill, especially when it came to Kotetsu and his temper.

“You can’t expect me to use that!” The older man had roared as he slammed his fists down on Mr. Lloyd’s desk, his lower lip jutted out angrily and chest heaving.

“And what’s wrong with it?” The female scientist, Nancy something, asked as she adjusted the glasses perched on her nose.

“That,” Kotetsu spat angrily as he pointed to the object held delicately between two fingers of her hand. “Is not something I will even consider! Have you even thought of the message it would send to people?”

Barnaby sighed, he understood just where Kotetsu was coming from. “Wild Tiger is correct in this matter. To use that is sending the message to children in Stern Bild that it’s okay to take drugs.”

Kotetsu turned his head and smiled brightly at Barnaby as he went to stand next to his partner, arm slung over the others shoulder as he crossed his feet. “See, Bunny here understands perfectly. I will never take that pill, so you might as well just destroy it.” He said as he flipped his free hand.

“But Wild Tiger,” the scientist began as she stowed the small pill away in a bottle. “This pill can expand your one minute limit! And not to mention what it could do for ordinary humans! It certainly has the capability of making humans understand the NEXT.”

Kotetsu sighed, the breath ghosting over Barnaby’s ear. “No, it would only make humans believe that they have the ability to be like us, when in reality the effects of that pill would wear off with time. And I‘m fine with my limit, I don‘t need to take a drug to prove myself as a hero.”

Barnaby raised an eyebrow, his partner’s words making more sense than usual. He furrowed his brow as he watched the doctor tuck the bottle into her lab coat pocket, sighing as she patted the pocket. It almost seemed as though the matter were settled, but Barnaby knew better. They would continue to push this onto Kotetsu until he accepted it, which would never happen. But Barnaby had to wonder who exactly they would target next for this project.

“This pill would not be available to the general public, Mr. Wild Tiger. I understand your concern, but our facility has the latest security technology and is guarded 24/7. We don’t want another incident like the one with Dr. Rowtang. There is limited access to this drug.” The doctor stated plainly.

“And you have to learn that people always find a way,” Barnaby warned as he shook Kotetsu off of him, the other stumbling a little before he regained his balance, sending a pout towards the blond.

“Like I said, we have top notch security gentleman and only a few people know of this pill’s existence. I appreciate your concern, but this will not be leaked to the public. We will announce it when ready, have a good day gentlemen,” the doctor replied before she left Mr. Lloyds office.

Kotetsu sighed, “she still doesn’t get it, even if she’s smart.”

“Well it seems that you do not get it as well Wild Tiger,” Mr. Lloyd said as he looked out of his window. “You and Bunny wouldn’t be in the Second League anymore. You’d be able to compete again in the First League.”

Kotetsu’s amber eyes flared up in anger. “This isn’t about competing, it’s about saving lives!”

Barnaby came up behind Kotetsu and rested a hand on his partners shoulder. “Calm down, Kotetsu. I’m sure Mr. Lloyd isn’t really considering firing you over not taking the drug.”

“No, actually. Though I would have preferred it,” the man said as he turned around. “You are dismissed for now.”

~~

The sun was setting over Stern Bild and Kotetsu couldn’t help but think of how beautiful it was. It had been awhile since he was able to go out on a walk around the city and actually enjoy it. It seemed as though crime was going down slightly, but not enough that the heroes weren’t needed. He wasn’t quite sure what he would do if he had to quit his job. Kaede was certainly adamant that he go back to his job after being a couch potato.

The NEXT Drug weighed heavily on his minds. His instincts were screaming at him that no good would come out of that drug and that it, along with the research, needed to be destroyed. But as usual, no one would listen except for Barnaby.

The trust between him and his partner was so strong now, that Kotetsu was sure that it couldn’t be broken. He was glad that the whole ordeal with Maverick was over and that Bunny had finally started to heal from his parents death. But it still left a burning question in their minds, just who was Ouroboros? And their goal? Sure they had been quiet for some time now, a whole year in fact. It had his nerves on end and he was constantly on the look out for some sort of sign that they still existed.

Much like they were doing with Lunatic. It seemed that after he had murdered Maverick, he was taking a long vacation. And that was fine with Kotetsu, but he still wanted to thank the other for helping him when the others had lost their memories. Though he still thought that the NEXT’s definition of justice was skewed.

“Kotetsu!” His name being called brought the NEXT out of his thoughts and he smiled when he saw who it was.

“Lil’ Bunny!” He greeted back, amused at the expression of anger that crossed his partner’s face.

“How many times do I have to tell you not to call me that Old Man?” Barnaby asked as he matched strides with the other man.

“I don’t remember,” Kotetsu answered as he scratched the back of his head. “What are you doing in this part of town?”

“Maybe I wanted to visit you,” Barnaby answered, his green eyes dancing a little with laughter.

The change in his partner was breathtaking, he was no longer tormented by his parents death and the thirst for revenge was gone. It was a nice change for the younger man and Kotetsu found himself wondering if anyone had managed to catch his partner’s eye, and if so, who it was.

“Ah, now why would you visit me?” Kotetsu asked, teasing the other.

“Maybe I wanted to check up on you, excuse me for being worried,” Barnaby retorted as he flicked his hair out of his face.

“Ah,” Kotetsu answered lamely.

“I know you aren’t a fan of science, but maybe they can help with finding out why you’re losing your power?” Barnaby suggested.

“I’m accepting the change Bunny,” Kotetsu replied. “Plus Saito will be there to back me up with a suit if I ever lose my power.”

“Tch, you’re lucky to have me as a partner.”

“And why’s that?” Kotetsu asked curiously.

“No else will put up with you Old Man,” Barnaby answered with cheek.

“Look at you getting all high and mighty. This may happen to you one day you know,” Kotetsu said slyly.

“And I’ll still look better than you,” Barnaby shot back.

“As if!” Kotetsu’s reply was lame, and the tongue he’d stuck out was childish. But that didn’t bother him, he would never act his age.

“You want to eat somewhere?” Barnaby asked, breaking the silence that had settled around them.

“Nah, we can go back to my place and make something.” Kotetsu answered before turning around and heading in the direction of his house. “Say, you haven’t been to my place yet have you?”

“No, can’t say that I have. Nor have I tried your fried rice,” Barnaby smirked.

“Ah, so many missed opportunities!” Kotetsu whined.

Barnaby snorted. “Most of them were your fault.”

“They were not!”

“The night we got drunk doesn’t ring a bell?” Barnaby asked as he raised an eyebrow.

Kotetsu laughed loudly. “Of course it does. I can’t believe I haven’t made it for you since then!”

“Well now you have your chance,” Barnaby answered as they stopped at his partner’s house.

Kotetsu opened the door and let the blond go before him. The house was still littered with boxes that were full of his belongings. With the publicity he had to do as Wild Tiger, Kotetsu hadn’t found the time to actually unpack his belongings. He sheepishly picked up the half empty bowls and fast food cartons that were on his coffee table, taking them to the kitchen and placing them in their rightful spots.

“Go ahead and make yourself at home, the TV is working now so you can watch what you want,” Kotetsu shouted from the kitchen as he started to gather the ingredients for the fried rice. He could hear the TV running in the background as he started to make their dinner. It almost seemed like they were domesticated with the way he was making dinner for them and Barnaby resting just in the other room.

He shook the thoughts from his head. He had been struggling with his feelings for Barnaby for some time now. It wasn’t until the Heroes lost their memories that he had realized his feelings for the younger man. The fact that Barnaby couldn’t remember him, struck at something in his soul. He didn’t face that feeling back then, so he shoved it into the recesses of his mind and forgot all about it. Of course the fight with the android had something to do with it as well. His mind was too preoccupied with surviving and saving his daughter that he couldn’t think about it.

And there was the fact that he was older than Barnaby. A young strapping man like him deserved someone who could keep up with him and not drag him down. Sure they were fine as Hero partners, but a personal relationship was out of the question. He would accept their relationship as it was and not forge it into something more. So a new goal entered his mind, Operation Find Bunny A Lover. He was sure the other Heroes would jump at the chance to help him with his plan.

Whistling, as he was in a better mood, Kotetsu finished up the food and placed it on plates for them. He pulled a drawer to grab chopsticks when it hit him, he didn’t know if Barnaby could even use chopsticks. So his hand went to the silverware he kept there for Antonio and snatched up a fork.

He placed the plates on a serving tray and made his way back out to the living room, stopping in his tracks. Barnaby had an old Hero magazine in his hand, sifting through the pages. But it was the expression on his face that took Kotetsu’s breath away. It was one of tenderness and caring, Kotetsu just had to wonder just who it was directed at.

“Hey,” he said, voice drowning out the TV. “I have food.”

Barnaby snapped the book shut like he had been caught reading a dirty magazine. But Kotetsu ignored the action and treated it as if it had never happened. He set the tray down on the table as the premature tension dissipated between them.

“That actually looks edible,” Barnaby muttered as he took a plate and the fork, eyeing Kotetsu’s chopsticks. The man really thought of others before himself.

As Barnaby brought his fork to his lips, Kotetsu leaned forward in anticipation. This was the moment of truth as to whether or not his fried rice was good enough for other people when their bracelets went off and Barnaby answered it, placing his fork back on his plate.

“Wild Tiger and Barnaby, a bombing has occurred in the Stern Bild harbor, you’re needed on scene right away,” Agnes’ voice permeated the house. “We’re unsure if this the result of a NEXT power or an actual bomb. No device has been found yet by the First Leaguers.”

“We’re on our way,” Kotetsu answered as he stood, straightening his hat. He held a hand out to Barnaby and the two Heroes were on their way, Saito picking them up right outside the house.

~`~

Smoke rose from the water as Wild Tiger and Barnaby Brooks, Jr. arrived on the scene. But once the smoke was out of the harbor light, it was hard to decipher between the dark night sky and the smoke. They scanned the area for any one who was trapped in the rubble.

The screams of a trapped person caught their attention and they leapt into action. The rescue was easy and the person thanked them profusely before the police took her into custody. It seemed as though the other Heroes had everything under control.

The medics took the scared woman and led her to an ambulance. They searched the harbor again for signs of anyone in distress. There weren’t any and they regrouped back on solid ground. The damage that they had witnessed wasn’t done by any bomb, it was a NEXT for sure. But they couldn’t decipher exactly what power type would have caused such damage.

“What do you think Bunny?” Wild Tiger asked as he opened his helmet.

“It’s almost like someone came into their power and they couldn’t control it,” Barnaby said as he knelt to inspect the rubble that lie before them.

“Leave it to forensics, Bunny. We have fried rice to finish!” Wild Tiger said as he slapped his partner on the shoulder, causing the other to falter slightly.

“Is it past your bed time Old Man?” Barnaby shot back as he stood.

“Tch, as if! I can stay awake all night if I have to!” Wild Tiger boasted as they left the scene bickering.

~~

Kotetsu rubbed his eyes as he woke, a weight on his chest keeping him from sitting up. Surely Kaede hadn’t fallen asleep on his chest again, she was too old for such things, or so she claimed. His brain finally woke up and he realized that the head on his chest wasn’t chestnut brown, but blond.

“Oi, Bunny!” Kotetsu said as he poked the other man in the side. “Wake up.”

Barnaby only buried his head deeper into his chest and the older man sighed. At least he still had his shirt on, that was a small comfort in itself. He studied the sleeping man as best he could at this angle. The blonds eyes were closed and Kotetsu couldn’t help but be amazed at how long Barnaby’s lashes were. They were almost girlish in their length, but then again Barnaby was all man. He proved that on a daily basis.

He couldn’t but feel some joy in this position. It was almost as if they were together as a couple rather than being a Hero partnership. This spoke volumes of how much Barnaby had to trust him by sleeping here. As far as he knew, the younger man didn’t sleep with anyone around him, preferring to stay awake. At least, those were the rumors he’d heard from the others.

He left alone with his thoughts for awhile before Barnaby finally started to stir from his slumber. The other shooting up when he realized just where he was. He looked nervously from Kotetsu to the floor, as if he wasn’t sure what to say.

“Do you know who won?” Kotetsu asked, grinning wildly and easing the tension in the room.

“I’m pretty sure I did Old Man,” Barnaby answered as he stretched and moved from the couch, standing.

“I doubt that Lil’ Bunny,” Kotetsu snickered as he activated his bracelet and his time was displayed brightly in the air of the time he fell asleep.

Barnaby activated his own bracelet and his time clearly showed that he had beat the older man by one minute. Smirking, the blond rubbed it in, “seems like I win Old Man.”

“Tch, only by a minute,” Kotetsu answered scowling. “That’s hardly a victory!”

“I’ll be willing to take you on again,” Barnaby retorted as he found his glasses and placed them back on his face. “Any time, anywhere.”

“I accept your challenge!” Kotetsu roared as he rose from the couch and struck his Wild Tiger pose.

“Heh you would,” the sound of their bracelets ringing interrupted their friendly banter.

“You two are needed right away in my office,” Mr. Lloyd’s voice came filled the air.

“Really?” Kotetsu questioned the man. They were just there yesterday and it was rare that they were called before any publicity.

“It’s concerning the NEXT Drug,” their sponsor’s voice had taken on a serious tone. “It’s been stolen.”
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NEXT Drug	By : Xiophelia Category: +S to Z > Tiger & Bunny Views: 1079 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Tiger & Bunny nor do I make any proft.

NEXT Drug